People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Although the "Four Cities Meltdown" incident ended in a way no one expected, his painstakingly prepared plan to take over the Business Federation and create a true one-man show was interrupted, and this chaotic staircase was also trampled over by that Ernst-Felin, he remained optimistic.

At least, it's difficult to trace this directly back to him.

The infected individuals involved in the incident are dead; they are no longer able to speak.

Knowing the details of the incident, his son McKee, who was responsible for relaying his orders, would naturally not betray him.

The Business Federation and the Supervisory Commission have tacitly agreed to handle this matter discreetly, therefore, their retaliatory measures will inevitably be limited. Without a large-scale investigation, how can they confirm that they are the mastermind behind this?

Don't forget, the "headquarters" of the Rose Newspaper is also in the Great Knight Territory, and they are also one of the victims of this incident. The Business Federation has no reason to suspect him of this.

Even if they do have some reason and evidence to investigate Rose Newspapers, that's fine with me.

It's nothing more than the Rose Newspaper's expansion in Casimir suffering a major blow. After years of management, the Rose Newspaper has long since expanded beyond Casimir and has become a well-known media outlet in Colombia. As long as he, as the founder, remains steadfast in Colombia, the company will not collapse.

Of course, this is only the worst-case scenario.

Things are not as bad as they seem.

After finishing his tea, the "reporter" stood up, ready to refill his cup.

His mind raced, focused on how to make a comeback.

This failure did indeed teach him a lot of experience and lessons. First, infected people are indeed useful, but these temporarily recruited infected people lack professional skills. If possible, he should privately raise a group of infected suicide soldiers in the Rose Newspaper, provide them with money and food, and train them for emergencies.

Secondly, Kazimir was more vulnerable than he had imagined. Admittedly, following this incident, some within the Business Federation had proposed restructuring the entire city's power grid, separating the Business Federation headquarters' energy supply from the city's main power source to ensure the Business Federation could remain operational should a similar incident occur again, preventing a repeat of the current predicament. This proposal was quickly passed within the Business Federation without a single dissenting vote. Presumably, the Supervisory Council felt the same way.

Next time, if he wants to tamper with the energy switch issue again, it will be much more difficult. But as an inside man, this is just a bit of a hassle. If he is willing to pay the price, just like how he was able to temporarily mobilize traitors within the Supervisory Council to clean up his mess this time, he still has other ways.

The Kasimir people are not vigilant enough about this.

Finally, there is Ernst.

That's a troublesome person. If necessary... no, it's absolutely necessary to get rid of him.

The reporter didn't think the idea was particularly far-fetched; throughout history, those with greater achievements are more likely to be suspected by their masters. Ernst's current situation undoubtedly met the standard of "his achievements overshadowing his master."

Admittedly, he was not a Qazimir, but that only made it more absurd.

Given the petty nature of the Kazimir Supervisory Council and the calculating nature of the Business Federation, could they tolerate a foreigner wielding influence in Kazimir that surpasses even their own? Could they allow such a powerful figure to exist on this territory? Don't they want this uncontrolled foreigner, who knows state secrets of the magnitude of the "Four-City Meltdown," to simply disappear forever?

The reporter felt that the answer was very clear.

If he were placed in the positions of the Business Federation and the Supervisory Committee, he would not tolerate Ernst's existence.

He believed that the reason the Business Federation and the Supervisory Council hadn't acted yet was simply because the assassination was too taboo and they couldn't act rashly. They also certainly couldn't mobilize the Unarmed Alliance.

The Unarmored Alliance has always been an urban legend among the people, but anyone with a little information knows that they are partners of the Business Federation (a dog). If you use them to do this kind of thing, you have to be prepared to be come after them.

However, in the reporter's view, they were clearly too conservative.

Ernst's speech, the "Speech of Light," had already been relayed through his inside contacts at the Pegasus Arena. It was indeed a speech worthy of being recorded in history. Even the "journalists," after listening to it in its entirety, couldn't help but want to stand up and applaud him.

However, he also keenly noticed the problem.

The views expressed in this speech regarding certain races and groups seem somewhat too "modern," and are destined to challenge the traditional values ​​of many people.

They didn't even need to make the arrangements themselves; in this situation, it would be perfectly reasonable for an "angry Ursus" or a "mad Sargon" to assassinate him.

It just takes time to spread the content of the speech.

As the location of the speech, Kazimierz has every right and reason to "spread the speech."

It's just using someone else to do the dirty work.

Keeping his plan to himself, the "reporter" decided to lay low in Colombia for another month. By the time he returned, the hype surrounding the speech would have died down. Then, he could submit the proposal to the Business Federation, and with a little encouragement, the success rate would be quite high.

"Tuk-tuk!"

The sudden knocking interrupted the "reporter's" act of pouring tea. He looked up, somewhat puzzled, towards the entrance of the upscale apartment building, and asked:

"Who?"

"Hello, the Columbia Melander Historical Society. We received your membership application a few days ago and are here today for an interview."

Mehrand Historical Society?

The reporter's eyes lit up.

Having worked in Colombia for many years, he was naturally familiar with this mysterious organization. It was an organization under the Melander Foundation, founded by Melander Selene, the "Father of Colombian Federal Government." The Melander Foundation was Colombia's shadow government, with subordinate departments including the Melander Charitable Fund, the Melander Children's Aid Fund, the Melander Scientific Research Fund, and many others, covering all sectors and fields in Colombia. Even among this diverse group of "Melander" entities, the Melander Historical Society was the most mysterious.

The "reporter" couldn't recall sending them any messages, let alone any membership applications, but he had no doubt that there was something wrong with them.

Because this is great Colombia, Colombia that respects people like him.

They must have recognized my talent! They must have understood my appreciation for Colombia! That's why they sent people to win me over!

Excitedly straightening his clothes and trying to maintain a calm demeanor, the "reporter" put down his teacup, strode to the front door, and opened it.

Standing outside the door was a strange... machine?, wearing a brown trench coat, a cowboy hat, and a large cigar dangling from his mouth.

"You're surprised to see me?"

The tin man spoke calmly, seemingly unfazed by this situation.

"Let me introduce myself. I am Tin Man, the chief detective of the Melland Historical Society under the Melland Foundation. You are not the first person to be frightened by my appearance, but you'd better get used to it soon, because you will see my face often in the future."

The reporter's expression stiffened for a moment, but after hearing what the tin man said, he quickly regained his smile:

“Of course, of course, Mr. Tin Man, please come in. I’m glad Columbia sees my abilities. We can start the interview now.”

"Oh, right, the interview. I almost forgot."

"Sigh, this kind of trivial thing should have been done by Holhaya before, but she went off to enjoy herself, and now I'm here working overtime."

The tin man sighed, walked into the room, skillfully closed the door behind him, pulled the chain, and dusted himself off, looking like a weary migrant worker who had just arrived home.

Under the expectant gaze of the "reporter," he took a deep drag of the cigar, which had no flavor whatsoever, and swallowed the tar and smoke directly into his alloy-made throat, achieving a top-notch lung-to-lung experience before reluctantly extinguishing the cigar on the wall by the door.

Then, he took out a strangely shaped hand cannon that emitted a scarlet mist from his pocket, and in front of the "reporter" whose smile was gradually fading, he attached it to his arm and nodded in satisfaction.

The "reporter" finally realized something was wrong. He took a step back and asked warily, "I'm here for an interview. What do you want?"

The Tin Man completely ignored his question, simply raising his hand and pointing the dark muzzle of his cannon at the "reporter".

"To be honest, I don't really like this feeling. Shooting out a part of myself, even though it's very powerful, always reminds me of the days when I was 'energetic' and had that ability."

"But what can I do when His Excellency the President's order is to 'not leave even the dregs'? I can only reluctantly comply."

He shrugged, a hint of human mockery flashing in his emotionless eye sockets made of light bulbs.

"You're a 'reporter,' right?"

"I'm giving you a chance to write the last report of your own life."

"Do you want to cause a gas explosion due to improper handling of the liquid Originium tank in the kitchen? Or do you want to lose control while practicing forbidden Originium techniques and tragically die?"

Chapter 453 The weak me of the past is dead!

A gas leak and explosion occurred recently at a luxury apartment building in the Mark Maxwell district of Colombia, resulting in one injury and one death. The incident caused severe damage to the building, and nearby residents were evacuated. Vice President Wilson personally directed the rescue efforts at the scene. The District of Columbia Police Department is investigating the specific cause of the accident.

This was a rather insignificant news story; in a newspaper filled with major news stories in Kasimir recently, it didn't even occupy a separate section.

Many Casimir residents were baffled as to why this news of an accident in Colombia would appear in their newspapers at this particular time. They thought, "It's just one person dying in a foreign land, what's the big deal?"

Those who pay closer attention to Colombia might analyze the news more closely, trying to glean some unique insights. For example, why would a minor gas leak and explosion warrant the presence of the Colombian Vice President?

Doesn't this demonstrate Colombia's immense emphasis on "human rights"?

Ernst shouldn't have given this speech in Kasimir. Giving such a mediocre speech to those clueless Kasimirians was a waste of both the material and his breath. Look at those pathetic "compatriots"—their first thought wasn't to ponder the profound meaning behind the great proposition of "human rights," but to start reselling a used ticket stub at an exorbitant price, making it impossible for them to buy one and use it to show off!

In their opinion, Ernst should be giving a speech in Colombia! The Colombian Vice President, who values ​​human rights so much, would surely be there to listen and support Ernst! That would be their dream scenario!

Harboring the belief that foreign things are always better than domestic ones, they certainly wouldn't have imagined how their revered Vice President Wilson was actually "directing the rescue" on the scene.

Inside the makeshift relief command center, Vice President Wilson, impeccably dressed and with a kind face, rubbed his hands together with satisfaction, thanking Ernst for providing him with such a perfect opportunity for political posturing even though Ernst wasn't in Colombia, while praying:

I hope good luck will come my way.

As he spoke, he reached out and untied the cup containing the dice.

Three sixes, that's really lucky!

The vice president's jubilant cheers echoed from the rescue command center.

As for the rescue workers on site? These members of the Melander Foundation are still on shift, waiting to go into their tents after get off work so they can play a game with the Vice President!

In conclusion, Casimir is basking in the excitement of the official end of the World Games, Ernst's "Speech of Light" and the establishment of the Terra International Human Rights Council. Who would care what's happening in Colombia, thousands of miles away?

In particular, this matter is somewhat unlucky.

The president of Wine Magazine made the following sharp comment during an internal meeting:

"We're celebrating here, and someone's died over there. Aren't they a bit clueless? They can't even pick a good time to die, and they think they can steal our headlines? They're dreaming!"

"Never mind him, let's write ours!"

"Both the Federation and the Supervisory Committee have suffered considerable losses during this period, so let's keep the title conservative."

"Let me think... Hmm! I've got an idea!"

A cruel smile crept across his lips.

How about "Rose Newspapers Facing a Business Crisis? CEO Flees with Huge Sum of Money and His Mistress!"?

The editors exchanged hesitant glances, their faces showing unease. Finally, the editor-in-chief stepped forward and cautiously asked:

"Boss, isn't this title a bit too conservative? It doesn't suit our style."

"Why doesn't it fit? What are our unique features?"

The boss smiled and answered his own question:

"Red Wine Report, only tells the truth!"

Ordinary people in Kazimir might not know why this news appeared in Kazimir's newspapers, but as a leading figure in the Business Federation, how could he not know the inside story?

The journalist's son leaked the information to Ciarne before the four-city meltdown, and Ciarne clearly lacked the pure conscience to "keep secrets," so after learning the news, he sent a warning to the business federation.

However, at that time, no one in the business association was willing to believe this seemingly unbelievable news, nor was anyone willing to take extreme measures against the board members of the association based solely on a rumor without any evidence—would the instigator have no descendants? If they did that, wouldn't these board members who formed the association to make profits for themselves end up creating an organization that restricts them?

The past is the past, and the present is the present. Before things escalate, nobody wants to deal with them. But once things escalate, everyone's interests are harmed, a common enemy emerges, and then unity naturally follows, doesn't it?

After the four-city meltdown, the Business Federation sent the Unarmed Alliance to Colombia to search for the "journalist's" whereabouts.

It's a bit of a shame, though. The "reporter" probably realized he couldn't escape his fate; before even arriving at the Wuhou Alliance, he set fire to a gas cylinder in his undercover home and committed suicide out of guilt.

This news is a "signal" that the Unarmed Alliance is sending back to the Business Federation through the now-disorganized Rose Newspaper in Colombia.

—The “journalist” is dead.

The head of the Rose Newspapers, the "reporter," is dead. After receiving this confirmed news, it's obvious what will happen next.

The Rose Newspapers, which he left behind and which had considerable influence in Casimir and Colombia, naturally became a coveted prize for other competitors.

Wine Report is, of course, one of them.

The owner of the Red Wine Newspaper considered himself to have some "conscience." During an internal meeting of the Business Federation to discuss how to deal with the Rose Newspaper, he strongly advocated for McKee, the "reporter's" son, who had proven his loyalty to the Business Federation during the recent "Four-City Meltdown" incident, to succeed as chairman. His aim was to resolve the power vacuum left by the death of the Rose Newspaper's chairman with minimal cost and minimal disruption, and to ensure that the Business Federation would not experience internal turmoil and division due to the Rose Newspaper's collapse.

Of course, the chairmanship is not hereditary. Having McGee succeed him to stabilize the situation was merely a smokescreen.

This new report in the wine newspaper, which he personally finalized, is a bellwether for a shift in the market.

From this point forward, the Wine Gazette will gradually take over the content sphere of the Rose Gazette, from entertainment gossip to international news, truly dominating the entire news media industry in Kasimir. At that point, McKee will, of course, be obsolete.

Now, consider this a reward for McKee's loyalty. Even without giving that kid a chance, and despite internal and external troubles, Rose Newspapers remains the largest news media company in Casimir. McKee's starting point is many people's ending point. He and other companies will certainly relentlessly pressure from the outside, gradually eroding its resources, but the severely damaged Business Federation cannot easily take over Rose Newspapers' internal affairs. To avoid mass unemployment, economic downturn, social unrest, and other detrimental factors for the Business Federation's development, they will not act rashly.

Under these conditions, if he can't produce anything worthwhile, then it's no wonder he's not being blamed.

After all, he had heard that Prime Minister Ernst had been elected to the position of Prime Minister of Sherrag in the same way, and look how successful he is now! And look at you? You should reflect on whether you have not worked hard enough.

Meanwhile, McGee, who hadn't "tried hard enough," sat in front of Ernst, looking much more weathered.

His mental state was indeed not ideal. After learning of his father's death, he naturally wondered if he should have revealed the news to Charnet. If he hadn't, would his father have had a chance to escape unscathed? Would the Rose Newspaper have been spared this calamity?

To be honest, now that things have come to this, if you ask him to explain why he made that choice back then, he's not entirely sure.

Perhaps it was because he often gazed at the Candle Knight, often read those uninteresting chivalric novels, and often pondered the thoughts of those knights, trying to find common ground with the Candle Knight? Unconsciously, he also developed a bit of "heroism" that he shouldn't have.

To betray one's father for the safety of the entire city, to save the Grand Knight Commander and Kazimierz, to become a knight who sacrifices his own family for the greater good?

Looking back now, that idea was truly laughable.

He should have realized long ago that he didn't actually like chivalric romances or those romantic fairy tales, and that he and the Candle Knight were simply not on the same wavelength.

After all, the Candle Knight lived in a fairy tale, while he was born in reality.