People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

He paused slightly, calculated the distance between Colombia and Shelag, and the time required for the transport, before replying:

"It will be at least another month before they arrive in Shelag again."

By then, he should have already retrieved him from the Duke of Caesar. He can personally escort Encia to Rhodes Island and, while he's at it, take a tour of that landship.

Chapter 162 The Shalag Climate Change Incident!

Victoria, Duchy of Caster.

Of the Grand Dukes who now effectively rule Victoria, the Duke of Custer's domain is not the largest, but it is the most prosperous.

Through foreign exchanges, establishing connections with nobles, forming business alliances, supporting factions, planting spies, and assassinating opponents, the Duke of Caesars achieved a life of peace and prosperity throughout his territory.

You can question her character, you can question her intentions, but you cannot question her abilities. She is such a leader, an aristocrat who has reached the pinnacle of her field, a warrior who stood at the crossroads of the times, chose the path she was best at, and walked it to the very end.

Even Ernst had to admit on many occasions that if he were a traditional Victorian nobleman, occupying the most fertile lands of Terra known as the Inner Circle, he might not have been able to do as well as the Duke of Caesar.

The journey from Kjerag to the Duchy of Caesar was long. Ernst and Ensioudis first had to take a train from Tukarim train station to leave the Kjerag border, then transfer to an off-road vehicle at the border station, and finally cross the wilderness to reach the Duchy of Caesar.

Generally, to ensure safety on wilderness journeys, travelers organize a large convoy, which includes several translators, a travel manager, a messenger of natural disasters, a regular messenger group, and most importantly, an armed escort.

"There are many types of armed guards. The most common are mercenary groups in major mobile cities. They are managed by major mercenary companies, such as Blacksteel International. Although they are relatively expensive, their quality is guaranteed, and they are safe most of the time. Of course, some wealthy nobles will also form their own guards. At the very least, they can choose to hire some Sarkaz mercenaries."

In the car, Enciodis spoke eloquently, as if he knew everything.

For some reason, the black knight in charge of driving had a tense expression reflected in the rearview mirror.

Ernst was somewhat surprised:

"Sarkaz, are they reliable?"

"If you pay enough, the Sarkaz aren't actually that unsafe. The Sarkaz who betrayed and occupied Londinium are only a minority in the Sarkaz mercenary business. Most Sarkaz who can get wilderness escort jobs have a certain level of credibility and reputation. They are efficient, taciturn, rarely ask about their employers, and don't have much communication with their employers except to follow orders. Most importantly, they are cheap. Even if you pay enough, the Sarkaz are still very cheap compared to the mercenaries of Blacksteel International."

Ernst nodded. He understood now; Sarkaz was the unlicensed taxi driver.

He can take you anywhere as long as you pay. However, safety is largely a matter of luck. Unless you're in a real hurry or desperately need the money, Ernst doesn't recommend taking an unlicensed taxi.

"So here's the question: why can't we even afford to hire a Sarkaz?"

Ernst looked at Enciodes' profile, and Enciodes, who had just been boasting, fell silent, replying with a hint of embarrassment:

"Because we have no money."

Ernst looked incredulous: "With such a large annual revenue from the Kalan Trade, and having established sales channels with the Duchy of Windermere and the Duchy of Wellington, how can you be short of money? Where is the money?"

Enciodes glanced at Ernst and replied rather insincerely, "I paid the tax."

Okay, okay, so it's still my fault in the relationship, right?

Seeing Ernst's "You just wait, don't make me go back to Shelag" look, Ensioudis then explained:

"Just kidding. Actually, it's because there's not enough time. Hiring a qualified escort team takes time. Especially the route from Sherag to the Duchy of Caesar's capital, even large mercenary companies have never been involved in it. So, I consulted Blacksteel International, and the reply I got was: it will be at least a week before we can officially set off."

Ernst nodded; that was a reasonable answer.

Contrary to popular belief, messengers, or rather, people like them who need to travel across the land, are not simply aimlessly wandering around the wilderness.

If that's the case, the casualty rate of messengers might even exceed that of soldiers, and be on par with the mortality rate of infected individuals who are almost always used as cannon fodder.

In reality, although the wilderness appears boundless and the scenery unchanging, just like Ernst's previous life, the pioneers of the Age of Exploration were able to carve out safe routes on the same vast sea using compasses, stars, and ocean currents. Messengers and mercenaries also had their own "routes." And most of those who followed continued to walk and explore the paths of their predecessors until their footprints covered every corner of Terra.

"Besides Sherag?" Ernst asked.

“Including Kerrig.” Ensiodis shook his head in denial. “The train station in Tukarim, the road leading to the outside world, the road least affected by the surrounding snow, was once a camel trade route for Kerrig. And it is still a lifeline today, just in a different form.”

At this moment, Jian, sitting in the front row, finally couldn't hold back any longer. He turned his head slightly and exposed the atmosphere that Ensiodes had created:

"Of course, the most important thing is that hiring a mercenary team to venture into unknown territory will cost more money."

The result is still stinginess!

Ernst gave Enciodes a disdainful look, and Enciodes immediately explained:

"I just feel that the mace is powerful enough."

Jian chuckled softly, which was taken as tacit agreement with Ensiodes's words.

Ernst didn't torture Enciodes any further. After all, he wasn't truly stingy; his reasons were genuine, and money was only a minor factor. Furthermore, to compensate for the lack of security, he brought along several members of the Kalan Trading Company. Matthon, Weiss, and, aside from the completely incapable Lingzhi, nearly half of the Kalan Trading Company's security force was deployed.

With this level of combat strength, even if they were to encounter bandits or rusty hammers robbing the road, they would be more than capable of escaping unscathed.

Not to mention, Ernst wasn't unprepared.

Ernst reached out and touched the Jeragund Stone in his inner pocket, feeling the warmth emanating from its rough surface, and felt incredibly at ease.

What could be more reassuring than being protected by Kami?

Thinking this, Ernst noticed the slightly puzzled look in Ya'er's eyes beside him:

"what happened?"

Ya'er looked at Ernst, hesitated for a moment, and asked curiously, "Holy Son, what were you touching just now?"

Ernst nodded knowingly.

Ya'er is the head lady-in-waiting of the Manjusaka and a devout believer who has served Jeragand for her entire life. Her following her is also to fulfill her duty of "protecting the Holy Child," so it is reasonable for her to be curious about the Jeragand Stone in her arms.

Ernst, without any intention of keeping anything to himself, took the divine stone from his robes in front of Ya'er, Ensiodis, and the mace, and handed it to Ya'er, explaining:

"This is the Jeragand Stone. As long as you make a sincere wish to it, Jeragand will receive your wish."

"Yes, the wish has been received." Ernst didn't dare to be too certain, in case Ya'er really made some impossible wish, which would not only hurt Ernst's pride but also embarrass the great god Yeragand.

It's fine as long as I received it; you don't have to reply even if I've read it. Anyway, I received it.

However, to everyone's surprise, Ya'er's expression was complicated when she received the divine stone from Ernst.

She looked at the Jeragund Stone in her hand, whose faint glow had grown even brighter, then looked at Ernst, and bit her lip:

"Maybe we should just forget about it. This was given to you by the great god Yeragand, so I won't use it to pray."

"It's alright, it's alright." Ernst waved his hand warmly. "Look, it's become even brighter since you got it! That means the great god Yeragand is in a good mood and likes you very much. Even if you don't have any wishes, it's still good to say hello to the great god Yeragand."

"I..." Ya'er opened her mouth, but was momentarily speechless.

Let me, in your presence, pray to the great god Jeragund, with those... embarrassing hymns?

Ugh, isn't this a bit too embarrassing? It's like shamelessly bragging!

Moreover, shame is secondary. Ya'er often puts on a show at Manju Courtyard, praying to the statue of Jeragand, but the statue is just a craft made of stone and wood, which is fundamentally different from a sacred stone!

It's known that the Jeragand's Stone is connected to, or rather, is part of, Jeragand's essence. Therefore, having Ya'er pray to the Jeragand's Stone (a part of its essence) to please the great god Jeragand is essentially using a part of herself to make herself feel good—a form of self-generated energy, in short?

After giving Ernst a difficult look, Ya'er ultimately couldn't make up her mind and let her son down.

She took a deep breath, her whole body covered in goosebumps, and opened her mouth:

"Hello, Great God Yeragand..."

"May Ernst have a safe journey."

"May Khelag be blessed with peace and stability."

"Thank you."

As if throwing away a hot potato, she hurriedly stuffed the divine stone back into Ernst's hand, and Ya'er reached out and patted Ensiodes in the front row, pleading:

"Shall we switch places?"

She had no choice but to change; after all that, her face, hands, and even her whole body were burning hot.

Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away in the territory of Sherag and Perroch, Actos, who was inspecting the beautiful rivers and streams of Sherag accompanied by his good secretary Jeston, suddenly felt a little sweaty.

"Jesston, why does it feel like the weather has suddenly gotten a bit hot?"

Jeston answered with his experience:

"Minister Aktos, it is because you are constantly thinking about Sherag that you have no time to notice your physical fatigue. You have already inspected such a vast territory. Please forgive my intrusion, but I sincerely suggest that you return to your office (your hometown) for a while and allow your body to rest briefly so that you can realize the grand blueprints in your mind."

Aktos laughed heartily upon hearing this and patted Jeston's shoulder several times. But how could a body of steel that could withstand three serious punches from Saria be shaken by just three punches from Ursus?

Jeston remained motionless, his expression resolute and composed, which pleased Actos even more, and he nodded with satisfaction.

"Alright, we'll do what Jesston says. Elbow, let's go back. I'm going to prepare a big meal! Hahahaha!"

Chapter 163 Viscount Walton

Victoria, Duchy of Caest, Duke of Caest's House.

The luxury car slowly arrived. As soon as the car door was opened, Viscount Walton, whose beard was already turning gray, poked his head out of the car and a helping hand was extended in front of him.

"Thank you."

Viscount Walton steadied himself, looked at the owner of the hands, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he bowed respectfully, performing a standard noble curtsy:

"It is my great honor to be greeted by the Duke of Caesar in person."

"Lord Walton, you flatter me. I have witnessed your excellent governance of Seckshire. Victoria has always respected every pillar of its service and will certainly not be stingy with its rewards."

Her makeup was elegant and her speech refined; she resembled a writer or a schoolteacher more than a grand duke, making the Duke of Custer's impression rather deceptive. But Viscount Walton was well aware of the deeper meaning behind her words.

Victoria respects every pillar of society, and Victoria will not be stingy with its rewards.

Victoria was a nation, a grand will. Victoria wouldn't do these things herself, so she needed an executor to respect, reward, and carry out Victoria's true intentions.

In the past, this position undoubtedly belonged to the master of the Iron Palace in Londinium, but now, the Duke of Caesar openly identifies himself as Victoria.

Moreover, this is a conspiracy of the same type as Ernst's "humanitarian speech".

Even if some realize that the Duke of Custer is linking his name to Victoria, they cannot refute it. Are you going to refute a duke who adheres to Victorian values ​​and virtues? Or are you going to oppose Victoria possessing those virtues?

You can't do it because it's the "right" thing to do. If a person is doing the "right" thing, then he is morally impeccable.

Perhaps some have realized that, yes, Ernst was already very clear about the pinnacle of this "moral weapon" when he used it.

That is, "the definition is correct".

The specific context defines what constitutes morality. If one possesses the ability to define contexts, ethics and morality are merely clay in one's hands, which can be manipulated at will.

This statement may sound somewhat one-sided and presumptuous, but it is not entirely without merit. In his previous life, Ernst witnessed countless real-life examples of people using "defined scenarios" to elevate themselves to the moral high ground.

The United States is the most famous example. We all know that there are only two biological sexes, but that does not prevent the United States from defining the scenario that "human gender is also free" in order to divide the lower classes and shift class contradictions, thereby creating a group of inexplicable genders, and even allowing people to transform into armed helicopters.

Limited by its power and propaganda capabilities, many Western countries have had no choice but to accept this imposed ideology, to the point that many people can no longer speak without stacking up a buff.

This is how one occupies the moral high ground by defining "political correctness," thereby achieving an impeccable and superior position.

Viscount Walton naturally understood the subtle influence of the Duke of Caesar. He greatly admired this brilliant strategy. Compared to the fighting and interpersonal relationships within the territory, this method of making the enemy fall into one's trap without realizing it, and even being unable to resist, was truly the most ruthless political tactic.

"Of course, for Victoria."

After giving Duke Castle a light kiss on the back of his hand, Viscount Walton willingly became a guard, escorting Duke Castle into the Duke's residence.

Viscount Walton was not the first nobleman to arrive at the Duke of Caest's mansion; many minor nobles were already resting there. They came from all corners of the world, some even from outside the Duchy of Caest, but from Godottin, Farrell, Normandy, and even the territories of Wellington and Windermere.

But they all have one thing in common—they are all relatives of the Duke of Caesar.

While kinship among nobles is common, a network of relatives spanning Terra like the Caster family is truly rare. This is another intelligence network that Duke Caster, besides the Grey Hat, is very proud of: the noble network.

Even powerful figures like the Duke of Wellington and ruthless figures like the Duke of Windermere, in governing their various mobile cities, never truly escaped the nobility. They might be able to purge their own staff, and they might be able to prevent the Grey Hats from infiltrating their territories no matter how hard they tried, but they could not wipe out all the native nobles.

They didn't even dare to conduct a full-scale security investigation, because if they found anything, it might not bring long-term stability, but rather violent turmoil.

Therefore, whenever the Duke of Caesars needs her, she can use this kinship to pay enough to open her eyes in any area of ​​Victoria and learn about those seemingly confidential intelligence.

However, Viscount Walton also had one unique trait.

He was specially invited by the Duke of Caesar, just like Ernst and Ensioudis.

He entered the private room of the lounge, closed the door, shutting out the noisy chatter of nobles outside, who were drinking tea, chatting, playing cards, and playing with their winged beasts. As the Duke of Caesar sat down in his chair, his expression turned serious.

“You should know why I called you here, Walton.”

“Of course, Your Grace.” Viscount Walton nodded humbly. “You wish to obtain more information from me regarding Enciodes and Ernst.”

"But to be honest, I'm afraid I'll disappoint you. I can still talk about what I know about Ensiodes, but Ernst Shivaish, forgive me, I know nothing about him either."

Viscount Walton said frankly.

The Duke of Caesar was not surprised by this answer.

Ernst Shivaesh's rise to power was like a living legend; he remained silent until he made a stunning debut. Even the Grey Hat had very limited information about him, let alone Viscount Walton.

However, Viscount Walton's opinion is also worth considering.