I was a knight in the Middle Ages

Chapter 404 Cooperation

"Captain Alpha, based on your knowledge, what do you think of the current international situation?" The carriage moved forward slowly, and the wheels rolled over the ground, making a dull sound. Wesley sat in the carriage, looking at Alpha with a somewhat inquiring look, and asked.

Wesley's curiosity has been thoroughly aroused. Although Alpha in front of him is usually rude and indecisive, and the discipline of the troops he leads is relatively loose and there are many problems, the fact that he can reach his current position is the most powerful proof. The external appearance may be disguised, but the final result will not lie.

"I'm just a rough guy, how can I understand the international situation!" Alpha curled his lips, with a trace of yearning on his face, "I just hope to find a quiet place, be a small landlord, and live a few days of peace."

This was not without reason. When Alpha first came to this continent, his greatest wish was to spend the rest of his life on a small island in the East with his beloved woman. At that time, life was simple and pure, without disputes or intrigues, but with their own peaceful time.

However, reality was like a cold tide, shattering his beautiful dreams time and time again. At first, the Church was like a vicious dog that could not be shaken off, staring at him closely. Even if he was delayed in his journey, the Church would immediately send Knight Arthur to urge him, as if he would be crushed by the Church if he slacked off. If he dared to escape, with the power of the Church spread all over the world, he would not be able to escape even if he had wings. In a few days, he would be caught and face cruel punishment.

Now, although Alpha has a certain strength and has gathered many people who are willing to follow him, this strength is the result of countless people who trust him. Alpha is well aware of his responsibilities and cannot abandon these people who follow him irresponsibly for his own selfish desires and live his own carefree life. One can only sigh that people are helpless and have no choice in this complicated world.

"It's okay, it's just the two of us here. What do you think of our Ottoman Empire?" Wesley leaned forward slightly with a gentle smile on his face, "Let me tell you my thoughts first." He knew in his heart that if he didn't put forward some opinions first, Alpha might not easily express his true feelings.

From this cautious attitude, Wesley felt more and more that Alpha was not as careless as he seemed. He knew clearly what to say and what not to say.

Alpha fell into deep thought. After a moment, he slowly spoke: "In my opinion, the Ottoman Empire is indeed a powerful and awe-inspiring country." There was a hint of admiration in his eyes. "It has a vast territory and abundant resources beyond imagination, from fertile land to precious minerals. Moreover, its military strength should not be underestimated. It is a powerful force that is good at fighting."

Alpha paused, and said with some emotion, "The empire's territory spans across the three continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is a well-deserved world power. Especially the unparalleled cavalry, which is as fast as lightning and unrivaled wherever it goes. Such a country is undoubtedly great."

Wesley nodded slightly, a faint smile appeared on his face, and he agreed with Alpha's point of view. This reaction was not unexpected to him. The power of the Ottoman Empire had been shining in the long river of history. Those glorious pasts and the vast lands conquered had become chapters in history books, remembered by countless people.

"Indeed." Wesley nodded slightly, his eyes revealing his remembrance of the glory of the past empire.

Alpha took a sip of tea, cleared his throat, and continued, "However, the Ottoman Empire is now facing some extremely severe challenges." His eyes became deep, and there was a hint of worry in his tone, "But I firmly believe that these problems are only temporary. As long as we find the right way, we will be able to solve them."

Alpha knew very well that the wheel of history was rolling forward, full of countless uncertainties. He often wondered in his heart whether the development trajectory of this era would be exactly the same as the history he remembered.

Judging from the various information he has collected so far, the current Ottoman Empire is surprisingly similar to the declining era in his memory. Both are in a downward phase, both are ruled by women, and the entire country seems to be pulled by an invisible force, plunging into the quagmire of hedonism and unable to extricate itself.

But these thoughts, like a dangerous seed, could only be buried deep in Alpha's heart. He knew in his heart that once these words came out of his mouth, he would probably have difficulty taking even one step out of the Kerreli region. Every inch of land here was shrouded by the power of the Ottoman Empire. If he was not careful, he would be killed.

"You are absolutely right." Wesley frowned slightly, his eyes full of worry about the current state of the country. "Political corruption and social instability are like two cancers that have taken deep root in the body of the empire and are constantly eroding the foundation of the country. The dissatisfaction of the people is like magma surging underground. Once it erupts, the consequences will be disastrous and will seriously affect the stability and development of the country."

"You are being too subtle. The Empire's problems are already very serious." Wesley leaned forward, his expression becoming more serious. "First of all, it is a strategic problem. The Empire is blindly pursuing extreme exploitation, trying to make all vassal states lose the ability to pose a threat to the Empire, so as to ensure the long-term stability of the Empire." He shook his head helplessly, his eyes full of disappointment. "However, this short-sighted thinking will only lead to the Empire's own increasing weakness. Look at the outside world, surrounded by powerful enemies, they are all constantly growing and progressing, while we are standing still and gradually declining."

“If one day those powerful enemies launch an attack, how could those vassal states that were once extremely oppressed lend a helping hand to the empire?” Wesley’s voice trembled slightly, as if he had seen the tragic end of the empire in the future. “By then, the empire will surely fall into a desperate situation of being deserted by its friends and relatives, and eventually collapse.”

Alpha was shocked when he heard Wesley's words. Alpha never thought that this ordinary man could have such profound and unique insights into the situation of the empire. These views, like sharp blades, accurately analyzed the many crises hidden under the prosperous appearance of the empire.

But besides being surprised, Alpha also felt a little uneasy. Alpha secretly wondered, if Wesley gained power in this era, with his wisdom and ambition, could he really change the course of history?

If that were the case, wouldn't the little historical knowledge that Alpha had instantly become useless? He might even fall into an irretrievable situation because of his knowledge of this history.

Once this idea emerged in his mind, it grew wildly like weeds. A dangerous thought even flashed through Alpha's mind: Should he create some accidents to make Wesley disappear from this world completely? In this way, he might be able to continue to stand firm in this era with his understanding of history.

However, this dangerous thought only stayed in his mind for a moment before being dispelled by reason. Alpha took a deep breath and realized clearly that the problems of the Ottoman Empire were deeply rooted and complicated, and could not be controlled by a single person.

This kind of decadent ideology has penetrated every corner and every class of the empire. Without a thorough reform from top to bottom, the power of just one or two people cannot solve this difficult situation. Even if a man of insight like Wesley wants to turn the tide, it is just like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

"The trend of extravagance in the empire today is like a raging fire, burning fiercely and difficult to contain." Wesley said with a worried look on his face, "The glorious days when they were proud of the army and regarded military achievements as supreme have long been forgotten. Now, people only have eyes for competing with each other, to see whose clothes are more gorgeous, whose jewelry is more dazzling, whose family's carriage is more luxurious, and whose land is more extensive. If this continues, sooner or later they will drag this country into an abyss of no return!"

As Wesley spoke, he kept shaking his head, his face full of compassion, and his words were full of complaints and helplessness about the current situation of the empire. But he knew in his heart that these complaints could not solve any practical problems at all, and they only added to his troubles.

"Captain Alpha, I'm sorry to have embarrassed you." Wesley sighed slightly, with an awkward smile on his face. "I'm sure you've seen the terrible state of the empire now. Do you have any unique insights into these issues?"

As he spoke, Wesley naturally shifted the topic to how to solve the problem, his eyes fixed on Alpha, as if expecting him to give an eye-opening answer.

"This..." Alpha frowned slightly when he heard this, thinking to himself. He knew that the decline of the Ottoman Empire might be a good opportunity for him, but how could he say this so easily? For a moment, Alpha hesitated, not knowing how to answer.

"It's okay. The corruption and extravagance of the empire are a fact known to everyone." Wesley seemed to see through Alpha's thoughts and waved his hand quickly, indicating that he didn't have to worry. "There are only you and me here. No third person will hear our conversation. You can talk as you please." After that, he specifically signaled the coachman to drive the carriage to the front to ensure that there was no other person within ten meters around, creating a relatively private conversation space for the two of them.

Alpha felt relieved after seeing this, and then he slowly said: "In my opinion, what the Ottoman Empire needs to face most now is the fierce competition and severe challenges from other countries. In this ever-changing international arena, there has never been a strong country that will always stand firm. Only those countries that continue to make progress and move forward courageously can always maintain their leading position."

Alpha paused for a moment, his eyes revealing a hint of determination, "At the same time, we should also be tolerant and have a broad mind that can accommodate all kinds of ideas and technologies. Only in this way can we continue to grow and develop."

As Alpha spoke, he was secretly calculating in his mind. He knew that he had to find a way out of the current predicament as soon as possible. After all, under the current high-pressure suppression policy of the Ottoman Empire, any emerging development was likely to become the target of suppression, and he was naturally not immune.

If he could take advantage of this opportunity to make Wesley realize the value of his views and thus influence the decision-making of the Ottoman Empire, it would undoubtedly be a hundred benefits to him.

Wesley listened to Alpha's words quietly, his expression solemn, and he fell into deep thought. He had to admit that Alpha's remarks really hit the nail on the head, making him deeply aware that if the Ottoman Empire wanted to gain a foothold in the tide of international competition, it had to make more efforts and make practical changes.

"You are right." Wesley nodded, with a hint of appreciation in his eyes. "Then, how do you think we should deal with these challenges? Please elaborate on your ideas."

"We must not over-exploit those dependent states as we did in the past." Alpha pondered for a moment and said slowly, "Instead, we should adopt a conciliatory policy and give them enough space and time to recuperate and achieve common progress. Only in this way will they be willing to continuously supply resources to the empire. At the same time, they can also play an effective buffering role between the empire and external powers, avoid direct conflicts, and create a relatively stable external environment for the development of the empire."

Alpha's point of view did sound reasonable, but Wesley couldn't help but have some doubts in his heart: Is there any personal interest in Alpha? After all, making such a suggestion might be of great benefit to his forces.