People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Did you go to bed early last night?

As Ernst spoke, he took off his hat and hung it on the coat rack. Because Lavshini hadn't arrived for work yet, the room was still quite cold, so Ernst didn't take off his warm coat or the scarf Enya had given him.

Kal'tsit was clearly reluctant to answer this sensitive topic. Her gaze darted away for a moment, and she cut to the chase by asking another question:

"Ernst, did you do something to Quesatushta?"

Ernst was taken aback, and the confusion on his face was obvious.

Kal'tsit breathed a slight sigh of relief; judging from her expression, she must have been overthinking it.

Si is the same. Although Ernst always surprises her, she can't associate every problem with Ernst. What's the difference between that and the Ursus people shouting, "It must have been the infected!" whenever something happens?

After a pause, Kal'tsit bowed slightly and apologized, "I'm sorry, I said some nonsensical things."

"how do you know?"

Kal'tsit: "?"

She gasped, looking at Ernst in shock, and after a long pause, stammered:

So, you really are?

Ernst looked at Kal'tsit with some confusion, but didn't answer. That look made Kal'tsit feel uneasy.

After a long pause, Ernst asked again:

"How did you know, Dr. Kal'tsit?"

"If you've come here to ask me, then I can tell you, out of consideration for our friendship, that I have indeed taken some action against the most difficult part of the Sarkaz radicals. In the future, I don't rule out taking any action against Theresis, if I can."

"But if you're here to criticize me, then I can only answer you, no comment. Because communication requires honesty, and I don't think there's anything about me that you need to question."

"After all, the Sarkaz situation doesn't seem to have much to do with Rhodes Island as a medical company, does it?"

Kal'tsit's words caught in her throat.

Indeed, logically speaking, based on everything she has revealed to Ernst about Rhodes Island, she has neither reason nor the right to inquire about the Sarkaz or Quesatushta.

The establishment of the Sarkaz was overseen by Shelag and the International Summit, and Ernst and the Sarkaz Residents' Affairs Committee were responsible for promoting the entry of Sarkaz's top talents into Shelag. She was, at best, an advisor in this process. An advisor, as the name suggests, is someone you can consult when there are concerns; if Ernst is certain to do something, then Kelsey indeed has no right to interfere.

Unless, she has some identity that is very relevant to this interest, and can actually help or hinder Ernst.

"You should be a little more honest with me, Dr. Kal'tsit."

Looking at the silent Kal'tsit, Ernst, who had easily taken the initiative, sighed somewhat helplessly, his tone softening.

"Actually, there are some things I already know. I'm just waiting for you to tell me yourself sometime."

"But to be honest, you've disappointed me somewhat."

If you think about it for a moment, you can actually come to this obvious conclusion.

Now that Ernst has temporarily shifted the focus of his work from the external exchanges of Shelag to hosting the World Summit, the issue concerning the Sarkaz group, which is the direct interest group of the first proposal to be reviewed at the World Summit, must be the top priority of Ernst's work.

In the past, things were prioritized, and Ernst's primary concern was those powerful figures who were now renowned throughout the land. Therefore, he did not pay much attention to the Sarkaz. Now, adhering to the principle of seeking truth from facts and believing that one has no right to speak without investigation, and now that Ernst has begun to promote the establishment of a state in the Sarkaz, is he still the same novice who asks Kal'tsit for advice on everything regarding the Sarkaz issue?

NO! The answer is definitely no.

On Rhodes Island, after learning about the existence of Theresia from Amiya, Enslut immediately began to understand and investigate the Sarkaz race.

Since returning to Shelag, this kind of work has never stopped.

Ernst had a long talk with Hedley, a wanderer who lived in the lower rungs of Sarkaz and had once been a mercenary.

Nasti, a banshee living in the upper echelons of Sarkaz, chose to leave her homeland and seek a living in Colombia because she did not want to be involved in the war. Ernst also had an in-depth discussion with her.

Even disregarding these ordinary Sarkaz, would Ernst really not bother to learn about special Sarkaz such as the Shapeshifter syndicate, the Great Banshee Lamaren, the Cyclops Elchi, and the inexplicably arriving Ascalon?

No, of course not.

If Ernst still needed Kal'tsit's explanation of the Sarkaz, whose records are quite scarce, then Ernst had personally encountered Banshees, whose records are more numerous!

Kal'tsit was picked up by Ascalon while he was still alive!

Afterwards, Ernst did not ask Kelsey for any information about the banshee.

Kal'tsit might think that it's because Nastya, the banshee engineer, is there to answer her questions, but in reality, it's no longer necessary.

(Pointing at Kal'tsit) This is not needed!

Ernst had only established a certain level of understanding of the Sarkaz people.

To be honest, if you delve even slightly into the fragmented history of Sarkaz, you'll inevitably encounter the concept of the "Demon King."

If you are interested in the modern history of Sarkaz and are willing to ask those Sarkaz who experienced that era, you will not find it difficult to know the story of the three-nation alliance attacking Kazdel, the six heroes of Sarkaz stepping forward, and General Theresis and the "Demon King" Theresia leading the Sarkaz to fight each other.

This is the benefit of studying Sarkaz history: although you may not be able to find any complete book record of Sarkaz history, you can find countless eyewitness accounts.

If Ernst deliberately inquires about Theresia's deeds with Hedley, Nasti, the Shapeshifter Cluster, and Ramallen, then the story of Rhodes Island, or rather, the Tower of Babel, will be impossible to avoid or hide!

After all, the clash of ideologies was the root cause of the war between Theresis and Theresia, while the Tower of Babel was the direct cause of the twins' falling out.

“Kal'tsit, I can understand your determination to sever ties with Babel in order to maintain Rhodes Island’s current legitimate neutrality. I can also understand that Miss Amiya’s special circumstances make you not want this history to be exposed to too many people.”

"But you must understand that many things cannot be concealed by a few riddles or deliberate attempts to cover them up. The truth will eventually come out. Doing this will only increase the cost of communication between us and make me suspicious of you after learning about this history. It will bring no other benefits."

"Ultimately, do you think I care about the Demon King, about the Demon King's so-called 'Black Crown,' or about that little bit of recognition?"

The Black Crown, frankly speaking, is just a facade. Like ancient emperors who claimed divine right of kings, it's all flashy rhetoric, but ultimately, power comes from the barrel of a gun. If the Black Crown could truly brainwash all Sarkaz, why were so many unfortunate assassins of past Demon Lords?

If you don't have enough military strength to bring happiness to the people under your rule, then you're no better than a bowl of braised beef noodles.

Conversely, if you, like someone on Zhihu (a Chinese Q&A website), can provide your people with braised beef noodles for every meal, then it's only a matter of time before you need to wear an extra layer of clothing in the sweltering heat of July and August because of the cold weather.

Even Ernst himself was no exception.

Whether domestically or internationally, Ernst used the title of "Prime Minister of Shelag," downplaying the title of "Son of Kalan." He understood, and wanted his successor to understand, that sitting in this position meant gaining the recognition of the people of Shelag, not just the unilateral approval of Jeragund.

Admittedly, his rise to power was driven by the three great families and Jeragand's verdict at the Trial of the Holy Stone, but he was well aware of the limitations of the times.

With the opening up and development of Shelag and the progress of the times, Yeragand will not be able to protect Shelag forever, nor can Shelag rely on Shelag's protection forever. The process of a deity transforming into a citizen, then into a special member of Shelag, and finally into an ordinary Shelagian is inevitable.

In the future, the title of "Son of Kalan," which currently seems more prestigious, will be less valuable than that of "Prime Minister Sherag."

Because Prime Minister Shelag doesn't work in Jelagand, he works for Shelag. His power is recognized by the people of Shelag, including those in Jelagand, not just by the honorary medals awarded to them by Jelagand.

This process is destined to be long, but it will eventually come to an end.

Now, Ernst, who downplays the title of the Holy Son of Kalan, refuses the coronation of the Cyclops King, and ignores the conferment of the title of the Lateran Saint, would he covet an ominous "symbol of the Demon King"?

Kal'tsit remained silent.

Actually, more than whether Ernst cared about the Black Crown, Kelsey was more concerned about another statement Ernst made.

—You can't hide fire with paper.

She remembered that Theresa had also said that Amiya was a fire, a fire that burned away the corrupt order of Terra.

Unconsciously, a bitter smile crept onto her lips.

Alas, Ascalon was right. Although the two of them have many differences, some of which even involve their very nature, they are indeed very similar in many ways.

Kal'tsit wouldn't be naive enough to compare the two, after all, comparing two people who had left a deep impression on her would not only insult herself, but also Ernst and Theresa.

Although she considered herself to have a vision ahead of her time, she would not make such a condescending judgment. She respected the life of every Terra and their determination to seek the truth.

Yi did underestimate Ernst. Ernst was not an insect trapped in an information cocoon. Although snow leopards live in the mountains, they are never short of information.

Very well, now that he has found one of her hidden treasures, he should openly take out the key and share it. He shouldn't dwell on past betrayals or future betrayals; otherwise, he won't find any friends.

At least, having a companion who can accept you is better than blindly moving forward alone.

"Then let's speak frankly, Dr. Kal'tsit, or rather, to use your title from your time in Kazdel, Lord Kal'tsit?"

Ernst looked at the large lynx in front of him, his tone not so harsh as to be more persuasive.

After all, Kal'tsit's hidden secrets are actually more than just this.

Ernst's knowledge of Kal'tsit's history in Kazdel could not explain why she obtained the isolation layer and related information about the universe outside of it.

She herself once said that she had spent far more than five figures wandering Terra. Her days in Kazdel and the Tower of Babel were merely a footnote to her long life, or perhaps not even a footnote.

But Kelsey spoke up, refuting Ernst's guess.

She finally spoke, as if opening a bottle full of secrets and pouring out one or two precious stars that held those secrets:

"Those were days I will never forget."

The stars twinkled, those were the things her creators loved most, and her treasures.

"Ernst, you may not know what happened."

Kal'tsit raised her head, her tightly pursed lips slightly pale, and looked at Ernst, her words still containing the double entendres she loved and was most proud of.

"But your actions may have awakened the shadows of the past."

Terra Chronicles 1095: Shadows of the Past, The Sherag Government, Ernst’s Office, Grand Screening!

I need a leave of absence for my exam tomorrow; I need to cram at the last minute.

It's that exciting exam week again. University students believe in creating miracles every night, so to avoid failing, I'm shamelessly asking you, my dear readers, for a day off. Otherwise, I'll be constantly distracted, and my writing won't be of high quality.

I'm taking a break; I'm going to work hard. Thank you all for your understanding!

Chapter 547 Kal'tsit: There are three ways to solve the riddle

"The Tower of Babel is the predecessor of Rhodes Island, and the former subordinate of the Sarkaz Demon Lord Theresia. Its upper echelons are mainly Theresia, who serves as the Speaker, the Doctor, the Operations Advisor, and myself, a high-ranking officer, and Ascalon."

Ernst looked Kal'tsit up and down for a while, his expression somewhat surprised.

High-ranking military officer? You?

Do you still have the fighting ability?

It's no wonder Ernst thought that way. In his impression, Kal'tsit was always going back and forth between actively embarrassing herself and being embarrassed passively. Her level of embarrassment was almost on par with a certain Touhou Project character who was now a relic of the past, hiding her head in the Scarlet Devil Mansion to defend herself. She was "seemingly very powerful in terms of setting, but in reality, she was running wildly in another direction."

Ernst was familiar with Kal'tsit's record, which was no exception. When the three-nation coalition besieged Kazdel, he was beheaded by Theresis, who was not yet the regent at the time, in a one-on-one duel. In Kel'Thuzad, he was never seen to use any force. With his small arms and legs, he was almost dragged along by Ascalon. Indeed, he did not show any fighting ability.

Kal'tsit clearly noticed Ernst's meaningful gaze, and couldn't help but clench her fists, grit her teeth, and give up her plan to summon mon3tr to show Ernst what was going on.

She has a spirit behind her, and so does Ernst. Who knows what kind of... something Ernst might summon then?

Just tell a story. Fighting and killing is so boring.

Kelsey looked at Ernst, organized her thoughts, and continued:

"I think you already know more or less about Theresa's story. So, Mr. Ernst, what I'm about to tell you is something you don't know."

Ernst nodded, and Kal'tsit took a deep breath and spoke meaningfully:

"Theresia has reached a level in the field of Originium research that the Terrans never imagined."

"She and the Doctor once jointly led the Tower of Babel, and in the Tower of Babel project, she often listened to the Doctor's opinions."

"But the Doctor doesn't focus all his work on the Tower of Babel. In order to save this land, others besides Theresa are also working tirelessly. The Doctor is in charge of many projects, some of which are not even in the same priority as Theresa's Tower of Babel plan."

"The disagreement arose at this moment. Unexpectedly, Theresa's research on Originium had exceeded the Doctor's expectations, which was the beginning of all the tragedies."

Kelsey paused, and then Ernst continued her sentence:

"And then, the Doctor killed Theresa?"

"I wouldn't answer that question so definitively. It's incredibly difficult to uncover the truth now. I think we need to look forward."

Ernst nodded:

"Who is the doctor?"

Kal'tsit remained silent for a long time, then slowly said:

“His identity is not important. If you need a reference, you can temporarily treat him as Levi.”

Ernst nodded, glancing thoughtfully at Kal'tsit:

Are you really talking about Theresa?

It wasn't that Ens was being paranoid; Kal'tsit's words were indeed quite loaded with meaning. 3*≈

Ernst inquired about the past of the Sarkaz race, and about the Demon Lord Theresia's position within the Sarkaz clan. Kal'tsit's answer, however, was completely irrelevant to the question.

Apart from the very first sentence, "The Tower of Babel is the Demon King's old subordinate," everything Kal'tsit describes about "Theresia" afterwards revolves around the Doctor and Originium, almost as if she's gone off-topic, talking about her research on Originium and calling it "the beginning of all the tragedies."

Ernst knew about Theresa's death. Whether it was Lamaren, the Shapeshifter group, or even just asking Hadley, the conclusion would be obvious and undeniable—the root cause of Theresa's death lay with Theresis.

If the Kazdel civil war hadn't broken out, Kal'tsit wouldn't have chosen to awaken the Doctor. Even if Kal'tsit had chosen to awaken the Doctor, if Theresis had kept her promise and stayed by Theresa's side, who could have assassinated two Sarkaz heroes in their prime?

The source of the tragedy was clearly the ideological difference between Theresis and Theresia, rather than Theresia's research on Originium.