People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Abrahana is very arrogant. She can elevate her status in front of everyone without hesitation and say things that sound arrogant to a certain extent, but that is all to create a powerful "leader" persona.

The Tara people are nothing more than a scattered mob. Under centuries of oppression by the Victorians, their culture has been eroded, their traditions forgotten, and their sense of identity pitifully low. It's no exaggeration to say that if you asked a Tara person whether they would rather be a Tara or an ordinary Victorian, the vast majority would resolutely answer:

“Of course, they’re Victorians.”

Victoria's oppression continues to this day. Among the Tara people, anyone who can speak Tara, write a poem or two in Tara, and knows a little about Tara's past history is enough to be called a "Tara cultural studies scholar." It is no exaggeration to say that in terms of cultural discontinuity, perhaps only the Sarkaz can be a level above them.

In the Sarkaz, those who can read and write and understand history are not just highly educated, they are prophets.

For such a Tara people to unite, to resist Victoria, to escape exploitation and oppression, and to establish their own nation, the only way is to have a leader who is strong, wise, and powerful enough.

She will think for the Tara, make decisions for the Tara, and move forward for the Tara until victory or destruction.

Abrahana is the kind of person she wants to be.

This approach might be useful when conquering an empire, but it's not necessarily applicable when governing a country.

Whether people admit it or not, a country cannot be protected by a powerful army alone. Weren't the armies of the Dukes of Victoria powerful enough? Why did they, working together, end up in this state of Victoria?

A nation's strength depends on several factors, including its economy, its culture, its military, and of course, a favorable diplomatic environment.

The Duke of Wellington was indeed powerful enough that the nobles within the Duchy of Caesars circulated the saying, "After the Battle of the Four Emperors, Victoria only had one Grand Duke." However, the Duke of Wellington was not entirely her ally, nor could she rely entirely on his power. For now, they were merely partners.

The real struggle was just beginning when Tara was built from the ruins of Victoria.

At that time, Abrahana will have to consider Rafishini.

Abrahman initially left Raphsini in the deep pool, keeping her by her side to be her "shadow warrior" and "stand-in," so that she could learn how to lead a group of people, how to be decisive in killing, and how to deal with strangers.

But the final result... well, it was less than ideal.

Ahmoni, her "instructor," had a low opinion of Lavshini, bluntly stating that her choices in many areas lacked common sense and that she needed systematic political education, not practical experience—the Deep Pool didn't have that much money to spare for trial and error. Meanwhile, Mandela, who was Abrahana's "challenge" to Lavshini…

Ugh.

While Raphsini couldn't be said to have completely subdued Mandela, she was certainly being berated by him every few days. She was practically unworthy of being human, her status reduced to that of a mere Originium incinerator.

Abrahana had originally planned to observe for a while longer. If Lavshini still didn't improve, then she would have to consider Ahmoni's opinion and send Lavshini to a place that could provide her with "common sense education".

As for Mandela, everyone has their own dreams and lives a wonderful life. You may not have a life, but mine is even more wonderful.

But Ernst's appearance changed her mind.

From the moment Abrahman met Ernst at the Duchy of Wellington, she decided to send Raphsini to him.

Sherag is indeed a decent starting village. Unlike Victoria, there is no cutthroat intrigue or backstabbing. Political struggles are limited to complaining to Jeragand. Abrahana doesn't understand how such a small place could have given birth to a genetically mutated snow leopard like Ernst.

But regardless, now that Ernst has appeared, it might just be a special gift from God for her, for her love for Brana, and for her ignorant sister who has no concept of Tara or the future.

She has always had that kind of confidence.

Moreover, if Ernst wasn't, why would there be a coveting Aslan by his side?

Aslan is always like this, isn't he? He comes with ill intentions, blatantly staring at the treasures belonging to the red dragon, drool dripping from his mouth, looking like he's longing for them.

History doesn't repeat itself, but it always rhymes. Before, it was about the crown of Victoria, the riches of the Inner Valley; now, it's about the struggle for a qualified mentor, the theft of someone the Red Dragon has set its sights on!

Abrahana was fully aware of this, but she was not afraid.

She is not Atrias; she is of King Draguer's blood. She has never had the gene for reconciliation or compromise.

Her sister, of course, didn't have one either.

Just like this time.

"Boldly put forward your own ideas, get Ernst's approval before Aslan does, and make Aslan a vassal who echoes your words. Well done, my dear sister."

With a smile playing on her lips, Abrahana crossed her legs, instantly feeling much better.

She learned about the argument that took place in Prime Minister Sherag's office from Ahmoni, whose information came from Sherag's secretary, Rafshini, after she returned home from get off work.

According to Lafsini, the Duke of Windermere's daughter, Daphne, was also present at the time.

This can only mean one thing: Ernst deliberately leaked this information to her, or to the Duke of Wellington's faction, and the Duke of Windermere's faction.

"He remains as cautious as ever, showing no intention of completely siding with either side."

Abrahana licked her lips; this was exactly what she expected.

Back when the Duke of Wellington made his offer to Ernst, she had Ahmoni, as her representative, extend an olive branch to Ernst. Ernst refused at the time.

Abrahman initially thought she had accepted the Duke of Windermere's favor and become one of his people, but his later attendance at the Duke of Caesar's family dinner with Enciodis, and his subsequent interactions with the Duke of Caesar, proved that he was not a pawn of either side, but was genuinely attempting equal diplomacy.

And surprisingly, he succeeded.

The Duke of Caesar, the Duke of Windermere, and even the current Duke of Wellington, all regard him, or are gradually regarding him, as an equal leader. While Jeragand certainly provided support from the rear, no one can deny Ernst's strategic maneuvering on the front lines.

Truly talented.

Including what he did this time.

It would be inappropriate to directly inform other representatives of the intelligence. But if the intelligence was "accidentally leaked," then it's a different story.

Although it's not a big deal, and the Duke of Castells's scheme probably won't be kept secret for long, it's still a statement.

"The breath of the kings... interesting."

Abrahman didn't care about the Victorian national sword, which the Duke of Caesar saw as the key to turning the tide of the war, but Abrahman wasn't so optimistic.

Or rather, if that thing could really help Victoria quickly get rid of the Sarkaz, then she should be pessimistic.

After all, the Sarkaz must be eliminated at any time, but the key to eliminating the Sarkaz is to eliminate seven parts and leave three parts intact. Eliminating the Sarkaz is a minor matter; what is a major matter is to deplete the strength of the Victorian government forces!

Once the Duke of Wellington learns of this, he will likely react at the Dukes' meeting.

For example, emphasize the urgency of the war, reiterate the demand for unified command of all allied forces, and launch a preemptive strike before the other Victorian dukes can react.

At the very least, it will hinder the Duke of Caesar's plans.

That's too simple. Just explain the significance of the King's Sword, where it came from, and who gave it to Duke Caesar.

Other grand dukes, unless they were fools, would naturally object if they thought about the implications even a little.

They will not truly unite unless they suffer a truly devastating loss, but when they suffer a loss that is enough to shake them to their core and thus unite, the Duke of Wellington and her plan will be accomplished.

A well-laid plan has no reason to lose.

What Abrahana truly cares about is Vina, who is staying with Ernst, and the "guardian beast of Victoria" beside Vina.

Lavshini did a good job this time, but Vina is still not to be underestimated. And that mysterious creature named Gawain is even more daunting.

Abrahman was strategically arrogant, but tactically, she never questioned Victoria's strength.

Weakening the Grand Duke is indeed necessary for Tara, but this may also create a problem—after the Grand Duke is weakened, it's not just Tara who will benefit.

What if one of the Grand Dukes, driven mad by the Duke of Wellington's betrayal, decides to seek revenge against Wellington and Tara, and thus chooses to support Vina? In that case, will there still be a force capable of checking and balancing each other among the Dukes? Will the divisions within Victoria end? And will Tara be able to withstand a "complete" Victorian Empire that excludes the already underdeveloped Tara region?

This is the real problem.

Unfortunately, this matter is indeed beyond her ability to calculate from a holistic perspective.

Tara has not yet gained independence, the war with the Sarkaz remains shrouded in mystery, Duke Castle's plan for the Breath of Kings is still unclear, and Abrahana is unsure just how powerful the sword that will turn the tide truly is.

If the Duke of Caster could cast a spell of the level of a witch king with a single stroke of that sword, then there would be no need for anyone to fight. What would be the point of fighting at all? Someone is cheating!

Every scheme has its limits, and absolute power is enough to crush everything. Abrahana certainly understood this principle as well.

With a long sigh, she picked up her pen. Since the overall situation was still shrouded in mystery and difficult to understand, she decided to try to intervene from some key points that she could touch.

If anyone can influence Vina's decision, then at present, there is only one person—Ernst Shivaish.

So, the letter recorded Abrahana's thoughts at that moment:

"Lafsini, appropriately mention to Ernst the concept of Tara's independence and restoration, our justice, the oppression we suffer, our aspirations, and so on!"

“Be nice to him, you know what I mean, let him feel the heat of the red dragon! Don’t give Aslan, who covets the treasure, any chance to take advantage!”

"Finally, study hard and make progress every day. I'll be waiting for the day you come back."

At that time, the whole of Tara will be calling your name.

You will realize that you are not my substitute for life.

We sisters have always been each other's light and shadow.

Chapter 524 Shapeshifters: Assassination? We're not going!

Victoria, Londinium, Iron Palace.

The Blood Lord and the Shapeshifters are waiting for Theresis.

Ducarle, the Blood Demon Lord, is the Blood Demon among Blood Demons and the Sarkaz among Sarkaz. The power of the Originium, which shaped the entire Terra, did not change him in the slightest. Even though he looks like a human now and may even be the object of some people's fantasies, he does not utter a single human word and does not perform any anthropomorphic behavior.

Therese put him in charge of liaising with the city's garrison and the surrendered nobles in Londinium. It's hard to say what his intentions were, but it's highly likely he didn't intend to let those people live.

The Blood Demon Lord also accomplished this task admirably, standing shoulder to shoulder with the completely uncorrupted Tikkaz despite his human body. In short, he did his utmost to alleviate the burden on the food supply in the city of Londinium.

He's currently complaining about the shapeshifters:

“The local Victorians are so rude! I was telling them about how I fought my way from east to west in Kazdel and took the head of a great nobleman of Letania without even blinking, and they asked me if my eyes were dry!”

The shapeshifters remained expressionless, clearly not very interested in the topic, but still cooperated with Ducaré's narration like competent actors:

"Then what?"

"I washed my eyes with their blood."

Ducarre pulled a mirror from his pocket, looked at himself, and curled his lip in disdain:

"It turns out that you shouldn't wash your face with dirty water."

The shapeshifter swarm was silent for a moment, then continued to ask:

"What we mean is, aren't your eyes really dry?"

The Blood Demon Lord paused slightly, looked at the group of shapeshifters, and clicked his tongue in exasperation.

"Transformer, the fact that you asked this question once made me wonder if there were a lot of impurities mixed in with your blood."

"What do you mean?" The group of shapeshifters frowned slightly.

The Blood Demon Lord turned his head away, suppressing the smile on his face.

Telling a Blood Demon that your blood contains impurities is analogous to telling an ordinary person that they have a pig's brain.

It doesn't matter if the shapeshifter swarm doesn't understand; as long as they find it interesting, that's enough. It also saves us from causing any conflicts.

He has something to ask the Shapeshifters for help with later.

Theresis quickly appeared in the hall, walked confidently up the steps, sat on the throne, glanced at the Blood Demon and the Shapeshifter, and asked with a puzzled look:

"What does the Blood Demon Lord want with me?"

He should be at the ceremony site near Lentinium, helping the absolutist prepare those hard-to-obtain "high-tech devices." But he suddenly received a message from Ducaré and had to rush back.

Ducarre claimed that he had very important matters to discuss with the Military Council. This was actually a good thing, since the King of the Royal Court had always obeyed the Military Council's orders but not its pronouncements. Now that he was willing to take the initiative to discuss things with him and the other members of the Military Council, it could be considered progress.

Although Therese had a feeling that this wouldn't be a good thing.

The Blood Demon Lord didn't waste any time. Upon seeing Theresis arrive, he quickly wiped the smile off his face and got straight to the point:

“We can’t afford to get into a stalemate with Victoria. We can’t afford to lose.”

Therese nodded.

Ducarre didn't need to explain; he certainly knew this.

Londinium's Sarkaz are finite, while the Victorian Duke's allied forces have an infinite supply of fast-moving warships. Once the war drags on, the Sarkaz's elite ships will be lost one by one, but the Duke's allied forces, even if they lose ten high-speed warships, can send in ten, twenty, or even a hundred more!

Admittedly, they could defend the city and not venture out; Lentinium's fortified city and powerful cannons were enough to deter many with ulterior motives, and the city itself was also capable of being self-sufficient to a certain extent. However, this was contingent on the Military Council truly "ruling" Lentinium.

The Sarkaz have only occupied Londinium and controlled its defenses, but that doesn't mean they truly rule the city. Londinium is enormous, one of the largest mobile cities on Terra. With the meager resources Theresis brought, completely conquering the city is utterly a pipe dream.

Originally, the Carrion's army would have entered the city through the remains of the [Timeline] behemoth, providing them with ample reserve troops and catching Victoria's Duke's coalition off guard. But now, the plan has failed.

The strike on [Time Sequence] has had little effect so far. The behemoth's consciousness has already left, and Theresis has already transferred Ersula away, leaving only a small number of royal troops to guard the behemoth's skeleton—he does not intend to continue wasting precious troops on this behemoth that can no longer move.

The shortage of troops makes it difficult to maintain a high-pressure rule environment within the city, and the cost of occupation gradually increases. The Londinium Self-Salvation Army, which has recently become more active, is a typical example.

What's more troublesome is that a prolonged stalemate could dampen the Sarkaz's enthusiasm for war. The Sarkaz are both easy and difficult to fool. Theresis injected a shot of adrenaline into them by conquering Londinium, making them feel that the battle was hopeful and that it was possible to achieve a great victory with a small investment. He also killed Theresa, cutting off the Babel Tower as a retreat route, which finally convinced them to follow him.

However, most of the Sarkaz are seasoned veterans who have fought in battles and worked as mercenaries. Once the situation changes, they can react quickly. At that time, Theresis will have to face the inherent disadvantages of the Sarkaz army, such as "internal chaos," "fierce infighting," and "a motley crew."

The Victorian nobility could not afford to wait, but the Sarkaz could not afford it even more. The Duke of Custer was aware of this, which is why he explicitly proposed the "siege and reinforcement" plan.

But Theresis, one of the six heroes of Sarkaz, already knew all of this, and didn't need Ducarre, who wasn't even one of the six heroes, to teach him.