When Young Master Frank stormed back to the inn from the city hall, his father, Duke House, was having a private meeting with a senior official of the Black Dragon Territory.
After all, the people Ymir brought to participate in the construction of the new territory were all people from the Omar Imperial Capital, and almost all the officials knew Duke House.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty the Duke, what you just asked involves confidential projects in the territory. Please forgive me for my duty and cannot disclose them."
"It's okay, it's just a chat between old friends, don't be so formal. By the way, Minister Simpson, haven't you ever thought about going back to Omagh? I remember your family is still in the imperial capital. Now you have got all the benefits of your talents I can promise that if you are willing to go back, at least the Council of Elders will grant you the title of viscount..."
"Your Majesty, Duke, thank you for your kindness. But when I left the imperial capital with Her Royal Highness the Eldest Princess, I was already prepared to hand over my life to the new territory. Now the development of Black Dragon City is exactly when it needs people, and I don't I plan to leave. I think my family will understand me."
"Oh, that's such a shame."
"..."
Before coming to Black Dragon City, Grand Duke House obtained detailed information from territorial officials and selected a few familiar old faces.
This is also a test. He wants to see what the attitude of the "old officials" coming to Black Dragon City is towards their Omar Empire.
Before he was replaced, such a small official was not even qualified to sit at the same table and talk with him.
But after all, these are the members of the Ymir faction who were expelled from the imperial capital by the established aristocratic family. It is already good to have a few people who can give him face to meet.
After all, this time they came not just to establish diplomatic relations, but to find a way to gain control of the city from Ymir.
The attitude of these officials is particularly important.
Unexpectedly, things did not go well.
Simpson, the "Minister of the Urban Development Department of Black Dragon City", was once just an unlucky little official, the kind of "baron" who grabbed a lot of people in the Imperial Capital of Omar.
"Baronet" is not a formal noble, but a false title given to some capable subordinates by high-ranking nobles. Like a carrot hanging in front of a donkey's eyes, it can never be eaten.
In the Omar Empire, the status of such officials was very low, even inferior to ordinary knights.
In the past, the temptation of a viscount title was enough to make these petty officials who wanted to get into the aristocratic circle become furious and pledge their loyalty to the death.
Unexpectedly, facing the promise of a title, Grand Duke House actually saw a trace of disdain in Simpson's eyes
He was even more curious. What "benefits" did a newly-established territory give these people? How could they be so dedicated to their effectiveness and have such a strong sense of belonging
House Spencer is not stupid enough to be proud of his Duke status at this time.
He asked again: "Well... Minister Simpson, can you ask me one more question? I want to ask you what kind of person your Lord of Rennes is? What is his temperament?"
When talking about this topic, Simpson did not hide his admiration for Renn at all, saying: "Our city lord is a very talented and strategic lord. The system and strategic development direction of this city are almost all created by Renn. Even Her Royal Highness the Princess is full of praise for it. With the Lord of the City here, I believe that the future of the Black Dragon Territory will definitely get better and better... Since I am in charge of my duties, I will not stay any longer. Farewell."
"..."
After seeing off the visitors, Duke House's expression became serious.
This is completely different from the information in his intelligence.
Doesn't it mean that this "Ren" is just a city lord with no real power
Why do the few people I met have such great respect for this city lord who almost never participates in government affairs
Before House could think about it, his son Frank came back.
... ..
"Father, the method you mentioned may not work. That guy named Ren may really be Ymir's man!"
Frank's face was ugly, and he told what happened in the city hall before.
He made house calls, which was also the Spencer family's strategy.
They thought that since Black Dragon City is Ymir's territory, the best way to seize power is through marriage!
As long as you marry Ymir, you don't need to play any tricks at all. Whether it's the flying dragon army or the city management power... everything can be done at your fingertips.
Therefore, as the most handsome man in the Spencer family, Frank, who had some friendship with Ymir in the past, came.
But I didn't want to, but I was defeated.
"impossible"
After listening, Grand Duke House looked a little confused and said to himself: "According to my understanding of Ymir's character, she is a dreamer who is obsessed with the 'New Deal' and doesn't care about the love between her children. Otherwise, there are so many people in the imperial capital. Young Junyan, if she were to be tempted, she would have long..."
Suddenly, he thought of his previous conversations with several Black Dragon City officials, and his eyes flew.
"Hmph! Maybe she's just a bumbling bitch!"
Frank was still angry and spoke viciously.
If the "love rival" is another high-ranking noble, that's it, but he is still an unknown person. In his opinion, this was completely unacceptable and even felt inexplicably humiliating.
He turned to look at his father and asked, "Father, what should we do now?"
"I think the situation may not be that bad. What you saw was probably just what she did to show us... "
Grand Duke House narrowed his eyes slightly and expressed his thoughts.
He speculated: "It is impossible for Ymir not to know the significance of our visit. Now the two empires are blocking Black Dragon City. With the support of our Spencer family, as soon as the Omar border is lifted, the development of Black Dragon City will immediately It can take off. Maybe it can develop into the Third Reich in the next few years... A man as smart as Ymir will definitely not let this opportunity pass by."
Marriage among the top aristocrats has always represented an exchange of interests.
For people at his level, the relationship between men and women is not worth mentioning in the face of interests.
Thinking of this, Grand Duke House's eyes showed a glint, and said: "Besides, so what if it is true? I think that when it comes to the future of the territory, Ymir will make the right choice..."
After hearing this, Frank felt a little grudge, but he also understood what his father meant.
He thought for a while and then asked: "But... why did she do this? Do it to me?"
Among the top aristocrats, it is not uncommon for private lives to be chaotic. Before getting married, which of the famous ladies didn’t have three or five ambiguous lovers? Young masters and gentlemen, which one is not a veteran in the flower field
Their marriage is about the transfer of benefits, not true loyal love.
There was a glint in Grand Duke House's eyes: "Probably... just to add leverage for tomorrow's negotiations."
... ..
The next day, Ren, as the city lord, received the Omar visiting delegation.
In the magnificent conference hall, twenty or thirty officials from Black Dragon City and Omar sat on both sides.
Ren was sitting in the main seat, looking a little bored.
There are many ceremonial procedures to go through during a mission visit. After a long time of beeping, normal conversation began.
After all, that Grand Duke House is still Ymir's distant uncle. This time Omar sent him here, naturally he was playing the acquaintance card.
Ren also knew that Ymir called him here probably because of this relationship.
At first, the meeting was normal.
However, the atmosphere became less harmonious after one sentence.
Because at this time, an official from the Omar side said this.
"This time, on behalf of the 'sovereign nation', we congratulate His Highness Ymir on establishing the city territory... Of course, as usual, we also brought His Majesty's letter of appointment, appointing Kofi Spencer as the [Special Governor of the Black Dragon Territory]. Inspector]."
As soon as these words came out, the faces of the officials responsible for the negotiations in Black Dragon City changed slightly and became slightly gloomy.
The harmonious atmosphere in the council chamber just now suddenly dropped to freezing point due to these words.
No one said anything, and for a moment you could hear the needle drop.
The suzerain state means that if Black Dragon City recognizes it, it will be a vassal state of the Omar Empire.
If nothing else, at least it has no independent sovereignty.
For example, in addition to the lord, the Omar royal family will also arrange an "inspector" to participate in part of the territory management and directly represent the imperial power.
If this city is Ymir's private territory, there is nothing wrong with saying so.
To establish diplomatic relations, the other party must first recognize you as a "kingdom".
After all, Ymir is the eldest princess, and her territory is the "kingdom regulation." As long as Omar recognizes the legality of the territory, the city can establish diplomatic relations.
This is the premise.
But... Black Dragon City is not a private territory.
... ..
These words would make the atmosphere of the meeting tense, which was already expected by Duke House.
He is also testing Ymir's bottom line to see if she still misses Omar's old love.
This is a great move.
After all, Ymir belongs to the Omar royal family. Even if Black Dragon City is in full swing now, there is no way she can deny her bloodline!
If it is admitted that the Black Dragon Territory has become a vassal kingdom of Omar, then the role of this special "special inspector" will be great.
Even if the marriage fails by then, this move will be enough for them to slowly encroach on Black Dragon City's rights.
Looking at it now, the other party has nothing to say. It seems that he has acquiesced
At this time, Grand Duke House was almost certain. He smiled and said: "Your Highness Ymir, this time... I came to congratulate you on your Majesty's order. Your Majesty knows that you are in the Alcoron Mountains. A new territory has been established here, and I am very happy. I have been specifically asked to bring some capable officials and craftsmen to participate in the construction of the territory... "
His plan was originally very good, but as long as his own group of officials and craftsmen participated, half of the matter would be over.
"No... "
But before he finished speaking, Ymir interrupted him.
She said calmly: "Uncle House, I think you may have misunderstood."
House was stunned: "???"
Ymir's expression was very calm and he said calmly: "You are wrong. This Black Dragon Territory... is not my territory."
When House heard this, the words stuck in his throat suddenly became awkward.
Not only that, Omar's side was also surprised.
Are you telling lies with open eyes
You are obviously the highest in the territory... Prime Minister.
These officials were all brought by Omar before. Are you saying they are not your territory
Ren held his head with his hand, taking in the expressions of Omar and his group, and thought to himself: These guys really have bad intentions.
Ymir glanced at Omar and his party, and then explained: "You may not know much about the policies of our Black Dragon Territory. This is not a private territory, we have a 'parliamentary system'. To put it simply, I, the 'Prime Minister', also It’s just an official elected by everyone. In the future, our Black Dragon Territory may be a federal kingdom, but it will never be anyone’s private territory.”
Having said this, she looked at Renn next to her and signaled: "Besides, the current city lord is not me, but Mr. Renn. If you come to establish diplomatic relations with sincerity, I think you'd better ask the city lord for his opinion, and not me."
... ..
"this... "
As soon as these words came out, the Spencer family and his son felt like a dead mouse had been stuffed into their throats, and they suddenly didn't know how to speak.
All assumptions and plans are based on the premise that Ymir is the lord.
But now, she actually says that she is not, but just an official
Doesn't that mean that Omar's "sovereign state" theory is no longer valid
One sentence instantly brought memories to a standstill.
Duke House was stunned for a moment, and his reason told him that this was Ymir's plan.
Having said that, there is no point in testing him for this reason.
"Ymir, according to your seniority, you should call me uncle. As an elder, there are things that are not nice to hear, but I have to say them."
He frowned and said seriously: "When you said that just now, don't you know that it will chill His Majesty? It will bring shame to the honor of the Spurgeon family? At the beginning, His Majesty poured a lot of resources into granting titles to you to build the city. Now you are building the city. The city has been handed over to outsiders, and we are not planning to recognize Omar as our suzerainty. Wouldn’t it be chilling for the relatives and friends in the imperial capital to hear this?”
"No, no, no, you misunderstood again."
Ymir shook his head, interrupted him again, and said: "Whether it is to me or to everyone in Black Dragon City, the Lord of Rennes City is not an outsider."
After a pause, she added: "Besides, I didn't build this city in the first place. From the beginning to the end, it was all the credit of Lord Rennes."
Duke House's eyelids twitched as he heard this.
Whether true or false, this statement has led the parliament to a dead end.
Oma and the others didn't know how to speak.
At this time, Ymir spoke, but asked Ren: "Lord City Lord, this is the alliance contract submitted by the Omar Empire. What do you think?"
Wren had no interest in scheming with a group of conspirators.
They Black Dragon City don't need any allies now, of course, they didn't have any in the first place.
Glory is the enemy. Omar and Sid have closed their borders and wish to die without contact with each other.
There are so many visitors now, and they have bad intentions.
He said directly: "We in Black Dragon City welcome any friendly neighbor. However, since it is an equal treaty, then I think your country should open its borders, allow residents of both sides to travel and exchange, and allow free trade... "
... ..
The meeting ended in a very unpleasant atmosphere.
Naturally, nothing about the covenant was signed.
Unless Black Dragon City becomes Omar Omar's vassal territory, how can they dare to open a border
The plans of Omar's old nobles also came to nothing.
Originally, their plan was to restore the aristocratic system to Glory City, the second Black Dragon City, but they never thought that the plan was stillborn.
The marriage failed, and the plan to dispatch a "supervisor" also failed.
Black Dragon City is far ahead of the system of this era, and veteran nobles like House, whose ideas are deeply ingrained, cannot understand what is going on in a territory without a private lord.
If you are not a lord, why do you work so hard to build such a large territory
Moreover, the law also stipulates that not only Ymir, but also Ren, does not have the right to inherit hereditary
... ..
This is one of the reasons why Renn does not want to participate in government affairs.
Even if you know that the other party has bad intentions, you still have to argue with these guys.
From his own personal standpoint, if he can solve the problem with his hands, he should not rely on his words.
After sitting in the conference room for a long time, Ren felt a little depressed that it had delayed his practice for half a day.
Just as he was about to walk out of the conference room, he was stopped by Ymir.
She looked at Ren and asked, "Come for a walk with me?"
"OK."
On the rooftop of the city hall, Ren and Ymir leaned on the railing and looked at the bustling crowds on the street.
The city's development is on the right track, and Black Dragon City will get better and better.
The two didn't say a word for a long time, and Ren could tell that Ymir was not in a good mood.
The breeze blew, and the clothes of the two of them swayed in the wind.
I heard the sound of "whirring" breeze.
Ren glanced sideways, and the breeze blew Ymir's beautiful blond hair, revealing her melancholy profile.
After a long time, she finally spoke.
"My brother is critically ill, and he probably won't be able to survive this period of time. They brought news that he wanted to see me before he died."
"Oh, let's go then."
"I want you to come with me."
"good."