People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Not to mention those who couldn't even establish themselves within Letania and had to be sent to Sherag.

Admittedly, in Ernst's view, being an ambassador abroad is a respectable job, but it's different in Letania. When leaving means losing power, no ambitious Letanian nobleman would voluntarily give up his status and position in the country to come to Sherag as an envoy.

The envoy was indeed telling the truth, but his tone was certainly not polite.

When someone tells you in advance, "What I'm about to say is not meant to offend you," they are definitely thinking, "It doesn't matter if I offend you."

Because if he truly respects you, he will carefully consider every word he says and will not easily let such statements with "double meanings" come out of his mouth.

To put it simply, back in Ernst's previous life, he never dared to say to his boss, "No offense, are you hungry? I'll make you some noodles."

You should say, "Boss, you've worked hard. Would you like me to prepare something for you to eat? How about noodles? Have some to tide you over first, and I'll treat you to a simple meal later as a way of thanking you for your guidance."

The only message Ernst could glean from the words of this Letanian envoy was "arrogance."

Whether he was Viviana's father's messenger is unknown; he provided no evidence, only a vague statement.

He came to Sherag, to Ernst's territory, and brazenly took away Ernst's friends. He was arrogant in his words to Ernst, and offered no explanation whatsoever.

Ernst was puzzled.

What makes you so arrogant?

Vina was already somewhat dissatisfied. As the Foreign Minister, the arrival of a suspected high-ranking figure from Letania in Kjerag without prior notice was, in a sense, a testament to her competence. After communicating with the embassy and confirming that the man's name was not on their list, she specifically returned to report to Ernst.

Vina believed she had done a good job. During this time, she had established basic trust with ambassadors from other countries, including the special envoy from Letania.

Although diplomatic occasions don't involve discussing feelings but rather interests, she and the baronet lady from Cele got along quite well in private, so she was naturally unhappy that her friend was being mocked so openly.

Moreover, according to the other party's meaning, although it was not explicitly stated, wasn't it a veiled insult that Shelag was a poor, backward place that only incompetent, powerless, and unsophisticated people would be willing to come here?

What is this? This is a denial of her efforts, a denial of Scherrag, a denial of Prime Minister Ernst!

Vina had already clenched her fists and stepped forward to argue, but before she could act, Ernst shook his head slightly and stopped her.

Vina could only pout somewhat aggrievedly and retreat.

Ernst could easily understand Vina's thoughts. He had personally mentored her, and he knew exactly what she was thinking and what grievances she harbored.

Ernst stopped her for no other reason than that.

A moment of patience brings calm; taking a step back...

The more I think about it, the angrier I get!

I'm right here. This is my home turf. I don't need you here.

I'll do it myself.

"Sir Envoy."

Ernst crossed his fingers in front of his chest, his brow furrowed, and gazed at his deliberately elegant little goatee, calling out softly.

The envoy nodded, his smile unwavering.

"Prime Minister Ernst, is there anything else you would like to ask?"

"If not, please allow me to take my leave. The Elector's orders are urgent, and I cannot linger any longer."

He removed his top hat, abandoned all politeness, bowed to Ernst, and turned to leave.

Ernst's voice has already rang out:

"You can't go."

The next second, the sound of a lock coming from behind came. The envoy turned around and saw that Horhaya had already locked the door. She raised the corners of her mouth and revealed a cunning "smile".

"What is this...?"

"It's nothing, I just have another question."

Ernst waved his hand, and the messenger had just breathed a sigh of relief when Ernst's next words followed.

"I'm just curious, what did I do to make you disrespect me like this?"

Don't you understand your current situation?

Ernst stood up and considerately walked to the map of Kjerag hanging on the wall. Since the appearance of the great god Yeragand, this thing hadn't had time to be updated, but Ernst didn't care. He simply pointed to the large characters on it:

"This is Sherag."

“Envoy, I have no intention of offending you. I just want to say that when you came to Kerrig, firstly, you did not send a diplomatic note, secondly, you were not informed in advance by the Leitanian ambassador to Kerrig, and thirdly, when I sent the Foreign Minister to the embassy to verify, there was no one named you.”

Ernst began to count on his fingers and list them out.

The envoy's face darkened. He seemed to realize something, but felt Ernst wouldn't dare do such a thing, so he gritted his teeth and bluffed, saying:

"What exactly are you trying to say, Prime Minister Ernst! These procedural issues can be addressed once I bring the people back. I can send you as many as you need. One Grand Elephant isn't enough? Two, three, it's all fine! Why bother with these cumbersome rules?"

"Rules are meant to restrain ordinary people. Don't you find it ridiculous to talk about this with people like us?"

Ernst glanced at him but did not answer.

ridiculous?

Yeah, it is pretty ridiculous.

He broke off his fourth finger:

"Fourth, the mountains in Shelag are high and the roads are slippery. It has just undergone a major change in terrain. Even locals can easily get lost. If you wander around Shelag without a guide, it is very easy to get lost."

Don't you think about your own safety?

The envoy's cheek twitched, but then he seemed to remember something, gained some confidence, and asked in return:

"You really dare to do this to me? I am Viviana's father's envoy."

Ernst smiled and said, "Really?"

The messenger raised his head:

“At least three Grand Election Lords can vouch for my identity. Even if I were to stand in front of the Grand Election Lord of Shitong and ask him to identify me, he would have to admit that I am who I am.”

The three Grand Election Lords mentioned earlier are his backers.

Does it matter whether he is this "messenger of Viviana's father" or not?

Even if Viviana's father really came, upon hearing the names of the people behind him, the half-dead Elector would have to reluctantly acknowledge them.

The reason is simple: the will of the three Electors is "half the will of Letania." Even if the two empresses themselves came, they would not want to directly offend them.

This is what "nobility" is.

Compared to the nobles of Victoria, the nobles of Letania had fewer opportunities to touch the highest levels of power, but what they gained was the reward of being able to do whatever they wanted without having to touch the top power.

Ernst was simply trying to use "rules" to pressure him, but what good would that do?

What's the point of this?

Rules are meant to restrain those who are subordinate to him. The law of the king is the law of the royal family. What rules does someone like him need to care about? And what rules can restrain him?

Is it the Golden Melody?

“The three Electors recognize my identity, as do the Electors of Shitong. Even if the Empress were to come, they would still recognize my identity. Do you still think I am an imposter?”

The messenger clasped his hands together.

That's just his arrogance—"I have connections!"

Ernst nodded.

Okay, you have connections.

But is it possible that I have no one above me?

Having said all that, Ernst had done his utmost. Since the other party was unwilling to back down, unwilling to explain his intentions in taking Viviana away, and even wanted to use her as leverage against him, he wasn't going to leave him any way out.

Isn't this incredibly ungrateful?

He sat back down and waved his hand dismissively:

"I think you are a remnant of the Witch King."

"Horhya, prepare a press release. Today, a tourist from Letania went missing in Kjerag. Kjerag is organizing a rescue operation. Also, a safety notice: Kjerag's terrain has recently undergone significant changes. Some unknown areas will be closed off by the Kjerag government. Tourists are advised not to explore these areas on their own. The Kjerag government will reopen the closed areas after the exploration is completed."

"Don't send these two press releases yet. If someone from Letania contacts us, then send them out. If no one contacts us, then forget about them."

forget about it.

The envoy listened to Ernst's arrangements, somewhat stunned. Those four words clearly touched a nerve; the arrogance on his face crumbled, and he said earnestly:

“Prime Minister Ernst, are you serious? You’d better think this through. If you stop me from bringing Viviana back and make me ‘disappear’ in Shelag, you’ll face the accountability of three great electors and the entire country of Letania.”

"Your allies, those Victorians, are too busy with their own problems to protect you. Especially the Duke of Windermere, whom you rely on. If she doesn't want her contract with Letania to be broken and to be stabbed in the back by the Elector during her campaign, she won't come to protect you."

"besides......."

"What else?"

Ernst countered,

"Those people you mentioned, the three chosen monkeys, are they in Shelag now?"

In the past, Ernst would probably have simply said, "I'm too lazy to talk, you're not worthy to listen," and ended the conversation.

But today, he was unusually enthusiastic and very ritualistic.

After all, since arriving in Terra, few people have been able to make him angry. The last one was the Duke of Wellington, who was openly malicious and never hid his evil intentions. Ernst was angry, but he refused and that was that, and there was no follow-up.

But this one is a little different.

This man seemed to be too much of a feudal landowner. His conservatism, arrogance, contempt for modern national diplomatic procedures, and extreme blind worship of the authority of the upper feudal aristocracy all made Ernst want to pinch his nose.

He never intended to say, "I beg you, let's get some capital!"

Ernst was very curious about what state Letania was in now. Were all their nobles like this?

Surely there won't be a situation where all the soldiers are transferred away just to arrange a marriage for a nobleman, leaving the city defenses weak and leading to a rebellion or riot?

This "messenger" did indeed provide him with a very classic example of examining the social classes of Letania.

Of course, Ernst has learned enough now, so he is no longer of any value.

Ernst returned his reasoning to him.

“I just said, I think you are a remnant of the Witch King.”

“This is Sherag. I say you’re a remnant of the Witch King, my secretary says you’re a remnant of the Witch King, my foreign minister says you’re a remnant of the Witch King. Even if you call Viviana here, she won’t remember you at all. Do you think she’ll believe me if I say you’re a remnant of the Witch King?”

"As for whether you are or not..."

Ernst glanced at him; the messenger's face was contorted, and he reached into his robes, seemingly groping for something. But Ernst paid no attention, merely shrugging leisurely.

Do you think it's important?

"That makes sense, but don't use it in your next life."

Ernst closed his eyes.

"Wait—" The messenger hastily pulled something out, but his words were blown away by a gust of wind.

It was not Ascalon who made the move, but Horhaia.

Ascalon's actions were equally swift and clean, but he would leave traces. Moreover, Ernst wasn't keen on having this Rhodes Island operator do this dirty work for him.

He can handle the pressure and consequences, but Rhodes Island is different.

As for Holhaya, she was a former special agent, so her expertise was a perfect match.

When the wind picked up, no sound could escape. Horhaya nodded slightly to Vina, then carried the "missing tourist" out of the room.

Considering the specific circumstances, he probably won't have the chance to enjoy Sherag's VIP mountain-hanging service; he'll just have to make do and sit at the same table as the Grand Elder.

Ernst opened his eyes only after the door closed and Holhaya's footsteps faded into the distance.

A gentleman cannot bear to see someone die while they are alive. He was a civil official and not good at fighting, so he would not watch such a bloody scene of fighting and killing.

"Speaking of which, what was our missing tourist trying to say?"

Vina shook her head, picked up the small ring from the ground, and handed it to Ernst:

"I don't know, but he dropped this."

Ernst picked up the ring, examined it, and noticed a string of letters inside the ring's inner band. He frowned slightly, took out his terminal, and translated it into Letanian:

In memory of Otto Dietmar Gustav von Utica, the eternal king of Letania.

Good grief, I was just kidding, you really mean it?