Uncle here isn't your average office worker!

"As for the second question," Roy said, "that's a long story, we can talk about it later."

Volume 1: Chapter 246 Calamity Weapons

Business Federation, Joint Conference.

For a long time, the seats in business associations have been largely fixed. Those big capitalists and large corporations with the first-mover advantage who took the plunge are not so easily defeated; they have ways to maintain their position, because these methods are no longer limited to the business sphere.

But Originium Cloud was destined to be an exception. It was a young company that had only been established on the eve of the devastating Four Cities Meltdown, starting with the sale of hand sanitizer. But in a short period of time, it quickly acquired many powerful daily necessities companies, gradually expanding its business scope to the entire daily necessities industry, and its sphere of influence was no longer limited to the Great Knight Territory, but spread to the whole of Kazimierz.

At that time, the Commercial Federation failed to react in any way. It wasn't that they didn't want to, but rather that it was a very critical period—news had arrived that the Ursus Third Army had invaded the border, and the entire Grand Knight Territory was in a state of high alert. In an environment where the Commercial Federation could cooperate with the Supervisory Council, what was there to suppress about the rise of a daily necessities company?

Rather, the business associations at the time actually hoped that a single company could monopolize the entire consumer goods industry, so that they could better allocate and supply goods during the war.

However, no one expected that such a fierce and urgent war would be quelled in just half a month. If it weren't for the battle reports from the front lines and the genuine Ursus soldiers captured, the members of the Business Federation would probably have thought it was a terrible case of crying wolf.

When they looked back and thought about Origin Stone Cloud, the rise of this company, which possessed many trade secrets and grew up relying on an environment of unparalleled advantages, had already become a reality.

The top position in the Business Federation was thus forced to be handed over to Yuanshi Cloud.

No one expected that this would be a decision they would deeply regret today.

"Yuanshi Cloud requests a re-examination of the demolition decision for Plot Zero."

"Xuan Tie" Selena, who is also the current public figure in Yuanshiyun Daily Necessities Group, raised her hand at the joint meeting of the Business Federation and made a statement.

Her words were like a slap in the face to the idle people at the routine meeting, instantly waking them up.

The spokespeople for the major trusts that monopolized various industries all turned their gazes to the young woman attending the same meeting as them. Questioning, dissatisfaction, doubt, and contemplation flashed across their faces. But "Mystic Iron" Selena seemed completely oblivious, calmly stating:

"As you all know, Yuanshi Cloud is a relatively young company with a short history. However, we are developing rapidly and have a promising future. We need a spacious and stable area as the office space for the Yuanshi Cloud Group. I believe that Plot Zero is a good location."

As soon as these words were spoken, several directors immediately showed expressions of disdain or even mockery.

Isn't that just utter nonsense? Originium Cloud may have been established for a short time and risen rapidly, but what does that have to do with Plot Zero? If you need an office space, you can build a building anywhere in Kazimierz, why does it have to be Plot Zero?

Besides, how big is a plot of land? It's several square kilometers in area. There's enough land to build buildings and develop real estate to house tens of thousands of Kasimir people. Your daily necessities group has so many people, do you really need such a large plot of land to build your headquarters?

Soon, someone retorted:

"Director Selena's reasoning is somewhat unrealistic. Even if we take a step back, why didn't you make this request before the dismantling plan was finalized? Heh, I must remind you, Originium Cloud is also a member of the Business Federation, and the dismantling plan is a joint decision of the Business Federation's joint meeting. You'd better think it over before you speak again."

“Of course I understand.” Selena nodded, then changed the subject, saying, “A block is very large, and Originium Cloud certainly cannot complete its independent development. The reason I’m proposing a review of the dismantling plan here is for another reason.”

"You've all probably heard of Tremont, right?"

She glanced around at the board of directors, who all nodded.

Those who can sit here are not shallow people. Everyone knows the name of Trimont, Colombia's technology city and the source of its development.

However, apart from a few directors, most of the other directors still had no idea what the connection was between the name and Block Zero.

At this moment, it was reporter Kane who suddenly spoke up:

"Does Ms. Selena mean to transform Block Zero into a second Tremont?"

Selena turned her gaze to Kane, the "reporter" sitting two seats away from her. This man, who looked quite old but still had his hair dyed pure black, had a faint smile on his lips, seemingly interested in Selena's suggestion. However, instead of immediately stating his opinion, he asked in return,

"How can you be so confident? I know Colombia quite well. Trimont is what it is because it has more than just a mobile city."

As an ambitious figure attempting to infiltrate Colombia through commercial means, journalist Kane's research on the country far surpassed that of most of the board members present. He was well aware that Colombia's achievements were due to numerous unrepeatable coincidences; in a sense, the country was a giant Originium cloud.

Tremont is Tremont because he is in Colombia, a country without an old aristocracy, with a huge demand for emerging technologies, and where new ideas are constantly being born without restrictions. These elements are basically impossible to achieve in Casimir, where the conservative forces are too powerful.

Therefore, although he was indeed interested enough in Selena's proposal, if Selena did not provide a reasonable explanation, then that interest would remain just that—interest.

But Selena gave an answer extremely quickly:

"Because of Roy."

"Roy? The Knight of Everest?"

No one in the business association can forget this name, a name they both love and hate.

Reporter Kane frowned, sat up straight, and prepared to listen carefully to Selena's next remarks.

Selena glanced at everyone and then chuckled softly.

"Aren't you all curious as to why Roy could suddenly change the entire course of Letania and start seeking cooperation with Kazimierz?"

"I can tell you part of the truth."

"Because of the [Cataclysmic Weapon]."

Volume 1: Chapter 247 The Red Pine Knights

"Long time no see, Dicaipolis."

Roy extended his hand and shook hands with the burly, bronze-skinned man with large hooves in front of him.

They were old friends who became acquainted through a misunderstanding. The Blood Knight's name was now a well-known figure in the Great Knight Territory, and it wasn't easy for them to meet on a regular basis. In order not to cause too much of a commotion, Roy chose to ambush the Blood Knight on his way home from get off work.

Dicaipolis, who was suddenly called out to, was taken aback at first, but then immediately broke into a genuine smile and reached out to shake Roy's hand, saying, "It's Lord Roy! It has indeed been a long time! Where have you been all this time? We heard that you led the Knights of Conquest on the White Wave River and held back the invasion of the Ursus people. We were looking forward to celebrating your return!"

Roy nodded thoughtfully. This was the first time he had heard the Grand Knights' Domain's propaganda about his battle. Leading the Conquering Knights to repel the invasion of the Ursus Army Group—well, that sounded reasonable enough, there was nothing wrong with it.

The Supervisory Council's propaganda campaign was undoubtedly aimed at enhancing its prestige and status through this battle, which naturally diminished Roy's role to some extent. Besides, the Knights of Conquest had indeed given their utmost effort in that battle, fighting almost to the last man. Roy had never intended to look down on those great soldiers or claim all the credit for himself. He wasn't particularly opposed to this form of propaganda.

As for the Grand Knights' Arena Knights wanting to help me celebrate?

Roy raised an eyebrow and asked tentatively:

Who came up with this idea?

Dikeopolis replied, "Left-handed Knight, Titus Poplar. Currently the third-ranked knight in the Kazimierz Knights Association."

“I knew it.” Roy rolled his eyes.

Instead of worrying about his own health or inquiring about his condition, his first reaction was to throw himself a victory celebration, especially as a competitive knight. Roy didn't believe there wasn't some business motive behind it.

However, how did the Knights Association rank the Left-Handed Knights in third place?

Having probably anticipated Roy's confusion about the rankings, DiCeopolis offered an explanation:

"Currently, in the rankings of active competitive knights, you are first, I am second, and third should have been Miss Candle Knight Viviana, but Miss Viviana announced a temporary halt to participating in knightly competitions after the finals. This caused quite a stir at the time. Many people said... uh..."

"What are they saying?" Roy asked curiously.

Dikeopolis looked away, somewhat embarrassed.

"Everyone says that she was heartbroken and had no intention of continuing the competition because Lord Roy insisted on leaving the Grand Knight Territory to pursue Miss Margaret, the Radiant Knight."

Roy was stunned. His first reaction was, "This works? Does anyone actually believe this?"

My second reaction was that it seemed like some people might actually believe this.

Seeing Roy's subtle expression, DiCeopolis didn't continue the topic, which involved Roy's personal privacy, and simply summarized:

"After Miss Viviana announced the suspension of the competition, the fourth-place left-handed knight, who had fought you for the second longest time, was promoted to third. To be honest, he is indeed capable, but he didn't put his mind to serious knightly competition. In the end, he could only fall to this point. He has recently acquired a few new titles among the people, such as 'Genius Crusher' and 'Strength Quality Inspector'."

As the name suggests, only those knights who rise to prominence and claim to be talented and powerful, and who can pass his test, can truly be called geniuses and strongmen.

This is a very high compliment, almost an admission that he is at the threshold of being weaker than the strong but stronger than the weak. However, for any knight aiming for first place, such a title seems somewhat ironic. Even if the Left-Handed Knight himself is happy with this, there are always many people who laugh behind his back, saying that he will never be able to rise above his station and is only fit to be a goalkeeper.

After finishing their casual conversation, Dichaopolis became serious. He straightened his back, looked at Roy, and extended his hand solemnly, saying:

"You waited for me so late on my way home, is there anything I can help you with?"

Roy nodded; it was so easy to talk to smart and sensible people.

You should know about the demolition case involving Plot Zero, right?

“Of course,” the Blood Knight said. “I just attended a hearing organized by the National Assembly the day before yesterday, but I was only in the audience and couldn’t offer any opinions. But I oppose this matter.”

His words carried a hint of anger: "This is a disregard for the lives of all the residents of Plot Zero. A representative of the Business Federation even publicly declared that they are not considered people of Kazimir!"

"Who said that?" Roy asked abruptly.

“A spokesperson for Rand Department Store,” DiCeopolis replied.

Roy nodded. "I understand. That's why I came to you. I have a way to reject the demolition case for Plot Zero, but I also need to come up with another solution and address the notorious problem of espionage and criminals there. You know the area best, so I'd like to ask for your help."

“Me?” Dikeopolis paused, instinctively wanting to agree readily, but he stopped himself and changed his words, saying, “I’m sorry, I probably can’t come to help you in person.”

"What's wrong?" Roy blinked in confusion, thinking that Dikeopolis had been threatened.

But the Blood Knight simply smiled and shook his head, saying, "No, it's just that my child is about to be born. I have to be by her side."

"?" Roy opened his mouth, almost unable to speak.

He vaguely remembered that the Blood Knight was not much older than the Radiant Knight, but the physique of the Magnificent Hoof and the long period of training, coupled with the infection of Oripathy, made him look older.

So you're married? And have kids?

I'm in a panic! I've been exposed to the sun for no reason.

Roy glared at the Blood Knight speechlessly. Two rather noticeable blushes appeared on the usually affable, dark face of this winner in life, as if he were embarrassed.

What could Roy do? He could only roll his eyes and say, "Forget it, I'll find someone else."

But DiCaepolis suddenly called out to Roy, making amends: "It's alright, Lord Roy. Although I may not be able to come, I can recommend a few people to you. They are all kids who have lived in Plot Zero for a long time and are very familiar with the area. Moreover, they are all Infected Knights, and I have vetted them and trust them. And most importantly, they have been talking to me for a long time about wanting to meet you."

The Infected Knight, living in Plot Zero, is a fan of Blood Knight and me?

Several figures flashed through Roy's mind, and sure enough, the next second, the Blood Knight smiled and said:

"They've now formed an Infected Knights Order called Red Pine, and their leader is Sona. How about I take you to meet them tomorrow?"

Volume 1: Chapter 248 A Little Rascal with a Big Mind