People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Chapter 580: Solutions to the Many Historical Issues of the Sarkaz

3. Shelag, Tukarim, venue for the World Summit.

"The highly anticipated second plenary session of the first Terra International Summit is underway. The first draft resolution of the International Summit, 'Solutions to the Many Historical Issues of the Sarkaz,' submitted by Ernst Shivaesh, the initiator of the International Summit, its interim secretary-general, and Prime Minister of Shelag, is currently under review by the Terran countries and the five permanent members of the Security Council. It is understood that this draft resolution addresses numerous historical issues related to the Sarkaz, encompassing political, economic, cultural, and diplomatic aspects, and has already caused a significant stir at the International Summit. Let's now take a closer look at the scene and the International Summit."

"This is a report from our reporter team, the Metamorphosis Cluster."

Wu, pretending to be serious, held up a microphone that he had transformed from a part of himself. The group of shapeshifters acted like a dutiful reporter, recording and reporting what was happening here.

The subjects he reports on need no further explanation, but the audience he listens to is not just one person or one side.

The Kazdel Military Council of Lontinim was paying close attention to this place. Apart from a certain little cat named Egg Roll who had been sent out to "coordinate relations among the nobles in the city," Theresis, Theresia, and the King of Carrion were all focused on the shapeshifters, using the information transmission between their clones to obtain first-hand information about the World Summit.

Members of the Sarkaz Residents' Committee were also paying attention to this place. Lamaren, Nasti, Hedre, and even Safar did not miss this special day, nor did they miss this meeting that concerned the future of the entire Sarkaz nation.

Besides these two groups, many more Sarkaz refugees, expelled from the mobile city of Kazdel, were forced to wander and gather outside Kjerag. They were not allowed into Kjerag, but figures like Ramalen, Rhodes Island's Kjerag office, and Mudrock were secretly providing them with whatever assistance they could. This included building shelters to protect them from the wind and snow, providing medicine, or softly reciting a dirge for the dead. This was not charity or a show; it was simply based on the most basic "humanitarianism" advocated by Ernst.

The shapeshifters were their only way to learn what was happening in that distant city. It was simply a matter of having an extra clone, an extra second channel for broadcasting; it wasn't difficult for the shapeshifter. It just depended on whether he was willing to do it.

At least for now, he's in a good mood. This outcast, unacknowledged and unaccepted shapeshifter has finally found a day when he's needed by countless Sarkaz.

Although this need is illusory, and people will probably forget about it quickly afterward, it was still somewhat enjoyable.

He was also happy to spread the word about the World Summit more widely.

Of course, this also includes the disputes in its search: 仈^柒《≈, 牭肆.

"Prime Minister Ernst, do you know what this bill means?"

The speaker was Queen of Letania, Liselotte Ivignad, whose title was "Eternal Grace." But this queen, named after grace, was clearly not particularly merciful at this moment; she shook the bill in her hand, her gaze towards Ernst filled with disbelief.

"Prime Minister Ernst, I find it hard to understand why someone of your status would help the Sarkaz do these things? What benefits could they possibly offer you?"

"They didn't give me anything in return."

Ernst shook his head.

"I put forward this bill entirely out of public interest. If the Sarkaz issue can be resolved, it will be of the greatest benefit to the peace and stability of the entire land."

"Corentinium, the capital of Victoria, and territory of one of our five permanent members of the Security Council, is still occupied by the Sarkaz. Doesn't that prove that the Sarkaz are not at all as peace-loving and yearning for a peaceful life as you claim?"

Ivignad smiled, glancing at the Duke of Caesar beside her, seemingly seeking his approval.

But unexpectedly, the Duke of Caesar did not agree as she had hoped. Instead, he smiled and gave Ernst a look, then simply shook his head.

"The Victorian Empire has no objection to this proposal."

"I have always believed that resolving the Sarkaz issue is conducive to peace and stability in Terra."

"Admittedly, so far, whether it's Victoria, Letania, or even the now-extinct Gaul, there have been military conflicts with the Sarkaz. During this time, the blood we shed could have stained the rivers red. But for that reason, it's time to end it all."

She paused, then declared righteously:

“As a Victorian, I cannot forgive the damage the Sarkaz caused to Victoria, nor can I forgive the atrocities committed by the Kazdel Military Council and other extremist groups in Lentinium. Every drop of blood they caused Victoria to shed, every wound they inflicted on Victoria, will be repaid with their own blood!”

"But now, as the representative of the Victorian Empire at the World Summit, and as one of the highest-ranking members of an international organization dedicated to unifying the international order and maintaining peace on earth, I must consider that a world filled with long-standing hatred and hostility, and endless disputes and wars, will only continuously divide our country and this land."

"Therefore, I agree that the hatred should end in our generation, in our generation. The military conflict between Victoria and the Kazdel Military Council in Londinium will be the war that ends all wars between the nations and the Sarkaz on this land."

Ivignad's expression was beyond words; she could hardly describe it as astonishment.

She was shocked, even somewhat horrified.

Admittedly, she was indeed a politician who came to politics halfway through her career. When Elector Leopold created her and Helena, he did not intend for them to have any political knowledge. They were merely weapons to defeat the Witch King. It was only because these weapons suddenly gained their own consciousness that they chose to take over the reins.

Even she found it hard to imagine that the Duke of Caesar would say such a thing.

This can no longer be called shameless. Although the Duke of Caesar spoke human language, when she said it, it sounded a bit too human!

Please, the Sarkaz occupy your country's capital! Don't you care at all?

Well, the Duke of Caesar really doesn't care.

In a sense, she was the one who personally planted the Sarkaz. She devised the plan to wipe out the Steam Knights during the Duke's secret meeting, she arranged for Theresis to be invited as a mercenary ally, she secretly manipulated the riots in Londinium between the Dukes Cavendish and Stafford, and it was she who rejected the Duke Windermere's first invasion plan when Theresis suddenly betrayed her and seized the city as king, giving Theresis enough time to develop.

These things are just not made public. If there really is an all-knowing and all-powerful God in the world, and a list is made for the land of Terra, then the number one spot on the "Anti-Victoria Contribution Ranking" would definitely belong to the Duke of Caster!

The plan to eliminate Victoria was devised by the Duke of Caesar.

It's no wonder Ivignad was shocked. Although the Twin Queens were latecomers to the political arena and lacked experience, they at least had the intention of improving Letania's situation, held positions within the central government, and wielded the imperial power strengthened during the Witch King era. Even if they were to empathize or understand, they could only compare themselves to Alistair, the last Lion King, and Duke Castle, a regional warlord who instigated the Lion King's execution. If they were to truly share the same views, then that shared understanding must be as vast as the Krasdead Sea!

Moreover, the Duke of Caesar and Ernst had a prior agreement. Now that she had achieved her goal, she was naturally happy to fulfill her promise in a proposal that did not harm her own interests (the core of the Duchy of Caesar and the identity of Victoria's representative).

After all, agreeing to support the establishment of a Sarkaz state does not mean that Sarkaz can establish a state now. The World Summit merely acknowledged this fact, and they do not need to provide any assistance; it is just a statement of support.

Besides, even if we really have to consider the Sarkaz of Lontinim, so what? The agreement doesn't say that the Sarkaz of Lontinim can't be eliminated, does it?

Having received a response from the Duke of Caesar, Ernst nodded in satisfaction.

This is why the first thing he needed to obtain was the Duke of Caesar's promise.

The Sarkaz issue in Lentinium is indeed the biggest obstacle to the Sarkaz's current establishment of a nation, and this matter can be considered both a major and minor issue.

Following Ernst's advice, the Duke of Caesar did not define the military conflict that broke out around Londinium as a war, which was tantamount to reducing the official characterization of the intensity of the conflict.

Some might say that the Duke of Wellington was killed and the Duke of Windermere was attacked, so this doesn't count as a war?

The answer is, it doesn't really count. That's how politics is; if something isn't said, it's considered zero-card, especially when our side holds the power of discourse at the World Summit. If we say there's no war, then there's no war.

On this basis, the Duke of Custer, representing Victoria, stepping forward to acknowledge the reconciliation ensures that, at least at the official level, the entire process is reasonable, legal, and beyond reproach.

As for the grassroots level, Ernst didn't really have any good solutions.

It's certain that the public harbors resentment, and it's foreseeable that the Victorians will maintain hostility towards the Sarkaz for a long time. But at least, with the government maintaining peace, large-scale military conflicts will not occur again, war will not break out, and casualties will be kept to a minimum.

The rest can only be left to publicity, contact and communication, and time.

Queen Letania wanted to say something more, but Fremont, who had just been questioned by the Yan Kingdom representative, finally had a moment to spare.

Some of the things he said were indeed inappropriate for someone of his status, but since he was here today, he certainly wasn't afraid of anything.

He has already publicly revealed his identity as a lich, resigned from his position as an honorary professor at Ludwig University in Letania, and even instructed the Lich King's Court to pack their bags and belongings early, carrying the Hall of Knowledge in preparation for moving, all so that they could speak freely at this moment!

“Little lamb, tsk, I mean Your Majesty the Empress.”

"Your Majesty, the Benevolent and Wise Queen, may I ask you a question."

Fremont cleared his throat, ignoring the horrified look in Ivignad's eyes, and said calmly,

“When I was a professor at a prestigious university in Letania, I discovered something strange.”

“During my investigation, I discovered that many of these individuals are remnants of the Witch King’s faction, lurking throughout Letania. They are in orchestras, towers, and some even hold high positions, veritable nobles who control more than one mobile city. According to your theory, these people are all remnants of the Witch King, committing countless atrocities of burning, killing, and looting. They have even occupied a city. Does that mean that all Letanians are remnants of the Witch King?”

"Is Her Majesty the Queen also a remnant of the Witch King's faction?"

My son is also in league with the Japanese?

These were bold words, and Ivignad's face immediately turned ashen.

But she simply couldn't say anything.

Firstly, Fremont's line of reasoning was indeed the same one she had just used—the Sarkaz occupied Lontinim—the Sarkaz who occupied Lontinim committed all sorts of evil—all the Sarkaz committed all sorts of evil.

Secondly, as the master of the Lich King's Court, Fremont does indeed possess some of Letania's secrets.

For example, the birth of this country was directly related to the lich. The Golden Melody, which they are so proud of as their national anthem and a super-large spell, was actually based on the lich's basic spell formula.

These secrets, if spoken in the past, would not have been believed by anyone, but if they were revealed in this setting, the situation might be reversed, and no one would doubt them.

If the fact that Letania was once a nation jointly established by the lich and the fallen Caprini who sided with the Sarkaz were to be exposed, what would become of Letania? Would it become Music Kazdel? No one can say for sure.

But at least, as the current emperor, she and Helena will certainly have to shoulder the burden of the issue of "legitimacy".

So, after hesitating for a moment, Ivignad pursed her lips and chose not to refute.

Ernst breathed a slight sigh of relief. Some of Fremont's words were indeed heart-stopping. The seemingly reckless lich actually knew better than anyone what "limits" meant. His actions, which seemed like dancing on a minefield, miraculously did not ignite a single fuse.

Amazing.

As a result, Victoria agreed, Letania abstained, and Yan, due to the existence of the Anassa and the neighboring Oni race, as well as its own long history, had a better understanding of the Sarkaz, communicated more frequently, and naturally had less prejudice. Without infringing on its own interests, it also chose to support them, thus securing three votes for the five permanent members of the Security Council.

The vote was 3 to 2, which seemed like a sure thing, but that wasn't actually the case.

The permanent members of the UN Security Council have veto power, so if the last two members, Colombia and Ursus, vote against it, the draft will not be passed.

Because he was so aware of this, Ernst's relaxation did not last long before he turned his attention back to the remaining two countries.

Vice President Wilson, seated in the delegates' section, wore a calm and polite smile, a strange feathered beast doll placed before him. Noticing Ernst's gaze, he nodded slightly but did not express his opinion verbally. Instead, he gave Ernst a look, indicating that he could consider Ursus first.

On the Ursus side, Islam Witt, after much deliberation, proposed an amendment.

"Prime Minister Ernst, I understand your good intentions, but I must remind you that allowing Sarkaz to establish a state is a very dangerous thing."

"In the past, the destruction of Kazdel was not always due to the invasions of the land's nations. Internal strife and their self-destructive foreign aggression were the main causes."

He paused for a moment, then rubbed his hands together somewhat awkwardly.

Why do I feel like I'm criticizing myself? That boomerang flew incredibly fast!

"In any case, the establishment of the Sarkaz Kingdom will bring geopolitical security anxieties to the surrounding countries. If there is no practical way to guarantee the security of Kazdel after the establishment of the Sarkaz Kingdom, I think Ursus will not easily agree to this."

He paused briefly, seemingly wanting to gauge Ernst's reaction. But Ernst neither nodded nor shook his head, nor made any further comment. Islam Witte could only continue:

"As for how to ensure safety, I think the simplest and most practical way is to submit a pledge of allegiance."

"Those Sarkaz willing to accept the nation-building plan should form a force to personally wipe out the radical Sarkaz, thus proving their resolve. I think that through this method, these Sarkaz should gain the approval of the other nations of the land..."

He interlaced his fingers, squinted his eyes, and smiled, as if genuinely seeking Ernst's opinion, and asked:

"What do you think?"

"I don't think so."

Ernst decisively chose to refuse.

The legendary journalist, The Shapeshifter, broadcast it live.

He said he didn't think it would work.

Chapter 581, International Summit Document No. S/1095/1, resolution adopted.

A pledge of allegiance usually refers to a pledge of loyalty to an organization or individual made in the form of illegal acts; simply put, it is a guarantee given to an illegal group.

Islam Witt's suggestion was simple and clear: let heroes investigate heroes, let good men fight good men, and let the Sarkaz fight each other. This would save the Terran nations from getting involved and suffering losses, while also weakening the Sarkaz's strength and cohesion. Consequently, this group of Sarkaz who had pledged their allegiance would naturally gain the recognition of the Terran nations—after all, the traditional Sarkaz community would certainly not tolerate them.

This request seems reasonable; there's no such thing as a free lunch. The establishment of Kazdel would bring peace and stability to Upper Lytera and establish its authority at the World Summit, but ultimately, it would only bring no benefit to countries like Ursus.

Adhering to the principle of harming others for personal gain, and even at the expense of oneself, Ursus's desire for the Sarkaz to pay a price is reasonable, at least in line with the principles of Terra, this anthropomorphic land.

But Ernst would never agree to such a request!

He couldn't possibly get his Sarkaz subordinates, who trusted him, to agree.

This has nothing to do with Ursus's demands. Even if Ursus made concessions and agreed to let the World Summit form a coalition to strike at the Sarkaz radicals, but only to include these Sarkaz as part of the coalition, Ernst would not agree to it.

This isn't about the difference between taking Lentinho in seven days and taking Lentinho in three days, nor is it something that can be discussed.

This directly undermines, or even negates, the legitimacy of the World Summit, and also negates the core spirit of his "Sarkaz Draft."

“Mr. Witt, I completely disagree with your proposed amendments to this proposal.”

Ernst took a deep breath and said seriously:

"I believe Duke Kasper's remarks just now sufficiently represent my opinion. The many matters concerning the founding of the Sarkaz nation, and its future relations with the nations of Terra, should not be based on hatred, submission, and harsh restrictions. The issue we are discussing now is not about incorporating the Sarkaz into an army under the banner of the Summit of Nations, making them fight for us, and then arbitrarily bestowing upon them the power of nation-building as a reward like gold and silver. The Summit of Nations is certainly not such an organization, nor would it propose such a deal—which in traditional political terms would be considered a conspiracy—to the Sarkaz and all similar vulnerable groups."

"Our goal is absolutely not to pull the Sarkaz out of one war and then push them into another!"

He reiterated:

"Reconciliation, equality, and justice are the core spirit of this draft, and I think they are also the core spirit of the World Summit."

Ernst didn't really believe that a politician like Witte would be unable to understand the draft's content regarding "establishing a normal, internationally recognized, and internationally ordered Saakaz state," or that he wouldn't understand what "state normalization," "ethnic normalization," and "social normalization" meant. He was more inclined to believe that Witte was faking it.

He did it on purpose.

These questions always need to be asked, and there always needs to be an opportunity to explain and answer them. He simply brought the question to light.

After all, Ursus has a history of such issues.

The former emperor of Ursus used the slogan "The army doesn't care about your origin, whether you're infected or not, and whether you're a Sarkaz" to attract a large number of Sarkaz, including Bozokasti, who was known as the "Patriot".

Bozokasti for Ursus: Er.? Si Can】Six, the Ursus conquests in the south and north, the Ursus Great Conquest Era, the heavily armored Wendigo Legion, the Ursus Warlocks, and the high-speed warship fleet of the group army became the three major reliances of Ursus in that era, and Bozokasti was the most dazzling star among them.

These histories are not long past and are not difficult to find; however, few people know about the fate of Bozokasti.

Ernst only learned about Bozokast's current situation from his meeting with Alina some time ago.

The Wendigo soldiers who conquered this land for Ursus were last seen in the tundra of the far north of Ursus. What they did was to protect Talulah and the Reunion Movement by living frugally. They also suffered from severe Oripathy, which even affected their speech. This speaks volumes.