People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

"It's almost time."

"Beep beep beep beep beep beep—"

The wailing of sirens came from afar. Therese's expression hardened as she looked at Ernst, somewhat incredulous.

"Are you stalling for time?"

Ernst shrugged, without denying it.

He was obviously stalling for time.

Who would actually negotiate with the Sarkaz? The last person to negotiate with the Sarkaz was the Duke of Caesar. He made a big deal with the Sarkaz and used them to get rid of the Steam Knights who had been troubling the dukes for so long. And what was the result?

The Sarkaz turned on us as soon as they entered Londinium. They had no intention of accepting any of the payment from Caesar. They tore up the agreement, occupied the Victorian capital, and have remained there ever since, doing who-knows-what.

The Duke of Caesar could have ignored the matter and even continued to try to reach out to the Sarkaz for cooperation. But Ernst was good at learning from his mistakes.

Ernst wasn't foolish enough to be in a cooperative relationship with Theresis, the chairman of the Kazdel Military Council, who hadn't even changed his leader.

The time they had bought them was enough. Ernst's long-prepared backup plan, originally intended to target Vice President Wilson of the military, had arrived.

"Aren't you leaving yet?"

Ernst smiled as he looked at Therese, who had realized he had been tricked and whose face showed shame and resentment, and kindly reminded him:

"The person coming downstairs is Colombian Vice President Wilson, and he should be accompanied by the military's head in Trimont. If they notice you're here, it shouldn't be bad for your plans, right?"

My plan...

You guessed my identity from the very beginning.

Therese gave Ernst a deep look.

He admitted that he had lost today.

His stereotype of the behemoth's agent had numbed him. He seriously pondered the behemoth's meaning, forgetting that Philin, standing before him, despite his identity as an agent, was still a human.

A human who can manipulate schemes and plots, a human with independent thought, a clever human.

He took a deep breath and finally spoke:

"tell me your name."

"I reject."

Ernst shook his head decisively.

Although his name wasn't hard to find, it was rather foolish of him to brazenly introduce himself after clearly having tricked Theresis.

Ernst had initially planned to use the name "Nosis Edwis" to mislead Theresis, but after thinking about it, he decided against it. He didn't have much of a grudge against Nosis, and being targeted by Theresis was more serious than simply having his head shoved into the snow.

I won't trick him anymore.

On the other side, completely taken aback by Ernst's answer, Therese was stunned and speechless.

No, is it really necessary?

You're supposed to be a representative of giant beasts, and you have the power to easily throw bricks, yet you resort to scheming and plotting. Fine, that's one thing, but you really screwed me over.

But I didn't even explicitly state what I was going to do to you, and you're not even willing to give me your name?

Where's the giant beast behind you? Isn't it going to do anything about you? Aren't you making it look bad that you're acting like a coward?

Therese's eyelids twitched with speechlessness. Hearing the commotion coming from downstairs, she knew there was no time to delay any longer.

"You've successfully caught my attention, an unusual agent. I think we'll meet again."

After uttering a harsh remark, Theresis turned and quickly left the laboratory.

Ernst breathed a sigh of relief as he watched his figure leap off the building, becoming a black and red shadow.

"Huh, done!"

He turned around, glanced at the crowd still staring in disbelief, and, masking his fatigue with a smile, reminded them:

"What are you waiting for? Let's go, get ready, and go greet our Vice President."

Chapter 199 Wilson: Replace them all!

"Rhine Life is a very good company. It should set a good example and take the lead. It should deeply implement the concept of technological innovation, and while ensuring the advancement of its technology, it should not forget to drive the development of small businesses around us. The future of Trimont and the future of Columbia depend on technology companies like yours."

"This is my honest opinion, and I hope Ms. Seria can understand my good intentions. The country, the government, and I personally all fully support you!"

Wilson instinctively reached out, smiling broadly, wanting to shake hands with Seria. The reporters who followed were also ready, their cameras and microphones already set up, just waiting for Seria to extend her hand in response. They would then "fire" their cameras to record this "President Wilson's surprise visit to Rhine Life" event, which would dominate the front page of the news for the next few days.

However, Saria's expression was slightly embarrassed.

She looked innocently at President Wilson's outstretched right hand, then innocently at her own right hand, which was already bandaged and in a sling around her neck. She wanted to say something, but couldn't quite put her finger on it.

I don't know if I should say "MMP" (a vulgar expression).

Ernst, who was just a bystander, was speechless at the farcical scene.

Don't you have any sense of propriety?

Do you also want to experience the Rhine King's punch?

Of course, jokes aside, President Wilson quickly noticed Seria's embarrassment. The next second, without batting an eye, he neatly changed his gesture of extending his hand to shake hers, raised his hand, and straightened Seria's disheveled coat.

Meanwhile, the camera, seemingly oblivious to everything that had just happened, began its work.

I imagine the news of "Vice President Wilson makes a surprise visit to Rhine Life to comfort injured researchers" will be fresh off the press the next day.

This not only reflects Vice President Wilson's approachable attitude but also demonstrates his concern and attention to researchers. In fact, even some less serious wine newspapers could use this headline, add some third-rate details, and they could fabricate a highly topical "love story between a cold-faced scientist and a multifaceted politician." Considering Celia's popularity in the Colombian scientific community, this gossip news would probably sell very well.

Of course, if the protagonist were changed to Christensen, a "genius scientist who lost both parents," the topicality might be even higher.

"That's why I said I'm not good at handling these kinds of situations at all."

Saria sighed helplessly and rolled her eyes at Ernst.

"Why not let Muirsay or Justin Jr. handle this? Or even Ferdinand? Aren't they all more suitable than me?"

Ernst said with some helplessness, "You have to go because you were injured in the experiment; that's just an excuse."

"What excuse?"

"Rhine Life can both preserve its research results and get rid of the troublesome excuse of the military."

Recalling the conversation between Ernst and herself a few minutes earlier, Seria felt a pang of regret.

I shouldn't have agreed; this kind of situation isn't suitable for her.

The kind of gossip about a cold-faced scientist and a chameleon politician—even if such a story were to emerge, it's highly unlikely to apply to her. Saria gets goosebumps just thinking about it. This female lead role should probably be left to Christen, who's hiding away in the quiet of Kjerag.

However, Kristen's continued stay in Kjerag and refusal to return, coupled with Kjerag being Ernst's hometown, and the fact that Seria had heard Justin mention how Kristen had been so readily agreeing to give Ernst whatever amount he wanted during their negotiations, almost made Seria think that Ernst had bewitched the Grand Master and was trying to use Rhine Lab to sign some unequal treaty...

All these anomalies combined... tsk, no way, could it be that Christensen really...?

Saria gasped, but the next moment, she forcibly interrupted her thoughts, shook her head, and shook off the strange ideas in her mind.

She was so tired today that she had such strange associations. Kristen stayed in Kjerag because of her emphasis on the Dome project to explore the sky, and the agreement she signed with Ernst has now been proven to be Kristen's foresight, bringing greater value to Rhine Life. It was not a losing deal. Everything has a reasonable explanation, and she has no need to question it randomly.

As for when Christen will return and when her troublesome work will end, Seria isn't too worried.

It'll just be a little tiring for a while; Christen will always be back. At worst, I'll go find her in Sherag. That place isn't that big; she can't just fly away, can she?

In a daze, with a splitting headache, she dealt with one government reception after another, press conferences, and private talks with the president (which were actually filmed by reporters). As night fell, Seraya finally noticed Ernst, who had been with her all day, quietly walking over. The reporters who had been chattering all day had finally quieted down and scattered.

ended.

Saria let out a long sigh of relief and was about to take her leave when she heard Ernst, who was brushing past her, remind her in a voice as devilish as the two of them could hear:

"This is just the beginning."

The woman of steel, the sharpest spear and shield of Rhine Life, finally revealed a hint of unbearable sorrow on the face of Se Diamond Rhea.

Unfortunately, she didn't even have time to vent her emotions before Ernst and Vina, who had stepped forward, greeted President Wilson warmly.

"Nice to meet you, Vice President Wilson."

"Ernst Shivaish, your name has been widely known during this time." President Wilson smiled and nodded, extending his hand to shake Ernst's hand. He then glanced at Vina beside Ernst meaningfully and said, "And Ms. Vina, Prime Minister Ernst has a remarkable subordinate."

If Wilson initially had some doubts, believing that Vina and Ernst were more of a political ally than a superior-subordinate relationship, those doubts were completely dispelled after seeing the two of them in person.

Vina looked at Ernst with admiration, respect, and even a touch of youthful exuberance.

This cannot be described as a loose relationship like a political alliance, where people are brought together by interests and then broken up by them.

Wow, tsk tsk, taming a proud and arrogant Aslan lioness is no easy feat. What's more, she's a true "heir to the throne."

Wilson couldn't even imagine how much benefit he could gain if Ernst could help Vina restore her country.

Wilson was envious just thinking about it.

Unfortunately, as much as he wanted it, it belonged to someone else. The president's order was to help Ernst as much as possible.

The great Mark Max was indeed insightful, recognizing Ernst's political potential early on, which is why he gave him such an order. It's easy to foresee the immense political prestige Ernst would gain if he could help Vina restore her nation, and if Columbia could assist Ernst in the process!

Wilson the "Peacemaker," Wilson the "Honestymaker," Wilson the "Greatest Vice President"!

In the future, his statue might be placed in the city center of every city in Colombia, just like those great figures in the war of independence, for the world to admire!

Thinking of this, Wilson felt a tingling sensation all over his body.

Fantasy time, awesome!

But we still have to return to reality.

As a seasoned politician, he could more or less guess Ernst's intentions, so he didn't need Ernst to waste any more words and took the initiative to ask:

"What happened to Ms. Seria's injury? Did something go wrong with the experiment?"

Although it would be against protocol for Celia not to attend his visit as the vice president, her injuries have rendered her immune to any "moral issues."

Even after simple treatment, Wilson could still see the large and small burn marks on Saria's body, plus the severe burns on her hands. With these injuries, she still insisted on receiving him. Wasn't this just putting him on the moral high ground?

Seria, the scientist, wouldn't understand these things, but Ernst and Vina were there; they couldn't possibly be unaware. The fact that they chose Seria instead of one of the other directors of the Rhine Academy meant they must have some purpose.

As expected, Ernst, who found it convenient to talk to intelligent people, nodded, and at the opportune moment, a troubled expression appeared on his face:

"There are indeed problems with the experiment, but they're not the main ones... The main problem is... sigh!"

Sigh!

Wilson clicked his tongue, hesitated, then composed himself, sighed, and realized the severity of this combo was no ordinary matter.

Ernst said nothing, but that was the same as saying everything.

Because he had already hinted that this "major issue" would definitely involve the top levels of Colombia and would most likely cause him trouble, making him a difficult target.

Considering what Vina said when she came to the Special Administrative Region to lobby for her, it's not hard to imagine that the target was the military.

Ernst was testing Wilson's attitude. If Wilson showed displeasure, he would not continue. Anyway, those who should know, know. If you are not happy, then we will all pretend not to know.

If Wilson demonstrates a serious and fearless attitude, then Ernst can simply toss the ball around.

Ernst had expected Wilson to think about it for a moment, but to his surprise, Wilson barely paused, without even a moment's thought, and immediately spoke:

“As I just said, Rhine Life is Colombia’s rising star and a model for Trimont. Their projects (including the Dome project) are of paramount importance! Anyone who dares to cause problems for Rhine Life is causing problems for Colombia! Prime Minister Ernst can rest assured that there is nothing to hide.”

What was he afraid of? He held the sword of President Mark Max in his hand. Let alone a department of the military, even if the head of the military, General Douglas, came to him in person, he would still cut him down without hesitation.

Not convinced? If you're not convinced, you can go talk to the President. We're just following orders.

Ernst was somewhat surprised: Did things go so smoothly? My speech was so effective?

It seems Ernst really needs to update his notes; there are some classic speeches he can barely remember. But just like when reciting ancient poems from memory, sometimes you can recite them effortlessly from the beginning, when writing down a particular scene, Ernst can often recall parts of those speeches naturally.

Add some recollections and some adaptations that fit Terra's history, and a classic Terra version of the speech can be born.

Having decided that his basic goal after returning to Sherag would be to set aside two hours each day to "recall" the content of Ers's new chapter, Ernst earnestly stated:

"I also bear some responsibility for this. Saria was injured while protecting me during the suppression of the experimental subject. The situation was very urgent. A guy wearing a beret (Colonel Bart) received a phone call at a critical moment in the experiment, which affected the operation of an operator (Holhaya). She was too nervous and afraid that the experiment would not be completed in time, so she made a mistake in operation, which led to the loss of control of the experimental subject, the Flame Demon."

Telephone?

The scene from that afternoon flashed through Vice President Wilson's mind.

But soon, he manually deleted that scene from his memory.

His face was full of anger, and he solemnly promised, "I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly! The guy wearing a beret? Could he be from the military? Hmph, the mere military is too arrogant! And that operator, although there are extenuating circumstances, must be dismissed. Such a person with poor mental fortitude almost caused Tremont to lose a respectable scientist!"

"In short, Prime Minister Ernst, you can rest assured, I've got this under control!"