In Terra, I Have No Books to Read

"Mm, I made it."

Theresica didn't offer much explanation. He looked towards the Shapeshifter, who had been idle until now. "Esteemed Patriarch of the Shapeshifters, how many of your entire clan can achieve high-level disguise? The kind that other races can't discern."

Although the various Sarkaz races had their own characteristics, these traits also varied from individual to individual, some strong, some weak.

"Your Majesty, including myself, those who can meet your requirements... there are probably over a hundred."

"Gather everyone who doesn't have Originium Fever. We're going out."

"Who are you declaring war on? Or which countries are you instigating conflict between?" the Shapeshifter Patriarch asked. He was a bit confused. Hadn't this young King said he didn't want war? Had the Bloodfiend Grand Duke secretly worked on him?

"Declare war? It's just right to send the Originium to Victoria for trade. I want to visit other countries to see if I can buy anything. Those countries don't sell to the Sarkaz, do they? Then we'll disguise ourselves as Felines, Lupos, Liberi, anything."

"This is the first time I've received such a peaceful disguise mission. It's interesting."

The Shapeshifter Patriarch smiled and bowed. "I await your command."

"Wouldn't it be more profitable to just rob their merchant caravans?"

At this moment, Manfred spoke. Theresica immediately retorted, "Then what about next time? As things develop, it will be another new war."

"Continuous war, I don't know if we'll win, and even if we do, what then? Force countries that aren't fighting us to only think of war when they remember us, then they'll strengthen their defenses against us, and then we'll preemptively eliminate them? In the end, what will be left besides corpses?"

He sighed helplessly. Why didn't they dare to hand this matter directly to them? The reason was right here.

These clan leaders were all very capable, but their abilities were all focused on war and killing. Victoria was once an enemy of the Sarkaz. They were a long-lived race. If they happened to see any acquaintances, it would likely result in bloodshed.

Then what good would buying things do!

"Yes, Your Majesty, please forgive my presumptuous words."

Manfred lowered his head, but Theresica then said, "To stand on Terra, we must have swords, but whether we are skilled at using them is different from only knowing how to solve problems with swords."

"You'll come with me too. I want to get some simple industrial equipment in Victoria. This shouldn't attract attention and is suitable for us. You're in the army, so you should know what equipment would be useful for our soldiers."

Even if they got advanced industrial equipment, no one would know how to use it!

"Your Majesty, someone here should understand this better than I do."

"Who?" Theresica asked curiously.

The Sarkaz military camp was set up outside a canyon. Under Manfred's leadership, Theresica entered the camp and then delved deeper into the canyon.

The area was completely covered by an artificial roof and had no artificial lighting. It didn't look like anyone was there at all. But as the soldiers guided him, Theresica gradually heard the roar of machinery.

"Your Majesty, we're almost there."

Manfred said, and a faint light appeared ahead. As they walked in, an incredibly vast space unfolded before Theresica.

The sparse artificial light faintly illuminated a huge silhouette.

"What is that?"

"It's a secret weapon prepared by Lord Theresis."

Manfred explained, "There's a group of the last remaining Sarkaz artisans here. They are producing the weapons conceived by Lord Theresis while also manufacturing some necessary weapons for the army."

Sarkaz have artisans?

Theresica was surprised. This was truly an unexpected delight.

Beside a machine, an old man was meticulously processing something. After a long while, the machine finally stopped. He eagerly picked up the finished product but then sighed and threw it aside.

"Not satisfied?"

"Of course not. These are machines from a hundred years ago. I'm already fortunate that they can still operate."

"Want to try getting a new one?"

The old man suddenly realized that a child was standing beside him, and he seemed to have an air of authority.

"Child, where did you come from? This is no place to play. I'll have Old Carter escort you out. Stay close when you leave so you don't fall..."

The old man raised his lamp as if looking for someone. At this moment, Manfred couldn't help but remind him, "Zeppelin, this is the younger brother of Lord Theresia, the current King of Kazdel!"

Zeppelin's footsteps stopped. He looked over in disbelief. "The civil war is over?"

"Yes, the civil war is over."

Theresica replied. The old Sarkaz's face immediately broke into a smile, and he exclaimed in surprise.

"The civil war is over! It's over!"

From the depths of the darkness, several lanterns appeared. Those Sarkaz stumbled over.

"Really? The civil war is over?"

"Yes, the civil war is over."

Theresica shouted, "I will rebuild Sarkaz's industry! I ask all of you to lend me your strength!"

"It's impossible."

The old Sarkaz named Zeppelin's smile vanished. He sighed dejectedly, "Before I came to this cave, Kazdel was already reduced to ruins. Where would we find the ability to rebuild industry?"

"We have the ability."

Theresica firmly retorted, "How will we know the result if we don't try? I want to import machinery from Victoria, and I hope you can assist me."

Zeppelin didn't answer. Instead, he held up his lantern and moved closer. Forgetting his manners, he eagerly asked, "You have a way to get machinery from Victoria?"

"I can't guarantee it, but I'll do my best," Theresica said. "If we can't buy military-grade, we'll buy civilian-grade. If we can't buy new, we'll buy old. Either way, it'll be better than ours! And I asked you to join because I hope to select the most suitable equipment."

"...After all this time, this is the first time I've heard Royalty admit that our things are inferior to others."

The old Sarkaz's lantern swayed a few times. He tried his best to bend his back a little more. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

PS: The third update is here. Please give me some votes, I beg you!!!

Chapter 12: Journey to Victoria

The sentinels once again took to the streets, posting notices while loudly proclaiming the King's orders to the illiterate Sarkaz.

"Mine recruiting miners and purification workers! 12 hours of work per day! One day off per month with meals provided! Rations are equivalent to soldiers! Free accommodation! One free shower per day!"

If this were on Earth, a recruitment notice for miners like this would surely be met with a torrent of abuse, but in Kazdel, it attracted countless onlookers.

"Is this real?"

The Sarkaz asked in disbelief. The sentinel pointed to the bottom right corner and said, "This is His Majesty's personal signature! The mine is now directly managed by His Majesty, and the gendarmes are supervising!"

"Ah? That's great! I'm going!"

"Me too!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The Sarkaz eagerly signed up. Not having to serve in the army and getting soldier-level rations was already excellent in their eyes, not to mention getting free food, drink, and rest for a day!

The Sarkaz present cheered and thanked His Majesty. However, he couldn't hear these voices because Theresica was traveling in a convoy of makeshift cargo transport ships through the vast desert.

This transport ship, from wherever it was obtained, was dilapidated everywhere. Apart from the most basic power and control components that were barely functional, most other functions had already failed.

Jolting, noise, and stuffiness filled the cramped passenger compartment.

Shining walked over. She saw Theresica frowning and looking out the window and asked, "Your Majesty, you don't look well. Would you like to switch to a more comfortable seat?"

"No need."

Theresica waved his hand. He had experienced far more uncomfortable situations than this. The real reason for his discomfort was the recruitment notice he had posted before departing.

Originium was a special mineral. He really wanted to implement an 8-hour shift rotation, as he believed that working hours under such conditions should not be so long. However, the number of workers did not allow for it. Originium was the only thing Kazdel could export now.

Kazdel had to move forward now, had to catch up with other countries. This was the only way forward in the short term. But what about the future? Would he lose himself on the path of pursuit and forget some important things in his heart?

He didn't know, only feeling worried.

A week later, in an unnamed town on the border of Victoria.

Theresica and his entourage entered. The Shapeshifters had already transformed into Lupo, and since his own horns hadn't grown significantly, only three people in the group had distinct Sarkaz features.

Shining, Zeppelin, and a fellow Liberi named Salus. She was sent by an Absolver to accompany them because she had studied in Victoria and was familiar with the country.

Her face was beautiful, but her skin was exceptionally pale. A smile was always on her face, but it was like a doll's smile, devoid of any warmth, which made Theresica feel a chill.

At the town's immigration control, they were subjected to routine checks, mainly targeting the three Sarkaz. The Shapeshifter patriarch naturally recited the pre-arranged story.

"We are sent by our family on business. This child is here at the request of friends to admire Victoria's brilliance. As for these three Sarkaz, the two women are his guards, and this old man is a desert guide, as Sarkaz are quite familiar with the desert."

"What a pleasure-seeking noble brat."

The immigration officers thoroughly enjoyed the phrase "admire Victoria's brilliance." They glanced at the two female Sarkaz, then at Theresica, who had a small camera hanging around his neck, made a casual remark, and let them pass.

"Sir, we just need to wait for the trade messenger here. This is the first stop of our transaction," the Shapeshifter patriarch said softly, observing Theresica's expression. "Next, we will circle the eastern border of Victoria. Our trading partners are all the Grand Dukes of the East. You can take a good look at Victoria."

"It truly is a nice place, far better than Kazdel."

Theresica sighed.

The houses in this small town were built very ordinarily, with no consideration for disaster prevention. Fields were not far away, and people were working in them. The market was also very lively, with a wide variety of daily necessities and food. Children ran through the crowd, laughing, heading towards their favorite stalls.

"Oh? Do you also want to buy some toys?"

A curious voice came from beside him. This was the first time Theresica had heard the Absolver named Salus speak during this period.

He shook his head. "Kazdel doesn't need these at the moment. Industrial equipment is the most important thing."

They strolled naturally along the street and arrived in front of a repair craftsman's shop. Theresica and Zeppelin stood very close, observing carefully.

He turned on the camera and praised it as he watched.

"Wow! Are these Victoria's craftsmen? Their skills are truly exquisite! Those people from Siracusa who only boast and overcharge are truly pathetic!"

Compliments always pleased people. The craftsman was very happy to hear them and began to explain how to use the machine tool he was holding and what he could achieve with it.

Confirming that Zeppelin needed this, Theresica began to inquire about the manufacturer of this metal-cutting machine tool and also casually asked if the old machine tools in the shop could be sold at a cheaper price.

"Sir, if you were born into the Shapeshifter tribe, I think you would become a master of disguise."

After everything was settled, the Shapeshifter patriarch immediately came over. "Aren't you angry at all?"

"Angry? What's there to be angry about?"

"Lord Theresis never speaks to these people, nor does he boast about other countries. He upholds the dignity of the Sarkaz."

"I don't care about all that. I only see that we are weak and powerless. Now Victoria has declared war on the Sarkaz, can we even resist?"

"I understand."

The Shapeshifter nodded in understanding, "Then, my lord, are we being too cautious?"

He was a little confused. Buying civilian machinery was already cautious enough, but having to buy used goods in a shop like this seemed overly prudent.

"There's no other way. It's better than Victoria becoming suspicious that the Sarkaz are becoming active again."

Theresica didn't understand what kind of hatred would cause multiple nations to attack the Sarkaz simultaneously as soon as they started building their homeland. He didn't intend to sort out these past histories either, as even written records had disappeared.

Since I can't do it openly, I'll do it in secret.

However... this is really too slow. When will it ever happen? He didn't just want to open a shop! He needed to find someone with connections within Victoria who wasn't aligned with Victoria!

PS: Please vote! Thank you!!!

Chapter 13: The Lion King

At night, Theresica and his companions stayed at an ordinary inn.

After buying all the newspapers available, and combining them with the intelligence from the Absolvers, Theresica now had a clearer understanding of Victoria's situation.

Although Victoria had a large land area, a vast majority of it was acquired through war, and the ethnic differences between regions were significant. The dukes who were enfeoffed in this situation held absolute power within their territories, controlling military, political, and commercial affairs, and only had to submit a certain percentage of taxes to the Lion King each year.

Recently, the Lion King expressed dissatisfaction with the old tax system and wanted to increase tax collection, which undoubtedly meant the dukes had to hand over more profits.

Publicly, in response to the Lion King's new tax policy, the great dukes took measures to reduce military spending in their territories and lower the production of high-energy military Originium. Following these actions, various public order issues arose in the dukes' territories. Except for Cumberland, all other dukes requested the Lion King's directly subordinate Steam Knights to be stationed in their territories, which were originally considered private kingdoms, to maintain public order. Behind the scenes, they were acquiring large quantities of military-grade Originium from Kazdel.

"The Lion King probably doesn't have long to live."

Theresica murmured. These Steam Knights, directly subordinate to the Emperor of the Empire, were not only the foundation of Victoria's strength but also private soldiers who were directly loyal to him. Now, more than half of them were dispersed among the various ducal territories. Once the dukes made their move, these knights would be unable to rescue the Emperor or protect themselves.