People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

The only person who might not be so familiar with Ernst is Black Knight Mace, but after the Kazimierz group, Ernst and Mace are now acquaintances. Moreover, given Mace's personality, if she really did something like this, Ernst is certain that it was Ensiodis who instigated it!

But it is clear that although Enciodes and Ernst disagreed on political views, Enciodes never intended to deliberately make things difficult for Ernst.

"Your Excellency Prime Minister Ernst, what important matter brings you here, sneaking out of your office during working hours?"

Upon hearing Enciodes' opening remarks, Ernst immediately rolled his eyes.

Okay, I take back what I said earlier.

"Can't I come to see you if there's nothing wrong? You're my brother, can't I at least connect with you as a family?"

Ernst countered. Ensiodis blinked, somewhat bewildered, watching Ernst's expression as if to confirm whether he was joking.

Keep in touch?

Enciodes found it difficult to describe how he felt when he heard those words.

He was almost ready to give up on repairing his relationship with his younger siblings, because some things can't be fixed simply by spending time and money after you break them.

This is just like taking time off in lieu of leave. I make you work seven days straight, and then give you three days to rest. How well do you think you can rest?

No, this will only disrupt your life rhythm and make your schedule more irregular. If you want to travel and relax at the right time, you will have to face the terrifying crowds of people planning to go out at the same time. After going through all the hardships, you will not get the healing of beautiful scenery, but just another place to count heads.

Similarly, if you failed to fulfill your responsibilities as an older brother when you were young, neglected the feelings between your siblings, or even did things that would make Kroos shake his head, it's not something you can simply forgive and forget by saying "I had no choice at the time" when you grow up and return home in glory. Nor is it something you can close the gap by providing more money and companionship than you did before.

The wound won't disappear; it will only fester or scab over. Either way, it will always remain. [玖[偲☆扒ersi三？ 崚甒搜索《：]]

Perhaps your family will choose to forgive you, like Enshia, who tried desperately to bridge the gap between Enya and Ensiodis, attempting to mend the relationship between her brother and sister. But some family members will choose not to forgive, like Enya of Manju Academy. The title of Saintess is a thorn in her side, a constant reminder of her pain. She will never forget that when she most wanted her brother to reach out and protect her, he chose to push her away. Nor will she forget the gratitude she felt when she reached the summit, barely alive, and was rescued by Yeragand.

Besides these two extremes, there are also those like Ernst who calmly accepted this fact. Neither friendly nor malicious.

Having lived two lives, he could distinguish between good and evil, and was the first to understand how much of Ensiodes's initial actions were "forced" and how much were "enduring humiliation." He could understand, but understanding did not equate to support.

For Ernst, he was an only child born under the one-child policy in his previous life. It would be good to have an older brother to protect him, but it wouldn't matter if he lost one.

He was actually quite satisfied with his current relationship with Enciodes. There was neither excessive concern and interference, nor excessive estrangement and complete estrangement.

Ernst can confidently approach Enciodis to discuss the future of Sherag, share his plans and strategies, listen to his opinions, and seek his help.

Enciodes could continue on his own path, for he had already paid a heavy price for it: family, time, and tireless, day-to-day effort. As a young member of the Sherag generation with ideals and aspirations, what he had given and what he hoped for did not allow him to give up.

He wasn't unsupportive of Ernst; on the contrary, in some ways, he was Ernst's most unique and indispensable supporter. It wasn't that "Ernst is doing well," so he "had to abandon his own path" and wholeheartedly dedicate himself to helping Ernst—that's true support. Having him by his side, supervising, observing, and constantly urging him on as a challenger and competitor—that too is help.

If everyone only knows how to sing Ernst's praises, then Ernst's first concern will not be how well he has done, but whether he has taken the wrong path.

Accepting criticism, criticizing others, and criticizing oneself are virtues that Ernst has been learning and practicing since he embarked on this path in his previous life, and which he has repeatedly listened to and reiterated in countless meetings.

Ernst felt very lucky that Enchiodys was willing to be a “qualified critic.”

Ernst's statement about repairing the relationship between the siblings was not entirely a joke.

Why did he come to the Kalan Trade Headquarters in Tukarim first, and then go to the Manjushri Temple on Mount Kalan?

"I plan to hold a dinner tonight. It'll be like a family reunion meal. After all, I ate with the government team during the harvest festival."

Ernst said slowly,

"I arrived here first, and then I'll go to Manju Academy. I've already asked Kal'tsit to inform Enshia about that."

“I know what you’re thinking. This banquet will be held in my name, so I reckon that Sister Enya will also be there.”

"If you have anything to say or any gifts to prepare, you can start preparing them now."

Enciodes opened his mouth, looked at Ernst, as if wanting to say something, but in the end he pursed his lips, nodded slightly, and all his words were summed up in a simple thank you:

"I understand, thank you."

Ernst nodded slightly and held up one finger:

"Then, in return, Ensiodis..."

“Kalan Trading has always been a legitimate company, and we have no tax issues whatsoever, even if you let Joyce audit our accounts, it will be the same.”

"Tch, who was talking to you about taxes?"

Ernst pursed his lips and emphasized what he meant by "legal"—it simply meant not wanting to pay more.

Although his attempt to extort money from Ernst failed, fortunately, that wasn't what he originally intended to say.

"I need your help."

Ernst explained,

"I hope that Kalan Trade can expand its business scope to the Shitongling region."

Ensiodis frowned:

"Laetonia? You have connections over there?"

As trade in Kalan has developed to its current state, there are many channels for cross-border trade, but to this day, the largest and most stable ones are undoubtedly the channels provided by Ernst.

Both the Duchy of Windermere and the Duchy of Castle were very lucrative. Wellington and Goldington were slightly less so. Wellington did not have a deep relationship with Ernst, and until recently, the Duke of Wellington was not very fond of Sherrag, so the preferential treatment was not as great. As for Goldington, it was purely because they also had trade barriers to protect their domestic businesses.

Besides these, Lateran, Siesta, Colombia, and other countries are also very good. Although the competition is fierce, Carlan trade has managed to gain a foothold among them.

Ernst had virtually no dealings with Letania, and Ensiodes's own connections were limited to a few low-ranking nobles in commercial city-states that he could win over with money, such as Wolumond. Decades ago, the commercial alliance formed by these Letanian city-states was a renowned Letanian commercial and trade giant, but it had weakened in recent years and its usefulness was very limited.

Ernst suddenly mentioned Letania, Ensiodes Natural Marsh Group: Qi Liu Lu 3 Temple 42 doubts.

I haven't heard anything about Ernst going to Letania.

Ernst shook his head, confirming Ensioudis's idea:

"I don't have any yet. I've never been to Letania, and I haven't met many Letanians. Where am I supposed to find a way to do this?"

He paused, then continued,

"However, it's not entirely true that there isn't any."

“The Candle Knight Viviana returned to Letania a few days ago, specifically to the Shiton Territory.”

Enshiodis's eyes lit up, and he immediately perked up:

"That's right. Although Viviana isn't as popular in Letania as she is in Casimir, she's still a real star. If you can get her to be our spokesperson, it might really open up business opportunities in Shitong territory."

Ernst shook his head:

"That's probably unlikely; Viviana isn't capable of taking on endorsements."

Ensiodis was taken aback. What was he saying? Viviana wasn't the kind of competitive knight in Kazimierz who wouldn't cooperate with the Business Federation; she could get endorsements back then, so why couldn't she now?

Ernst waved his hand:

"It's not that she doesn't want to, it's just that her status might not allow it."

Ensiodis asked, puzzled: "Identity?"

Ernst nodded, organized his thoughts, and explained:

"Don't spread this news. I only found out about it recently myself."

“Viviana is the daughter of the Elector of Shitong. Moreover, the Elector of Shitong has recently fallen seriously ill. A few days ago, a remnant of the Witch King’s faction, posing as an envoy of Shitong, came to try to take Viviana away. After the plot was exposed, he claimed that he had the support of at least three Electors. Although I stopped him in time, Viviana still chose to go back.”

"I can't go directly to Letania anytime soon, but I hope nothing bad happens to Viviana. (Eek, "3-way hedgehog 4% off proxy purchase:")"

"Do you understand what I mean?"

Ensiodis froze on the spot, a strange look appearing in his eyes as he looked at Ernst.

No, brother, Viviana is the daughter of the Elector of Shitong? And the Elector of Shitong is seriously ill? And Viviana is rushing back at this time?

Although Ensiodis couldn’t quite imagine that someone like Viviana would have such thoughts, it sounded like she was going back to steal the family fortune.

However, putting everything else aside, if Viviana can safely obtain the Elector's inheritance, even if she is not an only child and cannot inherit the Elector's regional title, she will at least be a count.

What if she is an only child, or if Shi Tong is the only child left in the Grand Selection of the Emperor?

Tsk.

Ensiodis understood what the remnant of the Witch King's faction, who wanted to come to Sherag to take Viviana away, was up to.

With the support of the three Electors, it's practically a done deal. They want to install Viviana, the Elector's daughter who has no power base in Letania, as a puppet ruler to inherit the title.

He understood Ernst's thoughts.

There is indeed no channel for it right now, but if Viviana goes back and successfully inherits the estate, then there will be a channel.

Not only does it exist, but it's huge!

But then again.

If Ensiodis remembers correctly, Vina was the daughter of the last Emperor Victoria, right? And Defiance, the daughter of the Duke of Windermere. And the two from the Nearl family who came back with us, the son and granddaughter of Cyril Nearl, the hero of Kazimierz.

hiss--

Don't blame me for criticizing you, but what kind of people are you bringing to Shelag? Is this appropriate? If you keep doing this, Shelag will become the eye of the storm sooner or later.

Oh, with the World Summit happening, Kjerag seems destined to be the eye of the storm. (4wuliu)

That's alright then. Please be sure to increase your efforts in the future!

A rare smile appeared on Ensiodes's face as he looked at Ernst with a hint of admiration for the first time.

His younger brother is indeed capable. Most people invest in things like shops or stocks. Enciodes considers himself quite bold, but his investments are limited to infrastructure, emerging industries, and projects that don't show immediate returns but have high future profits.

But Ernst was different; Ernst invested in the country.

He had heard of this tactic before. In places like Victoria and Letania, it was called "supporting the heir," while in the Yan Kingdom of the East, it was called "a rare commodity to hoard!"

Impressive!

He stood up, grasped Ernst's hand, and said earnestly:

"I understand, I get it. Leave this to me."

"When necessary, Kalan Trading will do everything in its power to help Miss Candle Knight."

P.S.: I thought about it and decided to delete the previous post. Actually, I felt that the person who shipped them was just joking, but it wasn't a good thing, so I deleted it to avoid arguments from uninformed people later.

All the esteemed individuals who are willing to tell jokes are treasures of this book, and I am certainly grateful to them all. However, there's no obligation for anyone to kowtow to anyone else. After all, as Zhang Mazi said, "The emperor is gone, no one is worth your kneeling!"

Chapter 537 Ya'er: Aren't I family?

Shelag, Mount Kalan, Manjushri Monastery, Temple of the Holy Maiden.

Manjushri Temple is never short of worshippers, and Ernst encountered several acquaintances on his way up the mountain. There was Susie, who had recently come to Sherag due to the war in Victoria; Anmer, who was working on Lola's construction site but was inexplicably absent today; and Mandra, who had also skipped work because Ernst wasn't there. They came either to pray for Jeragand's protection, to seek his help to change their luck, or simply to have their fortunes told so they could return to Victoria and fight alongside Abrahana on the Londinium battlefield.

Whether these wishes can be fulfilled or not, Ensbat doesn't know, but as expected, Yeragand will definitely keep an eye on them.

Because of their disguises, the three women did not recognize Ernst, who was deliberately avoiding them. Ernst did not greet them either, and they simply passed by. Ernst went straight to the Temple of the Saintess.

"A banquet? Of course!"

Upon receiving Ernst's invitation, Enya nodded without the slightest hesitation.

"Actually, Ernst, even if you hadn't invited me, I was planning to invite you to Manju Academy in a couple of days."

Enya reached out and gently patted Ernst's head with a touch of tenderness:

"You're working too hard. I can't really help you much as your older sister. It's nice to give you a little break so you don't have to think about all those troublesome things, isn't it?"

Ernst paused for a moment, then nodded, somewhat amused and exasperated.

"I'm sorry to have worried you, but Enya, is it really okay for us to talk about such lazy topics in front of the great god Yeragand?"

Ernst glanced meaningfully behind Enya. Behind Enya, the head maid of the Manjusin, Ya'er, who was always by her side, smiled and seemed to be enjoying something. Behind Ya'er, the statue of Yeragand was placed on the altar, with incense burning continuously below.

Hearing Ernst's words, Enya stuck out her tongue a little shyly.

"The great god Yeragand is merciful; surely he won't mind such a trivial matter?"

Actually, this wasn't the first time she'd muttered about slacking off, skipping work, being late, or leaving early in front of the statue of the great god Jeragund.

When the topic was first casually brought up, she did feel quite flustered for a while. After all, the job of a saintess seemed to be a truly year-round, no-day job. Moreover, as the most devout person serving the gods, she should feel extremely honored to do this job, and it would be disrespectful to let the gods hear her say that she felt "tired" or wanted to slack off.

She didn't sleep well that night, and only on the 0th did she muster the courage to go to the goddess Yeragand to confess. However, Yeragand's response sounded somewhat dazed, and for a moment she couldn't understand what she was confessing. Even after Enya explained, Yeragand remained silent for a while before forgiving her.

"It's okay."

From then on, Enya was no longer afraid to say these things in front of the great god Jeragund.

Enya said this, and Ya'er echoed her sentiment:

"Yes, Yeragand is merciful and won't mind such things. I guess He wants you all to rest more, right?"

This isn't just polite talk; it's the truth.

Whether it was Ernst or Enya, Ya'er felt that they were both a bit too tired.