Becoming a god by raising witches

Katerina's speech was highly persuasive, especially her mention of conscription benefits that were three times better than those of previous military service, which greatly appealed to the people.

Furthermore, she did not look down on these impoverished workers, but praised them as the pillars of the kingdom, which brought tears to their eyes.

The numbness on their faces was gone, their eyes regained their sparkle, and they were filled with longing for the future.

Locke thought it was a waste that Katerina was so eloquent and didn't go into pyramid schemes, but as a queen, how could she possibly look down on a pyramid scheme?

Between becoming a regular alchemist and joining the army in the North, the latter was clearly a better option.

Moreover, in the event of war, there is still an opportunity to make contributions and change one's social class.

Even without war, their salaries and benefits are much higher than those of ordinary people. Most importantly, the Queen promises that their relatives can receive free medical treatment when they fall ill, and that they will receive a large sum of money as compensation upon death.

"Your Majesty, I am a girl, can I join the army?"

A clear voice rang out from the crowd.

Katerina looked at the girl who was speaking; she was covered in dirt, but her eyes were bright.

"Yes! Yorkshire and Coastalshire both have dedicated female military battalions that will accept you. Every girl who wants to join the army is the pride of our Kingdom of Tumen. You are just as worthy of respect as men."

The girl excitedly wiped away her tears and burst into tears.

The crowd erupted again, but this time it wasn't anger, but a passionate and positive response.

They excitedly raised their hands and shouted loudly.

"Praise be to Her Majesty the Queen!"

"Long live Her Majesty the Queen! Long live Her Majesty the Queen! Long live Her Majesty the Queen!!!"

"Long live the Kingdom of Tumen! Long live Kosork!"

"God bless the world! God bless the world!"

The cheers and shouts created a sonic tsunami that resounded throughout Kosork, making the west and east sections seem to merge into one.

Hearing the shouts from the West Side, the people from the East Side spontaneously joined in.

"Long live Her Majesty the Queen!"

Locke was immersed in the sound waves, his brows furrowing slightly.

Taking advantage of the Compass Water Company's mistake that polluted the West End's water supply, the Doron family intervened in the Baker Grain Company, regained control over grain pricing, and bought up a large amount of stored grain at a low price.

Using Werner's suicide as a trigger, they brought down media mogul Bill Harper and Congressman Bowman Bicester, and regained control of public opinion.

The enactment of the Alchemy Act led to mass unemployment.

Restricting grain and livestock exports to Allenburg exacerbated tensions between the two countries.

The enactment of the new military law to absorb these unemployed workers not only increases military strength but also wins popular support, turning the old aristocratic parties that have been secretly manipulating and promoting the workers' movement into clowns.

Basically, every step was a preparation for war.

The plan was meticulously crafted, with each step carefully planned and executed. No move was superfluous, and the plan even cleverly exploited the opponent's strategy.

Now all that's needed is a trigger to shift domestic conflicts abroad and ignite a war.

Locke believed that the cunning witch Katerina must have already made arrangements.

Such a layout and arrangement is truly terrifying to think about.

So, is her real purpose really just to start a war?

Eileen once said that witches can gain power from disasters.

Katerina, did you start this war for power as well?

Or is it simply a desire to expand the kingdom's territory and evolve it into an empire?

Locke looked up and his gaze met Katerina's.

Chapter 163, The Seeker of Secrets

Katerina noticed Locke's questioning gaze and her own eyes lit up with curiosity.

Locke lowered his head, realizing that time was running out, and fully unleashed his hearing, hearing various sounds from the crowd.

"Long live Her Majesty the Queen!"

"Praise be to Her Majesty the Queen."

"Her Majesty the Queen is truly a goddess sent to save us, Eric. We are saved! Our future is saved!"

"Great, we don't have to become homeless anymore."

"We can stay together in the army and save our families."

"Yes, Jerry, we're going to the North to join the army together. We'll have both love and bread."...

[Acuity of hearing +1]

"Go back and tell Duke Fruhl immediately that Her Majesty the Queen's new recruits bill must not be passed."

"It's too late to stop it now, isn't it? Everyone heard it."

"Damn it, Her Majesty the Queen actually had this in mind."...

[Acuity of hearing +1]

"It's the Queen, Your Majesty! Mother, I see Her Majesty the Queen! I want to go to the North! I want to go to the North!"

"Simon, go, go. If you don't go to the North, your brother will kill you too."

"Huh? Why did my brother kill me?"

"If you don't climb into your sister-in-law's bed at night, how could your brother bear to beat you to death?"

[Acuity of hearing +1]

"Her Majesty the Queen is simply the embodiment of a goddess. I want to kiss the instep of her feet, and I would give my life for it."

"You're dreaming. If Her Majesty the Queen allows you to kiss my feet, I'd gladly kiss your ass."

"You've actually been lusting after me for a long time, haven't you?"...

[Acuity of hearing +1]

“Great! I can finally find a job. I’m willing to work at the alchemy factory established by the Alchemy Church, even if it means working 12 hours a day.”

"Why don't you go to Yorkshire? You're still so young."

"I don't want to leave Kosalk."

"You're Jenny, the one who doesn't want to leave Peach Tavern, right? I have some bad news for you. Jenny is seriously ill and doesn't have long to live. I suggest you go to the hospital to get checked out."

[Acuity of hearing +1]

“There’s hope! There’s hope! My children won’t starve to death. I’m going back to kiss my wife and ask her to give me another child.”

“Damon, don’t do that. That’s your brother’s wife.”

"What does it matter? She has already given me two children, and she is my wife now."

Does your brother know about this?

“We are twins, we are connected at heart, he will forgive me.”

“No, believe me, even if the Goddess of Life forgives you for going to the Alchemy Church's factory, your brother will never forgive you.”

[Acuity of hearing +1]

"I see the future. I want to join the army, I want to make a name for myself, I don't want to be a mediocre worker my whole life."

"Let's go to the North together. Even if it means facing the wolves of the North, I'm willing to leave this place."

"Your Majesty, I love you, and I am willing to give my life for you."

[Acuity of hearing +1]

[Acuity of hearing +1]

[Acuity of hearing +1]...

Just as Locke had predicted, secrets were more easily overheard in crowded places.

It just requires blocking out most people's praise and shouts for the Queen, and carefully listening to their whispers.

Those hiding in the surrounding buildings are the main force contributing the secret.

Finally, just before Locke's head was about to explode.

The proficiency level of auditory acuity reached 1000.

[Audiograph 1000 secret conversations to upgrade your auditory perception to that of a keen observer]

[The one who hears others' thoughts: able to hear their innermost feelings and thus understand their secrets.]

[The Path to Advancement: Hear the secrets in other people's hearts 10000 times to become the Master of Gossip]

[Master of Gossip: No one can refuse to discuss gossip with you; you can get anyone to talk to you.]

Finally, I've upgraded another skill!

Those who seek to uncover secrets!