It's a pity that Diana is also a non-marriage person, so sooner or later, this marquis will have to be extinct.
Thinking of this, Matthew felt a little headache.
Maybe Diana will have to adopt a child to inherit in the future.
But these are all worries for the future. What he has to worry about now is the war that is about to break out.
Matthew's military mobilization was very clever. He first mobilized a large number of light infantry to the southeast coast, strengthened the defense in the northwest facing the grassland, built a large number of bunkers and blockades, and made a posture of fighting to the death with the enemy at sea. Then secretly disguised some of the elite troops as caravans and returned to the northwest front.
After more than a month of mobilization, he successfully mobilized 15 troops and 25 horses to the northwest front.
This number is not an exaggeration, but they are all the elite among the elite. The supplies consumed by 15 regular troops and more than 20 horses every day are terrifying figures.
Even with the support of the Phoenix Kingdom's treasury reserves and the Dawson family, this military operation can only last until March next year.
If the wolves from the grasslands cannot be eliminated this winter, the kingdom will not be able to recover for at least ten years.
Looking at the summary of data reported every day, Matthew's expression was very calm, but his heart was bleeding.
It would be great if the money could be used for the contractors to practice.
Although the goddess of destiny left him systems and supplies, the total amount of supplies was limited after all.
[-]% of the supplies left by the goddess have now been consumed. In the future, Matthew will have to find resources for everyone by himself.
Blocking his financial path at this time is simply worse than killing his parents.
Matthew is about to set off to the northwest, but the war in the southeast is not optimistic either.
After giving up the move inland along the coastline, the fishermen along the coast lost their source of income and needed help from the government to arrange their lives. This was another terrible financial drain.
Faced with Matthew's mainland blockade strategy, the Goblin United Chamber of Commerce adopted a method of hiring mercenaries to join the war to crack it.
Their army is not strong, but they have money.
As long as the money is available, the world will never lack desperadoes.
In the past month, eight battles involving more than [-] people occurred in the southeastern coastal areas. The battles broke out from the northeastern corner to the southeastern corner of the coastline.
Fortunately, Debray and other generals worked hard to support, and the front was stabilized.
Matthew ostensibly moved his army to the southeast, but elite troops were assembled in the northwest, and he himself was ready to leave at any time.
Just as he was about to leave, two unexpected people appeared.
Looking at Medith and Bernard Shaw, Matthew felt as if they were as far away as the last century.
They were friends that Matthew met when he went to the Misty Islands (Niord Islands). Matthew also practiced with Medith under the Poseidon for a period of time.
They followed Matthew to Rundebell, where they settled.
They are usually very low-key, but they have also done a lot for Matthew's career.
With the help of Bernard Shaw, Matthew reached a trade agreement with the deep-sea survivors of the Misty Islands.
Matthew provided them with a large amount of food and handicraft products in exchange for specialties from the Misty (Niord) Islands.
The deep-sea survivors of the Misty Islands generally do not interact with the outside world and maintain a high degree of independence. However, with Bernard Shaw and Medith as bridges, and Matthew can provide them with what they need most, this business can naturally be done.
After the two parties reached an agreement, the couple traveled back and forth between the Earl of Rundebell and the Misty Islands, becoming the link between the two parties.
Thinking that the last time they met was at a wedding, Matthew smiled and said, "It's been a long time since we last met."
Although Matthew said this in a half-joking tone, they did not dare to neglect it.
Matthew helped Bernard Shaw and took Medith out of the Poseidon Temple. He was their savior. In the subsequent cooperation, they also gained a transcendent status in the tribe through ocean trade.
Bernard Shaw and Medith were not ungrateful people, so they naturally kept Matthew's kindness in mind.
Seeing their nervous expressions, Matthew sighed in his heart. As his strength and power increased, it seemed that it was just a luxury to want to speak to others as equals.
Only a few people, such as Diana and Andrenee, can associate with him on an equal footing.
This is probably the price you have to pay to reach the top.
The reason why he is very interested in making his contractors stronger is not only to learn from them, but also to hope that they can keep up with him.
The strong walk alone, but they do not necessarily have to be alone.
Matthew smiled and motioned for Bernard Shaw and his wife to take a seat. He knew that they must have come with a mission, but he did not rush to ask them why they came, but chatted with them casually.
He believed they would bring it up.
Matthew's guess was correct. It didn't take long before the honest and honest Bernard Shaw finally couldn't stand up to Matthew's power and took the initiative to bring it up.
"Your Majesty Matthew, you should know that the highest power of our Mist Clan is in the hands of the Poseidon Priest. They are very curious about you and Mrs. Surante's return from the Poseidon Temple, but it is difficult to ask because of your status."
"But the secrets of Poseidon Temple were too tempting to the Poseidon priests, so they sent people here."
Matthew's face was calm and he asked lightly: "I can tell them what they want to know, but it won't be completely free."
Most things in this world have a price tag, and if you want to trade, you have to show sincerity.
He will not give up power just because of a few kind words from the other party.
Bernard Shaw's expression was a little bitter. He could have guessed Matthew's attitude before coming here. Medith also reminded him that the good relationship with Matthew allowed them to speak in front of Matthew, but it did not mean that Matthew would Promise them.
It seems that my beloved wife is right.
He can understand Matthew, in business terms, this is a deal.
Seeing Bernard Shaw's helpless expression, Matthew expressed deep sympathy, but he felt no emotion in his heart. He smiled and said, "If I guessed correctly, the representatives of the Poseidon Priest should be here. Why don't we invite them in."
Bernard Shaw and Medith looked at each other. This time Medith didn't show a teasing expression, but just nodded silently.
They had completed the matchmaking task, and now it was time for the Poseidon Priest to appear.
She had warned them that Matthew was a soft-spoken man and not to be too arrogant in front of him. She hoped they would listen.
Soon, the messenger of Poseidon Priest entered Matthew's castle.
They did not ride in a carriage or ride a horse. For these people who live by the sea, the horse was really bumpy.
There were three Poseidon sacrificial envoys, including an old man and two young people, a man and a woman.
The two young men looked at Matthew's castle curiously.
Although Rundebel Castle has a long history, it was built by the family when they were barons, so it is indeed a bit small.
The young man's eyes turned from surprise to disappointment. He did not expect that this legendary figure who was famous all over the continent actually lived in such a small castle.
Seeing his expression, the leading elder priest turned around and glared at him coldly, warning: "Jace, remember what the high priest said, you can only look here, not speak."
Although the young man named Jace was a little dissatisfied, he did not dare to disobey the order and nodded vigorously.
Humph, the elders of the tribe are so useless.
We are the descendants of Poseidon. As long as we get the treasures in Poseidon Temple, it is very possible to restore Poseidon's former glory.
It's a pity that the leaders of the ethnic group are a group of old guys who are as timid as mice and have no pioneering spirit.
The appearance of the descendants of Poseidon is no different from ordinary humans. They can transform ordinary humans into descendants of the sea through blood rituals.
As long as they have the power, they can leave the dark and humid misty islands, live on land, and continue to expand the number and influence of the tribe.
This keeps snowballing, and the former glory of the Poseidon and the Warner Clan can return to the world.
This is what they should do.
He is not opposed to giving away his sister as a bargaining chip, but if such a precious bargaining chip cannot be exchanged for sufficient returns, it will be a crime against the ethnic group!
Thinking of his sister's grace and grace, he felt sorry for her.
The patriarchs are all old, it’s time to come down.
This crazy idea that suddenly appeared shocked Jace. He was breathing a little quickly. He glanced at the old priest walking in front of him in a panic, and only felt relieved after making sure that the other person didn't look back.
"Jace, calm down, it's so rude of you to be so flustered!"
"As ordered."
This time Jace was not defensive.
Indeed, he looked a little embarrassed now. If he appeared in front of Matthew like this, he would only make himself looked down upon.
Although he has a lot of ideas, Jace's loyalty to the tribe is unquestionable.
He is the aristocrat of the ethnic group and a superior person, so he naturally hopes that the ethnic group can prosper.
Matthew received three Poseidon priests in the small living room on the side of the hall on the first floor.
There are three reception locations in the castle, a small living room on the first floor, a conference room on the fourth floor and another small living room on the top floor.
Among them, the reception room on the top floor is the highest level and can only be used by contractors and friendly forces with excellent connections.
The conference room on the fourth floor is the most formal, where Matthew personally receives foreign guests.
Although the small living room on the first floor is the most luxuriously decorated and has the largest number of receptions, it is the lowest level.
Not receiving them on the top floor means that they are not Matthew's close friends and relatives; not receiving them on the fourth floor means that Matthew does not regard them as an independent country or force.
In Matthew's view, the Misty Islands are already his sphere of influence.
With his support, Shaw and Medith grew in power and had more and more say within the group.
After Bernard Shaw took over the power, although the Deep Sea Clan would remain independent on the surface, they were actually his vassals.
Matthew didn't have much favorable impressions of these sea cucumber sacrifices, but the two parties were in a cooperative relationship, so he wouldn't get too stiff.
Looking at the reception hall's ever-luxurious but period-flavored decoration style and various famous products, the old priest had a smile on his face.
Judging from the level of Matthew's reception, they are indeed taken seriously.
This also increased his confidence in negotiations.
Matthew warmly greeted them at the door and invited them to sit down.
The old priest smiled and said some polite words, and the young man behind him also followed him and gave Matthew a flattering smile, but the disapproval in his eyes betrayed his true thoughts.
It is not difficult to see from his words and deeds that he puts the Deep Sea Clan on an equal footing with Matthew.
Matthew didn't say anything, but Surant, who accompanied the reception, was a little unhappy.
Because she was also from the Deep Sea Clan, Matthew asked her to accompany him, hoping to make the negotiation atmosphere between the two parties more harmonious. However, Surante had a calm expression and said nothing.
Matthew saw her dissatisfaction, reached out from under the table and held her slender hand, smiled and shook his head.
Status is determined by strength, not subjective will.
No matter how eloquent this Oguna priest is, it cannot change the fact that Matthew's strength far exceeds theirs.
After the two parties were polite, various delicacies were served one after another. Matthew enthusiastically introduced each dish to the guests and raised a glass to greet them.
After drinking for three rounds, Matthew said with a smile: "Mr. Oguna, the cooperation between the nobles and us has always been very pleasant. This time you came all the way. You must have come with a mission. Whatever you want, you may as well Just say it.”
"This king has always been full of kindness towards his friends."
Matthew got straight to the point, and Oguna couldn't hide it. He smiled and said: "We don't dare to expect the treasures you brought from Poseidon Temple. That is your fate. We just want to share the knowledge from Poseidon Temple."
"I brought artifacts for copying and storage. I can make copies of all the books brought out of the temple. This will not affect your interests, but also benefit our clan. This is very consistent..."
“It’s very consistent with the idea of win-win cooperation that you often say, aren’t you right?”
Oguna used what Matthew said to remind him that you proposed a win-win situation. Now that the Deep Sea Clan wants a win-win situation, it depends on Matthew's measure.
His words were very polite, and Matthew understood them instantly.
You can't spit out what you eat. If Oguna wants treasure, there's no need to talk about it unless he shows enough sincerity.
But Oguna only wanted books, and instead of taking away the original, he just made a copy. Such a request surprised Matthew a bit.
This was not the lion's opening he had imagined, but it was very reasonable.
To be fair, the treasures and books did come from Poseidon, but the Vanir clan fell too quickly in the second Ragnarok and did not leave much behind.
The Poseidon Temple mainly contains the collections of the giants, and there are very few relics left by Poseidon.
If Oguna's attitude was more greedy, Matthew would definitely tell him to get out, but the conditions proposed by the old man were very restrained, which actually made Matthew a little embarrassed.
Oguna's words surprised Jace who was following him.
This condition is the minimum condition discussed by the Priestly Council.
To put it simply, if these requirements cannot be met, they will have to re-evaluate their relationship with Matthew.
This is indeed the bottom line, but how can anyone start with the bottom line when negotiating?
If you fail to stick to the bottom line at the beginning and engage in tit-for-tat confrontation, your negotiating opponents will only seize the loopholes and press forward step by step, eventually losing the bottom line and becoming a flexible bottom line.
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