Chapter 417 268. Sweet Poison
Marist listened to the constant discussion of the city-state relatives behind her, and her face instantly darkened. She knew that she had been tricked by Druchi again without knowing it. She wanted to reach The scene where Keus was sitting in front of him showing his true feelings suddenly became furious. It was not such a true show of feelings. It was clearly to attract her to take the bait, and damn she actually took the bait.
Just as Darkus was thinking, once the content of today's meeting spreads throughout Tal Litanel. There are some things that are beyond Marist's control. The benefits described by Darkus cannot be rejected by those city-state relatives, nor can the entire Lauren Loren.
Kaia, who was sitting next to Queen Marist, also heard what the city-state relatives were talking about. She was a little confused. She didn't know how the situation suddenly developed to this point, maybe? How could she and her family and kin also benefit from this enduring trade? It's just that she hasn't figured it out yet, and she hasn't understood this unprecedented change in history.
"We request an adjournment of the meeting. We will give you an answer tomorrow." It wasn't until Queen Marist turned her head and looked over that Kaia reacted. She cleared her throat and said.
Darkus and Maranur nodded in agreement.
"Do we really need so many information cards?" Maranur, who was sitting opposite Darkus, asked during Druch's dinner party at noon.
The Drukhi dignitaries who were preparing to eat stopped their movements one after another, and turned their heads to look at Darkus who was stirring the red paste-like food.
"It is indeed necessary." Darkus said lightly, then put the red paste into his mouth with a spoon. He closed his eyes and tasted it. Then he opened his eyes and said, "It's delicious!"
Drew The strangers did not discuss or talk to each other. They knew what Darkus would say next. The result was just as they thought. Darkus stood up, picked up the plate with red paste on the table and studied it.
Of course it is necessary. Although Darkus does not know the specific working principle of the device, he knows that the inventor Hollerith is not a businessman like the light bulb. Finally, the patent for this device was in the hands of the watch factory, which followed Hollerith's philosophy. The device was only rented but not sold, and the punched cards were produced by the watch factory.
Sandoku alone is worth over 100 million per year, and the purchase volume of punched cards at the peak of 1.5 billion has made the watch factory a lot of money. As for why Sandoko bought this thing, the detailed data of each occupied area of the Baihu Conference is Where did it come from... Anyone can understand. The funny thing is that the simultaneous translation during settlement was also provided by the watch factory. From three years before the outbreak of the war to the settlement, the watch factory's income increased tenfold, and this watch factory still has A name called MBI.
"Let's imagine that we can make the information card into two parts. One part is made of special materials. I am going to manufacture it in Ashriel, and the other part is purchased here.
That part of Ashriel After the set is punched, the name of the owner of the information card is written with special paint, and an ID card and a soldier's ID card come out.
If everything goes well, Lauren Loren's information card will satisfy the usual statistics and The need to keep records." After finishing speaking, Darkus put down the plate and sat back on the chair. He gestured with his hands and continued, "You also know that Nagaros will soon adjust the army's establishment on the original basis. The information card can be marked Soldiers' information, such as age, branch of service and eye color, nose, cheekbones and chin structure, previous service years, and service years after statistics. Officers in the army will know how many veterans and how many recruits there are in the army." "
Of course, What I just said is not important. What is important is that when we carry out the first round of army expansion twenty years later, the information cards and archived data will come into play! When we form a new army, we will use it based on the above Adjust the statistical data of the times, transfer some experienced soldiers and officers from the old legion into the new legion in batches, promote some soldiers who have reached their age, and put some new soldiers into the old legion to serve. When forty years
later , eighty years later... By analogy, the combat effectiveness of all our standing corps will remain at the same level as the year of establishment. Everyone here has experience in service and command. I believe you know the meaning behind this, right?
" Keus said with confidence on his face. He knew that the Comptroller General of the Rooster had used punch cards to count 800,000 young men who could join the resistance organization in just two years, and filed these young men into categories. OK, things like name, age, occupation and home address. Under the planning of the Comptroller General and the resistance organization, nearly 300,000 young men were prepared, and the results were as expected. It is estimated that he only has 1 million soldiers when he is fully equipped? If he can't handle this well...
After hearing what Darkus said, all the Druchi present took a deep breath. The more dignitaries and soldiers who know the military system better, the more they know the meaning of the information card. and the role behind it.
"The fear lords will assign corresponding tasks to each legion and the grand legion based on this lowest level. The overall command will be more convenient and clear, and this is what our Majesty the Witch King and our young master are good at. Moreover, That's not the only benefit... This theory can be used in all aspects of Naggaroth, and can continue to be used even after we come to Ulthuan." Maranur said in conclusion.
"I don't know, what do you guys think?" Darkus nodded, and before the Druchis could flatter him, he looked at Drusala beside him and the sorceresses present and asked.
"I have already thought of how to make a degree device. As for the archive..." Drusala said and glanced at Colonia at the end.
"I also thought about how to make a degree device, but the filing device is indeed more troublesome, but it is also simple." Colonia folded his arms and leaned back on the chair and said easily.
"Where's the energy?" Malagos asked.
"Circulating water tank?"
"Indeed, the water flowing through the water tank provides power for the torque device in the device." Alatar nodded in approval.
Darkus nodded as he listened. The set of equipment had already taken shape in his mind after discussions among the sorceresses.
"I still don't quite understand." Cowell said with some confusion.
"In general, we need people to conduct visits and surveys like we did in Nagarond before. At this time, the information card comes into play. We need to make a punching machine first, and collect the statistical data according to the information. The card template punches the corresponding statistical data on the information card, and then puts the information card into the card reading device of the device for identification." Seeing that Cowell didn't understand, Alatar glanced at Cowell and explained. Well, as Cowell's sister, she certainly knew whether Cowell really didn't understand or pretended not to understand.
"Of course, the most critical part of this device is the card reading device..." After seeing the sorceresses just nodding and saying nothing, Alatar continued to explain.
"By the gods, this... is so great!" After Alatar finished explaining, Cowell pretended to be enlightened, and then said grandly.
Maranur, who was standing next to Alatar, poked his head out and looked at Cowell with a disgusted and speechless expression. Similarly, the Druchis looked at Cowell with expressions full of weirdness and ridicule.
"Come! For the sake of our Cowell understanding, I suggest that everyone drink this!" Of course, Darkus knew that Cowell was playing a role similar to flattery. He interrupted Cowell's spellcasting and took the lead. He raised his glass and said with a smile.
For a time, the table was filled with a cheerful atmosphere, as if these Druchi had returned to the lower level of Malekith's Black Tower in Nagarond. The hilarious atmosphere lasted only briefly, as the Drukhi people clicked through, knowing that there would be more to come.
"We are the demand side, and they are the supply side. We have to give them a demand that they can't refuse, and this demand needs to be big! It's like a gimmick, a breaking point, a discussion point that can attract the attention of Lauren Loren. I don't I think they can provide us with the amount we need. After all, you have seen Lauren Loren's situation." After finishing speaking, Darkus stood up and filled some red paste.
"Take them all." Maranur stood up and pushed the plate in front of him and Darkus. After he sat back, he sighed, "My brother, this is awesome. It's such a sweet poison, I like it!"
"Yes, I like it too." Darkus nodded in agreement. Although his brother's words were a pun, he knew that his brother was not talking about the red paste. , but what he said before.
"Follow the current situation and deduce what will happen next." Darkus nodded to Cowell after eating.
"We have also seen the situation in this forest. Apart from the information card and this plate of red paste, maybe there is nothing here that can be given to us. Similarly, there is nothing here that can be given to Ulthuan. Of course, Ulthuan can't give them anything either. Otherwise, our cousin's diplomatic team would not be stranded in Sis Leonasca to deal with those monkeys."
Cowell said directly, the business blood of the Mogar family flows in his veins, and he certainly knows Darkwu After talking about what Si was doing, he said nothing more. Because he also knew why Darkus asked him to make inferences first, he raised his head at Ren, who was sitting opposite him. "We're offering them a trade deal they can't refuse, something our cousins can't. If they ever say yes, we'll have a major diplomatic victory! Unless...our cousins can eat this big too Trade agreement, but I also think our cousins can't eat it. This forest has things that elves should have, and Ulthuan also has them. The rare plants here? Magical plants? No matter how large the quantity is, is it as big as an information card?" Renn He frowned and said, shaking his head as he asked himself at the end.
"Once the trade is signed, it will involve many aspects, such as ports? The small port they set up in Seatirta simply cannot meet the needs of trade. Once the trade starts, what about ships and routes? This is really a..." Franais paused at the end, partly because he shouldn't have said that, and partly because he felt that the trade agreement was too... He adjusted, and then said, "I think it's best to let them join. Go to the route and let that person play a real role."
Darkus nodded in agreement, just like Franais said, that's what he planned, no matter what will happen to Marienburg in the future. First expand the small port below Theatir Tower and let Kaia function as the Stormweaver Priest.
At first, Darkus planned to let Druch's plunder ship arrive here from the Lustria continent through the shipping route. When Lauren Loren tasted the benefits and started full-scale production, he would find some reasons, such as Druch's ship. Due to shortages and the blockade of the Assur fleet, the Enils also joined the route between the Lustria continent and the Old World continent.
The changes are huge. Will Ulthuan's fleet fight against Lauren Loren's fleet heading to Lustria or Naggaroth?
If there is no fight, Lauren Loren will provide fuel for Nagaros' war machine, Lauren Loren will also obtain corresponding materials and Sovereign to expand the population, etc. The conflict between Druch and Enir Relationships will further improve.
If they are not beaten but only confiscated, it will cause a diplomatic incident between Ulthuan and Lauren Loren, further pushing the relationship between the two parties.
What good did the assur do after they confiscated information cards that were of no use to Ulthuan? For demographic purposes? Make ID cards for the Asuls? After confiscating it, Asul subsidized the supplies to Enil? Who will provide this material? The Phoenix King's Court in Lothern? The navies of the Kingdom of Etain, the Kingdom of Yris, and the Kingdom of Cosqui?
Ah, this... the Emotional Navy has gained nothing after making great contributions, and it still has to subsidize it out of its own pocket? Isn't this purely a loss-making transaction? Isn't this a pure injustice? Which admiral with normal brain circuits could do such a thing? Even that reckless guy Aislin has to think before he does something like this, right? Once or twice is fine, but no one can bear more than that. After all, those information cards and supplies are clearly marked with Sovereign prices.
It would be easier to fight, but it would be a more serious diplomatic incident. Once the news comes back to Lauren Loren, Ulthuan will not want to establish diplomatic relations with Lauren Loren in the future, even if Ulthuan recognizes Lauren Loren's independence, even if Ulthuan recognizes the identity of Queen Marest , is this useful? It's like Lauren Loren wasn't independent before, and Marist wasn't a queen before. Does Ulthuan need to admit it?
And are these so-called diplomatic recognitions comparable to the benefits obtained? Will those city-state relatives who have already made a lot of money but are never satisfied with it agree to it? With Lauren Loren’s political system, can Marist surpass those city-state relatives? Isn't this pure nonsense?
Of course, Lauren Loren could also not send a fleet to transport, not join the dispute between Naggaroth and Ulthuan, and use the port of Theathilta as the basis for transit.
It doesn't matter, because in Darkus' view, once Lauren Loren signs this trade agreement, it will be like a beast in a cage. It is not him who has the final say to cut off water and power, he can do whatever he wants. . He can also send a fleet to trade in Theatirta, and stop when the group of city-state relatives need more and produce more. After all, he does not necessarily need the information card provided by Lauren Loren, Lustria So can the mainland.
Ulthuan can also take corresponding countermeasures, such as stopping the fleet at Marienburg to blockade it or cruising in the Sea of Claws, which would be even better! Ulthuan and the various colonies have numerous fleets. Deploying troops to the old world will inevitably weaken the power of Ulthuan and the colonies. As the Druchi Navy Grand Admiral, Darkus will not fight Assur's fleet now. The decisive battle, for example, place the decisive battle near Albion, but he will use intelligence and the window period to attack Ulthuan's homeland and colonies.
Moreover, maybe... Thea Dilda will become a mixed place after Marienburg. For example... those sailing families from Ulthuan went there to smuggle... Druchi leads the way, Assur follows. Come. This is not something that Darkus takes for granted. This is really possible. The history of the past life and the current history all tell it. As long as the materials produced by the Lustria continent are strong enough to attract elves, this kind of thing is bound to happen.
Ulthuan will undergo corresponding changes due to this trade, and Lauren Loren will also change internally.
The information card requires a series of steps including growing raw materials, production, and transportation. Who will plant it, where to plant it, who will produce it, how to produce it, who will transport it, how to transport it, how to increase production in the future, and what should I do if I hold it in my hand after the increase in production? For your own use or... Maybe with the signing of this trade, the conflict between the city-state kin and the woodland kin will expand and become even more torn.
Just like Maranur said, this trade agreement is sweet poison. This is an agreement that shows Dax's generosity and kindness. This is an agreement that will make Tzeentch ecstatic. This is A conspiracy that kills three birds with one stone, this is an agreement that no matter how Darkus is dealt with, he will not suffer any loss.
In the words of Tzeentch, it means small win, big win and hemp win. No matter how it changes, Darkus, the chosen one of Tzeentch, will win!
Darkus stopped eating and pondered while listening to the discussion of the Druchis. This is what he wants, he wants this group of Druchi to be fully trained and gain some so-called knowledge and experience.
And after returning to Nagaros, he can fill various key positions. Darkus planned to let Maranur serve as Valahar of Krakarond, and let Nukel go to the plains outside Nagarond to train the army. At the same time, he and Malekith reviewed the history of various previous battles. Make it up. However, he did not tell Malekith about this when he was in the Lustria continent. He planned to talk about it after returning to Naggaroth.
After taking a nap, Darkus received a warm invitation from Queen Marist, and the afternoon tea party was held in advance.
Darkus loved this city with its magnificent scenery and long history. This city was a masterpiece of classical elven architecture, a rare extant example, and he could feel a beauty that intoxicated him.
Within the city walls, the Aenir cultivated rare fruit and nut trees through magic to meet their daily needs. Every building and spire was adorned with huge gems, containing the souls of deceased elves, for five thousand years between now and the founding of Tal Litanel.
These recorded gems are permanently stagnant in order to prevent them from being taken away by Slaanesh, thus achieving the purpose of protecting these souls. Seen from a distance, these soul gems reflect light and make the city shine.
Those humans who had been close enough to witness the splendor of Tal Litanel gave the city the title "City of Glass."
Inside the city, three marble spiers cut across the skyline, representing the three areas of the city.
The tallest Silver Tower is not only breathtakingly majestic, but also ancient and sublime, with its outer walls covered in exquisite runes and shining gems, and is considered the symbol and center of Tal Litanel. The heavily guarded Silver Tower became the royal court of Queen Lauren Loren. It was here that the queens of all generations ruled Lauren Loren and guided the destiny of Enil. This ancient spire has witnessed the passage of countless years, preserving the traditions and glory of the classical elves.
The Silver Tower is not only a symbol of Queen Lauren Loren's political power, but also a treasure trove of elven culture and history. Its interior is decorated with exquisite murals and precious documents, recording the inheritance of Enil and the glorious history of its ancestors. Every stone and every pillar is an homage and tribute to the classical elves.
The Silver Tower is like a landmark building that inspires pride and unity in Aenir, and the throne of Queen Lauren Loren stands high and towering, guarding the legacy of classical elven civilization.
Darkus strolled along the boulevard comfortably, lazily like an old man walking in the park.
The trees tower into the sky, and ancient tree roots tangle on both sides of the road, forming charming passages.
Tranquil courtyards that can be seen everywhere are hidden behind the passage. From time to time, spring water flows clearly on both sides of the passage, reflecting the spectacular beauty of the city.
Darkus felt like he had come to a certain world, just like Darnassus, the capital of the night elves. The two were so similar, except that there was missing some soothing and elegant BGM in his ears. It seems that this place is really suitable for retirement.
The avenue was filled with city-state kinsmen and woodland kin walking in the same direction. Darkus, who was wearing an ultraviolet silk robe, responded to the greetings of these Aenir with a smile. He felt that there was a clear difference and distance between the city-state relatives and the woodland relatives. He could see the city-state relatives wearing classical and gorgeous silk clothes, walking elegantly, talking softly, and showing style in their behavior. and nobility.
The woodland relatives are different, they appear more simple and unrestrained. Just like what Darkus saw in the storm zone, he can feel the enthusiasm and passion of the woodland relatives, as if they are full of hope and hope for life. The same vision for the future.
In a short period of time, the content of the morning meeting reached the ears of Enil through different methods.
These Enils who were walking in the same direction as Darkus were going to watch the High Council held in the city square. Yes, the High Council was held in the open air, under a single gold and silver tree, under the supervision of the Aenir.
Lauren Loren The Aenir are encouraged to monitor the public agenda of the High Council, and they consider their government to be the most democratic among the elven kingdoms, as decisions are usually made by vote of the Council rather than by decree from the Queen.
Darkus smiled as he walked with his hands behind his back. He could feel the wind of democracy blowing all over the ground.
(End of chapter)