I will be crowned king

Early morning, Beluga Harbor Headquarters.

Although it was already daytime, this port at the edge of the world was still shrouded in darkness. Thick white fog slowly flowed, leaving ice crystal-like hoarfrost wherever it swept.

In the spacious military camp, figures in neat uniforms are walking out of the barracks one after another, moving towards the canteen, arsenal or other buildings of similar size, and then forming groups in batches to the open space with the flagpole erected. Amidst the shouts, they left neatly and fully armed.

Hundreds of pairs of military boots move in an orderly manner, making a "rustling" sound that seems to contain a certain rhythm on the remaining snow in early spring, matching the military flags rustling in the cold wind, the crisp melody of horse hooves, and the crushing of cannons and carts. Beyond the thickness and depth of the snow... and the dead silence that could clearly hear it all, a solemn atmosphere came over me.

Peter Chatham, who was awakened by the sound of the bugle, stood in front of the window, looking at the orderly military camp outside and the majestic appearance of the battleship Crown in the distance, his pupils filled with a trace of uncontrollable excitement.

Originally it was just an impulse to try my luck, but I didn't expect that I won the first prize - the Kingdom of Clovis actually secretly sent an army to the colony!

And it is not the kind of army that is pulled in temporarily and can only be used to suppress public security; it is the Clovis standing army that has actually experienced great wars, rampaged across Yser and Hantu, and even defeated the imperial army several times.

Of course, Peter expressed doubts about the last point, because according to what he had heard through various intelligence collections in the past few days, the imperial army defeated and destroyed by this so-called "Storm Division" was equivalent to at least two of their own. Three times, but it’s been less than a year since they were founded.

This is not the most amazing thing... A drunken cavalry lieutenant even told himself that they not only defeated the Yser Elf Guards Corps and the Imperial Expeditionary Force, but also single-handedly contributed to the founding of Hantu, and finally made a huge turn to conquer Yser The Elf King's Court successfully prevented the Old God Sect's conspiracy to destroy the world.

This kind of drunken talk must be exaggerated, but whether it is the attitude shown by the other party or the strength displayed, it proves that this Clovis army is not afraid of the imperial army that is sailing outside the city to counter the rebellion.

Such an army is absolutely capable of defeating Changhu Town and protecting Red Hand Bay from the massacre of the empire's counter-rebellion army.

The question is, how much does it cost to get the other party’s protection?

Can using gold mines and trade as bait really make the other party willingly help Red Hand Bay take over Changhu Town, and even deal with the counterattack of the empire's counter-rebellion army later?

Excited and anxious, Peter stood in confusion at the window and didn't even notice the knock on the door behind him; it wasn't until the footsteps got closer that he realized that the commander-in-chief of the garrison was already standing behind him.

"Master Anson Bach, why are you now..."

Before the other party could finish speaking, Anson suddenly stepped forward and pressed Peter's shoulders:

"I'm very sorry, Mr. Congressman Pitt, but I have great news to inform you immediately - after all-night discussions and a show of hands vote, the Beluga Harbor Council of 500 and the entire garrison officer corps have unanimously approved In order to support Red Hand Bay, we decided to send troops to Changhu Town!"

Um? !

Hearing these words, Peter was shocked and stunned, and immediately became infinitely ecstatic.

Of course, he already knew that the "Honorary Speaker" in front of him was actually the real colonial governor of Beluga Harbor; the so-called "Council of Five Hundred" was basically his tool and rubber stamp for ruling Beluga Harbor. It was impossible to have any say in the matter.

But since the other party uses the Beluga Harbor Council as an excuse, it proves that the other party has indeed made up his mind to form an alliance with Long Lake Town and Red Hand Bay.

"Of course, this commitment is not unconditional."

While Peter was overjoyed, Anson then said: "In order for the White Whale Harbor Council to agree to send troops, Red Hand Bay must agree to a few additional requirements - of course I want to help you very much, but in order to convince the Council The five hundred members of Congress and the officer corps can only agree to them tentatively... I hope you can understand my difficulties."

"Of course, I can completely understand it." Regarding this standard bargaining drama, Peter was fully prepared mentally before coming:

"All the expenses required for the Storm Division to send out troops will be borne by Red Hand Bay; all the assets of Changhu Town, including population, livestock, and slaves, including real estate, forest farms, rivers, mines... As long as Beluga Port wants it, Even Changhu Town itself can be brought under the control of Beluga Port."

"As long as you can help us get through this crisis, Red Hand Bay will charge you nothing!"

This is the highest overlay and bottom line that Red Hand Bay can offer. At the same time, Pitje firmly believes that bringing Long Lake Town under his control will be an irresistible temptation for the rapidly expanding Beluga Port and Clovis, who is desperate for colonies.

It doesn't even matter if the other party plans to ask for a huge price. He won't care about waiting for the imperial counter-rebellion army to come over. If it doesn't work, he can still talk slowly... Anyway, as long as the other party is willing to send troops, it will be a victory.

But to his surprise, Anson neither agreed happily nor further increased the price to blackmail him.

He suddenly shook his head silently and said very calmly: "You misunderstood, Mr. Peter; I said that Beluga Port has agreed to send troops, which means that we are already allies fighting side by side - we Clovis people will never He will blackmail his comrades in the same trench!"

"If you don't believe it, I will assure you now as the speaker and garrison commander of Beluga Port that Clovis's army will never control or occupy every plant and tree in Long Lake Town, let alone any allies. Copper coins for military spending!”

Anson suddenly shouted in a low voice, with an excited tone and expression, as if he had been indescribably insulted.

Um? !

Peter's expression was startled, and he was completely shocked.

Not only was this completely different from what he had expected, but even his worldview was completely overturned - the inexplicably excited Commander-in-Chief in front of him was still the man in his mind who was known for his greed and cruelty, who conquered the world with tyranny and demanded unbridled territory. Lovi people?

But now that the other party has expressed his position, Peter seems to have no other choice but to accept it. After a moment of silence, he said carefully: "Then, what are the requirements of the White Whale Port Council and your officers..."

"We can give up the claim to the territory and population of Changhu Town, and we don't have to spend a copper coin in military expenses in Red Hand Bay. Trade issues can also be resolved through negotiation. As for the secret gold mine... lease or transfer, etc., it is not impossible." Anson said in a deep voice:

"But as a price and a prerequisite for sending troops, Red Hand Bay must act as an intermediary to contact the remaining three colonial councils in rebellion for Beluga Port, and try to get in touch with people or organizations in Sailing City and Long Lake Town who are eager for independence. "

The rest of the colonies... Pete's expression was stunned for a moment, and then he suddenly raised his head: "Wait! You don't want to..."

"Now that the Red Hand Bay Council has made up its mind to resist the brutal rule of the empire, it is not enough to just solve the immediate crisis."

Anson didn't give him a chance to finish his sentence, and directly intercepted and said: "I can understand Red Hand Bay's desire to eradicate Changhu Town and avoid being preempted by the other party; but with all due respect, this will undermine Red Hand Bay's independence. Freedom doesn’t help at all – you understand?!”

"I, of course I understand! But, but..."

"No buts!" Anson waved his hand, held the opponent down and began to speak earnestly:

"Let's face it, Mr. Peter Chatham, Red Hand Bay will never win independence on its own; you can't win freedom until all the imperial colonies in the entire New World become independent and united!"

"Unification, all independence?!"

"Everything is independent!" Anson nodded vigorously and seriously:

"Only by uniting the six major colonies to resist the tyranny of the empire can we hope to win - and only in this way can I convince the White Whale Port Council and the army to send troops to fight against the warriors fighting for freedom and independence!"

Looking at Anson Bach with a sincere face, Peter didn't know what to say at all.

The attitude of the other party seemed to be that they really wanted to help Red Hand Bay and other colonies win independence and freedom, and had no other ideas at all; it was as if the Clovis people who were once aggressive had turned into loving people overnight. The righteous messenger of freedom and peace.

is it possible?

How can it be? !

But the problem is that even if he knows there is a problem and is in the position of being helped, Pete cannot refuse Anson's "kindness"; he can't always say "I'm sorry, I just want to use you as a gunman. As for whether you are independent or not, I don't care at all." You didn’t think too much about it, right?”

But if you really accept the other party's conditions and contact other colonies to fight against the empire, it will be tantamount to further intensifying the contradiction. Right now, it is just a resistance to taxes. Once the rebel colonies start to unite, they will go on the road of rebellion and never look back. He was charged with "taking refuge in the enemy's country".

Even now that they are desperate, there are still many forces within the Red Hand Bay Council who hope to negotiate peace with the empire; even though the empire has imposed excessive taxes and even killed the negotiating envoys, some people still think that the envoys responsible for the negotiations have a problem with their attitude, which has angered the empire and led to the subsequent Tragedy happens.

Although he does not have as many illusions as these "capitulationists", Peter is also inclined to reconcile with the Empire - buying Clovis and killing Lake Town are just to increase the bargaining chips, and he has not done a good job with the Empire at all. Prepare to fight to the end.

"Contacting the colonies is only the first step in our fight against the empire."

Anson noticed Peter's hesitation and panic, but he decisively chose to ignore it and continued to promote his perfect plan to "overthrow the tyranny of the empire and freedom belongs to the new world":

"Next, we will completely eradicate the imperial forces in Chang Lake Town and establish a parliament that truly belongs to the people of Chang Lake Town - of course, if Red Hand Bay wishes to incorporate Chang Lake Town into your territory, we will not object."

"As I promised, apart from the loot captured in this battle at Beluga Port, I will not take anything away from you or Changhu Town."

"After that, the White Whale Port garrison will begin to march westward, and the colonial fleet will also set off together, passing through all large colonies by sea and land - if there are any lackeys who are firmly in the imperial camp, we can take advantage of the situation and completely wipe them out. wipe out!"

"If everything goes well, we will arrive at Sailing City in two to three weeks; at that time, the garrison will hold back the main force of the empire on land, and the colonial fleet will bombard the port and city from the sea, cutting off the city's supplies and forcing them to surrender - the empire in the new world ’s tyranny will be completely ended.”

Anson swept his right hand through the air, and his sliding fingertips sketched a beautiful blueprint in front of Peter's eyes. He asked softly with a calm smile: "Mr. Peter, do you have any other thoughts about this?"

"Ideas? Uh..."

The shocked Peter was stunned for several seconds, and finally heaved a long sigh and said in a very helpless tone: "Dear Speaker, why do we make things so complicated?"

"……complex?"

"Yes, this matter is actually very simple - Red Hand Bay just hopes to eliminate a competitor that is harmful to us. Under this condition, Red Hand Bay can bear any price... But to be honest, we never thought Never truly be an enemy of the Empire."

"Not an enemy of the empire?" Anson's expression suddenly turned cold:

"I'm sorry, but as far as I know, you are a group of parliament members who have been deemed as 'traitors' by the empire, and a 'counter-rebellion' army will soon arrive at your doorstep."

"That... is just a regrettable misunderstanding." Pete, who was trying to stay calm, said in a deep voice:

"As long as the misunderstanding is resolved, I believe the empire will understand what is best for everyone."

"So you mentioned the historical friendship, community of interests, and alliance between the two colonies..." Anson raised his eyebrows:

"You just want the troops in Beluga Port to serve as mercenaries in Red Hand Bay?"

"If my words made you think this way, please accept my apology."

Peter's tone was very tactful, but also very determined - Red Hand Bay could not afford to risk an all-out war with the empire, let alone be dragged into the water by a crazy Clovis soldier.

"Okay." Anson nodded calmly: "So, no matter what, Red Hand Bay is unwilling to go to war with the Empire, even if they are ready to come to eradicate you?"

"You can understand it that way."

"you sure?"

"I'm quite sure...why do you ask?" Peter frowned slightly.

"It's nothing, I'm just a little worried." Anson waved his hand, his smile still on his face:

"You see, you secretly visited the Clovis colony as an envoy of an imperial colony, and you also met privately with me, the colony's highest military commander..."

"If this kind of thing is known to the imperial army in Sailing City, what will they do?"

"them……"

Peter was startled at first, and then looked at Anson in shock: "You?!"

"I'm just worried!" Anson replied immediately, his smile becoming more and more meaningful:

"But you don't need to worry, because your whereabouts were very low-key when you came, and you have been staying at the headquarters after arriving at Beluga Harbor; please believe that no one from top to bottom in Beluga Harbor will disclose your information here. To the Empire.”

"We keep everything strictly confidential about you and what Red Hand Bay does behind your back."

After saying that, he stood up very naturally, walked to the window, and looked outside leisurely.

The stunned Peter froze on the spot, his pupils filled with the fear of being threatened.

A long dead silence.

After a long time, Peter's slightly trembling voice sounded in the room:

"Then...what if I...are still a little worried?"

"We can sign an agreement." Anson, without looking back, looked at his reflection in the window and said with a smile:

"A document about allowing Beluga Port and Red Hand Bay to form an alliance and fight side by side to fight against the tyranny of Lake Town and the Empire..."

"protocol."