At this moment, Lind still did not know that his empire had already been caught in a tripartite power struggle and was also being eyed for colonization by the neighboring continent of Castile.
After approving the funding for those adventurers going to sea, Lind set the documents aside.
“When do you plan to look me in the eye?”
The speaker was Isha, who was sitting at Lind’s desk, waiting for his response.
Isha appeared more composed than before, her silver hair neatly pulled back, and her improved nun’s attire made her look even more capable. Compared to Lena, who had become a wife but still occasionally exhibited a silly side, Isha seemed much more mature.
To be honest, Lind was somewhat reluctant, or rather, lacked the courage to face Isha. After all, Isha was truly the heir chosen by 550C. Even if Lind, or this female protagonist, had broken away from the main timeline, Isha could likely still stir up a storm. Lind could tell everyone that he had led the world forward significantly, but he couldn’t say that to Isha because he had described a more beautiful world to her.
This was less about facts and more about a purely psychological indebtedness.
“I know what you’re thinking.”
“But this world still needs you.”
Isha placed her report on Lind’s desk.
To be honest, Lind did not expect Isha to comfort him in return. Her ideals were lofty, yet her actions were pragmatic. She didn’t seem to hope for an immediate arrival at the grand world Lind had described, but was still making steady progress. After a slight sigh, Lind finally picked up the report Isha had submitted.
Contrary to Lind’s expectations, Isha did not mention any sharp issues in the report. Instead, she noted the serious situation regarding child labor hired by An Zhu, and how nobles still enjoyed most privileges. She hoped to see An Zhu and curb this phenomenon.
After reading through it, Lind tapped the desk. In the process of capital development, child labor would inevitably arise. Cleaning chimneys was merely the most basic aspect of child labor, while child laborers in factories and mines could be seen everywhere.
However, since the Northern Border and the land of Cape had always been under Lind’s control, and Lind was indeed willing to kill, no one dared to violate the laws Lind set.
In Lind’s areas of actual control, the cost of hiring child labor could be significantly greater than the meager profit brought by the child laborers. In this situation, even if someone wanted to comply outwardly while disobeying inwardly, they had to consider whether they would be reported by the enforcers and end up losing everything.
Once again, this emperor truly dared to kill; the concept of “the emperor is far from the heavens” did not even exist. If you hired child laborers, the sheriff might show up at your doorstep the very next day.
But the situation in An Zhu was different. Although there was a handover with the prince, most of An Zhu’s areas were still under the control of local nobles. Due to this handover, the troubles and conflicts in production were more than one could imagine.
Even the rural nobles around Cape had not been completely eradicated, let alone the nobles in An Zhu.
Moreover, although there were communication devices, the railways in An Zhu were still under construction, meaning that the possibility of a “the emperor is far from the heavens” situation truly existed.
In An Zhu, where child labor could still be hired, which law would you follow at that time: Lind’s laws or An Zhu’s local laws? The answer was whichever law was beneficial to oneself; the nobles of An Zhu would abide by the law that suited them. The resistance against the implementation of new laws in An Zhu could be described as extraordinarily large.
It seemed that there had been too little killing. The handover with the prince had given the nobles over there some illusions, thinking they could still muddle through as before when faced with issues.
Isha’s report vividly showcased the chaotic situation in An Zhu, even analyzing the political circumstances of An Zhu in detail. Lind guessed that even if Isha had not been there herself, she must have sent her subordinates to conduct a thorough investigation.
Isha genuinely needed a sword and Lind’s power to help correct these wrongs.
Criticism does not replace the critique of weapons; when it comes to this point, having power in hand is the best solution.
“I understand. I will grant you the status of envoy, arrange some guards and personnel for you, and let the War God Church assist you over there.”
In the real industrial revolution, the plight of child laborers was even more tragic than now, especially in the Great Britain of that period. Its good neighbor was reflecting on why it could not compete during its industrial revolution, noting that its child laborers were living two years longer than those in the neighboring Great Britain, revealing that it was too lenient on its people.
But for Lind, there was no need to exploit his citizens without any bottom line like Great Britain, especially since there were no powerful external enemies now. Internally, he had enough time to tidy things up; productivity and production machinery were much stronger than before.
Children should obediently be sent to school to attend classes, tortured by endless assignments and exams, rather than being tossed into chimneys, factories, or mines to work.
“The new laws are also being revised. Soon, this law will be implemented nationwide, as for the nobles in An Zhu…”
Lind leaned back and said, “If they have to be killed, then so be it. Just inform me after it’s done.”
This type of posthumous reporting could only be entrusted to Isha, as Lind felt comfortable boldly granting her this power. It was time for the nobles of An Zhu to send people to carry out the reforms.
Rebellion? Lind would be glad to have those nobles from An Zhu stage a grand rebellion, allowing him to reap the rewards thoroughly. After all, according to the agreement with Alberto, both the royal family and the common people of An Zhu had been spared. Lind ensured that the people of An Zhu would not endure the suffering of war again, and he was confident he could quell the rebellion before the people of An Zhu even noticed.
In fact, even if those nobles did not rebel, they would be captured as typical examples by Lind and subsequently lose their means to exploit others.
Seeing the arrangement Lind had organized for her, Isha said, “There’s no need for such a grand show. If we go like this, An Zhu might be on guard. I want to handle it simply myself, taking a few people to An Zhu; the Goddess will protect me.”
After Lind helped with the repairs, 550C seemed to be flowing much more smoothly than before. 550C valued Isha highly, and upon hearing that she had received its protection, Lind nodded and said, “Just do as you think best.”
Sending Isha to An Zhu to play the pig feeding the tiger was a good choice.
After discussing with Isha how to abolish the original noble system, Lind saw her off, and at that moment, the long-awaited Rosalind approached Lind with a strict ceremonial pace, nearly taking one step at a time.
“Respected Your Majesty the Emperor, I represent Castile in extending my most sincere greetings to you.”
Rosalind’s voice was clear but trembling somewhat.
Seeing the nervous little princess in front of him, Lind tried to make his attitude seem more gentle and asked, “What is the matter?”
“Castile requests your mercy and assistance. I hope to board your exploration fleet and return to Castile.”
