After being forced to step down, the once-annoying nun eloped with me.

Secondly, while spreading rumors one after another, the Great Khan must also be prepared to accept the people of that small country.

After all, he couldn't possibly reduce everyone to slavery. The families of those warriors had to be treated well and persuaded, and those with ability had to be treated with the utmost courtesy and respect, not to mention mages, blacksmiths, and other skilled talents.

Only by continuously expanding the pool of technical talent within the country can the Great Khan gain a greater advantage in future wars against the Romans. After all, the Great Khan is only one person; he cannot be all-encompassing. Therefore, he must ensure that the country possesses sufficient technical resources and allow these resources to develop freely.

Thirdly, and most importantly, the Great Khan needed to sign a non-aggression pact with the Elf Kingdom in the forest to gain permission to advance into the forest.

After all, the elves were a powerful nation, and the Great Khan's army was extremely unskilled at fighting in the forest... They had to avoid war with the elves, while also securing a passage through the forest to catch the Romans off guard.

The above three points were the plans for the future that the Great Khan had thought of before he got extremely drunk.

He was certain that once he had these three plans sorted out, Roman would be his for the taking.

"Then my children! Let us get drunk tonight and celebrate our victory in advance!"

He was the first to drink the hot milk wine. As the wine seeped into his body, the Great Khan laughed heartily, already feeling his ambitions transform into a raging fire, burning fiercely within him.

............

Meanwhile, in Bayer Zanzibar at dusk.

After returning from Gaparia, Yang Hao was strolling with Theresa, who was dressed casually, through Constantinople, which was already being decorated and renovated. They were inspecting the current situation of the people and preparing for the upcoming celebrations.

“On February 5th, our country will have a new beginning,” Yang Hao said, holding Theresa’s hand. He had recently grown a lot of gray hair, and even wrinkles had appeared prematurely, unlike his younger days. “Then on the 2th... we can have the wedding. Then, I can finally stop being so busy.”

"That's why I told you long ago that you don't need to be so busy. I can handle things on my own now... Hey, come here and sit down."

Having changed back into her nun's attire, Teresa led Yang Hao to sit on a bench in the square of Constantinople. She patted her thigh, and a soft, silvery-white light appeared on her hand.

She said there were no pillows, so he could rest his head on her lap. She said she needed to cast a few spells on Yang Hao, otherwise, seeing him so exhausted, even if Theresa was very good at separating public and private matters, she would eventually be unable to resist abandoning political affairs to take care of him, who might fall ill at any moment.

“No matter how busy you are, you have to take care of your health…” Theresa complained, pressing Yang Hao onto her lap. Under the envious gazes of passing residents, she publicly unleashed a divine spell that only Baselisa could cast, while gently stroking the wrinkles on her future husband's face. “So you have to give me a vacation after the celebration, understand? Bring Naruja and the others over to rest too… and I need to rest for a while too. Now that the people are doing better on their own, it's okay for us to take a few days off.”

"But..."

"Don't give me 'buts'! Your workload is so intense that even 'Bright' would be ashamed of himself. I really want to wake up that pig who's been sleeping like a log and see how diligent you are, and make that pig reflect on how decadent he is."

"Heh heh, is it really okay for you to insult your own god in front of your own people?"

"If I had divine magic to bring down [light], I would definitely beat Him up."

Can a god descend on their own?

Yang Hao was curious, while the angry nun, while relieving Yang Hao's fatigue, shrugged and gave an affirmative answer:

"Of course. However, the incarnation of [God] changes according to faith... If people believe that it is [male], then the incarnation will also show a male appearance accordingly."

"I see... I don't really understand these things, but we're all resting now, so let's not talk about such serious matters."

"Hmph, finally you've got it, huh? Now lie down and close your eyes to rest. I still need to clean your ears later; they're so dirty..."

The two enjoyed the hard-won peace.

There is great anticipation for the celebration on the 5th.

Chapter 5: The Celebration, Polygamy, and the Northern Invasion (8K)

January 5, 006 in the Imperial Calendar.

The Roman Empire was plunged into civil war. People were fighting, retreating to their lairs, and many even betrayed each other, creating quite a dramatic spectacle.

The Alessands had witnessed Roman's utter depravity during this period—first, there was Prince Gassen, who was immersed in a comfortable life and had no ambition or courage; then came a strange servant who constantly tempted people; then came the civil wars between towns that were even more tragic than the cuckolded husbands and blond men; then there were the nobles who fed their peasant soldiers cannibalism while they themselves feasted; and then there were the rebels who burned, killed, and looted without any sense of justice.

The Ares pondered that if their own country were to suffer such a devastating blow, it would likely perish instantly—but most Ares believed their king and nobles would never allow things to escalate to that point. They genuinely couldn't comprehend the Romans' thinking, but they knew all too well that the more chaotic the Roman Empire, the better!

At Prince Gassen's request, the reinforcements sent by the Alessars have been increasing day by day. There are now more than 8000 Alessar troops operating within the Roman Empire, and newly launched ironclad warships are patrolling the waters between Alessar and Roman. Alessar supplies are also being secretly transported into the Roman Empire, and Alessar infantry, with Prince Gassen's tacit approval, have even begun digging trenches along the coast in preparation for the upcoming war.

General Dreschka didn't quite understand the purpose of the intricate trenches that didn't block the main roads, but he could sense the Ares' hostility. He hoped Prince Garsen could reduce the number of Ares stationed there, but unfortunately, Prince Garsen had completely fallen from grace.

He enjoyed the sense of security provided by the Aresians in his palace, the thrill and pleasure brought by his servants, and the flattery of his head lady-in-waiting and other greasy-haired nobles. He no longer considered sitting on the throne, because he knew very well that as long as he didn't sit on it, he would be safe.

To make himself feel safer, Prince Garsen secretly signed a pact with the envoys of Aresel. In the pact, the Roman Empire promised to give more than 6% of its resources to Aresel for 50 years, provided that the Aresel could help the Roman Empire quell the rebellion. Then the Aresel would get everything they wanted!

The Emperor of Allese was overjoyed, cheering that "Roman Empire is now in my grasp," and personally guaranteeing Prince Gassen's future safety and independence—but now, the Allese's sword was gleaming with the light of day. With just a thousand more men, the Allese could simultaneously reclaim the lost territories of the Roman Empire and continue their covert operations...

But then again...

Now, the dioceses of the Roman Empire are unusually peaceful.

Saint Cecilia received help from her friend Priscilla, but even so, their combined administrative abilities, barely adequate, were simply insufficient to fully manage the western part of the parish.

They were in such a mess that they had no time to organize militia training to prepare for the upcoming "test"—and Peter the Elder's side was in an equally terrible state.

Even if Cecilia and Priscilla together are only worth 20 points out of 100, then Peter the Elder is worth 80 points.

However, the bishops under him, who were used to pleasure and indulgence, managed to drag his administrative rating down to 25 fen.

Although he still holds a slight advantage, the fact that the total amount of food supplies always inexplicably decreases by 80% every time he assembles his troops is still causing Peter a lot of headaches.

Given the importance of the number of believers, Bishop Peter dared not follow Bishop Stephen's example and feed his followers with human flesh—left with no other choice, he could only prepare for spring planting. After all, it seemed that this battle was truly not going to continue anytime soon, so it was better to plant crops and ensure that they could survive until winter to fight.

And so, the parish fell into an eerie peace, which ironically attracted many refugees from other places who could no longer survive. Although the strange angels from the Holy City continued to roam freely in the sky, at least they hadn't shown any interest in places outside the Holy City for the time being, which was a stroke of good fortune amidst misfortune.

However, the believers kneeling before the holy city could faintly smell the stench of decay emanating from the sky from time to time.

What was going on? The believers felt utterly confused, and their confusion was destined never to reach the ears of the "God of Light" they worshipped.

...........

Today is February 5th, a significant celebration marking the official formation of Bayerzspor and Gaparia into a single nation. It is also a day that truly makes the people of Bayerzspor realize that they have returned to the earth and are living a perfect new life.

Since yesterday, the entire city has been preparing for the celebration. They've decorated Constantinople with lanterns and colorful flags. The streets are filled with the aroma of simple pastries and delicacies, and the elves have generously sent their own elven cuisine and chefs.

Considering the special nature of the brotherly nations and the unique status of their shared regents, although the celebrations are taking place in both countries, the venue remains exclusively Constantinople.

All the important people, including Finn, came. Apart from Arthur, who was really unable to get away from his girlfriend, even Dr. Joseph, who had been beaten up by the elves because of logistical problems, came over refreshed.

It is said that he created even more things that drove the elves in charge of logistics crazy. He even tried to design a new cannonball using enchantment, and when the elf in charge of enchanting at the time glanced at the 20 man-hours required to produce one cannonball, Dr. Joseph naturally received a severe beating.

Why did Dr. Joseph become like this? Actually, no one really knows... but seeing that Dr. Joseph has almost abandoned his original profession and chosen something he enjoys, no one knows what to say.

In short, everyone at the celebration was gathered inside the Purple Palace, which was under reconstruction. It was on this occasion that Yang Hao first introduced Anna and Natalia to Theresa.

"Hello—Anna, and Miss Natalia." Dressed impeccably yet still resembling a nun, Teresa smiled and greeted the two girls, whom Yang Hao was meeting for the first time and who were incredibly important to him. "Miss Natalia, thank you for taking care of Yang Hao back then—otherwise, he really wouldn't have survived, and we wouldn't be able to meet on this occasion."

"...It's just part of my job." The presiding judge, who seemed rather listless for some reason, pursed his lips, gently stroking the hair of little Anna, who was curiously peering into the palace interior. "So...Miss Theresa? Or should I address you as Madam? May I ask your current status?"

“Barcelona of Bayezid, you can think of her as an empress.” Theresa smiled and nodded, then took Yang Hao’s arm in front of them. “And then he will be my Caesar and Bartholomew—or simply put, my husband.”

"...Congratulations."

Although she had prepared herself mentally, Natalia still felt very complicated when she actually encountered such a situation.

On the one hand, although Natalia's feelings for Yang Hao were born in a strange way, they have become quite stable after two years of longing for him. In addition, Yang Hao's unexpected intervention and personal rescue... in a sense, Natalia's feelings for Yang Hao will only deepen rather than become shallower.

Now, after finally mustering the courage to confess her feelings, Natalia learns from him that he is about to get married... This is a huge blow to Natalia.

On the other hand, Natalia's care for Anna also sparked the idea of ​​her becoming Anna's true mother. After all, Natalia had truly raised Anna with utmost care, from infancy to now, and at that point, even if the other person were a mouse, Natalia would develop deep feelings for them... let alone a poor child.

In this situation, Natalia naturally sensed Anna's expectations... But, your new dad has already found you a new mom, it would be really inappropriate for me to keep getting involved, right?

...

If Natalia were given the chance, she would endlessly pursue the man she likes in her own way—but the problem is...

Natalia, however, is the presiding judge.

Although the title should include the word "former"... as the presiding judge, Natalia is arguably the most law-abiding person.

According to the laws of the Roman Empire, the Roman Empire adheres to an ironclad monogamous system. Even the former emperor only married one empress and had only one daughter, Anna, with her, and that was all.

Although Natalia wasn't entirely clear on the specifics of the laws in Bayerzans, based on her understanding, it was definitely a monogamous country. In other words, Yang Hao and Theresa's marriage was legal, and after their marriage, Natalia's pursuit of Yang Hao would be against the law and morality...

...This caused Natalia even more pain.

On one hand, there's the savior she desperately wants to pursue, and the happiness she desires.

On the other hand, it is the law that she has sworn to uphold.

Caught in a dilemma, Natalia didn't know what to do. And just as she was lost in thought, it seemed that Her Majesty Theresa wanted to pat Anna's little head?

Amidst Yang Hao's awkward laughter, Anna immediately shrank back and ran behind Natalia, clutching Natalia's clothes and timidly looking at the white-haired nun who was reaching out her devilish claws.

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty, little Anna can only be close to you and me right now… perhaps we need to give her more time to adjust.” Natalia said helplessly, taking Anna’s small hand in a comforting gesture. “So… could you give her some time to adjust? I’ll take her around a bit. Of course, it would be even better if you could come along too.”

"I have to give a speech on stage with Theresa later... I can only ask you for help, Natalia."

Yang Hao shook his head helplessly, stepped forward, squatted down in front of Anna, and gently pinched her little cheek. The man, who was finally relaxed, smiled and took out a small candy. After personally unwrapping the paper, he put the candy in front of Anna's mouth.

Anna happily opened her mouth and put the candy in it. Her tongue had fully grown back, but it would take her a long time to adapt and to re-experience all sorts of flavors. With Natalia's help, she slowly began to speak again.

Anna can only utter a few simple words now, but that's enough to make Yang Hao feel gratified.

He patted Anna's head, then left with the nun, who looked dejected after being rejected by the child.

And it was only after they left that Anna, while munching on candy and clutching Natalia's dress, whispered:

“Mommy Natalia…I don’t like that mommy,” little Anna pouted. “I want Mommy Natalia to be my mommy…”

"But she's Dad's favorite person. If it weren't for her, His Majesty wouldn't have been able to save us."

"I know... but I still don't want to be separated from Mother Natalia..."

Natalia was naturally pleased to receive Anna's acknowledgment and pleading.

But this also made Natalia realize that Anna no longer wanted to be an empress or a princess. At least, she didn't have that thought now.

After all, she has already suffered too much because of her identity... So after thinking it over, I decided that when I educate her during this period, I should try to educate her in the same way as an ordinary girl.

Natalia sighed. It seemed their relationship was at most that of teacher and student, not mother and daughter.

Natalia felt empty inside... but the girl quickly cheered herself up: after all, this was a wonderful new life!

Then she'll have to ask His Majesty Yang Hao for a job in law, and she'll also have to find time to take Anna around to play and give the little girl a wonderful childhood... As for the title of "mother," all we can say is that we hope Her Majesty Theresa can work hard and try to end this anxious and awkward period with Anna as soon as possible!

Natalia led Anna around, and after bringing Theresa to where Finn and Naruja were, Yang Hao comforted the aggrieved nun while patting the head of the deer girl who had instinctively come closer.

“Theresa just acted completely out of line because Anna was scared… But then again, Anna does need time to adjust to her new relationships,” Yang Hao explained, explaining why Theresa had been acting this way. “But let’s leave this harmless little thing for now… Finn, we need to double-check the things we need to say for the presentation later.”

"It's okay if you miss something in your speech later, okay? You know how things are between our two countries, right?" Finn pursed her lips, looking at Naruja with a mixture of envy and inexplicable confidence. "More important than that... isn't the major law to be announced later the most crucial thing?"

“But Miss Black Dragon is here, and she represents Isgard—we still need to be careful.”

"So what we need to confirm is that law, isn't it?"

"what?"