People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

"Even my finance minister ships couples?"

This matter was eventually dropped because Ernst became increasingly busy and the impact was ultimately not significant.

But Ines had heard the news. She looked around to make sure no one was eavesdropping before lowering her voice and quietly asking:

"Could it be that Prime Minister Ernst really has a unique way of dealing with Kelsey?"

"Um, this..."

Hadley had no idea whether Ernst had any unique ways of loving cats. But he did know that this wasn't the first time Kal'tsit had fainted.

That strong woman was so easily defeated by Ernst, but Ernst was clearly weak in combat. In the office rankings, he was not even comparable to Hinterlea, and could barely be considered a quarter of Vina. This was indeed very puzzling.

"Perhaps there really is?"

Hedley replied vaguely.

Seeing this, Ines knew that if she continued asking, Hadley would most likely remain clueless, so she didn't press the matter further. She simply clicked her tongue and muttered a comment:

"The intelligence gathered by that certain intelligence officer is truly thorough."

Hedley initially came to Sherag as Theresis's intelligence officer. Although he immediately confronted Ernst and accepted the offer of amnesty, he never relinquished that identity.

In his letter to Ines and W, inviting them to Kjerag, he also clarified his identity. At this moment, it was, of course, Ines's teasing.

Hedley could only manage an awkward laugh.

"You must know why Prime Minister Ernst suddenly issued a bonus, right?"

Ines found a newly opened "Colombian Fried Beast" restaurant by the roadside. Asking questions as she entered, she observed the size of the shop, its decor, and the flow of customers. She didn't seem to be there to eat; she looked more like she was there to investigate.

After all, she did want to open a fried food shop like that in the future, and she wanted to prevent W from turning the fried food shop into a fried food shop.

Hedley was finally able to answer that question.

He nodded slightly to the Colombian shop owner, who seemed unfazed by the Sarkaz, apologized, ordered a set meal for two, and then sat down at a corner table with Ines, explaining:

"That's a long story, but all I can say is that Mr. Ernst's long-term strategy has yielded substantial benefits!"

"Do you still remember Mr. Ensiodis?"

Ines nodded: "Chairman of Kalan Trading, Prime Minister Ernst's brother, head of the Shivaish family, what happened to him?"

"He went to Letania, and he obtained a trade permit from the territory of Shiton, and also received a promise from the Elector of Shiton that a trade route from Shiton to Shelag would be built in the future!"

Ines was stunned.

She doesn't understand trade, but as a former "Caprini version of Sarkaz mercenary," she knows very well what business means, because she has taken over the caravans above her.

Ahem, I've gone off-topic. I should be saying how important trade routes were to caravans.

Terra is unlike Earth. The borders between countries can vary by several kilometers, or even tens, hundreds, or thousands of kilometers, and the roads in between are vast stretches of wasteland.

Originium crystal clusters are scattered across the wasteland. The soil is barren, the terrain is poor, and rainfall is scarce. In short, for whatever reason, they lack development value.

Reality is not a coloring game. The state is unwilling to occupy these rotten lands and increase its own governance costs out of thin air. Therefore, these places have become lawless zones in the true sense.

Thieves, bandits, Sarkaz mercenaries, and the infamous Rusthammer all inhabit these areas, and their way of life is certainly not farming or animal husbandry. To survive here, there's only one way—kill!

Kill and rob, rob and kill again – this is the law that has been repeating itself endlessly on this land.

For caravans on Terra to conduct cross-border trade, they need to traverse these chaotic, lawless lands! And trade routes are their safest option in this insecure environment.

This is because it is a place recognized by countries, and where armed forces are deployed to protect, monitor, and maintain it.

Only on this road can the interests of merchants be somewhat protected.

Of course, only a few, slightly stronger, or more reckless outlaws will still rob trade routes. It's hard to say whether the guards on the trade routes are slacking off or not, and it's difficult for them to arrive at the scene of the crime on time every time. But at least, even if the bandits know that the merchants will not be protected, at least the merchants will feel that they have been protected.

The construction and maintenance costs of such a trade route are naturally staggering.

The fact that Iberian explorers reached an agreement with the king of Sargon to open a trade route from Iberia to Sargon is a remarkable achievement worthy of being written into history books and Iberian textbooks, putting them on par with the explorers who later discovered the Bolívar Plain. This speaks volumes.

And now, Enciodes has achieved the same feat.

The Shivaesh family is full of talented people. Mr. Ernst is both scholarly and martial; at such a young age, he was already the founder of the International Summit. I never imagined his brother was so capable too!

"only"

Hedley's voice interrupted Ines's exclamation. Caprini looked up at the Sarkaz holding a plate of food in front of him, and frowned.

"But... what does that mean?"

Hedley put down his plate and sighed.

"However, the other side specifically requested that Mr. Ernst Shivaish personally travel to Shitong Territory to discuss cooperation. Enshiodis, this Shivaish, doesn't have the final say."

"So, Your Excellency, you've only been quiet for a few days, and I reckon you'll be going on another business trip soon."

Chapter 669 Quick, take me to see that Shivaesh!

Leitania, Shi Tongling.

Political struggles are always brutal, and this is true everywhere.

Even Ernst, in his struggle with the Grand Elder over the future of Sherag, ultimately had to end it all with the death of one of them.

Sherag is still a small place with simple and honest people. There are gods watching over us, and even if something big happens, the great god Yeragand is watching over the place. Many insidious, cunning, and unpredictable methods cannot be used here, nor are they applicable.

But Letania is different.

Before Viviana left, Ernst advised her: "You want to go back to see your father, which is filial piety, and I have no reason to object, but there is one thing I must remind you of."

“If you want to see your father, you can’t just think about seeing your father.”

The Electors of Letania are among the most powerful people in Letania. It's no exaggeration to say that those under the jurisdiction of an Elector's territory don't admire the splendor of the Twin Towers of Triinttelme, but rather bow down to the shadow of the Elector's Tower—this is commonplace. The influence of these Electors within Letania is nearly equivalent to that of the Grand Dukes who currently rule Victoria before the overthrow of the Lion King. Therefore, every change of the Elector's throne is a momentous event that the entire nation of Letania eagerly anticipates yet also fears.

The serious illness of Shi Tongling, the chosen emperor, was undoubtedly a major event that attracted the attention of the entire nation.

Undoubtedly, at this very moment, countless such people have gathered in Shitong territory—spies of the Twin Queens; informants of the remnants of the Witch King's faction; relatives chasing power; and sycophants currying favor with the powerful. These people can be further divided into countless categories: patriots devoted to the country; capable individuals who obey orders; virtuous gentlemen who seek only to preserve their own integrity; and gossipy fools. Given this division, it is impossible for each person to share the same thoughts as others. Therefore, the phrase "each harboring their own ulterior motives" is absolutely apt here!

But it was precisely at this moment that Viviana chose to go back.

Ernst knew that this was a rather helpless situation—neither he, Viviana, nor the "tourist who accidentally fell off the cliff" could be sure of this: when the body of a great emperor would suddenly collapse, or even collapse so quickly that no one had time to react!

Ernst couldn't suggest waiting until Viviana's father recovered, or even until he died, and everything settled down, before she went back. Such a suggestion completely disregarded morality and human sentiment; while seemingly expressing concern for Viviana's safety, it actually revealed selfishness.

However, while selfishness is selfishness and immorality is immorality, this statement still has a certain degree of rationality.

A bastard daughter of the Elector of Letania, raised by foster parents for many years; a renowned Candle Knight, famous throughout Casimir and Letania; an adult with countless ways to prove her identity and legitimate inheritance rights—what will her return bring? Which of the aforementioned parties will accept her? Will she be able to meet her father without resorting to any other means?

The answer is, absolutely not!

Viviana's return will bring a political storm. Similarly, if she insists on "just seeing her father," she will be unacceptable to both sides and will have no chance of ever seeing him again!

No one could be sure whether the Elector of Shitongling, in the spirit of dying men, would say something inappropriate to his daughter. Nor could anyone be sure that arranging a meeting between Viviana and the Elector of Shitongling would result in the Elector, considered by the world to be childless, suddenly having a legitimate heir. And no one could be certain whose person this potential heir to the Elector of Shitongling's title and substantial political legacy might be!

She may not belong to anyone now, but what about the future?

The Gemini Queens' supporters worry that Viviana is a puppet brought in and supported by the Witch King's remnants; if she isn't, they fear she might be manipulated in the future. Conversely, the Witch King's remnants feel the same way.

Therefore, the best outcome is that she doesn't exist.

We often say that violence cannot solve all problems, but there are always problems that violence can solve, right?

Coincidentally, this is one.

What to do? Only kill!

Therefore, Ernst gave Viviana advice.

"Before returning to Shiton territory, I will first go to Triinttelme and meet Her Majesty the Queen of Letania."

This is a show of loyalty.

The succession of the Elector must be reported to Trinterme. As the next Elector of Shitong, Viviana's attitude is always important, even if her chances of winning are slim.

The Queen of Letania would not tolerate anyone she had never met, who did not understand Letanian etiquette or culture, and most importantly, who did not respect her, ascending to that position.

If we don't show our faces or give this warning, they will definitely do everything in their power to stop us. And the method of stopping us brings us back to the previous conclusion—most likely, to kill us outright.

Accidental death is too easy to resolve. So what if he's the Candle Knight? He's a star promoted by Kazimierz, with some fame in the world of knightly competitions, but far from being someone to be feared. For those who wield supreme power, a few minor accidents are the most economical and effective way to eliminate them.

By showing his face and aligning himself with the Queen's camp, he at least avoids getting official support and prevents the situation from escalating to the point where he has to be eliminated.

No one ever complains about having too many cards in their hand. The Queen might have arranged for other candidates to compete for the position, but having Viviana available allows for free "family ties," and no one would object to that.

Only in this way could Viviana possibly gain the opportunity to meet the Elector of Shitong through the Empress's camp.

Viviana agreed, but Ernst remembered something before leaving and added:

"Remember, if you have the opportunity, try to meet the two empresses separately, in addition to meeting them at the same time."

"You don't need to say anything. Just have a normal meeting, express your opinions normally, and bring up the idea of ​​meeting your father normally."

Viviana was puzzled and asked, "Why?"

Ernst didn't explain, but earnestly instructed, "It's just to be on the safe side."

People's hearts are unfathomable. Throughout history, dynasties with two rulers have rarely met with ideal outcomes. They either both perish or one dynasty gains absolute power. Will Letania be able to escape this fate?

Ernst was just speculating, but since he had already said it, it was never wrong to be cautious.

Some might ask, if the Queen has so many problems, why not choose the remnants of the Witch King's faction?

The reason is simple—there's no way to choose.

It's not that Viviana can't be chosen, it's that Ernst can't be chosen.

Killing an envoy isn't a big deal, since the other party didn't reveal their identity and was in the wrong first. Ernst went through a series of questioning procedures, but the other party wouldn't budge, so he had no choice but to do this. As long as he sticks to his story, given the moral standards of the Terrans, they won't make things difficult for Ernst.

Importantly, Ernst was the Prime Minister of the Scherrag government, the initiator of the World Summit, and the interim Secretary-General. Letania, on the other hand, is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council.

Ernst had absolutely no reason to reason with the rebels, especially since their plan was to restore the old system and summon back the spirit of an old emperor who had been dead for who knows how many years.

Even with an organization like the Tundra Guerrilla, which Ernst greatly admired, he carefully considered every possible avenue for assistance, cautiously avoiding any direct connection with Kjerag. How much more so with an organization like the Witch King's Remnants, which Ernst disliked from the start?

Therefore, Viviana actually had a choice; her identity was quite free. Whichever side she joined would give that side a free emotional appeal. But it was Ernst who gave Viviana advice.

He had his own agenda. If Viviana were to join the remnants of the Witch King's faction, he might face a direct confrontation with her in the future. He wanted to avoid that possibility as much as possible.

Although they hadn't known each other for long, he quite admired this strong, romantic, innocent but not naive girl.

Although Viviana is actually older than him.

Therefore, he did not offer Viviana any advice on "joining the remnants of the Witch King's party".

Saying one less word would save face for the Queen, give Viviana a way out, and eliminate a potential rival for oneself—a win-win-win situation. Why not?

As for Enciodes's instructions, they were simply his way of helping Viviana avoid some trouble and protecting her safety.

With the help of the caravans from the Kalan Trade, Viviana could at least find some temporary assistance and a place of refuge if she were to be driven to desperation in the territory of Shitong. With Ensiodes and Jian around, the former being "Ernst's brother" and the latter possessing the strength of a "natural warrior," ordinary nobles and assassins would be no match for them.

Even if they were all threatened, Ernst would never risk his family's lives; he would personally step in to help them escape unscathed.

Even if the price is giving up Viviana.

Then, he will retaliate.

Viviana's reputation wasn't big enough to be a lifesaver, but Ernst's reputation was big enough to not only be a lifesaver but also a boning knife.

Officially, Ernst had plenty of ways to assign those people the methods that were useless or impossible to use when dealing with the Grand Elder. Secretly, Ernst was also willing to use his influence to ask Sarkaz for help, even if it meant owing them a favor.

The extremists in Lentinium haven't been eradicated yet, so it's normal for a few to travel to Letania to commit crimes, right?

With multiple safeguards in place, Viviana did not disappoint Ernst's expectations.

She carried out all of Ernst's instructions to her: first go to Trinity, identify herself to the Twins, meet them privately, and speak with them sincerely. Finally, return to the Electorate of St. John.

Sure enough, after paying her respects at the mountain peak, her subsequent procedures went very smoothly.

Although the Twin Queens did not possess the terrifying centralized power of the Witch King, they still enjoyed the fruits of his centralized power. In Letania, at least no Elector dared to openly oppose the Queen's decisions.

The Empress has won this card of kinship. If she wants to play it, they can't stop her. Even if she wants to kill and tear up the card, she has to think carefully about the consequences of doing so.

Viviana successfully met her father and moved into the Elector's mansion as the "illegitimate daughter of the Elector."

This identity is quite intriguing. The fact that Viviana is the illegitimate daughter of the Great Elector acknowledges her status as his daughter, yet denies her legitimacy. While there have been instances in history of legitimizing illegitimate sons to inherit family fortunes, Viviana's legitimacy has at least been significantly undermined.

"But actually, I never wanted to be chosen as an emperor, Father."

Sitting in front of the mirror, Viviana looked at herself and murmured softly.

In the mirror, she wore exquisite makeup, and her clothes changed from the light and fitted custom knight armor to a long evening gown in the style of Letania. To move, she had to hold up her skirt with both hands, and running was strictly forbidden due to the order to "not make a sound".

She looked even more beautiful, without a doubt; the court makeup artists of Letania knew better than anyone how to create an air of "nobility," but she hardly recognized herself—here, she wasn't allowed to read or recite poetry freely. She longed to return to the tower where she had spent her days and nights with her mother, but even that was forbidden.

In this vast palace, the only place where she could move freely was this room. [☆（]