Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks

Chapter 841 - 65:

"Losa is not an outsider."

Valentina snorted slightly, tapped Elmer’s forehead: "Remember this, he is not Losa the centurion from our Saluzzo Family, but the legendary captain of Yesterday’s Giant Ship, whom the Texans revere as Mr. Losa."

Elmer smiled awkwardly and dared not speak further. He didn’t quite understand what Losa really was or what Yesterday’s Giant Ship represented. In his eyes, ever since Losa accomplished a series of grand feats, he had become the person he admired the most.

"Alright, stop dazing, help me wash that cloak I changed out of yesterday."

Valentina dismissed Elmer before continuing: "Actually, you don’t need to beat around the bush. If you want to know anything, you can just ask me directly. Although we haven’t seen each other in many years, we’re not so estranged, are we?

In fact, ever since the Texans defeated the old Wolf Race’s expedition army, some families have wanted to connect with the then ’Wolf Race Federation’ Texas Wolf Race."

She paused, and a hint of amusement flashed in her eyes: "I always thought Clan Leader Juliano was a straightforward person, but in these matters, it seems he’s somewhat reserved with you?"

Losa smiled noncommittally, naturally aware that Texas had many secrets because he understood his role as an advisor rather than a decision-maker—after all, he only knows the general trajectory of the world’s direction. He couldn’t possibly unravel the details and adapt accordingly. If he offered too much advice, given the old clan leader’s trust in him, they might do as instructed, which could inadvertently ruin things.

Seeing that provocation was futile, the Wolf Race princess somewhat disinterestedly picked up a goblet and drank the crimson wine inside in one gulp: "Phew, besides being suitable for growing cotton, Texans also make decent wine, not inferior to the French at all."

"Our initial plan is to invest in a cotton textile factory in New Naples, and then find a site to build a vineyard."

"Just that?"

"Or what else?"

Valentina raised her heroic brows: "The Texans give us nothing but barren land. We have to relocate Saluzzo’s factories to the New Continent; all industrial workers and equipment must be supplied by us. Moreover, Saluzzo has to make a living under the Wolf Lord’s rule, can’t go too far."

Losa frowned and said, "The Wolf Lord is not a merciful man. Being cautious is indeed necessary."

Valentina laughed: "Actually, there’s no need to worry too much."

"Before, I always felt that the biggest threat to the Saluzzo Family was the Wolf Lord and his henchmen. My greatest goal was to protect Saluzzo’s territory and prevent anything from consuming it, losing the family’s crest in the tides of history. But now, as time passes, the tyrant sitting on the throne in Naples doesn’t seem to pose the greatest threat anymore."

"The Wolf Lord initially tried to integrate various families, but, unfortunately, after suffering two ’Waterloo’ under your hands, later... he was deterred by the terrifying power displayed during the War of the Spanish Succession. He dared not attempt anything too aggressive."

She looked deeply at the tower, where the "Blue Lone Star" flag fluttered.

"Believe it or not, I actually have a gut feeling that the Wolf Lord secretly approves of our cooperation with Texas, and I even suspect Clan Leader Juliano privately has connections with the Yakxi Family."

Losa sighed deeply. He too sensed this; it ultimately boiled down to the Wolf Lord realizing that with the Wolf Race’s strength, continuing to exist in such a scattered manner was fine. However, if he truly wanted to integrate the various families and unite the Apennine Peninsula, vigorously pursuing industrialization and building a strong nation and military would immediately draw interference from the great powers.

In the Mediterranean in today’s age, it already seems too small, unable to accommodate the rise of a fifth major power outside of Britain, Spain, France, and Germany.

Valentina climbed the battlements, her two long, strong legs suspended in the air, gently swaying: "Enough about these troublesome matters, I’ve talked enough with Nina’s father these days."

She patted the spot beside her, signaling Losa to sit down.

"Do you know why Nina likes eating sweets so much?"

Losa, a bit uncertain, said: "It seems to be because her training at the Saluzzo Family was too harsh as a child, and she was starved."

Valentina nodded an "Mm": "Nina’s personality is indeed somewhat weak, lacking the inherent ruthless and bully-the-weak nature of the Wolf Race, that instinct of wildness. Compared to a wolf, she’s more like a person."

"Bullying the weak isn’t a good term."

"Of course, do you think the Wolf Race are paragons of virtue? We are creatures of darkness. Without some negative characteristics, wouldn’t it be a waste of this title?"

Losa laughed and said: "Compared to the neighboring Blood Royal Court, with your dark creature title, you indeed seem a bit unworthy."

Valentina chuckled: "I’ll take that as a compliment."

Are the Wolf Race good people?

Certainly not, even the mildest Basilicata Family, upon arriving in Texas, implemented iron-fist rule, clearing out all resistant forces.

The Basilicata Family’s goodness stems from external threats and internal threats, compelled by dual circumstances.

Just like the Austria-Hungary Empire in the previous life.

Crown Prince Ferdinand always wanted to elevate the status of the Slavs, restructuring the Austria-Hungary Empire from a dual monarchy of Austria and Hungary to a tri-monarchy, not out of goodness.

But as the sick man of Europe, the Austria-Hungary Empire was powerless internally to execute iron-fist measures, suppress all dissent, and externally unable to expand and plunder to divert internal conflicts. The choice was made reluctantly to avoid nationalism tearing apart the country.

Her expression grew somewhat complex: "I still remember during the final assessment, she carefully divided a candy into several sections and then took days to finish it. Initially, I didn’t regard her as a friend."

"You see, for someone so easily satisfied, a little bit of kindness will linger in her heart, though she might not express it well, she’s entirely willing to risk her life in return."

Her tone paused slightly, sighing: "So, I often feel Nina is quite the fool who might easily lose her life. I ask of you, when using her, please try to consider this."

Losa frowned: "I dislike using that term, but I must remind you that once Nina follows me out of this world, her death here doesn’t represent the end of her life."

Though saying it sounds a bit dispiriting, he was very worried about seeing Nina and the others fighting the enemy desperately, unaware of the inside story

"Just like you did last time?"

"I’m starting to regret that decision."

"Really?"

"Of course, if I’d followed you back then, perhaps the Saluzzo Family would be the one founding a nation in the New Continent, what future is there in that island?"

"I didn’t expect you could say such flattering words."

The Wolf Race princess rolled her eyes, her gray ears twitching: "As long as it’s beneficial to the family, I can say such words by the bucket."

...

"This is what you call a Floating Airship? It’s really big. Is this thing really something humans can create?"

"Every time I see it, I feel quite shocked. Humans have conquered the sky, land, and sea. In a few decades, we these aliens might have nowhere to live."

"Aliens?"

"Didn’t you know?"

Leon and Charles exchanged looks: "Do you think you still count as humans now?"

Charles shook his head but immediately added: "This power was bestowed on me by God. I feel I might even be half a Saint."

Leon and Charles exchanged looks: "Do you think you still count as humans now?"

Charles shook his head but immediately added: "This power was bestowed on me by God. I feel I might even be half a Saint."