Luo Yan noticed that these children all trusted this Centurion.

It seems that the Imperial Officer Faction's reach into the Imperial grassroots is perhaps more "terrifying" than they themselves realize.

At least in the Holy City, it's this way.

After comforting the children in the yard, Kosel turned and quietly explained to Luo Yan.

"Your Highness, this was originally Mr. Dinger Kajuna's repair workshop. Although I personally think he's a genius, others may not see it that way. If he says anything that offends you later, please forgive him."

Luo Yan smiled and said.

"I am not that petty, but I am quite curious... why would such a genius live in such a humble place."

Kosel's expression became somewhat complex, and after hesitating for a moment, he said.

"He... how should I put it, is a bit obsessive in the field of technology, not very tactful. He was actually doing well before; as an engineer at the Imperial Royal Navy Academy, his salary was quite substantial, even more than mine. But his problem lies here—once he immerses himself in his world, he can't come out. I heard that he even proposed to build a warship purely out of metal for the Empire. Don't laugh... he really said that."

Luo Yan did not laugh; instead, he looked surprised.

"That is indeed unusual, and then what?"

This guy is really talented.

He also wanted to make an Iron Armor Ship for Hell, but unfortunately, Hell didn't have a port that could use such a thing, so he could only save it for himself in the future.

Honestly speaking, it's understandable that people around him think he's crazy.

Not to mention the disparity in steel production and riveting technology, even if the Aus Empire managed to build this Iron Armor Ship, it would have no opponents.

In the past thousand years, the Empire and Hell have never engaged in naval battles, at most skirmishing on decks or coastlines.

"And then... nothing more happened," Kosel said with a wry smile. "This was just a small episode in his career, and he's always been one to put words into action. To be honest, it's quite a feat that he hasn't been penalized."

Luo Yan nodded.

"Indeed."

Kosel continued.

"I'm not sure about the specific details, but I heard that due to differences in design philosophy, he was expelled from the Imperial Royal Navy Academy, and then he was in a daze for a while until I happened to meet him after returning from the front lines."

"We were classmates, and I couldn't just leave him on his own, so I helped him find a place here to open up a repair shop... at least on this street, as long as I'm here, he doesn't have to worry about being harassed by thugs. As for taking in those children, that was at the request of old comrades from the Red Shield Brotherhood... uh, you might not know what that is, but it's a place where Holy City veterans help each other."

"I know, I heard Yuriel Corps Commander is your leader," Luo Yan said with a smile, "I met him once at Duke Valencia's banquet."

Upon hearing the name of Yuriel Corps Commander, a trace of reverence flashed across Kosel's face, and his posture involuntarily straightened.

"Yes, Yuriel Corps Commander is also a member of the Red Shield, and although he doesn't like us calling him our leader, we all genuinely respect him."

Luo Yan returned the respect with a smile, yet he wasn't interested in Yuriel's affairs. After a moment, he steered the conversation back to "Mr. Iron Armor Ship."

He found this topic more intriguing.

It's not surprising to see that the Earth is round while standing on a giant's shoulders, but seeing the sea beyond the basin while standing in a basin is quite remarkable.

"You mentioned earlier that Mr. Dinger had a philosophical disagreement with the Imperial Royal Navy Academy. What exactly was that about?"

Kosel hesitated, seemingly pondering the words but eventually answered honestly: "Mr. Dinger insisted on developing machinery that was easy for ordinary people to operate. He believed technology shouldn't be monopolized by a select few, and that at least improving soldiers' equipment could enhance their battlefield survival. But the old academicians thought he was living in a fantasy, so he never really got a chance to shine, and they eventually found an excuse to expel him."

Kosel's description was succinct, but Luo Yan knew he was actually concealing certain things.

The suppression of non-Magic-guided machinery by the Holy Sis Church was not merely an academic factional conflict. It was more about the lingering shadow of the Mechanical God over the Holy Sis Church Court.

The universities in the Holy City were largely territories of the Church. They certainly wouldn't accept a maverick who might go astray.

Besides, non-Magic-guided machinery might not necessarily be much stronger than Magic Devices.

As for the inspiration that non-Magic-guided machinery could provide for the development of Magic Devices (like the Magic Crystal Cannon) and its significance in improving ordinary people's lives, that's another topic entirely.

The majority can't see that far, and seeing it would be meaningless anyway.

Much like how Kosel was reluctant to mention the details of this matter to him, as he regarded him as an "outsider" who was unaware of the intricate interests among the factions in the Holy City, and even if he knew, it would be of no help.

Though he actually understood the city far better than Kosel imagined.

Luo Yan's lips curved into a faint smile, his eyes showing a hint of admiration.

"Sounds like this gentleman is an idealist."

"Indeed," Kosel nodded, with a tone tinged with respect and a hint of regret, "It's just a pity that sometimes... even I think his ideas are too advanced, so much so that he seems like a lunatic in the eyes of the majority."

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