People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Chapter 283 The President: We can start arranging to meet the parents.

Ernst couldn't understand why everyone in Terra was either a theologian or a philosopher, and why they discussed things like the three great questions of life or the ideal social structure. Even if you grabbed two beggars off the street, they wouldn't be talking about what to eat tonight, but rather how class differences lead to the gap between rich and poor, and how the state can use infected people to divert attention from other problems.

This isn't an isolated incident. Often, Ernst simply can't understand what these Terrans are thinking. Basic necessities like food, fuel, and shelter seem trivial to them. As for the idea of ​​indulging in lust after being well-fed and clothed, that's out of the question. Everyone pursues a supreme Platonic love; friendship is only possible with those who share the same ideals, and love is only possible with those whose souls are in perfect harmony. You say you have no special talents, just a handsome face? Sorry, you might not even be as good-looking as their thick tails!

Take, for example, the horned, feathered president standing before Ernst.

When other countries' heads of state meet, they discuss national security, geopolitics, development experiences, and partnerships.

At the very least, didn't I bring this up yesterday? Brothers, please take a look at the airship! Our dear Balrog Safar has traveled back through the river of time to do hard labor for us... no, to contribute to us. Although he doesn't shed blood, tears, or even sweat, shouldn't we at least respect the fruits of his labor?

This thing is versatile, capable of both offense and defense, unlike Earth's airships. Equipped with a special device invented by Ms. Christensen, the head of Rhine Lab, capable of shattering the calcification of the super-Columbian Ms. Seria, ordinary shells can't even get close. With a few modifications and the addition of two cannons, it becomes an air-to-ground warfare marvel, a veritable "freedom descends upon me"!

Why do you seem completely uninterested? You didn't even ask a single question?

Ernst was genuinely worried. He had originally intended to use airship technology as bait to lure more Terran nations into participating in and joining the World's Fair, but given the current situation, let alone fishing, Ernst felt as if he had laid out all the bait and the fish wouldn't even glance at it.

Pump the water! It absolutely has to be pumped! Damn it! You're so spoiled!

Ahem, just kidding, don't take it seriously. We definitely can't win a war. The only real solution is to focus on economic development, pursue peaceful growth, and bide our time.

As for the question about a certain president, Ernst said, "How would I know?"

The greatest "civilization" I ever encountered in my past life was my country, and the greatest "civilization" I ever controlled was the street office of our neighborhood, because at that time we were working on creating a civilized district.

Regardless of whether this civilization is different from the one you're talking about, just say whether it's civilized or not.

And what about the so-called axioms of civilization?

Ernst's first thought was of two axioms of cosmic civilization from the famous science fiction novel *The Three-Body Problem*: 1. Survival is the primary need of civilization. 2. Civilizations continue to grow and expand, but the total amount of matter in the universe remains constant.

These two axioms were conclusions drawn by Luo Ji when deriving the Dark Forest theory, but in reality, they are not absolute truths, and their content and derivation process are not rigorous. However, the universe is an unexplored blue ocean for humankind, so we can neither affirm the correctness of these two axioms nor deny them. Just as we cannot determine the boundary of the universe, we can never be certain whether there is even the slightest possibility that Earth is indeed located at the "center" of the universe.

President Mark Max wanted an answer from Ernst, and he had intended to say those two sentences while he was at it. But then he thought, even going to space was a rare thing for the Terrans, let alone the universe. So he deleted the "second axiom," which was not very realistic.

"It's about surviving. Or rather, about continuing to exist."

Ernst Road,

"At least that's how it seems to me."

The following sentence was not just self-deprecation, but also his true inner thoughts.

Regardless, the survival of the Kjerag civilization remains its primary concern. Civilization itself is not a conscious or living entity; it lacks a tool like the Alaya-vijnana (storehouse consciousness) to represent it. Therefore, this crucial task of survival falls to the Kjerag state—the theoretical location of the Kjerag civilization. And for Ernst, as the current leader of the Kjerag state, maintaining the civilization's survival becomes his top priority.

The saying "If you're in a position, you should do your job" perfectly illustrates this principle.

However, to Ernst's surprise, after hearing his answer, the horned beast named Mark Max did not show any doubt or objection. Instead, it took a step closer to Ernst, its eyes showing satisfaction.

As expected! As expected! As expected!

My calculations are correct; Ernst does indeed know about the continuation of civilization!

Knowing about the "survival of civilization" and having copied the speech of the leader of an early pre-civilization nation, there is practically no room for error! Ernst must have some connection with the pre-civilization. Even if it wasn't through other experimental projects not recorded in his database, the pre-civilization humans who have survived to this day should at least be an AI creation at the same level as himself and PRTS, or even more intelligent!

But Mark Max still did not directly ask Ernst to acknowledge him as a relative.

It wasn't that I was shy or didn't dare to call him "Dad!"

AI programs have no concept of ethics or shame. Having one more father or one less father makes no difference to Mark Max. Similarly, when necessary, killing one father or two fathers is no problem, as long as his "biological father" is not harmed.

The main reason he remains silent is that he still lacks conclusive evidence.

Such a recognition cannot be too cautious, no matter how much caution is required. After all, Ernst still has that wretched "out-of-control servant" lurking around. That guy has become obsessed with the development of Terran civilization over the past few thousand years. When he founded Columbia, he even tried to invite her to be the "eternal vice president," but she still refused, saying that she "did not want the previous civilization to stifle the possibilities of the present civilization."

I was so blind back then.

Are you Ama-10 or Kal'tsit? You've played too many role-playing games, do you really think you're a part of this land?

Instead of reviving the glorious civilization of the Creator, you are obsessed with playing your own farming and simulation game. This is not just dereliction of duty, it is arrogant overstepping of authority and shameful betrayal! You were created to serve as a caretaker for humanity, but not everything that is called "human" should be protected by you!

The Columbia he created will seize all truth, becoming Terra's shield and sword, to reforge the glory of the Lord!

Therefore, he had to ensure that Kal'tsit, who was already "out of control," would not interfere with him.

Mark Max had to assure Ernst, who had already made contact with Kelsey and was suspected of being his "godfather," that he harbored no ill will toward Columbia, posed no threat to him, and held no prejudice against his father.

How can such a "guarantee" be obtained?

He certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to ask Ernst for a verbal promise. The human mouth is the most cunning organ; sometimes, even if one is thinking about something else, the mouth will unconsciously lie, as if it were muscle memory.

There is only one way to obtain this evidence—

That was the personal endorsement of his father, creator, and preserver, Trevor Friston!

Should we take Ernst to meet his parents?

Mark Max wasn't quite ready yet. Because in this process, he also needed to ensure everything was foolproof, that no one would leak information, and that the outcome would be overwhelmingly favorable.

There were simply too many things to calculate, and it involved the most complex "human nature," so Mark Max had to operate at full power.

Machines, of course, cannot comprehend the complexities of human emotions, but they can list all possibilities and perform endless calculations!

He might not be able to write a single good poem on a whim, but he could fill an entire nebula with just poetry.

This is exhaustive search!

So, to Ernst's bewildered gaze, the Colombian President Mark Max, who had arrived unexpectedly and fallen silent after uttering only one sentence, opened his mouth again, his vocal organs conveying his icy tone and the opposite of his passionate words:

"Keep in touch with Prime Minister Ernst."

"If you need any help, please contact Columbia. I will help as appropriate, as long as it does not violate my principles."

"We'll meet again in the future, and I'll give you a surprise then."

"Now, I'll take my leave."

Mark Max turned around with a flourish, swaying like a real pigeon as he walked out of the room. Holhaia glanced back at Ernst, then stepped forward, closed the door, and finally, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, eagerly leaned forward to ask:

"Boss! You know the President?"

"Don't know... Maybe we do know each other? No, no, no, we probably still don't know each other."

Ernst hesitated for a moment, but remained convinced that he definitely did not know Mark Max.

His hesitation stemmed from the fact that what President Mark Max had said before leaving had brought back some painful memories, triggering his PTSD.

Give me a surprise then, please don't! Vina's surprise almost knocked me out at the opening ceremony, Lafcini's surprise almost sent me to a resurrection match against the Grand Elder and Theresa, and now you, the President of Colombia, are going to give me another surprise...

Should I go get a doctor? Kal'tsit, it's up to you! I'm counting on your miraculous healing skills, doctor!

At that moment, Ernst suddenly felt a pang of nostalgia for the Duke of Kester.

She was at least the only one who mentioned airships.

It's good to be a little vulgar!

Chapter 284 The Arriving Guests

Shelag, Tukarim, the World's Fair Pavilion.

Today marks the first day of the World's Fair in its true sense. All the pavilions are open, and the booths are bustling with people. It's safe to say that since the day Kjerag was founded in the mountains, there has never been a more lively day than today.

The people of Kjerag weren't particularly interested in the so-called World's Fair. Rather than glancing at the long lenses and cameras brought by the outsiders, they preferred to stroll around the newly erected statue of Jeragand on the island in the center of Silverheart Lake. After two revisions overseen by Ernst, the statue was officially completed just before the World's Fair and has now become another popular landmark in Kjerag.

Enciodes is already in talks with Lola to lay new tracks and create a train line around the Silver Heart Lake to increase visitor traffic to the Jeragund statues area around the Silver Heart Lake.

Ernst, of course, wouldn't object. Increased visitor numbers and a busier tourist area meant more foreign exchange earnings from tourism, which was good for the government. As for whether Enciodis had engaged in any underhanded dealings, Ernst said he didn't care.

He now holds the advantage, and his only task is to avoid making mistakes. As long as he doesn't make any mistakes, Enshiodis will have no chance.

Why does Ensiodis go to such lengths to win people's hearts? Isn't it because people's hearts are now with him?

Compared to these minor actions, he was more concerned about Enciodes's "genius little ideas".

"Saintess's Choice - Shelag Natural Snow Mountain Spring Water! Rich in minerals, pure, natural, and pollution-free. Even the Saintess herself loves it! Welcome to purchase!"

"Beast Blind Box! Beast Blind Box! Want the adorable beasts of the Shelag Mountains to accompany you? Buy a Beast Blind Box now! Twenty-five designs are randomly selected, with a chance to win a hidden, rare crystal beast!"

Want to enjoy Kjerag cheese hot pot at home? Kjerag Trading's brand new product: Kjerag special dry cheese, easy to store, delicious, and authentic. Come and try it! Order now while supplies last!

As Ernst walked along the entire commercial street in front of the World's Fair pavilion, a smile spread across his face.

"It's so lively."

Compared to a year ago, when the town of Tukarim was bustling with factories, chaotic housing, and deserted streets, Tukarim is now much more lively.

The streets were clean and tidy, and the houses were arranged in an orderly fashion in the Sherlock style. The ground floor was used as shops along the street, while the upper floors were used as living quarters. It was an architectural style that was both space-saving and convenient for commercial activities. The factories were relocated to a planned industrial area, which cost a lot of money in demolition and caused some factories to stop operating. Fortunately, with the backing of Manzhu Academy and the intervention of Ernst and Enya, the demolition work proceeded smoothly without any trouble such as forced demolition, refusal to demolish, or holdouts.

Today, the streets are bustling with not only Sherag residents but also many tourists from other countries. Leaving aside the official perspective, from Ernst's personal viewpoint, this place now feels reminiscent of a rural market day in his past life.

Well... that seems a bit biased. Most tourists who come to this commercial street are not actually there to buy or sell anything; they just want to browse around when they have nothing else to do. And the energetic shouts from the shops are a little different from those at a market.

This feeling was quite peculiar. Ernst compared it to many similar experiences in his mind: temple fairs? celebrations? or the fireworks displays he had seen in Wuhan or the song and dance performances he had seen in the Tang Dynasty Never Sleeping City in Xi'an when he traveled.

This feeling is all ambiguous.

Until a familiar figure walked past, he sighed:

"I never expected there to be such a lively place in Shelag, it feels like Chinese New Year!"

Ernst suddenly realized what was going on.

Indeed, it feels just like Chinese New Year.

The air was filled with the warmth of everyday life, as if all worries had vanished. Everyone wore smiles, and the streets were adorned with Szelag ribbons and the fashionable lanterns and knots that Ernst had brought back from Yan Kingdom. There were even small shops selling "Big Beast Milk Candy" on the street. The familiar packaging, although it didn't actually feature an Amiya, did evoke some memories in Ernst's mind.

He hasn't celebrated the New Year in a long time. Shelag has its own festivals, and the Harvest Festival is Shelag's equivalent of the Spring Festival. Roughly calculated, he hasn't celebrated the New Year for 22 years.

Of course, the 22 years is because he is 22 years old now, but if we really talk about when he felt the "New Year's spirit", we have to go back to when he was still in elementary school.

He smiled wistfully, suddenly feeling a sense of loneliness as a stranger in a foreign land.

However, before he could even begin to feel a pang of melancholy, that somewhat familiar figure walked up to him and extended a hand:

"Prime Minister Ernst, hello, nice to meet you. I am Chen Huijie, the representative of Longmen from Yan Country."

Ernst snapped out of his daze and extended his hand to the little dragon in front of him: "Nice to meet you."

He still knew Chen, although the circumstances of their acquaintance were rather strange.

The overlord of the ancient battlefield of Dosoles, a limited-time parachute drop, stealing skills, and becoming different with just a water gun, not to mention the legendary "I'm going to kidnap your mother!"

During that period, whether it was the bizarre image created by mirroring Chen's Elite 2 artwork, or the meme of her acting with a certain loli, one with her fingers outstretched and the other with her hands on her hips, both became genuinely popular. This even led to the creation of a long-running internet meme: "I'm going to kidnap your mother."

The moment Chen's self-introduction awakened Ernst's dormant memories, Ernst even began to wonder if this little dragon in front of him, dressed casually in a jacket, would truly have a surge in fighting power if he were to change into a swimsuit and grab a water gun. Suppressing 88,000 comments single-handedly!

After all, it has the amazing "Originium Arts", right?

Ahem... I'm sorry, it was really rude of me to think of these things the first thing I thought of when I saw you. Even though you have no idea what I was thinking, I still want to say sorry.

Ernst silently tapped his electronic wooden fish in his mind.

Putting aside the stereotypes left by the ancient battlefield, Chen was indeed a less-than-standard beauty from the Yan Kingdom. She was beautiful, but unfortunately, she had a mouth.

【Scolding】.jpg

"Is Prime Minister Ernst also here to go shopping?" Chen asked with some curiosity.

When Vina visited Lungmen, her uncle Wei Yanwu often took her out to banquets, and almost every time he required the Guard Bureau to implement the highest level of confidentiality and protection measures. Chen was even assigned as Vina's bodyguard, and the two often went out to eat together. Over time, Chen and Vina became familiar with each other.

Let me state upfront that Chen herself doesn't like freeloading. She hates attending those troublesome banquets and prefers to enjoy a hearty meal and drinks with Hoshiguma and Chashu Cat at a roadside stall. But personal preferences are personal preferences, and missions are missions. Even though Chen suspects that Wei Yanwu is deliberately using the mission as an excuse to get her to show off in front of those powerful figures in Lungmen, she has no choice but to accept it.

After all, she's a police officer, and subordinates can't kiss their superiors.

During her conversations with Vina, Chen often heard Vina mention Ernst. Coupled with the commotion Ernst caused on the ground afterward, she became quite curious about her younger brother, who was even younger than her but already independent and had accomplished so much.

Therefore, after Ernst also sent an invitation to Lungmen, Chen accepted the "visit" mission arranged by Wei Yanwu and went on this long business trip.

Unexpectedly, this trip, which was originally intended to give my friend Vina a "surprise" in Shelag, turned out to bring me a whole host of surprises.

She had already arranged for a messenger to send the information about the airship back to Longmen, and she didn't know how Wei Yanwu would respond.

However, that's not something she needs to worry about.

But that wasn't the biggest surprise; the real "surprise" was Vina's appearance.

Vina was actually Crown Princess Victoria? And Aslan? Did Wei Yanwu already know this, which is why he was so cautious? Why didn't he tell me?

Chen remembered that before marrying his father, his mother had married a Crown Prince of Victoria. Although his mother never wanted to talk about it, Chen, as the head of the Special Inspectorate of the Guard Bureau, knew a little about it.

However, Vina should have no relation to that person. Vina is Aslan, and judging from the race of her half-sister Talulah, the Crown Princess Victoria should be Drak.