People in Terra, governing a weird little country

That's why.

As a country of knights, Casimir could not oppose knights. And the sport of knight competition was indeed a very good disguise.

Its essence is to treat knights as commodities, which is no different from the cricket fighting and cockfighting competitions popular in the upper class of Yan Country, and the Ursus War Beast Fighting Competition popular in Ursus. But it just happened that he was covered with a layer of knight culture.

Can you say that the knights who participate in knightly competitions are not knights?

No, because every competitive knight has an identity certificate registered with the Knights Association.

The Knights' Association is not under the direct jurisdiction of the Supervisory Council. It has a long history and has existed since the founding of Casimir.

It is difficult for the Supervisory Council to directly interfere with their recognition of competitive knights, and the Commercial Federation is also theoretically unable to do so. However, the Commercial Federation is very smart, they never interfere directly, but they have enough interests to make the Knights Association voluntarily make decisions that are beneficial to them.

As knight competitions became more popular, more people registered to become competitive knights. The more people registered, the more dues the knight association had to pay, the more people were in charge, the wider the scope of influence they could exert, and accordingly, the greater their power. As vested interests, they also supported the sport more.

This created a situation.

The Supervisory Council did not oppose knight competitions at first, and failed to notice the hidden dangers behind this sport. It may even have supported it for a period of time because it was called "promoting traditional knight culture." As a result, this commercial activity, which had nothing to do with culture, was successfully tied to the knight culture, the cultural pillar of Casimir. By the time the Supervisory Council realized it, it wanted to make a just cut, but it had become inconsistent and slapped itself in the face, even to the point where it (the knight nobles) denied the foundation of its own culture (knight culture).

In this process, the relatively independent Knights Association finally got rid of the status of being filled with major Knights families and constrained by the nobles, and could only become a puppet shell organization because of the emergence and influx of the competitive knights, who were non-noble, status-less, and easy to manage. And gradually gained a lot of economic benefits and expanded power. As a knight certification agency, they were like the pope of the "religion" of knight competition, and if they disagreed, they would "expel you!". The competitive knights did not have the background and power of the traditional knight nobles. Once they were expelled from the knighthood, it meant that they would lose their means of livelihood.

This made the Knights' Association and the Business Federation, the true initiator and supporter of knightly competitions, natural allies.

The last link of Casimir's power structure is the National Council. They are the most useless institution. The law is attached to power. Without the support of power and the state violence organs controlled by power, can we expect God to help enforce the law?

And when the Chamber of Commerce and the Supervisory Commission were in a game of chess, they became the example of "helping whoever wins".

As a result, the situation in Casimir became: the Supervisory Council was contradictory, the Knights' Association defected, the National Council was a fence-sitter, and most of the people of Casimir benefited from the economic benefits brought by the knightly competitions and stood on the side of the Commercial Federation.

The result is self-evident.

After figuring this out, Ernst guessed a little about Russell's plan:

"So, you want to jump right in? It's not as easy as you think."

The Casimir Knights' Special Tournament, held by the Business Federation, is a purely commercial activity. The direct beneficiary of the commercial benefits it brings is naturally the KGCC. KGCC only invested these commercial benefits into political influence, and only then did it reach the point where it can compete with the Supervisory Committee today.

Russell obviously understood this point. Therefore, she came up with this idea when she knew that the Knights' Competition conspiracy had succeeded and the Business Federation had become too big to be eradicated.

The Supervisory Committee took the initiative to forcibly take over the hosting rights of the "Knights' Competition Special" event, and changed from staying out of the game to directly entering the game to control it.

In Ernst's words, before capital expands to the point where it can control the country, it takes a step forward to allow the country to control capital.

Ernst was not sure whether this operation would succeed. After all, the Business Union would not be so stupid as to hand over the knight competition to the Supervisory Council. Even though Russell was quite calculating and wanted to use the Supervisory Council as the legitimate government of Casimir to directly expand the scope of the entire special tournament to Terra, and to balance the power of the Business Union by introducing foreign forces that coveted this piece of cake, no one could predict how the Business Union, which had been working in this industry for decades, would counterattack.

After all, the sport of knight competition was proposed by others, who have been studying it for decades and have tried all kinds of tricks, so they have a full first-mover advantage. If you are a latecomer and want to defeat them in their field, it is not as easy as it sounds in theory.

Russell nodded, agreeing with Ernst's statement.

Of course she knew it wouldn't be that easy, otherwise she wouldn't have come all the way to Kjerag to attend the World Expo in person.

During the entire World Expo, apart from a certain Inquisitor who had gradually evolved into someone who said, "I'm not as good as you in fighting, and you're not as good as me in fighting," "I don't have to reimburse my travel expenses for this trip, and I can even build two more churches when I return," and "I can turn the electricity meters in the entire Iberia upside down!", she was the most active person.

On her first day in Kjerag, she visited Duke Kast and told him about the special tournament that the Council of Supervisors was going to hold and invited her. After that, from Lateran to Columbia and Letania, which country's representatives had she not met?

Even the Taifu of Yan State, who theoretically has never left the country and it is useless to ask, is no exception!

"Of course I know this is very difficult. In fact, Prime Minister Ernst, to be honest with you, the right to host the special championship is still under competition."

This made Ernst a little at a loss for words.

You haven't even won the right to host the event yet? You're still arguing with the Federation of Commerce, and you dare to invite other countries directly? Are you planning to make it a done deal?

Ernst also had to praise you Casimir people, you may not be good at anything else, but you are really brave and good at spreading rumors.

The Wine Newspaper of the Chamber of Commerce dared to spread rumors about me and Kristen, and you also dared to spread rumors about the Special Championships in front of other countries. It's really... the same vein.

But Ernst has to say that this doesn't seem to be a bad thing.

"Have you ever thought about broadening your horizons?"

Ernst Road,

"The Knights' Competition Special, this is indeed a big name. But this name is not yours after all, and the current owner of this name obviously knows more about Knights' Competition than you do. Even if you can control them this time, what about the future? In this field, can you guarantee victory every time?"

"Why don't you get a bigger sign?"

Russell frowned and said, "Prime Minister Ernst, if you have any opinions, please feel free to speak up."

Ernst hesitated when the words came to his lips.

This matter actually belongs to Casimir's internal conflict. Theoretically, he should not get involved.

But thinking of the tragic scene where he was laughed at by his elder brother for three consecutive days and nights because of a false report by the Business Federation, he gritted his teeth and decided to do it! He would not be a gentleman if he didn't take revenge!

Ernst's expression became serious, and with a bit of resolute killing intent, he said:

"What I mean is, if the country can be more than just Casimir, then why must the scope be limited to knightly competitions?"

"You are the government, so you need to have a bigger vision. Does Kjerag's World Expo only display military equipment or religious content? Then why does Casimir's Special Tournament only have knight competitions?"

"Originium Skills Competition, Speed ​​Competition, High Jump and Long Jump Competition, Knight Competition can certainly be the finale, but if you can also make achievements in other fields, then Knight Competition can be included as one of the events."

"To knock him down from his indispensable position as the product of the combination of Casimir Knight tradition and modernity, and turn him into an ordinary, but popular sport. This should be your goal."

A look of surprise flashed across Russell's face, followed by realization and amazement.

Indeed, why had she never thought about it?

Just as Ernst said, knight competition is a product of the Commercial Federation, a conspiracy to dwarf knights by commercializing them. The Commercial Federation has been working in this field for decades, and even if it was caught off guard by the Supervisory Council this time due to lack of preparedness, it is difficult for her to guarantee that the Supervisory Council will continue to win and not lose everything in the future when the Commercial Federation makes a comeback.

But what if we broaden our thinking?

The Commercial Federation can commoditize knights and lower their status through knightly competitions. Why can't the Supervisory Council subtly lower the status of knightly competitions by introducing more countries and more competitive content?

If nothing else, the Originium Skills Competition is a good choice. The brilliant light of magic shone on the field, isn't it more elegant and beautiful than a bloody head-on fight?

This has been tested by the market, because the daughter of Russell's old friend, Viviana Droste, the daughter of Elector Emperor Leitania Storn, is now active in the knight competition arena and is the most popular competitive knight in recent years.

Her stunning beauty is certainly part of the reason, but her fighting style of using magic, dancing among flickering candlelight, and reciting poetry to defeat the enemy with one blow is also a big reason!

We can draw the conclusion from her that there is great potential in Originium Skills Competition.

"But it's not appropriate to name this kind of competition the Knights' Competition Special, right?" Russell said. "Since it was Prime Minister Ernst who proposed this suggestion, do you have any good ideas?"

"Your Excellency the Grand Knight Commander, are you planning to fleece me completely?"

Ernst made a joke.

The Grand Knight shrugged his shoulders and said, "Who said that Prime Minister Ernst is young and promising? His thinking is much more active than that of an old man like me."

"Thank you very much. I just wanted to avenge myself."

Ernst waved his hand, thought for a moment, and said,

"Since you ask me, why not call it the [International Games]?"

"Incorporating it into the system of the World Summit and listing it on the same level as the World Expo will not only make it easier to understand, but also increase the influence of both parties. How do you think?"

Russell pondered for a moment, smiled, stood up, and extended his hand to Ernst: "Then let's do as Prime Minister Ernst said."

"It's been a pleasure working with you, Prime Minister Ernst."

Ernst stood up, shook hands back and said, "It's a pleasure to work with you."

PS: This is a 4500-word chapter to make up for yesterday's update. I will update one chapter early in the morning today, and the remaining one in the evening. I have to go out for something in the afternoon.

Brothers, have you seen Huang Ji's new game PV? It's pretty awesome, it feels like the Paluga Azure Files? No stamina bar is a good civilization!

Chapter 358: Jeston, you, go and get rid of the mace

Kjerag, Tukarim, Government Office Building, meeting room attached to Ernst's office.

Sitting at the head of the large square table, Ernst glanced at the official members of the Kjerag government team who were temporarily summoned, as well as several non-staff members, and said:

"How about the Casimir International Games? Who among you is interested?"

Everyone looked at each other, just like when the teacher asked this question in class and wondered who could answer it. Everyone lowered their heads, turned away, and remained silent.

Ernst coughed awkwardly:

"This is actually a good thing. After consultation with Grand Knight Casimir, the World Games will also be incorporated into the World Summit and the World Expo system. In other words, your rounding can also be regarded as winning glory for the country, right?"

"But Mr. Ernst, there aren't many Kjerag people here, are there?"

Ceylon raised his hand and asked with some confusion.

It was just after get off work, and she heard that Ernst had something important to announce, so she followed him. Ernst didn't stop her, after all, Ceylon was one of the specially hired teachers, and she also had Xiosta who could participate in the sports meeting behind her, so it was no problem to let her hear the inside information in advance.

But, even though I let you listen, Ernst said, please don’t disrupt my show!

He put his hand to his mouth, coughed again, and argued:

"Who said that? Look, Vina and Holhaiya, aren't they all Kjerag people? Right?"

Vina nodded seriously, and Holhaiya shrugged and smiled slightly, which was considered as her agreement.

Xinteleya frowned, wondering what she was thinking, while Lola just felt a little strange. Why didn't Ernst ask her, but asked Vina and Holhaiya instead? Obviously, she was the pure-blooded Shelag Ursus?

Fortunately, Ernst did not intend to argue with Ceylon on this issue for too long. Since no one signed up voluntarily, he would simply ask the Khan to recruit soldiers... ahem, the Khan is recruiting soldiers!

Ernst's first target was naturally Sintelaiya:

"How about it, Cintrea? Do you want to go back and give it a try? Being a competitive knight is also your dream, right?"

But Xinteleya quickly waved her hands, and the speed of cutting was so clean and neat that Ernst was a little surprised:

"No, no, no, I've never been happy being a jockey!"

"The Knights' Competition Special is neither knighthood, nor competition, nor even a game. I don't want to play that thing anymore!"

"I only have one dream now, and that is to make a living... ahem, that is to contribute to Kjerag's development. I already have you and Kjerag in my heart! There is no room for anything else."

"I......."

Before Xinteleya could finish her words of loyalty, Vina beside her covered her mouth.

"That's about it. Ernst has understood. No need to say more."

Three times in a row, each time with a heavier tone than the last, Xinteleya's pupils shrank in fright. She was unable to speak and could only nod quickly.

Only then did Vina release her mouth.

Ernst looked at Vina in astonishment. How could she not know that Vina had such strength? Could she suppress our Xinteleya? You know, in the original timeline, she was the Platinum Master of the No Heir Alliance, and she claimed that "If Maenna doesn't obey, hand him over to me and I will deal with him." She was a ruthless man named Casimir who could kill his uncle alone!

When did Vina's combat power increase?

Ernst hesitated for a moment and tried to ask:

"So Vina, are you going?"

"Me?" Vina was stunned when she heard that, and quickly waved her hands, "I can't do it. I don't know any close combat skills, nor do I know any Originium skills. How can I participate in the competition?"

"The sports meet isn't just about knightly competitions, there's also other things..."

"I really can't go. Besides, if I go with my identity, it will cause a lot of trouble, right?"

Ernst was speechless.

He had to admit that what Vina said was true. Ernst and Duke of Kast reached an agreement. Although Vina would not cut off her identity as Alexandrina Vina Victoria, she also promised not to use this identity to interfere in the current situation in Victoria. In exchange, Duke of Kast and the Duke's faction she belonged to would not take extreme measures against Vina.

Although this agreement was concluded between Ernst and the Duke of Castor, to some extent, it also represents the overall opinion of the Grand Duke faction that is now in power in Victoria.

In other words, it has been tacitly approved by the Duke of Wellington, the Duke of Godottin, and even the Duke of Windermere.

After all, the Grand Dukes are the vested interests of Victoria's current situation. Although some of them hope to end the split, they all have their own opinions on how to end it. And this opinion is unlikely to welcome back an heir to the throne who has a grudge against them for killing their father.

Unless someone really goes too far, otherwise, they would rather Victoria continue like this, at least their power will not be shaken.

It is actually difficult to say whether Vina's participation in the International Games can be considered a political action.

If Vina competed on behalf of Victoria, it would be a bit disgusting for the Grand Dukes who are in power now. But if Vina competed on behalf of Kjerag, the Grand Dukes would lose face again.

Your nominal heir to Victoria went to represent other countries in the competition. Why didn't she represent Victoria? Did she not want to?

This would make these "loyal ministers of the country" appear to be too treacherous and intolerant.

Therefore, the best answer is that Vina "will not participate".

But even so, Ernst answered decisively:

"If you want to go, I'll make sure you show up!"