"As all the wise elders know, Verona has confirmed that they cannot get out of the predicament on their own. They have announced that the debt due in 1444 will cease to be repaid, and the debt due in 1445 will be extended for 6 years in 12 installments Pay it back. If we don't accept these two measures, Verona will declare bankruptcy and, well, my lords, don't get too excited..."
One of the senators explained his proposal and arguments affectionately. Before he finished speaking, a group of senators sitting next to Count Chalon began to shout:
"Send Beyelan soldiers to beat them!"
"Let the 4th and 6th Corps set off tomorrow!"
"Put them all up!"
The distinguished Speaker knocked his little hammer hard, "Quiet, everyone, listen to what he has to say."
The elder who spoke gratefully bowed to the Speaker, and then bowed to the noisy Xia Long group: "Dear Sirs, the opinion of our Financial Office is,
"Agree with them, but you must accept a package of debt restructuring arrangements, otherwise, we will send the army to defeat them."
When they heard that the legion still had a chance to play, everyone calmed down and carefully reviewed the elder's proposal.
The bill is divided into several parts, and the sponsor hopes that if voted on, they will be determined as the next step of national policy.
National policy one, help Verona
Once the Duke of Verona and his vassals accept the restructuring plan, the upcoming debts will be partially forgiven and the rest will be postponed; Beyeland will immediately provide a large new sum totaling 2 billion silver francs loans to support them, but the new loans will first be used to pay off old debts. Verona used local taxes to guarantee the principal and interest of the loan.
National policy two, Prudent Verona
On the basis of national policy one, Verona will implement a conservative fiscal policy, including reducing the hugely expensive magic workshop. The research and development and production of new enchantments and mysterious items must be approved by the restructuring committee sent by Bijeran. Spending on large facilities such as roads, mines and ports will need to be reviewed by the Reorganization Commission, as well as other similar measures to ensure Verona does not waste money on unnecessary expenses until the loan is repaid in full.
National policy three, Beyelan provides protection
In view of the fact that Verona has suffered heavy losses due to stock market fluctuations and the unresolved rebellion, the local army will be rebuilt with the support of Beyeland, and the 4th and 6th legions of Beyeland's direct troops will be Go there to wipe out the rebels, and then assist Verona in establishing a new army of the Byerlan system to replace the noble private soldiers.
The proposal elder said sincerely: "The noble people of Beyeland, whom we are familiar with, associate with and respect, are looking forward to it in the turbulent situation. Their loyal and brave sons are eager to fight side by side with our young people. In order to as soon as possible After wiping out the rebels, we will establish two more Verona auxiliary legions on the existing basis, arm them with Bijeran's weapons and systems, and train them!
"Of course, this all requires the wise Senate to pay for it, or anyone can pay for it."
One of the senators asked loudly: "They took our weapons, will they use them against us in the future?"
…
Griffith listened attentively. It was his first time to attend such a meeting, and he was curious and excited. Those present are all elders, the most powerful group in the world. It can be said to be an enlarged version of the mysterious meeting of Homemon Watts in the spring.
Even Roland is not yet a member of the Senate. He was only invited to confer the title of earl and attend some special meetings without voting rights.
Count Larmore beside Griffith was extremely tired. In the past few days, they had been meeting day and night, arguing and revising documents, and had discussions with the countess at night, all relying on magic potions to survive.
After voting on the motion just now, the elders took a short break to catch their breath. The Count held his forehead with his hands and could hardly keep his eyes open.
"William William!"
Amidst the pleasant fragrance, the graceful countess came to them lightly and touched the earl's head. "You go back and rest. I will handle today's meeting."
The countess wore a smart suit with exquisite tailoring that outlined stunning curves and arcs at the chest and waist. Her whole body exuded a charming mature temperament, and several elders nearby who were about to fall asleep immediately became energetic.
Seeing that the count wanted to object, she smiled and bent down to hug his neck from behind: "Your hair is getting less and less~
"I don't mind if you become bald, it feels very powerful! But, if I see a bald villain rushing towards me at night, my God, I will give Sonia a brother!"
"It's so exciting! I'll go back and inform Sonia. You can continue the meeting~ I'll wait for you tonight!"
Griffith almost covered his ears and hid under the table. Count Charon, who was walking towards him for a few words, turned around and left.
The count was immediately convinced and quickly went back to rest. Ms. Elena sat happily on his seat, spread out the documents, and puffed out her heavy chest.
On par with Amber! Griffith was extremely nervous. He was not familiar with the countess, he didn't know how to get along with her at all, he didn't even know where to turn his eyes.
"Sit over here, little knight," Elena pointed at him, "I won't eat you."
Griffith, who had been meeting for several days in a row, was completely sleepless. He nervously moved his chair and handed the meeting minutes to the countess, pointing out the current progress and existing problems.
The countess read quickly, asking questions from time to time to confirm details. There seemed to be nothing about the count that she didn't know.
She looked at it for a while and felt satisfied.
"Griffith, do you know how much Verona owes us?"
"The exact amount is uncertain, and there are many statistical methods. But the subsequent bailout loans alone exceed 2 billion silver francs," Griffiths replied in a low voice, "It's amazing that they owe so much money."
The Countess smiled and nodded. At the end of the intermission, she suddenly came over and said in Griffith's ear:
"Do you know how much Sonia costs per day?"
What?
No need for the quasi-knight to answer, Mrs. Elena did the math herself: "Actually, I don't have the exact figures. Customized skirts, shoes and hats, different jewelry, maids, carriages and coachmen, perfume, including some of your expenses, we will divide it evenly. Mysterious items and books for study, afternoon tea and parties, and gifts all cost more than 500 silver francs a day.
"182,500 silver francs per year, this is the cost of the Beyelan Pearl~ It can arm a squadron."
The daily cost is more than my monthly salary, and that’s not counting food expenses! Griffith's worldview is about to be overturned.
"Is it too expensive?" Elena asked, "Do you have any thoughts?"
"For a moment, I didn't know what to say."
The countess nodded: "I was shocked when I first heard about my expenses. But why?"
Yes, why? Although the beautiful countess deserves such a life, the expenditure is too staggering.
Seeing the confusion on his face, Elena smiled and explained:
"The balls and banquets in Beyeland are the throne of fashion. No matter how much the nobles of the North, West, and South who we don't deal with don't like Beyeland, they won't ignore the new lines, laces, and shoe styles. They can block it. We live in our army, but we cannot refuse Beyeland’s living room, newspapers and magazines.
"Their celebrities and beauties come to the capital of the world every year, bringing countless crops and minerals. Then they dance a few dances with Sonia and Fiona decently and reservedly, go to the theater together, discuss and study The latest curse is to buy tens of millions of silver worth of jewelry, mysterious items, velvets, silks and cashmere before going back, and purchase several villas by the sea. In this way, even in the most prosperous and affluent days, they will still have something. Without money, Beyeland's stock and bond exchange opened its doors to them. Such a beautiful relationship lasted for a long time.
"You see, little knight, as long as Beyeland has a lovely person and weathervane like Sonia, the pleasant business can continue. The big shots in the North, West and South certainly deserve the same dignity and respect. Beautiful, they are an ancient family and powerful Beyonders with a bright future.
"At least, there was."
Griffith agreed, but he also had questions: "But they are going bankrupt now. Will future trade..."
"Will there be a depression? There will definitely be a little bit, there will be profit and loss every month~" The countess nodded approvingly, "However, before that, the research on magic there will stop progressing, and the gold, silver and credit will be lost. Even if Roland brought us such a novel creation as the steam engine, it would be impossible for them to afford it."
The elders returned to their seats, ready to continue their meeting.
The countess looked at the would-be knight who was deep in thought with a smile: "Griffith, you see, before you and William go into battle to fight, the victory or defeat has been decided."
…
After returning from Sans Souci, Griffith began to prepare to leave for Canaan. During this period, he also made some homemade smoke bombs and flash bombs made of gunpowder and dust crystals. These are small cans that are easy to carry. Open the seal and throw them on the ground before use or hit them hard to create a wide range of smoke or dazzling flashes.
Before leaving, Sonia also brought him a brand new shield.
The Vanguard Shield was severely damaged during the Bellomont Ruins adventure. Although this shield is made of fine materials, it lacks powerful abilities and cannot reach the level of a holy weapon or sealed object.
The Countess asked her family to make arrangements to forge a brand new shield based on the materials of the Vanguard Shield, adding the extraordinary characteristics of Paladin Path Sequence 7, 'Judgement Knight', and giving it mysterious abilities.
The new shield is named "Fortitude".
This is a silver round cavalry shield, mixed with rare metals, and has excellent balance in throwing and swinging. Three sharp horns are installed on the edge of the round shield to strengthen the lethality and shield structure, greatly improving the durability, and the appearance is like a twinkling star.
The Extraordinary characteristics have been integrated with the Fortitude Shield, causing unpredictable changes. The good news is that the power of fusion gives the shield an almost "living" quality, and can even draw strength and grow during battle.
Driven by the holder's spiritual energy, once the mysterious special effects of the Fortitude Shield are activated, the shield itself will turn into flying light, forming a penetrable light attribute barrier.
Magical and physical attacks will be weakened when penetrating the Fortitude Shield, lasting no more than 15 seconds, and need to cool down for 1 minute after each use. The shield is extremely effective in defending against attacks by light weapons such as bows, arrows, and daggers. However, this special effect has its limits. Under high-intensity damage, the damage reduction effect of the Fortitude Shield is not obvious.
This layer of light shield will be a powerful blessing for the impact cavalry, giving it a powerful gain that is almost like arrow protection. This is also one of the main abilities of many Paladins who are on the path to Extraordinary, and is the first choice for breaking formations.
The Fortitude Shield has a powerful deterrent effect and additional defensive effects against black magic and dark creatures.
Outside of these abilities, the Fortitude Shield's most powerful abilities have yet to be developed. Earl's Palace believes that holding the Fortitude Shield for a long time will cause it to gradually merge with the holder's psychic qualities, creating unique and exclusive abilities.
