"What do you mean by that?" Melia asked, tilting her head back to look at Luo’er.
"Just a suggestion," Luo’er shrugged, "I can’t judge your actions. Since you’ve chosen this path, all I can do is wish you success."
"Thank you for your concern." Melia smiled at him. Luo’er was taken aback, sensing ambiguity in her eyes.
He coughed lightly, then turned away, shifting his gaze. "Tomorrow, they should respond to you. I’m sorry, I can’t help you with anything. Take care."
"Hmm." Watching Luo’er turned his head, Melia looked down with a sense of disappointment, gazing into the water, falling into a prolonged silence.
After a good while of a stalemate between them, Luo’er decided to break the silence, "I’m going now, you should also go back early. It’s a bit chilly in the evening, don’t catch a cold."
Finishing those words, he walked back towards the villa without turning back. Melia raised her head, watching Luo’er slowly disappearing into the distance. She remembered his words, and although her face didn’t show any expression, her heart couldn’t calm down for a long time.
The headquarters communicated quickly and by noon the next day both parties had reconvened for a chat. Luo’er and his companion got the opportunity to attend the negotiation scene, however, unlike last time, they didn’t have to stand in the corner. They sat on either side of Wang Xu, facing Melia across the table.
For Wang Xu, the directive from headquarters was crucial. After all, with such a serious issue, no one wanted any mishaps. Fortunately, he received the feedback from headquarters early in the morning.
The headquarters suggested them to Keep reading on NovelHub - where stories come alive! As per their intentions, firstly, both parties can’t expose their partnership. Secondly, the headquarters would only unconditionally provide weapons and training for battle strategies and tactics while not interfering with Melia’s plan. Conversely, Melia needs to stick with their promise and refrain from acting against the interest of the headquarters.
Along with the viewpoint of the headquarters, a list was also issued, outlining the demands of Melia. Wang Xu needed to present the terms to Melia as per the list, and Melia was obliged to follow these terms after seizing the power in Masya.
"Have you read all the conditions on the list, is there anything you need to be explained?" Wang Xu translated the words from the list into Tasta language and handed it over to Melia to look over.
"No, I can accept all these conditions!" Melia decisively replied.
She briefly looked over the list, which included several acceptable conditions such as most-favoured-nation treatment, Masya never taking part in the war against Earth, and leasing some mining rights, etc. Apparently, the headquarters didn’t want to control Masya entirely, true cooperation meant that both parties were negotiating on relatively equal terms.
"So, can we cooperate now?" Melia asked Wang Xu.
"Before we take the next step, could I ask you a few questions?" Wang Xu asked.
"Please, go ahead." Melia nodded.
"Where are you planning to assemble your army, your highness?" Wang Xu asked.
"Within the territory controlled by the kingdom, west of Masya," Melia answered without any hesitation.
Wang Xu nodded. If we’re talking about the area west of Masya, it possibly would be the territory to the east of the Roen River. Thus it would be possible to transport the weapons via waterways, avoiding the dangers of going through rebel-occupied areas.
"How many people do you plan to recruit, your highness?" Wang Xu asked.
"Approximately 30,000," Melia responded.
She noticed that while Wang Xu was speaking, he took a piece of paper and a pen from a secretary and bent to write something down.
"Who will pay for the food supplies and salaries of these 30,000 people?" Wang Xu asked.
"I..." Melia was taken aback, at a loss for words.
Truthfully, although she was adept at scheming, she was still a novice when it came to military organization. If not for the Keep reading on NovelHub - where stories come alive!
Wang Xu scribbled something on the paper and held it up, continuing with, "If you’re planning to seize power with your army, wouldn’t you fear to have your supplies cut off by the Galan during the takeover if you get the supplies from them? If you plan to get the supplies from us, leaving aside how we are to transport them to your hands, wouldn’t you fear the exposure of our partnership?"
Melia blinked in surprise, realizing she had never thought about this aspect before. She only knew she needed an army to seize power, but had no idea how to ensure the functioning of an army.
Just as Wang Xu said, an army would consume resources every day. If not supplied, her soldiers might disperse before they even started to fight. Getting supplies transported from the Kingdom was obviously not feasible, as her men would then be part of the Kingdom’s army, ultimately serving the King and the Crown Prince.
Although receiving supplies from Yazhi City might work, as Wang Xu had promised to provide any assistance unconditionally, the frequent transportation might reveal their collaboration, which would be irreparable once exposed.
With a furrowed brow, Melia contemplated, her previously confident smile now gone. She pondered on the issue raised by Wang Xu, desperately searching her mind for solutions.
She looked up, meeting Luo’er’s eyes. Fixating on him, she suddenly recalled his words from the evening before. Recognize who are enemies and who are friends, and unite all possible allies.
Melia had a sudden realization. Luo’er was right. Recognize enemies and friends and try to unite all possible forces, regardless of who they are.
The Earth headquarters that Luo’er was serving was indeed one of the potential allies, but relying solely on their power would not be enough. The rebels were able to expand not only because they were Keep reading on NovelHub - where stories come alive!
Therefore, if Melia wants to raise an army to seize power, she needs to find cooperative forces in Masya, since relying solely on the headquarters won’t be enough.
Masya was not monolithic as the previous siege on Obus revealed. The barons and earls of Obus didn’t think highly of the Crown Prince, so they deployed their troops to the outskirts of the city, giving Luo’er an opportunity for attack.
So, if she wants to secure a foothold in Masya, she needs to find forces she could unite with domestically. As the saying goes, the enemy of one’s enemy can become a friend. These people are essential to her goals.
Currently, there are three main forces inside Masya, the rebels representing civilians, and the Kingdom representing the orthodox nobility. Besides, an emerging force is gradually growing on the rise, acting on behalf of the merchants. In earthling’s words, they represent the emerging bourgeoisie, who would be her best allies.
With these considerations, the situation becomes crystal clear. Melia wants to seize power to initiate reforms, and the capitalists aspire to gain benefits from nobles. They share mutual benefits, becoming natural allies.
Thinking this, Melia looked up and gratefully glanced at Luo’er, who was taken aback. "I plan to seek the Keep reading on NovelHub - where stories come alive! They possess great wealth, but the control over Masya is monopolized by the nobility. If I promise to diminish the power of nobles, they will gladly cooperate with me."
Wang Xu was surprised. Melia had given the standard answer without a moment’s hesitation. His proposal was rendered redundant now. For some reason, he turned to Luo’er and shot him a glance, making him increasingly puzzled.
If Melia chooses to cooperate with these budding capitalists, there would be nothing more profitable. The capitalists have the money, and they have the access. Combined with Melia’s cooperation, they certainly can accomplish remarkable achievements.
Wang Xu nodded in approval, "The weapon deployment and related personnel training will be arranged by us. I hope your Highness won’t forget our agreement once you succeed."
"Of course, I won’t go back on my word," Melia firmly responded.
"That’s very good," Wang Xu nodded and waited for the secretary to write up the cooperation agreement, and then handed it over to Melia, "This is the agreement. If you have no objections, please sign."
Melia quickly read through it, finding no points to object to. She took a pen from the secretary and confidently signed her name on the agreement.
After Melia signed, the secretary brought the agreement to Wang Xu. He picked up a pen, seriously signing his own name. This signified both parties officially entering into a cooperative state.
"A pleasure to cooperate with you." Melia stood up and reached out her hand. Seeing her action, Luo’er made an awkward face, as it was the same way Melia had exposed his identity before, which became an unforgettable memory.
"A pleasure is ours!" Wang Xu also stood up, smiling and shaking her hand.
"By the way, about that information," Melia pulled back her hand and suddenly recalled something. "The intelligence Luo’er was interested in, let it be our cooperation’s welcome gift."
"You refer to?" Wang Xu glanced at Luo’er, then back to Melia, asking hesitantly.
"About the Royal Artillery Battalion’s cannons," Melia said, "Those cannons were purchased from the High-peak people, including the follow-up ammunition."
Hearing her words, Wang Xu’s face changed significantly, and he hurriedly asked, "Your Highness, is this true?"