Otherworld Girl Development Guide

"Okay, I'll head back when it's time, and I'll also check on how the Bureau of Terrorism's follow-up research is going."

"Alright, let's talk about the diplomatic achievements of this meeting..." Hehehe's expression turned serious: "...After several rounds of negotiations, our side and the Kingdom reached a consensus, and both sides decided to establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level (there are three levels of diplomacy: ambassador, minister, and chargé d'affaires)."

Zhou Mingrui was not surprised by this. The kingdom's diplomatic philosophy was quite good, and it was relatively peaceful in its foreign relations. The technological dividends brought by the orbal technology had enabled the kingdom to develop very rapidly, and all industries were developing at an unprecedented pace.

It was this speed that made the Rebonian Empire in the northwest feel threatened, and it took measures against the kingdom.

After saying that, he took out a map of the Kingdom of Bell and pointed to an inverted triangle on the west side of the Kingdom of Bell.

"The Kingdom has agreed to lease the entire peninsula to us, including an excellent deep-water, ice-free port and a plain area sufficient for building an industrial chain. We have a 99-year lease... but we need to build the dock facilities ourselves and provide enough jobs for the Kingdom."

That's normal. You can't just give someone the land for free; you have to offer them something in return.

"The location of this peninsula is too sensitive!"

Zhou Mingrui frowned. This location was too close to the Republic of Calva on the other side. If a port with a large throughput were built here, it might... no! It would definitely intersect with the Republic of Calva.

If this is not handled properly and friction arises... the Republic of Kalva can deploy its navy at any time to cut off shipping lanes. In order to protect China's legitimate interests, it will inevitably take corresponding countermeasures against the Republic of Kalva, and local conflicts are not impossible.

"This Queen Estée is no ordinary woman..."

Zhou Mingrui immediately understood Queen Estée's intention: regional power balance.

Currently, all the pressure on the Kingdom of Bel comes from the Rebonia Empire in the northwest, but the Republic of Calva in the east should not be underestimated. If the Kingdom is attacked from both sides, its military strength will be outmatched.

By using the rabbit, an alien force emerging from the Abyss Sea, to balance the pressure from the Republic of Calva, the Kingdom of Bel can concentrate most of its forces to confront the Rebonian Empire.

It's an open conspiracy... The rabbit has no choice but to develop on the mainland and build drilling platforms and corresponding mining equipment in order to explore the treasures in the deep sea.

"Could we contact the Republic of Kalva and resolve this issue diplomatically?"

The best strategy is to subdue the enemy without fighting; resolving problems through communication is always the first choice. The rabbit is here to seek cooperation, joint development, and common prosperity, not to act as a beacon.

“I’ve done some research. The Republic of Kalva is a democratic country with a presidential system. It is extremely resistant to immigrants and outsiders... Its policies can become unpredictable depending on the change of president. Perhaps the policies set by this term will be changed by the next president.”

"As for the Rebonian Empire... it appears powerful on the surface, but from the information we've gathered, the internal situation is turbulent. The struggle between the great nobles and the royal family has never ceased. The political instability makes it unsuitable for investment. This attack on the Bel Kingdom also has an element of diverting internal conflicts..."

He chuckled and rubbed his nose. "Launching wars abroad is always the best way to divert attention from internal conflicts, provided you don't get beaten black and blue, like India."

"...Currently, only kingdoms with stable political situations are the most suitable for our investment. Once you return from the Xirang base, immediately focus on building the port. As for the issue of the Republic of Kalva, we don't provoke trouble, but we're not afraid of trouble either!"

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

Glen Castle.

The Queen's bedroom, reception room.

Princess Estelle sat on the sofa, flipping through the "Star Ring Investment Plan," which detailed the investment phases and the objectives to be achieved at each phase.

Queen Estée couldn't help but sigh, "As expected of a powerful nation that emerged from the Abyss Sea, their plans are so meticulous, taking one step at a time. This is something the kingdom needs to learn."

"Yuri, are all the arrangements for the Chinese delegation complete?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Yuri's gaze fell on the Chinese gift on the table—a cube.

However, the seemingly simple cube is actually composed of nine smaller cubes, and once they are put together, there are no gaps to be seen!

With the kingdom's current measurement technology, the tolerance cannot be measured at all; the nine small cubes are almost identical in size.

The Kingdom of Bell, which is also known for its orbal technology, is well aware of what this represents: terrifying technological and industrial capabilities!

"Your Majesty, won't there be any problems leasing that place to China?"

"It's alright..." The Queen said, looking at the investment project provided by the Chinese government, "...Yuri, you have to pay the price for what you want. Perhaps their purpose is not as simple as they seem, but they just want a bridge to the mainland. That person in the Rebonia Empire wants our entire kingdom!"

Yuri fell silent; the ambition of that person from the Rebonian Empire was now crystal clear.

A moment later, there was a knock on the door, and Corliss, dressed in a formal gown, nervously opened the door and entered the room.

Queen Estée put down the documents in her hand, stood up and walked to Corliss, carefully looked her over, and took a step forward to hug her.

"Coris, you've grown up..."

Corliss lowered her head and whispered, "Grandma, I..."

“It’s good that you’re back…we can talk about the rest later. Can you tell me about your life?” Estée asked kindly.

"Um..."

Corliss nodded and slowly began to recount her experiences at school and on the canal, while Queen Estée listened patiently.

At this moment, Estée was not a high and mighty queen, but a kind old woman who cared about her granddaughter.

Chapter 37 Spiritual Mentor (3/3)

"Captain, this is recent intelligence from the Queen and China..."

The female officer placed a thick stack of documents on Charlie's desk.

Charlie picked up the documents and glanced through them, then frowned. The Queen had actually leased out this sensitive area to outsiders? What if they colluded with them?

What a loss of composure! The kingdom must become strong through its own efforts!

"Captain, will this affect our operations?"

It's not clear yet...

The captain frowned deeply. Had the Queen discovered something? Bringing in an unexpected force would not only balance the external situation but also contain internal conflicts!

This move struck at his weak point, causing Charlie immense discomfort and undoubtedly increasing the difficulty of their operation.

With a martyr-like expression, Charlie said, "...No! The plan must be carried out, for the future of the kingdom!"

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

"An instrument that can detect airships from a long distance?"

As Estée listened to Corliss recount how the Dayu had sunk the Hunter airship, her expression gradually grew serious. Perhaps the other party was even more formidable than she had imagined.

The Queen's gaze returned to the cube on the table.

"Alright, it's getting late. Go get some rest. The celebration ceremony is tomorrow."

Queen Estée gently stroked Corliss's hair, gesturing for Yuri to take her to rest.

“Well…see you tomorrow, goodnight, Grandma.” Corliss followed Yuri out.

Goodnight, Corliss.

After watching Corliss leave, Queen Estée went to the balcony and looked at the night view of the royal capital, Gran, and couldn't help but sigh.

She felt guilty towards Corliss. Her parents died in an accident, leaving her without a complete childhood. Now Corliss was unwilling to inherit the throne, and she herself was getting old and less capable than before.

The kingdom appears to be thriving, but it is fraught with internal crises. To the west, the Rebonian Empire is eyeing it covetously, to the east, the Republic of Calva is gradually encroaching upon it, and now, a powerful new force has emerged on the other side of the sea.

Corliss, grow up quickly, and find someone you can rely on for life... while your grandmother, like a big tree, can still shelter you from the wind and rain.

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

Sitting on a chair on the palace terrace, Zhou Mingrui looked at the stars in the sky, each one seemingly within reach. Such a sight had not been seen on Earth for a long time.

Civilization always pays a price for progress; this is called equivalent exchange.

"Chirp~"

A familiar sound rang out, and a small white bird landed not far from Zhou Mingrui.

"Churi?" Zhou Mingrui called out tentatively, since he thought all birds looked the same and it was hard to tell if it was Corliss's pet.

Chuli looked Zhou Mingrui up and down, seemed to recognize him, and gave a cheerful shout.

"Chirp~ Chirp~"

She then flew to a corner. Zhou Mingrui looked over and saw Corliss with her head tilted to one side, looking at him with some surprise. He hadn't expected that there was someone else who couldn't sleep besides her.

"Mr. Zhou Mingrui?"

"It's Miss Corliss. You're still up so late?"

"I can't sleep..." Corliss pointed to a chair about two meters away from Zhou Mingrui and asked, "Can I sit here?"

"of course."

"Thank you."

The two sat there, and Zhou Mingrui sensed that something was wrong with Corliss. Was she a girl going through a period of confusion?

"Mr. Zhou Mingrui...do you have any life goals?"

"Huh?" Chris's question left Zhou Mingrui somewhat bewildered. He immediately realized that he was probably going to have to act as a life mentor and guide the confused girl.

"Of course, would you like to hear about big goals or small goals?"

"Big goal...small goal?" Corliss asked, puzzled.

"It's about the goals of individuals and the collective... In our country, many young people are very confident about the future of the nation, and we will surely achieve the great rejuvenation!"

They lacked confidence in their personal future, but ultimately they all found a solution.

"What's the solution?" Corliss looked at Zhou Mingrui with a hint of hope.

"May all young people cast off their apathy and strive upwards, paying no heed to the words of those who give up on themselves. Those who can do things should do them, and those who can speak should speak. Let each contribute their share of warmth and light, just as a firefly can shine a little in the darkness, without waiting for a torch. And if there is no torch after all, I will be the only light."

Xun Ge speaks with great depth.

"...If there is no torch after this, I will be the only light?" Corliss repeated, wondering what kind of person could say such a thing.

"So when you feel lost, you might as well talk to your elders and express your concerns. I think you can find your answers quickly."

"..."

Collice fell silent, and Zhou Mingrui didn't continue. Collice would eventually find her own way; she just needed proper guidance.

At a distance, Shi Qiang and You Li looked at each other, but they tacitly remained silent.

Yuri was somewhat surprised that Zhou Mingrui didn't try to lead Corliss into anything strange, but instead acted as a mentor, which improved her impression of him.

the next day.

The capital was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, turning it into a sea of ​​flowers, and the entire city was filled with a festive atmosphere.

Soldiers in formal attire stood on the castle and in the streets.

Today, on the Queen's birthday, Queen Estelle will deliver a speech from a high point in the castle to begin the celebrations; afterwards, the Queen will host a banquet in the castle's banquet hall to entertain guests from all walks of life and to look forward to the kingdom's development in the new year.