People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Chapter 274 Vina: The beast sleeping within her has awakened!

Shelag, Tukarim, Government Office Building, Foreign Minister's Office.

Vina felt a little uneasy.

Everything that happened that afternoon was still fresh in her memory, and even now, she finds it hard to imagine why she made such an impulsive decision.

On the podium, in front of so many people, including the Duke of Custer, who orchestrated her father's death... she revealed her identity.

She didn't know if what she was doing was right or wrong, nor did she know if what she was doing would displease Ernst.

Vina is no longer a child. As Sherag's foreign minister, she has been exposed to a lot of things from the "adult world" where her father once lived. She knows that actions have consequences, and consequences have an impact. Different identities mean that any action can have different implications. Sometimes, even well-intentioned actions can end up completely contrary to one's original intentions.

Ernst once told her, “We cannot make the facts public because the media, the public, and their elected leaders are mostly only concerned with who is good or bad. And national interests always involve making deals with those whom the people consider bad, while standing idly by and not helping the good people.”

She didn't quite understand this at first, but later, after traveling to so many places with Ernst, meeting so many people, and learning so much, she gradually came to understand the meaning.

If a poor person gives you a dollar when you're in trouble, it will be seen as selfless help, as a great favor, and as something that should be repaid.

But if a wealthy person gives you 10,000 yuan when you are in trouble, whether it is out of kindness or malice, it will be seen as charity, it will hurt their self-esteem, it will be seen as contempt, and it may even cause enmity.

People don't care about the good or evil of the poor and the rich, because some things are not judged by the true intentions of the people involved, but simply by their status, or rather, their stance.

Ernst summarized her as: "Your position determines your perspective."

Vina didn't quite understand at first. The metaphor was vivid, but difficult to grasp. She had seen too many people who would eat their fill but then curse others. She had heard too many people who depended on others yet criticized their hobbies. She also knew that in some parts of this land, there were people who would belittle their own benefactors to achieve their so-called pursuits.

When he posed the question to Ernst, Ernst simply sighed and educated himself:

"If everyone in Victoria were to do their duty, it would indeed be the strongest country on earth, but unfortunately, that's just a concept."

Unity is strength.

Vina understood this time, and she is making progress.

She no longer superficially defines unity as uniting one's own friends; that's not unity, that's just huddling together, forming cliques, or small groups. True unity means uniting everyone who can be united and turning them into your friends.

By the time she realized this, it was already on the eve of the World's Fair.

When Ernst came into her office, stood in front of her, frowned, and asked her with suspicion, confusion, and even a hint of reproach what had happened, why hadn't she thought of anything?

Why would she impulsively ask Ernst for a promise, in that situation, in that atmosphere, at that critical juncture, and in that tone?

Why was she so happy when she received that promise, even feeling that her concealment of her identity for over a year, her fear of the Duke of Caesar, and the sleepless nights after escaping the palace, had all become meaningless and unimportant?

Why did I feel that I could tell him?

Vina couldn't understand it at the time. She wanted to ask a question again, but when she subconsciously walked to the door of Ernst's office once more, she couldn't bring herself to knock.

Because she suddenly realized that she couldn't ask Ernst this time.

Even though the reason for her doubts was clearly hers, Vina subconsciously felt that she couldn't do that. Otherwise, her future self would definitely travel back in time and strangle her current self who was self-destructing.

So, she had no choice but to remember her teacher, who was practically invisible to most people.

She still vividly remembers what happened!

"Teacher, why?"

Vina had asked this question many times before, and in the past, such "why" questions usually went unanswered. Gawain seemed to truly be as he said, only concerned with protecting her life and not interfering in anything else.

But this time, Vina had barely opened her mouth with little hope when a response came from beside her.

The "beast" with its brilliant golden mane appeared beside her, lying on its side in the corner with its two front paws crossed. Its golden eyes held a hint of helplessness and resentment, and it exhaled a breath of hot air from its slightly open mouth, whether it was a "burp" from being full or a "sigh" of resignation.

Under Vina's astonished gaze, the beast lord, with a cat-like face, muttered curses:

"You're asking me? I've never been in a relationship. I've been single for thousands of years!"

"teacher?"

"Teacher what teacher, you are my teacher! I was thinking that after being provoked by Ernst, you might do something irrational, like running away from Sherag. But it seems that you are very rational, and you even remember to give me some dog food."

Am I still rational?

Vina froze on the spot. She simply couldn't describe how she, who had just been thinking about whether to just reveal her identity, could be considered rational.

If we're being rational, shouldn't we hide? If we're being rational, shouldn't we leave? If we're being rational, shouldn't we maximize our interests and avoid causing trouble for Ernst and Scherrag?

"You child, you've studied with Ernst for so long, but you haven't learned much good stuff. Instead, you've been completely fooled."

Gawain scoffed. Vina immediately felt a surge of anger.

She felt she had made a lot of progress, and she thought Ernst was a good teacher. She didn't want Gawain to badmouth her life during this period and Ernst's teachings.

So she retorted, "Isn't that right? If we were to be rational, my identity would definitely cause trouble for Ernst if it were exposed. Shouldn't I leave?"

The old lion turned his head, his golden eyes staring intently at Vina. After a moment of silence, instead of being angry at the rebuttal, he laughed:

“Yeragand, are you satisfied now? I didn’t say a word.”

Jeragand? What Jeragand? Is the great god Jeragand watching over us?

Vina glanced around the office in surprise, but didn't sense any gazes, and the divine stone in her arms showed no signs of heating up.

Because the other divine stone is on Gawain.

Once Yeragand's gaze had shifted away from her with satisfaction, Gawain smiled and said pointedly, "Vina, think about Ernst's teachings to you. Whose side were you on just now?"

Ernst's teachings to me?

Vina blinked.

What she just said depends on her own perspective, and the applicable principle should be "where you stand determines where you think." So, where does she stand in that statement?

The answer is, he sat on Ernst's backside.

Vina looked enlightened. Gawain nodded slightly.

"From Ernst and Scherrag's perspective, letting you leave is indeed the most rational, least risky, and simplest and most stable solution. But Vina, do you want to leave?"

"In no mood!"

Vina answered almost instantly.

Of course she didn't want to. She had long been accustomed to life in Sherag, to the environment, the local customs, to the days of skiing with Hinterlea, Lola, and Horhaia, to the taste of cheese fondue and jerky, to having Ernst by her side to answer her questions, and to being able to sleep peacefully with the great god Yeragand watching over her.

She often suffered from insomnia while wandering in Lentinium, but after arriving in Sherag, she was always able to sleep soundly and occasionally have a sweet dream.

Gawain didn't continue speaking, because when Vina answered that she didn't want to, the answer was already self-evident.

She was indeed incredibly rational, because when Ernst questioned her, her first reaction was not to run away, but to tell him her identity.

Because she even had the idea of ​​simply revealing her identity directly on the opening ceremony stage.

Because she is selfish.

Rational people are selfish.

A self-deprecating, bitter smile appeared on Vina's face.

Indeed, her thoughts were contradictory from the beginning. She demanded that she pursue rationality, but in reality, she was single-mindedly pushing herself toward madness.

She didn't want to leave; she wanted to be with Ernst, and she wanted more than just Ernst!

Having clarified these three points, Vina, with utmost rationality, a clear understanding of her own purpose, and exceptional drive, made her choice.

Ernst said, "National interests always involve making deals with people whom the people consider bad, while standing idly by and not helping good people."

I am Princess Victoria, my father's only child, I am Victoria.

I am the state. Her interests, even if rounded up, are also related to the national interest!

Therefore, revealing one's identity at the opening ceremony is essential. Only in this way, with the witness of numerous guests, and even the Duke of Caesar, can Ernst be caught off guard and truly given "a surprise"! Only in this way can one "not give him the space to rationally drive himself away"!

Although Vina believed Ernst wouldn't do that, people are selfish, and she had to guarantee a 100% win rate! She couldn't afford to make a mistake!

Ernst also said, "Unite all those who can be united."

So Vina turned her attention to her teacher.

As if being stared at by a ferocious beast, the lazy Gawain suddenly trembled and stood up in surprise.

"Teacher, could you please do me a favor?"

Vina's voice rang out, and Gawain opened his mouth, but after a long while, he finally said:

"Um, let me make this clear beforehand: I can't beat Yeragand, and I can't do something like locking Ernst in a dark basement."

If you can't do that, use mugwort.

Whoops, just kidding.

Vina: "How could I do such a thing to Ernst? I just want to ask you to do me a small favor, like when I was a child, to carry me to the opening ceremony."

Vina wasn't afraid of Gawain's disapproval; she'd throw a tantrum, threaten suicide, and do whatever it took to achieve her goals! She was a Victorian, after all! What was the greatest strength of a Victorian?

This is utterly immoral! Shameless!

Vina is reasonably decent, but Victoria is a triple threat: civil servant, diplomat, and more...

Face? (No concern)

The beast that slumbered within me has awakened!

Vina was very pleased with what happened next.

My dear Prime Minister Ernst, your Foreign Secretary has formally reviewed the results of your studies over this period of time. I wonder if you are satisfied with them?

It's no use being dissatisfied now.

Anyway, I was terrified myself.

Vina clutched her pounding heart. After carrying out a rather poorly planned scheme under the guise of "rational impulse," she began banging her head against the wall.

What I was thinking back then, now this is really going to be hard to handle, isn't it?

Just as Professor Gao Wen said, after studying with Ernst for so long, I haven't learned much of the good stuff at all; my skills are still too shallow!

Fortunately, she can study for a long time now!

With her lips curving down and then up, Vina's expression stunned Hinterlea as she pushed open the door.

"Vina? What's wrong?"

"Ah, it's nothing!" Vina suddenly looked up, wiping the drool from the corner of her mouth. "Hinterlea, what's wrong?"

Hinterlea glanced at Vina suspiciously, sensing a change in her demeanor. How to put it... she seemed much more open-minded.

"The boss wants you to come over."

It must be because she revealed her identity, right? I never expected Vina to be a princess... Now I don't even know what to call her.

Princess, would you like to go to my office?

Never mind, let's just call it by the old name.

"Understood, thank you. I'll go right away."

Vina stood up and straightened her clothes.

Here it comes, the moment has finally arrived. Prime Minister Ernst's counterattack!

I don't know if I can hold on. Well, if I can't, I won't leave! The place "Victoria" occupies is "Victoria's home," and Alexandrina Vina Victoria will never abandon her "capital"!

..........

Ernst's office.

"Vina, you—"

"I'm sorry, Prime Minister! But please don't send me away, I'll do anything!"

Looking at Vina, who had resolved her inner conflicts and was visibly more cheerful and relaxed, Ernst shook his head, both amused and exasperated.

"What are you thinking? I already promised you."

"I called you here to resolve the subsequent troubles."

"The Duke of Caster has arrived."

Chapter 275 Sherag vs. Victoria Fragment Part 1: The Verbal Battle!