People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Moreover, there are quite a few Sarkaz in Sherag now. Although they were all selected through multiple screenings, you can only know a person's face but not their heart. Who knows if they will have any undesirable thoughts after the news of the Duke of Wellington's assassination spreads?

Ernst certainly noticed the worry on Vina's face and could somewhat guess the reason behind it.

A chain of suspicion exists. Terrans, or rather, anyone, would be wary of such a situation and suspicious of the Sarkaz around them. Especially for someone like Vina, who is already closely connected to Victoria, it's understandable that she would have reservations after this incident.

Ernst had already prepared himself for Vina to persuade him to postpone the proposal for the Sarkaz statehood.

Fortunately, she didn't say anything. Although she was extremely worried, she still trusted Ernst's decision.

She gazed at Ernst, her eyes conveying all her thoughts, and finally simply nodded.

"I'll go now."

We will carry out Ernst's orders. We trust that Ernst will find a way. At worst, if anything unexpected happens, we will stand by Ernst.

They are one; Ernst promised to protect her, and she will certainly protect Ernst in return.

After Vina left, Ernst looked at Lavsi in the room.

Lavshini's expression also showed some worry.

The assassination of the Duke of Wellington has revealed many things that should not have been revealed at this time.

For example, there's the existence of Abrahim, who is a Draco.

The Triintelme Morning News is the best-selling newspaper in Letania, and they also control many media channels. It seems that the fact that a figure resembling Draco was seen at the assassination scene can no longer be kept secret.

In fact, if you were to ask whether any of the countries, including the Duke of Caesar and other Victorian dukes, knew of Abrahana's existence, would they?

That’s not necessarily the case.

But just like with Vina, knowing that she exists and actually proclaiming her existence are two different things.

Abrahana's proactive appearance means that Victoria may have another "claimant of the throne," even if this claimant is not Drak of the Atrias lineage.

The Duke of Caesar, the Duke of Windermere, and even the Duke of Godottin, who was usually not very noticeable, could not possibly ignore her existence, especially the Duke of Caesar.

If the Duke of Wellington were a small, insignificant figure like Sherrag at that time, then the Duke of Castle could have treated Ernst the same way, using both kindness and force, offering benefits while negotiating terms, and issuing threats to coerce compliance.

But the Duke of Wellington was different. As the Grand Duke of Victoria, who was vying for second place and first? Who was he competing with? None other than Cactus!

He was secretly supporting a Draco, and now that Draco has come forward, been photographed, and been exposed, no matter how well the Duke of Wellington prepared, he has to be put to the test.

Unfortunately, the Duke of Wellington is currently in a very problematic state.

If he were to die, given the Duke of Caesar's abilities, it goes without saying that dismantling the Duke of Wellington's power, while difficult, is not impossible. A military conflict could be averted. Ernst had that level of confidence in her.

If he were still alive and capable of making decisions, given the Duke of Wellington's courage, insight, and boldness, he wouldn't fail to understand who the biggest enemy is at this critical juncture, and whether it's necessary to start a conflict with the Duke of Castle now. If nothing unexpected happens, he would choose to postpone the matter for the time being.

Unfortunately, this is the most troublesome situation.

Official reports consistently describe him as "seriously injured," but not dead. This means that the Duchy of Wellington will not be handed over to anyone in the near future. Given Terra's medical technology, even someone seriously injured may not be beyond saving if there are sufficient medical resources.

During the period after the rescue, was the Duke of Wellington sober and capable of making decisions? If not, who would exercise his power? Did that person have sufficient strategic composure in the face of this sudden political crisis?

It's fine if he has it, but if he doesn't...

Ernst couldn't even imagine how chaotic the situation at the front would be.

The fate of the leader and the survival of the empire are intertwined.

That is why Ernst turned his attention to Lavshini.

Ahmonie is the Duke of Wellington's messenger, and although she seems to favor Abrahina, she is, after all, labeled as Wellington.

Mandela is a bit silly. Ernst could tell she had a lot of ideas, but seeing that she seemed to get along well with W, Ernst didn't want to press her about what she was thinking.

Only Raphsini, who is directly related to Abrahina, is the one most certain about Abrahina's situation.

But facing Ernst's gaze, and before Ernst could even speak, Lavshini lowered her head and shook it apologetically:

"I didn't know about my sister's situation. I'm probably the person who knows her the least, and I'm very sorry."

Ernst chuckled, stood up, and patted Lavshini's shoulder reassuringly.

"It's okay, you don't need to blame yourself. Just tell me, if you were in this situation, what would you do?"

What if I were in this situation?

Lavshini frowned and fell into deep thought.

Ernst didn't urge her, patiently waiting until Lavshini answered somewhat guiltily: ·?

"I might deny it, right? My sister said I shouldn't expose myself outside, and that I should act as her."

"Oh, to be honest with you, my sister agreed."

Lavshini added.

Ernst nodded, not paying much attention to the last sentence. After all, even if you weren't honest, he would eventually figure it out after spending enough time with you. He was used to it. Whether it was Aslan, Drak, or even a more fantastical race like Nightmares, they might claim to be extinct or extinct, but who knows when one or two might suddenly reappear.

However, Lavshini did indeed help him. Ernst could somewhat predict Abrahina's next move.

She'll probably take the opportunity to reveal her identity directly.

After all, Ernst had this feeling from the first time he met the sisters. The two sisters were two sides of the same coin, light and shadow.

On one hand, she is flamboyant and radiant; on the other, she is reserved and quietly dedicated. On one hand, she possesses unparalleled determination, willing to stop at nothing to achieve her goals, and spares no expense. On the other hand, she has a compassionate heart that cares for everyone, even offering careful assistance to injured pack animals on the roadside, despite having no veterinary knowledge whatsoever.

And it's foreseeable that once Abrahana reveals her true identity, things will likely become even more murky.

After all, that meant that the Duke of Castells' approach to Vina would have no effect on Abrahina; she couldn't hide it and had to face it head-on.

One was the sister of the last king of Aslan, a true member of the royal family, although she was not Aslan and did not have any racial characteristics.

One is a descendant of Drak, a pure-blooded and proud dragon, but the pure bloodline is that of King Gael, a branch of Drak, not the branch that made an agreement with Aslan to have the right to inherit the throne.

The eight characters, "Sleeping Dragon and Young Phoenix," are evenly matched.

However, it cannot be ruled out that Abrahina has other motives. After all, Ernst can only speculate about Abrahina's possible actions based on Lafshine. But how long has it been since Lafshine returned to the Duchy of Wellington? How much has she changed since she came to his side? How accurate is this speculation? These questions remain unanswered.

Let's take a step by step.

6. First, convene an international summit. Since we can't change the outcome, let's create a reason that benefits us.

Why did the Lusakaz assassinate the Duke of Wellington?

It could be Sarkaz extremists within the city of Londinium attempting to sabotage the Grand Duke Victoria's special military operations.

It could also be a small act of resistance by an oppressed Sarkaz person, fighting desperately for national and ethnic independence.

Speaking of which, who was Sarkaz who assassinated Wellington? The report didn't say, but facing the Duke's allied forces in a direct confrontation, it was clear that he would not return.

It's good that Er died.

Some people are more useful in death than in life.

"Mr. Ernst."

Lavshini called out softly, drawing Ernst's attention back.

"what happened?"

"I'm a little worried."

“It’s alright, this is normal, but I don’t recommend that you return to the Duchy of Wellington now. The situation there is probably very dangerous.”

"I...I didn't have that thought."

Lavshini shook her head, but Ernst could see a hint of panic on her face, as if her thoughts had been exposed.

She glanced cautiously at Ernst, then lowered her head and whispered:

Can I have a hug?

Ernst paused slightly, looking at the genuine worry and vulnerability on her face, and then nodded:

"of course."

Lavshini opened her arms and embraced Ernst.

Didn't I say I'd hug you?

Ernst, somewhat amused and exasperated, raised his hand and gently put his arm around Lavshini, patting her back with his tail.

Unfortunately, the brief moment of peace did not last long, and the door to the room was opened again.

In Shelag, there are not many people who have the authority to barge in without Hinterlaya's notification, and the one who came was one of them.

Ernst's angel investor, a modern-day Sherrag veteran in some ways, and the daughter of the Duke of Windermere stood in the doorway. Her golden eyes appeared lifeless, and her puffed-out cheeks and pouting lips revealed her current mood:

"Did I come at the wrong time?"

"Daifen said coldly."

Chapter 550 We Will Fight to the End!

When a power vacuum appears, countless people will try to fill it.

Regardless of the Duke of Wellington's current condition—whether he can still eat or speak clearly—it is obvious that he is no longer suitable to lead the Duke's coalition forces.

Thus, the Duke's coalition found itself in an extremely awkward situation.

Having finally managed to balance the interests of all parties and painstakingly selected the commander-in-chief of the allied forces, he commanded a battle, repelling a small but ineffective attack from the Sarkaz Blood Demons, and then announced that he was off duty.

Whether he performed well during his term, how his retirement benefits should be negotiated, and whether he can be rehired in the future are no longer issues for the people of Victoria to consider now.

Because the problem has returned to its starting point—who will be the commander-in-chief of this coalition?

Actually, there was only one choice.

At the first Allied Military Council meeting held in Wellington's absence, the Duke of Windermere once again stepped forward and reiterated his intention to lead the Allied forces.

The Duke of Godottin did not vote against it, nor did the Duke of Caesar.

But no one voted in favor.

When confronted by the Duke of Windermere after the meeting, the opportunistic Duke Godottin gave the following reply:

"It's not that I don't want a colleague like you, with your outstanding abilities, impeccable character, and distinguished service to Victoria, to take on this important task. But shouldn't you at least consider your own situation?"

His subtext was already quite clear.

Victoria could have a Duke of Wellington, because Victoria actually had a Duke of Wellington.

But Victoria cannot have a second Duke of Wellington, such an unruly, unconventional, overly powerful, and rule-breaking grand duke. One is already enough, let alone a second.

The War of the Four Nations made Wellington, a Tara native, the most prominent nobleman in Victoria. But what about this war?

Operation Londinium was indeed a war that, in terms of scale and the deployment of forces, no one would compare it to the Four Nations War. But war is opportunity, and chaos is a ladder. Who knows if the Duke of Windermere's repeated requests to take command concealed an ambition of "a true man should act like this!"?

The Duke of Windermere was very, very, very puzzled by this.

She was actually a staunch advocate of ducal autonomy; otherwise, she wouldn't have tacitly allowed the Duke of Castells to incite the rebellion in Lentinium and let the Lion King be hanged.

She would not, even if she were not on good terms with the Grand Duke, send her husband Kent Windermere to attend the Duke's secret meeting hosted by the Duke of Castells, even if it was to strengthen the Grand Duke's authority, and even allow Kent to sign the order to "annihilate the Steam Knights" at the meeting.

If she had the ambition to rule, as the first Grand Duke to visit Sherag, the first to meet Vina, and the first to discover Vina's status as a legitimate descendant of the Aslan royal family, she could have easily seized this opportunity. After all, in this era, bloodlines, titles, and royal status still carried significant weight.

Even if it doesn't reach the level of "using the emperor to command the princes," the Duke of Windermere can still use Vina as a bargaining chip to gain a lot of political resources. After all, I have something you don't, so I have an advantage, I have a trump card.

But she did nothing.

She once mentioned in a conversation with her husband that she believed Victoria was in its best state. With the various dukes checking and balancing each other, the vast empire could develop independently and compete with one another in peacetime, while remaining united and united against a common enemy in times of war. Occupying the most fertile lands in the core, and possessing the accumulated wealth of centuries and the benefits of the Victorian hegemonic system, they could extend the empire's glory for centuries to come.

This is much more comfortable than being bossed around and exploited by Emperor Aslan, with the people from Londinium to Liincarden complaining, and her life as the Grand Duke guarding the frontier being reprimanded every few days for disrespecting the royal family if she voiced any objections.

But when she actually achieved this goal, she found that reality was very different from what she had imagined.

The meetings yielded no results, and the calls went unanswered. The fence incident and the independence of the Autonomous State of Eureka further diminished Victoria's influence in Rembitton. People even compared it to Victoria's humiliating defeat in the Colombian War of Independence decades earlier, debating which event was more deserving of the term "national disgrace"!

Is that even a question?

Back then, Colombia was backed by the entire Gallic Empire, the most arrogant Corsican I, and its continental quasi-hegemony that had just reached its peak through reforms!

And what about the Eureka Autonomous Region today? It's nothing more than a small Rembitox, a consortium of mining companies, a laughable "corporate nation," yet it can stand on Victoria's head and swagger around! And the nobles in charge of that territory seem completely indifferent, just letting Victoria's territory be lost and stolen by other countries!

The capital of that country is even called Ultimate Iron Village 9 Silk 35 Zhong QUN:!

Even so, the Duke of Windermere could comfort herself that at least she was doing well, and as for the affairs of the other duchies, they had not asked her for help, and the two sides had not officially gone to war, so it was none of her business.

Corentinium is the capital of Victoria, and the Sarkaz have occupied it, yet the country's authorities have turned a blind eye to it.

So after all this time, everyone is just thinking about getting the benefits of "duke autonomy" and doesn't care about the agreement of "fighting together against a common enemy in wartime," right?

"I don't care about those things."

The Duke of Windermere questioned the Duke of Godottin.