Chapter 351 Interlude Ditty
While Prince Colin's carriage heading north was raising dust, a storm weaved by his own hands was sweeping through the Holy City with a precise and ruthless rhythm.
In a private study room.
Teach is sitting under the warm light, looking attentive.
As the executor of the plan, he is playing a dual role.
In front of the public, he is the author of the popular "The Crusades of Baron Corsia". He uses passionate words to pave the way for his revenge, paving the way for public opinion.
Behind the scenes, he transformed himself into the most ruthless "debt consultant" of Minaret Bank. Together with a group of businessmen with keen sense of smell, he began to lay a dragnet on the assets held by the Devore family.
His pen tip slid gracefully on the paper, writing a new chapter for the much-anticipated "The Crusades of Baron Corsia" - in that story, the venerable baron showed extraordinary perseverance in a desperate situation, moved Saint Sis with his wisdom and piety, and let the storm calm down and the sky clear after the rain.
His writing is full of praise for hope and the Holy Light, which is enough to move any reader, especially believers who revere the Holy Light.
Similarly, he also used delicate brushstrokes to outline an exotic world. Through each vivid character, people who yearned for adventure were filled with infinite reveries about that strange continent, and laid the foundation for the "Jana Dream".
On the other side of his desk, there is another completely different "document" spread out - it is a list of all the assets and liabilities of the Devore family from Minaret Bank.
When the "little fishes" in Bailu District finished eating the shrimps in the lotus pond, a real big fish finally began to die.
Dantès had already contacted President Barclay of the Minaret Bank. After this cunning citizen understood another meaning in the "New World", he immediately handed a sharpened knife to His Royal Highness the Prince.
Normally, even greedy businessmen would not dare to lend money to nobles easily, but it would be different if this noble fell into trouble and offended another more powerful noble.
It's not just the barons in the Bailu District who want to climb the big tree of Prince Colin. The citizens of the Holy City have already begun to court his highness, and they are far more proactive than the country bumpkins in the suburbs.
Whether it is the president of Minaret Bank himself or the nobles standing behind the bank, they are full of confidence in this profitable merger.
The only undecided thing at the moment is how to cut the meat on this chopping board.
As the spokesperson of the Demon King, Baron Kosia will of course get back everything he has lost and take the biggest share...
… …
Just as Baron Kosia was writing the second chapter of hatred and punishment, another key actor also appeared on the stage.
Sir Edmond Dantès, this new and high-profile "reformer", in an exclusive interview with the "Holy Light Daily", in a sad and restrained manner, launched a public questioning to Hogan Nora, the president of the Imperial Bank.
He cleverly compared his "unfair experience" of being rejected for a loan with the "inside story" of the rural barons in Bailu District who could easily borrow huge sums of money far beyond their ability to repay, and finally raised the sharp question that pointed directly at people's hearts and was enough to provoke class antagonism——
"Why would an enterprising reformer run into a wall against the rules, but when it comes to the barons of Bailu District, the iron-clad principles seem to not exist?"
These remarks, like a stone hitting the stained glass window of the church, caused an uproar.
Every resident of the Holy City knows this unwritten unspoken rule, but most people edit their memories to seek peace in the spiritual world.
Now someone has pierced the window paper, and it is a noble enough knight, and he does it in a reasonable way.
· What was originally an ordinary business dispute was immediately elevated to the height of a conflict between civilians and nobles, and attracted the attention of the Senate representing the nobles and the military officers representing the citizens.
Faced with the surging pressure of public opinion, Hogan Nora, the president of the Imperial Bank, reacted just as Edmund expected.
As if he discovered this problem for the first time, he showed his anger in public and shouted, "This is unreasonable! We must investigate it strictly!"
Of course, he has no right to investigate the nobles. The most he can do is bully the powerless Mr. Huck Alton, the president of the Bailu District Branch, a country bumpkin who covets his position as the general president.
But this is enough.
A smart person will always do his own thing. He will be as hard as granite when he should be hard, and he will be as soft as a maggot when he should be soft.
As for whether to get to the bottom of it, that is for the big shots to decide. Even if he has seen the outcome, he will never rush forward easily.
With the intervention of the procuratorate, the results of the investigation were quickly released, and the results of pulling out the radish and bringing out the mud were astonishing!
The Royal Mounted Police stormed into Huck Alton's mansion and found tens of thousands of gold coins from the mezzanine of the wall - this is by no means a wealth that a person with an annual salary of less than 100 gold coins can possess!
Huck's face was ashen and he confessed to his crime.
It was when he was applying for a loan for Baron Devore that he made a "fatal procedural oversight" - he did not take away the original land deed of Baron Devore as required, thus opening the door for the latter's illegal second mortgage.
Not only that, he was greedy, and he also used his position to get a kickback from the barons of Bailu District.
The Imperial Procuratorate submitted one copy of the materials to the Holy City Court and one copy to the Senate. Harker's prosecution was a certainty, but the nobility's accountability required the Senate's nod.
There is no reason for the Senate to protect an unknown country noble, especially since this guy's excessive extortion in Bailu District has caused instability in the local society, and has also offended the citizens of the Holy City.
Although they did not deprive Baron de Vol of his sacred title, they tightened the rope around his neck even more severely - ordering him to immediately repay all debts he owed, and approving the Imperial Prosecutor's Office to seize and freeze the assets in Baron de Vol's name.
The estate of Baron Devore is stationed with the Imperial Royal Cavalry.
Seeing the imperial flag flying on the roof of the main building of the manor, the farmers and small farmers who had lost their land let out a bad breath.
Although the lost land will not come back, the evildoers will eventually have their retribution.
As for the Devore family.
Although they and their servants were still allowed to live temporarily in the manor, this was only the dignity left to them by the Senate.
They must find a new home as soon as possible and move out before the new owner moves in.
At the same time, two other nobles in Bailu District were also implicated. Although their debts were not as huge as Baron de Vol's, they were still forced to sell land to repay their debts.
This is not the most deadly thing.
The real fatal thing is that because the project in Bailu District has been put in question, the land deeds in their hands have almost turned into waste paper due to the panic selling by the citizens.
If you want to pay off the debt, I'm afraid you will have to spend more blood than usual...
In this way, under the sharp blade of public opinion and the noose of debt, a bloody hunt for the rural nobles of Bailu District officially began.
The real reckoning has just begun.
——
Out the car window, the first snow in the Austro Empire fell silently.
Fine snowflakes fell from the leaden sky, covering the rolling hills and bare woods with a new layer of plain white. The whole world seemed to be quiet, except for the drowsy rustling sound of wheels running over the thin snow.
However, the young dragon Taff in the carriage had no time to appreciate this unique snow scene in the north.
She curled up her little body into a ball and buried herself deeply in a warm "nest" made of several expensive furs stacked up, looking listless.
This is related to her bloodline originating from "Meat Lizard". The cold weather will constantly remind her that it is time to hibernate, making her instinctively want to fall into a deep sleep.
She turned over impatiently in the warm blanket and complained in a low voice with a heavy sleepiness.
"Damn it! I hate snowy weather!"
Leaning on the soft cushion to read, Luo Yan raised his head from the book upon hearing the sound.
He looked at the huddled "Dragon Pig" with interest, and asked a question that had puzzled him a long time ago.
"I'm very surprised, if the growth rate of meat lizards is so slow, why do you Zeta tribe choose to use it as... uh, a source of nutrition?"
Hence the mention of the superiority of the Zeta tribe, Tuff's sleepiness was half dispelled in an instant.
She proudly raised her little head from the fur, sneered, and said in a tone that "you primitive civilized creatures cannot understand."
"Do you think we are just pursuing speed and quantity like you raising pigs? What we pursue is nutritional balance! The tails of meat lizards can provide all the amino acids needed by the Zetas, and the meat is delicious. We will create a habitable planet to raise them... What are you looking at me for? I won't give you food! Don't even think about it!"
Halfway through her words, she looked at Luo Yan alertly and subconsciously protected her tail with her wings, as if she would be snatched away by this evil devil in the next second.
However, looking at her alert look, Luo Yan just smiled faintly.
“It’s okay, I didn’t eat animals that could talk.”
It turned out that I only ate tails.
It seems that the Zeta Empire is more civilized than I imagined.
Just like this, Luo Yan became even more curious, how many planets' tails would it take to support the consumption of the citizens of the Zeta Empire?
While he was thinking, Tuff became furious. This guy is smaller in stature, but his temper is not small at all.
"Animal! Do you dare to say that I am an animal?! You, hello, you are so brave!"
Hello, "Hello to you," Luo Yan had read a random reply, ignoring the anger of the "Dragon God", and closed the book on his knees with great interest. continued to ask, "So, how do you raise lizards for meat? You can't wait a hundred years every time."
The racial superiority of the Zeta civilization once again gained the upper hand, Tuff suppressed her anger, puffed up her little chest and said proudly.
"The secret is of course in the feed!"
Hence before Luo Yan could ask, she continued in a show off tone.
"With Zeta Technology, the number one in the universe, there is nothing impossible! We will use a starship to drive near the atmosphere and release pheromones to the whole area below! Both animals and dragons on the entire planet will accelerate their metabolism, whether it is reproduction or growth! In this way, dragons with longer lifespans can just grow thick tails during the harvest period, while other creatures can provide abundant food for the dragons in a shorter life cycle... This is called a complete ecological breeding system, can you not imagine it?"
Luo Yan looked at her in surprise and said with sincere admiration.
"It's amazing... What's the formula of this pheromone?"
"The formula is - what do you want to do?! Don't even think about it!!!" Tuff, who almost let it slip, reacted with a sudden reaction, staring at her master with eyes fixed on her.
"Don't get excited, I'm just asking casually. It can't be done with the technological strength of this world. If you don't want to give it up, forget it." Luo Yan smiled, said nonchalantly, and reopened the half-read "Travel to the Kingdom of Rhodes".
Before entering the Academy, he will pass through the Kingdom of Rhodes, which borders the Kingdom of Lane.
There are vast forests and rugged hills here. If the Kingdom of Lane is the hometown of knights, then this is the hometown of great swordsmen and mercenaries.
Although he won't stay here for too long, he is equally interested in the customs and customs here... just like he is interested in Taff's hometown.
There is no telling where one day he will have the opportunity to spread the Demon King's corruption. There is no harm in finding out about it early anyway.
“Humph, that’s good if you know.” After thinking about it for a while, Taph thought it made sense, so she calmed down, curled her tail and changed into a comfortable position.
She has already decided that she is going to kill this guy!
How can a human live longer than a dragon?
Thinking of this guy turning into an old man dying and lying on the bed, she opened her mouth from ear to ear in excitement and sang in her heart.
Luo Yan could naturally guess what she was thinking, but he did not have the same knowledge as an immature brat, so he just read quietly.
Until a while later, Youyou suddenly appeared next to him, shouting excitedly, "Master Demon King, your followers have grown again!"
Luo Yan then entered a meditative state, and his consciousness returned to the sea of consciousness with twinkling stars, once again confirming the benefits of his trip to the Holy City.
br/>
Influence share: 1% (↑01%)
Overdraft limit: 0%
Dominance efficiency: 100%
There is one more legendary factor.
It seems that after I left this time, my followers helped me create a new title.
Luo Yan's eyes moved downwards. When he saw the "Influence Share" column, his breathing suddenly became rapid for a moment.
1%!
For thousands of years, he has moved another corner of the faith territory that has not been shaken on this planet, and this also means that he can finally condense an "Amethyst Seed"!
He remembered that Elder Zakro of the Dragon family had amethyst-level strength, and the ceiling of extraordinary power on this planet was getting closer and closer to him.
After digesting the excitement in his heart, Luo Yan put a smile on his lips, turned off the Power of Faith interface, and spoke slowly.
"The Holy City is truly a geomantic treasure. In just one month, my influence on this planet has more than doubled."
Of course.
These influences may not all be contributed by the Holy City. Some of them come from the continent of Janna on the other side of the vast ocean, and even Hell and the Thunder City where he first set out.
The devil's corruption is gradually taking root in people's hearts, and the seeds he buried in people's hearts are gradually sprouting and growing into a new tree.
This can be seen from the growth of Lumil, Teach and even the Dantès family. The changes in their life trajectories are all due to their own influence.
Including the Knights Templar who went to the continent of Janna in the name of Saint Sith to spread civilization and faith - those young men will become his followers sooner or later!
And this will be a continuous and slow process.
“Hey, it’s mainly because the Demon King did a good job!” Youyou chuckled beside you and gave a heartfelt compliment.
Luo Yan smiled faintly.
「你就别夸我了，你夸我总让我有一种对着镜子自恋的感觉。」
「咦？？会这样吗？」
没有去管大吃一惊的悠悠，罗炎再次合上了双眼，而当他又一次将眼睛睁开，温馨的车厢又重新映入他的眼帘。
He cast his gaze out the window. The high mountains and endless pine forests had turned into gentle hills and windmills.
In the distance, quiet villages can be vaguely seen, with a few wisps of smoke rising straight up in the slightly cold air, and then turned into majestic city walls and houses with bright red bricks and tiles.
This is the southern border of the Kingdom of Rhodes. It is far less prosperous and lively than the Holy City, but it has its own unique charm.
Luo Yan knew that they were about to arrive at the first destination of their trip - Quartz City.
He once heard Count Hilfen mention inadvertently during a chat about art. This city is the commercial center of the Kingdom of Rhodes in the south and is famous for its unparalleled craftsmanship.
The best pianos in the empire were produced here.
It is said that this city gathered a large number of craftsmen and merchants from the empire, with a total population of more than one million.
It is equivalent to, this is the "Thunder City of the Kingdom of Rhodes".
The carriage finally slowed down to a place where the outline of the city could be seen, and Sarah's gentle voice came from outside the carriage at the same time.
"Your Highness, we are almost there... Do we need to notify the local lord?"
Luo Yan's identity at this moment is still the prince, and this identity is still written on the "Customs Clearance Document" and has been certified by the Senate.
According to imperial customs, when a prince arrives in a vassal state, the local lord should give him appropriate courtesy according to his title.
However, Luo Yan had no intention of disturbing the local lords.
The Kingdom of Rhodes is not the goal of his trip, it is just a stop on the journey. He hopes to experience the customs and customs outside the Holy City as a traveler.
"No need, Sarah, just find a hotel outside the city to stay...I'll prepare a cloak for Tuff later, so it doesn't scare the locals."
Sarah said respectfully.
"Yes, Your Highness."
The carriage continued to move along the country road. The shining badge made countless farmers raise their heads and pay attention, but it did not attract their attention too much.
The caravans from the empire are also printed with the emblems of various families. They often see the carriages of the Valencia family and the Castellon family appearing here.
They are just weird, they have never seen this purple moon.
It didn't take long, Sarah quickly found a clean and simple hotel next to a camp outside the city where a large number of adventurers and traders gathered.
Stop the carriage.
Luo Yan, who was wearing a cloak, handed the luggage, reins and tips to the hotel waiter, and then walked into the lobby on the first floor of the hotel with Sarah and Taff, who were also covered by cloaks.
The lobby was bustling with people, crowded with noisy mercenaries and adventurers. There were also some suspicious people sitting in the corner, selling useless amulets to the clear-eyed adventurers who looked like rookies.
This place is surprisingly similar to Thunder City.
Luo Yan found an inconspicuous seat at the bar and sat down, ordering a glass of local ale.
Just in the corner of the hotel, a bard was holding a lute-like instrument and began to sing with a mellow and slightly aged voice.
Come, faraway traveler, sit down beside me,
The fire will warm your weather-stained knees.
I will play the rhodes and sing for you. Singing the sorrow of the past,
Singing how the majestic tower was buried in the fire"
His fleet was once a mobile city-state on the sea,
Thousands of flags, kissing the salty waves
His king, wearing a golden crown, stands on the dragon's head and sings:
‘Behold mine! Authority, even the tides have fallen at my feet!"
Sparse cheers rang out in the hotel, and the noisy crowd stopped talking and cast curious glances at the bard.
The bard plucked the strings, saluted the people with his eyes, and then raised his voice, making his voice sound like a roaring fire in a fireplace.
"However, a crimson disaster star tore the velvet curtain of the night,
It was not a shooting star, but the angry eyes of the sky that opened.
Raindrops of fire fell from the sky with the smell of sulfur,
Burn every sail and every cable brightly! "
"The giant ship was wailing and broken into two pieces on the boiling sea,
Like a helpless beetle crushed by a giant!
The unsinkable legend, the majesty that made the ocean surrender,
All ended in the mighty flames, ended so hastily! ”
"The king's crown was broken into seven pieces and scattered on the charred soil.
People no longer sang the name of the Dragon God, because there was a new name worthy of their singing.
They built new high walls on the old ruins, and used rusty swords to divide new hatreds and borders."
"So, it's done. This cup of bitter ale, my friend,
Don’t mention the old dream that is gone forever.
Only the bard's song was left, singing in the cold wind! "
At the end of the song, there was a moment of silence in the tavern, and then warm applause broke out.
The bard stood up, smiled and bowed to everyone, while a young apprentice beside him cleverly carried an old hat and shuttled between the tables and chairs, asking for rewards from the guests.
· Copper coins were thrown into the hats by the guests casually. These adventurers who had a lot to eat and had no time to eat were the most in need of these small coins.
Luo Yan felt that the poet sang really well. The epic feeling and tragedy contained in the ballad were far beyond those of the careless love affairs compiled by the nobles of the Holy City.
He also smiled and took out a silver coin from his purse, flicked it with his fingers, and the silver coin drew a beautiful arc in the air and accurately fell into the apprentice's hat.
The young apprentice was so surprised that he couldn't open his mouth from ear to ear when he saw the shining silver coin. He quickly ran over and thanked Luo Yan profusely.
"Thank you! Sir! I wish you have a nice day!"
"You're welcome, can you tell me the name of this song?" Luo Yan nodded slightly and said politely.
"This is a ballad from the Kingdom of Rhodes, called "The Ballad of the Crimson Disaster Star". It is a barcarolle, taken from an ancient prophecy! Legend has it that the fiery red star covers the khaki star, and the battleship blocks the sky. It turned into ashes and sank into the white waves, and from then on the vast land entered a new era."
Looking at the huge reward of one silver coin, the apprentice said excitedly and almost forgot about his work.
It wasn't until a cough came that he hurried to the next table.
Unlike Luo Yan, who was smiling, Tafu, who was hiding in the shadow of the cloak, was so angry that he bared his teeth and wanted to eat everyone in the room.
Of course she recognized it. The song was clearly about the fall of the Holy Armored Dragon Kingdom, and that was the biggest embarrassment in her previous life when she was the "Dragon God Gutav"!
It's a pity——
Due to the "master's order", she could not speak in front of outsiders. She could only bury her little head deeply under the cloak and grind her teeth silently.
Luo Yan naturally saw her excitement.
He picked up the wine glass, gently pressed the restless little head under the cloak with his other hand, and comforted her with a smile.
"Why are you excited? It's not you they are singing about."
Tuff looked at him with doubtful eyes from the gap in her cloak, as if asking: "What is that?"
"Since it is a folk song from the Kingdom of Rhodes, it is of course the story of the Rhodes people themselves." Luo Yan did not answer this question directly, but took a sip of the fragrant ale and looked out the window at the unfamiliar land shrouded in wind and snow.
"All things today are actually yesterday's things, and also tomorrow's things."
The prosperity of the Holy City is built on vast poverty, just like the devil's extravagance is built on the scrawling of Goblins...and this is destined to be unsustainable.
Although a fire that burns everything may not change anything, when everyone is eager for this fire to come, it will happen.
Obviously, it was not an accident that I came to this world, including Lint Isaac, Gutav, and the bloodthirsty Chaos——
This is exactly the "people's thoughts" from the hearts of countless people who are eager for change.
Lint Isaac obviously guessed this, so he calculated that he would definitely come here.
As for Luo Yan himself.
That was of course discovered a long time ago.