People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

After all, when Ernst met him, he was always wearing the uniform of an elite Rhodes Island operator.

Won't this disappoint Lamarle? She painstakingly picked out a little dress and sent it to her eldest son who was away from home, only to find that he didn't appreciate it at all. The new clothes, which she put so much thought into, are probably already buried somewhere in a drawer.

Unfilial! How utterly disgraceful this female demon is!

What? If Aphrodite went out wearing this dress, it wouldn't just be a banshee's disqualification, it would be social death?

That has nothing to do with Ernst; it's not Ernst wearing it anyway. The best way to appease a woman older than you is to agree with her. Besides, Ernst is quite curious to see Logos with long hair and a long dress; he feels she'd be a "beautiful girl" on par with Xi.

As for the World Summit and the establishment of the Sarkaz state, Lamaren did ask, but she only touched on the subject superficially.

She is no longer the queen of the succubi.

Even if Ernst were willing to admit that she was indeed curious about the specifics, she wouldn't actively seek to find out more.

Because Aifanil has grown up; he is no longer the child who relied on his kind, beautiful mother for help in everything. These are things Aifanil should do.

Until he "abolished the royal court," he remained the master of this Sarkaz royal court. In matters concerning the future of the Sarkaz, he needed to take responsibility, represent his people, and make his choices. Ramalen would help him, but only as a senior, a guide, and a caring mother; she would not make these decisions for Aifanil.

After asking a few questions from the perspective of an "ordinary Sarkaz" and receiving satisfactory answers, Ramallen stopped asking questions.

Because that's enough. Verbal inquiries and answers have their limits; the rest she can see for herself. She can see the Sarkaz living in Kjerag's evaluation of the country, see the scenes Nasti describes, and go to Rhodes Island to seek Efanil's opinion.

Of course, she was already fairly certain of some of the answers.

Whether the Banshee will be Ernst's friend in the future, Ramaren awaits Afa'nil's decision, but the Banshee will certainly not be Ernst's enemy in the future, because this is a decision she has witnessed firsthand, made by the [many Sarkaz].

Back in the office, where there were no moles and people could talk behind closed doors, Ramalyn wanted to discuss something else with Ernst.

Lamarle sat down on the sofa, took the tea that Lavshini had warmed and brought her, but didn't drink it. Instead, she went straight to the point and asked:

“I heard from Nasti that Mr. Ernst has some issues with Quesatushta?”

Ernst glanced at Nastie, who nodded slightly, looking a little embarrassed.

"I invited Ms. Ramalyn to Shelag for this very reason."

"I'm sorry, I'm truly powerless to involve you in the operation against Quesatushta."

Nasti spoke very sincerely, without the slightest hint of joking.

Of course, she wanted to help Ernst eliminate Quesatushta, the leader of the Pardoners, the demon king of the White Horn, and the destroyer of ethical dilemmas. His reputation within the Sarkaz wasn't much better. Eliminating him was a legitimate act of doing justice and ridding the people of a scourge. If she could, she would undoubtedly want to personally blow the bone flute and send Quesatushta off in a pleasant manner.

Unfortunately, it can't be boasted about.

Her skills are indeed somewhat lacking.

Nasti's spellcasting abilities are not entirely absent, but they are not entirely absent either. Among ordinary Originium Casters, as a Banshee, she is certainly one of the best. While she might not be ranked in the Mega Tier, she would easily be ranked in the Middle Tier or even below it.

However, among banshees who are all masters of incantations, and some as ruthless as Logos, who can even counter the concept of scavengers and the "life force extraction" that works on inanimate machines, Nasti doesn't quite rank.

Not to mention that she reset her stats after arriving in Columbia, adding all her new points to technology and engineering. If Ernst had asked her to curse some ordinary people, she might have been able to say "it's a sure thing," but the opponent was Quesatushta!

One of the demon kings in Kazdel's history, when the first generation of Unit 1 was alive, his Kazdel was not even breached by the God-People Alliance. In the legends he left behind, there is even a record of smearing the golden blood of Kazimierz's Pegasus on the walls.

When Ernst asked her to think about how to deal with Quesatushta, Nasti remained silent. Because at that moment, only one question was on her mind:

"Me, fighting Quesatushta? Really?"

Even later, when Levi suggested using "Originium" to trick Quesatushta, Nasti's first reaction was:

"Huh? This...can we win?"

She was well aware of her limitations; if she didn't have the skills, she shouldn't take on the task. She certainly wasn't confident she could take down a Sarkaz monster that had lived for hundreds or even thousands of years, but she could call upon others!

Columbia taught me the importance of connections, and I brought my talents back to the Banshee's Court!

She couldn't shake a Banshee Queen like Aifanir, but she could shake a former Banshee Queen like Lamaren. The strength of the King of the Royal Court has never been inferior to that of the Demon King. Throughout history, it has been common for Kings of the Royal Court to assassinate Demon Kings. Not to mention, Quesatushta is now a pardoner who has lost the power of the Demon King, while Lamaren is a King of the Royal Court with combat power without any additives.

"Lady Ramalyn is the most succubus of all; once her lament is sung, death will come. Compared to me, she might be able to offer more help to your plans."

Nasti said earnestly.

Lamaren remained silent, tacitly agreeing with Nasti's statement.

The banshee, the banshee. An ordinary banshee sings a dirge when someone dies, mainly for the sake of ritual. But a powerful banshee like her, once she starts singing, the person who hears it had better die quickly, otherwise, they would have to pray that Ramalyn would be lenient and quick.

Ernst opened his mouth, but then swallowed back the words he was about to say: "Sing a line, I'll listen."

He was genuinely curious: how powerful must this curse be to kill someone just by hearing it? Or were the Banshees actually all death songs, and the elegy was actually called a "Requiem," a single ultimate that could result in a pentakill?

But considering his mental and physical health, he decided not to listen to the song. What if Ramallian was a "soul singer" on another level? How would he view this great succubus afterward...?

Getting back to the point, Ernst's "surprise" to Nast was indeed a "surprise".

This was the first time he had received a genuine surprise, rather than a shock disguised as a surprise.

Lamaren's addition could indeed provide a new solution for Quesatushta. Who knows, maybe Lamaren, along with her two aunties and sisters from Logos, could just charge in and take down Quesatushta?

However, the only problem is:

"Are you willing to help us?"

Lamarle smiled slightly; she understood Ernst's meaning, nodded, and gave an affirmative answer:

"Of course. I've disliked Quesatushta for a long time too."

Unlike the question of whether the Banshees should participate in the Sarkaz nation-building plan, the former requires Logos, the current Banshee Queen, to make a decision on behalf of the Banshee race. Ramallen is just a member of the race, and whether Logos votes democratically or acts dictatorially is irrelevant to her. At most, she can offer her opinion, but the final interpretation right belongs to the Banshee Royal Court.

But the situation is different for Quesatushta.

This is Lamarle's personal decision and does not involve any ethnic group. There is no need to report it to Logos, or even for Logos to know about it.

What the banshee clan wants to do needs to be discussed, reported, and finally decided. But what an individual banshee plans to do—whether it's working, kissing a gem with a mass-produced banshee kiss, doing civil engineering, drawing blueprints, or even going to Mygo—no one will stop you, and no one has any reason to stop you.

Lamaren's identity is indeed slightly more special than the other banshees, but so what? She's retired! What, isn't she a free banshee?

Do you have any specific, good methods?

"Ernst asked. Lamarlene shrugged:"

“It’s not difficult. Just lure Quesatushta out of his lair, and I’ll take care of the rest.”

“The Absolutioner has spells that target the soul, which are indeed troublesome for ordinary Sarkaz to deal with, but the Banshee is also an expert in this area. In Nasti’s words, this is called ‘the best match for their expertise.’”

Ernst nodded, without asking questions like "How can we get Quesatushta out?"

Nasti and Ramalyn have already provided themselves with a feasible plan to kill Quesatushta; the remaining question of how to lure him out is Ernst's own task.

He could consult Kal'tsit, ask Levi for help in setting a trap, or even send a letter directly to Duke Windermere, requesting him to start with the Dukes' Alliance, set a trap, create a weakness, and lure Quesatushta out of his hole. Eliminating one of Lontinim's high-ranking Sarkaz combatants would also benefit the Dukes' Alliance, so she had no reason to refuse.

There are many solutions, but they require in-depth thinking and discussion.

"Thank you so much for your help, Ms. Ramalen. Well, although I'm a little late, but..."

Ernst stood up happily and extended his hand to Lamarle:

"Welcome to Shelag, and we hope you have a pleasant experience in the days to come."

Lamarle glanced at Ernst's outstretched hand, paused slightly, a faint smile appearing on her face beneath the veil, and returned the handshake:

I think so.

Chapter 532 Alina: Cyberpunk 1095!

Lateran, headquarters of the Presbyterian Order of Mount Requiem, Church of the Souls.

The church is still full of people today. There is never a shortage of kind people in Sakota, or rather, there are very few unkind people born in the holy city.

Environment shapes a person. If you are born into a virtuous family, it is difficult for you to be full of bad intentions. People's acquired personalities may change due to various life experiences, but their underlying nature rarely changes. This is what is meant by "it is easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature."

The Sakotas are undoubtedly the most optimistic and kindest race on this land, without exception, a fact that even the Sherag people would have to admit defeat in.

After all, the Sherag people are less about being kind and more about being simple and honest. Isolated in the mountains, they never communicate with the outside world, unaware whether Drak or Aslan is in power in Victoria, and even less understanding why the Infected and Sarkaz suffer discrimination and oppression. Because they don't know, they refrain from evil—that's the Sherag people. Lateran, on the other hand, has never ceased communicating with the outside world. Living in a paradise on earth, the Sarkaz possess the ability and confidence to commit evil. But the fact is, you rarely hear of Sarkaz committing crimes. They neither oppress others nor are they arrogant. Aside from sometimes being "difficult to understand," they are mostly approachable.

As for the conflict between them and the Sarkaz, which involved both sweeping and plundering, this was a legacy of history. The Sarkaz acted out of racial hatred and a desire to survive, while the Sarkaz did not consider it a criminal act.

The Sarkaz have no human rights. Sweeping them away is doing a service to the people and maintaining order in the surrounding area. Even if it were taken to a court in any country, let alone a notary office, no one would think there was anything wrong with it.

"But just because it's always been this way, does that make it right?"

Standing on the pulpit of the Church of Requiem, Andorn began his narration.

His voice was a little hoarse, perhaps from talking too much. But there was no impatience on Andorn's face. He remained patient, sincere, and genuine in sharing his insights with all those willing to listen to him.

These people weren't all members of the Presbyterian Order. Some were ordinary Lateran citizens, while others weren't Sakorta but Liberi. They came here perhaps because of a friend's recommendation, perhaps by chance, or perhaps to inquire about the church that had recently become very popular in Lateran. (Searching for "驷杷：栮俬䃨3底" to see what flavors of desserts they offered)—Andorn really did offer them. After each speech, he would distribute a sample of their newly developed dessert for the audience to try. If people liked it, he would make more to sell. This income was considerable, providing significant financial support for the Presbyterian Order's daily operations.

The Laterans who received the desserts wouldn't report them to the Papal Court, because if they did, they wouldn't get any more delicious desserts!

However, in the end, this was actually a bit of an overreaction. After all, most of the Sarkaz didn't think Andorn's ideas were heretical at all; most of them even thought they made a lot of sense.

Sarkaz has never lacked unconventional individuals; everyone's used to it.

And the desserts were indeed delicious.

Aside from Sakorta, even though a small number of Liberians felt that these conversations went against Lateran's overall policy, their private reports to the Papal Court mostly went unanswered.

It wasn't that the Papal Court was being lazy, or that they also ate the desserts from the Presbyterian Order; rather, it was that Ivangelista XI shook his head.

His Holiness the Pope isn't stupid. He has met Andorn, and he even went to see the Law with Andorn and Ernst. He might not have known what Andorn and that descendant of Fiameta were up to at first, but after all this time, if he still didn't understand, wouldn't he be a complete fool?

But he said nothing and did nothing.

Ernst had already consulted with him about pushing for Sarkaz's independence. Whether the plan would succeed was not a concern for King Ivangelista XI, but if he did, it would certainly benefit peace in Terra and align with the interests of the Summit of Nations. If you ask whether King Ivangelista XI supports it, the answer is definitely yes.

But as the Lateran pope, he could not openly support it.

Policies have their inertia, especially in Lateran countries where successive popes have maintained an anti-Sarkaz policy for over a thousand years. Can you just reconcile with them because you say so? Can you just support them because you say so? The established laws cannot be changed!

While the Sarkazan are internally stable, they are not without dissent. Light and shadow coexist. With figures like Andorn who advocate for equality for all, there are bound to be conservatives who believe in the Sarkazan's self-preservation and that maintaining the status quo is the best course of action.

In particular, the seven things that helped Sarkaz establish independence are beneficial to Terra, the World Summit, and the Sarkaz people. However, they are not beneficial to Sarkaz and Lateran, and may even be harmful. After all, Lateran has been fighting against Sarkaz for so many years. Who knows if they will retaliate after establishing their own country?

Therefore, King Ivangelista XI couldn't openly support it; he didn't have enough sweets to appease everyone. But his inability to do so didn't mean he couldn't allow such opinions to be expressed and attract supporters.

This person is Andorn.

The situation in the Papal Palace is this: the Presbyterian Church of Mount Saint only needs to continue promoting the idea of ​​equality for all and stirring up thought within Lateran. However, the Cardinals and Ivangelista XI in the Papal Palace have many more things to consider. How to ensure that the Presbyterian Church of Mount Saint is not suppressed without publicly expressing support for it, how to ensure that every report against Andorn is ignored, and how to ensure that a certain notorious "stubborn" notary public doesn't suddenly rush over and arrest Andorn. These are all troublesome matters!

And Andon, do you think he was completely unaware of the Pope's attitude towards him?

That's impossible.

The Presbyterian Order also has members working in the Papal Palace. Although they are not high-ranking and do not reach the level of cardinals, they are precisely because they are grassroots employees that they are very clear about how those reports against Andorn are shelved within the Papal Palace.

The two of them tacitly performed a duet from afar, each getting what they needed and getting what they wanted.

Inside the Church of Requiem, among those listening to Andorn's speech, there was one whose identity was rather special.

Alina woke up a month ago.

In the "accident," she lost a leg and an arm, and due to Talulah's subsequent "inappropriate actions," she nearly died from massive bleeding.

Thanks to Terra's impressive medical standards, and Laterano's top-notch medical technology and doctors' ethics, she barely survived after Clausewitz and Angelica brought her to Laterano for treatment.

However, the original hand and foot can never be retrieved.

However, Lateran also has advanced prosthetic arm and leg technology.

Alina never imagined that she, a country girl from Ursus, would one day become a cyberpunk cyborg in the most renowned "Holy City" on Terra!

Due to inadequate initial treatment, Alina's wound was quite severe. After more than a month of rest and treatment, she is now only just able to get out of bed, and her control over her arms and legs is far from flexible, but this is already the best possible outcome.

Having walked through the gates of hell and truly experienced the whisper of death on her neck, she is already incredibly fortunate to be alive. What more could she ask for?

Moreover, no one in the Presbyterian Order discriminated against her, this country girl from Ursus.

Alina felt ashamed; she didn't have a single penny. But Andorn spent a fortune treating her and providing her with food and lodging. The members of the Holy Mountain Hermitage treated her like family, like brothers and sisters. The way they addressed each other reminded Alina of Yelena in the Tundra Guerrilla and her "Yeti Squad."

She also asked Andorn why she was helping him so much.

Andorn gave her two answers.

From the perspective of the Presbyterian Church of Mount Saint, she was a friend Clausewitz brought back from Ursus. Helping a friend is helping oneself; there is no need for any reason, and no desire for any reward, because this is the tenet of the Presbyterian Church of Mount Saint.

From Andorn's perspective as a pioneer of the Order of the Holy Mountain, Alina is a valuable asset for the Order's expansion. The fact that an Ursus could be accepted by the Order is the strongest support for the Order's statement that "this happiness should be shared with all people on this land."

The latter sounded somewhat pragmatic, suggesting a possible manipulation of Alina. But Andorn didn't hide it.

"Idealism is the lighthouse at sea, telling us where to sail, while realism is the oars that guide us to our destination."

Andorn used a metaphor that only Iberians who had come into contact with the sea could use to explain his point—he himself was born in Iberia and was one of the “used” individuals who embodied his own ideals.

Alina was filled with emotion.

She longed to go back now and tell Talulah the truth they should have realized long ago: