The Great War of Rhodesia

25. Opponent State

And after a light conversation Nata and Versica about lifestyle and hobbies to familiarize themselves, they finally began to enter a more serious discussion.

"The first thing that should concern you is Vistralle has managed to get a way to process Dracz metal. And according to the information I have, they are now making metal coatings on the walls of the fortress of Varun." Versica started the main theme of today's meeting.

"I've heard about Dracz's metal processing. Also about the building techniques commonly used by this region." Nata. "Is development in the region proceeding rapidly?"

"Quite rapidly. Because in addition to almost half the knowledge and ways of building this region he already has, Vistralle also has the ability to see talented people and employ them," Versica explained.

"It would really be troublesome if we let it go too long." Nata muttered to himself. "What about other technologies? Like electricity and tools that only exist in this place. How much does he know?" tanyanya.

"Yes, electricity. Until now they do not really understand how the tool works. They just use those generators to power the lights for lighting. They still can't make their own lights. They only use the ones this kingdom left behind." The Narva woman explained.

"I guess if only how to use the generator anyway, it is quite easy. Because it is difficult to understand how the magnetic field works just from looking at a coil," said Nata spontaneously.

"But they already understand the workings of the steam engine. It has even started making its own machines to be used as a building tool." Versica.

"really?" This time Caspian was shocked. This was the first time he had heard that information.

"really. Karka told me about it three days ago" Versica replied. "They started manufacturing the machine in a small town called Madaor north of Araz City" he continued.

"I didn't think it would be that fast" Caspian murmured as he sipped his drink.

"The steam piston is quite simple and easy to understand," said Nata as if justifying the opponent to master the technique and knowledge. "Then what about biogas and gunpowder?"

"They understand the usefulness of both. As power for Firearms and Iron Cars. But that's just that. They still don't know how to make it." Versica dissected his words to remove the hair that had covered his left eye. "But according to the information I got, Vistralle still kept the gunpowder from the previous war seizure. Reportedly gunpowder was used as a preparation to face when the kingdom is nested again."

"really?" Once again Caspian got new information.

"Whether it's true or just a rumor that was deliberately spread to be a bluff, I can't be sure." Versica clarified that he was also not sure about it.

While Nata just nodded in silence. It seemed that he was beginning to sink into his own thinking. "What about Tyrion?" he said it later with a question. "I don't think he'll think the same way as Vistralle in response to the technology, do you?"

"really. Tyrion relied more on what he already had. It's a strong army. And what I mean by that strong army is the Yllgarian Fighter Union. Blood Swamp and Blood Moon" Versica replied.

"Are those two Fighter Guilds extremely powerful?" Nata looks doubtful.

"Last came the Blood Swamp to ravage this Central city, and the Blood Moon to bulldoze almost all our troops in the south." Caspian interjected with an answer.

"I think I need more detailed information about the two Fighters' Guilds after this," pinta Nata was visibly alarmed after hearing the answer from Caspian.

"Don't worry, I'll prepare" Caspian replied briefly.

"But the Yllgarian Fighters' Union is a free fighter union, right?" ask Nata again to make sure. Which only answered a small nod by Caspian and Versica.

"That means Tyrion hired them. Where did he get the funding for that? Is there anyone else helping him?" Nata expressed his thoughts.

"Until now, all I and the informant network knew was, one day Tyrion suddenly reappeared in this southern region already with these 2 fighting guilds, the, and hundreds of pieces of gold that might be equivalent to the price of a castle." Versica tried to give us a clue.

"Where was he before? Is it in the North? Or on the West?"

"We don't know about it. It is most likely that he was either in Cilum, the home of his nephew, or in Augra, the family home of his sister's husband." Versica again gave him the information he knew.

Nata seemed to be dissolving into his thinking. "Then what about the political and population situation in both regions?" he said then continuing the subject.

Now it was Versica's turn to be silent on the question. His face turned grim. It was as if he was hesitant to go back to remembering the bad things that were happening to the residents. "Not good," he said later in a lethargic manner. "Politics is still turbulent in both regions. Because many camps have different views from the beginning. Especially about the ownership of the kingdom of Augra and Jouren," he explained later.

Nata nodded back in silence. Seemed he seriously listened to the explanation of the former Urbar Champion's woman.

"For the life of the people in that place is very sad," he continued in a bitter tone. "They are now divided into three social levels. The first were nobles who immediately regained their lost lands and possessions while under the rule of Rhodes. Then the second is a group of fighters or soldiers, who always spread terror and make conditions feel comfortable, then the last is ordinary people who are getting worse and worse."

Nata was only able to breathe a long sigh hearing the story. In his mind he had expected something like that to happen.

"Even on the outskirts of the Eblan area controlled by Tyrion, there was a famine that resulted in the death of the inhabitants of 1 village. Not to mention in the eastern part which was once the Cirrus region. Plagues and diseases that require the closure of the area to be quarantined. Dozens of people died because of this. And still Tyrion and Vistralle did not care," continued Versica as if asking Nata to act immediately to help them.

Nata nodded in understanding. "Then what is their relationship with the kingdom of Augra and Juren?" he then tried to change a theme that seemed uncomfortable enough for Versica to talk about.

"Not good, but not the enemy." The Narva woman answered quickly. "As long as Tyrion and Vistralle keep their covenant, neither the kingdoms of Augra nor Jouren will trouble them."

"That means those kingdoms won't help if we start attacking either, right?" Nata.

"Yes, I guess as long as they feel that our attack is not a threat, those kingdoms will probably stay silent." Versica. "But it will be another story if you intend to attack the kingdoms first," he added that as deliberate to see Nata's reaction.

"Oh, have you heard of that plan?" Nata looked a little surprised.

"He's not an outsider." Caspian.

"You don't need to suspect me, Mr. Nata." Versica replied with a smile.

"Yes, even if it were leaked, such a plan would be considered a mere joke. And if they believe it and make preparations, it won't be a problem. After all they still will not be able to hold it," said Nata casually as he sipped his drink.

Versica pulled his body back. His face looked a little surprised. "You really have a unique nature as often told by Miss Margaret" he said later. "The Advisor."

"The Advisor?" tanya Nata did not understand.

"Yes, Counselor is a word that Miss Margaret often uses when telling stories about you."

Nata raised both eyebrows. "Relevan," he said later. "All right, last one."

"What?"

"I want to know about the information network you have. Also about the anti-ruler groups that may exist and their potential to be our allies" Nata said later.

"If you mean a member of the information network we have today, then in total there are about 80 people scattered all over the south. However only the finger count of them can fight or have martial skills. Because most of them are ordinary citizens who only share information they know around their territory." Versica.

"As for the anti-ruler group, there are quite a lot. But not many have the ability to resist or the potential to be our allies" he continued.

"Can you try to make connections with groups you consider potential? Maybe we need them later." Nata made a request.

"I'll try."

"And one more. Is it excessive to ask you and your informant network to make a map of the region and its political situation and security level?" Nata made one more request.

"Maybe a little bit overdone. But we'll work on it. Don't expect too much for this one" Versica replied trying to be as realistic as possible.

"I understand. Thanks in advance."

"You don't have to thank me and the others. Just promise us success."

"Alright, I promise to make your homeland peaceful and prosperous again, Miss Versica."

"Thank you."

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