People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Theresa nodded.

“An apology won’t solve everything,” Ernst added.

"All the Military Commission can offer is an apology."

Theresa also said sincerely.

It's not that the Military Commission can only offer something as cheap as an apology. An apology represents an attitude and a stance.

The Kazdel Military Council, as the current representative of the Sarkaz extremists, has committed heinous crimes in Lentinium—a fact confirmed at the World Summit by Ernst and endorsed by the five permanent members of the Security Council. Under this premise, any overt communication with the Kazdel Military Council will be prohibited and condemned.

Such a treaty certainly cannot completely prohibit those people and forces who collude with Theresis in private, but at least, people like Ernst who use their international reputation to exert influence are not suitable to get involved in this mess.

Therefore, even if Theresis wanted to apologize, she couldn't possibly offer any "physical" evidence—that's theoretically the case.

Actually, as long as it's not discovered, it's not a big deal.

But what Theresa said is indeed true.

On the other hand, the Military Commission's apology and Therese's apology were also expressions of their stance.

An apology sends a signal to the public: "I made a mistake, and I admit my mistake."

And Theresa was also using this apology to tell herself: this is who she is, a step backward for Theresis and the Kazdel Military Council.

I am not here as a resurrected demon lord, representing the Kazdel Military Council, to seek to persuade the Sarkaz of Sheragne to defect. On the contrary, I believe we have done wrong, and you are right.

However, the Military Commission can't offer anything, at least not right now. The greatest help they can provide is "no help at all."

Ernst understood what Theresa meant, and he also understood Theresa's smile.

It was a smile tinged with a hint of helplessness, but also with deep understanding.

"I apologize for any inconvenience caused by my uninvited and sudden visit. I understand your wariness and suspicion as a leader, and I accept this vigilance and oversight. I am also willing to tell you everything I know in detail. However, after this, please allow me to take a good look around, to see Shelag, to see this home, and to see the Sarkaz here."

"May I also take a look at you?"

Sincerity is always the key to success in negotiations.

Ernst fell silent, not because he felt a slight tingling sensation upon hearing the "okay?". He was communicating, communicating with the great god Jeragund.

He was willing to talk to Theresa, as a friend, not an enemy.

If Theresa was able to apologize on behalf of Theresis and sincerely make a promise to herself, then Ernst also has the courage to give this Sarkaz Demon King a chance to stand on equal footing with ordinary Sarkaz.

This is not unusual. Even someone as stubborn as Puyi, who sought to establish the puppet state of Manchukuo by collaborating with the Japanese, could be reformed rather than executed.

Moreover, the information Ernst gleaned from Kal'tsit, Ascalon, Amiya, and almost all the Sarkaz he encountered was that Theresa was a "good person in the general sense."

While Ernst has to question Terra's concept of a "good person," he at least clearly distinguishes between bad people.

Even from a purely profit-driven perspective, he should give Theresa a chance. If she can cooperate, the benefits will far outweigh those of being enemies.

After all, they are all people who have worked hard for the future and their dreams.

But he is also accountable to the Sarkaz of Kjerag, to the people of Kjerag, and to the leaders of the countries attending the conference in Kjerag.

The farce of the World Games must not be repeated. Leaders of all nations must not be allowed to encounter danger in Shelag. Ernst must eliminate even the slightest possibility of danger as much as possible.

So, in front of Theresa, he raised his hand, and a small ice crystal slowly condensed in his hand, eventually turning into a palm-sized crystal.

This was certainly not his Originium Arts, but rather Yeragand's masterpiece, a hastily made divine stone.

Ernst handed it to Theresa, letting out a long sigh of relief as his tense face finally relaxed, a slight smile slowly spreading across his face.

“Please accept it. Please understand that even though I personally want to believe you, I have to be responsible to Sherag and to others.”

“You are sincere, and I will not lie to you. This divine stone serves as both surveillance and protection. In Sherag, with it in hand, you are my guest. When you leave, it will disappear.”

If you discard it, it becomes your enemy.

Ernst, of course, did not say that.

Theresa glanced at her, and without hesitation, reached out and took the crystal-clear gem engraved with the mark of Yeragand. The icy aura seeped into her hand and arm the moment she touched it. Theresa could feel that if it were just a divine stone, she could resist and cut it off, but she simply closed her eyes, felt the cold current flowing through her body, and did nothing.

A moment later, she opened her eyes and smiled at Ernst.

Ernst finally stood up and extended his hand to the man who had come back from the dead:

"Well then, nice to meet you, Miss Theresa."

He actually wanted to shake hands.

But Theresa reached out and took both of his hands in hers, smiling gently.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Ernst."

ps:

Theresa's commissioned article, hehehe

Chapter 602 Kal'tsit is breathing

Kal'tsit is on his way to the Sherag government.

In the past two days, she has fully felt the appeal of the World Summit and wondered what Ernst was so busy with.

Since making that quick-response comment at the World Summit, describing the topic of Sarkaz undead, Kal'tsit's mouth has been agape for the past few days.

After the meeting, she was asked to stay behind by Ursus's representative, Speaker Islam Witt, for an in-depth discussion about the relationship between "Kal'tsit, a scientist at the Royal Academy of Sciences of the Ursus Empire," "Kal'tsit, the caregiver who is the prime suspect in the assassination of the Grand Duke at the sanatorium," and "Kal'tsit, the head of the Rhodes Island Medical Department." Kal'tsit wanted to say, "It can be cut off, it can all be cut off!" But it was clear that this thing could not be cut off.

Islam Witt wasn't stupid either. As the patcher of the Ursus Empire, he knew very well how rare someone like Kal'tsit was, who had a close relationship with Ernst, a deep connection with Ursus, and who hadn't yet officially taken up a post in the Sherag government or the World Summit.

He offered Kal'tsit a deal: the death of Grand Duke Vanya would not be pursued further, and the Empire would withdraw the Imperial Guard responsible for investigating the matter. He could also petition His Majesty Fyodor to restore Kal'tsit's entire reputation and status in Ursus, and to build her a dedicated laboratory within the Royal Academy of Sciences, exactly as she requested.

In return, Kal'tsit is required to act as Ursus's "advisor" at the World Summit and Kelaga III, providing Ursus with firsthand intelligence, the latest developments, and internal trends regarding Kelaga and the World Summit.

The compensation was undeniably generous, and the conditions were undeniably favorable.

But for Islam Witt, it was all worth it.

"After all, Dr. Kal'tsit, you know that the Ursus Empire is far away from Sherag. There are also many countries around it that don't like the Ursus Empire. For good things like the World Expo and the World Games, the Ursus Empire always misses out, but for troublesome things like fighting against demons and monsters in the North, it's always the Ursus Empire that has to do it. If this continues, our country will also have its complaints and complaints."

He pushed up his glasses, his smile looking somewhat innocent and helpless.

He used the Iberian representative's rhetoric on the spot, which made this Ursus native feel a little embarrassed.

But since it was all for His Majesty the Emperor and for the country, what he said was, to some extent, true.

Kal'tsit tried to play dumb and asked in return, "Demons and monsters from the North? What are those?"

But Islam Witt shrugged:

“Dr. Kal’tsit, why bother? It’s better for all of us to be honest. I’ve also read the report from the Inner Guard. The courage, wisdom, and boldness you displayed at that young Earl Victoria’s manor are quite different from the caution you’re showing now.”

Kal'tsit's brows finally furrowed.

The Ursus Imperial Guard's report should only be accessible to the Ursus Emperor. However, Witt's descriptions matched the situation perfectly, and he didn't seem to be deceiving himself.

Is it that Fyodor truly trusts Islam Witt so much, or has the Emperor of Ursus's power fallen into such a state?

Or is it a combination of both?

Kal'tsit took a deep breath and ultimately declined Witt's invitation.

What he wanted as a "consultant" was nothing more than an intelligence agent, someone close enough to Ernst. Kal'tsit certainly couldn't provide that.

She can contribute her energy and enthusiasm to the Zero-Sum World Summit, but she cannot contribute her energy and enthusiasm in a material sense.

Besides, even if she could do it, she wouldn't.

She was a doctor from Rhodes Island, and she had to travel all over the world. Accepting a government offer might seem like a lucrative reward, but it would only ruin her future.

If Theresa and Ernst found out, they'd definitely scold her!

After firmly rejecting Witte's invitation, Kal'tsit dealt with Duke Kess, who was trying to get "all the Sarkaz intelligence" from her, and met with Dario, who for some reason regarded her as his second teacher. Finally, she managed to free herself from a series of appointments and rushed to Ernst's place.

"Miss Hintelia, please contact Ernst for me and tell him I'm looking for him."

Kal'tsit addressed Hinterlea, who was standing by the door, and Hinterlea shrugged:

"Not now, the boss is meeting with guests."

Kal'tsit blinked and casually asked, "Who?"

Hinterlea silently turned her gaze away.

Kal'tsit then realized what was happening and gave an awkward laugh:

"Feel sorry."

It was certainly not a question Ernst could casually ask about who he was meeting. Even if she did ask, Hintleya couldn't answer.

Kal'tsit then changed the subject:

"How long do you think they'll talk?"

Hinterlea shrugged again:

"I don't know. But they've been inside for a while now."

He Dalei brought Neve and the unfamiliar pink-haired Sarkaz, then hurriedly ran out again. A little while later, her boss messaged her, asking her to intercept He Dalei as he left.

She was excited for a while: Good heavens, this plot... Could it be that He Dalei has betrayed us? Is she, the Pegasus known for her speed and status, finally going to unleash her full potential for the first time and have the most thrilling street chase since arriving in Sherag?!

She hung up the phone and dashed out like lightning. Her speed was so fast that even a mace would have to praise her skill!

Then, she caught up with him before they had gone two blocks.

Lingxin Teresa is still speechless: "It's such a short distance, and you've made me so excited."

After Seven relayed Ernst's orders, she returned. Then, some time later, Kal'tsit arrived.

It's been about an hour and a half since the sun came out, hasn't it?

Ernst wasn't unfamiliar with long conversations, but he rarely talked to strangers for this long. Considering the time, Hinterlea figured it wouldn't be long before it ended.

Yi took out a paper cup, handed it to Kal'tsit, and then pointed to the coffee machine next to her and the teapot on the table, suggesting:

"Why don't you have something to drink and wait in the reception room? I'll call you as soon as the boss is free?"

Kal'tsit hesitated for a moment, but did not refuse.

After she poured herself a cup of coffee and went to the lounge, she had just sat down when Cintraya came in.

"So fast?" Kal'tsit was somewhat surprised, but Hinterlea shook her head.

"No, the boss hasn't come out yet." Hinterlea shook her head and said somewhat embarrassedly, "Dr. Kal'tsit, everyone says you are very knowledgeable, and I want to ask you about something."

Kal'tsit raised an eyebrow.

What a strange thing! Ernst's men, instead of seeking Ernst's answers, come to me with their problems.

This is unprecedented!

Coincidentally, she had been asked about too much lately, and since she was free at the moment, one more Hintelia wouldn't make a difference, so she nodded and said:

"Please say."

"Um, I'd like to know, Dr. Kal'tsit, do you know of any magic that can make someone live to only 42?"

“Spells?” Kal'tsit pondered for a moment, then shook her head. “There aren’t many spells related to lifespan. Most of them are strange arts that forcibly extend lifespan, but the price to pay for extending lifespan is also huge. But I have never heard of any spells that forcibly limit lifespan.”

Kal'tsit wasn't lying; there were indeed quite a few life-extending spells still circulating on the land, and Kal'tsit knew many people who had used those strange arts. For example, the Iberian saint Carmen y Iberia, the old celestial master of Yan, and some old-school kings and chieftains of Sargon.

But the price was indeed high. Carmen's lifespan had indeed increased, but the mental strain was constantly worsening; in other words, he was gradually heading towards madness while still lucid. Once he crossed that threshold, the former guardian might become a killing machine manipulated by his obsession. The Old Celestial Master faced a similar situation. Although her lifespan had lengthened, her body was weakening day by day. This weakening wasn't just reflected in her physical functions; her power, her control over magic, and even her physical size were all declining.

As for Sargon's chieftain, Nasser is even more formidable. Their inherited secret of immortality—which even Kael'thas could hardly call immortality—involves mummifying oneself, transforming into a member of the former Shah's "Eternal Army." The price, perhaps, is that "one is not considered a person"?

As for the life-limiting spells that Hinterlea mentioned, frankly speaking, she wasn't unaware of them. However, most of those methods were spells used by ancient divine overlords to punish their servants and systematically exterminate the Sarkaz. They had all been lost to this day, so there was no need to mention them again.

She was rather curious as to why Hintelia would suddenly ask this:

"What happened? Whose lifespan is in danger?"

She frowned, her voice trembling slightly.

"Ernst?"

"No, not the boss. It's Horhyah. The feathered serpent can only live to 42. I only recently learned this news myself. But no matter how much I inquire, I haven't found anything."

Hinterlea sighed.

"It seems you don't know either."

Kal'tsit's face twitched.

"I don't know either." What did you mean by that "I shouldn't have had any expectations of you" look on your face?