Haideng and Asbel stood rooted to the spot, like two petrified statues.
A full half minute passed before Asbel finally squinted.
After the initial shock subsided, his innate boldness and curiosity came to the fore.
" Nausicaä! Is this the legendary supernatural power? This... this is incredible!"
He wanted to get closer to take a closer look at the hole in the wall, but felt it would be impolite, so he could only stand there excitedly clenching his fists.
"This is all thanks to the Erdtree; I couldn't have done it on my own."
Nausicaä sat back down on the sofa, her tone devoid of any boasting.
" The Erdtree —can I obtain this power?"
Asbel's eyes were filled with longing; this was something even more attractive to him than the new engine.
"Your Highness!" Haideng's stern voice rang out.
He stepped forward half a step, seemingly rebuking Asbel, but actually subtly blocking the prince's path.
The power Nausicaä had just displayed was beyond his comprehension; the two of them were clearly in unpredictable danger.
Even with Pejite's guards standing right outside the exhibition hall, they might not be able to protect them from being reprimanded. Asbel scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly.
"I was just curious," he explained, but the excitement in his eyes hadn't completely faded.
In fact, among the various strange tales circulating in the countries surrounding the Sea of Corruption, there has always been no shortage of stories about extraordinary powers.
For example, "Only Wind Rider can pilot those ancient gunboats," "The ancestors of insect trainers were Forest People who could communicate with Ohmu," and "The Holy Emperor can use curses to make traitors die in agony."
Such legends, to varying degrees, suggest the existence of some phenomenon that transcends common sense.
However, these rumors are either unverifiable or considered fallacies left over from ancient superstitions.
Take Asbel himself, for example; he is an expert gunboat pilot.
But he learned these skills little by little from veterans, through sweat, talent and hard work, and certainly not because he was "chosen by the wind".
Therefore, when extraordinary power was within reach, Asbel's adventurous spirit was instantly ignited.
He understood Haideng's concerns, but he felt that Haideng was overreacting.
Because a voice in his subconscious told him that this girl with clear eyes would not use such power to harm them.
Haideng ignored Asbel and went to the coffee table to face Nausicaä directly.
This action signifies that he has officially taken over the leadership of this conversation, and the situation has escalated beyond what His Highness can decide based on personal interest.
After the conversation, he subconsciously placed the girl in front of him on a level where he needed to have an equal dialogue with her, and even carefully try to figure out her intentions.
"Your Highness, since you have shown us such an amazing thing, it must not be just to satisfy Prince Asbel's curiosity."
He stared intently at Nausicaä, trying to find a clue. "What are your conditions? Just say them directly."
Nausicaä met Haideng's scrutinizing gaze without showing any fear despite the fact that he was a key figure in Pejite's retinue.
"Chairman Haideng, I'll be frank then. Our Valley of the Wind and the Erdtree we believe in hope to help Pejite."
"Help Pejite? Leaving aside whether you have the ability, please allow me to remind you that we've only met twice and talked for a little over thirty minutes."
Although they are friendly nations, their relationship isn't good enough for him to offer full assistance. He doesn't believe in free lunches. "You don't need to be so wary. I'm doing this for the sake of the friendship between the Valley of the Valley of the Wind and Pejite, and also to practice the teachings of the Erdtree. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."
"Think about it, where does the root of the poverty and hardship among the working class in Pejite lie?"
Is it due to occupational diseases caused by long hours of labor? Or is it because of the meager wages that barely cover their living expenses with no future in sight? Or is it because their living conditions are crowded, dirty, and unsanitary?
"Those are all just appearances."
"The real source is those factory owners and big businessmen who, relying on the fact that Pejite's industrial operations and tax revenue depend on them, openly disregard the laws you've enacted and even buy slave laborers to mine."
Haideng's face was grim, his lips pressed into a straight line.
This was indeed another intractable problem for Pejite, as the bigwigs entrenched in the industrial guilds had long since begun to outwardly comply while inwardly defying orders, even daring to conduct the explicitly prohibited slave trade in secret.
Even the Commercial Federation he controlled often only served as a "notary office," lacking any real power, and sometimes couldn't even collect membership fees.
Otherwise, he wouldn't need to work so hard to generate revenue to cover the association's daily expenses.
Nausicaä paused, then continued, "What if the Pejite royal family possessed another power, an ability to produce food, heal the wounded, and train extraordinary armies?"
"You can no longer be completely controlled by grain merchants, you can genuinely improve the health of the people, and you can even use this divinely bestowed power to attract, divide, and ultimately subdue those who are disobedient."
"No one can truly refuse an opportunity that could bring health, extend lifespan, or even make them extraordinary."
Haideng's heart skipped a beat, and an extremely tempting image flashed through his mind.
But he quickly suppressed his momentary excitement, and his expression became even more serious.
"It sounds great, but tell me, what benefit do you get from this? Why should I believe it's not a trap?"
He was tempted, but it was precisely because of this that alarm bells rang wildly in his heart. Historically, countries that were infiltrated or even controlled by foreign religions often met a miserable end; the Dorok Principalities was a living example.
"Chairman Haideng, given Pejite's current situation, isn't he susceptible to being manipulated by those businessmen?" Nausicaä asked softly.
Haideng's face darkened further. Although the royal family was deeply loved by the people, the major chambers of commerce truly held the reins of the nation.
This situation Pejite before its collapse; the royal family's control has declined to a dangerous level, and they can no longer fully grasp even intelligence and personnel movements.
Nausicaä pressed her advantage. "Furthermore, the Erdtree has taken a liking to Prince Asbel's aptitude and character. If His Highness so desires, he can obtain the power of the Law at any time, and practice and spread the righteous path himself."
"Our doctrines are numerous, but they have three core tenets."
"All people are born equal, regardless of their social status; righteous efforts should be rewarded fairly; power and status should belong to those who are virtuous and capable."
She turned her head slightly to look at Asbel, who was listening intently beside her. "I believe that Your Highness's abilities, ambitions, and attitude towards your people are entirely in line with these ideals."
Asbel fell silent, his eyes flashing intensely.
The teachings of the Erdtree sounded simple, yet they were like a light, illuminating certain vague convictions within him.
He received a royal education from a young age, but he also witnessed the hardships of ordinary people firsthand. He never felt that he was born any more noble than the son of a miner.
Haideng's reaction was quite different; Nausicaä's words had crossed a line.
"All men are created equal? Power belongs to the capable? Doesn't that mean anyone could become the one in power? The dignity and traditions of the monarchy must never be threatened!"
Nausicaä just stared at him until Haideng calmed down a bit, then said quietly, "According to Chairman Haideng, you, who came from a commoner background and rose to your current position through your own abilities, are not worthy of being a cabinet minister, not worthy of standing in the central dome and discussing national policy with members of the royal family?"
"I—" Haideng felt as if he had been struck a heavy blow, a chill creeping up his spine.
He realized that if he refuted Nausicaä, it would be tantamount to denying the value of his life's struggle; but if he accepted her statement, it would mean disrespecting the royal family.
It's too dangerous. Her ideas, her doctrines—it's all too dangerous.
"We need time." Haideng finally gave up answering, his voice filled with exhaustion.
"This matter is too complex; we need to consider it carefully. Let's end our discussion here today."
If he continues, some of the beliefs he has held for many years may really begin to waver.
Nausicaä nodded, showing neither the disappointment nor the eagerness Haideng had hoped to see.
"Of course, you and His Highness can come to us at any time during the Joint Gathering."
"Furthermore, please do not disclose to anyone else what you two just witnessed and what we discussed. This is for the best for both of us."
"Yes! I promise I won't tell anyone!" Asbel replied earnestly, being pulled along by Haideng and looking back every few steps.
When they returned to the factory gate, there were already several more guards from the International Confederation of Wizards; they had probably been stationed there after the workers went inside.
Only after the prince's figure disappeared into the distance did Por, who was following behind Nausicaä, voice his doubts.
"Your Highness, are we just going to let them go like this?" He felt there was something amiss.
Nausicaä gazed at the bustling street, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"Didn't you notice? Chairman Haideng didn't give a firm refusal on the spot."
He will come back to us.