Rorschach had always been quite envious of anime and manga protagonists. They were always able to say so much at the most critical moment, as if time had suddenly stopped on the battlefield.
These seemingly empty and immoral reasons were actually quite effective. Either a powerful and intelligent boss would suddenly have his intelligence lowered, or they would accomplish an epic achievement — convincing the enemy to change sides on the spot.
"How can a person who can betray others on the spot be trusted in the future? How can these people destroy their own professionalism and reputation just because of a few words?"
Rorschach truly couldn't understand how someone could hypnotize others, weaken their intelligence, and control others with just their mouth and some reasoning, while he himself …
"… At any rate, every time I open my mouth, there's nothing but mockery. I'll mock my opponents, mock my teammates, mock neutral parties. In that case, I really am an expert at mocking others … Forget it, I'll just shut up."
All this time, Rorschach had discovered that speaking in battle would not only distract the opponent, but it would also infuriate the opponent.
Rorschach had always believed that characters who relied on their mouths to influence the world were all legends in novels. But today, not only did he meet such an expert at talking, she was also completely different from the way she talked in anime and manga.
"… This is a business deal, a win-win business deal …"
Seviala had used this sentence to begin her mystical talking.
"I know that you all want clean oceans and ecological environments, but I'll be very direct and say that that's impossible."
And then, she almost killed the conversation with one sentence.
"… Don't be so surprised. It would be easy for me to casually make a promise to you, just like the master of that idiot who was abandoned. But if I really want to fulfill my promise, at the very least, I need to face reality and list out these difficult problems that I must overcome …"
Even Roxia, who was listening in on the conversation, was rather astonished. Her seemingly ordinary words had stirred up everyone's emotions, and made everyone feel her sincerity. Roxia really did have the style of a powerful talker.
"If I tell my citizens that they shouldn't pollute the sea, that they shouldn't overfish, that their businesses shouldn't pollute the sea, that they should go to the beach and pick up trash, guess what will happen … That's right, nothing will happen, and they'll continue doing what they're supposed to do. Even if I use administrative means to force them to obey, it'll only make them look better on the surface. The kingdom's law enforcers won't take it seriously at all, because this won't benefit them at all. They won't even need to force me to obey. In fact, they'll think that I'm randomly giving orders and wasting administrative resources. "
Some things would become even crueler the more they were explained.
The previous Seafolk had experienced this, but Seviala truly analyzed the situation bit by bit, only to discover that the situation was despairing.
Not only would there be no benefits to managing the ocean, but it would also bring about economic side effects. The decline of the fishing industry, the complaints of the industrial factory owners, and the instability of the unemployed workers. No ruler would go against these people without sufficient benefits.
........................................................
"That's why we need to give them benefits, give them money, give them jobs, and give them new markets."
As the young princess spoke, she took out a scroll from her bosom.
On the scroll, there was an inverted bowl that was unusually eye-catching. If one took a closer look, they would discover that there were countless buildings and little people underneath the "bowl."
"Underwater City Ecotourism and Industrial Development Zone, draft C."
Seviala pointed at the title of the scroll word by word, and the literate Seafolk nodded their heads in excitement.
This meant that this wasn't just empty talk, but a work plan that was actually being carried out. This princess was really working on this project.
"Once it's completed, it'll be the first major district of the first phase. It's estimated that it'll be able to accommodate a population of 200,000 people and create over 100,000 new jobs. Furthermore, this is only the beginning. This means that this ocean will be fully opened up."
"Doesn't this mean that our territory will be invaded even more?!"
There would always be people who would object, but this was exactly what Seviala was waiting for.
"Do you think that there's any meaning in preserving the primitive concept of territory in this era? Modern transportation is so advanced, and you still want to live off the mountains? Is that even possible? "
Without giving the other party a chance to think, Seviala continued.
"As the government and a department directly in charge of this project, I'm the guide, but I can't be the complete investor (a partial investor is acceptable). When the time comes, those large financial groups in the country will definitely participate when they smell the scent of money. Then, their participation will represent the entire capital of Bair moving. When the time comes, even if we don't do anything, they will still go and develop real estate, tourism, and commercial industries."
"And an underwater city, the first underwater city in the Aishi World, other than the special water elemental plane, how many tourists do you think will come from thousands of miles away? How much profit do you think this will bring … Do you think those big bosses will allow the environment to continue deteriorating and waste their investment in real estate and tourism? When the time comes, they will manage it themselves. Furthermore, in reality, only they have enough money and resources to manage it. This is a long-term and difficult task, without continuous profits, why would they persist? "
As she spoke, the girl raised the pendant in front of her chest. The God Equipment Sapphire glowed with an ocean-like radiance.
"This is the God Equipment Heart of the Ocean, Auland's national treasure. I used my country's national treasure as collateral to borrow it. What do you think I'll use it for?"
If it was twenty minutes ago, the Seafolk would probably say things like "Destroy our Seafolk" or "Summon a tidal storm like before". However, Seviala had successfully attracted their attention.
"If you obtain it, you will probably think of using it to summon waves to destroy coastal cities and expel the residents on land … I'll be frank, that will only invite even more violent retaliation. Right now, humans are the masters of this world. Even the Gods of the Ocean wouldn't dare to directly challenge the authority of the mega empires."
"Fools will only use power to destroy. However, to me, this sapphire represents limitless creation and possibilities. As long as we use this sapphire to create an underwater vacuum zone and control the ocean currents to facilitate construction, we will only have a large amount of time and investment left. The original plan of more than ten years to complete the first district can be shortened to half a year! Yes, within half a year, you will be able to see the first underwater city. By then, how many jobs and benefits do you think you underwater residents will receive? "
The more the girl spoke, the more excited she became. The Seafolk below the stage started discussing with each other as they listened attentively. Meanwhile, the spectators were rather bored. Indeed, this had nothing to do with them. They were just innocent passersby.
"… This girl is amazing."
Rorschach was rather happy. He was simply tired. He didn't want to see blood today. The current situation was better than anything else.
"Yep, so amazing. If I was at her level, I wouldn't have to leave my hometown. Would my father really like me …?"
Ariel was exclaiming. She was even somewhat envious. They were both princesses, so why was there such a huge difference between them?
"Wah wah!"
Beneath her feet was a black knight who was tied up. There was even a piece of cloth over his mouth.
Beneath the black knight was a blue dragon who was on the verge of death. Previously, the dragon expert (self-proclaimed) Ariel had taken a look at him. This dragon had tried to forcefully fly away from the forbidden spell, but had been grazed by it. Afterwards, he forcefully entered the battlefield before he had even recovered. Unless a miracle occurred, he probably wouldn't be able to live for much longer.
Half an hour ago, the moment that Rorschach confirmed that the enemy's combat strength was inferior to his own, he didn't give the enemy any chance to speak and destroy the residents' plans. He directly opened the door to release Ariel … and the dragon girl.
The effect was quite good. Rather than worrying about solving the problem, it would be better to directly deal with the person who caused the problem.
Against two rank 5 mages, and not just any ordinary rank 5 mages, how could a heavily injured dragon knight possibly win?
"By the way, we were all implicated, right? From start to finish, we were all …"
Rorschach finally regained his senses. He looked at the young princess who was currently boasting, and his expression became even more displeased.
Originally, he had thought that the sea monsters were coming for him. However, the moment Ariel's plan was carried out, these Seafolk residents would immediately change their nationality and religion. It would be strange if the Ocean Gods could tolerate this.
But then, his emotions became a little complicated.
This was the first time that he had ever admired someone. He admired an ordinary girl who was younger than him and didn't have any combat strength. While he was still fighting for his life in his own little circle, this girl had already begun to change the world.
Yes, changing the world. This wasn't an exaggeration. If this plan was carried out, Bair would forcefully gain a new territory. The Seafolk could also become Bair's citizens. They would be driven by money and living standards. The problem of the Seafolk robbers along the coast would be completely solved. There would also be a way to solve the problem of the ocean pollution.
And this wasn't even the greatest change. In fact, compared to the chain reaction that would follow, this was only a small part of the total.
Once this channel was opened, an example would be established. Once this special channel was built, it would mean that the Seafolk would be able to become Bair's citizens through this channel. Countless Seafolk would flock here. Bair would obtain an underwater province, and the Seafolk would obtain a continuous "customs".
What would happen when there was a continuous communication barrier between two neighboring countries? What would happen when there was a huge difference in standards of living between the two sides? History had already given us the answer many times.
Countless stowaways and border crossers would flock here. The cultural products and information mixed with the smuggled goods would cause the Seafolk to lose the mentality to live a stable life. The Seafolk would think and question just what made their lives so difficult.
Was it the lifestyle of the Seafolk? Was it tradition and faith?
"… If I remember correctly, the Seafolk Gods are all Gods of faith. Isn't this the same as digging up their roots?"
It could be foreseen that once this new channel was built, the Seafolk would continue to lose blood, while Bair would gain countless benefits. And in order to end all of this, Rorschach couldn't think of a second option other than war for the Seafolk and the Seafolk, who were culturally and economically disadvantaged.
"Building a wall? History has taught us that the wall is only a temporary solution to the conflict. At the same time, it accumulates conflict, and the foundation for the eruption will be even fiercer … Now that I think about it, this idea is truly insane. The Seafolk Gods can only choose between fighting to the death or dying a slow death. Are the Seafolk Gods going to war? War? War? War? War? "
Although Rorschach was quite amazed at how vast and involved this plan was, at this moment, he realized that Karwenz was lacking in certain areas.
"Is she really prepared to go to war against an entire God faction and countless mortal factions? Or is she simply thinking that she's doing something that will benefit both sides? "
For some unknown reason, Rorschach felt like he could come back two years later at this time to take a look. Perhaps he could even participate in Karwenz's anniversary celebration.
"Tsk, it has nothing to do with me anyway. I'm just an innocent bystander. This melon is so sweet."
After saying that, Karwenz threw the leftover watermelon into the trash, grabbed another piece, and sat down to quietly watch the show.
"This melon seems to be spoiled. I can't be that unlucky …"
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