People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

"This time, Horhaiya will come with me. Inside the government offices, Vina will handle administrative matters according to the usual procedures, and the others will provide assistance. If there's anything you don't understand..."

Ernst turned his head, glanced at Latatos who was present, and nodded slightly to her.

"If there's anything you don't understand, or anything that requires the cooperation of the three major families, you can ask Ratatos for help. If you still can't handle it, you can ask Enya."

Of course, the main purpose of looking for Enya was not entirely to find Enya.

The Sherag government has been established for quite some time now, and Ernst believes that Vina and Hinterlea are capable of handling things independently. With Latatos's help, they can calmly deal with even unexpected events.

As for the remaining, more difficult problems, such as religious issues, Enya can usually help resolve them as well.

In the unlikely event that something unexpected happens, as long as they find Enya, Ya'er—cough, the great goddess Yeragand—who has sensed something, will immediately send a message. Although she can't return immediately, she can at least start thinking of a solution and then inform Vina and the others.

Of course, people should ultimately handle their own affairs. Ernst didn't want to burden Jeragund with everything. If everything is rushed towards the bare minimum, barely scraping by, how can Sherag ever improve?

As for why Ernst didn't mention Enciodes, the reason is simple—he wasn't there.

Enciodes has gone to Letania.

Following the World Summit, Kjerag officially opened up trade routes to Letania. Under the coordination of the World Trade Organization established in Lateran, Kjerag trade was able to extend its reach to Trilinterme.

However, this time, because the channel was very "formal," Enciodis was not able to enjoy the large-scale preferential policies that Ernst had secured for him.

But for businessmen, this is the norm. Just like Ernst, he was a strong-willed person; he could do business even without discounts.

Besides, Ernst did manage to secure some preferential treatment for him.

He hadn't forgotten anything about Viviane. Besides the capital, Triinttelme, he had another destination on his trip to Letania: the Ston Territory.

This time, his older brother was willing to act as a pawn for his younger brother, to investigate the true strength of the Elector of Shi Tongling Region, and to provide support for Viviana.

Si left with him along with her mace, which served as her bodyguard.

The once useless person who couldn't cultivate Originium Arts has now returned to Letania as a member of the Karan Trade and Commerce Delegation and has become a guest of honor of [Eternal Grace]. I wonder what those who despised her back then will think.

However, given Jian's personality, it's unlikely he would take advantage of someone's misfortune, which is somewhat of a pity.

If they replace them with Cintraya, they'll definitely slap the other side in the face!

5 Ernst still remembers the time at the Hinterland Games when his enemy came to his door to mock him.

It emphasizes a carefree and easygoing attitude, with clear-headed thoughts!

"Boss, the car is ready."

Seeing Ernst's endless, rambling explanations, Holhaya gave a slightly helpless smile.

She understood Ernst's concern for everyone; his motherly concern and desire to explain everything clearly was also a gentle side of him. Theoretically, this was better than Kal'tsit's enigmatic personality, where she only spoke halfway and left the rest to the reader's interpretation. But it had to be said, it was indeed very time-consuming.

Left with no other choice, she could only gently remind him.

"Please trust everyone a little more. Didn't Miss Vina do a great job last time?"

The last time, of course, refers to the World Games.

When Ernst returned, Sherag was still in perfect order, and Vina and the others even had time to hold a triumphant welcome ceremony for themselves.

Ernst pursed his lips, ultimately not continuing, but simply nodded, raised his hand, and said one last thing:

"come on."

Vina, who had been listening silently to Ernst's words without answering, now gave him a reassuring smile.

"rest assured."

This is Colombia, the most "advanced" place in Terra.

Mark Maxwell may not look as prosperous and glittering as the Grand Knight Commandery of Casimir, but its streets are never lacking in modernity, or rather, futurism.

If Letania worships the traditional aesthetics inherited from the classical era, and Casimir represents a rebellious aesthetics of modernity that rebels against and confronts the traditional aristocracy, then Mark Maxwell represents a future aesthetics that regards both of them as "useless," neither praising nor condemning them.

The building is constructed in a streamlined, triangular shape, resembling a door frame or a folding bookshelf. There are also massive spherical computing centers, robots everywhere on the streets, and "automated mechanical assistants" that might feel familiar to some deep-sea civilization, though not yet one for every person, but already quite prevalent.

If I had to use one word to describe the Mark Maxwell District as it is to the capitals of other countries on Terra, that word would be "special".

Just like its name, "Special Zone," it's an exceptionally special area.

Of course, it wasn't without its share of extravagance and decadence. During the period when it broke free from Victorian colonial rule and began to expand rapidly, Colombia was also considered a representative of extreme luxury and indulgence, but that period passed quickly.

It was swiftly surpassed by a ruler with unparalleled courage, extraordinary governing ability, judgment, and execution!

The name of that ruler is now known to everyone, and the city is named after him: President Mark Max, who is also considered to be the eternal president of Colombia!

On the bird stand specially chosen for the Colombian president, the renowned president was incredibly nervous at that moment.

"He's set off?"

"Your Excellency President, let's depart."

"you sure?"

"I am certain, Your Excellency the President."

"What day is today?"

The president jumped off the bird stand's shoulder and stood on his own rather useless stand, looking somewhat suspicious.

Standing not far in front of him, the tin man who had been talking to him took a deep breath of his cigar and replied in a smoky (physical) and uncouth manner:

"Today is April 5th, 1095 in the Terran calendar. Today is no special day."

"But if Your Excellency the President wishes, you could issue a decree designating today as 'Prime Minister Ernst Siwassh's On-Time Visit Day,' what do you think?"

Before Mark Max could answer, Vice President Wilson, who was willing to play the role of a bird stand, interrupted:

"No, no, I don't think that's appropriate."

“Why?” Mark Max raised an eyebrow.

"Because you see, the description of 'Prime Minister Ernst Sivaesh' is unclear. Colombia doesn't have a prime minister position. If a commemorative day is to be established, the description should be more specific, such as '[Prime Minister Ernst Sivaesh's On-Time Visit Day]' or 'Ernst Sivaesh's Never-Ending Visit to Colombia from Seraggiance Day]' or..."

Before he could finish speaking, he felt two pairs of unfriendly, inhuman gazes directed at him. Embarrassed, he shut his mouth and raised his hands in surrender.

Mark Max glared at him and then said:

"No need for anniversaries. I have something to discuss with him."

"Also, you should take a break from your work for the next couple of days; he has something to discuss with you."

"Yes, Your Excellency the President."

The tin man shrugged.

"Excuse me, but what business does Prime Minister Ernst have with me?"

"About the feathered serpent he kept."

feathered serpent

The tin man's face, unable to make any expression, could hardly muster a bitter smile, but that was truly what he was thinking.

President Mark Max was not human, nor even any known species.

To be precise, it was a machine. A super machine with computing power beyond human imagination, one that the Terrans could not have built.

The leader of the organization the Tin people were loyal to—the Meland Foundation, and the "Father of the Federation," Meland Selene, discovered him and brought him back to Colombia. Under his calculations and coordination, Colombia, which was far weaker than the Grand Duke of Tibert, the border lord of Victoria, defeated the ducal army with the help of Gaul.

Under his leadership, Colombia began to develop at an unimaginable pace. The problems of assimilation brought about by expansion, the political issues left over from the colonial period, and the communication issues between different regions were all problems that no matter how big or small they were, they were no problem in front of him.

He calculates, he coordinates, he makes decisions.

He controls everything.

The eternal president forever protects Colombia. Perhaps even the gods cannot imagine that Colombia, the most advanced capitalist country on the Terra, actually practices a planned economy in the true sense. It is only because Mark Max's calculation ability is too extraordinary that he was able to solve the rigidity problem of the planned economy.

This country is far from being developed to the point where even his plans seem rigid.

If a cult of machines existed in the world, Mark Max would probably be worshipped; his efficiency, ruthlessness, and way of life perfectly embody humanity's imagination of the most advanced technology.

His only flaw is that he never seemed to truly regard people as human beings.

Just like how he described Horhaya.

A feathered serpent he kept as a pet—that was all he thought of the former Melander Foundation agent.

The Sindhi had met Ernst once and had a fairly good impression of him. With the recent international summit and news of Sarkaz's establishment of a state spreading, he held this foreign prime minister in even higher regard. However, the president's orders could not be disobeyed, and he wondered whether being targeted by this man was a blessing or a curse for Prime Minister Ernst.

The tin man sighed softly.

If President Mark Max were to turn against Ernst, he would have no choice but to resort to some extraordinary measures to divert the President's attention.

Recently, didn't the people at the Melander Foundation in Sargon pick up a few "special people"?

Since His Excellency the President has asked me to temporarily suspend my work, it is quite reasonable that I "have no opportunity to report the existence of these people" for the time being, right?

Chapter 617 "Treasure"

Columbia, Mark Maxwell District.

Ernst had been to Columbia twice before, but this was his first time visiting the Mark Maxwell District.

To be honest, Ernst felt a little embarrassed when he saw the President sitting opposite Vice President Wilson, perched on his shoulders.

He stood people up for far too long.

Nearly a year passed between the World's Fair and the World Summit. This was partly due to the fact that His Excellency the President never sent a formal invitation, and Ernst was indeed very busy. But a missed invitation is still a missed invitation; the lack of a written record meant no real responsibility, but it was still somewhat awkward emotionally. Ernst didn't want to take the missed invitation for granted just because the person looked like a pigeon.

Therefore, Ernst was also prepared to adopt a humble attitude and endure a sarcastic remark from the President.

But surprisingly, Mark Max said nothing.

He didn't blame Ernst, nor did he mention the previous invitation, nor did he utter a single offensive word. He simply and steadily jumped off Wilson's shoulder and calmly gave the order—that's how it sounded to Ernst—saying:

"Wilson, take the feathered serpent and the tin man out. I have some private matters to discuss with Mr. Ernst."

"Your Excellency, this is probably against the rules."

Wilson instinctively wanted to say something to remind him, but the Tin Man stepped forward and covered his mouth:

"Shut up. Everyone has secrets. When has the President ever made a mistake?"

Wilson opened his mouth, glanced at Mark Max's mechanical, emotionless eyes, and finally closed it.

The tin man then gave Horhaya a proper gentleman's bow:

"Please, Miss Horhaya."

"I never thought I'd be the one being said that to me."

Holhaya covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

The tin man shrugged and didn't answer.

Holhaya also lifted her long skirt and gave a ladylike curtsy:

"Then, please, Tin Man."

"Please don't leave after you've finished talking. Mr. Tin Man, I have some questions for you."

Ernst added a sentence. The Tin Man nodded:

"As you wish."

After watching the three leave the presidential office and hearing the heavy slam of the door shut, Mark Max turned his gaze to Philin in front of him.

He remained silent, as if waiting for something.

Ernst waited for a while, somewhat puzzled.

He was left alone by someone who said there was something important to discuss in private. Ernst had already imagined all sorts of earth-shattering conspiracies in his mind, but then you just stopped talking. What's going on?

Playing dead? Staging an accident? Or will smashing a cup signal for three hundred axemen to come in and assassinate me?

That doesn't make sense, Pa Wu Lu San: Si Zhao [Shu Qun: I just skipped it for a bit, it's not that serious, is it?]

"Your Excellency the President?"

Left with no other choice, Ernst had to take the initiative to start the conversation and apologize.

"I'm truly sorry this visit has been delayed for so long. Scherrag has always valued the friendship with Colombia, and we can achieve something in many areas."

Before Ernst could finish speaking, Mark Max shook his head and interrupted:

That's not what I want to hear.

If it's not this one, then which one is it? Just tell me!

Ernst's lips twitched. After a moment of silence, he tentatively asked: