People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

"In the past, Yan Kingdom was closed off from the world for many years, with extremely limited exchanges with the outside world. Their music was also unique, and its instrument types and playing styles were very different from those of Letania and even other countries of Terra. This is just as Your Majesty said, and it may be quite different from the aesthetic standards of the masses who have been nurtured by Letania-style music for many years."

Ernst was being quite tactful in his statement.

While people's acceptance of new things certainly varies, most of the time, it's difficult for people to accept and correctly understand something new in a short period of time. Sometimes, being a traditional person and being a pedantic person are simply two ways of expressing the same idea.

Leitania happens to be the stronghold of this "tradition," a stronghold of extreme musical conservatism.

In this situation, even if Ernst disregards the so-called differences between Eastern and Western cultures and some political interests that he may not be aware of, from an objective aesthetic point of view, Yan Guo is very likely to fail to win a good award in this international music concert.

But Yan Kingdom also needs to win an award. (Wu Qi → Si Si Er Zhao Shu skirt~)

It's not a matter of power, but a political one.

Besides, to be honest, the music of Yan people is also good music. Others may not appreciate it, but Ernst could. In fact, Ernst loved listening to it! To label music as bad music simply because the Leitanians don't understand it or aren't used to it is either stupid or malicious! And mostly malicious!

"I understand that Yan must win the award."

Herlinma nodded.

"That's not difficult. Just give the judges the requirements in advance and let them score accordingly."

Ernst immediately shook his head:

"That won't do! That's the worst approach."

He glanced at Herlinmat, and not only him, but even Ensiodis, who had been waiting in the Elector's mansion, looked at the empress with some surprise.

To say she lacks political acumen would be inaccurate, given that she understood everything Ernst said, and could figure out some issues on her own even without being directly pointed out. This demonstrates that she is definitely not a political novice.

But to say she was particularly knowledgeable, she clearly didn't fit the image of a "political expert" that the title of "Empress" symbolized.

Ernst thought for a moment and then realized what was going on.

Indeed, Herlinmat's solution does have a very "military" feel to it.

Internal strife exists even in armies, especially in feudal armies like those of Letania, where factions are rampant, power struggles are constant, and corruption is commonplace. Helena, as commander of the army, certainly understands these things.

But for her, understanding was enough, because in the military, the solutions were also very simple.

Loyalty that screams, "Your Majesty, please give the order!" or forced loyalty that goes, "How can we possibly manage Letania if we're with someone like this?"

In short, all you need to do is understand; once you understand, solving the problem becomes simple. (634; ☆)

But in this situation, it's clearly not something that can be solved by simply telling them to "score accordingly."

The World of Music is a double-edged sword. Those invited to perform and commentate on this stage are all top performers from various industries. Among them, many are seeking wealth, but even more are seeking fame!

If Helinmat makes such a "request," and some reckless person were to expose this "secret," it would cause an uproar!

He could gain immense fame, the price of which would be death. But the reputation of "All Nations" would suffer a major blow. Ernst certainly didn't want this avoidable situation to occur.

Enchiodes understood Ernst's thoughts perfectly, and he immediately said:

"Your Majesty, you may simply change the scoring criteria."

"For example, when you encounter countries with different styles, not just Yan, but also Sami and Sargon, you can change the scoring criteria!"

"Change it? How?" Herlinmat frowned.

“Tell me, and I’ll help you revise it,” Ensiodis said.

Helena thought for a moment: "Can't you understand the music?"

Enciodes: "The repertoire was novel and interesting, which clearly showed a strong exotic flavor!"

Herlinmat was taken aback: "The rhythm is strange, it doesn't meet any aesthetic standards at all?"

Enciodes: "Unique craftsmanship, like a flowing stream, awaits its discerning patron!"

Herlinmat also became interested: "What if it's other factors? For example, making all sorts of strange requests, spending a huge amount of money, but only looking at the scene, and the song is not pleasing to the ear?"

"The performers delivered a truly captivating audio-visual feast with their extraordinary dedication!"

At this point, even Helena Matt was starting to lose her composure. (Rain han: 朳欺《熝∠≈死四)

Okay, okay, a visual and auditory feast, right? At first glance, it doesn't seem like a problem. But I didn't expect that the emphasis would be on the visual, not the auditory!

She glanced at Ensiodis with some admiration and said with genuine appreciation:

"As expected of Prime Minister Ernst's brother! I've only ever heard of Prime Minister Ernst's reputation, but I never imagined his brother would have such talent!"

Ensiodis's previously smug face suddenly stiffened, and he glanced at Helinmat with a touch of sadness.

Your Majesty, you may refrain from repeatedly emphasizing the qualifier "Ernst's brother".

Ernst couldn't help but laugh, but after being glared at fiercely by Enciodes, he managed to straighten his face.

“My brother’s suggestion is very practical, but it’s a bit troublesome. And the scoring system will offend some people no matter what. I have a simpler one here.”

"Cancel the scoring."

No sooner had Ernst finished speaking than Helena asked:

"If scoring is canceled, how will awards be given?"

Ernst shrugged:

"You can just create more awards."

Ernst didn't know if elementary schools in Letania had semester awards, but he had experienced them in his previous life when he was a child.

At the end of the semester, the homeroom teacher will spend some money to print some certificates and then award them to the students in the class. Those who do well in academics will be awarded the "Academic Star," those who are good at sports will be awarded the "Sports Star," those who have not violated the rules all semester will be awarded the "Discipline Star," and even those who just have good handwriting can be awarded the "Handwriting Star."

The point is this: as long as I issue enough awards and award enough prizes, every student will be able to get one!

This will indeed reduce the prestige of the awards, but who cares?

The teacher meant well, wanting every student to have something to show for their homework so they could have a smooth and happy holiday. As for the students, they were content with any reward; who cared what kind of reward it was?

Just thinking about the county magistrate's wife, there are plenty of people like that, no matter who the county magistrate is!

The title "All Nations" itself carries the greatest significance. For Letania, is it more important to "offend some people" to "please others," or is it more reasonable to "please everyone without offending anyone"? The choice should not be difficult to make.

After all, it is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council, so it has to be mindful of its "strategic vision"!

Herlinmatt never expected Ernst to say that. But upon reflection, it did seem to make sense.

Ensiodes's method of changing standards follows the same logic as "precise bidding," which is to generate demand based on the product. However, problems may arise in this process. After all, if a few unscrupulous individuals insist on causing trouble and give low scores even when the standards are set, there is still a possibility of unexpected issues.

But Ernst's system is different. The number of awards depends entirely on the "organizer," that is, the "International Concert Committee." Neither the judges nor the audience have any say in it. This is producing products based on demand.

"Making big money by taking risks" is the opposite of "making small money without taking risks." However, for Letania, political interests clearly outweigh economic interests, so the latter takes significantly higher priority than the former.

Terahlinmat pursed her lips. She could see that there was indeed a significant difference between Ernst and Ensiodes.

Ernst sought stability, and his plan was so stable that it had no flaws whatsoever.

Enciodis's proposal, compared to Ernst's, was more aggressive, risky, and high-return, which suited his position as CEO of Kalan Trading. Indeed, he had the style of some businessmen who believed that "the bigger the storm, the more expensive the fish."

Of course, while Enciodes was radical, she was still much more stable than herself. However, comparisons are always a factor.

Herlinmat smiled.

She's a conservative reformer, and she certainly wouldn't want Letania to take any risks if she could avoid them. If she had to choose, she'd definitely pick the safest option.

"So, communication across the world?"

Ernst nodded:

"By the way, I can also introduce you to the lady in charge that I've chosen."

He nodded to Werner, who had been silent and resting with his eyes closed, seemingly asleep. Werner immediately opened his eyes.

He had been listening to the three people's discussion, but he knew it was best not to say anything.

Firstly, everyone present was younger than him, and adults shouldn't interrupt when children are speaking.

Secondly, everyone present was of higher status than him. Even Enciodes was known as "Brother Ernst," so children shouldn't interrupt when adults are speaking.

In short, he just provides a space; all you have to do is not interrupt.

As the primary beneficiary of the International Concert, Werner himself, whose succession crisis was directly resolved, was quite enjoying this rare tranquility.

Don't overthink it, just relax and relax, and the pros will carry you!

I suddenly understand Viviana a little better. Ernst is so reliable. If things continue like this, I feel like I'm going to start to like this feeling too!

He looked at Ernst with a somewhat affectionate gaze, which made Ernst feel a little creeped out. Before Ernst could even react, he stood up and walked out of the meeting room.

The servants in the tower were asked to leave temporarily, and he had to personally go and fetch them because he was tired. However, he was happy to do so.

Upon seeing the woman fidgeting next door, he smiled slightly:

"Gertrude, your chance has come. Seize it!"

Chapter 689 Rebuilding the Glory of Viseheim: Gertrude's Duty is Unavoidable

That year, I had just turned eighteen.

In the family tower, I watched my poor father, a remnant of the Witch King's faction, killed for betraying the other Witch King's followers to the Queen's voice. My foolish and cowardly brother inherited the title of Earl of Viseheim, spending his days in a daze, indulging in alcoholism.

So, I killed him.

I believe that my father deserves much credit for the former status of the County of Viseheim, but his final folly and my brother's weakness ultimately led to the worst possible outcome.

At that time, I firmly believed that if I could become the Earl of Viseheim, I would win back everything!

But now, all she wanted to do was shout at the person in front of her:

"I was wrong, Your Majesty."

Gertrude knelt on one knee and bowed her head deeply.

She was wrong, terribly wrong.

This apology was not only to the Queen, but also to his own father.

Only now did she finally understand her father's situation—in the darkness, what a tremendous temptation that sudden, seemingly fleeting glimmer of hope was for a person.

Her father, faced with the Queen's coercion and enticement, failed to keep the secret of the Witch King's remnants. She had once thought this was a sign of disloyalty. But now, she understood: what loyalty could the true remnants of the Witch King possibly possess? They were people gathered together for profit, and the situation of mutual exploitation and oppression remained unchanged. On the contrary, because they were in the shadows and could not be brought into the open, they even abandoned their last shred of principles. In such a situation, how could anyone not want to escape?

Her father did not choose to keep the secret, and now she has to make the same choice as her father.

Herlinmat nodded slightly, showing no surprise at Gertrude's sudden apology, nor did she appear surprised at all.

Clearly, from the moment Elector Worna led Gertrude into the room and Ernst introduced Gertrude's identity to her, she had already anticipated this scene and had been waiting for her confession.

The remnants of the Witch King's faction, or more accurately, the scraps of the Witch King's remnants.

How could Herlinmat not know her identity? She was a key figure in the Letanian military, police, and special agents, and she had always been in charge of the purge of the remnants of the Witch King's faction.

Putting aside other matters, she personally led the purge not long ago. During that period, well over a hundred nobles were sent to the guillotine.

Gertrude escaped a disaster rather than being so insignificant as to warrant Herlinmat's personal trip.

To put it more bluntly, according to [Begeler], the spy planted by the Queen's Voice in the Earldom of Viseheim, Earl Gertrude Strolo of Viseheim is indeed suspected of being a remnant of the Witch King's faction, but it has never been confirmed. Not because she's particularly good at hiding or her disguise is flawless, but because while she appears to be working for the Witch King's remnants, she's accomplished so utterly that it's truly laughable.

If we're talking about rewards and punishments, Gertrude's research into the "Voice of the Mortals" directly led to the deaths of a large number of the Witch King's descendants, making it almost impossible for the Count of Utica, the ancestral land of the Witch King, to find an heir. In a way, she could even be considered a meritorious official, having helped the Queen resolve a major concern!

Could this be considered, in a sense, a case where the higher-ups had bad intentions, but the lower-ups carried them out well? (III) (V)

Herlinmat never expected to meet Gertrude here, who had been chosen by Ernst to be the head of the organizing committee for the International Concert.

How should I put it? Helena wasn't worried that her identity as a member of the Witch King's remnant would cause Gertrude to turn against her. After all, as she had just said, Gertrude was just a scrap of the Witch King's remnant. She had seen too many such scraps before joining the Witch King's remnant. Before joining, they would shout that they would "dedicate their lives to the great cause of resurrecting the Witch King!", but once they were in, they would start trying to whitewash themselves and get out. She felt that Gertrude was no exception.

Gertrude's straightforward apology proved her point.

However, she was curious about how Gertrude had been chosen by Ernst.

“Ms. Gertrude came to me personally and offered her services.”

Perhaps sensing Helena's confusion, or perhaps simply feeling he should explain for Her Majesty the Queen, Ernst spoke up.

"Opportunity always favors the prepared. Is there anything wrong with this candidate?"

Ernst asked.

His requirements for the candidate weren't actually that high. Strictly speaking, this position was for taking the blame and drawing attention. So, the most important requirement was simply obedience.

Gertrude was quite obedient. She didn't ask a single question about Ernst's instructions over the past two days, but simply followed them diligently. Even when Ernst introduced her to Werner, she firmly introduced herself as a member of the "International Concert Committee" rather than as "Count of Letania." It could be said that her expression of loyalty was very direct and clear.

Ernst even had Ensioudis secretly send Jian to test her, and the result was that Jian felt she was not a good person, but still acceptable.

Ernst also didn't care about the evaluation in the first four parts of the sword. On this land, good people are the most luxurious creatures, especially among nobles. The search scope would probably have to be limited to newborn babies. They are truly rare and hard to come by.

If it meets the requirements, that's enough.

But Ernst's satisfaction is one thing; if Helenemart really disagrees, Ernst could be replaced.