In the Name of Empress-Chapter 613 - 356: I Want to Be the Only One (Part 3)

Chapter 613: Chapter 356: I Want to Be the Only One (Part 3)

"Governor, are you available now?"

"I... come in."

Roland initially wanted to say he was busy, but he couldn’t turn down a smiling face, so he didn’t refuse.

This was his first time in this office when the administrative secretary came looking for him.

He was curious, what could it be?

The administrative secretary gently pushed open the door, walked over lightly, placed the documents on the desk, and then stepped back five meters away from Roland.

"Governor, these are last year’s government work report and this year’s work plan, along with several very important documents, please take a look."

Roland really wanted to say he was just a figurehead, but looking at the secretary’s expectant eyes, he couldn’t say it out loud.

Might as well take a look.

After all, he was just casually going to glance through.

As he opened the government work report, Roland intended to just skim, but the work report moved him.

This work report didn’t have the common drivel and official language found elsewhere; it went straight to the point from the start.

How much income last year, how much expenditure, what work was done, and what got accidentally messed up, everything was included.

There was no exaggeration of achievements or evasion of problems.

Just based on this, it surpassed several major countries by far.

Last year’s work report covered aspects from politics, economy, diplomacy, and livelihood, but the most important part was the Rodinia war.

The report’s author honestly pointed out that Val City State was too small to inherently ensure safety.

To survive, they must firmly align themselves and bind themselves to the Freedom Alliance’s chariot.

They had no choice.

Sitting on the fence would only get them pummeled from both sides.

After all, it was last year’s work report; they couldn’t foresee the emergence of the Rodinia Alliance, an incomprehensible entity.

The report concluded with detailed accounts of the damage the war inflicted on Val City State.

They paid the price of over twenty thousand casualties, which is a heavy blow to a city-state with only seventy thousand people.

By proportion alone, the casualty rate topped that of any country within the Freedom Alliance.

Moreover, Val City suffered significant losses in the war, with total direct and indirect losses exceeding four million nine hundred thousand pounds.

This is almost two and a half years of fiscal revenue for Val City State, far exceeding fifty years of fiscal surplus.

This war wiped out a generation and the massive wealth accumulated over many years.

Roland sat up straight and wrote a red remark on the work report.

In the world before his crossing, this was called an important directive.

Roland’s directive was simple: let Val City State lead the formation of the Rodinia Inland Waterway Committee and negotiate with the Sussex Empire’s trade department to establish a free trade zone.

Although Val City State has fertile land, it’s limited.

They must rely on industry and commerce.

To reward their loyalty and contributions, Roland decided to give them a boost.

He even considered making Emre Port a free port for shared interests between the two countries.

Then, Val City State’s goods could exit via inland waterways, departing from Emre Port.

With smooth trade and Val people’s business acumen, they would surely make money.

In the second document, the annual work plan, Roland helped them revise and improve it, ensuring they employ workers from Jin Yuan Kingdom to rebuild their homes.

Rebuilding costs would be jointly borne by Val City State, Jin Yuan Kingdom, and Sussex Empire.

Though it would require some sacrifices, Roland thought it worth it.

This was a win-win-win solution.

After reading through all the documents, Roland indicated to the administrative secretary to take them away.

The administrative secretary was a little surprised.

The Chief Governor had only reminded her to prepare the documents and give them to Roland upon his arrival; if he didn’t come, she couldn’t proactively look for him.

Today, Roland finally came, and she wouldn’t miss the chance.

She originally thought Roland was just going to skim, but she didn’t expect him to make red marks.

Not only that, Roland helped by standing on Val City’s side to plan opportunities.

The Honorary Governor truly didn’t see himself as an outsider.

The administrative secretary was ecstatic.

Born and raised in Val City, the administrative secretary was very familiar with the city’s changes over the years.

She also knew how important it was to have strong backing for Val City State.

Roland was their strong support.

Now that he actively responded, every Val person would be happy.

Seeing the secretary’s joyous expression, Roland thought to himself, every benefit has its price.

Val City would become a future global center city, and his assistance was valuable but not free.

Val City couldn’t choose to be neutral; they must clearly stand with Roland.

After the administrative secretary left, Roland had just picked up tea to alleviate fatigue, when less than half an hour later, there was another knock at the door.

Roland furrowed his brows lightly but still spoke in a low voice, "The door’s unlocked, come in."

Entering the room was the head of the integrated office.

He brought news that surprised Roland.

The former Prime Minister of the Tirol Kingdom, Meinette, came to visit.

Roland’s ultimatum to the Tirol Kingdom hadn’t even been sent out, and here they were proactively visiting, what to do?

First, rule out violence.

A proactive visit makes them guests; how could the host be in a bad mood and start hitting the guests?

No matter what, meet them first.

Soon, an elderly gentleman full of energy walked into the Governor’s office.

Roland was surprised to look at Meinette.

This old gentleman, over fifty, appeared at least seventy.

Aging too fast.

While Roland exchanged courtesy with Meinette, the former Prime Minister of the Tirol Kingdom suddenly knelt on one knee before him.

"Roland, save Tirol!"

Roland couldn’t accept such a grand gesture from the elder and quickly helped Meinette up, seriously saying:

"Mr. Meinette, if it’s to save you, I might be able to try, but the Tirol Kingdom and I have no relationship; I’m not your official, possibly even an adversary, how could I save it?"

"As long as you’re willing, you can be!" Meinette said resolutely.

Roland furrowed his brow lightly and still chose to decline politely.

"Sorry, I am now the Cardinal Minister of the Vladimir Empire; some things can’t be done impulsively."

Meinette wanted to comment a bit, but Roland wasn’t really rejecting; he was raising the price.

He quickly offered a second reward, promising Roland the vacant Earl’s Domain, Vistana Land, within the Tirol Kingdom as new territory.

Not only that, but he also suggested to Roland that he could choose any lady from Tirol; even if she was married, he would persuade her husband to make every concession short of divorce.

As long as Roland was willing to go!

Praise with ulterior motives often means ulterior motives aren’t noble; this old man wasn’t a good person.

Roland, with a half-smile, looked at Meinette and gently asked, "Tell me, what specific problem does your country need me to solve? If it’s within my ability, I won’t refuse."

"You certainly can, as the Knight of Light; dispelling darkness is your duty."

Meinette candidly looked at Roland, without hiding anything, and said, "The Dark Race is invading our country, and even the late King’s legitimate wife, Queen Sisi, is among them."

"Your Highness the Light, save us."

Roland stood stunned, confusedly asking, "Who is your new King; are you sure he has no ties to the Dark Race?"

"I’m very sure, the new King comes from a collateral royal branch with an excellent reputation. I watched him grow from the age of three; I know him well. After all, I am his uncle."

Roland suddenly understood.

So that’s what’s happening.

True to your style, Meinette, waiting for me here.

Though it’s a trick, it’s a sincere one.

Roland nodded, only asking for one thing; he wanted to conduct a lecture tour throughout Tirol.

Spread knowledge to every corner of the world. He did this not out of nobility but out of selfishness.

He must become stronger through spreading knowledge.

Faced with Roland’s "unreasonable demand," Meinette beamed with joy.

As long as Roland was willing to help, any condition could be proposed.

Even if Roland curiously wanted to taste what Queen Sisi, after death, was like, he would arrange it.

Seeing Meinette’s fervent eyes, Roland felt a little uneasy.

This old man surely has some mad ideas, right?

Anyhow, good luck to him.