People in Terra, governing a weird little country

"I want to know what you think of Ernst Shivaash and Enthiodis Shivaash."

Viscount Walton nodded. "Ensiodis Shivaash is an outstanding young man. My first meeting with him dates back to several years ago. At that time, I had just been awarded by you and became the master of Seck County. At the reception where I established my authority, he and his guards provided me with a best of both worlds solution. I therefore gave him Seck County's trade license and tax reduction privileges in return. This was the beginning of our intersection."

"If Your Excellency the Duke wants to win him over, it's not difficult. Enciodis is passionate about his career and the future of Kjerag. You can promise him independent rule over Kjerag and promise that Kjerag will have an independent status and security like Xiosta in Colombia. And give his company a certain degree of convenience, and he can be used by you."

"As for Ernst Shivaash."

Viscount Walton was silent for a moment, as if hesitating about something.

Duke Caister half-closed his eyes and nodded: "Just speak frankly. Since I have invited you here, you don't have to worry that I will blame you for your remarks."

"That's not my intention." Viscount Walton firmly denied, "I'm just considering it."

"Ernst Shivaash is an extraordinary man. Your Excellency, do you remember the evacuation of Londinium?"

Duke of Caister nodded:

"Of course, you also helped me catch the noble who leaked my plan to the Duke of Wellington. The traitor has been executed. I didn't inform you to watch the execution because I didn't want to affect your mood."

Fine beads of sweat oozed out of Viscount Walton's forehead, and a chill rose in his heart.

He was also a soldier who had been to the battlefield and seen hell. Viscount Walton didn't dare to think about what kind of punishment the nobleman had suffered to make the Duke of Caster say that it "affected his mood".

It seems that the Duke of Caister was indeed particularly angry about the unexpected operation.

He is certainly not at rest.

After swallowing his saliva, Viscount Walton continued, "Intelligence shows that Duke Wellington is in contact with the Sarkaz in Londinium. They hope to reach a cooperation with the Sarkaz, with the Sarkaz providing personnel and Duke Wellington providing weapons, to launch a KB attack on the city under your rule."

"Haha, let them come." Duke Caister sneered and asked, "Who is the source of the information?"

"The Sarkaz in Londinium City, the messenger of Tracys." Viscount Walton said.

Duke Caister fell silent for a while, then shook her head: "You underestimated the Sarkaz."

"What does this have to do with Ernst?"

"Your Excellency, do you think that the Duke of Wellington's plan was a spur-of-the-moment idea?" Walton lowered his head.

As if a thunderbolt flashed through his mind, Duke Caister suddenly raised his eyebrows, his lips slightly opened, and did not close for a long time.

Yes, she had actually been feeling strange for a long time.

Why would Ernst Shivaash, a Kjerag, suddenly speak up for the trapped people in Londinium? Why would he suddenly start to promote that inexplicable humanitarianism?

Why had he made that speech in Wellington at that time, and not in Kjerag, or in Caister, or somewhere closer to Londinium where he could feel their suffering?

Why did the Duke of Wellington immediately send an embassy to Kjerag to establish diplomatic relations?

There must be many things between the Duke of Wellington and Ernest Shivaash that she doesn't know.

"But why did Ernst refuse?" Duke Kast muttered, "He could easily get the same reward by killing some Kjerag people, but he chose a plan that might offend me and all the other grand dukes at the same time. Why?"

"I don't know," said Viscount Walton, even though he knew very well that the Duke of Caister was actually asking and answering his own questions.

So why isn't he?

"I haven't thought this through yet, but judging from everything he has done, Ernst Shivaash attaches extraordinary importance to Kjerag, especially the Kjerag people. This may be his weak spot."

Viscount Walton volunteered:

"If Your Excellency the Duke is willing, I can test him on your behalf."

Chapter 164 Walton: Let me test your depth

Victoria, Duchy of Cattery, House of Cattery.

When Ernst got out of the car, his first reaction was: So cool!

Rather than calling it a duke's residence, it is better to say that this building is as magnificent as a modern palace. The entire building is dominated by the gold and white colors favored by the Victorians. It is three stories high and the exterior walls are made of high-grade marble and glass curtain walls. Each floor shows the Victorians' exquisite architectural craftsmanship and the Duke of Castor's personal aesthetic level.

Of course, the most eye-catching thing is the magnificent main entrance of the villa, with towering colonnades on both sides and a foyer decorated with exquisite carvings or inlaid with metal decorations above the gate.

In ordinary private residences, even if there is a foyer, it is rarely trimmed to such a degree that it may even overshadow the main building. But Duke Kast obviously paid special attention to this aspect, and the architecture of the entire foyer highlights its luxury and dignity. Ernst can even assert that the cost of this foyer and the many artworks in it alone is enough to build him a three-story office building, improving the office environment of the Kjerag government for many years to come.

The entrance hall was built for only one purpose, which is to receive guests.

"No matter how magnificent a building is, it only has meaning if there are people who can appreciate it. The reason why I spent a lot of money to build this foyer and collect artworks from various countries to display in it, in addition to my personal preferences, is that I want everyone who steps into this foyer and becomes my guest to feel how much I value them. They can all clearly understand that they are all pillars that I recognize."

"The most luxurious thing in this hall is not the treasures of Gaul or the relics of Sargon, but themselves who are in it."

Duke Caister extended his hands to Enchiodis and Ernst in turn:

"Welcome, both of you. Enchiodis, you are still as handsome and energetic as the last time we met."

She looked at Ernst, sized him up from head to toe, then smiled and nodded:

"It's not easy to meet you, Ernst Shivaash. Am I as evil as my reckless colleagues say?"

Evil people don't write evil on their faces.

Ernst complained in his heart. Of course he knew who the Duke of Caister was secretly referring to. Who else could be a reckless colleague who would scold the Duke of Caister in front of Ernst?

The Duke of Windermere.

But Duke Kaster was polite. Recalling the time in Kjerag, when Daphne kept calling him "that damn old woman!" and "the daughter of the beach!", one could imagine how Lady Anfelis insulted Duke Kaster in her own territory.

I don't know if there is any witchcraft or tattooing in foreign countries, otherwise Ernst would think that the Duke of Windermere's acupuncture skills might be quite good.

Of course, complaints are complaints. Ernst knows the principle of not hitting someone who smiles, so he responded with a smile:

"Your Excellency Duke of Kast is wrong. I am indeed busy with state affairs. In addition, the reconstruction of Tukarim is not yet complete. Inviting you to visit at this moment is not in line with Kjerag's hospitality. That is why I have to decline the invitation with a sad heart. It is an honor for you, Your Excellency the Duke, to generously invite me to the dinner without holding a grudge."

Ernst said, and turned slightly. Without any instructions, he brought up the gift he had prepared in advance and handed it to the maid next to Duke Kaister:

"A small courtesy is not respectful."

Duke Caister stared at Ernst for a moment, then chuckled and nodded, "Prime Minister Ernst is thoughtful. This banquet is a family dinner and has nothing to do with official business. There is no need to be too restrained."

She glanced slightly to the side, looking at the gift-giving mace and Yaer, who was wearing Kjerag's traditional clothing, standing beside Ernst, and asked curiously:

"I do know the Black Knight of Casimir, but this one is a stranger. Would you mind introducing her?"

"Ya'er, the head maid of Shelag Manzhu Court and the deputy of Saint Kalan, Enya Shivaash, was unable to arrive to attend your banquet for some reason, so I sent her to represent my sister this time."

Ernst introduced. Duke Caister nodded, not too entangled.

Strictly speaking, the only person she really wanted to invite was Ernst Shivaash. Inviting the entire Shivaash family was just an excuse. As long as Ernst was there, she didn't care whether the other Shivaashes came or not.

"In that case, please follow the maids to your respective rooms to rest for the time being. The banquet will officially begin tomorrow night, and you two will have plenty of time to walk around this Duke's Mansion."

Duke Kast brought three glasses of wine, handed one to Ernst and Enthiotis, then raised his glass first and said,

"I will not interfere with any of your actions during this period. But I would like to remind you that those who can attend this banquet are all recognized by me. They are the pillars of Victoria. They come from various territories, armies, and even foreign countries. If you can seize this opportunity, it may be of great benefit to Kjerag."

"cheers?"

Ernst and Enthiotis looked at each other and clinked their glasses in return:

"cheers!"

...........

Room, Duke of Caister Palace.

No matter what the Duke of Kast meant by his last words, Enxioudis could not miss this opportunity before the dinner. If Kalan Trade wanted to become bigger and stronger, he had to strive for more trade routes, more commodity circulation, and more preferential policies.

So, whether it was a trap or a good opportunity, Enthiotis left his room not long after separating from Ernst.

Since the Duke of Caister has promised not to interfere with any of their actions, it means that he is authorized to bribe the servants in the mansion, investigate the identities of the guests in the room, and even go to "disturb" the guests who are resting in the room - as long as they are considered profitable by Enthiotis.

Ernst certainly didn't object to this approach. Not everyone was born in Rome, and opportunities wouldn't just fall on your head out of thin air. Most of the time, people had to fight for it themselves, not to mention a country like Kjerag or a company like Kalan Trade. Not to mention Rome, being a mule and horse was considered an exceptional achievement for Enthiodis.

Of course, Enthiotis was the only one doing these things, and a big part of the reason was because Ernst's identity was not suitable for doing such things personally.

Therefore, Ernst could only give Enthiotis all the support except help.

My battlefield is not here, you go ahead and I'll touch it first.

Unfortunately, God did not seem to give Ernst a good rest. Just as he lay down on the soft big bed, the next second, there was a knock on the bedroom door.

Ernst pursed his lips, sighed softly, got up from the bed, straightened his messy clothes, walked to the door and opened it.

The visitor outside the door had gray hair and looked quite old, but still stood tall and straight. He was dressed in standard Victorian aristocratic attire, with several conspicuous Imperial Service Medals pinned on his chest.

A military noble.

"Mr. Ernst, nice to meet you."

The man stretched out his hand and was about to introduce himself to Ernst, but Ernst shook his hand and replied cordially:

"Nice to meet you, Viscount Walton. Enthyodis often mentioned you to me. Please forgive me for not having the chance to visit you first as I just arrived."

Viscount Walton raised his eyebrows.

Although it was a little unexpected that Ernst recognized him, it was also reasonable to me.

Even though the surprise attack lacked some of its sense of surprise, it did not affect Viscount Walton's probing:

"Mr. Ernst, you are too kind. Enthiotis is an outstanding partner. The prosperity of Sek County has also been greatly helped by Kalan Trade. Now Enthiotis's brother has suddenly become the new owner of Kjerag. Naturally, I have to come and see for myself."

As he spoke, he gave Ernst a slightly sarcastic smile:

"After all, not long ago, I thought that Kjerag's future would be in the hands of that young man I was familiar with."

Come on, Ernst, let me test your depth.

Chapter 165 I send Victoria, you rate it

Oh? You come with bad intentions.

Viscount Walton's words could no longer be described as impolite. In front of the current Prime Minister, he mentioned another competitor, that is, Ernst and Enthiotis were brothers, and Ernst did not care much about such provocations, otherwise such words could be regarded as some kind of dangerous political signal, causing the anger of some impatient people.

But Ernst's skill in maintaining his qi was still in place. From the moment he entered the system, he had no chance to get angry.

Faced with this almost straightforward provocation, Ernst just smiled calmly:

"My brother is also an outstanding leader, but he focuses more on the business of Kalan Trade, so he promoted me to this position. If the Viscount wants to discuss business with my brother, you can wait in the room for a while, and he will find you."

Ernst's words were neither humble nor arrogant.

First of all, I would straightforwardly acknowledge Enthiotis's ability and reject the overt and covert provocations in Viscount Walton's words. Then I would make a statement that I could sit in this position naturally with the recommendation and help of Enthiotis. The conflict between us brothers is not as big as you think. You are overthinking it a bit if you want to use the topic of "seizing the throne" to incite and intensify the conflict.

Then, I will fight back. I am the Prime Minister of Kjerag. I don't have time to talk nonsense with you. If you are not here to see me, then you can wait in your room. Anyway, my brother has gone out to work as a door-to-door salesman. If you spend some time, you will always be able to wait for him.

Ernst's words also have a deeper level of cryptic irony - you've come to my door like a door-to-door salesman, why are you still pretending? Just say what you want to say, otherwise I'll close the shop.

Of course, this connotation was very obscure, and it was just a bit of self-amusing ridicule that Ernst added casually, and he didn't expect Walton to get it.

It would be better to say that it is not a good thing if he got it, because this statement seems to be insulting his brother as well.

Walton naturally heard the first hint in Ernst's words. Although it was a bit embarrassing to be pointed out so bluntly, as a veteran in the aristocratic social scene, Walton just smiled awkwardly and forced the awkward topic to pass:

"Oh no no no, Prime Minister Ernst, of course I'm here to see you. To be honest, I'm also one of your fans."

"Fans?" Ernst raised his eyebrows. He had already guessed something in his mind, so he shook his head. "Are you talking about that speech? I'm not being overly modest. I've said the same thing to my friends."

"The root of humanitarianism is the conscience in our human nature, and the virtue of loving, respecting and protecting life. Therefore, if people have conscience and virtue, then I am just saying something that everyone understands, just like pointing to a river and saying there is water in it, which cannot be considered a merit. If people lack these things, my speech is nothing more than a castle in the air, which cannot cause any waves, let alone save those people who are in dire straits."

Ernst looked at Walton with a smile, and said in a tone that was unclear whether it was a question or a rhetorical question:

"It is obvious that the respected Duke of Caister is a man of conscience and virtue, isn't it?"

Looking at Ernst's fake smile, Viscount Walton felt his scalp tingling for the first time. He nodded:

"of course!"

He had no other choice. Of course he could only answer like this. He couldn't even show the slightest hesitation or try to change the subject, because the people participating in this conversation at the moment were not only Ernst and him, but also the Duke of Caister.

She may seem to be away, but she is always there. She says "I don't care" and "I allow all your actions", but try to do something against her.

Gray Hat Warning: Old sister is watching you!

But what really made Viscount Walton feel pressured was not the topic that was led to the Duke of Caster, but the person who led the topic.

Ernst had been competing with him for the dominance of the topic, and Walton even had a hard time winning over him.

This is not common.

Viscount Walton can be considered a veteran in the social arena. Even if his skills cannot be said to be among the best, they are definitely not comparable to those of a newbie or a political novice.