Mariana was very worried about what Paul had said.
"Paul, I must remind you that the Arcane Society is a long-established organization with immense power, and now it has complete control of the Gabella Empire. Northwest Bay alone is no match for it."
She said seriously, "I know you can create many novel things here, like firearms and cannons. I admit they are incredibly powerful and can easily defeat traditional armies. But have you considered that these are all created by ordinary people? However, the Arcane Society has a natural advantage: they can do what ordinary people can do, but what they can do—that is, magic—ordinary people cannot. They can steal your technology and also create firearms." "Cannon, and you cannot steal their magic. Even if I stand by your side, even if I am as proud of my magical abilities, I cannot help you contend with a massive organization. You only possess Technology, but they can possess both Technology and magic—a one-to-two disadvantage."
Paul's expression remained calm. "Mother, although you know about Firearm..." Cannon, but I must say, these things are merely the end of a chain that will grow longer and longer, eventually evolving into a massive system that cannot be created overnight.
Mariana paused, "That sounds complicated?"
"Of course! I've taken you on a tour of the ironworks. Do you think you can replicate an ironworks elsewhere based on your memory of that visit?"
Did the Self-Strengthening Movement in late Qing Dynasty China, post-founding India, and the reindustrialization of the United States make any effort? Yes, they did, but with little success. Once an industrial system becomes sufficiently complex, replicating it becomes extremely difficult.
Mariana thought for a moment, then shook her head and said, "No."
Paul was somewhat smug. Even if the mathematicians were truly capable of replicating an ironworks one-to-one, what use would all that iron be to them?
"So, it's all about skill and method. Besides, it's not like I can't accommodate Spellcasters here; I already have double-digit numbers of Horn Bays." The Spellcaster sought refuge here.
Mariana sighed. "Well, it seems I can't persuade you. Take care of yourself, Paul. I will consider your suggestion carefully. Perhaps I don't fully understand your power yet, but for now, I still think it's better for me to stay in the Arcane Society so that I can protect you if you face any insurmountable difficulties in the future."
She suddenly smiled slyly, "On the other hand, if Nathan and I were to face an insurmountable predicament in the future, I hope you could lend a helping hand. Even if things don't turn out the way I want, at least one of you and Nathan will survive and continue the Gleiman Family bloodline."
Paul said, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket?"
Mariana smiled slightly: "A very apt metaphor."
Paul said, "In that case, let's not let our relationship spread any further. It doesn't matter to me, but it might cause trouble for you over there."
Mariana was very happy with his words. "I am very touched. Thank you for being so considerate to your mother."
Paul then asked, "It sounds like your main reason for joining the Arcane Society is to rebel against the church. What's your opinion on the so-called ancient prophecies?"
"Speaking of this…" Mariana's expression turned serious again. "At first, I was dismissive, but the longer I stayed in the Arcane Society, the more I realized that this prophecy wasn't entirely unfounded. In short, it's definitely not, as you said last time, a fabricated excuse for Spellcasters to gain social status, because the entire organization is now acting around this prophecy. Paul, I advise you to be prepared. If a major world change really does happen someday in the future, perhaps your power will come in handy, and maybe the Arcane Society will even try to unite with you."
Seeing Mariana's serious tone, Paul abandoned his initial disdain.
"Okay, I'll keep that in mind."
...
After speaking with Mariana, Paul went to see Rodney XVIII and told him what he knew about the Arcane Society and Gabella, except for things related to Mariana.
He had made some preparations beforehand, and the way he narrated it made it sound as if His Majesty the King had only just learned about it himself.
Rodney XVIII's expression turned very serious after hearing this.
"I appreciate your prompt notification, Paul."
"In fact, I have long suspected that Aldor is entangled in a huge, well-woven web of intrigue. The highland barbarians, Aldor, Veblen, orcs... all these terrible things keep happening one after another, keeping the Kingdom Government busy and draining the kingdom's already limited resources time and time again."
" Earl Morrin's intelligence agents also found some clues, but they always lost track of them, and we were never able to get the whole picture from the fragments."
"Now it's all right. Although our predicament hasn't lessened in the slightest, at least we know where the mastermind behind it all comes from. The Gabella Empire? That's really unexpected. We're separated from this country by an entire plateau, and we've never had any conflicts of interest with them. Yet they've gone to such lengths."
Paul reminded him, "It's mainly because of the Arcane Society."
Not a single mistake, not a single song, not a single post, not a single piece of content, not a single 6-9 book, not a single bar, take a look!
"Oh right, it's the Arcane Society!" Rodney XVIII said through gritted teeth. "It really fits the stereotype of wizards: secretly using witchcraft to control the country's top brass and gradually manipulating the entire country."
"And that Antonio Griffin, no wonder he's a wicked monster born of a witch! I even sent envoys all the way to congratulate him when he ascended the throne. I bet he was secretly laughing at me for being a fool who was sold out and still counting the money. God, curse him."
Rodney XVIII seemed to be venting all the pressure he had been under since taking office, and the usually composed man ranted and cursed for half an hour.
After he calmed down a bit, Paul said, "Your Majesty, I think the most urgent task is to save the kingdom from falling apart."
Rodney XVIII agreed: "Yes."
He placed his hand on Paul's shoulder, his eyes sincere and ardent, "The reason I came to Northwest Bay in person for your wedding is to show the world that Rodney and Glaeman's union will be close and inseparable."
"Our two families will stand back to back amidst the chaos, relying on each other. Glaeman will keep an eye on the orcs in the north, while Rodney will deal with Giles and Veblen in the south. Ultimately, the entire Aldor will be united once again by these two families."