Chapter 1208 Using Other People’s Money to Raise Your Own Children

The identities of diplomat and intelligence officer have always been inseparable. In addition to persuading Zalanda to join the ruling council, Helena is also responsible for conducting on-site reconnaissance of the true situation in the Kingdom of Tessel.

The situation on the road was far worse than the king and his ministers had imagined.

The warlords' conflict that lasted for half a century in the Kingdom of Tethyr was not just a rumor, but a real event.

The four dukes were only representatives of the warlord nobles, not all of them. There were also a large number of earls, barons and feudal knights below them, and the melee mainly stayed at their level.

The ruling council composed of four ducal councils has very limited control over the Kingdom of Tethyr. Their decrees are mainly issued in the large cities under their control, and can extend outward by dozens to hundreds of kilometers at most. Most of the lower-level nobles only listen to their words but not their orders.

When the four dukes realized the threat posed by the Lord of Zalanda, they did not unite to strangle the threat in the cradle, but instead chose a military and economic blockade with unknown effects, leaving her an opportunity to take advantage of.

It's not simply because they are afraid of the lady of strategy, but more because they have the will but not the strength, and have no ability to organize a large army and go deep into the interior for an expedition.

It was so before and it is even more so now.

The expedition to the New World had completely drained their resources, and the fires in the mountains during the march had further weakened them.

Although the fire in the mountains did not directly affect them, it forced countless monster tribes and powerful monsters out of the mountains, and they were wreaking havoc everywhere.

The four dukes did not form an effective response to this matter at all. They sent a large army to assist the local lords in besieging and clearing out the monster tribes. The local lords only relied on their own strength or formed small circles to passively defend. Even if they blocked the invasion of these monsters, they could not completely eliminate them. They could only let them roam around and cause secondary damage.

If the local territory fails to resist, then his castle territory will directly become a monster nest and a gathering place for those monster tribes.

The only thing the people in the territory can do is to flee from here as quickly as possible, otherwise they will either become food or slaves, and their situation will be worse than death.

Among the pedestrians Helena saw along the trade route, less than one-tenth were merchants, and the rest were all war refugees fleeing.

The direction in which these war refugees fled was surprisingly consistent, which was the direction she was heading - Dalauma.

At first, Helena was full of confusion until she saw the first refugee shelter - although the porridge distributed there had more soup and less rice, it was at least free, hot, and filling, enough to temporarily sustain their lives.

Their stay in the refugee shelter is only temporary.

Subsequently, various professionals will organize and classify these war refugees, transforming them into groups of war refugees with varying numbers but relatively reasonable personnel composition, and begin large-scale migration.

Their migration destinations were not all the city of Dalauma, but surrounding towns, construction sites or pioneer settlements that needed laborers, using work as a substitute for relief.

The whole process is like a precision machine, with each step closely linked to the next.

Helena could totally imagine what would happen next.

As long as, after a few years of operation, the quality of life of these war refugees here is not much worse than before, most of them will take root here and will not mention returning to their homeland.

This is the fundamental reason why the four dukes gnashed their teeth when they mentioned the name Zalanda.

The other party's rapid development and growth is based on sucking their blood.

Although this blood-sucking process was not initiated by Zalanda, it was caused by their inaction and incompetence.

This problem will become Prince Hared's in the future.

The royal tax revenue of the Kingdom of Tethyr mainly comes from fief tax, customs duties and import and export taxes.

Among them, the fief tax paid by local lords accounted for the absolute majority. The standard for its formulation was based on the cultivated area of ​​the fief and had nothing to do with the economic development of the fief.

If the development of all local lords is similar, there will be no problem with this tax system. However, when there is a huge gap in the economic development of both sides, problems will easily arise.

Unfortunately, the royal family cannot favor some territories over others and impose additional taxes on certain territories, which would force those local lords who have suffered injustice to rebel.

Gavin and Zalanda did not urge her. Their eyes fell on Helena's beautiful face, admiring the changes in the micro-expressions of the beautiful diplomat, as if they could see through her true thoughts.

After taking a deep breath and calming herself down, Helena said solemnly, "I'm sorry, this matter is too big and far beyond my authorization. I need to consult with Your Highness before I can give you a reply."

"There's no need to be so troublesome. Madam, just lead the way and we can talk directly with His Highness." Gavin spoke again.

He had no patience for playing political games with Prince Hared.

It turns out that divine means are more effective on ordinary people than political means.

In this case, there is no need for him to endure the hardship.

This does not mean that the political wisdom he learned from Zalanda during this period is useless. Many things are universal, whether it is political wisdom or strategy, they are equally useful on gods.

"This..." Helena hesitated, her eyes falling on Zalanda.

Zalanda responded without hesitation: "Since you know the name of His Excellency the Road Builder, you should be aware of his power. His divine power has played an unimaginable role in the development and construction of a kingdom. My territory is the best proof of this.

If our country wants to grow and develop in the future, it will inevitably rely on his support and protection.

Don't worry, we won't risk being accused by the people of Tethyr by doing anything treasonous to His Highness."

Helena hesitated for a moment and gave a conservative answer: "Please allow me to go back and ask for instructions."

"Sure." Gavin responded readily.

Then he waved his hand, and a divine light enveloped Helena, "You can now temporarily use teleportation to enter and exit this place."

The uniqueness of the city defense maze is that its prohibition is unilateral.

As long as you have the key or permission, there will be no restrictions, except in some special circumstances.

"Thank you, please wait a moment." Helena no longer hesitated, and her whole body turned into a black storm and disappeared in an instant.

Teleportation is different from teleportation. Different characteristics are displayed according to the elemental fields that the caster is proficient in. After reaching the legendary level, they will even have their own exclusive characteristics, which are particularly obvious for gods.

This beautiful diplomat is not only a legendary spellcaster, but her best spells are probably related to the Black Storm.

While the beautiful diplomat went back for instructions, Gavin and Zalanda had a rapid communication and reached consensus on many issues to facilitate the subsequent negotiations.

Helena's efficiency was unexpectedly high. She was gone for no more than five minutes, and the place where she left was flashing with teleportation light again.

It is still the very representative black storm.

However, when the black storm disappeared, it was not one person who appeared on the scene, but three people, three very distinctive people.

The leader was elegant and handsome, with an almost perfect and kind smile on his face, which made people feel close to him involuntarily.

On the right is a Barrel Knight. Apart from his fat appearance, the most eye-catching thing about him is the shield armor on his chest, which completely overshadows its owner.

The other is the beautiful diplomat Helena who just left.

Gavin's eyes flickered, first falling on the shield and armor of the Barrel Knight, and then on the crown ring of the leading man.

He just gave Helena the authority to temporarily teleport to the city of Dalaoma, but did not allow her to bring anyone with her. The reason they were able to teleport in together was because of these two magical equipment, no, to be more precise, it was the effect of two sub-artifacts.

The two came in different ways.

The former used Helena's teleportation power as a guide, and then used brute force to squeeze through.

The latter just flashed for a moment, and then everything continued to operate normally.

Gavin didn't care much about the former. As long as it was divine power, anyone with a little bit of strength could do it.

Most of the city defense mazes were cast using the Nine-Ring Spell, and were primarily designed to defend against mundane forces, let alone divine power. Even professional legendary magic might not be able to defend against them.

What concerned Gavin was that he smelled a familiar scent in this power, which was somewhat similar to the Abyss, but not completely similar.

One thing is certain, that is definitely the evil force from the lower plane. Even if the other party has tried its best to disguise itself as a force for good, the corruption and evil in its bones cannot be eliminated.

The hidden evil forces are more interesting.

Gavin had no intention of exposing the other party. He was only prepared to remind Zalanda afterwards. After all, the other party was not lurking around his people.

He paid more attention to the crown ring.

If his guess was correct, this should be the symbol of the Lion King's Court and the universal key to the city defense mazes of all large cities in the Kingdom of Tesser. Not to mention free teleportation in and out, it is very likely that there are no taboos and it may even have unexpectedly powerful effects.

The identity of the other party is self-evident as he can possess such a divine weapon.

After all, the Royal Court of Tethyr once ruled Tethyr for thousands of years. Even if it is temporarily in a weak state, a lean camel is still bigger than a horse.

This crown ring is just one of the many powerful equipments on the opponent. Whether it is the single-frame glasses, the robe, or the golden sword in the shape of a lion's mouth, they are all extraordinary items.

It is either a sub-artifact or a legendary creation (it is difficult to tell the difference between the two, and the latter may even be more powerful than the former, the only difference is that they do not possess divine power).

As Gavin was sizing up and evaluating the other person, the other person was also sizing them up.

The woman is beautiful, noble and elegant. Her daily dress is obviously tailor-made. It is a red and white waisted long skirt. It is simple and capable, which fully shows the beauty of women without being fat or bloated. Even if she draws the sword to fight, it will not be affected at all.

The smile on the beautiful face is sincere and natural, giving a feeling of being bathed in spring breeze, making people feel close to her involuntarily.

Men, on the other hand, are handsome, tall, and muscular. Not the muscular build of a barbarian, but more like the leopard-like beauty of an elf. Their overall shape is streamlined, perfectly blending strength and agility. The divine aura emanating from their bodies is powerful yet gentle, with a subtle, silent quality that makes it difficult for people to feel bad about them.

The beautiful diplomat took on the role of etiquette officer. "Let me introduce you to each other. This is Prince Hared, the legitimate heir of the Kingdom of Tethyr... and this is..."

Although both parties have roughly guessed each other's identity, having a middleman to introduce each other is the most basic etiquette.

Zhalanda bowed and said, "I should be the one to meet His Highness... It is really impolite to ask His Highness to come in person..."

Gavin behind her merely nodded in greeting. Although he was from Tethyr, he was now a demigod with such a high status that he could even avoid seeing the other person.

Although he would not easily use his status to bully others, there was no need for him to lower his own status.

As expected, Hared did not show any displeasure. Instead, he bowed to Gavin and said, "Your Excellency the Road Builder is here. It is my duty to come here in person. I just hope you won't blame us for being so abrupt."

"There's no need to worry about these details. Let's talk about business." Gavin spoke directly to put things on the right track.

"Mr. Road Builder is indeed as straightforward as the legend says. It is a great honor for Tethyr to have a man like you." Prince Hared did not hesitate to praise him, as if he would share Gavin's glory and disgrace even if he became a god.

Seeing that Gavin did not respond, he changed the subject and got to the point: "Helena has already told me about the matter. It is our unshirkable duty as the royal family of Tethyr to face Sharptooth directly, so the city lord's request is not excessive.

But dealing with this dragon requires skill, and you can't just satisfy all her needs.

This will only fuel her greed and make her demands more and more excessive.

I plan to restart negotiations with her and lower the dragon tax."

Although he was not optimistic about this matter, Zhalanda did not show any contempt. Instead, he strongly praised it and said, "If Your Highness has this ability, it would be great. Every time the dragon tax is reduced by one point, the burden on our people will be reduced by one point."

"Does the city lord have any other questions? Feel free to raise them and we can discuss them together." Prince Hared acted like a benevolent king.

"I think our main topic now should be the formation of a ruling parliament, which is the prerequisite for the implementation of many issues." Zalanda's eyes sparkled with political wisdom.

Prince Hared is still just an empty shell and cannot make final decisions on many issues, especially those concerning the four dukes.

"That makes sense." Prince Hared nodded in agreement as he thought about his previous meeting with the four dukes.

In the absence of Zalanda, many issues cannot be promoted.

Prince Hared's gaze involuntarily turned to Gavin, and he asked eagerly, "What do you think, Mr. Road Builder?"

If a demigod joined his ruling council, it would definitely bring honor to his royal court.

"I have received your kindness, Your Highness, but please don't confer me the title of Duke." Gavin could no longer avoid it. "But I can recommend someone to take my place as Duke. I believe she is more suitable than me."

As I said, he is now a demigod and there is no way he can be inferior to others.

Prince Hared couldn't hide his disappointment on his face and asked, "Who is the Road Builder going to recommend?"

"I'll call her over." Gavin spoke with his actions. With a wave of his hand, a three-meter-high portal came into being.

It was like a vortex of fire, as if a ball of hot flame would burst out from it in the next second.

The Barrel Knight took a few steps forward unnoticed, blocking Prince Hared behind him, and the shield armor on his chest flashed with obscure energy fluctuations.

Regardless of whether he holds an evil artifact, his loyalty to Prince Hared is unquestionable, as he is their ladder to power.

Without him, their grand plans would be in vain.

The first thing that stepped out of the flame portal was a leg, a leg that was incredibly long, giving the illusion that it could reach directly to a person's chest.

The leg is long, straight, and full of strength, flashing a faint red light. Wearing a pair of uniquely shaped, black and red lava high heels, the whole leg is tense, showing the muscle contour perfectly. The most unique thing is that there are clearly visible dark veins at the junction of the muscles, which makes the muscle contour clearer and also gives it an exotic beauty.

Judging from a person's legs, he or she must be quite pretty.

This is also true.

She was consistent in her attire, even her armor was simple in style, sexy but not revealing, giving her a barbarian vibe. The same was true of her height, so everyone present had to look up to her.

But she still has the delicacy and softness of an elf.

All of these combined together form her unique style.

Gavin introduced: "This is the Chosen One of the Earth Bear Beare, the Guardian of the City of Earth, the Queen of the Goliaths in the Marching Mountains, Kaelissa*Mountains.

She and her tribe will watch over the Marching Mountains and completely expel the evil monster race there. Your Highness, do you think she is qualified to be a member of the ruling council?"

Gavin himself looked down upon the Duke of Tesser's status, but that didn't mean he couldn't fight for his subordinates, especially the Goliaths led by Kaelissa.

This is the turning point for them to begin integrating into human society.

"Qualified, qualified, absolutely qualified." Prince Hared's eyes lit up, and he looked at Kaelissa as if he was looking at a big treasure.

For the Kingdom of Tethyr, the Marching Mountains have been a source of disaster since ancient times, and there have always been a large number of intelligent monster tribes entrenched there.

Basically, there is a small chaos every three years and a big chaos every ten years.

The kingdom did try to form an army to go into the mountains to encircle and suppress the rebellion, but each attempt ended in a miserable defeat.

Human heavy-armored warriors and knights can hardly use their skills here. They are not as agile as the poorly equipped monster tribes. In addition, the terrain is steep, so every time they go into the mountains they risk their lives.

It’s okay if we can’t conquer it, we’ll just lose a wave of troops.

What we are afraid of is that if there is any progress, the conquered land in the mountains will become a festering sore of the kingdom, constantly bleeding and oozing pus - it will require expensive manpower and material resources to maintain, and there will be casualties from time to time, but the output will be extremely scarce, which is seriously disproportionate.

Over time, the Kingdom of Tesser had no choice but to give up the fantasy of conquering the mountains. It appointed a large number of knight lords along the way, letting them build their own castles and territories there, forming a castle-knight defense line and helping each other.

Nottburg is one of them.