My wife is an immortal black snake.

Page 237

Chapter 153

......

At 8:12 AM on December 11th.

After a period of rest and recuperation in the border area.

While Margarita was still busy preparing the delicious prey to bring to Sanae, Mr. Yang Hao's team arrived at the border region of Kazdel with the 20 mobile city ships, where they were warmly welcomed by Ms. Therese, CEO of Umbrella Security Company, and the Sarkaz Royal Court.

"—Welcome, teacher." Therese addressed Yang Hao this way in front of everyone, which was, in a sense, a way for her to promote her political standing, and most importantly, Yang Hao did not object. "I am very happy that you have brought us such a great gift, especially from [Kasimir]."

This was yet another of Therese's political maneuvers—her Ursus teacher had brought her the mobile city of Kazimir, and what could better prove that Kazdel had two powerful nations backing it up? Of course not. And equally importantly—Yang Hao showed no opposition whatsoever.

Faced with his student's attempt to take advantage of him, Yang Hao thought to himself, "She's just like me when I first came to Ursus and tried to take advantage of everything," while under the surprised gazes of Therese and the other Kazdel greeters, he gently hugged his student and patted her back lightly.

"—I've brought more than just gifts. These things come at a price. There's no such thing as a free lunch, my student." He spoke in a loud, deep voice, then lowered his voice and whispered in Therese's ear, "And don't forget... the things about the Gallo Empire, and our secrets."

“...I remember it very clearly, teacher.” Therese paused for a moment, then followed suit, gently patting his shoulder and smiling, “But before that, shouldn’t we take some political action?”

"Of course. Let's leave it at that."

The teacher and student ended their embrace. Afterwards, because Yang Hao currently lacked suitable guards, he personally led Therese and her team, under the protection of a group of Templar Knights, to the vacant urban areas behind the landship to inspect their condition.

“I hope that Kazdel officials are also here—after all, Therese, you are now the CEO and top director of Umbrella Security, but the district I'm dealing with only deals with the Kazdel government, and I hope you understand that.”

“Of course, I have brought representatives from the Kazdel royal court and... my sister’s representative with me. They are currently inspecting the quality of the goods you brought—but I have a question.”

"Ok?"

"What...are they doing over there?"

In one of the most outlying vacant districts, Therese pointed to the scenery not far away—Yang Hao looked in the direction she was pointing and saw Margarita, who was processing a large pile of huge prey carcasses, along with her teacher.

Lady Northumberna seemed to notice his gaze. After licking her lips and lip-reading to indicate that Margarita hadn't found anything, she continued helping her apprentice dismember the body—the prey Margarita had brought back was simply too large, and far too many. They estimated they wouldn't be able to finish their work until the day after tomorrow. Fortunately, the Kazdel people would probably need about two weeks to take over these districts.

"...For now, it's two of my closest confidants who are dealing with their prey," Mr. Yang Hao said with a somewhat embarrassed smile. "Don't worry about it, they'll take care of it before you take over the city. More important than this..."

"Are you asking about the people from the royal court and my sister?"

"I suppose so. I need to figure out what the situation is like in Kazdel right now—after all, we're facing the ruins of the Gallic Empire, and the psionic entities on them require us to unite to fight them."

"Really? But my prospector says those slow-moving crystals can't be dealt with using Originium Arts at all."

"Because what we need is physical destruction, not Originium Arts."

"I see... Shall I introduce myself?"

"Just tell me directly. I'll let them know when the actual meeting takes place."

"alright."

Therese shrugged. While the representatives of the Royal Court and her sister were busy inspecting and writing reports, and her own people were marveling at the spaciousness and high quality of the mobile cities, even starting to discuss how many Sarkaz could be accommodated in these districts... she talked to Yang Hao about the three factions in Kazdel.

One is her Umbrella Security Company—although it is a "new force" in Kazdel, considering that it was actually established by Therese with her own team and talents from the Kazdel Military Council, and supported by a certain Ursus lord... in a sense, it is the most competitive faction in the Kazdel region.

The second is the "legitimate royal family" represented by her sister Theresa—which is now the legitimate government of the Kazdel region.

“I can’t really tell her what to do. Although my sister and I have a big disagreement about something, at least for now, I think our relationship is pretty good, at least not to the point of falling out.” That’s how Therese described her relationship with her sister, but when she talked about “that thing,” she still showed a helpless expression: “It’s... a difference in ideology, teacher. She hopes to restore the Sarkaz to a nation through peaceful means.”

"But the truth is, being a pacifist requires you to have a strong military and a terrifying deterrent as support—otherwise, what if Kazdel were suddenly established as a nation by a pacifist without my knowledge? Haha..."

What would you do?

"Kazdel will still exist, but the people on it? They might become Ursus."

"Haha...I knew it."

Kazdel's current Demon King's ideas are incomprehensible to Yang Hao: after all, to be honest, he is also a pacifist, but isn't the premise of being a pacifist to have the confidence and foundation to nuke the whole world?

When you advocate pacifism, what you need first and foremost is the military force to bring peace to the world. If a nation is truly to be formed through peaceful means—and this isn't Yang Hao trying to deny anything, it's simply the truth—everyone will only recognize pacifism championed by the nation with the strongest military.

Otherwise... [Your fists are weak and powerless, and you love peace so much, so why not just surrender, let me take your resources, and then your country can continue to live in peace?] This is what most of the surrounding countries are thinking.

Ideally, a government should be both idealistic and practical—but for now, Kazdel's orthodox government leans towards the idealistic side. Alas, let's hope they'll be woken up by the harsh realities and become a little more practical.

Having a peaceful ideal hundreds of years in the future is a good thing, but if this ideal leads to the destruction of your country a few decades later, then this idealism is meaningless.

"Besides that? What... the Court of Kings?"

"That's a bit complicated. Basically, it's a council formed by several ancient and noble Sarkaz tribes that elect representatives to participate in political discussions. They influence my sister's and my actions to some extent—especially when it comes to the Kazdel region."

"Oh?"

"But generally speaking, they represent the interests of the nobles of Kazdel. However, there are many different factions among them, which I cannot explain to you here."

"Oh, I see—then let's keep wandering around."

As for the Royal Court of Kazdel—from Yang Hao's current understanding—it should be a group of "bloodline nobles" who have obtained some kind of legitimacy through their bloodline, and they can greatly influence Kazdel's current policies... um, what was that parliamentary faction again?

Yang Hao could roughly understand how these noble bloodlines operated, but considering that most "noble" bloodlines inevitably involved inbreeding... well... presumably, the number of these noble Sarkaz people must be very small, right?

Just like the Blood Demons—whose numbers have always been small, at least compared to ordinary Sarkaz—the same applies to these noble bloodlines. So, can we simply eliminate them to prevent them from causing trouble?

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear—Yang Hao sighed suddenly, thinking to himself, how could he have treated Kazdel like his own home?

No matter what, this is my students' place, so it's best not to interfere—just sit back and collect the money.

After making up his mind, Yang Hao realized that he had unknowingly gone in circles with Therese and returned to where they started.

Looking up, Yang Hao saw that the representatives had almost finished inspecting the city. Their notebooks were mostly filled with notes. Feeling it was about time, Yang Hao said to Therese:

"That's enough for now. You all go back first, and I'll have a formal meeting after I get there."

"Of course. But teacher, I have a question."

"explain."

What's the problem? Mr. Yang Hao shook his head, thinking that as long as it wasn't something particularly strange or confidential, he could solve it.

In response to Mr. Yang Hao's shaking of his head, Therese simply smiled:

"Yes, regarding those guests from Yan Country—I recently received information that they seem to be trying to prevent me from contacting you..."

"—However, I have no idea what their main purpose is in coming here. That's all."

"Hehe. Is it okay if I reply to them with that?"

"...Tsk tsk."

"That wretched Sarkaz." Yang Hao sighed heavily, deciding to take back his words.

"So, how should I interpret their attitude?"

"Just think of them as a foreign delegation that's here to meet me and then make some handovers with you on the way. Sigh, my personal advice is not to make contact with them casually—it seems that the Yan people don't really like interacting with other countries these days."

"Ok?"

"They've been isolating themselves for too long. Have you seen any Yan people have had contact with anyone outside of Dongguo recently? If you had to name one, it would probably be Ursus—and that was due to an accident."

"I understand accidents."

"...This is something we must resolve between us."

"Of course, I will handle this properly with you."

Sigh! I hope this rather private meeting won't give me a headache.

Mr. Yang Hao ended this informal meeting with a sigh.

After Lady Therese and her people and representatives left, the Ursus officially entered the borders of Kazdel and began moving toward the surface cities of Kazdel.

Along the way, the soldiers kept reporting that many foreigners were observing their movements from a distance. It wasn't just the soldiers reporting; Karina, who served as their secretary, also frequently mentioned that external communications were attempting to contact them while she was conducting her own research.

"I received the communications, using your name, Your Majesty—well, the senders included Victorians, Letanians, and... in short, people from many countries and factions are contacting us. They are asking why we brought these things into Kazdel."

Karina's description brought Mr. Yang Hao, who was lying on the sofa reminiscing about Ms. Northumbria, back to his senses. He muttered to himself, "Probably those guys who can't stand to see the Sarkaz doing well are trying to find a way to prevent them from gaining support," as he got up from the sofa, walked behind Karina, and pulled her, who was blushing but already used to Yang Hao's rough methods, onto his lap and sat her down.

"Reply to them—Ursus is establishing diplomatic relations with Kazdel. Not only Ursus, but also Kazimir. Also, let them know that the Yan Kingdom's envoy is in Kazdel."

"Yes, I understand. But, Mr. Yang Hao? That..."

"Don't you like it?"

"...I really like it. But I really can't work like this. How about...we come again when we're alone and have some free time, okay?"

Karina is not like Koschei. If Koschei is the kind of wicked woman who, even in her busy schedule, doesn't forget to make her husband pale, then Karina is the kind of capable, aristocratic young woman who knows when to work and when to be private.

Yang Hao liked it too, but Karina, Karina, what are you implying? Although I don't mind either, once we get to Kazdel, we'll probably have very little free time alone...

"Aren't you going to take a break?" Mr. Yang Hao rubbed Karina's cheek. Then, amidst Ms. Karina's playful scolding, she temporarily put down her work, closed her eyes, smiled, and leaned against him, enjoying the hard-won peace and excitement.

Chapter 154

At 10:30 a.m. on December 11.

When the Ursus landships and the mobile city of Kazimir officially docked near the land city of Kazdel, Yang Hao, accompanied by ample guards and Karina, prepared to head to the city to formally meet with the legitimate government officials of Kazdel.

However, before heading to the city, Ms. Northumber and Margarita temporarily put aside their work and rushed over.

"—In short, Margarita said she's worried about you out there." Lady Northumen patted Margarita's hair as she spoke, the guilt in her eyes still lingering. But... what's done is done, there's no use in feeling guilty anymore. It's better to think about how to make amends... "So I'll accompany you to the Court of Kings and Kazdel Palace later. Otherwise, you probably won't be able to figure out what the representatives of the Court of Kings will say."

"...That's troublesome. But Margarita—"

"I'm fine~ I'll process the game and take it to Sanae. Sanae isn't far from here, you know?"

The implication was that if anything happened to Yang Hao, Margarita would have Sanae wreak havoc in Kazdel's city. However, Yang Hao felt that nothing would happen to him, so after guiltily rubbing the forehead of the innocent Margarita who was completely unaware of what had happened, Mr. Yang Hao led everyone on their way.

Along the way, under Miss Karina's strange gaze, Ms. Northon described to Mr. Yang Hao the past situation of the lower and middle classes in Kazdel.

"Simply put, as a place that has been founded and destroyed, and then rebuilt again, the Sarkaz people now place great importance on the concept of 'nation'."

"Is that so? I can think of it... After all, it is a people without a homeland, a people who long to have a homeland again."

"I suppose so. But to be honest, whether Kazdel can be established is also a very important matter for the Sarkaz outside."

"Oh?"

“Every Tikkaz wants a home.”

On the way, Ms. Norsen left Yang Hao with a meaningful sentence: "Tikaz... Sarkaz people all want a home."

This could be a political point that Yang Hao could use later—if the Sarkaz people all want a home, doesn't that mean... they're willing to pay any price for it? If it could really be achieved, wouldn't it be worth changing the government and removing the Demon King's legacy?

Um...

Mr. Yang Hao is a thoughtful thinker who makes bold decisions.

Meanwhile, Lady Northrend was also surveying the city streets of Kazdel. When she saw that most of the street vendors were selling goods made in Ursus, the elderly Blood Demon sighed softly to herself: It seems that Kazdel becoming a vassal state or even a protectorate of Ursus is a foregone conclusion.

But let it be—at least this "vassal" isn't a vassal in name only; Kazdel still has autonomy. It's just that Ms. Therese might suffer the consequences later.

Thankfully, Therese isn't a Blood Demon. Ms. Northum thought to herself, at least that CEO wouldn't sell herself out unconditionally just because she's addicted to drinking blood...sigh.

“By the way, Ms. Northumber—actually, I have a question.”

"Hmm? What's the problem?"

"Well—based on what I've seen and heard so far..." Mr. Yang Hao looked out the car window, his expression serious, as if he were pondering something deeply. "The Sarkaz people of Kazdel... the vast majority of them probably don't have the means to live a good life, right?"

"...Yes, is there a problem?"

"If, and I mean if—if I could make Kazdel better, do you think the Sarkaz would be willing to pledge their loyalty to us?"

"...Alas, Mr. Yang Hao, you are currently only the [King of Ursus], and have no official relationship with Kazdel."

"Haha."

But to be honest, if Ms. Northumberon were to seriously consider this... really, if Mr. Yang Hao could truly help Kazdel establish itself as a nation and make it better—no, not really...

The fact that he's brought 20 mobile districts to Kazdel alone is enough to make him a lifelong friend of the Sarkaz—in fact, he's already secured the loyalty of a large portion of them. Without antagonizing Kazdel, some Sarkaz would certainly be willing to join Ursus...

so...

Perhaps it really is possible? Hmm... In the future, the Demon King and the Royal Court will just be symbols, and all the Sarkaz will only be loyal to Ursus or something... It seems like it really is possible?

After all, the so-called "bloodline" and "Demon King's legacy" are all empty words. People only care about whether they can live well and comfortably. As long as people can have enough to eat, live well, and have a happy life, they don't really care whether the one ruling over them is a Sarkaz or an Ursus.

Everyone is very realistic.

So after pondering for a while, Ms. Northumen just sighed and said that if Yang Hao could really make Kazdel better, perhaps some Sarkaz people would be willing to swear an oath to him directly?

"That would be best. To be honest... if Kazdel clashes with my rule, I really don't want that conflict to turn into a bloodbath."

"Bloodshed? Haha... I'm not saying this to be mean, but it's practically a done deal for Ursus to wipe out Kazdel now—more importantly, how do you plan to meet our Demon King next?"