Magic Industrial Age.

Chapter 586, Section 584: The Empire's Last Madness
On February 1st of the New Divine Calendar 318, Loy returned from the abyss.

He stepped out of the spatial passage, from the ruins of Blood Moon Castle, boarded the magic-powered train, and passed through the spatial gate without any hindrance, returning to the East Railway Station of Brussels.

Then they transferred to a magic carriage and, under the protection of black-clad swordsmen, entered the Lion Manor.

As he stood on the sixth floor of the Mechanical Mage Tower, looking out the window, he saw bustling streets and a constant flow of people.

Every now and then, a crisp bell rings out as the magical tram carrying busy crowds whizzes by.

In the distance, a huge poster hangs on a building, featuring a beautiful and alluring woman wearing an off-the-shoulder halter dress. As if a strong wind has blown by, she presses down the hem of her dress, revealing a pair of fair and jade-like legs.

This is the hottest star right now, Marilyn Monroe. She has indeed starred in several phenomenal movies, and with the promotion of cinemas and Magic Crystal TVs, she is loved by countless people.

At this moment, Luo Yi was even somewhat dazed!
Because of the tense situation at the Abyss War Fortress, he hadn't been back for several months, and seeing this bustling world again left him feeling somewhat dazed.

"My Lord Count!"

Ang's voice came through, and he was carrying a pile of documents, which he placed on the desk.

Luo Yi turned around, nodded slightly, and said, "Thank you for your hard work these past few days."

Ang, who was used to being expressionless, grinned and smiled brightly: "It is my honor to share the burden for the Earl."

"Haha, that's right. Smile more, and you'll still be a bright and cheerful young man."

Don't try to emulate Ms. Oliveira.

“That won’t do. I need to establish enough authority in front of my subordinates. Only when they fear me will they work hard.”

"You ah you!"

Luo Yi didn't say much, because the underground front was special, and although Ang was not old, he was already a mature manager, so there was no need for him to say more.

He waved his hand and said, "Come on, tell me your earth-shattering news!"

"it is good!"

With a sway of her body, Luo Yi was already sitting behind the desk.

Picking up the thick stack of documents, a blue light gleamed in his eyes. A large amount of text was collected, and the key points were listed and presented one by one.

Ang was already used to his Count's astonishing reading speed, and he simply began to narrate according to his own train of thought.

"A year ago, the Church of the Sun God used the pretext of the vampires raising humans and animals to launch a large-scale purge of the vampires."

All dark races, including those from the New World, are within the scope of the cleansing.

At the time, we all thought that the Church was asserting its sovereignty on behalf of humanity and intimidating other races.

But now it seems that His Majesty of the Papal States truly had a far-reaching plan.

"Through the Great Purge, the Bright Empire consolidated its power. The leaders of the various autonomous states are either dead or have submitted, and the previous chaotic state is over."

There are even rumors that the one from the heavens also intervened, having consulted with the alien gods and, after paying a certain price, gained their support.

This is also why those other races behaved themselves and did not resist.

Upon hearing this, Luo Yi suddenly looked up and asked incredulously, "Is the information reliable?"

"The level is too high for us to collect, so it's just a rumor. However, there is one thing worth noting: in the New World, the Church of Light has already acknowledged the status of the alien gods."

"In other words, the great sun god gave up the glory of being the only god, and the invisible price he paid was truly enormous."

Luo Yi exclaimed in surprise and asked, "Is there more?"

"As you know, last year, the Habs Empire and the Glorious Empire turned against each other because of the 'Unrestricted Magic Submarine War'."

However, due to internal conflicts within the Glorious Empire, they only issued statements of condemnation and offered material support; they did not personally send troops.

"But now that the Glorious Empire has completed its internal centralization, in order to resolve the conflicts, they will inevitably focus their efforts on external forces."

Therefore, the democratically elected head of state actually appeared at an international conference with the so-called 'Fourteen Points of Peace'.

He issued an ultimatum to the Habsburg Empire, stating that peace talks could only proceed if the Habsburg Empire accepted these fourteen principles.

At this moment, Luo Yi also flipped to a certain part of the information, and after a quick glance, he understood.

"The Fourteen Points are somewhat normal, but they are all led by the Glorious Empire. In other words, they want to replace the Habsburg Empire and become the new world hegemon!"

"The Bonaparte Empire and the Kingdom of Sardinia, are they just going to stand by and watch?"

Lloyd didn't mention the Slavic Empire because this Far Eastern overlord, the Ice Kingdom, had fallen into internal strife.
A group of workers, wielding hammers, started a revolution that nearly overthrew the Slavic royal family.

The Slavic royal family had also suffered heavy losses due to investing too many troops and energy in the Eastern Front, and was so 'weak' that they couldn't even suppress a group of workers.

Ang did not rush to answer, but pondered for a moment before saying, "The Bonaparte Empire's reaction was not significant because they urgently need the support of the Glorious Empire."

Her Majesty the Queen of the Kingdom of Sardinia was very dissatisfied.

In fact, before these 'Fourteen Points of Peace,' the other party had presented something similar, but the Hohenzollern royal family completely ignored it.

Ultimately, the Kingdom of Sardinia is deeply embroiled in war and unable to extricate itself; the Empire simply doesn't care.

But the Glorious Empire is different!
If he joins the war, he will be the most ferocious fresh force.

What was the reaction of the Habsburg Empire?

"According to my information, it's very chaotic! The military scoffs at this, even considering it a joke, and the war is far from over."

The Home Secretary and the Foreign Secretary, however, believed that there was no need to continue fighting and that they could try to negotiate and see what both sides thought.

The finance minister also believed that the empire's economy was nearing its limit.

Most importantly, Hohenzollern III's health condition could no longer be concealed.

Luo Yi suddenly looked up and asked, "Is it confirmed?"

"The information was released by the Bonaparte Empire. They seem to have a high-ranking spy who risked his own exposure to obtain accurate information."

That one was truly on his deathbed; even several popes from the Seven Churches had gone to the palace, but it seemed to have little effect.

Luo Yi frowned even more: "Even in the name of God, they couldn't save him? How is that possible?"

"I don't believe it either, and many people don't believe it either, but one thing is clear—Hohenzollern III's poor health has caused the massive chariot of the empire to become somewhat out of control."

While the crown prince also wielded some power, he lacked the prestige of Hohenzollern III and was unable to subdue the old foxes in the cabinet.

"At the same time, orders for flowers are about to explode. Both sides are vying for everything from processing machinery to various weapons and ammunition!"

At this point, Ang paused slightly, then continued, "Therefore, I believe that the situation in the Old World is about to enter an extremely crucial period."

That's why I had to bring you back, Your Excellency.

"The Abyss strategy is extremely important, but Herka is your foundation and your last resort. It must be absolutely secure."

Upon hearing this, Luo Yi nodded earnestly: "You're right!"

"Your Excellency, do you think there will be another war, or perhaps peace talks?"

"Peace talks? How is that possible?"

Without hesitation, Luo Yi concluded: "What cannot be obtained on the battlefield is even less likely to be obtained at the negotiating table."

Therefore, even if it ends, there will inevitably be a final battle.

"So how do we respond?"

"Neutrition is a must; nobody should mess with me. However, if the war has a victor, many policies will have to be adjusted."

Have Hoover inform everyone to come over; I need to make some arrangements.

"Yes!" The world is never a one-dimensional place, and the impact of victory or defeat in war is multifaceted.

Even in Flower Territory, with Luo Yi in charge, it doesn't matter whether the war is won or lost, because no one dares to mess with him anyway.

However, major changes in the overall landscape will bring about upheavals and impact all sectors of the flower industry.

At this meeting, Luo Yi clearly pointed out that we should prepare for the "tsunami" and prioritize stability to ensure a soft landing for all industries.

At his level, there's no longer a need for him to do everything personally.

The people below have also gained experience and should be given more opportunities to demonstrate their abilities. Therefore, he only needs to determine the general direction.

After that, they are free to do as they please. If they do well, there is room for improvement; if they do poorly, they will be eliminated step by step.

The Flower Territory is no longer just a small earldom, but a powerful force spanning the prime material plane, demiplane, and abyss, with a population of tens of millions.

Without sufficient capabilities, it could truly cause enormous losses.

The situation unfolded almost exactly as Roy had predicted.

At the end of February in the New Divine Calendar 318, news came from the Glorious Empire that the elected leader had given a speech, declaring that he would recruit one million soldiers to cross the endless ocean and end the war on the Old Continent.

He wasn't just talking; the news spread, and recruitment points were set up in various states.

In universities, cities, among different ethnic groups, and even in factories...

Those magic apprentices who had completed the introductory meditation were given guns and cannons and began to train magical legions.

It's not hard to see that although the Church of the Sun God has its problems, they have always stood on the side of the Herka world and are the biggest backer of the Allied Forces.

Using the vampires as a pretext, they completed a centralized power through a massive purge, and their ultimate goal lies here.

When the news arrived, the entire Habsburg Empire was in an uproar!
Because even the most ordinary citizens of the Empire knew that when this new force set foot on the land of the Old World, it would be the time of the Empire's defeat.

At that very moment, a fierce argument broke out within the Imperial Cabinet.

The imperial capital, Tianwang Mountain.

If you look down from a high place, it is not difficult to see that the capital of the Habsburg Empire was actually on a plain, and at a glance, it looked like a high-rise building spread out on a painting.

However, there are only two places where the terrain is uneven.

First, there is the Imperial Palace, located in the heart of the capital, which is a towering mountain sculpted entirely by human hands.

It is the most magnificent palace on this land, and home to the most prestigious families.

The other place is Tianwang Mountain, a mountain that originally existed, like a piece of land protruding from a flat area.

The palace on it does not conform to modern architectural aesthetics, nor is it a skyscraper.
However, this was the center of power in the Habsburg Empire.

Countless people who have entered politics or the military consider it an honor to step into this Tianwang Mountain Palace.

In ordinary times, this place is synonymous with solemnity and majesty, with its massive beams and gleaming marble floors, making it seem even spacious.

Every step had to be taken with utmost care, lest one make a bigger commotion and disturb those high-ranking figures.

But today, those big shots have lost all their composure; their roars and arguments seem capable of lifting the roof off.

"War! War! War! All you know is war! Don't you know how bad the empire's situation is right now?"

Go out and take a look at the streets. All industries are in decline, there are hardly any men left, and teenagers have to support the family. Factory work can kill you.

Is this the scene you wanted to see?

"So you mean we're going to surrender our sovereignty and the country in humiliation? Have you forgotten the empire's pain? The best crown prince lost his life, and you're not going to avenge that?"

"And what about those soldiers on the battlefield? They endured wind and rain, they fought to the death, all for you?"

"If you're so capable, go to the front lines and tell those ordinary soldiers that the Empire has been defeated and is seeking peace, and that their sacrifices were meaningless."
Do you think you can make it out of the battlefield alive?

"Can you guys do the math?"
The empire's finances were truly strained; spending money like water was an understatement.

Putting everything else aside, the next payment for the flowers is due in a few days. How do you think we can raise that amount?

"Betrayal? Heh heh heh, I heard that guy killed a demigod in the abyss, who do you think would dare to renege on his debt?"

If you dare to take this responsibility, I'll immediately step down and let you take my place!

"Can we stop with the nonsense? Right now, we're discussing how to deal with the Glorious Empire's overwhelming army pressing in?"

Isn't this what we're discussing?

The cacophony of sounds filled his ears, causing the Crown Prince, seated in the highest position, to look troubled and displeased.

Only then did he truly realize how heavy the crown on his head was and how hot the chair he was sitting on was.

Just as he was at a loss and unable to make a decision, he caught a glimpse of a figure slowly approaching out of the corner of his eye.

He thought he was seeing things, but after rubbing his eyes and confirming it wasn't a hallucination, he almost jumped up.

"Father!"

His voice wasn't loud, but it seemed to have a magical power, instantly stopping the arguing crowd who were red in the face.

They turned around and saw an old man with an unusually large frame but a thin body walking towards them.

He moved very slowly, but every step was incredibly steady.

His cheeks were sunken and his wrinkles were deep. He wore a seven-colored gemstone, which contained the divine power of the seven gods, protecting his frail and aged body.

However, no one can deny that even so, he is still a true king.
Wherever he went, everyone stood up in unison and bowed their heads respectfully.

He pushed aside the Crown Prince's support and finally stepped onto the throne, his hoarse voice echoing throughout the hall.

"I know the empire is in a difficult situation, I know you are having a tough time, I know the soldiers are suffering, and I know there is a shortage of supplies!"

I know, I know!

Just like me now, I am clearly suffering from persisting, and I could clearly let go of everything and go to the kingdom of the gods to enjoy life.

However, I simply refuse! I cannot!

"We are the noble Habsburgs, we have ushered in a new era of magical machinery, and our pride and glory are etched into our very bones."

We cannot allow ourselves to fail!

“The cowards of the Bonaparte Empire, the clowns of the Sardinian Kingdom, and the oath-breakers of the Glorious Empire, they will all be burned to ashes in the wrath of the Habsburgs.”

"At this point in the war, the only way forward is to persevere!"

"Therefore, my people, let us fight!"

"We will stand tall and die, never kneel!"

The hoarse voice echoed in the hall, clearly very weak, but it ignited the fighting spirit of everyone.

"Fight! Fight! Fight!"

The transition from chaos to uniformity took only a few breaths, and the appearance and speech of Hohenzollern III completely unified the opinions.

From that day forward, the Imperial Military devised its most insane plan.

They even recruited soldiers according to a roster, and the newly established magic legion numbered as many as 190.

In other words, at least 200 million young adults were sent to the battlefield.

Therefore, later scholars referred to this period of history as: The Last Madness of the Empire!

(End of this chapter)