Chapter 730: Only One
Facing this question, Roland paused for a moment, then couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth, "You seem to have something else to say?"
"Because it concerns the survival of everyone, we hope that every decision can be fully considered, therefore...Taqila suggests adopting a joint governance system," Pasha replied. "In the united front, instructions are issued through joint consultation by the heads of the most powerful groups. This can effectively avoid wrong judgments and ensure that the interests of all parties are consistent."
"Hmm...sounds like the three-seat system of the Union."
"Three is a suitable number, which can achieve a good balance between decision-making speed and unity. Of course, considering the current four kingdoms, plus the witch organization, it does not necessarily have to be decided by three seats. For example, in the early days of the Union, a round table council composed of eleven leaders was used to formulate battle plans," the ancient witch explained.
This is undoubtedly a smart consideration, Roland thought. Apart from Neverwinter being dominant, neither the remaining human kingdoms, nor the witch alliance and Sleeping Island, have an advantage in strength over the survivors of Taqila. The more than one hundred Perfect Holy Punishment Warriors seem to be few in number, but when facing ordinary troops and witches, their combat power is almost overwhelming. In addition, they have fought fiercely with demons for decades, have rich practical experience, and have inherited the magical relics of the underground civilization. They are an undeniable force.
If the seats are arranged according to strength, they will inevitably occupy a seat in the decision-making level. As long as they maintain communication with other witch organizations and strengthen that natural sense of identity, they can ensure Taqila's own interests.
They may not have more plans, such as restoring the dominant position of witches, or turning against the human kingdom. It is merely a cautious act of self-protection—this is almost a demand that any organization will generate before joining a large group. If it were Roland who had just arrived, he might have agreed, but he is no longer the Fourth Prince who just took over the position of lord and only governed a small border town.
"Interesting proposal, but the united front will not implement a joint governance system. Its leader will only be one person, and that is me," Roland said in an unquestionable tone. "This is the most efficient and stable approach."
Humility is a virtue, but now is definitely not the time to be humble—a three-seat co-governance system may be a good choice for the Union, but it is by no means so for him.
In this world, only he understands what industrialization needs, and how to maximize the potential of the territory.
In order to build this framework, all departments must become a unified machine, a qualified cog. Orders from the City Hall must be sent smoothly to every citizen, and resources need to be coordinated and allocated. If all policies have to explain why to other seats, or persuade those participants whose interests are damaged, industrialization cannot advance by leaps and bounds.
Perhaps his rejection was too direct, and the scene became silent for a while. Even the ancient witches were stunned and did not say a word for a long time.
Roland cleared his throat and continued in an orderly manner, "The united front is indeed a guarantee against demons, but I didn't ask you to join in the first place. Moving to the Western Region is just the basis for establishing trust. Compared to these verbal agreements, I would rather you see with your own eyes..."
"See...what?"
"Neverwinter's strength and determination to fight against demons, and the interests and current situation of those organizations that have joined us or have not joined us. Based on a full understanding, you can make your own free choice," he said frankly. "Even if you can't make up your mind, we can carry out the most basic cooperation, such as finding the Chosen Ones, providing experimental items for a fee, etc., but without interfering in each other's policies."
"Even if we don't hand over the relics and the magic core to you?" Celine interjected.
"The same," Roland nodded. "In fact, I never intended to defeat the demons with the relics. As for the relics of the gods, as long as they are placed in a safe place for both parties, I can accept it. As I said before—finding the Chosen Ones and ensuring the safety of the relics are the most basic trust. As for other things, we can cultivate them slowly."
"I acknowledge your extraordinariness, mortal," the cold voice from before appeared in everyone's mind again. "But have you ever thought that one person in charge of the united front means there is no room for replacement. If the Divine Will Battle lasts for decades, when your energy is no longer sufficient, can your descendants follow your will and continue to lead everyone forward! Only a joint governance system can effectively avoid these problems!"
"I don't think you need to worry about this. Let alone whether the demons can support it for so long, my lifespan will probably be longer than all of you combined," Roland was not sure whether Jie Luo's lifespan would be inherited to him, after all, the magic power was not preserved, but at this moment he felt it necessary to bluff. Rather than using a system that has never been heard of to convince the other party that the successor will maintain the same will, it is better to directly explain everything with incredible abilities.
After simply explaining the characteristics and process of the "Soul Battlefield", plus the unanimous certification of many witches, the reception hall fell into a longer silence.
He saw the tentacles of the flesh tumor entangling together again, and the scales on his body changed from grayish-brown to reddish-brown, indicating that the debate had entered the most intense stage.
After a long while, the tentacles drooped down.
"I understand," Pasha's voice was much more solemn. "However, there are too many things that need to be moved from the ruins, and not just any cave can accommodate them, so this process will take about a month. In addition, we also need to rebuild the underground palace and laboratory in the Western Region Mountains, and we hope you can provide some material assistance."
"Wait, how are you going to do this?" Roland was a little surprised. At first, he planned to let Lian connect the countless circular holes underground to give them a simple place to live. After all, it is dark and humid underground, and the bodies of the Taqila survivors after transformation do not belong to the category of humans, so they should not have too many requirements for the living environment. But the other party seems to have more amazing means of earthwork operations, and plans to build a new palace in the mountain rocks?
"It can be done with the Devouring Worm," Pasha explained. "It is a large carapace similar to a wild beast. There happens to be one in the ruins. We sneaked into the radiance city of Dawn relying on this carapace."