Listening to this round, plump Half-Elf speak, Su Li couldn't help but laugh a little.

Sometimes you really can't look at this world with the same eyes as the previous life.

Just like with stupidity, in this world, it's not considered a shameful flaw, but it's also not a glorious virtue.

It's just a human trait, like stubbornness, irritability, anger, greed, etc. It's not necessarily a negative trait. Mainly, if the world's baseline is low enough and overall dark enough, then the demands for virtue would be exceptionally low, while the standards for negative traits would be comparatively high.

After all, compared to those traits of cruelty, bloodlust, chaos, and evil, stupidity and greed are just minor characteristics.

This Comrade Friendship Club overall lives up to the elite rating given by Krupp, so Su Li was quite interested and said, "Tell me about your troops. How many special units do you have?"

Speaking of this, Krupp immediately became exceptionally proud. He straightened his chest, raised his chin, and raised his tone: "Our family brought 157 members, and aside from the elderly and children, every one of them is a qualified warrior."

"Allow me to explain our Half-Elf military system in detail."

"Every Half-Elf militia from the fields and villages is an excellent archer and a tough warrior. They have a good mind (to be specific, they're sneaky) and can move freely in the woods."

Starting from the militia, if he goes on like this, it might take an hour or two to finish the introduction.

Su Li directly waved to interrupt his speech and said, "Get to the point, how many soldiers do you have, how many special units?"

"We have 96 soldiers, including 60 Half-Elf militia, four Combat Ram War Chariots, 6 Swan Riders, 3 Harvesters, two Tree-man companions, 3 cannons, and 6 Dining Cart Chariots."

"Allow me to say that Dining Cart Chariots are the combat core of us Half-Elves. It's the ace unit welcomed by every army."

Listening to his bragging, Su Li grew more and more puzzled and asked, "What on earth are these units about? How come you have cannons? Isn't gunpowder only used by Dwarves? And why do Dining Cart Chariots go to battle?"

"You see, didn't I say that I need to explain our special units in detail?" Krupp had a preemptive knowing look.

"This cannon isn't the Dwarves' cannon, it's actually a type of Half-Elf hot pot. The hot pot was initially an adventurous innovation by us Half-Elves, but now it has become a dietary habit. In the hot pot is a bowl of boiling liquid, and Half-Elves can use a launcher to splash it onto enemies, scalding or even melting them."

"What about the Dining Cart Chariots then?"

"The Dining Cart Chariots carry three days' worth of rations for us Half-Elves, pulled by a giant ox (by Half-Elf standards). It's an ancient ox breed, essentially a wild animal, but apparently quite delicious."

"And the Harvester?"

"That's various farm tools used by us Half-Elves. They're usually used to harvest wheat and are used to 'harvest' heads in combat, pulled by two Combat Rams."

Well, their so-called special units are just various devices they use in daily life!

No wonder, whether in the Half-Elf Autonomous Region or the Empire, Half-Elves are never considered qualified warriors. The very idea of Half-Elf warriors is the punchline of several human jokes.

Seeing the smile on Su Li's face, the sturdy Half-Elf was evidently provoked and emphasized: "Don't underestimate the combat power of us Half-Elves. Usually peaceful and harmonious, Half-Elves can become very brave and aggressive to defend their homes."

"Historically, our Elder Hesmi once deployed a large Half-Elf troop as scouts and allies to help the Empire fight. Empire commanders repeatedly mentioned their courage and wit."

"Also, our mighty Combat Ram War Chariots are very powerful. These Combat Rams are sturdy and aggressive, with thick long fur and strong charging skulls, plus dangerous long horns, providing excellent protection and aggressiveness. The impact chariot pulled by two Combat Rams, carrying three Half-Elves, can charge swiftly across almost immoveable terrain."

Hmm?

Listening to his introduction of the troop, Su Li finally got serious and corrected his attitude toward their combat power.

The Empire's army also needs war chariots, and clearly, these Combat Ram War Chariots make up for the human knights' lack of chariots.

Imagine during a battle between two armies, on one side of a sheer cliff and rocky rough ground, an area considered impossible for cavalry to appear, a large number of Combat Ram War Chariots suddenly appear, the impact on the enemy would be immense.

"We also have formidable Swan Riders are ideal mounts for rapid troop transport on the battlefield. They're highly aggressive and can kill enemies with their powerful wings. The Swans often fly in a 'V' formation across the sky, and the riders can rain arrows from above."

"Lastly, we have our close Tree-man companions. We Half-Elves are intimately connected with nature, the forest, and the plump, juicy wild rabbits that live there. Some Half-Elves have successfully befriended Tree-men, who will fight alongside the Half-Elves—their Half-Elf friends can even sit on their shoulders."

"Aren't so many formidable units worthy of attention?"

In fact, he wanted to introduce many more Half-Elf units, like their Mad Chef unit, these individuals eat too many spicy dumplings and usually mix among ordinary cooking teams, only to swing out their heavy kitchenware as soon as combat begins.

They also have their loyal sheepdogs, whose owners usually ride on the combat rams, using whistles to command the sheepdogs that follow behind the rams and combat rams. The sheepdogs are extremely loyal to their masters, often willing to give their lives to save them.

However, these factors were enough to capture Su Li's attention, so Su Li solemnly asked, "How do you plan to join my territory?"

Krupp immediately responded, "Just as Hartskline said, we wish to join the Half-Elf Autonomous Region. Each of our families will contribute 800 Golden Crowns to purchase a piece of land from your territory to expand our autonomous region's area."

This took Su Li by surprise; he had expected these Half-Elf families to purchase individual territories to develop their respective family lands.

Unexpectedly, in political matters, the Half-Elves maintained their characteristically close-knit nature, preferring to live closely together despite the many families.

So, Su Li asked curiously, "How will you govern your territory?"

"We have, of course, already negotiated political matters before deciding to unite. We have decided to adopt a feudal system implemented by a council comprised of large landholder representatives, elected lay members, and family elders."

"Meanwhile, we have elected a powerful Half-Elf hero to serve as our free mayor."

"A Half-Elf hero?" Su Li's eyes lit up as he looked towards the last representative of the Half-Elves.

"Indeed, please allow me to introduce Ashfield Blackberry, our exceptionally strong Half-Elf hero."

As he spoke, the extraordinarily robust Half-Elf, seated in the corner, stood up. He had well-developed muscles and a huge scar on his cheek, which made him appear very fierce, quite different from the usual peaceful demeanor of Half-Elves.

Krupp introduced, "Ashfield has an endless passion for gourmet food and desire. Compared to political schemes, he's more interested in the start time of his next meal."

"As a brave and mighty character, Half-Elf heroes usually carry a picnic basket with them. Yes, any Half-Elf would willingly follow someone carrying a picnic basket. He will be our perfect leader."

Just as described, Ashfield is less interested in politics but has an insatiable enthusiasm for food and desire, with seven lovers within his family alone and 68 children!

Thus, he eagerly needs a territory and a well-paid job to support his wives and children.

He respectfully bowed to Su Li and said, "Honorable Lord, our Blackberry family is willing to serve you. As long as you grant us a small piece of land, all our family members can work for your territory, taking on roles like gatherers, Harvest Lords of farms, scouts, as well as cooks, servants, and various other roles. As you know, Half-Elves are the finest cooks and servants on the continent."

Su Li pondered for a moment and then said to the anxious Half-Elves watching him, "Alright, I accept your allegiance. Moreover, the price of purchasing land will not change; it will remain 800 Golden Crowns for eight kilometers."

The Half-Elves immediately cheered with excitement. The long-awaited event had finally been realized, and everyone could hardly contain their excitement, with some even tearing up. They had been wanderers for too long, desperately needing a territory to settle and thrive.

But before their cheers died down, Su Li continued, "However, your military vassal obligations need to be adjusted. As a 32-acre autonomous region, you need to take on greater responsibilities."

"I need you to provide at least one squadron of Half-Elf soldiers regularly, and among them, there should be no less than one team of elite soldiers. During wartime, respond fully to my call and participate in defensive battles."

A team of elite soldiers?

The Half-Elves collectively drew in a sharp breath; their combat strength couldn't compare to their larger friends. A combat ram war chariot is equivalent to just one elite knight.

All the families' combat ram war chariots combined accounted for only six, and even with 12 Swan Riders, they didn't match the combat power of an elite squad.

And Tree-men would not leave the territory to participate in external wars.

This meant they still needed to hire more and stronger Ogre Warriors to meet the Hesse Lord's demands.

They gathered and discussed for a long time, and finally, Ashfield gritted his teeth and made a reply; they agreed to the condition, provided that Su Li exempt them from one year of taxes, allowing them to accumulate some wealth to hire manpower and meet the territory's needs.

This proposal met with fierce opposition from Minister of the Seal Lauren, who argued that if Su Li agreed to this request, the tax and trade tax loss from their autonomous region might exceed the wealth they paid to purchase the land.

But Su Li thought he was exaggerating a bit; could an autonomous region really pay 2,400 Golden Crowns in a year?

After all, their territory consisted of only four major families, totaling 460 people, comparable to a village's scale. In human terms, just an 80-household small village, it's hard to believe they could pay even 240 Golden Crowns.

So, after a bout of intense negotiation, Su Li agreed to waive half of their taxes for the first year.

That is, during Su Li's tax reduction and virtue display, they were reimbursed three more tenths.

Then the Balan Autonomous Region was wholly formed, with four Half-Elf households joining the territory. Besides developing their land with over a hundred gatherers and farmhands, they could provide the Hesse territory with at least 200-300 workers, taking on positions like maids, cooks, servants, and laborers.

Additionally, they would also act as contractors, directing 117 Ogre workers, providing significant support for the territory's construction, while earning a considerable amount of wealth.

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