“This is not my mercy, this is an opportunity you earned yourself.”
Wayne said,
"However, I am very disappointed with Colombia's attitude. Victoria should have already given you a chance."
"This is the military's fault!" Upon hearing this, the chief judge betrayed the military almost without hesitation, shifting all the blame onto the military. "The Federal Parliament has already drafted a bill, but the military refuses to implement it. We are already taking action. In a little while, the National Guard will arrive here and wipe out all the remaining military forces."
As he spoke, he glanced at the soldiers around him who all had identical golden eyes, frowned in confusion, but still said:
"Of course, we dare not touch these people of His Highness the Prince of Wales."
These are not my people; they are only temporarily under my command.
Wayne glanced at the surrounding soldiers as well. The power of the Originium Arts [Heavenly Mandate] was still affecting them. Wayne didn't need to worry about them posing any threat to him for the time being. However, controlling a force of nearly a hundred people, especially high-intensity units like soldiers, was still quite taxing on him.
How serious is it? If this continues for another week, it probably won't be able to hold up.
No, no, no, this isn't like what happened in Versailles. The high energy expenditure only applies to him personally. Compared to others in the Terra world, even individuals like the Long-lived Ones, his mental power is still overwhelming. After all, it's a power capable of directly destroying demons from a place like the Consciousness Empire. Moreover, [Heavenly Mandate], like the Earth Bloodline of Mudrock, is an Originium Arts with additional limitations. For example, when Wayne activates it in Victoria, its power is definitely much greater than when he activates it in Columbia, a region opposed to Victoria.
Of course, now is not the time for Wayne to figure out the various limitations and abilities of his Originium Arts. Since the chief judge has already made that decision, he is too lazy to explain.
"In that case, let me hear your sincerity?"
The chief referee's lips twitched; the moment he had been waiting for had finally arrived. It was easy to invite a god into Colombia, but hard to send him away. Needless to say, Wayne's tone made it clear to anyone that he wanted to squeeze money out of Colombia.
But what could he do? He had no choice but to let Wayne blackmail him. If he was slapped on the left cheek, he had to offer his right cheek as well. After that, he would ask Wayne if his hand hurt, and if it did, he would blow on it to soothe it.
"Your Highness the Prince of Wales, to express Columbia's sincere apologies to Victoria and you for this incident, the Federal Parliament has prepared this form for your perusal..."
He glanced at Wayne, who wouldn't even turn his face, and immediately changed his tune:
"No, no, I'll read it to you."
"Article 1: Colombia shall compensate Prince Victoria of Wales a total of 10 million yuan for emotional distress."
“Victoria gold coins?” Wayne added.
The referee's scalp tingled. Victoria gold coins? I was referring to Colombian banknotes, of course! The exchange rate between Victoria gold coins and Colombian banknotes is approximately 1 to 56, which is equivalent to a 56-fold increase in value!
How could I possibly agree to that?
“Yes, yes, of course it’s Victoria gold coins.” The chief judge quickly agreed, as if afraid that Wayne would change his mind.
The Federal Council granted them the authority to exchange Lateran gold coins at a rate of 1:100. This time, he made a huge profit, while Wayne's vision was too limited, and Wayne suffered a huge loss.
"Secondly, Colombia will open its borders to seven cities, allowing Victoria to trade."
Relations between Vitória and Colombia have always been strained. Vitória is a father who was betrayed by his son, and Colombia is a son who betrayed his father once and now plots to do so again. Border trade between the two countries has always been officially prohibited but rampant among the general public. Colombians wanting to buy Vitória's goods have no official channels other than seeking out large, well-connected monopolies or scouring the black market.
Colombia has opened official trade to seven border cities, ostensibly for mutual trade, but in reality, it intends to sell these cities to Vitória. After all, Colombia can only sell Vitória a very limited number of high-tech products, and once Vitória's goods enter the Colombian market, it's an absolute dumping tactic that could quickly bankrupt local industries and achieve economic control.
However, the political circles' calculations were quite clever. They probably guessed that since Victoria mentioned those seven border cities in the declaration, there was no way she would give them back. Rather than letting Victoria occupy the cities directly and make Colombia lose face, it was better to change the name to "Friendly Trade," so that they would still belong to Colombia on the surface.
However, Wayne did not accept this suggestion, firstly because he felt uneasy about it, and secondly because he had a better solution than using trade in seven cities as a condition.
"That's unnecessary. Victoria doesn't want a single blade of grass or tree from Colombia. Effective immediately, simply announce the resumption of full official trade between Victoria and Colombia."
Since Victoria's goods sell better than Colombia's anyway, it's better to just open up trade completely. Seven cities won't satisfy Victoria's appetite; they'll have to pay a higher price.
The treaty's overwhelming sense of déjà vu made him uncomfortable, and he temporarily abandoned any intention of continuing to listen. He beckoned to Kal'tsit, who was standing to the side, intending for her to take over the remaining negotiations. However, before leaving, he suddenly remembered something, turned around, his golden pupils meeting the chief judge's eyes, and commanded in an unquestionable tone:
"My request is to hand over the information on the Loken water tank."
The chief referee froze briefly, then knelt respectfully on one knee and said, "Your will, Your Majesty."
Chapter 61 Kal'tsit Understands Nothing
Despite the many unexpected events that occurred, Wayne never forgot his initial reason for coming to Colombia: Himer's request. After resolving his own crisis, Wayne didn't rush to leave but instead returned to the exchange, quietly awaiting the arrival of the Colombian National Guard.
He can't leave on his own; that would show he escaped. He needs the Colombians to come and take him away.
After discussing with the chief referee, Kal'tsit returned to the exchange and came to Wayne's side.
She reached out and, under Wayne's surprised gaze, touched his forehead, then his chest, before letting out a sigh of relief. Her brow furrowed slightly, and she asked in confusion:
"What is that? Those golden pupils, is that your Originium Arts?"
Kal'tsit didn't know what Vayne's Originium Arts were. She wasn't present when Vayne confronted the demon head-on; she only gave Theresa some guidance at the end to rescue Vayne from the Consciousness Empire. Although she was also puzzled at the time about how Vayne managed to fight the demon single-handedly and emerge unscathed, seeing Theresa's happy expression, she chose not to ask further.
Now, she probably knows why.
Is it because of this Originium Arts?
"My Originium Arts, uh, you can call it [Imperial Power]."
Wayne wanted to just say the name "Heavenly Mandate," but looking at Kal'tsit's serious face, he felt that the name he chose was a bit too childish.
Is it imperial power?
Kal'tsit lowered her head in thought. To be honest, she had traveled through Terra for a thousand years and had seen and heard of countless Originium Arts, including even more sinister and bizarre ones. However, most of those came with extremely strict limitations. For example, in the Great Yan Kingdom, there was an ancient art that couldn't even be simply categorized as Originium Arts. It could predict upcoming events or a person's destiny by observing celestial phenomena and using divination tools. This art was classified as "Astrology" by the people of Yan, and the Great Yan court even established a large-scale institution of sorcerers specializing in this art, the "Imperial Observatory," equipped with an armillary sphere, a square, and a star-picking pool to monitor the fate of the Great Yan Kingdom.
This technique seems powerful, with the ability to foresee the future ensuring the eternal prosperity of the Great Yan Dynasty. However, its limitations are equally terrifying. In addition to requiring the formation of races from the twelve zodiac animals in the traditional mythology of the Great Yan Dynasty, peeping into the secrets of heaven will also trigger a series of chain reactions. The most obvious one is the reduction of lifespan. Even the immortal dragons who work for the Imperial Observatory will have their lifespans greatly reduced.
It can be said that the officials of the Imperial Observatory exchanged their lives for the fate of the Great Yan Dynasty. Due to the secrecy of the Imperial Observatory, it was often passed down from generation to generation by twelve families, and guarding it meant the sacrifice of an entire family and the righteousness of an entire generation.
This is why Kal'tsit immediately came to check on Vayne's condition after he used Originium Arts.
Wayne's Originium Arts were too powerful, so powerful that even she felt a little afraid. After all, even when facing the Demon Lord Theresia, she was at most only able to have her mind read, but Wayne? He could directly manipulate people's thoughts!
If he were not a friend, but an enemy, Kal'tsit could hardly imagine what kind of disaster a man with such powerful Originium Arts, ruling the most powerful nation on this land, would bring to the world.
Now, while there's no longer any worry about Wayne acting maliciously, Kal'tsit is more concerned about his physical condition. Such powerful Originium Arts, once used, would undoubtedly come at a staggering price, and Wayne's current state is likely quite serious. If circumstances allowed, she would have liked to have Wayne lie down immediately so she could personally give him a full medical examination.
But Wayne shrugged, and in response to Kal'tsit's concern, he gave a relaxed smile:
"No, don't worry, Kal'tsit, I'm fine."
I don't even feel any energy expenditure.
Just as Kal'tsit said, Vayne's Originium Arts are very powerful, but also have many limitations. For example, as the ruler of Victoria, his abilities are weakened when he is on land that does not belong to Victoria.
However, this can be made up for with immense mental strength.
For example, as a warlock, he has a coverage area and a limit on the number of people he can reach.
However, this can be made up for by having immense mental strength.
For example, the power of the Mandate of Heaven would be far less effective against those who are not truly loyal, such as Colombian soldiers who even harbor hostility towards Wayne. If the original owner of this body were to use it, it would probably only have the effect of "making the enemy momentarily dazed in battle," or "being stopped instinctively before swinging a sword to kill." Even so, for a large force of a hundred people, the consumption would be enormous, requiring at least a day of rest after just one use.
However, this can still be made up for with immense mental strength.
Don't underestimate the mental power of a true "dimensional-reducing being"! This is a real "dimensional-reducing attack"!
"Are you really okay? Do you feel tired? Would you like to lie down and rest for a while?"
Looking at Wayne, who was jumping around energetically, Kal'tsit suddenly became unsure about Wayne's condition. If he was faking it, he certainly seemed very energetic; but if he was genuinely alright, forcibly controlling a hundred people without any exertion—was that something a human could do?
Wayne's eyes darted around, and he suddenly coughed twice:
"Yeah, now that you mention it, I do feel a bit tired."
Kal'tsit breathed a sigh of relief. If Wayne was truly alright, then what she would need to do would likely go beyond a full-body checkup. At the very least, she would have to request a supplementary physical function test to see if Wayne had damaged a nerve, rendering him unable to perceive fatigue and pain.
Wayne was tired, so naturally they couldn't let him just lie on the floor like that. Kal'tsit thought for a moment, took off her suit jacket, folded it into a small cushion, placed it on the ground, and patted it down.
"Then lie down and rest for a while."
Wayne opened his mouth, but couldn't say a word for a long time.
He was just about to ask for a lap pillow, but Kal'tsit saw right through him and thwarted his plan beforehand?
Kal'tsit: That Prince Victoria is uncivilized. She tried to deceive me and launch a sneak attack, but I defended against it all.
Seeing Wayne's surprised expression, Kal'tsit frowned and sighed.
"Your Highness, there are no pillows here, please make do with this."
With a helpless pursed lip, Victoria, having already spoken, had no choice but to lie down. Lap pillows were something Kal'tsit was expected to do; if Kal'tsit pretended not to understand, Wayne wouldn't say it outright. It could only be said that their favorability rating wasn't high enough, or perhaps someone's emotional intelligence was a bit low.
If it were Theresa, she would definitely understand what Wayne meant!
It's been so long since I've been home, Theresa, I miss you.jpg
Unfortunately, Kal'tsit's suit was spotless, and there was none of the perk of her clothes smelling of perfume, as described in the novels. Rather, it was a miracle that her suit was completely free of stains and sweat after being trapped in the exchange for two days.
This isn't to say that stains are unacceptable, but rather to demonstrate that lynxes are indeed very clean animals.
After seeing Wayne lie down, Kal'tsit finally got down to business. She opened the plan the chief judge had given her, placed it beside Wayne's head, and then stood aside and recited it from memory.
"A settlement of 1000 million for emotional distress, full opening of trade between Victoria and Colombia, a ban on additional tariffs on Victorian goods, and tariffs to be negotiated between the two countries."
This was all already known to Wayne. After a pause, Kal'tsit continued:
“Abolish the New York Stock Exchange and establish a branch of the Londinium Stock Exchange in the border city of San Francisco, managed by a council jointly formed by Victoria and Columbia. Of course, our people will make up the vast majority.”
This solidified Victoria's financial dominance and effectively eliminated any possibility of Colombia challenging Victoria's economic supremacy. From now on, no matter how much Colombia develops, if it threatens Victoria's position, Victoria can easily undo a decade of Colombia's progress with just a few actions in the stock market.
"And the resource treaty, and the trust (monopoly) dismantling treaty. These still need to be discussed with Her Majesty the Queen and the merchants of the core city of Londinium after we return to Victoria. For now, only the framework has been set, and the specific details have not yet been determined."
Kal'tsit concluded.
Wayne nodded, indicating his satisfaction.
Kelsey was highly capable, and every treaty she drafted targeted Colombia's most vulnerable points. She effectively shackled this nation, which had built its strength on betrayal and developed its economy through finance. Its financial lifeline, resource lifeline, and trade lifeline—a triple collar—were placed around its neck, and she also conveniently chopped off its henchmen—those already established large monopolistic trusts. Thus, although Colombia was once again Victoria's son, it was essentially an "adopted child."
Kal'tsit, your tactics are exactly like how the US bullies Japan. Ruthless, and subtly cutting away flesh without removing the bone; giving a small treat followed by a heavy blow. You've truly mastered this tactic.
However, there was another thing that Wayne was most concerned about.
"What's the status of the data on the Loken water tank?"
“It will take time,” Kal'tsit replied, her face somewhat forlorn. After all, he was her student, and seeing him make such a grave mistake filled Kal'tsit with both anger and heartache.
Although there are reasons related to the country, the era, and the land itself, it is ultimately a case of disappointment and frustration!
Are they trying to stall?
Wayne asked, considering whether to issue another order.
But Kal'tsit shook her head. She quickly composed herself. Mercy was unnecessary; mistakes had to be repaid. Things wouldn't get better just because you apologized, and those children who lost their lives wouldn't either.
You were resurrected because of your regret. This is not a fairy tale world, but Terra.
"No."
She replied,
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