After being forced to step down, the once-annoying nun eloped with me.

The emperor turned to look at his secretary, while the bespectacled middle-aged man simply nodded, took a step forward, and looked at the scroll in his hands alongside his monarch.

"The steam rifle can ensure lethality against unarmored units within 500 meters, but we still need to find a way to solve the problem of the sudden drop in air pressure after continuous firing... Moreover, our existing [line infantry] tactics have been proven unsuitable. After all, the accurate range of the steam rifle means that it does not need to use [volley fire] to ensure the kill area."

"what do you mean?"

"I have had military personnel try to develop a new skirmish tactic—after all, our steam rifles are very accurate. Instead of standing in a wall to fire, we can disperse, dig trenches, and hide inside to fire... This also aligns with the preparations we need for the upcoming land battle with Issugard."

“Then let’s do as you say. My Secretary-General, we will work together to make our motherland better—let’s go, there’s no time to rest, we have important business to attend to.”

The Alessars were overjoyed, but they also knew they needed to work hard, otherwise they would never catch up with the development of truly great powers.

Meanwhile, on the sea, Ysgard's fleet was also moving towards the continent of Elusia.

Unfortunately, the fleet that was escorting more than 20,000 soldiers to fight in foreign lands was damaged by a typhoon en route.

Although several supply ships capsized due to overloading, at least the sailors and operators on board were saved. Moreover, because of the loss of these heavy cargo ships, the overall speed of the fleet has actually increased significantly.

However, this made the supply of the Isgard Expeditionary Force a major problem.

The supplies, which were originally expected to last at least two months after landing, now have less than half a month left.

Sea and land transport for supplies would take at least a month—and that's only if the fleet charges forward recklessly and doesn't care about the Alessand pirates' attacks.

...As we all know, once an army loses its supplies, it becomes as vulnerable as a woman's hymen, easily punctured.

Food can be sourced locally, but consumables like bullets really can only be obtained domestically...

But this is not absolute.

"Lady Nia! So I'm begging you! Please do your best to secure industrial aid from Gaparia for us! We need those supplies!"

When Nia received the colonial commander's humble request, she knew that her life of toil was probably not going to end anytime soon.

She had finally managed to have a few peaceful days recently... but just when she was about to get a good night's sleep, you suddenly told her that our supply ship was silenced by the typhoon, tens of thousands of people lost their supplies, and now we can only rely on the factories in Gaparia for assistance?!

Nia's head was unusually large... She took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to erupt in a hysterical outburst, and did everything in her power to maintain her composure so as not to unsettle the commander...

"...I will try my best. Don't worry—but I can't guarantee that Gaparia can provide enough supplies."

"We just need about two weeks' worth of supplies! We'll give the bullets to our most elite marksmen... but that means we'll be stuck in Drake Harbor."

"It's better than rushing forward and getting wiped out by the Alessars—remember, the Romans are no match for them, the Alessars are our main adversaries... When the time comes, have the fleet intercept the Alessars' supply lines, and under no circumstances should they be allowed to send more troops to the Romans."

"I understand. Then I'll leave it to you. I'll be waiting for your good news! Thank you!"

...

The commander hung up the communication.

Nia finally couldn't hold back anymore.

After venting his anger by raising the book in front of him high and slamming it onto the table, the black dragon lay sprawled on the bed, dazed and confused, roaring, "You all have to consider my difficulties!!"

She understood the colonial army's difficulties, but could you please understand me too? Under what circumstances could I possibly ask Gaparia, whose industrial capacity was already stretched thin, to provide us with more supplies? They probably barely had enough ammunition for themselves; how could they possibly open several factories to produce supplies for us? Was that really even possible?

This is like asking a skilled cook to grow rice out of thin air, ripen it, and then immediately husk and cook it – that's simply impossible! And where do I have the resources to make a deal with that regent right now? Can you please stop making such unreasonable demands?

Miss Black Dragon complained wearily, but deep down she knew that this was how unexpected events were—suddenly a perfectly healthy student became the pillar of the entire family, suddenly a perfectly healthy family was inexplicably burdened with tens of thousands of yuan in debt due to a car accident... Alas, the unexpected events had already happened, and there was no way to turn back time and stop them, so what could she do?

All they can do is say "I fucking have to quit" while their bodies honestly continue working.

So what the hell can I do?!

Miss Nia could only take out the mirror and contact her president, asking her to grant her more authority...

.............

After a brief report, Nia saw the president slumped on the sofa, utterly exhausted, in her reflection in the mirror.

"...After all, this is an unexpected event, and we still have to find a way to meet the needs of the colonial army. I will send enough manpower in the next fleet to build our own factory in the occupied Drake Port to meet the demand for ammunition—but until then, Nia... can only rely on you."

"I'm just a black dragon, Margarita! What do you expect me to do to get anything out of that regent?"

"Use your wisdom to think of a solution! In short, I have now upgraded your diplomatic priority level. As long as you don't sell out our country, you can exchange it for anything you want... It's up to you. As long as we get through this, things will be alright."

With that, the President hung up the call. Nia was both helpless and in immense pain—although the President said she could trade freely, what was there to trade within Isgard?

She lay sprawled on the bed, deep in thought. She forced herself to resist the urge to just take a nap and kept thinking. She pondered the specialties of Isgard while also trying to discern the Regent's preferences.

There's probably nothing we can do about industry. After all, Gaparia's industry is probably more advanced than ours in some ways, and that regent is definitely working on improving light industry for the people... Who knows, one day Isgard might have to rely on his charity to achieve industrial progress, so trading industry with him would be an unnecessary and foolish thing to do.

So, should we start with the diverse races of Ysgard?

Nia pondered, and tentatively listed in her mind the various advantages of the alien races of Isgard and the places where she could potentially obtain aid from Gaparia.

In Ysgard, besides ordinary humans and orcs—large groups with animal-like ears or tails on their heads or buttocks—there are also some alien races with unique racial talents.

The vampires, represented by Miss President, are one such group. They can freely change their form, transform into a swarm of bats using their racial traits, and even use their innate talent to seduce members of the opposite sex, engaging in activities they find appealing, while incidentally taking a few sips of blood...

Of course, the biggest bargaining point among vampires is that if a vampire is willing to use half of their blood as a price to perform the Embrace ritual, then another person will also be transformed into a vampire of equal rank and long lifespan. If His Majesty the Regent wants to live longer, perhaps he can start from here, have the President come over, and take the opportunity to hold the wedding in a legitimate way.

After all, this is a very costly ceremony that only vampires would hold after deciding to spend their lives with someone of another race... so it can be considered a [high-value item] that can be traded, right?

But that's not enough.

"Sirens' flesh and blood puppets should also be included, right?"

The Sirens are also the most representative alien race in Ysgard.

They are few in number, comprising less than ten thousand of the hundreds of millions of people in Isgard. They are all female, and from a human perspective, each Siren is an exceptionally beautiful woman—if one ignores their preference for staying in the water and their inhumane exploitation of their partners, perhaps many would be willing to marry a Siren.

But what Nia values ​​is the Sirens' innate [Flesh and Blood Magic].

They can forcibly create flesh and blood tissue from inorganic matter—from the most basic skin, fat, and muscles, to a complete system of blood vessels, nerves, and various organs... They can gradually transform steel into a living organism, and it is precisely because of this...

The dolls that the Sirens sell in the Ysgard market always fetch astronomical prices... Although Nia really doesn't know what's so good about those dolls, their talents are indeed extremely valuable. Even among all the highly classified research in Ysgard right now, how to make the Sirens [create life] is the highest priority research.

However, this research had to be temporarily suspended due to excessive magical energy consumption, but it was enough to prove the importance of the Sirens to Ysgard.

Moreover, His Majesty Yang Hao might have some ingenious ideas about the Sirens' innate magic... If he can develop some amazing technology, perhaps we in Ysgard can also get a share of the profits...

...In short, some of the Sirens' immigrants also became Nia's "bargaining chip." But this—seems not enough.

After all, Gaparia couldn't even feed its own army, and Bayezid's industry was in a terrible state. Moreover, we, Isgard, are currently kneeling and begging for help...

Perhaps a sufficient amount of food will arrive in a month, but for the beggar who will starve to death in half a month, the charity from the two countries is still incredibly precious...

So, what other price can I ask for?

Nia looked down at the soft scales on her chest, then gritted her teeth and said: Yes! And the dragon race she represented!

Dragons are also the most representative alien race in Ysgard.

They can freely transform into dragon or human form. Their population is small, but each individual possesses the power to attack a town.

Black dragons are nearly immune to magic and possess immense physical strength, capable of breathing fire that can melt steel. In other countries, the mere presence of a black dragon would be a cause for national celebration...

In this scenario, if a family's black dragons could migrate to Elusia and then multiply and thrive within the borders of Gabai... wouldn't that be a joyous occasion for His Majesty the Regent? Something acceptable and something he absolutely had to fight for, no matter what!

But right now, the only Black Dragon nearby is his mother alone... Damn it!

Why do I have to demean myself in this situation?! It's not impossible, but even in a one-sided relationship, Nia hopes to be the one who is as equal as possible, not the one forced to bow down!

"hiss..."

Let's first make an appointment for the important meeting with His Majesty Yang Hao.

With this thought in mind, Nia jumped out of bed, hurriedly put on her boots, and rushed out of her room.

......

She returned even faster than she had left. Breathless, she locked the door and tossed her boots aside. Then she rummaged through her drawers and finally pulled out her most beautiful dress and the black stockings that His Majesty Yang Hao had once highly praised.

"In four days, the two countries of Canada and Nepal will announce some major events and hold celebrations... I need to hurry up and make this outfit even more beautiful."

Heilong gritted his teeth, having already decided to give everything for his motherland.

For Yang Hao—

He knew absolutely nothing about the Black Dragon's condition or the condition of Ysgard.

After the little queen and the chief judge were rescued, he first had to arrange for them to receive treatment at Fingel's, while patiently waiting for Anna's tongue to heal, and at the same time he also had to deal with his own work.

Not only that, he also had to personally escort the coffins of his sworn brother and sister-in-law to Bayez for a grand burial ceremony. However, after only two days of escorting them, he had to return to the Purple Palace first due to work, and then assist Theresa, who had been busy for a long time, in dealing with the delayed political affairs.

Subsequently, the Elven Council of Gaparia required his attendance, and his discussions with the elder elves regarding the future implementation of polygamy inexplicably encountered resistance...

And so, Yang Hao still had to prepare for the celebration of the founding of the United Nations and the promulgation of the new laws on February 5th, and he also had to continue preparing for his wedding with Theresa the following day...

He wished he could work 48 hours a day; during this time, to take care of Anna's condition, he couldn't even return to the Purple Palace to rest...

...Under these circumstances, he simply couldn't keep track of Isgard's situation. He was too exhausted; unless something serious happened, Isgard should probably just leave him alone.

Looking at the last thriving oak sapling he was inspecting, Yang Hao sighed heavily. After circling the tenth inspection report on the oak factory, he was exhausted.

All of this was naturally observed by the presiding judge.

The presiding judge felt sorry for the Regent's arduous work, and Natalia's close interaction with Anna over the past two years had indeed led her to develop ambiguous feelings for Yang Hao.

She hesitated, wondering whether to grant Anna's wish, become her true "mother," and also become the pillar behind Yang Hao.

But just as Natalia was about to tentatively ask Yang Hao if he had any plans to start a family... she witnessed the elf Fen and Yang Hao being intimate.

Chapter Two: The Prelude to the Barbarian Invasion (8K)

When Fen arrived, she invited Yang Hao and Natalia to rest in the nearby elven town. She wasn't just there to discuss important matters with Yang Hao; she also wanted to allow this hardworking man to temporarily set aside his work and see the world.

Under Fen's intervention, no matter how much Yang Hao wanted to work, he still had to obediently follow Fen's orders.

At Finn's request, he temporarily handed over his report to the waiting elf, then followed Finn with Natalia. After resting briefly and enjoying delicious coffee in a private room of a high-class café in town, he heard Finn say this:

"For now, I'd like to hear one thing from you—about what's to come."

"What about the future?"

Yang Hao was taken aback at first, then suddenly realized. Miss Natalia's face stiffened, and she seemed somewhat at a loss.

But she quickly realized that what the beautiful elf wanted to talk about was perhaps work, not the future of family. This calmed Natalia's restless heart. She lowered her head and began to enjoy the elf's coffee, trying to understand what the two were talking about.

After all, even though Natalia had come, she didn't intend to just sit idle. She felt she could use her knowledge to help Yang Hao with his work, and more importantly, if she truly wanted to become Anna's real "mother," as Anna hoped, Natalia had to seize the opportunity...

The court lady was eating while silently observing the Regent and Finn's conversation.

The Regent then spoke seriously with Fin about the [small golems] on Naruja's side. He asserted that if Gaparia and Bayern wanted to develop, besides doing everything possible to increase the total population, the most important thing was to have something replace them in performing repetitive and low-level labor. Moreover, these things must be easily mass-produced and also have the ability for the residents to modify or repair them themselves.

Naruja's [Miniature Golem] perfectly fulfilled all of Yang Hao's requirements. It was small enough and flexible enough to work in human factories, performing many tasks that humans and elves could also do but which would currently be a waste of labor, yet were nonetheless essential.