Chapter 231 Lords Meeting
The Padridge family’s carriage slowly drove into Blackwind Castle.
Seeing the familiar golden badge, the demon guards guarding the entrance to the town quickly made way.
Festing opened the curtains of the carriage, looked at the guards guarding the side and gave instructions.
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Festing sat back on the carriage and signaled the coachman to continue on his way, heading directly to the Lord's Mansion.
This master-level shadow demon gave the demon king beside him enough face, even though this demon king was only at the silver level.
Luo Yanxin accepted Mr. Festing's kindness and nodded to express his gratitude. Then he opened a corner of the curtain and followed the carriage back on the road as he swept across the prosperous city, admiring the territory that belonged to him.
The situation here is indeed quite incredible. Such a big change can occur in just a few months. A city was built on the wasteland. Even though he was prepared in his heart, he was still slightly shocked by the scenery that came into view.
There is no sunlight in the underground world, and the magic crystal lamppost on the top of the magic crystal cannon factory emits a shimmering light as bright as moonlight, illuminating the entire city.
At this moment, the underground world is ushering in the morning, and the factory bells echo over the city, announcing the arrival of a new day. The goblin workers dragged their tired bodies out of their homes, yawning, and poured into the factory along the paved road. Some old craftsmen are instructing young apprentices at the door, while vendors in the market are also busy sorting out their goods.
Everything is orderly and prosperous amid chaos.
Luo Yan's mouth corners raised slightly.
Although he could see that there were still many unstable factors lurking in Black Wind Castle, at least it was no longer an isolated island with nothing.
The carriage stopped at the door of the Lord's Mansion.
It is a three-story villa with an exterior wall made of dark stone bricks, solemn yet luxurious.
Especially the two stone statues at the door are worth a lot of money at a glance.
Festing got out of the carriage first, smiled slightly and said, "This was built with your money."
Luo Yan got off the carriage and looked up at the building with complicated eyes.
I've tried my best to help you save money, but you still have to spend what you need." Festin smiled lightly, paused for a moment and then said, "Besides, Mia hopes you will come back to see her more."
Luo Yan was silent for a moment, then nodded slightly and stepped forward.
The news of the lord's visit took wings and soon spread throughout the city. All the prominent figures in Black Wind Castle gathered in front of the Lord's Mansion, waiting to meet the master who truly controlled this land.
· Among the crowd were wealthy businessmen from the Chamber of Commerce Alliance, craftsmen from the Craftsmen Association, leaders of mercenaries, and citizens watching the excitement. Among them were goblins, little devils, orcs, and extremely rare humans like Luo Yan.
The former gathered beside the carriage and enthusiastically sent compliments and flattery to Luo Yan. Everything was just like when Edward visited Thunder City. There is indeed no difference between hell and the surface at times.
The citizens who were watching the excitement gathered around, some stretched their necks to look, some flew to the roof, and they were whispering among each other.
The biggest difference between them and the citizens of Thunder City is probably that their number is smaller and their types are diverse.
"Is that the legendary demon king?"
"Vampire? Or succubus? It can't be human... What race is he?"
"Looks more calm than expected... I hope he can make Black Windcastle continues to prosper. "
"Why do the Padrich family support him so much? Is there any other deal?"
"Hush! Don't let him hear it..."
The little devil everywhere is used to speaking out.
Luo Yan's expression remained calm as he listened to these discussions.
He knew very well that his every move was under the watchful eye of many forces in Black Wind Castle. They were guessing and evaluating... and he himself was secretly observing them.
Festing stood next to Luo Yan and said softly with a smile on his face.
"If you want to get to know your subjects, the easiest way is to call them for a meeting."
"That's what I'm planning to do."
Luo Yan stood at the door of the Lord's Mansion, glanced at the people who came to greet him, and said in a loud voice.
"Since everyone is here, let's enter the house."
The distinguished upper-class people looked at each other, suppressed the doubts in their hearts, and entered the lord's mansion one by one.
Several citizens who were just here to watch the excitement were confusedly invited in by the guards at the door of the Lord's Mansion because Luo Yan casually selected them.
Mia gently held Luo Yan's arm and followed him inside with a smile, as if she was silently swearing sovereignty and showing the support of the Padrich family.
Even though Vivian had a cold face, she obviously saw that Mia was trying her best to help her brother, so she didn't say anything, but walked lightly and squeezed on the other side of Luo Yan.
Festing observed with a smile, his eyes were full of interest, but he did not interfere with his words.
Everyone was whispering and talking about this, wondering how the Colin family got involved.
However, considering the identity of Prince Colin as Military Minister and the fact that the production of magic crystal cannons is the recent key project of the Ministry of War, they are not too surprised.
The only thing they couldn't understand was what the little ancestor of the Colin family was thinking about...
The conference room was located on the first floor of the villa. When the heavy oak door was opened, a huge long table and luxurious seats came into view.
The indoor lighting is soft and the candlelight flickers, casting deep shadows on the reliefs on the wall.
Luo Yan walked slowly towards the main seat, observing the people present calmly as he passed by the long table.
Festing, Mia, and Vivian were sitting in the guest seats and did not interfere in the preparations for the meeting. However, the participating chamber of commerce representatives, craftsmen from the crafts association, mercenary leaders, and citizen representatives were waiting with different expressions.
Some people were full of expectations, some looked wary, and some looked around nervously.
Looking at the full conference table, Luo Yan lightly knocked on the table, breaking the silence in the room.
His eyes swept across the crowd, his tone was calm but with unquestionable majesty.
"Let's talk about the future of Black Wind Castle."
The conference room was silent.
The rich men in the Chamber of Commerce Alliance looked at each other, and no one spoke first. The craftsmen in the Craftsmen Association were whispering among themselves, obviously weighing the pros and cons and not wanting to be the first to make suggestions.
The two people responsible for local security, one is a guard of the Padrich family, and the other is a mercenary - they also remain silent.
In contrast, they are more accustomed to following instructions rather than actively expressing their opinions.
The silence lasted for a moment. Surprisingly, the first person to speak was a citizen.
He is a hell dwarf named Baruch. He was obviously hungover last night, and he still smelled of alcohol. He looked slovenly and casual.
Looking at this drunk guy, Vivian frowned slightly, with obvious disgust in her eyes.
She originally hated dwarves without necks, and even the blood of dwarves who drank alcohol became smelly.
Festing looked at Luo Yan with interest, as if waiting for how he would deal with this sudden episode.
Baruch complained, smacking his tongue, Hell dwarves will work seriously only when they are drunk, hiccup, of course I am not saying that they will not work without wine, my It means - for the sake of your production efficiency, you should subsidize the beer! This is what the lords in my hometown do!"
The meeting room was silent for a while, and everyone was nervously waiting for how the lord would respond to these words.
Luo Yan had a spring-like smile on his face, but he said the coldest words in his mouth.
“It seems that the beer in Blackwind Castle is too cheap. Starting from today, a 25% tax will be levied on alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content of more than 10%. For every increase of 5 degrees, the tax rate will be progressively increased by 10%.”
This sentence was like a heavy hammer, hitting the hearts of Baruch and other hell dwarves.
"You can't do this! This is killing us!" Baruch widened his eyes and shouted repeatedly, "If you are really good for us, you should tax horse urine with a temperature below 10 degrees. This is only reasonable!"
The wine merchants present also showed expressions of pain, as if they could already see their future losses.
They tried to argue, but Luo Yan just raised his hand slightly to signal them to shut up.
"Guards, drag this idiot out to sober up," Luo Yan waved his hand casually, but his tone was still calm, "If you call me again, you will issue a ban on alcohol. No one will drink from now on!"
The air in the conference room instantly solidified, no one dared to speak again, and the person who originally opened his mouth closed his mouth.
Prohibition!
They understand what it is just by looking at the literal meaning.
Although there has never been a similar precedent, their lords undoubtedly have the power to do so.
If they are dissatisfied, they can only complain to the higher authorities.
Mia looked at Luo Yan in surprise. She didn't expect that he would still be hard when he should be hard.
Vivian’s mouth corners were slightly raised, her eyes sparkling.
He is indeed her brother!
It’s so domineering!
Festing nodded appreciatively and said softly.
"Black Wind Castle is an important military base, and moderate management of alcohol consumption is indeed necessary."
This is not an interference in the meeting of lords of Black Wind Castle, but it is undoubtedly a blow to those who are dissatisfied -
The Magic City's position on this matter is on the side of the lords, and even if they file a complaint, there will be no results.
Luo Yan nodded slightly, without saying much. He just waved his wand and a quill flew out from under the table. He immediately signed the administrative order and stamped it with a fire seal, making the order effective immediately.
The reason why he let the drunken dwarf enter the meeting was to take the opportunity to deal with this problem. Unexpectedly, the other party jumped out and acted as a perfect opening statement.
He has no objection to these hell dwarf craftsmen drinking, but only if it does not affect their work.
The steward of the Lord's Mansion hurried over, took the administrative order and left in a hurry, going to the city hall.
Luo Yan glanced around the conference table and said pleasantly.
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Luo Yan was not in a hurry, just sitting calmly and calmly.
Don’t say?
That means it's not urgent enough and you can still bear it, so just keep holding it in. It's not his problem anyway.
Finally, someone seemed unable to bear it any longer.
A thin goblin stood up tremblingly and said in a high voice.
「大，大人……我叫斯尼克，我们的社区环境太糟糕了，别的都能忍，就是总泡在水里这点实在是让我们苦不堪言。」
罗炎眉毛一挑，看着那个哥布林说道。
"Soaked in water? Please tell me carefully."
Water resources in the underground world are not cheap, so it is unreasonable to waste them like this!
Snik continued speaking tremblingly.
"It's a pump for pumping underground water. Maybe it broke because of too frequent use... We wanted to repair it ourselves, but we didn't have the tools, so we had to leave it alone."
Humbling his fingertips lightly on the table, Luo Yan thought for a moment and then spoke slowly.
"From now on, all communities where workers live must set up neighborhood committees. Not only if the water pump is broken, but all living facilities are broken, they will be reported to the neighborhood committee, and then the neighborhood committee will report it to the city hall. In addition, I will set up a maintenance fund in the city hall to be responsible for the maintenance of living facilities. This should solve your problems."
"As for the water pump issue, let the maintenance team of the Magic Crystal Cannon Factory solve it first. I don't care what method you use. I hope there will be a result within today." While speaking, Luo Yan looked at the person in charge of the Magic Crystal Cannon Factory.
The latter quickly stood up quickly.
"I'll do it right now!"
After saying that, the demon didn't dare to stay for a moment, and trotted out of the conference room to contact the person.
Snick, on the other hand, was so excited that he burst into tears of gratitude, wishing he could kneel on the ground and kowtow to the Demon King.
"Sir... you are really..."
"There is no need to say the polite words, just sit down."
Luo Yan nodded slightly, motioned the goblin with runny nose and tears to sit down, continued to look around, and spoke.
"Any more? As long as it's a reasonable problem, it can be solved. If you don't say it, I'll think you have no problem."
There was a whisper on the conference table, at least it was not a complete silence.
· Representatives of the Chamber of Commerce Alliance and Craftsmen Association gradually realized that Luo Yan was not a willful person, and reasonable suggestions would be taken seriously, and even if they were not adopted, there would be no negative consequences.
Several people who were initially skeptical exchanged glances, and finally someone spoke.
An artisan stood up and said nervously: "Sir, we hope to set up a special artisan arbitration tribunal to resolve labor disputes between artisans and chambers of commerce more quickly. I know there are courts in Black Wind Castle, but many chambers of commerce take advantage of our predicament of being unable to delay for a long time and force me to do so. We have to compromise in the face of unfair conditions. If there is no specialized agency to handle these cases, our rights and interests will not be protected at all..."
While speaking, he looked carefully at a few businessmen who had done something wrong, for fear of causing the latter's displeasure.
But he also thought too much.
In front of the lord, a few businessmen dared not even look at him.
Those who dare to fart must at least be at the level of the president of the Chamber of Commerce.
Luo Yan nodded: "This is a good proposal. I will consider setting up a special arbitration tribunal based on the original court to ensure fairness and handle specialized cases."
Hearing his approval, the craftsman representative finally showed a relieved look on his face.
The Lord cares about them!
It seems that this Lord Demon King is not as unreasonable as the legend says!
Immediately afterwards, the representatives of the Magic Equipment Workshop also stood up and solemnly proposed: "We propose to establish a magic research institute to specialize in the study of magic equipment and industrial magic to enhance the development of the alchemy industry in Black Wind Castle."
Luo Yan smiled slightly and nodded lightly: "This is a good idea, I have this plan."
He raised his wand slightly, and the quill floating beside him recorded the contents of the meeting discussion on the paper.
Seeing the feather that refreshed the record, everyone present also paid attention to it, knowing that their lord was not just trying to impress them, but was actually here to solve the problem.
The atmosphere in the conference room gradually became lively, and people who were originally watching also participated in the discussion.
Frank, one of the members of the Chamber of Commerce Alliance, cleared his throat, raised his skinny paw to signal, then stood up and said.
"Sir, we hope to build a new ore transportation road that directly connects the Greystone Territory instead of detouring through the Magic City. The current situation is that all our ores must be transported to the Magic City first and then transported back, which greatly increases the transportation cost and time consumption. If it can be directly connected to the Greystone Territory, our economic benefits will be significantly improved."
His proposal resonated with many members of the Chamber of Commerce, and they all nodded in agreement.
Luo Yan smiled slightly and said with a steady gaze: "It is indeed necessary to build new transportation routes, but building roads alone is not good enough. In order to improve the efficiency of logistics operations, what I am considering is to build a railway."
There was silence in the conference room.
Festing couldn't hold it back and interjected in confusion.
「Railway?」
Luo Yan smiled slightly and said slowly.
"A brand new transportation method that can greatly improve freight efficiency and reduce manpower consumption. I have already used it in the necropolis. It is too troublesome to explain. You will naturally understand its advantages after it is completed."
Everyone was whispering to each other. Although they did not fully understand it, they were obviously interested in this new concept.
Festin also raised his eyebrows with interest and unexpectedly glanced at Luo Yan twice.
If this thing is as useful as he said, he would like to prepare one for the Padrich family's territory.
Feeling the ice-breaking atmosphere in the conference room, Gronk, the president of the Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce, gradually became unable to sit still.
He found that his "allies" were getting fewer and fewer, and more and more people were defecting to the new lords, forgetting their original vow of unity for a little profit!
In order to show his prestige and win over the swinging allies in the Chamber of Commerce Alliance, he must do something.
…Dear Lord, the prosperity of Black Wind Castle is obvious to all, and we all know that this is inseparable from the unremitting efforts of the Chamber of Commerce Alliance. In order to promote the further prosperity of Black Wind Castle, I have prepared three proposals. I hope that you, Lord, can Consider it carefully... This is not only for our benefit, but also for your benefit."
After gaining the qualification to speak, the Goblin businessman slowly stood up, deliberately adjusted his clothes, and glanced at the people present, his tone was calm but with a hint of edge.
"First, we hope that you will allow the Chamber of Commerce to expand private armed forces to protect caravans and ensure smooth trade routes."
"Second, we recommend reducing the defense force of Black Wind Castle. After all, Black Wind Castle is close to the Magic City, and logically does not need so many soldiers, unless... Lord, you have a bigger plan."
"Third, it is about the issue of the magic crystal cannon factory." Grok nodded slightly and spoke. Quietly, he probed, "For the frontline of hell, we must increase the production of magic crystal cannons and develop larger and better war equipment... I want to know if the lord is willing to consider relaxing the monopoly on the military industry for the benefit of hell as a whole to improve production efficiency?"
Luo Yan sat in the main seat, tapping his fingertips on the table, and his eyes slowly swept among the people.
There was no emotion on his face, as if he was really thinking about Grok's proposal.
Mia's expression was a little anxious, and she hinted at Luo Yan with her eyes, fearing that he would agree if his brain got hot.
Festing did not make any move, but watched Luo Yan's reaction with interest.
Vivian yawned and played with her nails, showing no interest in what the ants sitting on the conference table had to say.
This guy talked too much nonsense, and she hoped to skip it directly and jump to her dear brother's speech.
Grok did not rush. He sat firmly in his position, maintaining a calm and confident posture, but his heart gradually began to beat.
An invisible pressure shrouded the top of his head, making sweat break out on his forehead, but he could not step back.
This is a trial.
If Luo Yan makes concessions, it means that there are cracks in his authority, and the Chamber of Commerce Alliance can further penetrate into the core of power of Black Wind Castle. And if Luo Yan refuses, he will have the opportunity to reunite those wavering allies.
Although the Padridge family put a lot of pressure on him, he did not have no cards in his hand.
"Private armed forces, reduce defense, and open up military industry."
Luo Yan read out these three proposals softly, his voice unhurried but with a majestic tone that was hard to ignore.
He slowly raised his eyes, looked directly at Grok, and then showed a faint smile.
"Your proposal is very interesting."
The nerves of everyone in the conference room were slightly tense, and everyone waited with bated breath for Luo Yan's next response.
"But I'm afraid you haven't positioned yourself correctly."
Luo Yan slowly leaned forward, looked at Grok who was holding his breath, and said with a sense of oppression, "The prosperity of Black Wind Castle is because of the magic crystal cannon technology, and because I took this land from the hands of a bunch of wastes, rather than relying on you to do a few small businesses or dumping a few ridiculous toys under my nose... Do you understand?"
The air suddenly became heavier.
Several chamber of commerce representatives looked at each other secretly, trying to find answers from each other's expressions.
Vivian raised her eyebrows and matched her brother's fierce expression. Although she didn't understand what happened at all, she could feel that her brother was angry.
Grok's eyebrows twitched.
He expected that Luo Yan would not agree so easily, but he did not want this guy to give him such a strong sense of oppression as soon as he came up.
He said bravely, his lips trembling.
"Of course the Lord has all-inclusive considerations, but the safety of our caravan is also part of the economic stability of Black Wind Castle. I just suggest... In order to make Black Wind Castle more commercially competitive, we can reduce some unnecessary defense expenditures and use resources for development... After all, you and I both know that Black Wind Castle is located in the heart of hell, close to the Demon City. This is not your territory on the front line, and there are no humans to be wary of..."
After hearing this high-sounding reason, Luo Yan smiled, leaned on his chair, and continued slowly.
"You guys, you think I can't see anything, right?"
"Don't you dare..." Grok lowered his head and said nervously.
"Is there anything you dare not do?" Luo Yan raised his eyebrows slightly and said with a half-smile, "You are legal merchants in Black Wind Castle. Once you get to a place where no one cares about you, you are a bandit and a robber. You don't even need to go to a place where no one cares about you. As long as I close my eyes just a little bit, you will take advantage of me when I don't pay attention. You want to persecute law-abiding citizens and traders. You know these problems, but you still want me to relax the control of private armed forces and even reduce the defense budget? "
Grok's heart skipped a beat, and he clearly understood what he was talking about and hurriedly explained.
"Sir... I didn't mean that. The Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce will absolutely abide by the law! I, I have never heard of the situations you mentioned, and I didn't expect other chambers of commerce to be so bad!"
The nature of Goblins is like this. Even if they have money, bad habits are hard to change.
There were few truths in his mouth, and as soon as he felt threatened, he immediately betrayed the other goblins without hesitation.
There was an uproar at the conference table.
"What do you mean!"
"Our Panshi Chamber of Commerce also abides by the law! I, I dare to swear to the devil!"
"That's right! Don't slander others! Put the blame on us for what you have done!"
Looking at this group of noisy guys, Luo Yan just laughed coldly, and then continued unhurriedly.
"What you do outside has nothing to do with me, but my territory must not become a paradise for private armed forces. I don't want to see the streets of Black Wind Castle full of gangs, and everyone is in danger... My people can only be loyal to one lord, and that is me."
The noisy chamber of commerce bosses stopped talking, and all held their breaths and looked at the lord sitting on the throne.
As for the ordinary citizens of Black Wind Castle, they were in high spirits, with their faces glowing red and their eyes filled with hope, just like the goblin boy named Snick.
They are not afraid of tyrants.
Even on the contrary, they long for a powerful nobala who can whip those who really bully them with a whip.
If you don’t have the infinitely powerful Kobula, that’s fine, other demons or humans can too!
This world is so absurd.
Not only the citizens of Black Wind Castle, but also Vivian, who had nothing to do with him, looked at Luo Yan with bright eyes, breathing rapidly, knees close together, and even her eyes were wet.
Mia glanced at Vivian alertly, and after a while couldn't help but glance at her again.
Her attention is no longer on Luo Yan, she is completely attracted by this guy.
Is this guy really his sister?
Succubus's sixth sense told her that she should not underestimate this vampire with brain problems...
"As for the magic crystal cannon..." Luo Yan suddenly softened his tone, "Its strategic significance is indeed needless to say, and improving production efficiency is indeed crucial."
Grok's eyes were filled with hope, but within two seconds, the newly ignited fire was doused by a basin of cold water poured in his face.
...But have you ever thought that once I release the production license and allow guys like you to participate, the human nations on the surface will be able to master this technology in minutes."
Grok’s face changed instantly and he shouted in silence.
"This is impossible! My loyalty to His Majesty the Demon God——"
"Then do you dare to guarantee it, with the lives of all of you here," Luo Yan's lips curled up with a hint of coldness. With a smile on his face, he continued, "None of you here will leak the core technology of the magic crystal cannon for your own personal gain... Do you believe what I say here?"
There was a dead silence in the conference room.
Everyone's expression changed slightly, and even Festin's expression became solemn, and he began to think about the pros and cons.
The representatives of the Chamber of Commerce Alliance were still waiting and watching, but now their eyes have become scrutinizing.
Grok subconsciously wiped the sweat from his forehead, feeling a chill in his heart.
He is indeed a ruthless man who brought the Dragon family into trouble!
This lord is more difficult to deal with than he thought...
At least it is unwise to continue to attack here. He has to think long term!
Grok's thoughts were spinning rapidly, and he said hastily: "I... I really didn't think about it. But please believe me, I am doing this for you, for His Majesty the Demon God, and for the prosperity of hell..."
Luo Yan looked at him with an indifferent expression.
"Then think clearly before speaking."
"Yes..." Grok sat back sweating profusely.
· Seeing Grok's defeat, everyone in the Chamber of Commerce Alliance couldn't help but have mixed emotions in their hearts. They had originally hoped that Grok would be able to demonstrate the influence of the Chamber of Commerce in front of the new lord, but at this moment, he was easily suppressed by the other party.
Loss, wavering, and even a hint of fear...were intertwined in their eyes.
The new lord Luo Yan is like an indestructible rock, invisibly erecting an unshakable majesty in front of their eyes.
Festin looked at Luo Yan with a smile on his face, nodded slightly, and a flash of appreciation flashed in his eyes.
He was indeed right.
This guy is simply a born devil. No wonder he can solve the problem that Reggie Dragon is helpless to solve.
This young man is indeed a talent!