Chapter 71: Father and Son of a Certain South Blue Nation!
Although the latest issue of the major Newspaper Agencies' Newspapers has not yet been released, the matter of the 'Slave King' being arrested has already begun to gradually ferment among the high-level officials of the South Blue Nations. Undercurrents are surging back and forth through Communication via Transponder Snail.
Because when it comes to the prosperity of the Slave Trade, South Blue is undoubtedly the first among the Four Seas!
Of course, this is also inseparably related to King Taklamakan having worked diligently here for decades and made outstanding contributions to the development of the Slave Trade.
The Mafia of West Blue and the Slave Owners of South Blue are the biggest Characteristics of these two Sea Areas. The latter therefore has relatively developed heavy Industry, while the former's light Industry is more prosperous.
The Yanade Kingdom is just such a typical South Blue Nation.
At this time, a young, handsome youth with golden curly hair, wearing blue and gold Noble Formal Attire, stepped onto the Stairs under the gaze of guards holding Muskets on both sides, walking towards the Royal Palace Hall built from large white stones.
"Royal Father!"
The youth maintained an elegant pace as he walked into the Main Hall, respectfully performing a courtesy towards the middle-aged man seated upon the Throne.
"Pericles, you're finally here, quickly come and look at this!"
This King wore a Golden Crown inlaid with Sapphires on his head. As soon as he saw his Eldest Son arrive, his originally heavy and serious expression immediately revealed joy.
He then directly stood up and walked down from the high platform, handing over the Intelligence Report in his hand.
"Okay, please wait a moment."
This Prince of the Yanade Kingdom took the Report with a Smile and read it carefully. But as he read, his expression became similar to the King's earlier. Then he raised his head and said.
"Royal Father, regarding the Matter of the Tutmos Kingdom, I think we cannot just look at the surface. This represents that the World Government is going to take big actions regarding the Slave Trade!"
"Yes, I also thought of this point. This World Government, I don't know what's going on, something that has been tolerated for hundreds of years, they just change their Attitude on a whim!" The King complained, rubbing his brow.
If it were in the past, he believed that even if King Taklamakan's Identity was exposed, the World Government would not allow the Marines to easily touch him. But now, without any warning, they directly arrested him!
"This Matter has a great impact on South Blue, and an even greater impact on our Yanade Kingdom," Prince Pericles said, while repeatedly looking at the content of the Report in his hand.
Their Nation has always purchased Slaves through various channels, with Slaves responsible for producing light Industry goods in Factories. Then, using the income from sales, a portion of funds is allocated for the Slaves' Food and replenishment.
The rest is used for the operation of various aspects within the Nation, as well as paying the annual Heavenly Tribute.
Through this method, they liberated all Citizens from their living burdens and vigorously cultivated the management talents of the Citizens. Citizens only need to improve their knowledge, Research hobbies, and exercise their Bodies.
This is considered the national policy of the Yanade Kingdom. Successive Kings have all governed the Nation in this way.
Because they discovered that the Effect of this approach is very good, the Citizens living in a prosperous, comfortable, relaxed, and tidy Environment naturally wholeheartedly support their own Royalty. Thus, they became one of the very few Royalty among the World Nations that have continued their rule for hundreds of years.
Also because they had a successful template, many Nations in South Blue competed in imitation, with most even going to greater extremes.
Rumor has it there is a Kingdom called Saint Margaret, whose Royalty and Nobility directly turned all Citizens into Slaves. Not only did they use them as cheap Labor Force, but they also secretly sold them as goods when needed.
Prince Pericles said to the King: "If the World Government is truly going to crack down hard on the Slave Trade, and even strictly prohibit the existence of Slaves, then we must prepare in all aspects!"
"Actually, News is circulating recently within the Noble Circle, saying that at the Reverie that is about to be held this year, the Five Elders will propose the Total Slave Ban as an Agenda Item."
The King walked back and forth in distress and continued to say: "Before, I didn't take it seriously, thinking this was just a ridiculous Rumor. But now that the Slave King has been arrested, I have to be cautious."
Hearing this, Prince Pericles frowned, looking at the King's restless figure, and raised his voice to remind him: "Calm down, Royal Father!"
The latter was startled and also realized he had lost his composure. He gave a Shake Head and said with a Bitter Smile: "Now I truly don't know what to do. Without Slaves, what will become of our Kingdom? And furthermore..."
As he spoke the last part, the King showed a hesitant expression. Prince Pericles asked doubtfully: "Furthermore what?"
"Ah, I'll just tell you. Margaret III from the Saint Margaret Kingdom just called me, hoping our Yanade Kingdom can join their Alliance."
"Alliance?" Prince Pericles immediately felt a bad premonition in his Heart and quickly pressed for details: "Please explain in detail, what does he want to do?"
The King walked onto the platform and sat back on the Throne somewhat tiredly. He said to his Eldest Son below the platform: "He is preparing to secretly establish a South Blue Alliance, saying that if the Reverie this year proceeds as usual, then so be it. But if the decision for a Total Slave Ban is truly passed, then they will respond as an Alliance."
"They want to challenge the World Government?" Prince Pericles opened his mouth, looking at the King in shock.
"No, Margaret III's meaning is they will not openly resist and will avoid conflict as much as possible. However, the matter of banning Slaves will be treated as non-existent within the Alliance. Their Attitude towards the World Government is to delay as much as possible. If they are truly pushed to the brink in the end, then they will confront them with the Alliance Army of the World Nations."
Prince Pericles was silent for a moment and said: "Then did you join?"
"No, I just told him I needed to consider it. Isn't this why I'm distressed about this Matter!" The King gave a Shake Head and a Bitter Smile.
"Then are you willing to hear your son's Opinion?"
"I called you here precisely because I wanted to ask for your thoughts." The King looked at Prince Pericles expectantly, because he knew deeply that the other party was far more outstanding than himself.
The latter raised his head and said resolutely: "Then my Opinion is to refuse, because this is an extremely foolish path to death, a path to extermination, and even a path to national ruin!"
The King was stunned upon hearing this, while Prince Pericles' statement continued.
"Back then, the Germa Kingdom, how Strong it was! It even dominated the entire North Blue Sea Area. The Kingdoms willing to be Attendants added up to more than twenty."
"But what was the result?"
"Sixty-six days, just sixty-six days, they were completely crushed by the Marine Fleet sent by the World Government. The so-called South Blue Alliance, composed of merely a few Kingdoms, how many days can it last?"
The King nodded subconsciously after listening, but still felt unwilling in his Heart and hesitated: "Then what about the Slaves? Our Kingdom cannot be without Slaves!"
"Royal Father, severe injury and death, which is lighter and which is heavier?!"
Prince Pericles shouted loudly: "Release the Slaves! We can hire people with money. Moreover, our Treatment of Slaves is not harsh, providing basic guarantees for Food, drink, clothing, and housing, and there is no arbitrary whipping. I believe some people will be willing to stay and work."
"Even if not, doing this will be uncomfortable for at most a few years or ten years; we can slowly adjust. But if we confront the World Government, the best result is to go to East Blue to Bridge Building with all the Citizens!"
It was the first time the King had seen his Eldest Son so agitated. He suddenly smiled and said: "Pericles, tell me the truth. If I had just told you that I decided to join the South Blue Alliance, what would you do?"
"."
Prince Pericles was startled. After a moment of silence, he said softly: "I will leave alone tonight, then change my name and find a way to join the Marines."
The King's mouth twitched. He asked: "You wouldn't try to persuade your Royal Father?"
"Good words are hard to persuade a damned ghost. Since the decision is made, there is no need for more words."