Politics and business, power and money are so wonderfully intertwined, forming this noisy, mixed, but dynamic country. Lily is not sure whether this model is worth advocating, but at least it was in her original era-the current era.
More than two hundred years later, the Federation still exists and thrives.
It went through the entire "Gray War" and successfully survived.
It is not in the nature of a businessman to protect oneself wisely. Based on Lily's understanding of this country, it is the way of the big businessmen in the Senate to rather take certain risks and try to seize the opportunity. The problem is that what is before them this time
This is not an ordinary business, but a war that is about to ignite.
How would a country built by merchants face such a challenge? With this question in mind, Lily walked along the flat road, which was large enough for several carriages to pass side by side, towards the City of Glory on the north side of the Federation.
——The third largest city in the Federation, which was developed by undertaking most of the first-hand trade with the empire.
Most of the cities that Lily passed along the way were on more or less alert. The Sachi people were on guard against the Erna people, and the Oron Empire was also wary of the Erna people and the Saint Leon Theocracy to the east. As for the Erna people,
The Kingdom of Des is hostile to all intelligent beings other than its own tribe. However, in the City of Glory, the female mercenaries could not feel any tense atmosphere, as if the tension in the north had not reached here at all.
Even for the two people who clearly possessed strong military strength, the guards guarding the city just charged them a routine entry fee and let them in without even questioning them.
"But, it's a bit strange..." Lily looked at the bustling, seemingly peaceful streets, "Shouldn't those businessmen in the Federation do nothing?"
In the entire Aiur continent, in terms of the intelligence and the rapid spread of news, the Phil Federation is unparalleled. For the Federation, which is founded on commerce but does not have a strong military, this is not only related to money, but also to the entire country.
The foundation for stable existence. Therefore, while other countries were at war with each other, the Federation itself was silent, which was really incredible to her.
"Unless they have other plans... or rely on it." Coventry rarely commented, obviously thinking that the current situation was not normal.
"Well... Anyway, having money here can solve the problem." The female mercenary stretched and sniffed the smell in the air, "Let's eat something first, and then go find someone to ask the reason - can
Wouldn’t it be nice to relax in such a relaxing environment?”
The man next to her snorted, maybe because he was bored with Lily's thoughts or something, but he still followed her into a tavern that was open during the day.
"Boss, let me have two portions of your signature dishes, and two glasses of... Well, how about a glass of milk and a glass of water?" Lily thought for a while and gave up the idea of drinking now, "Hurry up."
The owner of the tavern responded and quickly brought the food. It was made by grinding several spices unique to the south into powder, frying them with fat and making a sauce, and finally adding various vegetables to stew them.
Food. Some people think it has a pungent smell, but Lily, who has a keen sense of smell, likes this subtle mixed aroma. As for Coventry, it is difficult to tell his preference for food from his expression, but he stuffs it into his mouth with big mouthfuls.
The appearance of food can easily arouse other people's appetite.
"Boss... Well, your craftsmanship is pretty good." The female mercenary also picked up the spoon and scooped out a large spoonful of vegetables mixed with the sauce. She stuffed it into her mouth with the rice and chewed it. "I want to ask you something.
Ah, have you heard about what happened in the north?"
"North?" The boss wiped his hands with a towel and walked out of the bar. Anyway, there were not many people in the bar at this time. "Oh, you mean the empire. I heard that it is busy preparing for war, probably looking for the Holy Spirit."
The Theocracy of Leon is in trouble."
"As expected." Lily didn't feel that much surprise, but just asked another question, "Don't you think that compared to the empire, it's too peaceful here?"
"Well." The boss rubbed his hands, "I heard a rumor——" He closed his mouth and stopped talking.
The female mercenary curled her lips and threw a silver coin over, "What do you know?"
"Thank you." The tavern owner took the coin, wiped it with his sleeve, and threw it into the bag on his apron. "I have heard that it seems that the Senate has just elected a new seat. Maybe the current policy is consistent with that one.
It’s about people.”
"The new veteran... do you know his specific information?" the female mercenary asked.
The boss shook his head, "You'd better go to the city hall to inquire about this kind of thing. A little person like me doesn't know."
The shopkeeper was not lying, Lily quickly concluded. In this case, she did not need to continue to dwell on this topic for the time being. She also asked the shopkeeper some about the situation in the city, and finally came to the conclusion that - as seen on the surface, this place
The city remains peaceful and prosperous.
In the instructions issued by the city hall, it was specifically mentioned that there was no need to worry about threats from the empire, which made most small businessmen feel relieved and continued to operate their businesses. Although the rest were a little worried, they had confidence in the Federal Senate.
Let them decide to continue to wait and see how things develop.
After getting the information she wanted, Lily settled down and started tasting the food on the plate. After that, the two of them took a nap in the tavern. After the hottest period passed, they set off to the city hall to find out what the tavern owner mentioned.
clue.
And the answer they got can be said to be simple and straightforward——
"You mean that new veteran?" The officials in the city hall didn't have a good look towards them at first, but after Lily handed him a gold coin, he immediately put on a warm smile, which made the female mercenary lament that these businessmen had changed their minds.
At such a speed, "he bought the Bergst Chamber of Commerce, which was in trouble due to poor management, and donated a large amount of wealth to the federation. As the current representative of the Bergst Chamber of Commerce, it is also reasonable for him to inherit the position of the elder of his predecessor.
That’s what it should be, right?”
"Hmm... it sounds reasonable." Lily frowned, "What does that man look like? Where did he get so much money - even if he was in trouble, he would probably not be able to buy a chamber of commerce with the qualifications of a senior citizen.
A small amount?"
"I don't know about that." The official smiled and shook his head, "Anyway, for those in the Senate, money represents strength and qualifications, not to mention that he did not violate any existing conventions." He thought for a moment,
He also suggested, "If you are interested in this, why not go to the City of Fortune? With your ability, it is not difficult to meet that elder."