Twenty-six, Lifeline

  "Get out! We don't welcome beggars here!"

  "What a great virtuous person! Can't even manage a warehouse properly, and yet still has the nerve to come and lecture us?"

  "20 million pounds of grain! You think it's someone else's grain!"

  "Mr. Erlminster, we cannot let the people of our constituency starve to death for the sake of the Shadow Valley residents' survival. I'm afraid I must disagree with such an absurd request."

  "How dare you try to control us lowly mortals? Great Sage, why don't you go kneel down before your goddess wife and ask her to help you clean up the mess?"

  ……

  The members of parliament, after hearing the lion's big mouth from Ilminster, one by one burst into flames, and in either rough or restrained tones, vented their anger, while rummaging under their seats for various "ammunition" they had prepared in advance, desperately throwing them at the rostrum.

  In this case, rotten tomatoes and stinky eggs should be used to treat the great wise men, but now the country is in a state of famine, using rotten food will undoubtedly give the people a bad impression of extravagance and waste. So the members of parliament very sensibly replaced "artillery shells" with dirty rags, smelly socks and paper balls, which often had a better effect than traditional rotten tomatoes and stinky eggs. Some lawmakers even carefully folded the paper into paper airplanes. At first glance, it seems similar to the scene where Phil Taylor set fire to Sofia in Bulgaria.

  Erlinster furrowed his brow, recited a few incantations, and immediately a magical shield appeared in front of him. The waste paper, socks, and rags all crashed into it and were blocked, then fell to the ground powerlessly.

  "Silence, silence!" Ganelon shouted, banging the gavel on the podium that amplified his voice with magic. "In fact, both Lord Ilmire and all of you present are well aware of the extent to which our domestic grain is in short supply. Meanwhile, the evil Harpist Alliance is desperately destroying our warehouses and farmland, trying to starve us all to death so that the world can return to its primitive state!"

  Ganmeryell cleared his throat and continued. "We have made great sacrifices, fighting against the calamity, the Spirit Army and terrorists for a whole year, achieving victory after victory, but our people are still suffering from hunger and poverty, and the situation of our country is getting worse." He stretched out his hand towards Irlminster. "It was our disunity that provided fertile ground for the Harp Hand Alliance to take root. Some people accuse Irlminster of asking for too much, but let's reflect on this. Who was it whose dereliction of duty led to such a serious destructive event?"

  The crowd in the hall unanimously cast their eyes on the sprite representatives from the Comanso Forest. However, those few sprite representatives just snorted coldly, without any guilt, and instead looked at Irlminster and Ganmery with hateful eyes, as if it was not the Shadow Valley humans who were about to starve to death, but the sprites of Comanso.

  "I don't want to blame anything or give anyone a bad name." Gammelir spread his hands, knowing that as long as the other party didn't have any obvious rebellious actions, he temporarily couldn't impose any sanctions on the Komanzo Autonomous Region. "Systemic and ideological problems can't be changed overnight. Not even if gods descended would it be possible. Similarly, we absolutely can't allocate 20 million pounds of grain from the already empty warehouses." A hint of a bitter smile appeared on his face. "The number of refugees exceeding three million is enough to destroy this country, and there are more escapees not within the statistical range. Therefore..." He paused, then loudly declared, "I decide to immediately open the Central Strategic Emergency Reserve Warehouse! To distribute sufficient relief supplies to all refugees and escapees nationwide, while also providing affordable grain supplies to urban residents!"

  This decision caused a stir in the meeting hall, the Central Strategic Emergency Reserve Warehouse is the last material reserve of the Niseral Empire, or the life-saving grain. Using it means that the country has been forced to the point where it has to dismantle the door panel and chop firewood. Of course, the current situation is indeed extremely critical, and using the Central Strategic Emergency Reserve Warehouse is also unavoidable, but opening up supplies...

  "What's going to happen after that?" A delegate from the Central Directly Administered Area stood up and shouted loudly: "Everyone knows that those grains are enough for the whole country to eat for only three months! But now it's still nearly half a year before the summer harvest season!"

  "Even if we save to the utmost, our grain reserves will not last half a year unless we want the country to perish in famine riots!" Gan Meirui countered with one sentence, "Rather than waiting for death, it's better to fight to the end! If the various autonomous regions really have no food, the second round of war taxes can be paid in cash, and the amount can also be negotiated. However, we must obtain a minimum amount of military funding, which is a guarantee for maintaining the basic survival rights of citizens!"

  He pulled out another document from his pocket, waving it in his hand, "Just as the states and autonomous regions of Ferrenland were on the verge of collapse due to famine, a severe food surplus occurred in the 13 states of New Nazaril across the ocean!" He raised the paper in his hand, "According to the report by Chairwoman Zena of the New Nazaril War Zone United Conference, they had an unusually large harvest last year, and strategic materials such as grain, cotton, iron ore, copper ore, and secret silver were all severely overstocked; various foods piled up in warehouses and stores; even high-quality wheat, corn, and rice rotted away in piles in the warehouse! What a mockery it is compared to our side's tragic situation!"

  "Even if New Taysir has a lot of grain, it probably doesn't mean anything to us, does it? Honorable Governor." Representative Sharik stood up again, "The fleet from Yongju Island cut off all sea routes, except for time"

  "Spirit's ultra-long-range magical communication, we and New Elyria are literally in different worlds. Or rather," he glanced at the naval representative sitting in the audience seat, "has the Imperial Navy successfully broken through the blockade line of the Elf Kingdom? That would be a joyous occasion, but how come I haven't heard any news about it?"

  "The Outer Sea Fleet is still recovering and rebuilding in Deepwater City and Winterfell, and has not yet fully recovered from last year's defeat." Ganelle waved his hand, denying Councilor Shalik's speculation. "However," he said, turning the conversation around, "you are not entirely wrong either. We do indeed plan to launch a large-scale offensive campaign to open up the lifeline to New Dazsar!"

  Although the sea is vast and boundless, due to the influence of seasonal winds and ocean currents, there are only two relatively suitable navigation routes for merchant ships from the imperial mainland to the New Continent.

  Gan Meirei unfolded a large map on the podium, using a small stick to point out the reasons and steps for this large-scale expedition to the members of parliament. "One is the southern route, starting from the southernmost part of Northland, Boden's Gate, or further south, the capital of Amm, Ascarta, crossing the Sea of Swords, then passing through Moon Shadow Island into the ocean, and arriving at the central ports of New Nazaril on the new continent. This navigation route is open all year round and is the main transportation line between the imperial mainland and the new continent. However," he paused. "The Elven fleet has occupied several key fortresses in the south of Moon Shadow Island since last year, blocking the safe passage to the ocean, our fleet's strength is far inferior to that of the Elven Kingdom, and for now, there is no hope of completely recovering Moon Shadow Island and opening up the southern route."

  He drew a small stick on the map to the north, "Another route is from the relatively polar No Winter City or Deep Water City. Along the edge of the polar ice cap to the west, arriving at the northern port of New Nai Se Riel. This route can only be navigated for five to six months each year due to winter closures, and the northern ports are not as prosperous as the southern ones. Therefore, the traffic volume is relatively small, but it has been an old navigation route used for many years, with no major safety issues. Moreover, on this side of the Ferren continent, the elven kingdom's port bases are too far south to pose a threat to the northern navigation route. Therefore, the problem that caused this route to be interrupted lies in the New Continent."

  Ganmirel pointed to the northernmost point of New Colorial, "It's here, the Elven Kingdom established its Arctic Port in our thirteen states. I have to say they chose a great location for their castle. The sea current from north to south is closest to the shore right there, and even just setting up light artillery on the beach would be within range. So our merchant ships can't get through there at all, and the northern route is completely blocked."

  He thought for a moment, then added, "According to the intelligence transmitted by New Nazereth, our Seventh Fleet stationed on that side has tried several times to escort merchant ships to break through the blockade. However, the Seventh Fleet had been defeated many times before, and the number of warships was only half that of the fleet stationed in the North Pole Port, so they were not successful. By next month, the sea around the North Pole Port will thaw and enter the navigation season. If we take advantage of this opportunity to send a large fleet from our mainland, there is still hope to annihilate the enemy fleet and open up this lifeline that can save the empire."

  "How many warships does the Spirit Army have in the North Pole Port?" Councilor Sharick pondered over Ganmery's words and found a place that wasn't clear. As the chief councilor of the strongest autonomous region within the Empire, Amur, he had considerable influence and could be said to represent the "outer vassal" forces in some sense, so Ganmery attached great importance to his opinion and let him come up to discuss it with himself carefully.

  "The number of warships in the Arctic Port is not very clear at present, according to the intelligence from New Elysium, there should be forty to fifty, mostly light cruisers, and only one large battleship. Ganmeryl took out a public document sent from the New Continent and handed it to Shalik, "The Arctic Port will not thaw until next month, so it is impossible for new reinforcements to arrive at present."

  "Such strength doesn't seem too difficult to deal with." Sharick thought for a moment, then raised his head and said, "But what if they retreat into the fortress? According to your description, due to the influence of the sea currents, even the elven fortress cannons can easily block the navigation route. Although I don't understand much about military affairs, it's clear how difficult it is to attack a fortress with a fleet. Not to mention whether we can take it down or not, just the prolonged siege time will be unbearable for our homeland - the Central Strategic Emergency Reserve Warehouse only has enough food for three months! If time drags on, there may be riots. Subtracting travel time, the expeditionary force has at most one month to capture or destroy North Pole Port. Can the Navy guarantee completion on schedule, Your Excellency?"

  "I don't dare to guarantee this either." Gan Meili shrugged her shoulders, "But we have to try anyway, and New Tiseral has already taken action. Chairman Zena reorganized the Giant Bear Legion and the Raccoon Legion, two temporary legions of 5,000 people each, during this winter, plus a few thousand militia in the frontline area, which can probably gather an army of 13,000 people. She originally only planned to send the Giant Bear Legion to confront the 4,000 elite spirit soldiers at North Pole Port, and leave the Raccoon Legion to guard the home front. After I learned about this, I ordered her to launch a full-scale attack, in order to coordinate with the fleet's attack on the fortress. With so many ground troops coordinating, attacking North Pole Port should be much easier."

  "Juggernaut Corps? The one that took down 'Ghost Rose'? A motley crew, but they seem to have some fighting power." Sharick rubbed his chin and said, "But since you've already made arrangements, why bother coming to the National Assembly for a vote? Just deploy the troops directly, won't you?"

  "It's precisely because I need your help. To be exact, the help of Amm Territory, that I've come here to vote, risking intelligence leaks."

  Sharick narrowed his eyes, "Speak," he pursed his lips, "What's the point of our presence here?"

  "I need to mobilize the entire Amm fleet!" Ganeliel said, his voice as loud as a lion's roar. "The Imperial Outer Sea Fleet currently has only 200 warships, less than half of what we had before the war, and we also have to compete with the Elf Fleet for control of Moon Shadow Island. The fleets deployed in the inner sea have not suffered much damage, but we cannot drag the ships over hundreds of miles of land to get them to the outer sea, so it's very difficult to redeploy the expeditionary fleet's ships. I can only let the 120 warships of the Amm local fleet serve as the main force for this expedition."

  Am before joining the empire, it was a famous maritime trading power, and its capital, Ascaltra Port, was known as the Silver Coin Capital, with a reputation for having thousands of sails covering the sea. The naval strength is naturally not weak. Although in recent years, due to the destruction of overseas commercial stations by the elves, Am's economic strength has shrunk greatly, but the fleet built during its heyday still retains most of it. Responsible for coastal defense in the Am region. Due to the fact that the number of warships in the Imperial Central Navy was really too tight to use, Ganmell naturally set his sights on the large but old fleet of the Am Autonomous Region.

  "Are you suggesting that we send the entire Armada to conquer a new continent?" Shalik looked at Ganmeryll skeptically, "Then who will maintain the security of the Amm coast, especially the port of Ascarta? And our fleet is used to drive out pirates. Even fighting regular naval battles is somewhat strained, let alone attacking fortresses with siege engines. The number of shipboard mages is also pitifully small, not enough to break through the magical defenses of an ordinary fortress."

  "Ascalt Port can withstand the elven fleet with those land-based cannons alone, not to mention the naval fleet of Moonshadow Island holding back the enemy's main force. I'll allocate the catapults and necessary equipment, as for the lack of shipboard mages..." He glanced at his teacher with a hint in his eyes. Ilmyster immediately stood up.

  "This operation to secure the lifeline concerns the lives and safety of 100 million people in the imperial homeland, as well as the survival of the empire. As a chosen one of the Goddess of Magic, I have no choice but to take responsibility. Therefore, if the Amm Autonomous Region can lend us their fleet, I am willing to go to war with them, without burdening the government with expenses, and recruit a group of mages to join me on board. With my reputation, there should be some mages who are willing to follow me."

  "Mr. Erlminster is indeed dedicated to the country, and is a model for us." Sharick said casually, but seemed hesitant. Anmu was not a powerful nation, and this somewhat outdated fleet was the only force that could be relied on. If it were lost... He didn't dare think about it anymore. "However, the actual situation in Anmu..."

  "Mr. Shalik, what's the point of having the Amm fleet stuck in port all day, rotting away?" Ganmellir patted Shalik on the shoulder, interrupting his thoughts. "As far as I know, there are over 5 million refugees gathered in Amm, and Ascarta's trade market has been overgrown with weeds due to the blockade of sea routes. If we continue to delay, I don't see a second possibility besides riots. And once the route to New Nazarene is opened, although it may not restore Ascarta to its former glory as the silver coin capital, it will at least be better than the current situation where trade has completely stopped."

  He leaned in close to Sharik's ear, his voice low and menacing, "Moreover, the lives of one hundred million people on the Imperial mainland depend on the decisions made by the Amur Autonomous Region. If your side insists on not withdrawing the fleet, then I will have no choice but to take this matter to the National Assembly for an open vote, and see if everyone is willing to starve themselves to death in order to preserve the Amur Fleet!"

  "Y..." Shalik was well aware that he shouldn't mention the vote, just making this proposal public would make himself and the Amm Autonomous Region the target of criticism from thousands of people in the Empire. At that time, he would definitely be stripped of his representative qualifications by the Amm Parliament and even put on trial. He struggled a bit, but ultimately decided to take the initiative to bow his head to the Prime Minister, "Alright, I will persuade other representatives of the Amm Autonomous Region to lend their fleets, and lobby the Amm Parliament to agree to this request."

  He took a deep breath, then turned back to face Erlminster, his body slightly leaning forward, and grasped his hand very sincerely. "Next, the one million sons of Amm are entrusted to you, I hope you can bring them back alive."

  Erlinster nodded slightly, while Gamelriel smiled and patted his shoulder again. "Thank you very much for your wise decision. However, the next proposal also hopes to get your support."

  Before Sharick could react, the Chief Executor turned and walked onto the stage, using magic to amplify his voice as he addressed the entire hall in a loud tone that made the eardrums of all the council members buzz.

  "Just now, Representative Shalik has agreed to commit the entire Armada of Amm to this operation. On behalf of the Imperial Government, I express my deepest gratitude to the Autonomous Region of Amm for their noble contribution. Now, I declare that we will proceed with the vote on the proposal for a second round of war taxes to open up the new Nadesico route! Please cast your votes in five minutes... Representative Shalik, I look forward to your persuasive work, otherwise the insufficient military expenses will have to be borne by the Amm Parliament itself."

  Sharlik's face turned pale, and after a brief moment, he spat out from between his teeth, "Ganmellir... you evil devil, as wicked as the nine-headed dragon!"

  "Thank you for the compliment." Gannemuri still maintained her usual smile, "However, I must remind you that you only have four minutes left to persuade me, good luck, I've always had high expectations for your eloquence."

  “……”