Public trial?You deserve it too!

Wellesley just wanted to say that this was a group of the disadvantaged to keep warm, but when he thought of the reason for suspicion that Neville said earlier, he was shocked.

"Because the empire is the strongest, we acquiesce that they want to unify the mainland. This is confirmed. Because the business alliance is the weakest, we acquiesce in balancing the situation and slowly growing our own power. This is also what we recognize. But the teacher What about the country? What does the church country want? Is it true that what they want is to work with us to check and balance the empire?"

Neville said quietly.

"They said that they want the church of the Holy Church to stand in every town of human beings..."

The general of the business alliance raised his head with difficulty and looked at Neville. In the eyes of the other party, he saw the appearance of a man who was struggling to argue, but in fact he had already begun to waver in his heart.

"You mean... actually, from beginning to end, the purpose of Theocracy is not the same as that of the Merchant Alliance, but the same as that of the Empire—that is, what they want is to unify the entire continent, instead of just being with us as it is now. , maintaining a delicate balance on the mainland!"

Neville nodded heavily.

"Yes, that's right, that's what I think! The future that The Church is looking forward to is definitely not a three-legged world structure, but the establishment of a human country with the supremacy of the Church—what they want is to replace the Empire, not How to linger in the shadow of the empire!"

He stood up, pacing back and forth a little anxiously.

"So I believe that the Theocracy must be looking forward to the war between the Empire and the Merchant Alliance, because it is obvious that the Merchant Alliance is currently the weakest force on the surface-and once the war starts, the power of the Empire will inevitably Let’s focus on the navy. What’s more, in order to land on the Messiah Islands, they must gather a huge army on the other side of the strait—this is the opportunity the Theocracy has been waiting for!”

"But the Empire still has the Turin Fortress..."

"It can't be stopped! You underestimate the Theocracy too much. I don't think that a mere fortress can stop the Theocracy—because fortresses are always breached from the inside!" Neville said firmly, "With the Theocracy I don't believe that their penetration of the Turin Fortress will be superficial!"

Wellesley stopped talking. In fact, he also agreed with Neville's judgment on the Turin Fortress—if this fortress can really choke the throat of the Theocracy like the Karelia Fortress, the Theocracy will either Go to war to pull it out, or it will be as weak as the orcs of today, instead of still looking like it can wrestle with the empire.

So it's really hard to say how useful this fortress will be to the Theocracy.

"And the more important reason, I have already told you before - that is, so far, the transactions between the Theocracy and us have been settled with gold or materials. Every time we express, explicitly or implicitly, that we want to To get some land, or some public statement of claim, they always play dumb, because they don't want us on the land either!"

Wellersley nodded. If this situation is followed, then this matter will immediately become clear, and all the causes and consequences will make sense.

The Theocracy has been thinking of replacing the empire and becoming the only force in the human world, so once they start from that perspective, they will naturally make exactly the same decision as the empire today - to firmly block the merchant alliance in the messianic world. At the other end of the strait, hang alone overseas, and then slowly take care of that invincible fleet.

"Is this the surplus of mainland countries... They can always fight for a winner first, while we can only be spectators forever, and then fall into a desperate situation waiting to die, without any hope or possibility of turning around..."

Wellersley smiled wryly.

"Yes, once there is a single powerful country on the mainland, the meaning of the existence of the business alliance will be completely lost. Therefore, the future of the business alliance is not based on the same interests as a certain country, but on the maintenance of multiple parties on the mainland. The balance of forces—only in this way can we truly continue to exist as a [necessary ally]!"

Neville approved Wellesley's words, and then made it clear directly.

"Admit our powerlessness, Arthur, this is not a shame. The business alliance—at least the current business alliance, does not have the qualifications, let alone the strength, to become the masters of the mainland. We can only stay here, Stay in the Messiah Islands and watch them compete on the mainland, and we must not let any one of them suddenly overwhelm the other. Whether it is the Empire overpowering the Church State, or the Church State overpowering the Empire, this is what we do not want to see Arrived."

"I admit that this is a bit humiliating, but wait, we will never stay outside the game circle of the mainland forever-whether the population, the fleet, or the knights. One day, we will be able to bring the mainland Trembling power, those who set foot on that land, those who dwell on it, those who look down on us and call us islanders with contempt, will one day kneel before us!"

@[email protected]@团医6巴二①7妻一六

Learn from me: Chapter 201 Chapter 180 The fifth octopus is hooked

Wellersley took a deep breath before he managed to calm himself down. He was not in his late seventies, his blood was not cold yet, and his heart was still passionate.

He nodded heavily at Neville.

"You're right, Mr. Speaker, we can neither aim too high nor belittle ourselves. The current business alliance can't go to the mainland. But at least, we have to plant a seed of hope for our descendants. seed."

There was relief in Neville's eyes.

"Well said, well said, my general!"

He patted each other's shoulder affectionately.

"I'm really glad to be able to decide the future of the Chamber of Commerce with someone like you—I think it's time to tell you why I have always insisted on cooperating with Charles Breton."

Wellersley showed an expression of all ears.

"Nowadays, there are five forces on the mainland, and humans dominate three of them. Moreover, the empire alone is able to suppress the two alien races of orcs and elves, and it can also be aggressive towards us in the north and south. Obviously, non-human races are nothing to worry about. Now The orcs are even more on the decline, almost in danger of extinction, that is to say, human beings must be the future masters of the continent."

"Among them, the Empire is the strongest, followed by the Theocracy, and our Merchant Alliance is the weakest. If it weren't for the existence of the Armada, I am afraid that we would have perished long ago. This is why the Theocracy has been supporting us before and advances and retreats with us. , because the empire is too powerful."

Neville picked up his glass and drank it down.

"You have to understand that under the secret command of the Theocracy and our use of sea dominance to move around, the empire is actually getting stronger-the orcs in the north are declining, and the big nobles are like lambs to be slaughtered. Without the support of the business alliance With financial support, I am afraid that the empire swept away the internal problems early, and transferred the northern army to the south, ready to attack us!"

"Then now..."

Wellersley had a serious expression on his face. No matter how good the Merchant Alliance is at helping people survive, they can no longer help the orcs and nobles. This means that the empire is about to start preparing to attack the real enemy.

"This is the situation now. But this situation is what the Church wants to see, because they are sure to defeat the empire. As long as the empire deals with us first, they will have a way to defeat the empire. After all, our business alliance is the weakest. The empire Of course he will hit us first."

Neville's expression looked a bit relaxed. You know, this matter is related to the life and death of the business alliance, but he seems to have a plan in his mind.

"So, we must not let such a thing happen—we must not let the empire take the destruction of the merchant alliance as its first goal! This is why I must help Shire, and I am even willing to send a large number of troops ashore to help defend at all costs, because this It’s such a wonderful thing!”

The young army general was stunned. He really didn't understand why a bloody defensive battle could make the speaker look so excited-you must know that this was still fought on someone else's land!

"We should support Shire and let him issue the co-governance declaration-then the empire will definitely attack aggressively. And the protagonist of this war is the army, not the navy. The North Sea Fleet, which can't get out of De Lan, is hitting a stone with a pebble, so it must be a horizontal push attack on the ground."

Wellesley nodded, which is why both he and Shire believed that it was possible to hold on for half a year or even a year—as long as they had command of the sea, logistical materials and reinforcements would be able to land on the Brittany Peninsula continuously, and they But there is no need to worry about the possibility of being attacked by the enemy after the imperial army lands.

"Since this is the case, as long as we really send out a large army to attract the attention of the empire, what do you think the church will do?"

"The Theocracy... The Theocracy will definitely make noise, even if it doesn't fight, it will hoard troops on the border to attract the empire's military power—because he can't let us lose too quickly!"

"That's right! We know that the opportunity the Theocracy is waiting for is that the empire will turn all its attention to us. On the one hand, the navy is expanding, and on the other hand, a large army is preparing to land—but now, the empire is only using a large army to attack. Our country's productivity has not changed to naval production, so does the Theocracy really have a chance to cause a decisive loss to the empire on the ground?"

Wellersleigh suddenly realized that the Theocracy was waiting for an opportunity, so as long as the timing seemed plausible, the other party would fall into suspicion, and even if they acted forcefully, it would be impossible to achieve the original effect.

"Then what if...the Theocracy held back and didn't take the opportunity to attack?"

"Then it will be easier, because next, they will be the unlucky ones."

Neville even cracked a smile.

"Arthur, as an army general, you may not know what a qualified naval warship needs to prepare. First, it takes about three years to process the timber alone, and then laying the keel, manufacturing the hull, launching, and then outfitting. The deployment of sailors, sea trials, all of which are qualified, can enter the fleet service-this is not counting the construction of shipyards, and the situation of having enough sailors and captains."

"If the empire wants to prepare a navy that surpasses the Armada, it will take at least five years. Do you think the empire will let those knights station on the other side of the Messiah Strait after conquering the entire Brittany peninsula? , do nothing and look at the five-year sea?"

The man opened his mouth and looked at Neville with admiration.

"...This is impossible. The emperor will definitely let this huge army go south to trouble the Theocracy! So even if the Theocracy doesn't launch its own plan, they will be doomed after we withdraw from the mainland!"

"This is the reason why I must help Shire, even if we have to pay a heavy price-because now is not the time for the decisive battle originally scheduled by the emperor, and the empire is the one who hastily fought! If there is no one With a powerful navy, it doesn’t make any sense after he has severely damaged our army, because they can’t land on the Messiah Islands at all!”

Neville said vigorously.

"And this has another advantage, that is, the empire will think that after the end of the Battle of Brittany, the Merchant Alliance, which suffered heavy casualties, is no longer able to covet the mainland, and can only rely on the Armada to 'survive'. After all, the Navy Not being able to go ashore—meaning that they actually have no worries and can have a rather long window of safety to deal with the Theocracy wholeheartedly!"

Wellersley nodded, now he had only one last doubt left.

"Your Excellency, are you really going to help the Grand Duke of Brittany at all costs? Even if the army of the Merchant Alliance is beaten to the bone, you will not hesitate?"

"Hahahahaha, of course not, every member of the Merchant Alliance is so precious, I can't bear to let them die for the Bretons." Neville laughed loudly, "It's just to make the empire feel , we should just 'cause heavy casualties' - I think you will definitely do this way?"

Wellersley nodded convincingly.

"What I want to see is not a scarred army, but an army that has survived the war and is still steadfast—after all, compared with the other two countries, our army is really a little bit inferior .This is a very good training opportunity, we must seize it.”

Neville exhorted.

"Since it's a war, sacrifices are inevitable. I just don't want to see too many casualties, but it is still necessary for the army to face some trials that are completely affordable. After all, the future business alliance wants to win on the mainland. For the next seat, the army is absolutely indispensable and necessary.”

"I understand, Speaker Neville."

Wellersley laughed.

"The Merchant Alliance will never withdraw from the mainland until the last drop of Breton blood is shed!"

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Of course, Charles' arrogance could not be an obstacle to the cooperation between the two parties. On the contrary, Wellersley also apologized to him for his poor hospitality.

So, under the condition that the guests and the host enjoyed themselves, a secret agreement was reached, and they agreed with each other that after the two parties met each other's conditions, they would openly sign a formal treaty.

After the agreement was signed, Charles and Gorman left, a hidden door in the room opened, and Speaker Neville came out from inside.

"Look, this Mr. Shire really has enough little tricks—I finally know why he said before that he is not afraid of us cheating or betraying each other. He is really fully prepared."

Wellersley handed Neville the contract in his hand, with a bit of helplessness in his voice.

Neville took it over and took a look, and found that the place where the signature was signed, the name after "Grand Duke of Brittany" was not Charles Breton, but a somewhat unfamiliar name.

The speaker recalled it carefully, and frowned slightly - he remembered whose name it was.

The legitimate son of the current Grand Duke of Brittany, that is, the one who is still considered the orthodox heir.

"It was actually signed with this name... It seems that he doesn't trust us very much in his heart. If we really deceive him to make a declaration, then that [Mr. thanks to

"Look at this one again."

Wellersley sighed and pointed to one of the agreements.

"[In order to ensure the implementation of the contract, I will sign the contract as a high-ranking official...] ​​It seems that this 'illegitimate child' is really sensitive about this kind of thing." Neville laughed, "But it's true, Anyway, as long as he and his son can be called Brittany, I don't think he cares what he has."

Wellersley just shook his head with a wry smile: "I'm already a bit regretful, this Mr. Shire is really a slippery head, and he really needs to be careful when working with him."

"This is a good thing. The more it is like this, it means that the other party is more interested in our transaction and will not easily get off our boat."

Neville obviously didn't care.

"But what he said before..."

"I know, but if he wants to gain the right to speak, he must have a foundation of strength."

There was a touch of disdain in Neville's words, obviously looking down on Shire's cleverness.

"Without the army and strength, even if we need his signboard, what else can he do? A puppet, if you are obedient, we can reward him with a bone, but if he barks at us, he will be beaten with a stick." It’s just death—it’s hard to find smart people these days, and people who can act are everywhere, just find someone to pretend to be.”

Wellersley nodded thoughtfully.

"I understand, I will find a way to consume the strength in his hand."

"Well, as long as you know it in your heart." Neville was obviously not interested in Shire. "That knight officer named Herman who has been following Shire all the time, who is that?"

"I heard from Charles that he was a mercenary leader. He used to hang out in the southeast. He fought with elves and the Theocracy. Later, he seemed to have offended someone. He returned to the imperial capital in desperation. Charles hooked up with him, so he has been recruiting soldiers and horses for him, looking for manpower, there are people from all schools and schools."

Wellersley said.

"However, this person is indeed capable. Charles obviously relies on him very much. The proposal to cooperate with us seems to be strongly promoted by him, and his attitude towards me is also very good, at least much more polite than that arrogant illegitimate child. "

Neville narrowed his eyes.

"...I remember that last time at the reception, Charles turned and left. This person seemed to want to stop him, but he gave up?"

"Yes, that's probably why he can get along well with Charles Breton—at least he knows when to say something."

Wellersley shrugged.

Neville nodded. This Herman knight is a bit interesting. According to Wellersley, this guy has real materials in his hand, and he also controls a knight army loyal to Shire. And the other party has a good sense of the business alliance, and is also very good at life.

"I will send someone to contact this Mr. Herman later, please pay attention."

Wellesley was taken aback: "Speaker, what do you mean..."

"A mercenary captain who has defeated the elves and the Theocracy, can make a comeback in the imperial capital, and even become Shire's staff. Obviously, his military strength and political skills are not bad - this is the officer that the Merchant Alliance lacks. "

Neville smiled slightly.

"Didn't you say that sometimes he and Shire don't have the same caliber? Such a smart person, shouldn't be willing to serve a moody child all the time? Give it a try. If you can succeed, let Shire be ignored. You don’t need to waste time and energy.”

Recently, I got stuck in the author's background, I don't know if it's a problem with the Internet or something.skirt~

Learn from me: Chapter 202 Chapter 180 Chapter [-] The Emperor's Secret Order

"Sir, there are instructions for you."

An orderly ran into Claude's tent panting and saluted him.

"give me."

Claude continued to stare at the map without even raising his head.

"Sir, this order needs to be answered by you personally."

said the orderly, and immediately explained the reason.

"The person who came... is the palace guard knight."

Claude raised his head in surprise, what is he doing?The emperor sent someone to look for him again?

He is not in the imperial capital now, but is training in the mountains near the Osfjord with his own Knights.

Claude originally didn't plan to come to the north. After all, he knows the current situation of the orcs too well, and he has already analyzed it for the emperor. This is a fish on the chopping board. As long as the navy knife is sharpened, it will be braised or stewed It's all about the empire.