"There are now 400,000 patients in Constantinople who have been contaminated by the demonic plague, and there are still about 900,000 people. We are almost extinct, but the demonic plague demons are not doing well either.
According to our statistics, their number has dropped from tens of thousands to less than thirty.
But the remaining thirty demons still have the strength to fight us to the death. We can kill them completely, but then we will suffer heavy casualties due to the attack of a large number of "larvae" and "juveniles". "
"We are in a stalemate with the demons. The demons are forced to take to the battlefield even as larvae. We are also forced to let the children who just turned 16 wear their fathers' equipment and fight to the death with us..."
"Now the moss and earthworms around Constantinople are almost eaten up. Although we have planted a lot of mushrooms through magic technology, mushrooms have been frequently consuming the magic power under the entire continent... And according to our speculation, if the magic power continues to be consumed, it is estimated that the magic power on the surface will gradually be drained..."
"Under such circumstances, our people can't even get enough to eat. Apart from the soldiers, the only people who get slightly more food rations are workers and laborers, and this is also true for the nobles..."
Lucas' explanation was like a heavy hammer hitting Theresa's heart.
She kept saying that she hated and resisted the Bayerjans Empire, but in reality, it was just lip service.
Just like many people always complain about how strict their parents are to them when they are outside, and even scold them when they are on top of their heads.
But if one day someone says that something has happened to their parents, these children will be the first to abandon their work and studies and rush home.
Theresa was genuinely proud of the sacrifices her country had made, disdained the barbarians' betrayal and degradation, and was happy for the survival of her elven allies. As a result, she was saddened by the plight of her people.
Her heart was like being shattered, throbbing with pain. Constantinople, known as the Queen of Cities, had a population of more than 20 million, but after thousands of years of war, it had only less than 1 million people left, and many of them were even corrupted by the demonic disaster.
Although Theresa had never seen the demonic plague with her own eyes, she had learned from the ancient books left by her parents that as long as one was infected with the plague of the demonic plague and became a "corrupted" being, it was only a matter of time before one was assimilated into a demon.
Although the elves' healing skills can not only regenerate broken limbs and magical organs, but also save people contaminated by magical disasters - but the prerequisite is that the injured must be in an area within the elves' reach and with sufficient magic power.
The magic power underground has been almost drained, and the underground of the Bayerjans Empire is not a place where elves can enter on a large scale.
In other words, these 400,000 patients will be assimilated into the latter of the two, the more respectable, between the devil and death, in less than a month at the earliest, and some may even survive for a year or two at the latest.
A full 400,000 people, a full 400,000 citizens of the motherland will die in the endless war underground.
This made Theresa's heart tighten like an invisible hand. She could feel her excitement and desire to go underground immediately to be with the people of her motherland, but she also understood that this was an extremely heavy pressure.
It was a heavy burden. The entire country placed its last hope on the shoulders of a nun who had never done any similar work.
In a sense, Theresa realized that she was experiencing everything that the saint had experienced.
The difference is that the saint chose to lock herself underground.
What should I do on my side
Lucas seemed to mistake the calmness on Princess Purple's face as urging him to continue.
He took the opportunity to describe the current situation of the Bayerjans Empire.
The Bayerjans Empire no longer had its original two major organizations, the youth army and the middle-aged army.
In order to fight against the demons, they switched to a "conscription system" early on. All of their adults of military age must join the army, and once they join, most of them will never come back.
Four hundred years ago, the age of enlistment in the military was 25. Half a year ago, the age of enlistment was already 16, and it was getting younger.
In contrast, the demons also used the last of their strength - they even sent newly hatched larvae to the battlefield, similar to how humans put babies in catapults and threw them out as ammunition.
In a sense, the demon was already at an absolute disadvantage, with half of its body lying in the grave like a corpse, but the Bayer Zans Empire was also lying on the operating table, with its heartbeat indicator shaky and the possibility of sudden death at any time.
Without any support, no matter which side intends to go further, they will be directly destroyed by the opponent's counterattack.
As both sides dared not act rashly and could only continue to consume each other's flesh and blood as in ancient times, both demons and humans developed new systems.
The "rationing system" and "conscripts" on the Bayer's side are the products of war, and the demons are even more straightforward in practicing "survival of the fittest". Only the strongest larvae with the greatest potential to transform into demons are eligible to enjoy the food.
The miserable current situation of the two underground forces made the elves look at them with awe. Hearing this, Theresa, whose hands were shaking uncontrollably, was already showing signs of collapse.
On one side is the motherland that is in imminent danger, on the other side is the heavy pressure that is like deep darkness, and on the other side... it is a small happiness that is so close at hand that I can grab it by just reaching out my hand.
She turned her head and looked at the Regent beside her. The nun knew that as long as she asked him for help, as long as she reached out to him, she could break free from the burden and pressure of her motherland.
I can also continue to strengthen the religious belief that has already expanded among the demon group as a nun of the Church of Light. I can still pave the way with the power given to me by "Light" before it awakens. I still have the possibility of standing beside him and supporting each other...
But Theresa couldn't speak.
Because once she opens her mouth, it will determine the future of millions of people, and decide whether they live or die.
She couldn't even show any expression of weakness, disgust, anger or even excitement, because her emotions would be mistaken by the flag-bearing officer below as some kind of signal.
The heavy pressure had caused her mind to become a little dazed - at this moment, she suddenly understood that perhaps the saint did not choose to lock herself up underground simply out of spite.
Such a heavy pressure... Is it Yang Hao, Fen, the late emperor, and the bondage that his parents shouldered all the time and could never get rid of
What should I do? What should I do? What should I say? I... I want to save them. But, but how should I do it
Am I qualified to drag the elves into the water? Am I qualified to let them take more responsibility because of my incompetence? Am I qualified to... save my people? Can I still pursue my little happiness
Can I live my own life as "Theresa" instead of "Theresa of Justinian II"
I... Can I still act like a spoiled child to him as a "lover" instead of "Barcelona"? I... Will I end up being the person he hates the most and the one who betrayed him
All sorts of contradictory and complex emotions intertwined in Theresa's heart, like a horse running around but dragging on the rope, tightening and tearing her heart.
She was just a nun, and she had never made such a decision or choice that would affect the lives of millions of people before... She was at a loss, but didn't know what to do.
Time passed by every second.
Just when Theresa was on the verge of collapse and was about to be unable to hide the pain in her heart and was about to expose her failure.
Yang Hao, who was beside her, took a step forward and gently placed his hand on Theresa's right shoulder.
The anxiety in my heart suddenly subsided, and the pressure began to shift from my shoulders - perhaps this is the courage given by my lover.
Theresa looked up slightly. Although she was still afraid in her heart, she knew that Yang Hao would handle this mess for her.
This was the first time Theresa had caused trouble for Yang Hao. She sighed bitterly in her heart, while Yang Hao calmly spoke to the Bayerzans:
"Guests of Bayerjans, please give Princess Purple some time to think. This is not a major matter that can be understood and decided with just a few words. As veterans, you should also know that making rash decisions on major issues is no different from asking soldiers to commit suicide.
Not only that, but Gapparia also needs time to prepare. So why not take a break today and give us a response within two days after we learn more? "
The Byzantines seemed to be wondering why a man was speaking on behalf of their purple princess.
But seeing the trusting expression of the Purple Princess and his hand on the princess' shoulder, the Bayerjans people still bowed their heads in obedience.
Just like that, this morning's audience ended. Before leaving, Yang Hao asked Qinna to contact the Bayerjans and said that he would meet him later.
Then, he led Theresa and Fen out the back door of the audience hall. Theresa needed to rest now. She had worked very hard. Very hard.
On the other side, Black Dragonia left the audience hall while being examined by the elves.
She admitted that she was very surprised at first about Yang Hao's current status - but when she realized that Yang Hao was in a sense the dominant force over the princess of the Bayerjans Empire, she knew that she needed to adjust all priorities regarding Yang Hao again.
If at the beginning, Nia was still at the stage of "using any means necessary to bring him back", then now, Nia is thinking of "sending herself over if there is no way to bring him back".
After all, this man is so valuable that he has not only been the regent of the Roman Empire, but is now the regent of Caparia and even the regent of the Bayerzas Empire... Uh? Is this considered a regent who marries into the wife's family
All in all, such a capable man is worthy of Ishgard devoting a lot of resources to him.
As expected, we still have to ask Miss President to come over and use her charm once.
Nia muttered to herself, and after leaving the Green Courtyard as quickly as possible, she felt that the road ahead in Isgard was now clear.
…
The lounge behind the audience hall was originally a quiet room that belonged only to Fen.
Theresa's sobbing was particularly abrupt in the quiet room.
"I'm sorry... but... I really... don't know what to do."
Theresa sobbed, tightly grasping Yang Hao's clothes. The moment she entered here, she almost vomited because of the sudden relaxation. If Finn hadn't cast a refreshing elf magic for her to suppress the acid flowing from her stomach, she might have been too tired to say a word.
Yang Hao gently patted her back to comfort her. At this time, Fen said with emotion:
"This is normal. After all, you have never received any actual audience work. When I was a little girl, my parents asked me to walk around the palace. I got used to the atmosphere of the audience hall and the people treating me as their greatest hope. That's why I can adapt to life in the Elf King's court.
But Theresa, this is your first time facing such a situation. It is indeed too difficult for you to decide the life and death of millions of people for the first time..."
Finn understood Theresa's anxiety and pain, and also understood the pressure she was under. This was a process that everyone who was destined to ascend to the throne needed to adapt to.
It's just that Theresa's luck is really not that good. To use a simple and easy-to-understand analogy, it's like a child of a former big entrepreneur who studied mathematics in the village, and one day he was directly faced with the task of taking the advanced mathematics exam with countless young people who graduated from universities in the capital, which determines the work and life of hundreds of thousands of people.
She didn't even have a chance to adjust. It was her first time facing such a big scene, and not vomiting was already a performance of her best efforts.
Just as Finn was comforting Theresa, Yang Hao suddenly spoke up:
"Actually, the more important reason is that Theresa wants to save those people. The millions of people left underground."
If Finn only paid attention to Theresa's superficial nervousness, then Yang Hao discovered the deepest part of Theresa's uneasiness, which was actually her constant transformation between choices.
A moment ago, Theresa was the purple princess who hoped to save the people of Bayerjans from suffering and reappear on the ground.
The next moment, Teresa is Mother Teresa who hopes to abandon everything and live a quiet life with herself.
In the end, she was still a helpless child who had no idea what to do and could only rely on others.
Yang Hao stroked the girl's hair with heartache as she stiffened because of his words.
He kissed Theresa's forehead. No matter how jealous Fen on the other side looked at him, he just wanted to comfort his girl at this moment.
He then decided to support Theresa.
"But, Theresa. I'm not denying your idea by saying this. I just want you to... make a decision you won't regret, okay?"
"I know you must be hesitant now about whether you should accept the loyalty of the Bayerjans, whether you should stand up and save those poor people, and whether you should become the Queen of the Bayerjans Empire. I also know that you also want to live a peaceful life, the life of a nun.
But I don't want you to regret your choice. Even if you regret it, I hope you can do what will make you least uncomfortable at this stage and what you want to do most in your heart.
Theresa, don’t think about my feelings. Think about yourself, only yourself, okay?”
Hearing this, Theresa sniffed, then looked at Yang Hao with red eyes from crying:
“But I can’t help but consider you, stupid dog… You know I’m stupid and dumb, and I can’t do a good job in governing the Bayerjans Empire.
Even if I want to save them, I still need to study the relevant subjects... But can they wait until I finish my studies and come back? In the end, won't I still have to ask you for help? In this case, how cruel can I be to not consider your feelings! "
"It's okay, Theresa."
"But the Bayerjans will not recognize you! They... they will not recognize anyone other than the royal family in power. I know them..."
"Then why don't I become a royal? Theresa, let's hold a wedding in the capital of Bayerjans after the restoration of the country. In this way, I can help you as your husband and perform the duties of regent in both places at the same time, right?"
After hearing this, Theresa was stunned.
Yes! If that's the case, then there's really no need to worry about Yang Hao being an outsider in the Bayerzas Empire...
As long as he married me, then naturally, he would be a Bayerjansi, and he could make the Bayerjansi people accept his rule wholeheartedly. I could also work hard to improve myself with his help, until one day I could stand on my own...
But that's not what Theresa cares about.
Her eyes just turned red again. Looking at Yang Hao's serious face, and then at Fen's helpless expression, she shed tears:
"Are you really... willing to marry me?"
"I do. So Theresa, can you tell me what you think now?"
"I'm willing to do that... But... Is this really okay? You'll be very tired... I won't be able to make you feel at ease for a long time, okay?"
Theresa sniffed her sour nose. She already knew what Yang Hao would say, and she was just following the Bayer Empire's marriage proposal ceremony by asking this question. She knew him, and she believed in him.
Yang Hao just shrugged his shoulders and said, "I never expected you to make me feel completely at ease. How can I feel at ease with a girl who gets angry even in the most dangerous battlefield and stays by my side?"
Hearing this, Theresa was stunned. She angrily reached out and poked Yang Hao's shoulder and lower abdomen, and then she lay on him and cried softly because she couldn't hold back the urge to cry.
Fen was also stunned: What an unromantic man! At this time, shouldn't you say something romantic
Thinking that she might experience something like this in the future, the elf who pursued perfection and elegance shuddered subconsciously: she must make this man understand elegant social etiquette before Yang Hao and Theresa get married, otherwise if it really happened, she would definitely not have an easy life in the future.
As Finn sighed, Theresa finally faced her own heart.
She wanted to rescue her people. Even though she had never met them, she didn't think it was necessary for her people to continue living in misery underground.
After Theresa faced her inner self, Yang Hao and Fen felt much more relaxed.
Finn stayed there to do homework for Theresa, while Yang Hao secretly left the lounge and saw Qinna who had been waiting for a long time outside the door.
Qinna said that Mr. Lucas was already waiting in the reception room next door. What answer should they give now
"I will go there in person. If Theresa wants to restore her country, I will naturally fully support her. But before that, I need to confirm some things with Mr. Lucas."
"yes?"
"Weapons, equipment, demon weaknesses, the geographical location of the Bayerjans Empire after its restoration, winter food reserves - although the Elf Forest doesn't feel cold now, it's winter outside in December!
A city with a million people needs a lot of food to last a year... I have to understand their situation so I can prepare."
Now that Theresa has decided to restore the Bayer Jansas Empire, Yang Hao believes that as her full supporter, his current job is naturally to prepare for the restoration of the Bayer Jansas Empire.
Based on Lucas's previous statement, Yang Hao tentatively judged that Bayer Zans's decisive battle with the devil could not be separated from the assistance of the elves, and what he could mobilize included the demons' axemen who were still in training, the elves' riflemen, and various golems.