People in Terra, governing a weird little country

But there is only one thing that can make the tundra villagers happy.

"Fellow countryman, was there a good harvest last year?"

Tallulah caught an old man passing by and greeted him without any shyness.

Unexpectedly, the old man's face changed, he glared at Tallulah fiercely, and cursed:

"What kind of girl is so ignorant? What are you talking about? Who said we had a good harvest? We had a poor harvest last year! We didn't get a single grain!"

This really confused Tallulah. Alina, who arrived late, quickly apologized to the old man, and waited until the old man left angrily before she came to Tallulah's side and whispered:

"Tallulah, it's not customary to say you've had a good harvest on the tundra! People don't celebrate their harvests!"

"Why?" Talullah was a little confused. She was not good at socializing. On weekdays, she usually went hunting and attacking the pickets with Bozhukasti and Yelena. It was the first time for her to go out with Alina to trade supplies like today.

Because the person who originally traded the supplies fell ill a few days ago and couldn't hold on.

Straw is as thin as paper and will fall down if the wind blows.

Alina patiently explained, "There is nothing on the tundra, but there are always tax collectors in Ursus. They have set a total tax amount for each village in the tundra. If the harvest is good, that means they have to collect an extra 20 to 30 kilograms of tax!"

The supplies on the tundra are so precious. Twenty to thirty kilograms of rice, flour, grain and oil are enough to feed a laborer in the tundra environment.

Tallulah was suddenly filled with righteous indignation: "Damn tax collector, he should have been killed long ago!"

Alina smiled helplessly and said nothing. It was obvious that she was already accustomed to her friend's somewhat extreme ideas.

However, what made her a little strange was that Tallulah seemed to have made these extreme remarks too frequently. She didn't pay much attention to it at first, thinking that it was because Tallulah was under too much pressure recently. But now it seems that it is necessary to find an opportunity to give Tallulah some psychological counseling.

She had no experience as a professional psychologist, but she considered herself a qualified listener, and helping her good friend, who was now a leader, to relieve stress was one of the few things she could do.

Moreover, what she had not yet reminded Tallulah was that in the tundra, if you declared that you had a good harvest, the first person you would attract might not be the tax collector from Ursus.

After all, the tax collectors were only paid to work, and their living environment was not bad. They did not have the habit of patrolling the tundra every day. They usually only came at the beginning and end of the year to collect money. On the tundra, the truly terrifying people were ordinary people like the villagers.

You have food, and he has a miserable life. If a person is extremely hungry, then "he" will become "it".

Alina had seen and heard a lot of these things, but she hadn't told Tallulah yet. Alina felt that there was no rush. Tallulah wouldn't be doing the work of trading materials most of the time anyway, and there was still a long time to go, so she would have many opportunities to teach her this principle in person.

Asking Tallulah to follow and keep quiet, Alina officially went to work, lobbying the villagers and trading supplies.

By dark, the two had already filled the backpacks they had brought with them and the back compartment of the snow sled. Alina even walked up to Tallulah, who was about to leave for the base, and said mysteriously:

"Tallulah, guess what I traded in the village?"

Tallulah, who was packing her things, was stunned for a moment. She looked at her best friend who rarely kept a secret with her and asked curiously, "What?"

"A book!"

Alina took out the wrinkled Victorian book from behind her and handed it to Tallulah.

"This belongs to Aunt Jane's son in the village. Her son is a soldier in the Ursus army and asked the tax collector to bring it back. This village is relatively wealthy and is not often troubled by the tax collector because of this relationship."

Although they have always been called gray animals, that is in comparison with soldiers from other countries. In fact, if we simply compare the treatment, joining the army in Ursus is indeed a good path for civilians. If we go back a few decades, in the era of great expansion, joining the army was the only choice to achieve social class transition.

Alina said, "I can't read, but you should know Tallulah, right? What is this book about?"

Tallulah took the book and glanced at the cover. The Victorian language knowledge that she hadn't used for a long time came to her mind. She read out the name of the book:

"The History of the Nations of Erzsir, by Ernst Shivaash?"

"I can't tell what it's about, but at least it's not a collection of poems praising Emperor Ursus."

She smiled, and playfully extended her hand to Alina, performing a gentlemanly gesture:

"Well, thank you for your gift, Miss Alina. In return, I will drive the sleigh to take you home, okay?"

"Pfft!"

"What are you laughing at!" Tallulah blushed a little.

"Nothing." Alina waved her hand. "After reading the book, remember to translate the story and tell it to me. Ino and Sasha haven't changed their bedtime stories for a long time. They are not tired of listening to them, but I am tired of telling them~"

"Ok!"

At dusk, the girl drove her sled into the depths of the tundra, and an ordinary day came to an end at this moment.

Chapter 258: Labor and Sarkaz

Kjerag, Tukarim, World Expo site.

The newly built large venue is not really practical. The people of Kjerag do not have high demands for culture and art, and no team would be crazy enough to hold a football or basketball game in the snowy place of Kjerag. It is no exaggeration to say that this is actually a "disposable building" built for the World Expo.

This is what is called political significance over practical significance. If it weren't for Kalan Trade, Manzhuyuan, and the three major families sharing the construction costs of the venue, Ernst would have been a bit entangled with his personality. It would definitely have to be built, but it would definitely not be so grand.

It's probably the difference between the Byzantines robbing the Colosseum in Rome and building a special building, a racecourse, and the number of hammers required is not the same.

For this reason, although the World Expo had not yet officially been held, Ernst had already begun planning how to use this building after the Expo.

"We can renovate the exhibition hall into stores and rent them out to merchants in Kjerag. With more tourists, we won't have to worry about not being able to sell goods. Or we can just convert it into a department store in one go?"

"It would be nice to turn it into an ice skating rink or an indoor ski resort. Most of the people of Kjerag practice skating on the Silver Heart Lake. Although the ice period of the Silver Heart Lake is very long, it is still unsafe. Building an indoor practice area can be considered a project that benefits the people."

Ernst thought of the San Marceau Gardens in Laterano and the water park in Xiosta. Maybe Kjerag could also create a spectacular building like the Tukarim Ice Rink?

It is still very profitable. Even if the entrance fee to the skating rink is waived in order to attract tourists, just providing skating equipment and coaches, and then opening up the skating rink to investors and setting up some restaurants, souvenir shops, can still generate good profits.

If Ernst goes one step further, he can also imitate the Northeast in his previous life and create a whole "Ice and Snow World". The difficulty is not high, and what is lacking is only the relevant talents and a large number of cheap labor.

Thinking of this, Ernst couldn't help but get a headache.

As for talents, he could go out and fish for them. It was foreseeable that when the World Expo was officially held, Kjerag's international reputation would rise to a new level, and there would be no possibility of decline. It was already at a low point, so it would be upward, right? At that time, there would definitely be foreign talents willing to come to Kjerag to try their luck, and his recruitment process would be smoother.

But cheap labor is an extremely troublesome problem.

Kjerag has a population of about one million. At first glance, this population number seems okay, or even a bit too much. It is all thanks to the protection of the great god Yelagund that no natural disasters occur, and the planning of Arknights has filled in the settings, that this small piece of land can support so many people.

But friends who often visit cities know that this population is a bit too shabby. Not to mention that not everyone in a population of one million can participate in the labor of the industrial age, even if all of the one million people can participate, and they are all high-quality young and middle-aged laborers, what does this number count for?

Haven't you seen that Popovich, whom we often tease, wiped out the entire Kjerag in one go during his anti-urbanization process? That country is about the same size as Kjerag.

If the talents of industrialization are a good sail that can help Kjerag better catch the spring breeze of development, then the large amount of cheap labor is the hull of Kjerag's small boat, which directly determines how far Kjerag can sail.

Sailing on the sea depends on the helmsman, but the helmsman must have a boat. If we depend on the helmsman, does that mean the helmsman sails across the sea by himself?

Ernst revealed his concerns to Holhaiya, who was also an old Colombian. Colombia's great pioneering movement also relied on enlightened policies to attract a large number of foreign laborers, thus promoting the overall development of Colombia. Ernst was very curious whether she had any constructive suggestions.

And Holhaiya did not disappoint Ernst. After a little thought, he actually proposed one:

"Cheap labor? Boss, do you mean slaves?"

"Oh! Then you have asked the right person. I must solemnly recommend the Sarkaz to you."

Ernst frowned. The moral level of the traverser obviously made him uncomfortable with Holhaiya's somewhat explicit words. But in Holhaiya's opinion, there was really no difference.

Endless work, the obligation to be on call at any time, humble companionship, and enduring humiliation. In the sweatshop of Terra, the only difference between cheap labor and slaves is probably the difference in their names.

She knew that Ernst treated the Kjerag people who entered the factory well, and she didn't think it was strange because the Kjerag people were not considered "cheap labor" in the first place.

The Kjerag people are the majority ethnic group, the upper class, and the basic base of their bosses! Even if they enter the factory, it is only temporary. When more "slaves" come in the future, they will naturally be liberated. So it is natural to give them more generous treatment. This is nothing strange. Where is it not like this?

Ursus conquered a number of small countries, and the group of bears who made their fortunes in Saint Stein Castle had long since quit their jobs and started to live a peaceful life. Victoria and Leitania destroyed Gaul, but aren't the former Gauls now also ashes in the factory? The Tara people have been oppressed for thousands of years, and have been mixed for thousands of years. In fact, they have long been intertwined with the Victorians, but the difference in name alone still makes them the objects of unequal treatment.

There is no reason to leave your own base unattended and turn to lick the boots of outsiders. This even goes beyond the scope of politics. In Terra, a society where nationalism prevails, any politician who dares to do this will be hanged tomorrow!

In Holhaiya's opinion, the difference between Kjerag and those great powers is that Kjerag does not have the military strength to conquer other countries. Although Yelagund has not known why and still refuses to talk to her, Holhaiya can simply describe Yelagund's "godhood" from the daily descriptions of Ernst, Hintleya, and Vina - this is indeed a benevolent god, a little too benevolent!

It was unlikely that He would agree to help Kjerag wage war.

So Holhaiya had to find another way and nominate the Sarkaz.

Because the Sarkaz are really miserable.

Holhaiya said without hesitation:

"Boss, maybe you will doubt this, but I really have to say this - if you see a dead person on the side of the road, you might sigh that the world is difficult and unfortunate. But if you see a dead Sarkaz on the side of the road, you have to change your words. You have to say -"

"Thanks to Yelagund's mercy, this poor fellow is so lucky that he can finally be reincarnated."

For some reason, Holhaiya always felt that a cold wind blew past her ears when she finished speaking. But she turned her head slightly and did not see anyone behind her.

Maybe it's an illusion?

Without paying too much attention, Holhaiya looked at Ernst and said seriously:

"I deliberately distinguished between humans and Sarkaz. Because, if I may be frank, Boss, the Sarkaz you have seen are still living too comfortably. For the more ordinary Sarkaz, if you give them the status of slaves, it would be considered as giving them personality."

"Is it that exaggerated?" Ernst was a little unbelievable. But Holhaiya just shrugged:

"This is the truth, Boss. You know what I did before. The Melander Historical Association is an out-and-out intelligence agency. Although it's a bit unethical, I can share this unimportant intelligence with you."

"Ever since Kazdel split apart during the civil war, their currency has depreciated rapidly. The last time I received news was last August. At that time, 8 Sakazmarks could only buy a piece of bread."

"What does 500,000 Sakazmarks mean? They can't even fit in a car!"

She spread her hands:

"Especially these days, almost everything is going up in price. Ten feathered beast eggs used to cost only 10 Victoria pounds, but now they cost 2.33; 3.33 liter of turf milk went from 1 to 0.79, a kilogram of pack animal meat went from 1.29 to 5.99, and a head of cabbage went from 9.99 to 1.39. These are the prices in the Duchy of Windermere, where you have the best relationship and is relatively stable in Victoria. Even under such circumstances, the red-light district in Lancashire has maintained its price at 1.99 Victoria pounds. Do you know why?"

Ernst shook his head.

Holhayya revealed the answer:

"Because they have an additional Kazdel district. It can only be said that the expansion of the workforce has caught up with inflation, triggering supply-side reforms."

Ernst had never thought of hearing such economic terms in a place like this, and for a moment he didn't know what to say.

However, Holhaiya did not deviate from the main topic and actually came back to it:

"Now, for just a little money, the black market can pack up a Sarkaz woman and deliver it to your door. If you pay half the price, the black market can give you one more person. This is called buy one get one free. If the distance is relatively close, and they don't eat each other as emergency food, then you'll make a profit. To be honest, I personally don't have any opinion on the Sarkaz. These Sarkaz women who beg in the red light district, regardless of their status, are actually exceptionally good laborers - after all, the physique of the Sarkaz is also exceptionally tough, the kind that will not go bad no matter how they are used. It's a pity that they are all a little stunted, and some may be infected with mineral disease. Alas, this can be considered a trade-off, and there is no good thing at a cheap price, that's the truth."

"Boss, what do you think?"

"I'm actually more curious about how you know all this. Especially things like the prices and the red-light district in Victoria." Ernst asked suspiciously.

Holhaiya's expression suddenly became charming. She gave Ernst a seductive look, with the corners of her mouth raised a little:

"Boss, are you more concerned about these? I have put a lot of effort into regaining your trust. Do you want to know something more in-depth? I can show you~"

"That's not necessary."

Ernst immediately waved his hand. In broad daylight, in front of everyone, he had no interest in hanging out with Holhaiya.

Especially since he was wearing the divine stone.

Yelagund seemed to have been watching this place from the beginning. Holhaiya didn't have the magic stone, so he couldn't feel it, but Ernst was used to this feeling. As soon as the old man came, Ernst noticed it. As for Holhaiya's suggestion, Ernst said:

"I need to think about the Sarkaz matter first."

It would not be enough to just listen to Holhaiya's one-sided story about the Sarkaz situation. Ernst had to ask someone who knew the situation.

But those who knew about it definitely did not include Hedley and Nastie. Ernst was not stupid enough to directly ask Sarkaz for his opinion, which would be tantamount to a mockery.

Moreover, in addition to the Sarkaz, he remembered that a certain lynx lady once said to him: "If you have any questions about the Sarkaz, you can come to me."

Isn't that a coincidence? Kal'tsit, you're still in Kjerag, right?

Chapter 259: Where is this strange little country going?

The people of Terra have flexible moral bottom lines, and Kal'tsit is no exception.

Kal'tsit felt a little embarrassed when she heard Ernst's somewhat sharp question.

There was no way. As Holhaiya mentioned, she was partly responsible for the Kazdel Civil War that caused the great split of the Sarkaz.

Tracy's accusation is certainly not groundless. Although the differences between Theresa and Tracy did not form in a day or two, and they are very likely to have irreconcilable conflicts in the future, it would be unfair to say that Kal'tsit had no role in it.

Someone has built a fire in the woods. Sooner or later, the fire will get out of control and burn the entire forest. So if you add some wood to the fire and blow some air on it in advance, everything will be fine, right?

Don't go out.

Of course, she was present when Theresa and Theresa broke up, and she commanded the civil war in Kazdel. She admitted these things. But she did not regret doing these things. Because she thought it was the right thing to do. It was just that Terra was not a fairy tale, and being right did not mean winning. She and Theresa just lost, and no one could judge them by their success or failure.

The forest of capitalism will inevitably be burned to ashes by a spark. Are you going to deny the significance of the Soviet Union's existence?

Of course, Kal'tsit knew that Ernst didn't know that she knew the inside story of the civil war in Kazdel, so she had no intention of discussing the meaning of the existence of the dead Theresa with Ernst.

Now that she is gone, Theresa no longer has the ability to discuss the human rights issues of the Sarkaz with Ernst. The one who has to answer this question is Kal'tsit. Although Kal'tsit and Theresa are close friends, she has never thought about the issue from the "Sarkaz's perspective."

She is Kal'tsit from the Tower of Babel and Rhodes Island, but she is also the civilization preservation machine left behind by the previous civilization - Ama-10.

"Mr. Ernst, if you want to verify what Miss Holhaiya said about the current situation of the Sarkaz, then I can give you a positive answer."

Kelsey narrated calmly,