"This is what happened. During the previous exploration, I came into contact with people from the foundation. T will go back and persuade the foundation to cooperate with us."
Hearing Charles' words, the sand people in the room whispered to each other.
This was the first time that the people of Earthsea had open contact with the Foundation. This organization, which was beyond all forces in Earthsea, actually appeared so quickly.
"Governor Charles, if what you said is true, then the person you found may not have a say in the foundation. He himself said that he only went back to persuade him. Your more appropriate approach should have been to bring him back. You should ask him carefully and clearly."
"I know, but this is the first time that a member of the Foundation has expressed their sincerity in wanting to communicate with us. We must accept this sincerity. The current situation is already difficult enough, and we cannot make enemies at will."
The discussion in the room started again, but their discussion was useless because Charles had already made the decision in advance.
Just as the discussion died down slightly, Jax, president of the Explorers Association, glanced at Charles and spoke again.
"I have discussed this with Governor Charles. In the next two months, except for necessary patrol missions, we plan to have all explorers stop exploring and fully assist the engineering team in building bases and railroad tracks."
"I will send you the list of additional materials via telegram later. Please accept it later."
This not only allows all the tired explorers to get a proper rest, but also regardless of whether they will cooperate with the Foundation in the future, these things must be done.
But when he heard that he had to wait two months and that additional supplies were needed, a governor with a nose ring suddenly became anxious. "Governor Charles, more supplies are needed?! Don't even mention stopping exploration for two months! My island may not even last two months!"
Charles turned his head to look at the other governors. There were still the same number of people, but he was perceptive and immediately noticed that compared with before, four governors were no longer present.
I don’t know whether they defected to the Futan religion or the governor’s order on the island completely collapsed under the high pressure, but no matter what, their end was not good.
But precisely because he knew that the current situation on the island would not be very good, he needed to do the necessary things while the situation was still good.
If we don’t do it now, I’m afraid we won’t be able to do it if most of the governors present disappear.
"If you want the ship to go fast, the necessary maintenance in the early stage is essential. What we do is to better explore the surface. As long as we can hold on for these two months, the pressure will be much less later."
"But we really can't hold on any longer!! If you want to add more!! Then I will withdraw from the plan to save the Earthsea, and I will no longer pay for the various materials allocated to my island!!" The man's voice was filled with suppressed anger.
"You dare!!" Julio's voice exploded in the room, "Whoever dares to hold back at the critical moment, don't blame me for being rude!!"
Under Julio's eagle-like gaze, everyone subconsciously lowered their heads and avoided his gaze.
But even so, the other small governors still had reluctance and embarrassment on their faces. Under the current difficult circumstances, the material pressure shared by everyone is already very great.
Just when the atmosphere was a little tense, Anna smiled and stepped forward to help. "Everyone, don't worry too much. Just try your best to provide your gaps. Hope Island will make up for it as much as possible. Just remember, this is also for the sake of Earthsea."
Hearing Anna's words, all the governors cast grateful glances at her, and the mountain above their heads disappeared.
Seeing the strange look from Charles, Anna leaned close to his ear and said, "Don't worry, Hope Island is developing very fast now. Technology is booming in all aspects. It won't be a problem to subsidize some supplies."
I watched the mages in front of me take out bags and clean up the sand and magic circles on the ground.
Charles stood up and walked past them, out of the room.
Outside the room was a site Charles called Site No. 1. It was much larger than when they came here. A telegraph tower, power station, and watchtower had all been built.
This site is filled with newly completed houses. They look a bit simple and ugly, but no matter what, at least people can live in them.
After all, they don't plan to stay here forever. As long as all the houses can be guaranteed not to collapse for two years, a lot of time can be saved at the expense of quality.
A railway was laid not far in front of Charles. A giant steel beast with a rolling eye came to a clanking stop while pulling a carriage of cargo. It was a train coming from the Giant Pit Fortress.
It is now the lifeline of Site 1. Most of the fresh water and food needed by humans and the fuel needed for the power station are transported by it.
Some workers nearby are still busy building the second railway track. As Station No. 1 continues to expand, the transportation capacity of one railway track is no longer sufficient.
According to Charles's previous vision, this track was just the beginning, and eventually it would extend all the way down into the darkness, and set up its final station on the surface there.
As the white steam dissipated, the train slowly stopped, and the locomotive began to gradually separate from the cargo car. Various forklifts began to drive over and unload the cargo.
The bustling dock scene of the past is recreated in this simple train station.
At this moment, Charles saw a green humanoid centipede stopped there, pointing its bald round head towards the direction of the train. It was Norden who was unable to return to his body.
Now he is no longer naked, his green body is wrapped in rough canvas, and his second right hand is holding a diary and pen for communication, but this makes him look even weirder.
Although Charles and the other people who returned have shown that he is the hero who saved Earthsea, when facing this three-meter-high green monster, the other humans in the site still look at him with fear and rejection, and secretly talk about him behind his back.
Charles had used this body before, and he knew that even if others were talking secretly from a distance, Norden's keen hearing would still be able to hear it clearly.
"What are you thinking about?" Charles asked, walking up to Norden.
"Feeling the vibration of these steam machines has a beautiful melody." Norden opened his diary and wrote on it.
"Noden, are you married?" Charles asked again.
"Captain, I don't need comfort. For the sake of Earthsea, all of this is worth it, and this body can better help everyone."
(End of this chapter)