The goddesses attempted to gain my salvation.

Tracy is right; the temperature in the Empire is dropping daily. Soon, a blizzard sweeping in from the North will last for a full two weeks.

From this point on, the empire will enter a deep winter.

All things are silent.

However, Bebian believed that the inhabitants of the city-state had all grown up in the empire and should have been accustomed to the cold from a young age.

You won't die from missing a few meals.

Compared to the people going hungry, expanding the army and consolidating strength are the most important things.

Therefore, she completely ignored the impact of the food crisis and invested all the funds in her jurisdiction in recruiting soldiers and forging weapons.

Indeed, thanks to this decree, Bebian now possesses the largest military force among all his sons.

Even Doyle, who prides himself on his superior strength, has to admit that Bebian is now stronger.

However, in Tracy's eyes, this power was nothing but a false bubble. Once the snowstorm passed, the food prices in the city-state where Bebian lived would completely collapse.

If the people have no food to eat and many starve to death on the streets... it is foreseeable that a large-scale rebellion will break out in the city-states of Bebian before long.

At that time, no matter how many troops she has, they will ultimately become nothing more than swords piercing her own body.

The more troops there are, the sharper this sword becomes.

Unfortunately, Bebian did not take Tracy's advice seriously.

"Sister, don't worry."

“Those fleeing refugees are nothing but short-sighted people. Their departure will only make my city-state stronger.”

"But you, sister, have taken in so many refugees from all over the country. Aren't you afraid they'll disrupt your order? And what if some of them have ill intentions? You'll be the one who suffers then."

"I advise you not to take in those refugees."

"In my opinion, they are doing nothing but adding unnecessary expenses."

Tracy sighed.

Despite his repeated reminders, he still failed to convey the message to Bebian.

The current Bebian is no longer the little girl who always followed him around, calling her "Sister Trey" and begging to play together.

She has her own unique insights and her own ambitions.

Tracy couldn't say anything more.

Perhaps this is something that Babian was destined to experience in his life.

Hopefully, she's just overthinking things.

At that moment, Doyle walked over and greeted Tracy and Bebian.

"What are you two chatting about? How about I join in?"

Bebian rolled her eyes at him.

From childhood to adulthood, Babylon has hated Doyle the most.

"I'm going to find some delicious strawberry cake. You guys chat."

After saying that, he walked away without looking back.

Doyle hadn't initially intended to say much to that foolish woman. His purpose in coming was to talk to Tracy about importing staple grains from Irkutsk.

Back in late spring and early summer, Doyle predicted to everyone the potential food crisis that might occur in the future.

However, he lacked the boldness of Alvin and Tracy.

He hesitated when faced with the opportunity.

By the time he finally made the decision to exchange the city-state's resources for the Duchy of Ferrante's grain, Alvin and Tracy had already beaten him to it.

They didn't even leave him a drop of soup.

Left with no other choice, Doyle had to grit his teeth and, despite the pressure of rising food prices, continue building the city-state, implementing new systems, and recruiting soldiers...

But a food crisis is like an avalanche of disaster. In such a catastrophe, even those who prepare well in advance cannot escape unscathed, let alone those who grit their teeth and stubbornly persevere.

Recently, the city-state of Daur finally succumbed to the price volatility caused by the food crisis.

Many people have spontaneously organized themselves and taken to the streets to protest.

Even a small number of radicals wanted to join other members of the Thiers family and exchange Doyle's head for wealth and status.

Alvin and Tracy are the most favored by radicals.

Of the two, Tracy's percentage is slightly higher.

After all, Magadan and Irkutsk had the largest reserves of staple food and the most stable situation.

Magadan had just suffered a major upheaval, and Alvin had announced his withdrawal from the king-selection ceremony.

The goods that Doyle provided for the exchange were nothing other than security.

They signed a joint defense treaty with Tracy's Irkutsk, providing her with some protection and purchasing grain from her at a fair price to weather the current crisis.

This was Doyle's plan.

Chapter 258 The Mortals' Countermeasures

Tracy frowned slightly, clearly annoyed by Doyle's sudden appearance.

"Brother Doyle, if there's anything you need, please do it as soon as possible."

"It's snowing... I don't want to stay in the snowstorm for too long."

The coldness in his words made Doyle smile bitterly.

Of the Thiers family's offspring, Tracy was undoubtedly the most beautiful. While Bebian was undeniably pretty, her speech and mannerisms were too frivolous, and she occasionally displayed a childlike side.

In short, it's far too naive.

But Tracy was just right.

It exudes a mature sexiness, but it's different from the greasy kind that comes from excessive coquetry; it's a wonderful and refreshing feeling.

It's like a work of art.

Her silver, shoulder-length hair was flawless, purer than the glistening snowflakes falling from the sky. The rest of her hair, reaching her waist, was tied into a ponytail—a hairstyle Doyle had only ever seen at Tracy's place.

The purple gown is made of the highest grade of silk, while the lining is made of soft, plush fur, making it lightweight, soft, and exceptionally warm. The high bodice features a diamond-shaped opening that reveals a glimpse of her impressive cleavage.

The collar of the winter cape is securely fastened with a crystal ornament, ensuring it won't be blown open even in a blizzard.

Snowflakes drifted slowly down from the sky, landing on her fair skin and melting away gradually.

Like a queen in the snow.

Doyle was somewhat stunned.

"Brother Doyle".

"If you continue looking like this..."

The temperature plummeted, and a bone-chilling cold enveloped Dor.

In the wind and snow, an icicle hung sharply behind Doyle's head.

"Misfortune will befall you."

Doyle shuddered and quickly forced a smile: "I'm so sorry."

"I was staring at it, completely absorbed."

Seeing that Doyle had withdrawn his offensive gaze, Tracy's attitude softened slightly. However, the surrounding temperature did not rise much.

"So, what's the matter?"

"That's right, Tracy...Lord of the City."

Doyle still felt that calling her the city lord would be more appropriate.

After all, they are now enemies, and using overly intimate terms of address would only make the other party wary.

The surrounding temperature was still frigid, and Doyle didn't know if his little trick had worked.

Anyway, what needs to be said still needs to be said.

"As far as I know, among the brothers and sisters, Irkutsk has the weakest defenses."

"As you know, an unknown form of corruption is spreading within the Empire. If this corruption were to spread to the border of Irkutsk... Lord Tracy, you might be in for a world of trouble."

The frost in Tracy's eyes showed no sign of melting.

"So, what are you trying to say?"

The cold, emotionless words made Doyle realize that Tracy was already fed up with him.

It was unlikely that further discussions would yield any results, but Doyle still wanted to give it a try.

"How about we sign a mutual defense treaty?"

"My soldiers will be responsible for the security of Irkutsk, and in return, Irkutsk will provide some staple food..."

Before Doyle could finish speaking, Tracy turned and left.

The sound of high heels clicking on the ground was incredibly crisp.

"Thank you for your kindness."

“Irkutsk is safer and more reliable than you think, and it doesn’t need outside help.”

"However, you could try talking to Alvin."

"Perhaps he will agree."

Doyle shook his head as he watched Tracy's departing figure.

Hey.

The rejection was even more decisive than I expected.

She appears gentle and delicate on the outside, and is very polite to others, but deep down she is like a plum blossom braving the snow.

What kind of man would a woman like this reveal her beauty to...?