Holding One's Uncle Hostage with His Niece

She... ultimately left because of me.

After much hesitation, Wei Yenwu adopted a formal form of address.

"Governor Wei," the Dragon Girl looked up in surprise, "It's been a long time."

"Yes... it's been a long time."

With a thousand words swirling in his mind, Wei Yenwu found himself at a loss for words.

"Thank you for finding me a doctor," Talulah said. "Rhodes Island's technology is excellent; there will be virtually no aftereffects."

As she spoke, she subconsciously touched her ribs. It wasn't where Talulah's Originium Crystals were exposed, but it was one of the most painful spots she had experienced over the years.

"You mean..." But Wei Yenwu thought of the Black Snake.

If one were to insist on mentioning Talulah's Originium Infection in his contract with Rhodes Island, then yes, it would. However, the main focus was on his speculations about Rhodes Island's psycho-technology.

Ever since Oute intentionally used the Specter's case and Mephisto's manipulation of Wei Yenwu to awaken to the truth, he has placed all his bets on this.

Logically speaking, this should have seemed somewhat like a gamble, but upon closer reflection: he had already risked his life for the slightest possibility of a ceasefire. After guessing the truth about the Black Snake's possession, the Wu-Yan war had reached a turning point, which meant that his life was now a buy-one-get-one-free deal—he was spared!

Given this, what's wrong with taking another gamble on Rhodes Island's miraculous recovery, building on this gamble?

Besides, they really do have skills!

And it wasn't just one or two!

"The results of suppressing the Originium Infection are good," Talulah said, seemingly misunderstanding. "But unfortunately, it was a major operation. Although it wasn't Doctor. Oute who performed the surgery, the most important aspect of the operation was his Originium Arts beforehand."

Upon hearing this news, Wei Yenwu's first reaction was that Ch'en's illness could be cured.

He paused for a moment before asking, "What about Koschei? Has Rhodes Island eliminated... his influence?"

"I'll settle the score with him," Talulah replied.

You can't settle scores with the dead.

Wei Yenwu's heart tightened.

The commotion gradually moved from the middle of the second floor and spread to the staircase.

Ta-da.

The nun's boots were shown first, followed by Oute's, Amiya's, and Kal'tsit's.

"Commander Wei?" The little rabbit clung tightly to Oute's right arm, peering out curiously.

"Rhodes Island." Wei Yenwu looked up at the three people still on the stairs. "We need to renegotiate our trade terms."

He was initially venting his anger, but forced himself to calm down, reminding himself that both Talulah and Ch'en needed Rhodes Island's Originium Infection suppression technology. Wei Yenwu also knew he was venting his anger...

After all, dealing with the terrifying longevity method of the Black Snake through technological means is not nearly as difficult as killing Black Snake body through violent means.

But she was his niece.

Half of the blood in the two girls' bodies came from his sister's blood vessels.

Wei Yenwu hadn't expected that Talulah would agree, saying, "Governor Wei, the terms you've agreed with Rhodes Island are too exploitative of them."

Wei Yenwu almost lost control of his facial expressions.

Although the current scene wasn't designed by Oute, it would be a real shame not to make use of it.

"Governor Wei, your failure to arrive at the ambush site at the agreed time has caused great harm to the Rhodes Island forces."

Just then, another unlucky soul with an overactive imagination glanced at Talulah, who was possessed by Oute, and exploded with rage.

Chapter 223 Using the Niece to Command the Uncle

"Based on this, we do need to renegotiate the contract," Oute agreed, watching Amiya's performance.

Speaking of which, aren't we being a bit too sensitive about Terra's beast-eared girls and orcs?

The previous Imperial Guards was like that; after I stuffed him with ornaments, he stared at my troops for ages, and I figured out that "the enemy is the true form of Demons," and he ended up blowing himself up under pressure...

While he was thinking about these things, he was also engaging in a back-and-forth conversation with Amiya.

Seeing Talulah's expression, Wei Yenwu's attitude softened somewhat.

That's enough.

Let's not dwell on Rhodes Island's failure to eradicate Black Snake.

But not everyone is so "laid off".

"Governor Wei, the compensation you offered for 'purchasing security services' is unreasonable," Talulah said bluntly. "Although Ursus has not achieved much in this area, your offer to Rhodes Island is even lower than a long-term mercenary contract for a thousand people."

Wei Yenwu instinctively began to refute. "Rhodes Island's work in the Lower City is more focused on administration and public security, which is incomparable to that of mercenaries and cannot be counted as mercenaries."

In this job, Wei Yenwu's real reward was a canvas for Rhodes Island to paint on. Furthermore, if Rhodes Island weren't such an idealistic group, then he was essentially hiring a tax collector for the Lower City.

Of course... tax farmers are against the laws of Yan, so they are also illegal. If they want to take advantage of someone in the future, they can use this as an excuse to have a legitimate reason.

Whether these idealists piloting landships are tripped up by this "lifeline" or have this noose around their throats, Lungmen will gain another authoritative company in the field of Originium Infection.

Even if the war has been resolved and the "old camp" urban route is no longer needed, such a company and a prosperous urban area are extremely valuable!

As Oute and his two companions came down, the office staff returned to their respective work areas.

Amiya released Oute's arm and said politely, "Governor Wei, you misunderstand. The contract we need to renegotiate is the one concerning Miss 'Talulah'."

Kal'tsit added, "Regarding Miss Talulah, we are powerless to eradicate her Originium Infection, or perhaps another problem."

"But both were handled quite well—Mr. Wei can certainly inquire with Miss Talulah about it later."

Because they were in public, the people used somewhat evasive language.

"Talulah isn't the only one," Oute said. "She's just the best one."

Despite having other thoughts about the "Black Snake" aspect of herself, Talulah still said in this situation, "Rhodes Island's words are true."

"..." Wei Yenwu closed his eyes.

He opened his eyes. "I understand."

"I will wholeheartedly and wholeheartedly support your activities across the various sites in Chernobog."

Wei Yenwu made a very weighty promise, which could be described as a reckless one. "All activities."

But it doesn't matter. For a competent politician, breaking a promise is as easy as breathing. If Rhodes Island's misbehavior is discovered, he can simply shift the blame.

"We need to purchase these items." Talulah bypassed Oute and the others, handing the receipt to Wei Yenwu.

Wei Yenwu glanced at Oute and the others, and seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Us?"

Talulah nodded and said, "Just us."

Which "us" are we referring to?

I'm actually wishing this were Rhodes Island!

"..." The dragon's eyes remained completely unmoved.

Wei Yenwu put the receipt into his pocket.

"Do you have a meeting room? Or would you like to sit down and talk?"

Not long after.

Looking at the young woman sitting directly opposite him, Wei Yenwu was somewhat surprised, but he still put on a respectful air.

He stared blankly, as if looking at Amiya: "Rhodes Island can accept these supplies, but given the current situation, everyone is..."

Talulah seemed completely oblivious to Wei Yenwu's implication, interrupting, "Not Rhodes Island."

"It's the Reunion Movement."

"..." Wei Yenwu's facial expression control faltered slightly again.

Koschei, how do you raise your children!?

They've all been taught to be stupid!

If you said it was Rhodes Island, I might have reluctantly given it to them!

"If this makes you feel any better, it's the legendary Wendigo of Ursus," Talulah replied. "After Chernobog, he's one of the few who still adheres to the Reunion Movement's ideals."

"The legendary Wendigo?" Wei Yenwu thought for a long time. "Isn't he the captain who couldn't get promoted?"

"I remember... he took a group of Shieldguards from the army and started a guerrilla war in northern Ursus?"

He recalled some stories that had strayed from the main point during their transmission, but he didn't immediately remember Wendigo's name.

Why him?

"Due to Koschei's actions during his leadership, I have lost my appeal and am unable to reorganize the remaining Reunion Movement members. In this situation, they will all be killed by General Winter. Of the remaining cadres, only Bohdrokasthim has enough prestige."

"And then what happens after you survive?"

"The Reunion Movement is rising in Ursus."

"After they put on their masks, after they seize a Mobile City, the Reunion Movement will be everywhere on this land."

"The most organized team is more focused on Ursus."

"If you guarantee these supplies won't be used for... and won't be discovered."

After a back-and-forth exchange, Wei Yenwu finally gave in, and quite drastically at that.

"Governor Wei, we also need to procure supplies."

Wei Yenwu was about to refuse when he saw a list of purely civilian supplies.

There was no military- Originium gunpowder, no sensitive crystal components, and no gleaming weapons.

However, it is especially large in volume.

"You resupplyed before you set off, didn't you?"

Wei Yenwu had some suspicions, but no matter how many times this happened before his eyes, he was still amazed.