I, who was eager to retire, became an Imperial General.

Chapter 175 The Art of Social Skills - The Art of Giving
A mineral vein worth 1000 million d?
A mineral vein?!

"!"

Once John realized what Dolan meant by "business," his heart began to race uncontrollably.

When she looked at the lieutenant general in front of her who had made such a fuss about poop, she no longer felt disgusted as before, but instead became exceptionally warm and friendly.

At this moment, the other party was no longer the stupid pig he wanted to distance himself from upon seeing him, but a moving treasure trove radiating golden light!
He practically wanted to snatch the other party away immediately... cough cough, to complete this 'fair' deal with them.

Realizing that this lieutenant general was eager to give him money, John immediately became extremely vigilant.

However, despite being practically drooling over the considerable sum of money, John feigned surprise and said:

"What? There's such a thing? But, in principle, Lieutenant General Dolan, shouldn't you report directly to the Finance Department and obtain approval from higher-ups before mining? If word gets out that you're mining privately, it'll probably cause a lot of trouble, won't it?"

Report?

Report it—what a load of rubbish!

Do you think I don't know what kind of stupid pigs those conservatives are?
If it were actually reported, I, as the discoverer of the mineral vein, would be lucky to even get a taste of the good life.

Moreover, what this general discovered this time is a mineral vein with super-large reserves. The 10 million D is just something I casually mentioned to fool you. The total value of these three mineral veins is at least 100 million D.

It is definitely a top-tier resource that can directly elevate a small family to a large family!

Why share with those idiots when you can keep it for yourself?

Dolan inwardly cursed John's stupidity, but outwardly he still smiled lightly and said:

"Major John, you are well aware of the conflict between the conservatives and the reformers. Moreover, as the top student of the Imperial First Military Academy, you resolutely rejected the special recruitment invitation for the rank of major and regimental staff officer of the Imperial First Air Force Group upon graduation, and instead chose to join the Seventh Air Force, where you joined with the lowest rank of warrant officer among your peers."

"You're well aware of the conservatives' greedy nature, so let's skip the pointless pleasantries. Considering my sincerity this time, let's talk about something more meaningful."

Did he refuse the offer from the Imperial First Air Force Army?

Moreover, he held the rank of major and the position of regimental-level staff officer.

Why don't I have any related memories?

Was there a problem with memory integration during the time travel?
I have a feeling that I've lost a lot of crucial information.

tsk...

'As expected, I'll have to go to Eleanor's orphanage later.'

Whether it's the era of gods or the background of the original body, we need to investigate it thoroughly.

Otherwise, who knows when the original owner might cause him big trouble because of the landmines planted by the original owner.

John pondered this, and at the same time made up his mind that once the battle against the Faoken was over, he had to go and find out what was going on at the orphanage he remembered.

Seeing John's expression suddenly turn serious, Dolan, thinking the other was interested, was immediately overjoyed. However, on the surface, he still feigned helplessness and sighed:
"Alas, now that things have come to this, Major John, you must understand that I deliberately feigned illness to relinquish power today. The reason I did this is quite simple: the reason I was able to successfully obtain my graduation certificate from the Imperial First Military Academy was entirely due to my family's money."

"Furthermore, the enemy's Morning Star is a true genius. If I were to lead the next phase of the war, our side would most likely suffer a crushing defeat, or even be completely annihilated."

"To be honest, if you hadn't led the 1st Division to annihilate the 7th Army Corps and demonstrated extraordinary command ability on the battlefield, I would have run away immediately after learning of the 5th Army Corps' attack."

"After all, asking a military novice like me to fight against the famous Roxie is really asking too much, isn't it?"

As Dolan spoke, he glanced at John's expression out of the corner of his eye.

Seeing the other party's silence, he understood that his candid remarks had earned him some of the trust of this rising star of the Empire. Therefore, he immediately pressed his advantage and proceeded with the next step of his manipulative plan:

"I'm not afraid to tell you this, but the reason I came to this battlefield was not because I applied on my own, but because of a forced order issued by the party. Otherwise, why would I give up the good life of enjoying delicious food every day in the empire and come to this dangerous battlefield?"

"So, Major John Maslow, in my view, although we are opposed by political parties, our goals and interests are aligned."

“I need a real commander to help me draw, or even win, this war, so as to avoid being sent to a military court. You, on the other hand, need a remarkable achievement to climb into the upper echelons and become a lowly pawn who will never again be sent to his death because of someone’s word.”

"Therefore, I used that absurd move today to justify this power-sharing, so that even our Prime Minister Wolf cannot find fault with it."

"Therefore, you don't need to regard me as a political enemy. After all, compared to those nobles in the empire who wish you dead and are extremely loyal to their so-called parties, I personally have no intention of getting involved in such partisan disputes. Even if I do get involved, it's because of my family that I'm forced to get involved."

"But I know even better that with my talents, which I haven't even inherited one percent of my father's power, even if I obediently follow the orders of the higher-ups, for example, like Major General Tony, to hinder you, or even assassinate you."

"Putting aside the high probability of failure and the retaliation I'll face, even if I succeed, what will I gain?"

Dolan shrugged, a disdainful sneer appearing on his face, and said in a contemptuous tone:

"Military power? I don't need that at all. Even if I were given it, I would still have to worry about whether the Prime Minister has planted people there. I would have to live under surveillance every day. Just thinking about that makes me uncomfortable."

"Moreover, given the current state of the Empire's war, if the two parties continue to fight like this, the Empire, unable to unite to defend against the enemy, will only be dragged into a total war by the Allied forces due to the arrogance of the conservative party."

"The higher one's military power, the greater the likelihood of being sent to the front lines. This is clearly not the outcome I, who lacks military talent and can only live the life of a rich second-generation, would hope for."

"No matter how dire the situation becomes, as long as the 12-strong Imperial 1st and 2nd Air Force Armies, those monsters truly known as the 'Demon Legion,' launch a collective attack and simultaneously carry out a sweeping suicide bombing assault on the enemy's capital and high-ranking officials, the so-called war will soon end in an Imperial victory."

"But this situation will only occur when the empire is about to collapse. Otherwise, given the personality of our Prime Minister, who cherishes his reputation and always has his subordinates carry out even the most underhanded tasks, he probably wouldn't use this ultimate trump card so easily."

"After all, once such a thing is done, even if the Empire can completely unify the planet, the Caster family, which controls the core manufacturing method of the Empire's magical weapons, will be permanently branded as a devilish family and become the enemy of the world because of the crimes they have committed."

"Therefore, the other party, who is determined to make the Castor family great, will never do this easily."

"Before that, most of the unfortunate ones who had to fight the Allied forces on the ground were nobles and civilian officers who held military power in the army. Even if I could become a military region marshal, I could not escape the fate of going to the front line. In the end, I was defeated or even killed because of my lack of ability."

"As for acquiring wealth, well, under the Prime Minister's control, whether the Empire's treasury is public or private is something those who know understand, so I probably don't need to elaborate, right?"

"In other words, we can actually be friends, or rather, partners. Yes, I actually prefer the term 'friends' to the dangerous one."

Dolan raised an eyebrow, a shrewd smile slowly spreading across his handsome face. For a moment, he didn't seem like a military officer, but rather a shrewd and astute businessman.

"So, Major John, I think it's better for us two smart guys to have an open and honest business talk than to fight each other over some bullshit partisan squabble!"

"The mining is currently known only to you, me, and my trusted confidants. In other words, if you don't tell and I don't tell, this matter will not reach the ears of the Empire's higher-ups."

“If you agree to cooperate, then I will testify on your behalf as a lieutenant general that the minerals you obtained are spoils of war.”

"If you can defeat that Morning Star this time, you can then, in the name of the Third Air Force Army, bypass the Imperial Military Affairs Department and present this batch of resources worth 200 million D directly to His Majesty the Emperor, thus adding another military merit to your path to promotion."

"Over time, this will at least get you the rank of major general, thus making you a true high-ranking military officer."

"Even if you fail to defeat the enemy and are forced to retreat under their offensive, with this resource as a guarantee, you can use it as a trump card to get His Majesty William to personally pardon you for your defeat."

"As for me, I can return to my hometown with the remaining minerals, thus completely escaping the military career I dislike, and pursue my artistic life."

"I'll get rich, you'll stay alive. As long as we keep quiet and insist that the illegal mining is a prize, we can cooperate and have a bright future. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

After saying that, Dolan stared intently at John across from him, waiting for his reply.

Looking into the other man's gleaming eyes, Dolan understood that with such a near-perfect vision of the future he had painted, the intelligent John Maslow would certainly not refuse his offer.

As if to confirm Dolan's guess, John pondered for a long time before slowly speaking under Dolan's ecstatic gaze:

"Well, Lieutenant General Dolan, I must say, the deal you've proposed is indeed very tempting. Even I can't help but feel a little tempted."

Meeting Dolan's expectant gaze, John slowly curved his lips into a smile, but then sighed:
"However, this time I am risking my life to lead my soldiers in battle against the enemy."

"The hardship and difficulty of this battle are enough to make it a despairing challenge!"

"If I were to detach an elite force to protect you at this time, my chances of winning on the battlefield would be reduced, and it could very well lead to a flaw in the overall battle situation."

"Moreover, whether it's Siegfried or the other 63 members of the ground support force, although this force has been under my command for no more than two months so far."

"But in my heart, they have long since become my dearest friends and family, my brothers and sisters. To be separated from them would be worse than death for me. Lieutenant General Dolan, can you understand this precious feeling?"

Beloved family and friends my foot! When did the officers of the Empire start to treat the lower-ranking soldiers as human beings?
What kind of virtuous act are you putting on with me, kid? Aren't you ashamed?

Dolan cursed inwardly, but unable to understand what the other person meant, he could only force a smile and reply:
"...I never expected Major John to care so much about his soldiers. It really touches me. However, I don't understand what this has to do with our business. So, if it's convenient, Major John, could you please be more explicit?"

“It costs more!” John’s expression turned serious, and then, meeting Dolan’s astonished gaze, he added quietly:
“That’s right, I can send an elite force to protect Lieutenant General Dolan’s safety, but 20% is too low. I think I should take at least 90%!”

Damn, so you only talk about feelings to get a higher price?

I thought you were an honest guy, but I never expected you to be even more ruthless than those shameless Uriel merchants from the Kingdom of Brown!
John Maslow, you're a born swindler!
Even I, as a general, would have to admit defeat when it comes to being a ruthless businessman, I'm afraid I'm no match for you, you heartless devil!
Upon learning John's purpose, Dolan couldn't help but curse inwardly.

Although the 90% that John mentioned was an inflated value, it would only cause him a slight pang of heartache at most.

But Dolan also knew that if he rashly agreed, it would only increase the other party's suspicion, leading them to try to find out the truth, causing him to be exposed and thus maximizing his losses.

Therefore, he has no choice but to bargain.

Only in this way could he convince the other party that the mineral vein he had discovered was only worth ten million D, instead of ten times that amount.

Thus, they became the biggest winners in this deal!
So he immediately pretended to be angry and scolded John:

"Impossible, John Maslow! Do you think I'm a fool? Ninety percent? Don't even think about it! I'll give you twenty and a half percent at most!"

"Eighty percent, it can't be any lower!"

"At most 30%, don't push me!"

"Then it'll remain at 90%!"

"Okay...wait a minute! Why the hell did the price go up? You bastard, do you even want to do business or not? You're such a jerk!"

Dolan, who had almost signed a shady contract, immediately turned ashen-faced. He then suppressed the urge to grab the other man by the collar and unleash a torrent of abuse, instead taking a deep breath and speaking in a serious tone:

"Major John, I can only give you 35% of this batch of minerals at most, which is 3.5 million dollars. That's no more than that. Otherwise, the profits from this transaction won't be enough for me to risk offending the high-ranking members of the Conservative Party to vouch for you."

"After all, there weren't many of these resources to begin with. If I weren't worried about being assassinated by the Allied forces and dying, I originally planned to keep them all for myself."

"After all, no one would complain about earning more, so 350 million D is my bottom line. If Major John really doesn't agree, then although I don't want to break things off with you, I can only express my regret."

“...35 percent is still too low. It should be at least 40 percent. After all, I need to allocate at least 20 percent after the war to issue extra pensions and rewards. There are very few that can be used as merits. This is my bottom line.”

John's tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation, which surprised Dolan for a moment.

After all, just now, the other party's behavior of using soldiers as a bargaining chip made it hard for him to imagine that the other party would say such exemplary words.

However, considering the other party's previous extravagant spending during the Battle of Walden, it's not surprising that he would say something like that.

It seems the reform movement has produced a fairly competent imperial soldier.

Although this behavior was not very acceptable from the perspective of either imperial officers or nobles.

After all, a truly qualified imperial officer would not sacrifice his own interests for the life or death of a group of soldiers.

As for the nobles, they would never give up their own interests for the sake of commoners.

Only someone like John Maslow, who came from humble beginnings and possessed genuine ability, would treat lower-ranking soldiers as human beings, not as expendable resources.

What an innocent yet artistic idea!

Even if such a person is exceptionally talented and becomes a high-ranking official in the empire, they are still capable of achieving such a position.

But under the influence of such meaningless benevolence, it is probably destined not to go far.

After all, how could a weak sheep possibly defeat a pack of wolves and successfully become the leader of the pack?
There's a high probability that they'll be torn apart by the wolves during the challenge.

It does possess a kind of broken artistic beauty.

Sure enough, after making a fortune and returning home in glory, I should try to avoid having much contact with this guy.

Otherwise, you never know when the fire might end up backfire on you.

Dolan pondered this in his heart, but outwardly he feigned a helpless sigh, then spoke with a sigh:

"...Well, I must say, Major John, your selfless spirit truly moves me, and as the nominal commander of the Second Army, I also have an obligation to pay my respects to the fallen soldiers."

"Therefore, I don't mind taking another step back. Regarding the 10 million D worth of minerals in the Golden Lion Territory, I'm willing to split it 50/50 with you. How about it?"

It's not good, because I never intended to let you take even a single bit of these resources from beginning to end.

After all, when have you ever seen a mineral resource that an NPC could steal?

Isn't this a blatant slap in the face to us, the Fourth Calamity?
Does it matter who discovered it?
What's yours is mine, and what's mine is still mine.

This is the rule of the Fourth Calamity!
So, I'm going to take this batch of minerals, and nobody can touch them!

John sneered inwardly. In fact, he had already made this plan after Dolan revealed the mining deal. The reason he was haggling with the other party just now was only to make this idiot believe that he really wanted to cooperate, so as to lower the other party's guard.

As for letting the other party take the resources away, how could that be possible!

Moreover, based on Dolan's recent performance, he had already guessed that this self-righteous fool had most likely concealed the true value of the minerals.

The value of this batch of minerals is definitely not just ten million dollars; it will most likely be five times that amount, or even more.

Only in this way can we explain why this selfish and greedy fool took the initiative to back down.

Of course, John had no intention of exposing the other party's ulterior motives.

After all, he did not have professional mining personnel. Although Marda had mastered the art of terrain modification, the exploration of mineral veins has always required professionals. Random digging would only cause landslides and thus losses.

Therefore, he needs that idiot Dolan to lead a group of people to help him mine all of these minerals.

Once the mining is complete, the nominally guarding force he assigned to the other side will actually be a surveillance force and a mine reclamation force.

All he needs to do is lure some of the Allied troops to the vicinity of the mine, forcing Dolan to escape from the mine with his men, and then switch the minerals beforehand. At that time, the final ownership of the minerals will be safely in his hands.

After acquiring these resources, both the rewards and pensions for the soldiers and his long-depleted personal savings will experience an unprecedented explosive growth.

This is his real goal!

So, you stupid pig, you'd better get back to mining for me, and be prepared to lose everything!

Hum hum!
Looking at Dolan, whose face was filled with longing for the mighty Siegfried and a bright future, completely unaware that he had fallen into the trap of working illegally.

A barely perceptible hint of amusement flashed in John's eyes, but outwardly he still gave the other person a grateful salute, and solemnly said:

"To put it bluntly, you are almost the kindest general I have ever met, so please allow me to thank you on behalf of the soldiers for your kindness, Lieutenant General Dolan."

"Oh, not at all, it's all for the sake of the empire, don't be so polite!"

Hearing John's praise, Dolan was quite pleased. He pretended to be calm and waved his hand, but inwardly he was secretly mocking the other man for falling into his linguistic trap without realizing it.

Then, thinking of Dolan, who could soon recruit the formidable Siegfried, looked at John with anticipation:

"So, Major John, it's been a pleasure working with you?"

"Happy cooperation!"

After exchanging a glance, the two immediately exchanged a knowing, fake smile.

Then, under the light of the room, the two stood up and bent over in unison, putting their left hands behind their backs and offering their right hands to each other with eager expressions.

Then, with their near-perfect feigned acting, the two, each harboring their own ulterior motives, simultaneously grasped each other's hands.

The two were scheming against each other, each wanting to rip the other off until they were penniless, but they didn't show it on their faces at all.

The moment was frozen in time, illuminated by the bright lights of the house.

"Snapped!"

……

(End of this chapter)