People in Terra, governing a weird little country

Ernst asked these three questions with his hands behind his back and narrowed his eyes, looking quite aggressive.

Even Delphine and Vina felt a little strange about this move. They were certainly not happy with Federico's blunt rejection of their visit. After all, this was a right granted to them by Evangelista XI, and it should not be lightly denied by a subordinate who was lower in rank than him.

To put it mildly, this was just a minor act of overstepping authority. But if we take it too far, and put aside Ernst Kjerag's status as Prime Minister, and only look at his position in the Lateran, this is like a second-level office directly rejecting an order from the top leader and blocking the imperial envoy who came here for inspection. This is an undisguised act of rebellion.

It was reasonable for Ernst to say something back.

But this is somewhat inconsistent with Ernst's usual style of doing things, because Ernst has never offended anyone.

Although both of them were confused, their reactions were different after they were confused.

Dai Feien didn't understand why Ernst suddenly attacked, but based on the protective mentality of helping her relatives rather than helping others, she immediately took a step forward to lend her support.

Vina's sense of smell was even sharper. She realized that Ernst might be testing something. Thinking of the abnormalities shown by Fiammetta and Evangelista XI yesterday and today (one left early as a guardian, and the other was late for a meeting with Ernst), she frowned slightly, and based on her intuition, she reached out and grabbed Delphine's arm. In Delphine's puzzled look, she shook her head slightly, indicating that she should not act rashly for the time being.

It was obvious that her character was shaped bit by bit by Ernst. Don't be reckless when encountering something. If you can't see the situation and can't make up your mind, even if it seems that you are right and have a sure win, you have to be steady first!

Seeing that neither of them did anything extreme, Ernst felt relieved.

This incident happened rather suddenly, and he had no way of informing Vina and Daphne in advance, so he could only hope for the tacit understanding between the three of them.

If Delphine and Vina also stood up to help at this moment, not to mention Vina for now, Delphine's identity as the heir to the Duke of Windermere might cause some unknown impacts. Although Ernst has a way to deal with it, it is still a trouble.

But Vina held her back, indicating that all her efforts to teach her had finally paid off.

He turned his attention back to Federico, waiting for his answer.

He didn't mean to make things difficult for the notary office employee. They were all workers, and he didn't expect Federico to give a "Section Chief Ma"-style answer. However, even a clay man can still be angry. Ernst just wanted to visit the notary office. Your boss, the Pope, who was responsible for approving this matter, agreed. The imperial envoy Mostima, who was responsible for implementing this matter, agreed. If you don't agree, who do you think you are?

Moreover, apart from personal reasons, the notary office is actually a very special institution.

Apart from the Seventh Chamber of the Pope, which is in charge of intelligence, national defense and security, and diplomatic affairs, the Notary Office can almost be said to be the place with the most frequent external contacts and the highest intelligence density in the Lateran.

He couldn't go to the Seventh Hall because the Pope wouldn't approve it. Even if he could go, the useless information would have been filtered out long ago. So he chose the notary office as his first destination, also to test the Lateran's strength.

However, what Ernst did not expect was that in the face of such a life-threatening question, Federico gave an answer that almost made Ernst call him "another me in the world".

His expression was calm, as if he was not affected by the pressure around him at all. He replied to Ernst as if he had really thought about it:

"I refuse you in the name of the Lateran [Law], Section 7, Article 12."

Lateran Law, Section 7, Article 12, Supplement, concerning notaries.

The beginning of the article is the definition of the Lateran Notary Office, its duties, jurisdiction, powers, etc. Article 12 is a supplementary provision, which is: [When handling important matters, the Notary Office has the right to refuse any external interference. ]

As one of the various clauses added to the ultimate law of "Survival is the first need of civilization" promulgated and revised by the Pope, the purpose of this clause is actually obvious: to ensure the fairness of the Lateran judicial, supervisory, and law enforcement agencies.

However, the person who drafted this clause might not have expected that this clause would be cited by Federico at this time and in this occasion to reject the order from the Pope himself.

Ernst naturally did not understand the specific content of the Lateran Law. He had only been in the Lateran for a few days. Even if he had been reading the law, there was no reason for him to remember the laws of another country in such detail.

The reason why he felt a sense of déjà vu was because there was one thing he remembered very clearly.

The god worshipped by the Lateran religion is not a creature or existence like Yelagund, but a very abstract "incarnation of the law".

Therefore, Federico's words were somewhat like using God as a shield.

To some extent, this is similar to what happened to Ernst in the Trial of the Holy Stone. This is just that the god of the Law will not respond to Federico.

Hmm...really? No way? Will it? Probably not, I haven't heard of it...

The scene fell into a strange silence. Mostima finally found an opportunity and took the initiative to speak, trying to ease the atmosphere:

"Okay, you two, why are you so tense? Our purpose is sightseeing. Federico, too, when did we say we were going to interfere with the work of the notary office? The laws you cited are not applicable at all!"

"Mr. Ernst, I will report this to the Pope, don't worry. I wonder if there are other places you want to go. It's still early today, I can accompany you to go shopping. There is a good dessert shop in the St. Paul district, do you want to try it?"

Ernst came back to his senses, smiled and nodded at Mostima: "Okay."

Mostima was about to breathe a sigh of relief and was about to wipe the cold sweat from his forehead, but the next second, his heart, which had just calmed down, rose to his throat again.

Beside Ernst, Vina, who had remained silent the entire time, suddenly stood up, took a step forward, looked into Federico's eyes, and asked seriously:

"I don't ask you to answer this question."

"But, Mr. Federico, in your eyes, which is more important, the Pope who established the Lateran Law or the laws he established?"

Chapter 225: Mostima: Close-range attack? Kjerag is so exciting?

Just as Vina said, she had no intention of seeking an answer from Federico for this question.

After asking the question and causing a deep look of doubt to appear on Federico's poker face, Vina nodded contentedly and turned back to Ernst.

She didn't care what kind of answer Federico would give. If there was anyone present whose answer she really wanted to know, it was probably Ernst, her "guide".

Ernst would most likely not give her any answer. Just like he had done countless times before, he would analyze the situation, put the truth before her, and then wait for her to come up with her own answer.

They are in sync with each other, and Vina's thoughts are also Ernst's thoughts.

It's not that he was stingy. Ernst taught Vina everything he knew and never avoided telling her anything. It's just that the answer to this question is too complicated. It can even be said that there is no standard answer.

Which is more important, Pope Evangelista XI or the laws he made?

Federico couldn't give this answer because it was a dead end.

If he admitted that Evangelista XI was more important, then Evangelista XI personally ordered Ernst to enter the notary office, and Federico would have absolutely no reason to refuse. Even if it was in the name of the law, the law would be inferior.

But if he answers that the law is more important than the Pope himself, then he is falling into a logical circle.

Because the law is constantly changing, adding to, subtracting from, and revising. And those who do this are often the Lateran popes of successive generations, saints who walk the world in the name of Evangelista.

If the law is supreme and infallible, and anyone can use the law to oppose the pope, how can the pope edit the law? How can a new law be created? How can the Lateran adapt to the times?

Let’s take a more realistic example.

Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, set up a maritime ban, established the "Imperial Ming Ancestor's Instructions", and listed countries that would not be conquered. What was his original intention?

It is to prevent the people along the coast from being invaded by Japanese pirates, and to prevent future generations from overestimating their own capabilities, raising troops without reason, and those who are warlike will eventually perish.

However, with the development of the times, this [law] gradually began to fail to adapt to the times, causing China to miss the Age of Discovery. Starting in the 16th and 17th centuries, China gradually fell behind the West.

It can be seen that it is impossible for absolute laws to be supreme. If we act according to the laws originally established, problems will definitely arise.

Let me give you a more understandable example. If we go back a thousand years, a hunter went up the mountain and killed a ferruginous beast. That was not even worth recording in history books. But would you dare to take a panda to eat hot pot in modern times?

The reason why the so-called philosopher-king regime is beautiful is that the philosopher-king himself is the embodiment of all legal concepts, never makes mistakes, has a natural physique that allows him to adapt to a changing environment as quickly as possible, and can guarantee that he is selfless and will do everything in the best way.

This political system sounds so awesome, but no country can realize it. Why?

Because no one can do it.

No one can achieve an absolute balance between rule by man and rule by law. Once the balance is absolutely tilted to one side, the result will be devastating. The former will create a tyrant with absolute power and destroy the entire country, while the latter will lead to a completely rigid society, everything will follow the rules, and finally gradually fall behind the times.

Ernst didn't know why Vina suddenly thought of asking this question, and he was somewhat glad that Vina didn't ask him this question.

Otherwise, he might only be able to answer with "the doctrine of the mean".

Although it sounds a bit foolish, this is indeed the only way out and the most amazing wisdom of our ancestors. Advocate the rule of law and implement the rule of law, but also tolerate emotions outside the law, follow the principles of nature and human nature, and be fair to the people.

I don’t know if Vina can understand what I said.

No, what's the use of her understanding? She is still sitting in this chair, and there is an ambitious cheese snow leopard watching from behind. It is not Vina's turn to worry about the governance of Kjerag.

"Mr. Ernst?"

Mostima's voice suddenly rang in his ears. Ernst came back to his senses from his thoughts, turned his head slightly, and looked at Mostima beside him.

Only then did he notice the dense beads of sweat on Mostima's forehead.

How could Ernst not guess what Mostima was thinking?

This thing went wrong, she must be very nervous. But to be honest, this thing can't really be blamed on Mostima, her expression is even more confused than mine.

So Ernst just asked jokingly, "Ms. Mostima, are you hot?"

The corner of Mostima's mouth twitched, and there was a little more awe in his eyes when he looked at Ernst.

Don't you know whether I am sweating because of the heat or because of fear?

Mostima is indeed not the kind of person who respects the Pope and practices the law, otherwise she would not have opened Andorn's eyes in anger to protect Lemion, and became a fallen angel because of it. Especially after getting the lock and key and becoming the spokesperson of the Chronomon, she has lived a much more free and unrestrained life.

But no matter how free and easy they are, Ernst and Vina are really too bold.

Mostima even suspected that if they were given more time, these two people, oh no, there was also Delphine, these three people would dare to directly debate with Federico on such a disrespectful topic as whether the Lateran Law was true or false.

Not to mention, Mostima knew that Ernst, like himself, was carrying a fragment of the giant beast.

You carry a god on your body, and you openly talk about topics related to God in other people's holy cities. What are you doing? Are you preaching Yelagundism in Lateran?

Close to the face and open up?

Mostima suddenly felt a little regretful. She shouldn't have sent Fiammetta away. Compared to the rumors about the "Pioneer" in Lateran, the one in front of her really had big plans. I shouldn't be the only one to endure this thrilling scene, right?

But then again, despite the regret, Mostima also felt a little happy.

This feeling is quite exciting!

It was even more exciting than when she was in Longmen, having fun with Remuel's sister Remuel in Penguin Logistics.

The emperor can just sprinkle some water, play some rock music and say a few raps. Penguin Logistics can just have problems like racing on the elevated highway in the city and losing all the points on the driver's license. Or it can just be breaking the rules by pouring champagne and famous liquor on people in bars and nightclubs. These are all trivial matters in the world, nothing can compare to this kind of excitement.

Mostima (pointing at Ernst): This is powerful! Look at this!

At this moment, she suddenly understood why Ernst, as the spokesperson for the behemoth, wanted to play political games on earth.

The life of a behemoth agent is really boring. Because he has mastered the power, he has become an alien. His original life is gone. He wants to adapt to his new identity and integrate into his new life, but he can't find a companion. He can only do nothing day after day. To put it nicely, it is called being indifferent to the clouds. To put it bluntly, it is called being idle and having a pain in the ass.

It is better to deal with people like the Grand Duke, the King, the Emperor, and the Big Boss. After all, these people are the top masters of doing things in this land. No matter whether the things they do are good (the General Flying to the Sky) or bad (the Grand Duke besieging Londinium), they always have work to do, and can even do tough things from time to time (Khan Shah's expedition to the Burning Land)!

After all, the ones who didn't survive all went to bite the lighter. (Gaul was killed by the whole thing, and the lion's head fell off.)

I am a little envious of Sherag's life.

No matter what he thought, Mostima still knew what was important and what was not.

At worst, I can ask the Pope for a transfer order and take the initiative to go to Kjerag to be the permanent messenger of all nations.

The important thing now is that she has to make sure Ernst won't give her another myocardial infarction.

After sorting out his expression, mood, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular problems, Mostima forced a smile:

“Is there anywhere you’d like to go next?”

This time, she did not let Ernst choose the place, but took the initiative to recommend:

“There are many beautiful landmarks in Lateran that are worth visiting. The Papal Church of the Apparition of the Knights, the Tower of Revelation, and the Central Gardens of San Marceau are all very nice places.”

"Is it very popular?" After listening to Mostima's introduction, Ernst really became interested.

Mostima thought for a moment and gave an example: "Last year, the San Marzo Central Garden was included in the list of 100 must-see tourist attractions in the Terra countries."

Finally, she added:

"This list was compiled by Colombians. Perhaps you know them all?"

Ernst was stunned: "Who?"

"Director of the Rhine Life Science Research Department - Professor Mariam."

Ernst nodded in sudden realization: "I don't know him."

Logically speaking, Ernst had dealt with Rhine Life a lot, and the chief officer had been taken to Kjerag by him and never returned. There should be no director in Rhine Life who Ernst didn't know.

But Mariam was special, Ernst didn't know her. He hadn't even seen a photo of the director - according to Kristen, this was his own request, he didn't want to leave any images in public, it seemed to be for protection... or to prevent something?

Ernst only had a rough idea of ​​what Mariam looked like from Kristen's description.

For example, he is a Kuranta, which means horse.

Well, that's all.

After all, it was Kristen who introduced her, so it would be difficult to expect her to say a few more words about issues outside the dome, let alone a detailed introduction to a director. She is really frugal with words.

Christen only promised that if Mariam came back next time, he would let him come to Kjerag to meet Ernst, and that was all.

However, even though he didn't know Mariam, Ernst still recognized her fame and reputation. Mariam was a serious explorer and traveler who had traveled all over the world, and Ernst recognized her aesthetic appreciation of the scenery.

"Then let's go to the San Marceau Central Gardens."

Chapter 226: Andorn: Don’t Call Me the Pioneer

Lateran, San Marceau Central Gardens, sea of ​​requiem flowers.