Login with GoogleChapter 212: Margaret: Your Sister Exploded!
Actually, similar proposals like this have been brought up before, but within the community of immortality seekers, there are too many individuals driven by refined selfishness, and no one is willing to shoulder this blame.
Dear sir, the sacrifice you are making in doing so is too great!
Your Majesty, I simply wish to atone for my sins.
Nicole's eyes shimmered with a complex meaning that even the perceptive Na'aga Queen couldn't fully comprehend.
The Queen believed that the Holy Maiden's guilt referred to her defeat, while in reality, Nicole was regretting her past blind faith.
Since the gods have forsaken the Na'aga, there is no longer a need for them to worship the gods. Instead, in explaining the relationship between interpretation and divinity, let the church maximize its value as much as possible!
As long as the reputation of the church is tarnished first, causing the faithful to leave the church, the difficulty will naturally decrease significantly.
Simultaneously, by incorporating subordinate races into the battle, Nicole aims to regain the Empress's trust and achieve a better realization of the empire's strategy. It is a win-win situation and also part of Nicole and Roger's plan discussions.
Indeed, due to Nicole's proactive proposal to bear the blame, the shattered relationship between ruler and subject instantly healed.
The Queen truly lacks individuals like Nicole by her side, who wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to the party and the nation!
Within a few days, news was announced by the Na'aga Palace that the holy maiden Nicole was bestowed the position of governor for several neighboring provinces. She immediately departed from the capital city to assume her new post.
On the surface, this appears to be a promotion for Nicole, as she will have significant military and political authority there. However, in the eyes of the influential elites in Na'aga, this is a blatant demotion.
Typical of the struggles of a revered lady, the Saintess, her ambitions were thwarted and she was expelled from the power hub of Na'aga, left only to exert her remaining influence on the frontier.
Because those several provinces are territories of vassal races, the administrative orders of the Na'aga Empire have little effect there.
Nicole's aspiration to seize military and political power yielded no substantial grounds for her to grasp upon.
Throughout history, governors sent to that region have primarily served as mediators of interethnic conflicts, assuming the role of the Na'aga Empire's foremost line of defense in safeguarding the frontier.
Once the news had spread, the church promptly voiced stern protest, with numerous loyal believers taking to the streets in procession, appealing to the Queen to desist from vexing our esteemed Saintess.
However, the Queen exhibited unwavering resolve, to the extent of dispatching the Royal Knights to expel those believers back to their homes, thus engendering a volatile standoff between the faithful and the knights on the grand avenue of the capital city.
Finally, it was the Saintess Nicole herself who stepped forward, persuading those believers to return home, as she willingly complied with the orders of the Queen.
We have just experienced a failure, and for the sake of future happiness, each individual should shoulder greater responsibility. As the Saintess, I am no exception, and should bear even more.
Nicole, with great moral conviction, declared her position, deeply moving countless believers.
The Saintess has sacrificed so much for the sake of Nagas!
The believers, witnessing the weariness and helplessness on the face of the Saintess, vociferously expressed their indignation on her behalf. However, out of concern and fondness for her, they refrained from causing further trouble and returned home.
The Lady Saintess is so benevolent, she selflessly dedicates herself to the empire, enduring slander and being manipulated by the royal family. It's truly pitiful!
Nicole's performance greatly redeemed her reputation after the defeat, despite shouldering blame, her support rate not only remained intact, but even increased.
In the eyes of her supporters, the primary blame for this defeat lies with Cromwell, as the Saintess was merely tasked with cleaning up the mess.
How could a mere believer like her understand anything about warfare?
Don't blame our little fairy for losing, okay?
After a series of performances, no one doubted that this was actually a well-planned trap laid by Nicole and the Naga Empress to undermine the subjugated race.
Thus, Nicole, accompanied by the influence of the Church and a considerable number of exceptional military commanders, embarked on a journey to the border province where the subjugated race resided, in preparation to employ divine authority to compel those subjugates under the dominion of the Naga Queen.
The process is bound to be filled with bloodshed, yet Nicole, in order to fulfill Lord Roger's entrusted mission, is fearless!
"This is a test from the Lord!" she exclaimed, as she gazed at the lifelike Roger figurine in her arms, adorned with a resplendent military uniform and shimmering Roger medal, her eyes filled with determination and fervor.
...
...
With the temporary tranquility of the maritime nation, the domestic situation within the Green Vines Empire has also remained remarkably stable, propelling the entire nation into a discreet period of rapid development.
The nationwide wave of scientific research, led by the magicians, is advancing, as is the wave of entrepreneurial spirit among the people. It is enticing an increasing number of individuals with both strength and financial resources, thanks to its exceptionally high returns.
Especially for spellcasters, mastery of magic is equivalent to mastery of knowledge, enabling them to perceive the truths of the world . They possess an inherent advantage in research and development.
At this moment, the majority of spellcasters take a step back from the frontlines of adventure teams to engage in inventions and patents. The profits from these endeavors far exceed those gained from directly slaying goblin sorcerers.
The position once held by spellcasters is gradually being replaced by alchemical devices and various magical crystal-powered machinery that they themselves produce.
They offer stronger effects, at a lower cost, and can be used at one's own discretion, without the need to attend to those eccentric magisters. The adventurers are also extremely pleased with this development.
If one possesses hands to wield firearms along with etched ammunition, various magical damage and control effects can be inflicted upon the boss. Who would still long for a spellcaster.
It is precisely because of the growing productivity of the Green Vines Empire and its support that even though spellcasters have withdrawn from ordinary frontline battles, the combat capabilities of adventure parties, mercenary groups, and even the imperial army have actually increased rather than decreased.
As long as one has the financial means to purchase and carry sufficient magical weaponry, the endurance capability can also be greatly enhanced, you know~
Thus, a world of universal peace was achieved, with only the monsters getting injured!
Of course, technology is the primary force behind the entrepreneurial wave as it is not limited to the participation of spellcasters alone. Various skilled craftsmen from different professions, as well as business talents adept in management and sales, have also earned substantial profits in this thriving market.
A great era full of opportunities is unfolding.
While the Empire develops quietly, the entire world of Eternal night remains in turmoil.
There has always been deep enmity between nations, and the Green Vines Empire, the foremost threat on the surface, is gradually going incognito. The immediate manifestation of history's amnesic traits is evident.
Furthermore, at this time, there is a tireless little demon who persistently stirs up trouble in various guises, inciting conflicts in hotspots and disputed areas. Soon, many countries, either voluntarily or involuntarily, find themselves in a state of preparedness.
The small-scale conflicts at the border persist incessantly, while a full-scale war is being prepared and gathering strength.
The Terra Kingdom, goblin merchants, and smugglers provide a variety of military arms, bolstering the war resolve of kings, dukes, and nobles.
Peace is impossible, only war can bring more land, slaves, and glory, and only then can it prove unwavering devotion to the divine!
Regardless of whether it is for the great emperor or for the eradication of those despicable and filthy heretics, the restless scent of war grows increasingly potent, leading to a rapid rise in food and mineral prices in many countries.
The Imperial Ministry of Agriculture states that due to excessive allocation of resources and manpower, state-owned farms have produced several times more food than consumed, finally finding a proper means of disposal.
The Ministry of Industry immediately expressed that with the use of new mining golems, our production of various minerals has rapidly increased. Furthermore, the large-scale exploitation of underwater mineral deposits will also contribute significantly to maintaining stability in international commodity trade prices.
Moreover, it is precisely because of the Empire's status as a superpower and its ability to swiftly distribute various goods through multiple channels that the prices of essential war supplies have never reached an exorbitant level. This ensures that major powers maintain the confidence to wage prolonged wars.
Victory shall surely belong to me!
Thus, the entire world resounded with a thunderous roar.
Your Majesty has praised me once again! I am truly the most trustworthy little demon! Even the beckoning cat cannot outearn me!
At the Maotai Villa, Margaret proudly wagged her tail while having breakfast with Roger, taking the opportunity to show off her recent work achievements.
The occurrence of these battles is inseparable from her instigation and fueling.
Simultaneously, through the channels established by the nightingales, she engaged in trading of weapons, steel, and other commodities, thereby earning the empire an abundance of gold coins.
As the major powers spent their way through the arms race, they realized that once the fighting began, their opponents' weaponry and supply reserves were on par with their own, prompting them to escalate their efforts and further acquire additional equipment.
The empire's biggest arms dealer behind the scenes naturally amassed great wealth.
Roger could sense Margaret's happiness. The world of fans is indeed so pure. He smiled and said, "Yes, yes, no one understands warfare better than you!"
Indeed, can Angelina accomplish that?
Margaret puffed up her chest and frantically banged the bowl.
Add chicken legs, and by the way, zip it.
Roger slipped a chicken leg into her bowl, making a gesture of dismissing a beggar.
Tsk, a fan of the inferior sister!
Margaret also gave him a disdainful glance and made a grimace.
Just don't say it, alright!
However, she had also grown accustomed to the feeling of having breakfast with her "younger siblings", occasionally arguing, occasionally praising the queen, occasionally plotting together, which made her life much livelier than being alone.
Soon, the meal was finished, and Margaret tidied up the table briefly, bade farewell, and left Maotai Manor.
At the entrance of the manor, as Angelina alighted from the carriage, she immediately caught sight of Margaret emerging from her brother's house.
"What brings you here, Lord Zuo?" Angelina's pupils contracted in an instant as she stared at him attentively.
This fellow actually proposed to the Majesty to kill her own brother, yet now he is appearing at Roger's house. In her eyes, it naturally arouses suspicion of being "sneaky and secretive".
After the implementation of the Five-Year Plan, the Empire flourished, numerous emerging industries emerged, and the allocation of various resources and the flow of wealth were several times higher than before. Angelina, who held the title of Empire's Grand Steward and was in charge of internal affairs, naturally became extremely busy.
So, the communication between the siblings became limited. Aside from formal exchanges on matters of state and exchanging pleasantries, she had not yet had the opportunity to grasp the relationship between Roger and Margaret.
Inevitably, the tone in Angelina's voice conveyed a sense of interrogation.
Suddenly, Margaret became furious.
Despite Roger's enlightenment, she understood that the key to gaining the favor of the Eternal Night Empress didn't lie in surpassing the Blue-Haired Holy Mother or actively seeking confrontation.
But after years of hostility between them, coupled with personality differences, she naturally had no affection for the Blue-Haired Holy Mother.
As Margaret cheerfully left, she was suddenly questioned and doubted for no reason. She immediately let out a cold laugh and said, "The front door is open here, so why can't I come?"
Angelina furrowed her brow instantly.
You shouldn't speak with such an attitude, it's rather uninteresting.
Heh, the way you speak in such a manner is truly interesting!
Margaret, explain to me clearly, what exactly is the purpose of you coming to see my younger brother?
Apologies, but due to military confidentiality, I cannot answer. That's roughly the gist of it~
Angelina was rendered speechless by the choke, she took a deep breath, another deep breath, and composed herself, then with a noble tone, she derisively spoke:
If you are unable to manage the military properly and constantly seek assistance from Ajie, I suggest you simply hand over the position of the Prime Minister to him, instead of coming to his home to disturb him. This place doesn't welcome your visit.
Please, this is not the Charles Mansion, but the Maotai Manor, isn't it? You are not the owner here, so why do you have the right to stop me from coming?
I am his older sister!
"How does being an older sister give you the right to control your younger brother's entire life?" Margaret sarcastically glanced at Angelina, then leaned in closer and whispered, "Setting aside the fact that he's an adult now, oh, you who are infatuated with your brother, do you truly understand your own brother? Do you know what we've done between us?"
The expression of the little devil was quite smug and proud.
It refers to the underwater mischief caused by two individuals, which instigated the ongoing conflict among the major powers at this moment.
What reason is there not to take pride in this grand conspiracy that has been praised and endorsed by His Majesty?
From Angelina's perspective, a demon she despised, with despicable methods and a willingness to go to any lengths, arrogantly asked, "Do you know what your brother and I have done…"
Uncontrollably, her facial expression drastically changed, quickly turning pale and defeated!
Ajie, don't!
More importantly, she truly had a persistent lack of understanding concerning Roger's concerns.
This is Angelina's sore spot and hidden worry, now being blatantly pointed out by her archenemy, and that kind of thing happened...
Angelina's state of mind exploded!
She pointed at the little demon with an inflated sense of anger, calling out their name directly:
Margaret, I never expected you to be such a shameless person! Manipulating tactics like these!
Indeed, I excel at these methods, but it's a pity that some people fall for it~
Margaret spoke of sowing discord among the great powers, but Angelina interpreted it as confirming her role in enticing Roger and manipulating people's hearts.
This little demon feels no shame, but instead takes pride in it. Angelina clenched her fist tightly, if it wasn't for being unable to overpower them, she would have personally subdued this beast!
You, you, you... impressive, cunning methods. I may not be able to control you, but can you control my younger brother? As long as I am alive, you can forget about stepping foot into the Charles family!
Angelina, pointing at Margaret, who is usually eloquent and articulate, stuttered as she spoke.
Regarding such matters, it is a mutual affection between a man and a woman, and both individuals are unmarried. Not to mention being an elder sister, even a biological mother seems to have limited grounds to criticize the woman involved.
Once again, this is Maotai Manor. Can you, as the Duke of Charles, truly assert authority over another Duke of Charles?
Margaret had a look of "you're going to make me laugh to death."
Angelina stared at her, taking note of her triumphant expression, and without saying a word, turned around and entered Maotai Manor.
Upon seeing her leave like that, Margaret burst into a triumphant laughter, placing her hands on her hips, in a manner never seen before.
Oh my, in my lifetime, I managed to provoke the Blue-haired Virgin Mary to the point where she completely lost her aristocratic grace.
How amusing, satisfying, and absolutely delightful!
Such an enjoyable matter, I must discuss it with Roger... Oh, wait a moment?
The Blue-haired Virgin Mary, she's Roger's sister, and now she's going to deal with Roger!
He's really attached to his sister. I wonder if he'll be angry when he finds out that I've upset his sister like this?
Oh my, younger siblings can be so frightening...
After all, my younger sibling has helped me with so many things, yet I have caused trouble for them. How should I handle this?
Shall I go stop Angelina and comfort her a little?
Seemingly impossible, the Blue-haired Virgin Mary has already shown clear signs of avoiding me. I will only make her more explosive.
Margaret does have this level of self-awareness.
Never mind, let me inform Roger first, so that even if I make a mistake, it will appear slightly less severe.
Margaret took out the simulated soul bracelet and sent a message, "Sir Roger, when I just stepped out, I ran into your sister and had a brief conversation. It seems that she misunderstood something, and then she became furious (✖人✖)."
Roger: ???
My sister, who has such a good temperament, got angry?
Are you really not picking a fight?
Before I could fully analyze this message, a maid came to report, "Master, Lady Angelina requests an audience."
