Alchemists do not need self-cultivation

Unlike the ancient nation of Xin, which has accumulated a rich history spanning millennia, and whose profound cultural heritage far surpasses people's imagination, Amestris is entirely devoid of such depth.

Its economic level, viewed from a global perspective, is probably only in the upper-middle range.

The tourism industry is just so-so, and the most advanced weapons can't be sold off easily. As for outdated weapons, countries that don't have industrial capabilities like Japan, which stays at home all year round and has a very backward industrial level, generally won't be interested.

The only thing that can be presented internationally is mechanical armor.

Olivia looked at the puzzled Isaac and said, "Although the military equipment and weapons you brought back are very advanced, you must understand that a second-rate economy cannot support a first-rate military. Our main problem is still a lack of money."

The theory that war is about spending money is true in any era.

"Then what should we do? Conquer all the surrounding countries and collect the money?"

“The idea is good, but the national treasury doesn’t allow us to wage so many wars.” Olivia covered her head. “I thought that once I sat in the position of president, I could take the country further with my own abilities, but I didn’t expect to inherit such a mess.”

"Does the officer have a plan now?" Isaac asked.

“When you went to Tep, I asked the doctor you brought back named Sumire Muroto,” Olivia recalled. “I asked her what things were profitable in their country.”

"Oh? What did the doctor say?"

“She told me that being an idol there seemed to be very lucrative.”

"Oh, that? It's really profitable," Isaac said, remembering it now.

I used to always see girl groups jumping and singing on TV, and it seems like they're quite popular in Tokyo and other areas. It's an integral part of the industry.

After all, it's easy to swindle money from otaku.

“So…” Olivia glanced at Isaac at this moment.

"Sir, what are you going to do?" Isaac had a bad feeling and unconsciously took a step back.

"How about you become an idol?"

"Not good at all!" Isaac yelled. "Sir, are you a devil?!"

“Don’t say that. This is just a temporary measure,” Olivia said. “Besides, the army is full of men, so it’s not very convenient to send them.”

"I'm a man too, and a really tough one at that!"

"Then explain to me what's going on with this photo."

Olivia placed a photograph on her desk as she spoke.

The photo shows Isaac dressed in women's clothing so he could meet Roy without being discovered.

"Who gave it to you?"

"Lieutenant General Gulaman".

"I understand," Isaac said calmly.

Let's silence that old guy while we're in Dongfang City.

“In short, becoming an idol is impossible,” Isaac said. “As a brigadier general and state alchemist of Amestris, becoming an idol would be a disgrace to the country, and in the end, it would be you, sir, who would be disgraced.”

"Hmm...that seems to be true." Olivia thought about it and realized that it would indeed turn out that way.

It wouldn't be good if people talked behind my back, saying, "The new president's subordinate dresses up as an idol."

"Then who else can go? Violet? Lisa?" Olivia pondered, stroking her chin. "We can't possibly ask me to go, can we?"

“Sir, of course you can’t go! You’re the President, the Ice Queen who struck fear into the hearts of Dorakma back in the day!” Isaac shouted. “Besides, you’re getting on in years…”

Bang!

Isaac's head was embedded in the desk.

“I’m still young.” Olivia wiped her fist with a handkerchief. “I was just joking about idols. Let’s think about what can help boost the economy.”

Isaac then pulled his head out from under the table: "Actually, I was in a hurry when I went to Tep City before, and there were some things I forgot to mention. In fact, this time I brought back some civilian equipment in addition to military equipment."

"Oh?" Olivia became interested.

Isaac continued, "There, televisions, computers, and air conditioners are things that don't exist in our time. I think if we just manufactured some of those things and sold them, our country's economy could recover a little."

“That’s certainly a good method.” Olivia nodded. “Did you receive the letter I sent you while you were in Tep City?”

"Oh, there was such a letter, it seems to be about establishing diplomatic relations with Singapore."

Isaac then remembered that Olivia had indeed told him about it.

“You’ve brought back so much technology this time. I’d like to use the name of ‘joint development’ to cooperate with Singapore. We will provide the technology, and Singapore will provide the funding.”

The benefit of doing this is naturally that it can alleviate economic pressure, but at the same time, the fruits of this success must be shared with the new country.

“Anyway, it’s your hometown, so giving them the technology isn’t a complete waste,” Olivia said. “And you can take this opportunity to go to New Zealand to promote your advanced civilian facilities and try to open up sales channels.”

“Understood,” Isaac nodded.

The tasks at hand are now clear: establish diplomatic relations with the new nation and jointly develop advanced weapons, then manufacture some civilian equipment to sell. Of course, it's not just about opening up markets with the new nation; they also need to expand their reach to the countries on the Tersis continent that Isaac visited earlier.

Fortunately, Isaac knows many high-ranking officials from those countries, so the difficulty of developing the business shouldn't be too high.

Isaac doesn't have many blueprints for civilian equipment; most of them are with Natsume Senju.

“The government will temporarily support you in producing those things. That will make you a state-owned enterprise,” Olivia said. “You can think of a name for your company.”

Isaac pondered for a moment, and seemed to have found the answer:

"Sir, the technology we produce will be unprecedented in this era, it's geared towards the future, so I've already thought of a name."

"Oh? Tell me about it."

"How about we call it 'Isaac Future Technology Co., Ltd.'?"

"Then it's settled."

Chapter 359: Promotion to Lieutenant General

"You can decide on the company's matters yourself. Just let me know if you need anything." Olivia had essentially handed the whole matter over to Isaac.

"Ok."

“Tell me about the recent issues.” Olivia took a world map out of the drawer and spread it out on the table. “You have the above views on the recent situation.”

Amestris is currently at war. Although the fighting is not large and has not reached the areas inhabited by ordinary residents, it is still putting considerable pressure on the country.

Facing three countries at the same time is not something everyone can handle.

Isaac glanced at the map, pointed at it, and said, "First of all, Dorakma, which has been our enemy for a long time, must be destroyed."

“Yes.” Olivia nodded in agreement.

This country had been trying every means to invade Amestris ever since Isaac joined the army. It was quiet for a few years after Isaac bombed it with a thermobaric bomb a few years ago. Recently, it was said that Isaac was 'dead' and started to make trouble again.

This is absolutely something that must be eliminated.

“Furthermore, as the second nation already researching alchemy, I suggest annihilating them to ensure they don’t produce any research results,” Isaac continued. “Besides, they have already declared war, so we have lost any reason to allow them to continue existing.”

"Indeed, these two countries are a major threat to Amestris."

“So all we need to do is take them down,” Isaac laughed. “Once we take down those two countries and occupy their territory, then Amestris…”

Olivia listened attentively, also wanting to know what Isaac had to say.

"Then the territory of Amestris would be nearly half the size of the new nation."

"Um……"

The new country is so large that there are practically no countries in the world that can reach half the size of its territory.

To be honest, it would be good if it were half as good.

“Then it’s settled for now.” Olivia put away the map. “For the next week, you can rest in Central City for a while, then go to the New Kingdom and talk to His Majesty the Emperor of the New Kingdom… who is also your father, about establishing diplomatic relations, then discuss cooperation plans, and while you’re at it, promote your technology products.”

"learn."

"That's all for now. Remember to come back within two months after you go to the new country. Amestoris may have to attend an international conference. Although you are only in your early twenties, as a general of your country, you will also have to attend the conference."

“Okay… Oh, right, sir, I remember you said you were going to assign me a new position.” Isaac suddenly remembered what Olivia had told him before he went to Tep City.

“Oh, I did say that,” Olivia said, remembering.

I forgot about it before because there were just too many documents to process.

Olivia rummaged through the drawer and pulled out an epaulette and a document.

That shoulder insignia represented the rank of Lieutenant General Amestoris.

"I... got promoted?"

“Yes, as a soldier who saved this country from the androids, I don’t think anyone would have any objections,” Olivia said with a smile. “From now on, you’re being transferred from Eastern City to Central City, Lieutenant General Isaac.”

"Yes!"

Isaac gave a military salute and replaced the original epaulette with this one.

In this country, a lieutenant general is second only to the president.

"Oh right, I forgot to tell you," Olivia suddenly said just as Isaac was feeling happy, "Although you're already a lieutenant general, there aren't any extra positions for you in Central City."

“…” Isaac was stunned.

This sentence can be roughly translated as follows:

He has status, but no power.

Amestris employs a military-civilian system, meaning that administrative rank is directly linked to military rank. Military service is a long-standing tradition in the country, requiring anyone wishing to enter politics.

Therefore, all city mayors or officials are high-ranking military personnel.

Lieutenant generals, in principle, possess the highest decision-making power in the country besides the president, and are considered to be among the people at the pinnacle of power.

However, Isaac has no position in Central City, which means...

He has no say in the country's decision-making.

"Sir, this isn't a good idea," Isaac said with a pained expression.

“I don’t want this either, but given your political acumen, who knows what might happen if you were given power.”

“My political skills aren’t that bad, are they…” Isaac whispered.

"Then let me ask you, if you were to become president, what would be the first thing you would do?"

"All female officers and soldiers should change their uniforms to miniskirts!" Isaac declared confidently.