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

Chapter 110 War is Imminent, Sherag's Uncompromising Stance

At the summit of Mount Shelag, formerly known as Manjushri Monastery, is now the palace where the King of Kalan and the Holy Maiden lived and worked together.

After three years of rapid development, under Chen Qi's dictatorial rule, whether the people under his rule liked it or not, the mysterious veil of Shelag was lifted.

Even the sacred mountain, which is considered incredibly holy by the people of Shelag, has become a popular tourist destination for millions of visitors.

Countless tourists come here to challenge what has been mentioned countless times in tourism promotions as "one of the highest peaks in all of Terra".

Girls from all over the world come here because of the legend that "the woman who hikes to the top of the holy mountain is qualified to become a saint of Kalan".

Accompanied by her family and boyfriend, she came with great enthusiasm to verify whether she was qualified to become a saint.

After all, terms like "saint" or "fairy," which seem to imply innate nobility and transcendence, hold immense appeal for women.

The attraction of "gods" and "emperors" to men is almost the same.

Of course, besides that, the most important reason that attracts countless people to climb the holy mountain is the magnificent Jeragund statue.

It was a colossal statue, tens of meters tall, carved from rock, based on the appearance of Yeragand as recorded in ancient scriptures, after discussions among all the family heads.

Although before the actual carving began, Chen Qi encountered a complaint from the head maid Yela that "Yelagand is not that ugly at all."

However, on this issue, Chen Qi unusually chose to respect the public's wishes and let them sculpt the image of Jeragund as they imagined it.

For this reason, our Miss Yela was so angry that she ignored His Majesty for several days.

This small incident also made Enya, who was a saint, even more certain of her guess about Yera's true identity.

However, the Jeragund statue still fulfilled its mission, becoming a tourist attraction in Shelag, drawing thousands of visitors.

Meanwhile, small vendors in Shelag can also sell goods and food along the long "sky road".

Some people even go out of their way to sell warm sleeping bags and rent tents along the way to provide rest for tourists who can't climb the mountain in a short time.

But on this day, the holy mountain, usually bustling with people, was unusually locked down.

The guards were not even the police or army of Shelag.

Under the slightly uneasy gaze of tourists, soldiers dressed in uniforms from various countries and fully armed stood on the road leading to the holy mountain.

Even though most tourists don't understand military matters, their intuition from the constant alarms already told them that there was a tense atmosphere between these soldiers from different countries, as if a conflict could break out at any moment.

The murderous aura lingering at the foot of the sacred mountain also foreshadowed that the hard-won prosperity of this land was about to be shattered.

……

"clatter."

"My lords, this is a special kind of oil tea from Shelag. It has a unique flavor. Please try it."

Inside the palace, Yera, as the head lady-in-waiting, served oil tea to the important ministers and nobles from various countries.

After completing this task, Yela, still smiling, returned to the seat behind Chen Qi, who was sitting with his eyes closed, resting.

Beside Chen Qi, besides Yera, were Ensiodes, the prime minister, and Enya, the saintess.

Even Fiona, who was attending as an observer as a general, was present at the meeting.

The atmosphere at the scene was harmonious, but no one present was fooled by this illusion.

Everyone knows that this will be a dangerous game.

"Mmm, it smells wonderful."

As the representative sent by Victoria, the Duke of Caesar, after taking a bite, exclaimed with praise:
"Everyone says that both the milk tea and the oil tea in Xielag have a unique flavor, and it certainly lives up to its reputation."

But the next second, the duke changed the subject, his smile undiminished, and said:
"If only we could enjoy this oil tea anytime, anywhere in Victoria, that would be wonderful!"

"—Since the railway opened, the distance between Sherag and Victoria is no longer far."

Enciodes listened to Duke Caster's pointed words and responded with a flawless smile:
"Unfortunately, although the oil tea is delicious, to appreciate its most delicious moment, I'm afraid we'll have to trouble His Excellency the Duke to come in person."

"That's such a shame."

The Duke of Caesar smiled slightly, her expression unchanged, but she spoke with exceptional sincerity and enthusiasm in front of representatives from other countries:
"Speaking of which, I am somewhat related to the Shiva'ish clan by blood."

"If we're going by seniority, the Prime Minister and the Holy Maiden should probably call me 'Auntie'."

In a relaxed tone, he revealed a secret that even representatives from other countries were not aware of. The Duke of Custer did not care about other people's opinions, and his attitude was gentle yet assertive.

"Even the members of Shivaish graduated from Victoria University, am I right?"

“Even in the construction of Shelag, Victoria was the first to contribute.”

"Ah, in every sense of the word, it feels like Kjerag and Victoria are practically family~"

family?

Duke Caesar's words nearly made Ensioudis burst out laughing.

Although Scherrag initially sought out Victoria as a partner, Victoria never officially invested a single penny in Scherrag.

The sponsorships they secured from Victoria were all from Victorian businessmen whom they persuaded through their own abilities and connections.

As for blood relations, that's even more absurd.

Although the Shivaish family was indeed a distant relative of Duke Kester, the Duke had never paid any attention to these poor relatives before.

Even at the funeral of their daughter who had married into the family and moved to Sherag, the Castle family didn't send a single messenger to offer condolences.

And with this, you have the nerve to say that Victoria and Sherag are family?

It's simply a matter of being poor in the city and having no one care, while being rich in the deep forest and having distant relatives.

Coveting Shelag's current wealth and strategic location, yet still feigning intimacy—this attitude is truly disgusting.

Even so, Ensiodis and the others could not stand idly by.

In particular, they keenly noticed the wariness displayed by the other country representatives when they learned of the relationship between Victoria and Sherag.

"—Your Grace is too kind. The winds of Shelag are biting cold, and the weather is freezing. I'm afraid that even if it develops for another hundred years, it will never be able to compare with the most prosperous Victoria."

However, before Duke Caster could try to get closer to her, Enya took over the topic and, with an incomparably pure and perfect smile, answered on behalf of Sherag:

"Yeragand shelters every wanderer of Sherag, and every wanderer, after his adventures, will return to the embrace of Yeragand."

"Even if it's freezing cold here, the Sherag people will still choose to return to their homeland."

"The love that the Sherag people have for Jelagand and the land beneath their feet is something that cannot be bought with any material possessions."

"...Really? This kind of attachment to one's homeland is truly enviable."

After being repeatedly evaded with his excuses, the proud Duke of Caesar felt a surge of anger.

Despite being a Duke of Victoria, even though Scherrag had become wealthy, the noble-born and high-born Castel still looked down on Scherrag, a poor and remote village.

They looked down on their poor relatives from the Shiva'ish clan from the bottom of their hearts.

But this time, Castle still chose to represent Victoria in Sherag.

Her goal was not merely to seize control of the tourist resort of Shelag and to benefit Victoria.

Furthermore, this is to gain the most advantageous position in the face of the potential war between Victoria and Letania that could break out at any time.

After Kazimierz was swiftly destroyed, Victoria also foresaw Letania's next move, and the battle for supremacy between the two superpowers could erupt at any moment.

However, compared to Letania, which is united and has also brought Colombia as an ally.

The Victorian Empire, an old and powerful nation, was not only riddled with sins, but also internally unstable.

Aside from suppressing internal rebellions as much as possible, Victoria's side couldn't win over any allies and could only passively wait for Letania's attack.

But at this moment, the sudden rise of Sherag gave Victoria's top brass a glimmer of hope.

The hope of a stalemate between the front line and the once-prosperous Letania.

The location of Shelag is situated on the main route between Victoria and Letania, and its terrain is easy to defend and difficult to attack, making it extremely suitable for stationing troops.

If Victoria can advance the first line of defense to Shelag, then, taking advantage of Shelag's terrain, they might be able to fight against the iron torrent of Letania.

More importantly, Kjerag is not only strategically important, but in the past three years, it has also developed its own complete industrialization and sufficient farmland.

what does this mean?
This means that as long as the Victorian army can enter Sherag, they can quickly consolidate their occupied territory without investing too much money and resources.

This is practically a natural fortress with abundant resources!

More importantly, Kherlag is a small country whose economy is primarily based on tourism and whose industrial development is relatively recent.

Victoria was fully capable of easily swallowing this fertile but weak land!
Moreover, if Victoria does not occupy Shelag and Letania takes over the place first, their disadvantage will be even greater.

Therefore, Victoria, who could not ignore this important strategic location, unanimously decided to send the Duke of Kasper, who was related to the Shivaish family, to persuade the King of Kharan in Shelag.

He persuaded Chen Qi to make Sherag part of the Victorian Empire.

But now, despite repeated hints, Chen Qi has been turned down, and Kaister hasn't even received a single statement from him.

Gazing at Chen Qi, who sat high on the throne, eyes closed and silent, a flicker of disgust flashed in the arrogant eyes of Kasper. For some reason, despite it being their first meeting, she felt a sense of aversion towards this King of Kalan that was no less than towards the Emperor of Letania.

However, at the same time, Castells knew in his heart that his goal was probably difficult to achieve.

So, was this annoying King Kalan already planning to sell his territory to Letania?
This is undoubtedly the worst news.

However, Kester had considered this possibility, so she made preparations for both scenarios.

The Duke of Caesar gently touched a ring on the little finger of his left hand... a small amount of poison was hidden inside.

Just a tiny bit is enough to poison a pack animal, and it's colorless and odorless, making it perfect for adding to tea.

Before setting off, Kester had planned that she would have several "Grey Hat" (agents) dress up as ordinary guards.

If the King of Kalan decides to give Sherag to Letania, then I will have "Top Hat" poison and assassinate him.

In this way, once Sherag falls into internal strife, Victoria can take advantage of the situation and quickly occupy Sherag.

"Heh, it seems that the relatives of the Sherags are not so closely related to the Duke of Caesar."

Meanwhile, the representative sent by Letania was also an old acquaintance of Chen Qi's—Duke Glaufeld, the military representative.

Without a doubt, Glaufeld's goal was exactly the same as Kester's; they also wanted to seize the strategic location of Shelag as soon as possible.

As long as they hold this position, even if they suffer an initial setback in the battle against Victoria, they can retreat to Shelag and wage a war of attrition against Victoria, taking advantage of the terrain.

At that time, Letania will control three major mining regions: Bolívar, Rembitox, and Chelág, and will also have two supply chains: Colombia and Ursus.

With nine mines attacking one, Glaufeld simply did not believe that Letania could outlast Victoria.

Therefore, after Enciodes and Enya both clearly rejected Kester's attempts to win them over, Glaufeld, brimming with confidence and an extremely assertive attitude, smiled and said:

"That makes sense. Anyone with eyes can see that cooperating with the great Letania is more beneficial than with Victoria."

With an incredibly powerful empire as his backing, Glaufeld made no attempt to conceal his true intentions.

He turned his gaze to Chen Qi, and smiled confidently and forcefully:

"Your Majesty, King Kalan, truly have discerning eyes."

“We are not like these hypocritical and pretentious Victorians. Our Emperor of Letania values ​​only talent and strength.”

"If King Kalan were willing to become a vassal state of our Letania, or even make Sherag a part of the Letania Empire, His Majesty would surely be overjoyed!"

"At that time, His Majesty will surely officially bestow upon you the title of King of Shelag, and Shelag's prosperity will not only continue, but will reach even greater heights!"

Beside Glaufeld, the Colombian ambassador, faced with the general's assertive attitude, opened his mouth but dared not say anything.

After all, although Colombia is still an ally of Letania, it's clear to everyone that Colombia is not.

Once Victoria is destroyed, the future of a weak Colombia becoming a vassal state of Letania is not far off.

The Colombian envoy's arrival was merely to express support for Letania; he had no right to intervene in this power struggle between the two nations.

"Duke Glaufeld, please show some respect in His Majesty's presence."

However, Fiona, as a general, could no longer bear the sight.

After three years of living together, Fiona, who was born in Victoria, has now fallen deeply in love with the land of Shelag.

Fiona, who once doubted whether she should continue to support Chen Qi because of his brutal rule, is no longer confused.

She witnessed how, over the past three years, Sherag has transformed from a small, isolated country into a nation that integrates tourism, industry, agriculture, and foreign trade.

She realized how short-sighted she had been, and how vast the gap was between Chen Qi's vision and her own.

The war that broke out made Fiona understand why her friend used dictatorial means to force the Sherag people to catch up with the development of other countries.

He had long foreseen the coming of war, but at that time, no one understood his thoughts.

Unlike Chen Huijie, Fiona is a cheerful, lively, and sunny girl.

Having let go of her inner turmoil, she took the initiative to openly admit her thoughts and mistakes to Chen Qi as a friend.

In the end, Fiona's sincerity won Chen Qi's understanding, and after a hug, the two friends finally overcame their past misunderstandings.

Fiona is now confident that she made the right choice in trusting the right person.

However, it was precisely because of her love for Kjerag and her trust in her friend that Fiona could not ignore Glaufeld's words.

"Shelag is an independent country, a country that His Majesty built with painstaking effort!"

"He is not your subject, and Sherag is not the territory of Letania. You cannot speak such nonsense in front of His Majesty!"

"—Hahahaha! Well said! Little girl Vayvan, you are worthy of your rank as a general!"

However, Fiona's righteous words made Glaufeld laugh instead of get angry.

After the general burst into laughter, his face suddenly darkened.

Having experienced the great battle that destroyed Kazimierz, Glaufel's domineering aura and killing intent as a general made Fiona, who had never truly been on the battlefield, turn pale and almost immediately suppress her.

At this moment, Fiona finally understood... just how vast the difference was between herself and the general who had fought his way through mountains of corpses and seas of blood.

"But, young lady, don't forget, the confidence to speak comes from the strength of the nation!"

“Leytania is powerful, and Sherag is weak, so even if I am in your palace and do not respect your king at all, you cannot do anything to me.”

"To tell you the truth, if it weren't for the fact that your king has developed Kjerag into such a powerful nation, our mighty Letania Empire wouldn't even give us a greeting."

"We will only express our opinions through tanks and artillery!"

As he spoke, a bloodthirsty yet proud look appeared on Glaufel's face, and he said in a resounding voice:

"The law of the jungle prevails; this is the fundamental nature of our nation!"

"Young lady, you're too young. You don't realize that you're not even qualified to sit at the table and negotiate!"

"Neither your military power nor that so-called Yeragand can protect you from the steel torrent of Letania!"

"..."

For a moment, Glaufeld's humiliating words echoed clearly in the palace, plunging the atmosphere into a deathly silence once more.

The Colombian envoy looked at Prime Minister Sherag and the saint, who were at a loss for words, and at King Kalan, who was still resting with his eyes closed.

He already foresaw that the King of Kalan would soon be bowing down to Letania...

However, at this moment, Chen Qi, who had been silent for a long time, finally spoke:

"—Your Highnesses, I must say, I am very grateful for your kindness."

Chen Qi's sharp, eagle-like eyes swept coldly over his subordinates and defeated opponents, devoid of any warmth.

Because he knew that whether they were his subordinates or his defeated opponents, none of it mattered to him in this particular cycle of events.

In the past, they were completely obedient to him, loyal dogs who would tremble with fear at the sight of him.

But now, he is merely the king of a weak and small country, while the other side has become the powerful force that can control his destiny.

But will Chen Qi allow anyone to control his own fate, or even Xie Lag's?

Absolutely not.

"Your praise is very gratifying to me. It means that Sherag has become a force that your two great empires cannot ignore."

"This also means that my large-scale reforms of Sherag over the past three years have been remarkably effective."

The enemy's fear is the best proof of your growing strength. Chen Qi understood this very well.

Now, facing Kester and Glaufeld, Chen Qi maintained his kingly demeanor, coldly stating:

"Since you two have both spoken frankly, I would also like to state my own position."

"Both countries have long coveted the land and wealth of Shelag. I anticipated this, and I also knew that you would use any means necessary to occupy Shelag."

"I have endured countless infamy to build Kjerag into a nation of steel, all to guard against the arrival of this day."

"Gentlemen, I reiterate—Sherrag has no intention of getting involved in this world war; we are merely a neutral nation."

“We do business with Letania, as well as with Victoria, Colombia, and even Ursus and Da Yan.”

"We only seek development and survival, not conquest and hegemony."

"But...if anyone dares to covet the land and wealth of Shelag, and attempts to forcibly undermine Shelag's independence and autonomy."

As he spoke, Chen Qi's icy eyes grew even more dangerous as he stared at the two powerful figures, saying each word clearly:

"Shelag will never compromise."

"We will not sell out our country for personal gain, much less cede territory to make peace or grovel. We want to live with dignity and freedom on our own land."

"This is Sherag's answer, my answer."

(End of this chapter)