Black Dragon City (Bonus Chapter for 'leo627')
Very few people know the truth behind the "rumors".
Even the high-ranking subordinates around the Princess didn't know much about it.
Those who had accompanied Ymir to the Ashen Forest in search of the temple, such as the "Magic Swordsman" Rhine Lute and the "Storm General" Baron, all had very strange expressions upon hearing this rumor.
They dared not ask Ymir directly, but when they asked those around them, they received various versions of the story, but one thing they all had in common was that this Rein was the Princess's man!
Adding to their previous experiences, Rhine and the other core members finally understood that when Rein and their Princess had a long private conversation in the tent, and she came out blushing, they hadn't misunderstood. The two were not ordinary allies, but rather had that kind of ambiguous relationship!
Although it seemed somewhat sudden, Ymir's subordinates quickly accepted the fact.
The rumors are spreading so widely, the Princess must know about them.
But she didn't say anything, which clearly meant she tacitly acknowledged the ambiguous relationship.
Then, as Rein walked along, the atmosphere was inexplicably harmonious.
The meeting was held in a private room.
The table in the meeting room was a large round table, and those who could attend the meeting were all high-ranking members of the territory, so the number of people was not large.
Representative of the healthcare system: Ilubeck;
Representatives in the field of mechanical craftsmen: Tuster, Pierre;
Chamber of Commerce Representative: Canossa;
Kalman Tribe: Great Shaman Mafat, Elder Rain Master Fofa, Insect Master Elder Imyu, Wudo;
Omar's side: General Baron, and two unfamiliar internal affairs officials;
In the second row of seats behind, there were also some representatives from various fields.
Whether it was a deliberate arrangement or this was how meetings of this caliber were conducted, Rein and Ymir were not seated facing each other, but rather with their left and right hands next to each other, appearing quite intimate.
This was the first formal meeting between the top leaders of the two sides, and everyone seemed a little reserved.
At this time, Ymir demonstrated her exceptional leadership skills.
Normally quiet and reserved, she was like a great orator at this moment, directly presiding over the meeting.
"Today is the first high-level meeting in our territory."
Without further ado, they got straight to the point.
First came a series of introductions, where everyone recognized each other and learned who they were.
Rein introduced himself and also introduced the other attendees from Kolman's side.
Especially when the Great Shaman Mafat was introduced, the expressions on the faces of the people on Omar's side were quite interesting.
Everyone could see that this old man, who had returned to simplicity, was definitely not an ordinary person as the highest leader of his clan; therefore, he must be an absurdly powerful Transcendent.
The contrast on the table is rather awkward.
Omar's side has no legends at all; while on Rein' side, even excluding Canossa and the lazy Bazel, there are three legendary fighters.
Seemingly aware that they were outmatched, the people Omar sent, apart from Baron, consisted entirely of administrative talents and skilled craftsmen, covering almost all areas needed for the development of the territory, including security, education, healthcare, and agriculture.
The meeting continued in an orderly manner.
Wudo can now understand the Common Tongue, and she is responsible for translating for Mafat and the two elders. However, the three Kolman Tribe leaders rarely speak, mostly listening from the sidelines. Territorial construction is still a completely new concept for the Kolman Tribe culture, and there is much to learn.
Ymir, with her clear thinking, succinctly explained the future plans for the territory to everyone.
"Mr. Rein and I intend to build this territory into a true 'City of Freedom.' We also do not intend to establish a territory with a private lord system, so from today onwards, we will organize a cabinet and a parliament. The parliament will be the highest legislative and executive body of the territory. All positions will not be hereditary!"
After introducing the "otherworldly constitutional monarchy" system, Ymir uttered a statement that drew everyone's attention. "Therefore, I propose that Mr. Rein be the first lord of our 'Black Dragon City.' Now, let's vote."
"Black Dragon City" is named after the black dragon in the Alkolon Mountain Range, symbolizing a unique and independent existence. This was the name given by Rein.
Ymir finished speaking, she was the first to raise her hand.
These words, no matter who else said them, would have any effect, except for her.
Electing a city lord by vote is an absolutely novel thing in this era.
Although many people in the venue thought this was a bit absurd, seeing Rein being pushed out, Mafat and the others naturally agreed.
Then, everyone on Omar's side had an "I understand" look on their faces, and surprisingly, no one objected at all.
The atmosphere was very harmonious, and Rein was elected smoothly.
Moreover, the essence of any system is to improve people's lives. The contradictions differ in each era, and systems adapt accordingly.
If everyone can live and work in peace and contentment, the specific system doesn't really matter.
Even Ymir's initial goal was simply to achieve "equality for all".
And Rein also knew that this was a world of the Transcendent, where the power of the top Transcendent was above the vast majority of rights.
Therefore, some changes need to be made in accordance with local conditions.
Then he created this otherworldly version of "constitutional monarchy".
Although the territory currently consists of only one city, it is classified as a "principality," so using these is perfectly acceptable.
Moreover, the people from other worlds had no concept of new terms like "Prime Minister" and "cabinet," so they could just say them casually without anyone scrutinizing them.
He hadn't originally planned to create a "city lord," only a Prime Minister and parliamentary ministers. But Canossa, Ilubeck, the Kalman Tribe, and Tuster all wanted Rein to be the city lord.
Even those on Ymir's side hoped for a city lord.
They came here from a monarchical country and suddenly there was no "lord," which made them feel like they were leaderless.
Ymir understood that this was the best way to quickly resolve internal conflicts within the territory.
Therefore, as the trend of the times dictated, Rein was elected as the lord who held the title of city lord but had no special privileges, could not inherit the title, and whose role was more about etiquette, diplomacy, and symbolism.
The meeting was tedious, especially for those who didn't understand politics.
The development of a territory involves many aspects, including politics, military affairs, healthcare, agriculture, commerce, and people's livelihood.
The title of city lord, Rein, is giving me a headache.
He finally understood why Bazel was unwilling to attend these meetings. These meetings were not good for muscular Transcendent.
After listening to the meeting, Rein intuitively categorized himself as a muscle-based Transcendent.
As for the construction of the territory, Rein only put forward a general framework. He didn't understand politics, so the rest was up to Ymir to decide.
She did not disappoint, demonstrating exceptional domestic management skills, and everything was handled in an orderly manner.
"From this day forward, there will be no more noble class system in our territory, and there will be no distinction between commoners and nobles. Everyone is a 'permanent resident of Black Dragon City,' the only difference being the position held. Positions are not titles, and they are not hereditary!"
"All basic resources within the territory—medical care, education, energy, and basic potions—are free for permanent residents. All citizens enjoy equal rights, but must also fulfill corresponding obligations."
"Everyone is equal before the law."
"Once our Black Dragon City territory is fully developed, a large number of hunters will flock here. They will be temporary residents, similar to the previous City of Radiance. However, we will not use a family-based management system; the council will hold supreme power."
"."
The Kolman Tribe were initially somewhat unaccustomed to living among people from other civilizations in the Mechanical City, as their tribal system meant they had little concept of class.
But now the system in Black Dragon City is somewhat similar to that of their tribe. Although they didn't understand it, it seemed no different from before: working, hunting, and enjoying everything for free.
Rein also considered that many problems would definitely be discovered in the implementation of this system.
However, Black Dragon City's geographical location in the "Karatva Basin" meant that, at least for a long period of rampant growth, it had enough wealth to support the development of its territory.
The main contradiction they need to face is the external contradiction of survival. This period of time is enough for Ymir and those talented people in domestic affairs to gradually adjust these things.
The development of a territory requires highly specialized domestic affairs personnel.
Each profession has its own expertise.
Rein felt it best to stick to his strategy of achieving miracles through brute force. Aside from intervening in some necessary major directions, he thought the details of the territory's development and management could be left to Ymir and the council.
Then, each representative gave a speech.
From a professional business perspective, Canossa offered some suggestions: to open up the market with a medicine that the Kolman Tribe could use to solve the black fog problem, and to create some buzz first to prepare for attracting hunters in the future.
Ilubeck proposed the establishment of a comprehensive healthcare system.
Ymir intends to immediately set about establishing public academies.
Baron raised the issue of equipment for the Mechanist Legion.
Interior officials raised issues related to agriculture and municipal administration.
Finally, the topic turned to the design of the Mechanical City, which needed to be decided immediately.
Master Pierre on Omar's side, was originally the chief designer, but after witnessing Tuster's mech last night, he was deeply impressed by the old man's advanced mechanical technology and offered his opinions as a junior.
"I believe Mr. Tuster is undoubtedly the chief architect of the Mechanical City."
Pierre had said such a thing, no one else had any objections.
But clearly, Tuster had no interest in titles whatsoever; he only cared about the machinery.
Moreover, when everyone was talking about the Mechanical City, the old man raised a question that made everyone think deeply.
"Gentlemen, has anyone considered where this mechanical airship came from? And how did it crash?"
"I have carefully analyzed the cause of the crash of this mechanical airship. The problem was not with the power unit, but with an external attack. I initially thought it was attacked by some kind of flying magical beast, perhaps that black dragon. But in fact, the most fatal flaw was a crack in the airship's main cannon."
"It was a mark that looked like space itself had cracked open, forcibly tearing through the steel armor."
"I consulted the High Priest of Mafat, and he believes this is not a breach that a Transcendent could create, not even that black dragon could have done."
If we hadn't encountered the Kolman Tribe before, we might have all assumed that the world consisted of only two great empires of humans.
But now, the Airship Wreckage far more advanced than current steam technology is laid out before them.
It's like finding a treasure, but we also need to consider...
Perhaps in the dark forest, a hunter's gun is already aimed at us.
Two chapters owed for the 10,000-yuan reward; four chapters owed for the monthly pass.