People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Ernst had no one to reimburse him. Back then, even wanting to buy a small stove required Horhae's desperate pleading, so much so that even now, the stove in Prime Minister Sherag's office isn't automated, mechanized, or modernized. It still operates using the most primitive, evil, and inhumane methods of exploiting human labor!

Seriously, I'm so angry!

Ernst picked up his fork, grabbed the small cake on the table, swallowed hard, and took a bite without hesitation.

Curiosity, rebelliousness, and the thought that since we're already here, we might as well eat it all – and since we'll be reimbursed anyway, we might as well go for it!

The mini cakes actually look quite appealing. A layer of fine icing sprinkles the golden-yellow surface, the white powder shimmering enticingly under the light. A few bright red strawberries adorn the top, balancing the sweetness of the icing and adding a touch of fruity sweetness—a truly brilliant touch. The cakes themselves are also exceptional. The moment they touch your mouth, the soft cake melts on your tongue, offering a delicate and smooth texture. The sweet flavors gradually unfold, the aroma of cream perfectly complementing the sweetness of the icing, further enhanced by a subtle vanilla note in the middle layer, giving one the pleasant feeling of being in a vanilla field in the central gardens of San Marso.

It doesn't seem to be anything special?

That makes sense, though. The Laterans were geniuses at desserts. As King Ivangelista XI himself said, dessert culture was even part of Lateran culture, used as a means of cultural promotion. Their desserts shouldn't be too bad, after all.

"vomit--"

Ernst turned to the side and gagged violently.

There was no noticeable sensation when the cake went down, but about ten seconds later, as the sweetness in my throat dissipated, the spiciness of the realgar burst forth unexpectedly, almost hitting me right in the head, catching me off guard and leaving me no choice but to resist.

Well, Ernst suddenly understands Holheimer now.

The sensation was comparable to drinking fragrant lemon tea. Ernst, somewhat prepared, cautiously took only a small sip. And what about Holheima?

She is still a feathered serpent, and a feathered serpent is still a serpent!

It can only be said that Ivangelista XI's extraordinary wisdom was indeed a huge and unexpected surprise for him!

"How does it feel? Is it delicious?"

"Ivanisetta XI asked."

Ernst turned his head with a twitching smile and looked at Ivangelista XI.

What kind of question is that? Didn't I howl loud enough just now? I, the snow leopard, will howl again for you?

"If Mr. Ernst is pleased, it means my research and development trip has been highly successful, and this product is already nearing perfection. As for the Papal Palace's investment in further improvements to this new product..."

"I think this flavor is very unique. Just one bite left me with an unforgettable experience."

Ernst gritted his teeth and forced a smile.

"People around the world have always viewed desserts as luxuries meant for relaxation and enjoyment, and thus have often criticized them. But His Holiness the Pope has undoubtedly carved out a path for desserts on a completely different track. I really hope that I can often enjoy such unique and creative delicacies that can help refresh the mind in my spare time. Bring this dessert to the World Summit. Lateran, thank you for your thoughtfulness!"

Even "BOSS" Horhaya could no longer gloat; her voice carried a hint of sorrow, as if she were bearing a heavy burden of humiliation.

Mostima, the messenger from the Persian Envoy in Kjerag who was in charge of recording the papal trip, gave Ernst a deep look, then glanced at the unfinished cake on the table, as if he had made up his mind.

Such intense stimulation must make people yearn for it!

Only Pope Ivangelist XI wore a satisfied smile and sincerely apologized:

"I apologize for not noticing Miss Horhyah's race. It was an oversight. Desserts are indeed something that brings great enjoyment, but different people have different tastes. Consider this money as compensation for Miss Horhyah. Next time, I will bring desserts that are more to Miss Horhyah's liking."

Are you a demon?

Seriously, you're not Sarkaz disguised as Sarkaz, are you?

Even with Holheimia's high moral standards, she felt a chill at this moment. Fortunately, Ernst interrupted this terrifying topic beforehand:

"Well then, our time for savoring is over. Your Holiness, it's time to get down to business."

"Could I meet the girl you mentioned?"

King Ivangelista XI nodded. Without him saying a word, Mostima turned around, went into the room, and led out two people who shouldn't have been there.

With a halo above his head and wearing a heavy, ascetic priest's robe, his behavior is nothing like that of a "Sakorta." He is the pioneer who is determined to build an earthly heaven where everyone is equal and happy, and he is also an acquaintance of Ernst—Andorn.

And then there's Alina, the unfamiliar Elafia girl who came with Andorn. Although she was also dressed as a Lateran priest, one of her hands and one foot gleamed with a metallic sheen, clearly indicating that she wasn't the "original" Alina.

Ernst nodded slightly to the two of them and greeted them:

"It's been a long time, Andorn."

Andorn placed his right hand over his heart and bowed slightly to Ernst, responding with both respect and politeness:

"Andorn, a member of the Hermitage of the Holy Mountain, pays his respects to you, Master."

Then the Elafia girl beside her followed suit with the same gesture, speaking in her broken Sherag language:

“Alina, a temporary member of the Presbyterian Order of the Holy Mountain, greets you, Master.”

“I am the person from Ursus you want to meet, the one who has met [Talulah].

Chapter 565 Air Raid! Air Raid!

Umbrella [Talulah]

Ernst knew the name; in the few storylines he knew, Talulah, the main antagonist, was one of the earliest to appear.

On December 23, 1096, the day of the Doctor's rescue operation, Amiya's Rhodes Island rescue team was ambushed by Talulah, the leader of the Reunion Movement. Several elite Rhodes Island operators, including Scout and Ace, perished in the battle. Nearl, also an elite operator, faced Talulah's attack head-on, raising her shield with all her might, but only managed to block one of Talulah's attacks. Later, Talulah's Originium Arts were described as turning entire city blocks into infernos.

Without comparison, Ernst cannot determine just how strong a level 2 Explosion Street fighter is.

But Ernst did have some idea about Nearl's, or rather, Margaret Nearl's, combat prowess.

After all, one of the champions of the Kazimierz Knights Tournament is from Sherag, and the Lin Guang family now lives in Sherag. Although Margaret is not as good as Mace and Marna, a fighter like the regular Jeston is probably no match for him.

She only blocked one of Talulah's attacks, not even the full-force attack of the Street Explosion, just an ordinary flame!

Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory. Strictly speaking, the Chernobog incident has nothing to do with Rhodes Island. Given that Ursus has not changed much, the possibility of Talulah leading the Reunion Movement to launch an attack on Chernobog at the end of next year remains high.

Ernst had not previously conducted a specific investigation into Talulah, because it was too far away for the authorities to investigate. But who would have thought that among the guests sent by Laterano this time, there were two figures who surprised him.

There's no need to say much about Andorn, especially Alina, a Reunion member from the Ursus tundra with a pair of prosthetic arms, and a connection to the Reunion's "former leader," Talulah. There's so much about this that Ernst finds interesting.

For example, what about the former leader?

For example, what's going on with Alina's Johnny Silver Hand-like situation?

For example, how did she get from the Ursus tundra to Laterano? Why is the Reunion Movement's reach so wide this time?

Of course, none of these compare to a much bigger problem:

"Let's put Talulah's matter aside for now. What exactly is the Holy Mountain Hermitage? And what does the mentor mean by that?"

You can eat whatever you want, but you can't say that carelessly. Ernst doesn't remember teaching the two of them anything or establishing any secret organization. What are you trying to do?

Andorn wore a serene smile. Ernst's doubts and resistance did not frustrate him in the slightest; on the contrary, they only confirmed his suspicions.

He explained to Ernst: Turn

"The Presbyterian Order of Mount Holy Mountain is an officially recognized non-governmental organization in Laterano. It is currently the largest non-governmental organization in Laterano in terms of membership, coverage, and scope of involvement."

"Our areas of involvement include charity, education, healthcare, food sales, event planning, and more. As a social service organization, we have strong capabilities and abundant resources to ensure that we can take on greater social responsibilities."

"That is precisely why we are able to attend this international summit as an influential social organization."

Influential organizations can apply for the right to attend the summit as observers, a rule jointly established by Ernst and Evangelista XI.

The purpose, of course, is to provide an opportunity for non-official organizations that do possess extraordinary influence and contribute to the development of Terra.

An opportunity to express one's opinions, showcase one's talents, and integrate into a new era.

Of course, rules are rigid, but people are flexible, and Ernst and Evangelista XI were well aware of this. These organizations naturally included some who were not quite qualified, but Ernst and Evangelista XI felt that they were organizations and individuals who could participate.

For example, Rhodes Island.

"Then why do you call me mentor?" Ernst frowned.

“Etiquette,” Andorn said with a smile.

"Am I your mentor?" Ernst asked again.

"There is no order of precedence in learning; those who are accomplished are my teachers. This is an ancient Chinese saying. 'Among three people walking together, there must be one who can teach me.'"

Andorn delivered his lines fluently, lines he had rehearsed countless times.

"Moreover, Mr. Ernst did indeed teach me, so I can naturally address you as my mentor."

"Alina is my apprentice, so it's perfectly acceptable for her to call you mentor, just like I do. If you find this bothersome, I can have her change her form of address."

Ernst opened his mouth.

How could he not know Andorn's true intentions?

He merely grafted Ernst's question about the title "mentor of the Hermitage of the Holy Mountain" onto his answer that "Andorn can call Ernst mentor." It seems plausible, but it's completely irrelevant.

But that's one explanation. Ernst's continued questioning sounded like he was picking a fight.

He gave Ivangelista XI, who was watching the show from the sidelines, a resentful look.

Is Sakta's practice of randomly bestowing titles on others a long-standing and consistent practice?

Fortunately, the title of a folk mentor is nothing compared to the official title of Holy Son that Lateran cannot publicly acknowledge, right?

After consoling himself and skipping the topic, Ernst asked:

"Miss Alina, could you please give us a brief introduction to the Reunion Movement?"

Alina and Andorn exchanged a glance.

Andorn raised an eyebrow slightly, giving off a "See, I told you so" look.

Alina nodded in admiration.

Just as Apostle Andorn had predicted! Alina had initially been somewhat skeptical that a national leader like Ernst could be a leader dedicated to establishing an earthly paradise where everyone is equal and happy. Especially since Apostle Andorn had specifically reminded her that Ernst would definitely deny being called "mentor" because he was extremely cautious and low-key.

But now, the facts have proven that, just as the guide Andorn said, although the mentor Ernest denied his own title of guide, he definitely paid attention to the Holy Mountain Hermitage, to her and the Integration Movement, and to Miss Talulah, and cared a lot about their situation!

Even though they were thousands of miles apart, they still paid attention to the situation of every fighter on this land, silently providing them with assistance, but never taking credit, and even keeping their names hidden and not letting their names circulate in any organization.

This is Professor Ernst!

In that case, perhaps someone can finally help Talulah!

A surge of energy welled up within her, and Alina took a deep breath, saying:

“Professor Ernst, the following matters are rather complicated, please allow me to explain them in Ursus.”

“It’s alright, I can understand some of it.” Ernst nodded.

To prepare for events like the World Summit, Ernst also began learning some common languages ​​spoken by various countries on Terra. Fortunately, there weren't many countries on Terra, and his quick wit and sharp mind allowed him to learn effectively. While he wasn't at a professional level, he could manage basic communication without any problems.

Alina nodded admiringly:

"The story begins a long, long time ago."

"How much time has passed?"

Victoria, Londinium, Iron Palace.

Having just taken a short rest, Therese rubbed her temples and asked, unable to hide her fatigue.

This was the first time he had closed his eyes in half a month.

My eyes are very dry, irritated, and bloodshot.

Normally, he wouldn't dare to take such a short rest. He was so tired and stressed that if he closed his eyes, he could sleep for several days.

Fortunately, with Theresa's assistance, even without the Demon King's black crown, Theresa's talent and ability to soothe the soul and relieve fatigue are second to none.

This allows him to rest a little longer. He can maximize his energy in the shortest amount of time. One! ¥7-

Then, they threw themselves into higher-level work.

"Only three hours have passed, do you want to rest a little longer?"

Theresa announced the time softly.

But, unsurprisingly, Therese shook her head.

"No, never mind. Today is important."

"The information sent by the shapeshifters yesterday indicates that the Victorians will be giving a mobilization speech today. The Duke of Windermere hopes to use this speech to reignite the morale of the Victorians."

“We cannot let them succeed. At the very least, we cannot let them succeed so easily, without paying any price.”

Therese stood up, supporting herself on the handrail. She took a deep breath and turned around again. Her posture was upright once more, and her eyes had transformed from tired to sharp.

"It's time to unleash our secret weapon."

"Although it can no longer be called a 'secret' these days."

With a wave of his hand, he gave the order decisively:

"Tell Manfred to start the airship!"

Theresa pursed her lips, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she just nodded slightly: