My wife is an immortal black snake.

Page 142

It's worth mentioning that the Sarkaz mercenaries of Kazdel are a group of people with professional ethics—although they might stab you in the back immediately after the job is done, at least they rarely betray their employers during the mission: they might ask for a price depending on the job.

Things like, "You made me kill my own brother! More money!" or "That's my wife's brother! More money!" In short, for various reasons... the vast majority of Sarkaz mercenaries are only concerned with profit—of course, Yang Hao also likes these profit-driven mercenaries because he can indeed afford to pay them a lot of money.

But then again... it seems the resolutions appearing on the [Puppet Stage] can't be clicked directly, can they? Yang Hao stared at it for a while before realizing that the words "You need to communicate and contact" were really too glaring!

How am I supposed to contact you, the ruler of Kazdel? He was at his wits' end, but once he realized that this was the only problem standing in his way, he actually felt relieved:

"In conclusion, Kosicheal—the Sarkaz mercenary, what do you think?"

"...Huh? Honey, are you serious?"

"Yes."

Yang Hao rubbed his wife's tail. Then, after another heavy sigh, he began to explain his thoughts, his plans, and... to his head maid and wife.

The difficulties faced.

Chapter 56

Faced with Yang Hao's bold idea of ​​hiring Sarkaz to increase combat power and absorb new immigrants, Koschei first frowned - although she didn't dislike Sarkaz, she certainly didn't like them either.

So from the very beginning, Kosiché's instinctive thought when faced with Yang Hao's plan was to "reject" it.

But soon, her trust in her husband allowed Koschitch to suppress the urge to refuse. She took a deep breath, gently curling her tail around her husband's waving hand, and asked him, who had already finished speaking:

"Honey, can you tell me all the reasons why you did this?"

"of course."

Yang Hao nodded, and then began to explain to Kosiché his purpose in hiring Sarkaz mercenaries to quickly resolve the civil war in the Ursus Empire.

Firstly, the Sarkaz mercenaries are among the "cheap, high-quality, and affordable" members of his [Puppet Stage], and in some ways, they can even be recruited as immigrants.

This is actually quite easy to explain. We'll just give a few examples.

Among the mercenaries that Yang Hao can hire with political points in his [Puppet Stage], firstly—those who are too cheap, such as [Refugees], are extremely weak in combat. No matter how many he hires, it will be of no use. They are simply too weak; they might not even be able to serve as frontline units. Keeping them in his own territory would only deplete his supply lines. Moreover, even converting them directly into citizens of his territory would require a significant amount of resources and time. Hiring refugees to increase the labor force might be acceptable in slightly more peaceful times, but now, when warriors are needed, how could Yang Hao possibly hire refugees?

Furthermore, the most expensive option is to disregard it entirely. However, the slightly more expensive combat unit, known as the "Mechanized Force," is simply too pricey—at least for Yang Hao. It requires a full 1000 political points to appear out of thin air, and this force numbers less than 1. Not to mention, the current Dukedom of Kosiché has no basis for maintaining their equipment, and the same goes for supplies.

In other words, if they run out of ammunition and all their vehicles are damaged, they'll be left with only machetes to use as infantry. This kind of one-off deal is simply too uneconomical. Even if Yang Hao were willing to do it, his wife, Koschie, wouldn't agree, right?

"Hehe. I certainly won't agree."

"So, we can't use anything that's too cheap, and we can't afford anything that's too expensive. In this situation... you know what I mean? We can hire Sarkaz mercenaries by simply providing us with resources and consumer goods from our territory, and they're of decent quality and there are enough of them—that's the best deal we can find."

"Tsk..."

Sarkaz mercenaries are considered inexpensive yet highly effective units here. Naturally, they became Yang Hao's only viable mercenary option.

And then again—although the Sarkaz are discriminated against in this land, what does it have to do with Lao Tzu accepting the Sarkaz because they are discriminated against by people from other countries?

Even Her Majesty Catherine, would she dare to interfere with my duchy with Kosiché? Of course not! Even if she—she has an heir—would that heir dare to defy my will? Of course not!

So, in fact, Yang Hao not only planned to hire Sarkaz mercenaries to work for him... he also planned to take the opportunity to let some of the Sarkaz settle down and live in peace in the Duchy of Kosichear!

So what if the Sácaz are susceptible? It doesn't matter. In our Duchy of Cosice, the infected also have human rights! If you can't make a living outside, you can come and work in our factories or other places! If all else fails, you can join the army! We'll definitely need a lot of manpower for the war with Colombia, so... what do you say?

Even if Sarkaz people aren't susceptible to illness, they still face discrimination? No problem! My childhood sweetheart, Margarita, is also Sarkaz, and a notorious Blood Demon at that! I don't care, my wife doesn't care, so what are you worried about?

"Honey?"

"No, it's nothing..."

Huh? You're saying my subjects won't be happy? They'll be dissatisfied and leave my duchy or even rebel against me?

Are you kidding me?

The people who were unhappy with my policies are gone, literally gone.

Yang Hao chuckled a few times, thinking to himself how powerful his control over his territory was—the invincible puppet stage, all thanks to you! Thank you so much!

If you could provide me with some more resources, that would be even better. You agree, right? An invincible puppet stage?

He took the cold drink offered by the head maid, and before he had even taken a few sips, he saw Kosiché nod in agreement with his idea.

“In short, I understand your point,” Kosich's wife said. “And I do agree with you—but I think we should speak to His Majesty the Emperor beforehand, okay? After all, the Sarkaz's situation is unique, and the Sarkaz mercenaries' situation is even more unique. And…”

She paused for a moment, then looked at Yang Hao with a suspicious expression:

"Tell me, did you come up with this suggestion after some new 'guests' appeared on your phone?"

"No, how could that be? My phone still has all your photos on it. But speaking of which, the guests from Yan shouldn't be coming to build the embassy anytime soon, right?"

"They should have received the message by now. If nothing unexpected happens, someone will come to inquire about our situation in the next few days—we can handle it as usual. Or perhaps, my husband, you're starting to like the customs of Yan?"

"No, it's nothing... So Koschche, could you and Monica please stop looking at me with that disdain?"

"Hehe. After all, this is my lovely husband, isn't he? He's clearly not strong enough, yet he still goes out and finds new women... Monica and I just genuinely despise your physical abilities, okay? Really."

"Yes, Lord Yang Hao. I am your most trusted maid, you know. I have no doubt about your character whatsoever, really."

Although both the wife and the maid gave the same wonderful explanation.

But the disdainful looks you gave me didn't just seem to be directed at my physical strength.

Yang Hao muttered something to himself, while also sensing the glances he received from his wife and the head maid...

It's quite subtle.

Chapter 57

...However, although he had obtained his wife's consent, how could he contact that important figure in Kazdel, and how could he inform His Majesty the Emperor, who was thousands of miles away and struggling in battle, in advance? These were several good questions.

Fortunately, one of the problems was resolved shortly after lunch today. Yang Hao was discussing important matters with Kosiché in the audience hall, while Sonia was sitting in a corner of the hall looking around. Paul was talking to the head maid about when to take a vacation to date his new girlfriend—just then, a guest from His Majesty the Emperor's side suddenly arrived.

At first glance, Yang Hao thought – this guest is really something.

They are about two meters, three meters, or even taller.

He was so broad and strong, holding a shield and a halberd, wearing Ursus-style armor, and a hideous mask on his head, but the mask could not hide his strange horns.

This strange guest did not come alone; he was accompanied by several elite soldiers clad in full armor and wielding massive shields. The well-informed Kosicheal identified them as members of the Emperor's elite Shield Guard, a unit known as the "Shield Guard." And this unusual guest, if he was not mistaken, was likely Mr. Grovazel's father, the chieftain of Wendigo from Kazdel—Bozokasti.

Yang Hao was stunned for a moment, and what happened next confirmed Koschche's statement.

"I am Captain Bozokastie. I am here on His Majesty's orders to deliver a few words of hers to His Excellency Duke Yang Hao and Duke Kosiché."

how to say--

This surprised Yang Hao somewhat.

After all, it's one thing for His Majesty the Emperor to come looking for him, but he also found Kosiché at the same time... This can't be a good thing, right?

And speaking of which, wasn't this Bozokasti subtly looking around from the beginning? Was he looking for his child? Hmm? Mr. Grovazel?

Ok.

He blinked, turned and exchanged a glance with Kosiché, then nodded:

"Please speak, warrior of the Sarkaz. But before that, I think I should clear up your doubts first—that is, your son, Mr. Grovazel, is currently at work. His workplace is not here, so if you need him, you can go to him after you finish your business."

“Thank you.” Bozokast seemed relieved. He nodded and then began to explain the few words His Majesty the Emperor had asked him to convey.

Indeed, it was just a few words, and at first glance—it didn't seem strange at all.

"At that time, considering the upcoming military supply issues, Saint-Germain may need to temporarily combine with your and Duke Kosiché's city."

But then... a big problem arose.

"May I ask, Ye—did His Majesty the Emperor say how long he would be fighting the Duchy of Koschei?" Yang Hao, cold sweat dripping down his face, stared at the burly Wendigo before him. He could feel the unparalleled thrill his wife was giving him—the thrill of possibly not surviving the night. "And with the situation so tense right now, if it's inconvenient for Saint-Jun to come, the Duchy of Koschei is absolutely capable of supplying His Majesty the Emperor's main force."

Yes, it's true! Right now, the consumer goods I'm producing are almost exceeding the amount needed for the "work relief" program!

Those things are just sitting there anyway, so providing them as supplies to Your Majesty's army isn't a bad idea...

Even if there is some need for military equipment, I have that too! So... could you please not send Saint-Germain?

Please, considering how dark my wife Koschke's expression is, to the point where she seems ready to betray you, don't actually do that...

Yang Hao swallowed hard. He could feel a faint, throbbing pain on the back of his hand, which was being held by Kosic.

And even more unfortunately—

"I'm sorry, but I'm just a messenger captain. I have no authority to make decisions on my own. If you require it, I can go back now and relay your reply to His Majesty the Emperor."

"...No, let's forget it. I don't think His Majesty will change her mind so easily."

Before Yang Hao could speak, it was Duke Koschche who answered Bozocasti's question.

She smiled sinisterly at Wendigo in front of her and added, "And coincidentally, we might have some Sarkaz-related issues that require an experienced person to handle—Mr. Bozokasti, has His Majesty the Emperor assigned you any tasks for the future?"

"not at all."

"Then you and your men will have to stay here for the time being. After all, we're planning to do something to the nobles at the Sherlock Holmes nightclub in a few days—those bastards must be dealt with as soon as possible. I think His Majesty the Emperor probably thinks the same way, and might even be willing to pay a price..."

"I understand."

...

It's unclear whether Mr. Bozocasti understood the implication in Kosiché's awful words. In any case, after having Monica guide Mr. Bozocasti so he could have a proper get-together with his son, and once only he, Kosiché, Sonia, and Paolo remained in the audience hall—he let out a long sigh.

"It seems His Majesty is really going to storm Shanhaiguan here."

"May I ask, what is Shanhaiguan?"

"There's a proverb in my hometown: 'If you don't go through the pass, Shanhaiguan will come back to you.' It means something you can't avoid no matter how hard you try."

Yang Hao pinched the tip of his wife's tail, which had somehow appeared out of nowhere, with a bitter expression. Below, Sonia watched their interaction with a blank expression, seemingly troubled by not having a suitable tail herself.

After a while.

Kosiché also sighed heavily:

"Since His Majesty's decision to temporarily annex Saint-Germain is now a done deal, let's not start fighting amongst ourselves at this point. Sigh, but this way we also have an excuse to act on our own—darling, how about you try contacting those Sarkaz mercenaries today? I can handle His Majesty's side."

"Really?"

"real."

"I'm willing to believe you, but Koschche, I always have a feeling you might secretly stab Her Majesty Catherine in the back?"

"What are you talking about? I'm not some nobleman from the Sherlock Holmes nightclub. I know where the branch village is—just relax, okay?"

Looking at her husband's worried face, she thought to herself, "My husband truly understands me best."

Even I realized I wanted to do something for His Majesty... Heh.

But don't worry—I can handle it.

She gave Yang Hao's hand a sinister smile.

Chapter 58

For Bozokastie, he had never seen a city like Ursus that had changed so much and recovered so quickly from the economic crisis as the Duchy of Kosiché.

Not only had he never seen it before, but neither had the shield guards beside him. Even with the constraints of discipline, Bozokasti knew just how intense the shield guards' curiosity about the city's streets was.

Every pedestrian on the street wore a happy smile, and leaflets about the recent civil war in the Imperial Empire were posted in the most conspicuous places on every street. Even those who had just finished work and were taking a break were whispering among themselves, speculating about how the great Duke Kosiché and her husband would intervene in the civil war and help His Majesty the Emperor to achieve victory.

They seemed so loyal that even the most blasphemous speculation was something like, "Maybe our Duke husband became His Majesty the Emperor's confidant when he last visited St. Arthur's Castle"—but is that speculation? It's undeniable fact, okay?

Although Bozokastie wasn't entirely clear on the new Imperial Chancellor's exact position, he understood what the title of "King" truly meant in the Ursus Empire...

So... never mind.

We can't keep guessing.

He silently observed everything on the street. Just as Bozocasti was observing the movements of the pedestrians, the head maid who had been guiding them [because of Bozocasti's problem, they couldn't travel by carriage] suddenly spoke:

"Did Mr. Bozocasti participate in the battle against the Sherlock Holmes nightclub?"

It was just a casual, curious question. Bozokastie didn't mind clearing up her confusion, so he answered concisely:

“I participated. They weren’t warriors, not even soldiers—but they were tough to deal with. Despite their weak fighting strength, none of them would give up.”

“That’s natural. In fact, we’ve seen enemies like that before. By the way, Mr. Bozocasti? Did you hear about this on your way here?”

"what?"

"Regarding the matter of the nobles at the Sherlock Holmes nightclub starting to slaughter their own people. They slaughtered their entire population, not to survive, nor to resist the emperor... They killed all the people, then turned their corpses into soldiers, and watched them be annihilated bit by bit. What do you think they are doing?"

"...I can not understand."