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

He then began to describe the current state of the Bayer Zion Empire.

The Bayer Zans Empire no longer has its original two major organizational structures: the Youth Army and the Adult Army.

In order to fight against the demons, they switched to a conscription system early on. All eligible adults were required to join the army, and most of them never returned.

Four hundred years ago, the recorded age for joining the army was 25. Six months ago, the current age for joining the army was 16, and it is approaching an even younger age.

In contrast, the demons also unleashed their last remaining power—they even sent newly hatched larvae to the battlefield, much like how humans use infants as ammunition in catapults.

In a sense, the demons are already at an absolute disadvantage, like corpses lying half-dead in a grave, but the Bayern Empire is also lying on the operating table, its heart rate indicator teetering on the brink of collapse, with the possibility of sudden death at any moment.

Without any support, either side that attempts to advance further will face annihilation and destruction from the opponent's counterattack. As both sides remain hesitant to act and are forced into a bloody war of attrition, much like in ancient times, both demons and humans have developed new systems.

The rationing system and conscription on Bayerzans' side were products of war. The demons went even further, practicing a "survival of the fittest" system, where only the strongest larvae most likely to transform into demons were entitled to food.

The dire state of the two underground factions drew the attention of the elves. Hearing this, Theresa, whose hands were trembling uncontrollably, was already showing signs of breaking down.

On one side is the motherland on the verge of collapse, on the other is the heavy pressure that feels like a deep, dark abyss, and on yet another side... is a small happiness that is so close, that one only needs to reach out and grasp it.

She turned to look at the Regent beside her. The nun knew that if she asked him for help, if she reached out to him, she could break free from the burdens and pressures of her homeland.

She could continue to strengthen the religious faith that had already spread among the demon race as a nun of the Church of Light; she could still pave the way with the power He had given her before the [Light] awakened; and she could still have the possibility of standing by His side and supporting each other...

But Theresa couldn't bring herself to speak.

Because her every word would determine the future of millions, their life or death. She couldn't even show any weakness, disdain, anger, or even excitement, because her emotions would be misinterpreted by the standard-bearers below as some kind of signal.

The immense pressure had already caused her to become somewhat disoriented—at that moment, she suddenly understood that perhaps the saintess hadn't simply chosen to lock herself underground out of spite.

Is this heavy pressure... the same kind of burden that Yang Hao, Fen, the late emperor, and his own fathers have always carried and can never escape?

What should I do? What should I do? What should I say? I...I want to save them. But, how can I do that?

Am I qualified to drag the elves down with me? Am I qualified to make him bear more responsibility because of my incompetence? Am I qualified... to save my people? Can I still pursue my own small happiness?

Can I live my life as "Theresa" instead of "Theresa Justinian II"? Will I still be able to be affectionate with him as "My Lover" instead of "Barcelona"? Will I... ultimately become the person he hates most, the one who betrayed him?

A complex mix of conflicting emotions swirled within Teresa's heart, like a horse running wildly yet being pulled by its reins, taut and tearing at her soul.

She was just a nun, and she had never made such a decision or choice before, one that would affect the lives of millions... She was at a loss, and didn't know how to react.

Time passed by, minute by minute.

Just as Teresa was on the verge of collapse and about to be unable to hide her inner pain and expose her failures.

Yang Hao, who was beside her, took a step forward and gently placed his hand on Theresa's right shoulder.

The anxiety in her heart gradually subsided, and the pressure began to shift from her shoulders—perhaps this was the courage bestowed by her lover. Teresa looked up slightly, and although she was still afraid, she knew that Yang Hao would clean up this mess for her.

This was the first time Teresa had caused Yang Hao trouble. She sighed bitterly inside, while Yang Hao calmly addressed the Bayer Zansman:

"Guests of Bayerzans, please give Princess Purple time to think—this is not a major matter that can be understood and decided upon in just a few words. As veterans, you should also know that making rash decisions on important matters is no different from sending soldiers to their deaths."

Furthermore, Gaparia also needs time to prepare. So how about we take a short break today, and give you a response within two days once we have a better understanding of the situation?

The Bayerians seemed puzzled as to why a man would speak in place of their purple-clad princess.

But seeing the trusting expression on the purple-clad princess's face, and the hand he placed on her shoulder, the people of Bayern still bowed their heads in obedience.

And so, this morning's audience came to an end. Before leaving, Yang Hao asked Qinna to contact the Bayer Zhans man, saying that he would be meeting him later.

Then he led Theresa and Finn out through the back door of the audience hall. Theresa needs to rest now. She has tried so hard. So very hard.

Meanwhile, Nia the Black Dragon left the audience hall while undergoing inspection by the elves.

She admitted that she was initially very surprised by Yang Hao's current status—but when she realized that Yang Hao was, in a sense, the mastermind behind the Bayerzans Empire's princess, she knew that she needed to readjust all her priorities regarding Yang Hao.

If at the beginning, Nia was in the stage of "using any means necessary to bring him back", now, Nia's thinking is "if she can't bring him back, she'll send herself over there".

After all, this man is too valuable. He has not only served as the regent of the Roman Empire, but is currently the regent of Gaparia, and is even the regent of that Bayerzans Empire... uh? Is this considered a regent who married into the family?

In conclusion, such a capable man deserves a significant amount of resources from Ysgard.

It seems we still need to have the President's daughter come over and use her charm once.

Nia muttered to herself as she left the Green Courtyard as quickly as possible, feeling that the future of Isgard was now clear.

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

In the lounge behind the audience hall, there was originally a quiet room that belonged only to Fen.

Theresa's sobs sounded particularly jarring in the quiet room.

"I'm sorry... but... I really... don't know what to do."

Theresa sobbed, clutching Yang Hao's clothes tightly. The moment she entered, she almost vomited from the sudden relaxation. If Finn hadn't cast a refreshing elven spell to suppress the acid surging from her stomach, she might be too exhausted to utter a single word now.

Yang Hao gently patted her back to comfort her. It was at this moment that Fen spoke up, remarking:

"That's normal, after all, you've never actually had any audience duties—when I was just a little girl, my parents made me move around the palace, so I got used to the atmosphere of the audience hall and the fact that the people regarded me as their greatest hope. That's why I was able to adapt to life in the Elven Royal Court."

But Theresa, this is your first time facing such a situation. To have to decide the lives of millions on your very first try—that's incredibly difficult for you..."

Finn understood Theresa's unease and pain, and also the pressure she was under. This was a process that everyone destined for the throne needed to adapt to.

However, Theresa's luck was really not good. To use a simple analogy, it's like the child of a former big-time entrepreneur who was learning math in a village, suddenly facing the prospect of taking an advanced math exam alongside countless young people graduating from universities in the capital, which would determine the jobs and lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

She didn't even have a chance to adjust. Facing such a large-scale event for the first time, not throwing up was already a testament to her utmost effort.

And just as Finn was comforting Theresa, Yang Hao suddenly spoke up from the side:

"Actually, the more important reason was that Theresa wanted to save those people. The millions who were still alive underground."

If Finn only focused on Theresa's outward signs of nervousness and unease, then Yang Hao discovered the deepest part of Theresa's anxiety: she was constantly shifting between choices.

Just moments before, Theresa was the purple-clad princess who hoped to free the people of Bayezid from their suffering and bring them back to the surface.

In the next moment, Teresa is Mother Teresa, who hopes to abandon everything and spend a quiet life with him.

In the end, she was still a helpless child who didn't know what to do and could only rely on others.

Yang Hao tenderly stroked the girl's hair, which had stiffened because of his words. He kissed Theresa's forehead, ignoring the jealous look in Finn's eyes; at this moment, all he wanted was to comfort his girl.

He then decided to support Theresa.

“But, Theresa, I’m not saying this to deny your thoughts. I just want you to…make a decision you won’t regret, okay?”

“I know you are hesitant right now about whether you should accept the loyalty of the Bayerzens, whether you should stand up to save those poor people, whether you should become the Empress of the Bayerzens Empire—and I know you also want to live a peaceful life, to live the life of a nun.”

But I don't want you to regret your choice. Even if you do regret it, I hope you can do what will make you the least upset at this stage, and what you truly want to do.

"Theresa, don't consider my feelings. Think of yourself, only think of yourself, okay?"

Hearing this, Teresa sniffled, then looked at Yang Hao with her red, tear-filled eyes:

“But I can’t ignore you, you silly dog… You know I’m stupid and incompetent; I’m simply no good at governing the Bayerzans Empire. Even if I wanted to save them, I would need to study… But could they wait until I’ve finished my studies and returned? In the end, wouldn’t I still have to ask you for help? How can I be so heartless as to not consider your feelings!”

"That's alright, Theresa."

“But the Bayern people won’t approve of you! They…they won’t approve of anyone outside the royal family ruling, I know them…”

"Then why don't I become royalty? Theresa, we'll have a wedding in the capital of Bayern after the restoration of the kingdom. That way, I can help you as your husband and fulfill my duties as regent in both places."

Upon hearing this, Theresa was stunned.

Yes! If that's the case, then there's really no need to worry about Yang Hao being an outsider to the Bayerzans Empire... As long as he marries me, he'll naturally become a Bayerzans citizen, and the Bayerzans will accept my rule willingly. I can also work hard to improve myself with his help until one day I can stand tall on my own...

But these were not the things that Teresa cared about.

Her eyes welled up with tears again. Looking at Yang Hao's earnest face, and then at Fen's helpless expression, she shed tears.

"Are you really... willing to marry me?"

"I do. Then, Theresa, can you tell me what you think now?"

"I'm willing... but... is this really okay? You'll be very tired... for a long time, I won't be able to put your mind at ease, okay?"

Theresa sniffed, her nose stinging. She already knew what Yang Hao would say; her question was merely a formality, following the traditional marriage proposal ceremony of the Bayer Empire. She knew him; she trusted him.

Yang Hao simply shrugged at this.

"I never expected you to make me feel completely at ease. How could a girl who throws tantrums and stays by my side even on the most dangerous battlefields make me feel at ease?"

Upon hearing this, Theresa was stunned. Annoyed, she poked Yang Hao's shoulder and lower abdomen, then, unable to suppress the urge to cry, she leaned against him and sobbed softly.

Fen was stunned: What an unromantic man! Shouldn't you be saying something more romantic at a time like this?

The thought that she might experience something similar in the future sent a shiver down her spine. She had to teach Yang Hao and Teresa elegant social etiquette before they got married, otherwise, if things really came to this, she knew she wouldn't have an easy time.

Amid Finn's reflections, Teresa finally confronts her own inner self.

She wanted to rescue her people. Even though she had never met them, she didn't feel that her people needed to continue living a miserable life underground.

After Teresa confronted her own feelings, Yang Hao and Fen felt much more at ease.

Finn stayed behind to help Teresa with her homework, while Yang Hao secretly left the lounge and saw Qinna waiting outside the door.

Qinna said that Mr. Lucas was already waiting in the adjacent meeting room. Now, what answer should they give him?

“I will go there in person—I will fully support Theresa’s desire to restore her kingdom. But before that, I need to confirm some things with Mr. Lucas.”

"Yes?"

"Weapons, equipment, the weaknesses of demons, the geographical location of the restored Bayerzans Empire, winter food reserves—although the Elf Forest doesn't feel cold now, December outside is truly winter! A city of a million people needs a lot of food to survive the year... I must figure out their situation before I can make preparations."

Now that Theresa has decided to restore the Bayerzans Empire, Yang Hao believes that as her full supporter, his current task is naturally to prepare for the restoration of Bayerzans.

Based on Lucas's previous statement, Yang Hao tentatively judged that the final battle between Bayrzan and the demons would be inseparable from the assistance of the elves, and that he could use the demons' swordsmen who were still training, the elves' riflemen, and all sorts of golems.

The demons seem to possess the ability to either corrupt or assimilate. It's unclear whether this assimilation ability will work on the golems, or how long the assimilated demons will have a healing period. In any case, this battle will require the assistance of a large number of elven mages.

In addition, knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory. Yang Hao needs to understand the current military situation of the Bayerzans Empire, and even more so, he needs to understand the ecology of demons—only by knowing the weaknesses of demons can he develop weapons and equipment specifically designed to target them within a short preparation period.

More importantly, after annihilating the demons and declaring the restoration of their kingdom.

According to Theresa, each of the "Purple-Royal Families" possesses the authority to elevate or demote a city—but the problem is that the former territory of the Bayern Empire is either already an important town of the Roman Empire or is now woodland completely covered by the Monster Forest. Elevating a city would inevitably severely impact the terrain, but more importantly, the basic needs of these millions of people—food, water, and shelter—are a serious concern.

A million people, a million of them living deep underground, have made almost no preparations for winter, at most have some food reserves, and those underground mushroom farms may wither quickly due to the strong sunlight brought by the rise, so that the population will lose its ability to be self-sufficient in a short period of time.

This is the most serious problem... After all, no matter how much food the elves store, it still takes time to transport. If the transport is too small, the Bayerzans might go hungry and face famine. If the transport is too large, the elves' current manpower will be under immense pressure...

This issue requires existing data to prepare... and besides food, there are also winter coats, firewood, and the reconstruction work on the surface after the restoration of the nation...

Yang Hao felt a throbbing pain in his head: This wasn't some kind of "restoration of a kingdom"; it was practically rebuilding an empire...

The difficulty was immense, and the pressure was immense as well. He was glad he had volunteered, because he knew Theresa couldn't handle such pressure, and he also realized that if what Theresa said—that "all cities would rise"—was true...

Doesn't that mean that all the cities in the Roman Empire would rise at least a few meters upwards, and that it would also damage the structure of the teleportation portal?