In Ark Simulator, why do I always get a tough start?

Chapter 103 Mission to Letania, Sherag's Reforms

At the beginning of 1080, an unprecedented coup occurred in the long-isolated Shelag.

[Qi Shivaish, the adopted son of the Shivaish family, led a thousand men in a coup, overthrowing the rule of the Manjushri Monastery and taking the religious representative, the saintess, hostage.]

[Not only that, he also took all the important members of the major and minor families of Sherag hostage, preventing any of them from rebelling.]

Having thus gained control of all the families of Kjerag and commanded Kjerag's most powerful army, he formally announced to Jeragand that he would assume the throne.

And so, after thousands of years, the Sherag people welcomed their second king, following Jeragand.

[King of Kalan.]

The people of Sherag have expressed a variety of opinions regarding your ascension to the throne; some are indifferent, while others are outraged by your blasphemy.

Those who know how you seized power in a coup are even more disdainful of you and harbor deep resentment.

Without exception, under your absolute military intimidation, not a single Sherag dared to voice their thoughts.

[Because, by your deliberate arrangement, the corpses of all the elders of the Manjushri Temple were hung high in the center of the only town in Sherag.]

The corpses of those elders, their faces contorted in agony, their skin bluish-white from the cold wind, served as a silent warning to everyone in Sherag—

What is the ultimate fate of all those who offend you and oppose you?

Everyone has begun to fear your cruelty and be intimidated by your power; no one dares to stand up and threaten your rule anymore.

You stripped the Perroch family of their military power and turned the Shivaish family's "Kalan Trade" into a state-owned enterprise, thus achieving complete nationalization of the military, government, and business.

[Thus, in just a few days, you have accomplished a feat that only Yelagand could achieve—the unification of Shelag.]

And your power will only be more secure than that of Yeragand.

Although you are not a god, in Shelag, the power you wield is no different from that of a god.

However, this earth-shattering news for Sherag failed to attract any attention from foreigners.

Even you, who accomplished this feat, feel no joy whatsoever.

Although everything is proceeding according to your plan, it's still too slow for you.

You know, war is about to break out.

In the same year, truly earth-shattering news arrived from faraway Letania.

The twin queens who overthrew the Witch King were also overthrown by a more powerful new emperor in just three years!

With the ascension of the new king of Letania, the morale of the entire nation is soaring!

The rise to power of this ruthless monarch, deeply loved by the people of Letania and a proponent of industrialization and militarization, made everyone on Terra sense the approaching threat of war.

Of course, you're no exception.

Now that you've achieved the unification of Sherag, you know it's time to make connections with Letania.

"Brother? You intend for me to serve as Sherag's envoy to meet with the new emperor of Letania?"

"What's wrong? My dear brother, do you think you're not suitable?"

At the top of the holy mountain, in the building that originally belonged to the Manju Academy, now Chen Qi's royal residence, Chen Qi was talking with Ensiodes about the changes in Letania.

"it's not true."

Enciodes calmly shook his head at this heavy burden before explaining his misunderstanding to his brother:

“But, brother, I don’t understand.”

"All along, the industrialization of Sherag has been based on technology acquired from the recent Victoria. Why would you, brother, choose to go to such lengths and cooperate with Letania instead?"

"Leytania is quite a distance from Sherag."

"Moreover, it's rumored that Letania has always focused on Originium Arts and music, and we haven't heard of any progress they've made in industry and technology."

"—This is what I said before, brother. If you stay cooped up in this poor, remote place like Shelag, even the most talented genius will become mediocre."

Hearing Ensiodis recount those outdated messages, Chen Qi, the former Emperor of Letania, smiled faintly and replied:
"You should go out more and see just how fast the world is changing."

"We who pride ourselves on progress may be abandoned by this era in the next second."

Chen Qi did not offer much explanation for Ensiodes's doubts.

He believed that once his younger brother arrived in Letania, he would understand everything he had said.

"Believe me, brother, I have a feeling that Letania will be the most important country that we in Shelag need to win over, perhaps without exception."

“He may be far away from us now, but I believe that Letania will get closer and closer to us sooner or later.”

"Brother, you mean..."

Listening to Chen Qi's suggestive words, Enciodes, who understood immediately, clearly grasped something, and an extremely terrifying thought surfaced in his mind.

But Chen Qi ignored his younger brother's speculations; these things were far too distant for Shelag, a small country that was just starting out.

Sherag is too far behind and has lost any chance of winning the championship.

Scherrag's only hope may lie in preserving himself as much as possible amidst the great power rivalry.

“Brother, this time I want you to go to Letania, not just to establish a business partnership with Letania.”

"The industry, technology, and military industry there are exactly what Sherag needs right now."

"Even if Letania will never give us the most cutting-edge technology, even basic industrialization is very important to us."

"You must get your hands on these."

"...But brother, Letania is a great nation. What do we have that Letania needs?"

Enciodes, who had been studying in Victoria and busy training assassins for Chen Qi for the past three years, clearly lacked understanding of Letania.

But he didn't know that his brother, who had once been the emperor of Letania, knew the situation there very well.

"Minerals, of course."

Chen Qi answered with absolute confidence:

"Leytania is expanding its industry on a large scale. They are extremely dependent on imports for both Originium and minerals used to manufacture weapons."

"Although Kjerag does not have any Originium mines, it does possess vast untapped mineral resources."

"Just for this reason alone, I believe that Letania, which is now almost isolated in international relations, will be overjoyed to hear that we have come to them."

Of course, what Chen Qi didn't say was that the most important thing was speed.

We must seize the window of opportunity presented by Letania's rebuilding efforts and make Shelag the first country to take the plunge.

Otherwise, once Letania establishes trade routes with Colombia, Sherag's additional contribution will become negligible.

He gave the general direction, and Chen Qi also taught his inexperienced younger brother how to implement it.

"We can have Letania provide us with advanced mining equipment to speed up mineral extraction."

"Of course, we also need to build several railways, connecting Kjerag and Letania, to ensure the transportation of minerals. Letania can sponsor these projects."

"I think that they are in dire need of minerals and have ambitious goals, so they are unlikely to care about the small favors we ask for."

"And, Ensiodis, don't forget the most important point."

At this point, Chen Qi's gaze towards his younger brother took on an extremely solemn expression.

Realizing the change in his brother's attitude, Enciodes sat up straight and listened attentively to his brother's most serious admonition.

"In any business partnership, we must firmly safeguard our own national interests."

"We want to live, and we want the people of Shelag to live; we want to be rich, and we want the people of Shelag to be rich."

"Don't betray our country for personal gain."

"—I will remember that, brother."

Ensiodis nodded heavily.

It should be said that Chen Qi gave him an extremely difficult task.

He was to act as a new diplomat from a small country, engaging in a power struggle with politicians from a major power.

More importantly, he needed to protect the interests of Sherag while also making Letania feel that it was profitable and willingly invest in their infrastructure.

But Enciodes was not afraid.

After all, he knew very well that in Shelag, apart from his brother, he was the most outstanding person in this land.

If even he himself cannot succeed, then it is likely that none of the others in Sherag will succeed either.

“I need Nosis to come with me.” Enciodes pondered for a moment and then presented his plan to Chen Qi.

"I will do everything in my power to cooperate with the government of Letania. Even if I can't meet the emperor, I will still negotiate this deal."

"As for matters of industry and technology, Nosis is well-versed in them and may be able to learn something from Letania."

"That's it."

Having finished discussing the most important business, the brothers' expressions relaxed slightly. However, the next second, before Enciodes could even relax, Chen Qi's quiet remark caused his emotions to fluctuate wildly once again.

"I heard that Father has announced to the public that he has severed ties with me, is that right?"

"……Yes."

After a brief silence, Ensiodis, suppressing a slight tremor in his heart, calmly spoke regarding Chen Qi's plan:

"Just as you planned, brother."

"After you announced your succession as King of Kalan, my father immediately announced that he was severing his relationship with you as a form of protest."

"He passed the position of head of the Shivaish family to me, and in front of all the other family heads, he gave my brother a good scolding."

"In addition, over the past three years, you have been creating an atmosphere of discord with Father. Now, no other family suspects that the Shivaish family is involved in this coup."

“Even the people of Sherag sympathize with Father. Everyone thinks... that you, brother, are heartless and ruthless, using the Shivaesh family as a stepping stone to seize power.”

"……it is good."

Having received the expected result, Chen Qi's expression remained unchanged. He then asked about his second most pressing question.

"So... what about Fiona and Chen?"

"Did they leave Shelag after I completed this coup?"

Chen Qi knew very well that neither Fiona nor Chen Huijie would like the coup he had launched.

Fiona was willing to help him because she felt he could give Sherag a better future.

On the other hand, it was also because Fiona didn't want Chen Qi to suffer such humiliation again, without even being able to resist.

Therefore, this simple rural girl, despite feeling guilty, helped you complete this coup.

Now, Chen Qi, who has just ascended to the throne, has revealed your cruel side in order to establish his authority.

Chen Qi was mentally prepared to sever ties with these two close friends.

"No, brother, they haven't left."

However, Enciodes' response surprised Chen Qi.

"To be honest, Miss Chen originally intended to leave, but Miss Fiona persuaded her to stay."

"I don't know the specifics, but according to Ms. Chen..."

Enshio Dist. paused for a moment, but still told his brother the truth.

"She said she wanted to see you here with her own eyes how you fell into hell."

"……Yeah?"

The unexpected answer made Chen Qi smile after a slight pause.

He didn't care whether Chen Huijie hated or disappointed him.

Now that he is King Sherag, he needs to use anyone who is capable and loyal to him.

As for whether Chen Huijie and Fiona still have any friendship with him... that's his personal question.

Compared to matters of national importance, personal feelings are insignificant.

"Da da da."

"Your Highness, and Lord Ensiodes as well."

Just as the two were discussing, a knock came at the door, and a clear, gentle, and loving female voice came from outside.

"The land ship to Letania is almost here; it's time to prepare to set sail."

"It seems that the time we brothers can spend together will only become less and less in the future."

Hearing the head maid's urging from outside the door, Chen Qi smiled helplessly and gave his brother a final hug.

At this moment, Chen Qi whispered in Ensiodes's ear:

“Brother, if you manage to meet the Emperor of Letania on your trip there, remember, you must see his face.”

"This is very important, please don't forget it."

Chen Qi remained incredibly curious about whether the emperor of Letania was another version of himself.

He entrusted all this crucial information, which concerned his future decisions, to Enciodes, hoping that he could provide him with accurate intelligence.

"Yeah, I remember."

Although he didn't understand the meaning, Ensiodis still agreed.

After patting his brother's shoulder heavily, knowing how heavy a burden his brother carried, he forced back his tears and said in a deep voice, trying to appear strong:
"Brother, I'm leaving now."

"The situation in Shelag is still turbulent. Please take good care of yourself, brother, and don't let anything happen to you."

"Don't worry, even if I die, you'll still be there."

Chen Qi made a lighthearted joke and watched his younger brother open the door and stride down the foot of the sacred mountain.

Chen Qi had just stepped out of the room when Yela, the elegant and beautiful head maid, had been waiting for him for some time.

"Welcome, Your Highness."

"Your Highness, the head of the Latatos family is still awaiting your judgment."

"……Um."

Faced with Miss Yela, whom Enya claimed was the head maid of the Manju Academy during the previous Saintess's reign, Chen Qi smiled knowingly but said nothing.

Yera? Yeragand.

It seems this "god" is really not hiding anything, and is just short of revealing his identity to the world.

However, Yeragand's willingness to appear here is also a good thing for Chen Qi.

This means that no matter how bloody their previous power grab was, it doesn't matter.

At least in Yeragand's eyes, he was still someone who was working hard for the survival of Shelag.

This means that she is willing to stand on his side and help him rule Shelag.

Even Yeragand is on his side, so what else does Chen Qi have to worry about?

Guided by Yella, Chen Qi silently arrived at the living room.

As soon as he arrived, he saw Latatos, pale-faced, kneeling humbly on the cold floor tiles, hesitant to raise his head.

"Then... the head of the Brontao family, who assisted the elder in murdering my adoptive parents."

"What should I do with you?"

Especially after she sensed Chen Qi's approach, she wished she could bury her head in the floor tiles, and beads of sweat from her fear dripped onto the tiles.

The next second, to Latatos's surprise, Chen Qi forcibly lifted her cheeks.

Chen Qi grabbed Latatos's chin with one hand, gazing at the exquisite face so close to his own, a devilish sneer appearing on his face.

“You are directly related to the death of my adoptive mother.”

“If it were up to my temper… I should have cut you into a thousand pieces and then hung your corpse up for all to see.”

“Now, I’m giving you a chance, Latatos.”

"Prove that your life has more value than me killing you to vent my anger."

Latatos, staring directly into Chen Qi's cold, death-like eyes, felt her impending doom and was completely at a loss.

A pungent liquid seeped from her black stockings and dripped onto the ground, but Latatos remained oblivious to it.

All she could do was muster her last bit of courage and prove her final worth to her king.

"If only Your Highness would spare my sister and brother-in-law's lives."

“No matter what decree Your Highness issues, my Bulangtao family and I are willing to serve Your Highness at all costs.”

"--good."

Having received the answer he wanted, Chen Qi showed no mercy and threw Latatos aside.

Now, with Ratatos's assurance, Chen Qi plans to begin his final consolidation of power before reforming Sherag.

"Then I would like to trouble the Blangtao family, one of the three great families, to set an example and implement my 'Decree of Grace' first."

“I do not want anything under my rule in Shelag to be able to resist my family’s power.”

“From this day forward, the family will cease to exist in Shelag.”

"Everyone should serve the country wholeheartedly."

(End of this chapter)