People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

That's why.

As the land of knights, Kazimierz cannot oppose knights. And the sport of knightly competition is indeed a very good disguise.

Its essence is treating knights as commodities, no different in nature from the cricket fighting and cockfighting tournaments popular in the upper class of Yan Kingdom, or the Ursus War Beast Fighting Tournament popular in Ursus. But it just happens to be dressed up in the skin of knightly culture.

Can you say that the knights in a knightly competition aren't knights?

No. Because every competitive knight has proof of registration and citizenship with the Knights Guild.

The Knights Guild is not under the direct jurisdiction of the Supervisory Council; its history is so long that it existed as early as the founding of the Kingdom of Kazimierz.

The Supervisory Council cannot directly interfere with their recognition of competitive knights, and theoretically, neither can the Commercial Federation. However, the Commercial Federation is clever; they never interfere directly, but they have enough interests to make the Knights Association voluntarily make decisions that benefit them.

As equestrian sports become increasingly popular, more people register as equestrian knights. The more registered knights, the more membership fees the equestrian association collects, the more people are involved in management, the wider its sphere of influence becomes, and consequently, the greater its power. And as beneficiaries, they support the sport even more.

This has created a situation.

The Supervisory Council initially did not oppose the knightly competition, failing to perceive the hidden dangers behind the sport. They may even have supported it for a time because it touted itself as "promoting traditional chivalric culture." As a result, this commercial activity, which had nothing to do with culture, actually managed to become associated with chivalric culture, a pillar of Kazimierz's culture. By the time the Supervisory Council realized its mistake and attempted to sever ties, it had already contradicted itself, contradicting itself, and even escalating to the point of denying the very foundation of its own culture (chivalric culture).

In this process, the relatively independent Knights' Association, thanks to the emergence and influx of competitive knights—non-noble, low-status, and easily managed "new knights"—finally escaped its status as a puppet shell organization filled with major knightly families and constrained by nobles. It gradually reaped substantial economic benefits and expanded its power—as the knight certification body, they were akin to the pope of the "religion" of knightly competition, able to "expel your knighthood" at the slightest provocation! Competitive knights, lacking the background and influence of traditional knightly nobles, would lose their means of livelihood once expelled.

This made the Knights Guild and the Commercial Federation, as the true initiators and supporters of knightly competitions, natural allies.

And the National Assembly, the last link in the Qasimir power structure, is the most useless institution. The law is subordinate to power; without the support of power and the state's instruments of violence it wields, can one expect divine intervention to enforce the law?

While the business federation and the supervisory committee were locked in a power struggle, they became a prime example of "helping whoever wins".

Thus, the situation in Kazimierz became: the Supervisory Council was self-contradictory, the Knights Association had defected, the National Assembly was a fence-sitter, most of the Kazimierz people benefited from the economic benefits brought by the Knights' Games, and the situation of the Commercial Federation was also problematic.

The result is self-evident.

Having figured this out, Ernst was able to roughly guess Russell's intentions:

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

The Kazimierz Knights' Tournament Special Championship, organized by the Business Federation, is a purely commercial endeavor. The direct beneficiary of its commercial profits is, of course, the KGCC. The KGCC has only reached its current position, able to rival the Supervisory Council, by investing these commercial interests into political influence.

Russell had clearly figured this out. So, knowing that the Knights' Tournament had already succeeded in its scheme and that the Business Federation had become too powerful to be eradicated, she came up with this plan.

The Control Yuan took the initiative to forcibly take over the hosting rights of the "Cavaliers' Championship" event, transforming from a neutral observer to a direct participant in the event and taking control.

In Ernst's words, it means taking a step ahead of capital expansion to the point where it can control the country, and letting the country control the capital.

Whether this operation will succeed, Ernst wasn't sure. After all, would the Commercial Federation be so foolish as to simply hand over the equestrian arena to the Overwatch Council? Even though Russell was quite shrewd, wanting to leverage the Overwatch Council's status as the legitimate government of Kazimierz to expand the scope of the Major to the entire Terra, and to counterbalance the Commercial Federation's power by introducing an outside force that coveted this market, no one could predict what kind of counterattack the Commercial Federation, which had been cultivating this industry for decades, would launch.

After all, equestrian sports were first proposed by them, and they've been researching and developing them for decades, mastering all sorts of variations, giving them a significant first-mover advantage. For a newcomer like you to try and defeat them in their field is not as easy as it sounds, as theory suggests.

Russell nodded, acknowledging Ernst's assessment.

She knew, of course, that it wouldn't be that easy; otherwise, she wouldn't have made a special trip to Sherag to attend the World's Fair in person.

Throughout the entire World's Fair, apart from a certain Grand Inquisitor who had gradually evolved into someone who said, "I'm not as good as you at fighting, but I'm not as good as you at destroying ashes," "I don't need to get my travel expenses reimbursed after one trip, and I can even build two more churches when I get back," and "I can turn the electricity meters of the entire Iberian region upside down!", the most active person was undoubtedly her.

On her first day in Sherag, she visited the Duke of Caesar, informing her of the upcoming Grand Tournament and extending an invitation. And since then, from Laterano to Colombia and Letania, which country's representatives haven't she met with?

Even the Grand Tutor of Yan, who in theory never leaves the country and whose questions would be pointless, is no exception!

"Of course I know it's very difficult. In fact, Prime Minister Ernst, to be honest, the rights to host the Special Championship are still in the bidding process."

This left Ernst somewhat speechless.

So you haven't even secured the hosting rights yet? You're still haggling with the Business Federation, and you dare to directly invite other countries? Are you planning to force things into a fait accompli?

Ernst had to admit, you Kazimir people may not be good at much else, but you're really bold and skilled at spreading rumors.

The Business Federation's wine newspaper dared to spread rumors about me and Christensen, and you dare to spread rumors about the Special Championship in front of all nations. It's truly... a case of the same ilk.

However, Ernst said that this doesn't seem like a bad thing.

Have you ever thought about broadening your perspective?

Ernst Road,

"The Knights Tournament Major is indeed a huge brand. But this brand doesn't belong to you, and the current owners clearly understand knightly competition better than you do. Even if you can dominate them this time, what about in the future? Can you guarantee victory every time in this arena?"

"Why don't you put up a bigger sign?"

Russell frowned: "Prime Minister Ernst, please feel free to share your thoughts."

Ernst hesitated for a moment before speaking.

This matter is actually an internal conflict within Kazimir. Theoretically speaking, he shouldn't have gotten involved.

But remembering how his older brother had mocked him for three days and three nights because of a false report by the Business Federation, he gritted his teeth and decided—he'd do it! He wouldn't be a gentleman if he didn't avenge this!

Ernst's expression turned serious, carrying a hint of resolute killing intent, and he spoke:

"What I mean is, since a nation doesn't have to be confined to Kazimierz, why must the scope be limited to knightly competitions?"

"You are a government; you should have a broader perspective. Does the Shaylag World's Fair only showcase military equipment or religious content? And why should the Casimir Major only feature knightly competitions?"

"The Originium Arts Competition, the Speed ​​Race, the High Jump and Long Jump Competition, and the Knight's Arena can certainly be the grand finale, but if you can achieve similar success in other areas, then the Knight's Arena can definitely be one of the events included."

"Your goal should be to dethrone it from its indispensable position as a product of the fusion of Kazimierz knightly tradition and modernity, and turn it into an ordinary, albeit more popular, sport."

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

Indeed, how could she not have thought of that?

Just as Ernst said, the Knights' Tournament was a product of the Commercial Union, a calculated move that diminished the knights through the commodification of knights. The Commercial Union had cultivated this field for decades, and even though it was caught off guard by the Supervisory Council this time due to a lack of preparedness, it was difficult to guarantee that the Supervisory Council would continue to win and not lose everything when the Commercial Union made a comeback in the future.

But what if we broaden our thinking?

The Commercial Federation can commodify 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?

Putting everything else aside, an Originium Arts competition would be perfect. The dazzling light of magic shimmering on the field—isn't that more elegant and beautiful than a bloody head-on clash?

This has been proven by the market, because Viviana Drost, the daughter of Russell's old friend and the Elector of Letania, is now active in the arena of knightly competitions and is the most popular knightly competitor in recent years.

Her stunning beauty was certainly part of the reason, but her magical dance amidst flickering candlelight and her combat style of striking with a single blow while reciting poetry were also a major factor!

One can conclude from her that the Originium Arts Competition has great potential.

"But isn't it a bit inappropriate to call this kind of competition the Knights' Tournament?" Russell said. "Since it was Prime Minister Ernst who made this suggestion, do you have any good ideas?"

"Is Your Excellency the Grand Knight planning to fleece me completely?"

Ernst was joking.

The Grand Knight shrugged: "Who can blame him? Prime Minister Ernst is young and promising, and his thinking is much more agile than this old man's."

"You flatter me, you flatter me. I was just trying to get some small revenge for myself."

Ernst waved his hand, thought for a moment, and then spoke.

"Since you asked me, how about we call it the 'International Games'?"

"Incorporating it into the World Summit system, alongside the World's Fair, would be simple to understand and would also increase the influence of both sides. What do you think?"

Russell pondered for a moment, then smiled, stood up, and extended his hand to Ernst: "Then we shall do as Prime Minister Ernst says."

"It's a pleasure to work with you, Prime Minister Ernst."

Ernst stood up, shook hands in return, and said, "It's a pleasure doing business with you."

P.S.: This is a long chapter of 4500 words, a way to make up for yesterday's update. I'll update one chapter earlier today, and the remaining one tonight. I have some errands to run this afternoon.

Hey guys, have you seen the new game PV for Azur Lane? It looks pretty awesome, like a Palga Azure Archive? No stamina bar is a good thing!

Chapter 358 Jesston, you go and kill the mace.

Shelag, Tukarim, Government Office Building, Ernst's Office annex meeting room.

Seated at the head of the large square table, Ernst's gaze swept over the newly assembled official members of the Sherag government, as well as several unofficial members, and he began to speak:

"So, who's interested in the Kazimierz International Games?"

Everyone looked at each other, just like when the teacher asked a question in class and asked who could answer it. They all lowered their heads, turned to the side, and remained silent.

Ernst coughed somewhat awkwardly:

"This is actually a good thing. After negotiations with Grand Knight Commander Kazimierz, the Games of Nations will be incorporated into the system of the World Summit and the World Expo. In other words, you are essentially bringing glory to the country, aren't you?"

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

Ceylon raised his hand and asked with some confusion.

She had just finished get off work and heard that Ernst had a big announcement to make, so she came along. Ernst didn't stop her; after all, Ceylon was one of the specially appointed teachers, and she also had Siesta, who could participate in the sports meet, so it wasn't a problem to let her hear some inside information beforehand.

However, while Ernst was letting you listen, he was thinking, "Don't sabotage me!"

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

"Who said that? Look, Vina, Horhaya, aren't they both from Shelag? Right?"

Vina nodded seriously, while Holhaya shrugged and smiled slightly, which was taken as tacit agreement.

Hinterlea frowned, seemingly lost in thought, while Lola felt a little strange. Why didn't Ernst ask her, but instead asked Vina and Horhaia? She was clearly the pure-blooded Sheragusas, wasn't she?

Fortunately, Ernst didn't intend to dwell on this issue with Ceylon for too long. Since no one volunteered, he simply decided to hold a general roll call... cough cough, a grand mobilization of troops!

Ernst's first target was naturally Hinterlea:

"So, Heartlea, do you want to go back and give it a try? Becoming a gladiator knight is your dream too, isn't it?"

To everyone's surprise, Hintley quickly waved her hand, and the speed at which she cut the cloth was so clean and efficient that even Ernst was taken aback.

"No, no, no, I've never felt happy being a racing knight!"

"The Cavaliers Major is neither about knights, nor about competition, nor about matches. I have absolutely no desire to play that stuff again!"

"I only have one dream now, which is to live a carefree life... cough cough, which is to contribute to the development of Shelag. My heart already belongs to you and Shelag! There is no room for anything else."

"I......."

Before Hintelia could finish expressing her loyalty, Vina covered her mouth.

"That's enough. Ernst understands. No need to say anything more."

Three times in a row, each time with an increasingly harsh tone, Hinterlea's pupils contracted in surprise, and she could only nod hastily, unable to speak.

Vina then released her mouth.

Ernst looked at Vina in astonishment. How could she not know that Vina possessed such strength? Capable of restraining our Hintria? You must know, in the original timeline, Vina was a Platinum-ranked member of the Unarmored Alliance, a ruthless figure in Kazimierz who claimed, "If Marna doesn't obey, hand him over to me, and I'll take care of him," and who could single-handedly kill her uncle!

When did Vina's combat strength increase?

Ernst hesitated for a moment, then tentatively asked:

"Navina, are you going?"

"Me?" Vina was taken aback, then quickly waved her hand. "I can't do it. I don't know any close combat skills or Originium Arts. How can I compete?"

"The sports meet isn't just about knightly competitions; there are other things too..."

"I really can't go. Besides, my status would cause a lot of trouble if I went."

Ernst was speechless.

He had to admit that what Vina said was true. Ernst and the Duke of Caster had reached an agreement: while Vina would not sever her identity as Alexandrina Vina Victoria of the Aslan royal family, she promised not to use that identity to interfere in the current situation in Victoria. In exchange, the Duke of Caster and her faction would not take extreme measures against Vina.

Although this agreement was concluded by Ernst and the Duke of Caesar, it also, to some extent, represented the overall opinion of the Grand Duke's faction, which was now in power in Victoria.

In other words, it can be said that it also received the tacit approval of the Duke of Wellington, the Duke of Godotington, and even the Duke of Windermere.

The Grand Dukes are, after all, beneficiaries of Victoria's current situation. While some among them may hope to end the division, they each have their own views on how to do so. And these views are unlikely to involve welcoming back an heir to the throne who has a blood feud with them for their father's murder.

Unless someone really goes too far, they'd rather Victoria continue as she is, at least it won't shake their power.

Whether Vina's participation in the World Games can be considered a political action is hard to say.

If Vina were to represent Victoria, it would be somewhat distasteful to the Grand Dukes currently in power. But if Vina were to represent Kjerag, the Grand Dukes would lose face.

You, Victoria's nominal heir, have gone off to represent other countries in competitions. Why doesn't she represent Victoria? Is it because she doesn't want to?

This would make these "loyal ministers of the state" seem far too cunning and intolerant of others.

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

Even so, Ernst answered decisively:

"If you want to go, I'll guarantee you'll be there!"