Why it never ends

Chapter 1273 Request
The male secretary spoke with a certain smugness, and Stella recognized that tone—making rules is always a higher level than enforcing them.

The three entered a rather grand reception room. After sitting down, Hershta casually picked up a newspaper and began to read it without saying anything more.

Stella kept track of the time. Although they hadn't set a specific time to meet yesterday, she was still trying to gauge whether the absence was a sign of neglect.

A series of increasingly rapid footsteps came from outside.

“Your Excellency the Inspector.” A rising voice came from the doorway. Hershta looked up and saw a middle-aged man whose face looked somewhat familiar. Just as Stella had said, she did recognize the face and the man—after all, it was rare to see a man who was not young but still had a well-proportioned figure.

Hershta stood up and shook hands with him, and then the two sat down together.

Ernesto crossed his legs, placed his hands on his knees, and put on a suitable smile. He dared not neglect Hersta in the slightest; his lateness was a result of his excessive nervousness—he had been present the night Hersta delivered his diametrical speech, and on several subsequent occasions he had witnessed firsthand how kind Arevalo was to this young man…

Ernesto felt immense pressure from Hersta's visit today, fearing that Hersta would make demands he couldn't handle and that he would be powerless to refuse.

The room fell silent. Stella felt an urge to break the awkward silence, but she tried her best to hold back.

“...Today,” Hershta’s voice was very flat, “our meeting has nothing to do with the governor.”

Ernesto's expression froze for a moment.

“It was indeed the governor who told me that I could come to see you, but our conversation that followed was not at the governor’s behest in the slightest—because the governor knew nothing about what I was about to say, so you, Mr. Ernesto Vargas, were perfectly free to refuse.”

The old man was still smiling, but his gaze had become complicated.

"So, what exactly is the Governor-General...?"

"Please let me finish what I have to say," Hesta replied with the same faint smile.

“Go on,” Ernesto said, sitting up even straighter.

"Our Askia Freedom Front will also participate in this bidding process—of course, we're still working on the paperwork. We're applying for an association for agricultural supply chain security and processing technology, and we'll rely on that entity..."

Ernesto seemed thoughtful, beginning to consider how to refuse the young man's next request for votes.

“But to be honest, we are completely incapable of hosting such a large trade show,” Hersta suddenly said.

“…Huh?” Ernesto was stunned.

“Because we’re just a small party,” Hester said. “As you probably know, the Aschia Freedom Front couldn’t have been formed so quickly without His Majesty the Emperor’s permission. Right now, we have hardly anyone, hardly any money—” Stella, sitting opposite Hester, chuckled lightly at the opportune moment: “And we have almost no experience…”

“Yes.” Hersta’s voice echoed with genuine sincerity. “I see.”

The atmosphere in the entire reception room suddenly became more relaxed.

“That… confuses me,” Ernesto said, setting down his supporting leg and leaning towards Hesta. “So what brings you here today?”

“Because we really have a favor to ask,” Hester said. “As you know, the Governor is very sorry that several trade associations of the Wehrton Interests have withdrawn this time, and he has always admired Tom Cruise—”

“Tang An will be fine. Things will pass. In the right time, this matter might even be completely turned around. It all depends on whether the Wertherton Interest Party can seize the opportunity.” Ernesto said with a smile, “Let’s be frank, Inspector General. There must be something I can do to help you.”

“I want our association to be in the top five in the first round of voting,” Hersta said earnestly. “The governor told me that the North Shore Chamber of Commerce will most likely be the final organizer of this trade fair. Although he doesn’t think much of these people, the Interest Party has already withdrawn, so there’s nothing he can do. However, if we can get into the top five, we can accumulate some influence. It might be easier to do other things later.”

Ernesto finally understood Hesta's purpose—the final results of this bidding process would reveal the vote counts of the top five, and many media outlets would follow up with reports, so it was indeed an opportunity for the new party to make its presence felt, especially now that the Interest Party had withdrawn from the race, and many people were watching closely.

“I asked the governor how many votes I would need, and he said six would be enough… so here I am,” Hesta said. “But I must reiterate to you, President Ernesto, this is my personal request and has absolutely nothing to do with the governor.”

“Hi…” Ernesto laughed, finally leaning back slightly and settling into the sofa in a relaxed manner. Then he shook his head. “This year’s bidding was pretty boring. To be honest, if the judging committee hadn’t allowed abstentions, none of my companies would have submitted a bid.”

“Who says otherwise?” Hersta murmured, then suddenly looked into Ernesto’s eyes with a hint of curiosity in her gaze. “But may I ask you a question?”

"Please speak."

“I have no experience with these things, and you know I’ve hardly ever lived in habitable areas before,” Hester said. “But anyway, if you’re going to help me, I have to show my appreciation. But when I asked the governor about the process, he wouldn’t tell me, and even told me to cut all ties with him and never mention him in your presence—I don’t understand, what will you get in return for agreeing? Perhaps you could just be straightforward—”

“How could I be so petty!” Ernesto laughed, looking at the very humble young man before him, and suddenly felt that the aggressive Mercury Needle from that night in the council chamber seemed to become kinder. “If you don’t understand, then let me explain for the governor—I have already received my dues.”

"Really? What is it?" Hesta looked at the person in front of him, puzzled.

“You’re here,” Ernesto said in a sincere and moving tone. “You asked me to do you a favor, and this is the reward the governor is giving me—well, Your Excellency, I understand. May I ask one more question? Who else did you contact before?”

"You are the first one."

Ernesto suddenly wore an expression of flattery, but before he could speak, Hesta continued, "However, I cannot tell you who I am going to visit next."

“I understand,” Ernesto nodded repeatedly. “I understand.”