Chapter 339 The chess piece falling in the shadow
Luo Yan turned around following the sound, only to see an unfamiliar face.
The man was wearing the uniform of the city defense army. He stood upright, but his hair was messy and he looked dusty. Perhaps because he was not on duty, he did not pay attention to his appearance, and his expression seemed too cramped due to surprise and nervousness.
Looking at the man who glared at the children fiercely, Luo Yan could even guess what he was thinking - "Who are you messing with, but you messed with this guy?" ! 』
Of course the children looked at him innocently. Only the little girl with eyebrows as thick as caterpillars lowered her head knowing she was in trouble.
Luo Yan looked at the officer and smiled slightly.
"You are?"
The man subconsciously stood up straighter, put his fist on his raised chest, and said with a standard imperial military salute like a soldier.
"Report to Your Highness! I am Cosell Brian! At the previous banquet at the Valencia Manor, the person in charge of the outer perimeter was the northern city defense force of the Holy City. Below is the centurion who led the team at that time..."
Only halfway through speaking, Cosell's face turned red unconsciously, and he was almost embarrassed to continue talking.
He knew very well that for a little person like himself who would only appear in the background, it would be impossible for His Highness Colin to remember his face.
And this is indeed the case.
The Demon King is not thick-skinned enough to pretend to be familiar with a complete stranger.
However, he patiently listened to Mr. Coser's self-introduction, and smiled and nodded after his words fell.
"Do you know these children?" Luo Yan turned his eyes to Diona, White and other orphans, and said in a gentle tone.
His eyes turned to the children, Coser's tone softened, and there was a hint of helplessness in his caring eyes.
"Yes, Your Highness. Most of them... are orphans whose parents disappeared or died on the front line. Because of some... uh, issues with regulations and procedures, they cannot be fully absorbed by the church's welfare institutions. Mr. Dinge Kayona and I... who are the owners of this workshop, have taken in as many people as possible."
When speaking of this, Cosell paused for a moment and added another sentence.
"Of course, the strength of the two of us alone is not enough. The operation of this orphanage to this day is all funded by a warm-hearted baron."
Luo Yan asked jokingly.
"That baron is Mr. Medea?"
Cosell was slightly startled, and then there was a bit of surprise and surprise in his eyes.
"Your Highness, you... do you know Medea?!"
Luo Yan smiled faintly and nodded slightly.
"Well, I met him once."
After saying that, his eyes fell on the crooked plaque at the door, and then his eyes moved to the yard following the words "Dinge Cayona's Repair Workshop".
Looking at the vaguely visible metal parts and messy mechanical devices in the courtyard, Luo Yan couldn't help but raise his eyebrows with a hint of interest.
"Can you take me in to have a look? I'm a little curious about the situation here."
Cosell put away the joy on his face and quickly stretched out his hand as a gesture of invitation.
"Of course! Your Highness, please come with me! It's just that it's a little messy here, please don't mind."
As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together, and since he is a friend of Baron Media, I imagine that His Highness the Prince must also be a warm-hearted and good person.
Coser thought simply in his heart, and at the same time he breathed a sigh of relief for those ignorant children.
If it were an ordinary noble, this matter might not be so easy.
In the final analysis, they are all civilians. Even if he has the rank of centurion, he is nothing in front of the real masters of this holy city.
Luo Yan nodded with a smile and followed Coser into the yard.
Sarah followed behind slightly cautiously, looking around, especially looking at the little pickpocket twice.
Diona was a little afraid of her eyes, not only because of her guilty conscience, but also partly because Sarah had seen blood after all.
However, Sarah did not embarrass her. Instead, she nodded to her, and then followed Luo Yan into the dilapidated courtyard.
The moment he crossed the threshold, a messy and dilapidated scene appeared in front of Luo Yan.
The courtyard is filled with various semi-finished machinery and metal parts. Oil-stained tools are scattered under the hastily built wooden shed. Several children are squatting on the ground and clumsily playing with rusty gears, seemingly treating them as toys.
When they saw the stranger coming in, they did not stop what they were doing, but became even more "busy". However, it was obvious that the eyes were secretly glancing here, inquiring about the situation in the yard.
Obviously they heard the movement at the courtyard door just now, and were frightened by the arrival of this uninvited guest and the trouble Diona had caused.
"Lord Demon King, this Dinge...couldn't he be a follower of the God of Machinery?!" Youyou, who was floating next to Luo Yan, was extremely excited and chirped on a channel that only Luo Yan could hear.
Luo Yan did not comment on its whims, but calmly replied in his heart.
"Call me Colin outside."
Yuyou was speechless for a moment, and it took a while before she finally spoke aggrievedly.
"Yes, but I am Youyou."
Luo Yan replied calmly.
“This will hinder my sense of involvement.”
Yuyou: 「…………」
Looking at the nervous children, Cosell whistled at them. Seeing this familiar face, their expressions obviously relaxed.
Luo Yan noticed that these children trusted this centurion.
It seems that the extent of the imperial officer sect's penetration into the grassroots of the empire is probably even more "terrifying" than they realize.
At least this is the case in the Holy City.
After calming the children in the yard, Cosell turned his head and explained to Luo Yan in a low voice.
"Your Highness, this was originally the repair shop of Mr. Dingey Cayona. Although I personally think he is a genius, others may not think so. If he says something later that offends you, please forgive me."
Luo Yan smiled and said.
"I'm not that narrow-minded, but I'm curious...why this genius lives in such a simple place."
Coser's expression became a little complicated, and he hesitated for a moment before saying.
"He...how should I put it, is rather paranoid and not smooth in the technical field. In fact, he had a good life before. His salary as an engineer at the Royal Naval Academy was very considerable, even more than my salary. But his problem is also here, once You can't get out of your own world. I heard that he previously proposed to build a pure metal warship for the empire. Don't laugh... He really said that. Luo Yan didn't smile, but showed a surprised expression on his face.
"This is indeed a bit unusual, and then what?"
This guy is a talent.
Him He also wanted to get an armored ship for Hell, but it was a pity that Hell didn't have a port that could use that thing, so he could only keep it for himself in the future.
But to be honest, it's okay for people around him to think he's crazy.
Leave aside the generational difference in steel production and riveting technology, even if the Ostrich Empire built this ironclad ship, it would have no rivals.
In the past thousand years, there has been no naval battle between the Empire and Hell. At most, they fought on the deck or on the coastline.
"Then... there will be no more." Coser said with a wry smile, "This is just a small episode in his working life, and he never just talks, but also takes action. To be honest, it is not easy for him not to be punished."
Luo Yan nodded.
"Indeed."
Cosell continued.
"I don't know the specific details. In short...I heard that he was expelled from the Imperial Royal Naval Academy due to differences in design concepts. After that, he was confused for a while until I came back from the front and met him by chance."
"We were classmates before. I couldn't just leave this guy alone, so I helped him find a storefront here and open a repair shop... At least in this street, with me taking care of him, he didn't have to worry about being harassed by villains. As for taking in those children later, it was the request of the old comrades of the Red Shield Brotherhood... Well, you may not know what it is. In short, it is a place where veterans of the Holy City help each other."
"I know, I heard that Captain Uriel is your leader," Luo Yan said with a smile, "I met him once at the Duke of Valencia's banquet."
Hearing Commander Uriel's name, a hint of reverence flashed across Coser's face, and his back straightened unconsciously.
"Yes, Commander Uriel is also a member of the Red Shield. Although he doesn't like us calling him leader, we all respect him from the bottom of our hearts."
Luo Yan smiled at this respect, but was not interested in Uriel's affairs. After a while, he brought the topic back to "Mr. Ironclad".
He is more interested in this.
It is not surprising to see clearly that the earth is round when standing on the shoulders of giants, but it is quite remarkable to stand in a basin and be able to see the sea outside the basin.
"Just now you said that Mr. Dinger and the Royal Naval College have ideological differences. What do you mean specifically?"
Cosell hesitated for a moment, as if hesitating his words, and finally answered honestly: "Mr. Dinger... insists on developing machinery that ordinary people can easily operate. He believes that technology should not be monopolized in the hands of a few people. At least improving the equipment of soldiers can improve their combat effectiveness." But the old academics in the academy thought he was too whimsical, so he never had a chance to stand out. In the end, they probably found an excuse and expelled him. "
Cosell's description was very concise, but Luo Yan knew that he was actually hiding something.
The Church of St. Sith's suppression of non-magical machines is not only due to the interests of academic factions, but also because the shadow of the God of Machinery lingers over the head of the Church of St. Sith.
The universities in the Holy City are mostly the territory of the church. Of course, they will not accept an alien who may go astray.
Besides, non-magic machines may not be much more powerful than magic machines.
As for the inspiration of non-magic machinery for the development of magic devices (magic crystal cannons fall into this category), and its significance for improving the lives of ordinary people, that is another topic.
Most people cannot see that long term, and just seeing it is meaningless.
Just like Coser was unwilling to mention the details of this matter to himself, in his opinion, as an "outsider", he did not understand the interest entanglements between the various factions in the Holy City, and even if he did, it would be of no use.
Although he actually knows this city far better than he thought.
Luo Yan had a faint smile on his lips, and there was a look of admiration in his eyes.
"Sounds like this gentleman is an idealist."
"That's true." Coser nodded, with a little more respect and a little regret in his tone, "It's just a pity, sometimes... even I think his ideas are so advanced that most people regard him as a lunatic."
Luo Yan's eyebrows raised slightly.
"You said that, I'm even more curious about him."
"You'll see him soon, I just hope you won't be disappointed..." Cosell smiled, opened the door for Luo Yan and his guards, and made an invitation gesture, "We're here!"
Luo Yan slowly stepped into the workshop located deep in the yard, and a musty smell mixed with the smell of machine oil came to his face.
His eyes glanced around inadvertently, and saw that the room was filled with various metal parts, semi-finished products and abandoned mechanical devices, making the originally wide space seem a bit crowded.
Luo Yan carefully looked at the mechanical designs that seemed crude but full of ingenuity. Lying on the table not far away was a small doll with a clockwork stuck in it. It looked like it was modified from an old toy. And just in the corner not far away, lay a closed metal hull with small proportions and strange structure.
That thing might be the "ironclad ship" Cosell mentioned, but he felt that it looked like a model of a submarine.
"...These are all gadgets that Dingge usually tinkered with. They are of little use and made His Highness laugh." Coser scratched his head in embarrassment and said a little shyly.
Useless?
That’s not good to say.
Luo Yan smiled slightly and did not respond, but his eyes drifted to the depths of the workshop inadvertently.
Behind a workbench, a thin young man with messy hair was concentrating on tapping on a pile of complex metal parts.
He was about twenty-five or sixty-six years old. He wore a pair of goggles on the bridge of his nose. His bangs were stuck to the lenses with sweat and he was not aware of them. He seemed to be completely immersed in his own world, not noticing what was going on outside or the people in the room.
Seeing that this guy was so blind, Coser had no choice but to step forward in a hurry and put his hand on his shoulder.
"Dinge! Dinge! Stop knocking your crap! Look who's coming!"
Dinge was startled, raised his head suddenly, looked at Cosell blankly, and followed his line of sight to see Luo Yan and Sarah behind him. His eyes did not become clearer, but instead became more confused and confused.
Kesel saw that he was stunned and quickly leaned into his ear to remind him.
"This is His Royal Highness Prince Colin!"
This "Dead Man" obviously doesn't know Colin, but he still recognizes the word "Prince".
Him He was startled and he took off his goggles at a loss. He bowed with red cheeks and almost fell to the ground.
"Your Highness, Your Highness?! Why are you here..."
Luo Yan did not answer, but looked at the unfinished "craft" on the workbench with interest.
It is a metal bird made of iron wire, but the skeletons are not connected by joints, but by exquisitely designed connecting rods and gears.
Luo Yan always felt familiar, and he stared at it for a long time before he suddenly realized it.
Hello guy——
Ornithopter? !
Of course, this is not the kind in "Dune", but the kind drawn on Leonardo da Vinci's sketch paper.
Although this guy didn't actually finish this thing,... didn't the one on Earth also finish it?
Considering that there is magic in this world, this guy's chances of winning are still much higher than those of the 14th century painter.
Luo Yan liked this "model airplane" very much, but his face remained calm as he asked calmly: "Mr. Kayona, what is this... in front of you?"
Facing the nobles, Dingge was obviously much more nervous than his friend.
However, when he talked about his works, his eyes immediately shone and his tone became excited, as if he had become a different person.
"Back to, Your Highness, this is my latest... uh... idea, a flying device that imitates a bird. In theory, it can allow people to fly in the sky without the help of magic."
As if he was worried about being laughed at, he hurriedly added before he finished speaking.
"Don't laugh at me. I have seen records in some ancient historical books before. It is said that about a thousand years ago, there were people who flew into the sky without relying on the power of magic. The location is said to be in the southern region of the Kingdom of Lane. They controlled the airflow through a few small pieces of paper..."
The more he talked, the more excited he became, dancing and gesticulating.
However, Cosell, who was standing next to him, was frightened as he listened. He was worried that Dinger's unobtrusive speech would offend the Holy Light nobles, and he was even more worried that these theories would be associated with the heresy "God of Machinery" that is expressly prohibited by the church.
"Ahem! Dinger!" He coughed hard and signaled the guy to stop with a wild look.
Dinger seemed to realize that he had spoken too much, his face changed slightly, and he turned back into the dull and reserved young man again.
Luo Yan didn't care about the things that the citizens of the Holy City were afraid of.
But he also knew that as long as he stood on the land illuminated by the holy light, he would not be able to discuss those interesting things, so he did not make it difficult for them.
Unlike Lint Isaac, he will not force people to do inappropriate things. At most, he will put them at the crossroads he has designed and let them make their own choices.
In any case, he could guess what they would choose.
The human body is always more honest than the mouth.
"Mr. Kayona's idea is very... bold and creative. Perhaps because the continent of Janna is too far away from the Holy City, the people there are not so taboo about what you said. And I am also quite interested in your idea."
At this point, Luo Yan changed the topic and continued with a gentle and sincere smile on his face.
"If Mr. Kayona encounters financial difficulties in research in the future, or wants to find a better platform to display his talents, you may wish to bring your inventions and ideas to the Deadwood Port of Janna continent to find me. Everyone with dreams and talents like you is welcome there."
Hearing the invitation from His Highness Colin, Dinge was taken aback for a moment, and then his face showed uncontrollable ecstasy and excitement.
However, when he saw the children hiding outside the window and peeking at him, the joy on his face gradually faded away.
He scratched his messy hair, smiled bitterly and shook his head.
"Thank you for your highness's appreciation and kindness...but I'm afraid I can't leave here yet. These children...I can't leave them alone, at least until they are older."
However, Dinger didn't express anything, as if he didn't understand the hints in his eyes. He just stood there stupidly, stubbornly insisting on his own ideas.
Luo Yan had expected this. Although he was sorry, he did not force it. He just calmly took out a gold-gilt business card with the emblem of the Colin family from his arms and handed it to Dingge.
"I understand your concerns. I can't take away the children's only father, although I do appreciate your advanced design concepts. This is my business card. If you change your mind in the future, or need my help in any way, my proposal is still valid."
"Thank you, Your Highness, I will keep it properly."
He wanted to find his business card, but then he remembered that he didn't have that kind of thing, and awkwardly wiped his hands covered with engine oil on his clothes.
Luo Yan smiled and waved his hand to indicate that he was not welcome, then he looked up at the darkening sky outside the window and said.
"Thank you for your company, I have spent a fulfilling day, and I have a deeper understanding of my hometown... It's getting late, and I will attend the coming-of-age ceremony dinner hosted by Marshal Aiberg for his son, so I won't disturb you more."
After saying that, he nodded to Cosell, turned around and walked out of the door with Sarah.
Seeing His Highness Colin turn around, Cosell first glared at Dinger, who was scratching his head in confusion, and then trotted out of the door.
"Your Highness! Please wait a moment, are you going to the Marshal's Mansion? There are no carriages on Kasen Street, and it's already dark when the rickshaw passes. Let me give you a ride!"
Luo Yan, who had already reached the entrance of the courtyard, stood still, looked at Sarah, then looked at Cosell, nodded, and said with a smile.
"Then I'll trouble you, Mr. Cosell."
Cosell said quickly with joy on his face.
You are the Marshal's distinguished guest, of course I have the obligation to deliver you! shall need to be delivered to you!
After saying that, he trotted to the street again, took out a whistle, and blew it with all his strength.
After a while, a rider in military uniform galloped over. When he saw the centurion, he immediately got off his horse.
Kessel told him a few words with a majestic look on his face. The rider nodded, quickly turned back on his horse, and galloped towards the nearby city defense post.
Looking at the busy back of Kosell, Luo Yan couldn't help but laugh.
Compared to Mr. Dingell, this Centurion of Cosell obviously knows more things, and this kind of attentiveness from the other side's perspective is not annoying.
But having said that, these imperial officers and their Emperor were really unceremonious. The same was true for the powerful Marshal Laco, the same was true for Hamelton who was far away in the horizon, and this Mr. Centurion who was right in front of him was no exception... That flowing gesture was obviously not the first time he used the emperor's carriage to do his own business.
It may be easier to bribe them than to bribe the church and nobles.
While waiting for the car to arrive, the boy named White limped to the door of the courtyard and looked up at Colin's back with some regret.
Different from other children.
Luo Yan could feel that this kid was not that afraid of him.
"So you are His Highness Colin... No wonder."
Luo Yan smiled and turned to look at him.
"Do you know me?"
Not far away, the children had begun to laugh and play, chasing each other in the yard. At this moment they finally believed that the kind gentleman really left the money to them and did not take it away from them again.
The skinny Diona's face was flushed with excitement, and she held her purse tightly, just like a mother of children, counting on her fingers how to spend the money with them.
They planned to give Mr. Dinger a coat first. He had not had new clothes for a long time. Then they also need to replace the machine shop with a more reliable furnace, so that not only this winter, but also next winter will not have to worry about freezing!
Of course, considering that Mr. Dinger is very hands-on, maybe they can buy the parts and make them themselves, which will save a fortune.
White withdrew his gaze from his friends and bowed slightly to His Highness Colin.
“Sir, you are joking, I am afraid that only Mr. Cayona, who does not go out all day long, does not recognize this name in this city.”
At this point, he sighed with regret.
"Your Highness, do you really not need a servant? I can raise horses, and sleeping in a stable is fine...and I don't want wages. You can just take care of my food when you think of it. It doesn't matter if you don't."
Luo Yan smiled.
This guy talks very interestingly. If Cosell is smooth in doing things, then he has an insight into people's hearts and can always accurately hit the soft spot in people's hearts.
This is actually a very remarkable skill.
"When I was in the arena today, I told a young man named Jasper that his future is limitless and his name will be famous all over the world."
"Then he must be very powerful." White said as if he was envious.
Luo Yan glanced at this kid who was looking at a child but was more sensible than an adult. He smiled and patted his head.
"Not as powerful as you, even if his name is famous all over the world, it is because of the Knights Templar, and you will become the legend of the Holy City."
White was obviously stunned, but soon returned to "normal", smiling shyly and touching his head.
A moment later, a military carriage drove up in front of everyone.
The imperial soldier who was driving even thoughtfully prepared a step stool to put under his elbow, got off his horse and placed it in front of the carriage door.
Luo Yan and Sarah boarded the carriage one by one, followed by Coser who was escorting Prince Colin.
Under the latter's energetic command, the carriage slowly drove away from Carson Street, leaving a majestic figure behind the children.
Watching the carriage disappear in the direction, Diona glanced at the money bag in her hand with a complicated expression, and whispered the name "Colin" in her mouth.
There is one less hateful noble in the Holy City.
If one day, Saint Sithhen answered her humble prayer and rained down the flames of punishment on this blood-soaked city...
She hoped that he and Baron Medea could survive.
As for whether she died in the fire, it didn't matter to her...
…
As it was getting late, the light in the carriage was slightly dim. Even if the rider drove carefully, the wheels would still inevitably bump when they ran over the uneven road.
This carriage is for transporting soldiers after all. Even if it is an officer, the conditions are difficult to match those of the Sylfen family.
But Luo Yan is not picky about these things.
Looking at the slightly dilapidated street scene outside the window, he spoke casually.
"Mr. Cosell, I admire your philanthropic deeds, but taking care of these children like you must be a big financial pressure, right?"
Cosell was silent for a while, and finally sighed heavily, with a hint of helplessness on his face.
"To be honest with you, Your Highness, it is true. My salary and Mr. Dinger's income are just enough to keep the children from going hungry, but if I want to give them a better education, or help more war orphans like them, it is somewhat beyond our capabilities."
The children living in Mr. Kayona's machine workshop are obviously not just the few they saw today, there are more young children staying in the house.
Dinge is not a man who is very good at taking care of others. He even struggles to take care of himself. Most of the time, the children who are sensible first pull the ones who are not yet sensible.
Diona usually learns the footwork of the city defense army and trains the little guys like soldiers... But that level is just a little bit of playing house in the eyes of professionals.
At this point, Cossel paused and continued: "As for Baron Medea... Although he is a kind-hearted and good man, his father passed away early and did not have time to teach him many things. The operating conditions of his family industry have not been ideal. In recent years, he has had to rely on the salary from teaching at the university and the remuneration for painting Mr. Hilfin to maintain the family's expenses. And the money to support these children is all he saved bit by bit from his teeth. "
Luo Yan showed a serious expression after listening to his words, and after thinking for a moment, he spoke.
"Children are the future of the empire, we can't leave them alone. Maybe... I have a way to slightly improve your situation and provide some new solutions for those children."
When Kosell heard this, his eyes suddenly lit up, he leaned forward slightly excitedly, and said excitedly: "Your Highness, please tell me what the solution is?"
Luo Yan smiled lightly and spoke confidently.
"You can set up a newspaper."
"Newspaper?" Coser was stunned for a moment.
Although he has bought newspapers, he really doesn’t understand how a newspaper operates, let alone how it can improve the situation of children.
Looking at his ignorant look, Luo Yan smiled lightly and continued.
"That's right, it's a newspaper. In terms of content, I can provide you with some exclusive news about the Janna continent and even the New World. This information that other newspapers do not have can quickly help you open up the situation. It is not difficult for you to grow bigger." When it comes to doing business, you can actually learn more from them. I believe you can definitely find one or two knowledgeable experts on Carson Street. With your influence on that street, do you need me to teach you the rest?”
But——
He thought about it carefully, it seemed that the nobles all did this, and for a moment he felt as if he was making a fuss.
After a pause, Luo Yan looked out the window again, looking at the children wandering on the streets, and continued.
"And those children can help in the newspaper office, whether they are delivering newspapers or doing odd jobs in the editorial office, they can go to the cotton factory to pick cotton, or climb on the roof to dig out the chimney... If they are motivated, they can also benefit from it. Taking this opportunity to learn literacy can be considered a change of fate for them. "
When he heard this, Cosell's expression was no longer just surprised, but even dumbfounded, and then his eyes burst into uncontrollable ecstasy.
The inability to take care of Paoze's orphan has always been an unsolvable pain in his heart, but His Highness Colin solved all his problems with one sentence.
Although he doesn't know how to run a newspaper, he has no doubt that——
As long as His Royal Highness is really willing to help him, the problems faced by those orphans will not be a problem at all!
He was so excited that he even forgot his identity and grabbed Luo Yan's hand. He was so excited that he was almost incoherent.
"Your Highness! Your idea... Jane, it's simply great!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he immediately realized that he had made a mistake, his face instantly turned red, and he hurriedly let go of his hand and apologized: "Yes, I'm sorry... I was just too excited..."
Sarah maintained an expressionless expression, slightly relaxing her fists on her knees, sparing this human being's life for removing his dirty hands from the Demon King.
Luo Yan laughed nonchalantly and waved his hand gently: "Don't worry, I can understand your mood."
Cosell felt even more admiration when he heard this, and was even moved beyond measure.
Saint Sissi -
Thank you, the Supreme Being, for allowing Your Royal Highness to return to this land that is slowly losing its faith and original intention!
The carriage slowly drove out of Carson Street, the street view gradually opened up, and the vision gradually became brighter.
He looked at His Highness Colin eagerly.
"Your Highness, I am a rough man, not as cultured and cultivated as you... Can you please think of a name for this newspaper?"
He didn’t dare to name a name with “holy” and “prince” in it, but if it was His Highness Colin, there would be no problem!
But——
Luo Yan’s taste is not that earthy after all.
His eyes fell on the outline of the Holy City shrouded in dusk. After pondering for a moment, His Royal Highness the Prince slowly spoke.
"Since it is a newspaper that looks to the distant world——"
h "It would be better to call it "New World"."
h (End of this chapter)