People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

After all, nothing is finalized yet, and the announcement hasn't been issued. Changing the person in charge isn't even a last-minute change of leadership. As for the requirement of obedience and loyalty, Ernst believes that with Helinmat's abilities, there's no way he couldn't find someone who meets the requirements.

Gertrude could be kept as a talent reserve elsewhere, or he could simply submit to Werner and hand her over to him to assist Viviana or something.

Yes, even now, Werner hasn't completely given up on the idea of ​​making Viviana an Elector. Or rather, even if he doesn't make Viviana an Elector, he plans to at least give her a fiefdom, making her a Duchess or Countess, in short, ensuring she'll be well-off for the rest of her life.

A very simple wish.

Herlinmat gazed intently at Gertrude.

She could see that Gertrude's body was trembling slightly. She was very nervous, extremely nervous. Her tail was tucked under her buttocks, but her ears were standing straight up, as if she was both afraid of hearing the answer and worried that she had misheard it.

Fine beads of sweat had formed on her forehead, and her mind was racing. She knew just how deep Her Majesty the Queen, especially this black-clad Queen, loathed and even hated the remnants of the Witch King's faction.

Even if he was just a marginal figure in the remnants of the Witch King's faction, an absolute nobody, he wouldn't arouse her murderous intent. However, because of her hatred for him, it was hard to guarantee that she wouldn't refuse to let him take up the position simply because of his status.

After all, it's just a matter of a single sentence.

And Ernst is unlikely to protect her.

She was insignificant, something she had known all along.

But she couldn't just sit idly by and watch that tiny chance slip away before her eyes. She refused to do nothing and simply watch that sliver of hope vanish!

Years ago, she witnessed her once spirited brother, driven to despair by their father's death, succumb to a life of debauchery and greed, spiraling out of control. She poisoned him with her own hands, and from that moment on, she vowed to restore the glory of the Earldom of Viseheim—a duty she, Gertrude, would not shirk!

Now, she has to make this decision, the same decision her father made years ago!

He used every trick in the book to reveal all his secrets, risking death, all to win that one and only chance to be seen and forgiven!

"I think," Herlinmat's voice had barely begun when Gertrude's voice followed closely behind.

Count Viseheim rudely interrupted the Queen's speech. Undeterred by the death penalty for violating etiquette, she boldly spoke:

"Your Majesty, please wait a moment and listen to me!"

"I once helped the remnants of the Witch King's faction!"

“I know what they’re researching! The Witch King’s legacy is right here in my County of Viseheim!”

"That's the descendant of the Witch King, the Witch King's magic, the Witch King's [Voice of the Mortal World]!"

Chapter 690 The Ruthless Earl of Wolumond: I'm a Servant of the Witch King's Remnants!

The sounds of the mortal world—that's all Gertrude could say.

That's the limit of what someone at her level can understand.

Although this level of the Witch King's legacy is actually insignificant to the Queen, and can't even be considered a Witch King's legacy, just like the Emperor's golden hoe, which only makes people laugh, for Gertrude, it is "everything" she has pursued for half her life. She chooses to reveal it all in exchange for an opportunity!

Erhelinmat agreed.

Choo agreed, partly because of Gertrude's attitude and partly because of Ernst. She retracted her words before speaking, and instead nodded to Ernst, agreeing to his arrangement.

Although, ideally, she would have preferred her own subordinates, or at least those from the Queen's faction, to fill this position, in some ways, the current outcome seems quite acceptable.

Gertrude is now Ernst's woman, so Helemat can't really get anything out of her anymore. But on the other hand, aren't Ivignad and the remnants of the Witch King just as helpless?

Since that's the case, then it's a good thing. It's time for that good friend who schemed against her to experience what it feels like to have your efforts come to nothing.

That afternoon, news of the first "International Concert," planned by Ernst Shivaish and personally approved by the Queen of Letania, to be held in the three major Letania regions of Ston, Trilintelme, and Leopold, began to spread from Ston, centered around the Queen, Elector, Ernst, and even the remnants of the Witch King's faction lurking in the city.

Everyone recognized the value of this news, and everyone understood what an opportunity this was that couldn't be missed. A small number of people, however, wondered why it had to be Shi Tongling, why the timing was so "coincidental," and whether there was another hidden reason behind it. Was the Empress's arrival truly for the sake of the "International Concert" from the very beginning? But none of that mattered anymore.

Despite their doubts and suspicions, they could not give up on the matter and would inevitably have to shift most of their attention from the still-alive Shi Tongling Elector to this grand event.

Leopold's leadership.

The current Elector Leopold, who is also the leader of the Witch King's Remnants, convened a meeting immediately upon receiving the news.

Ironically, the successor of the Elector Leopold, who personally orchestrated the overthrow of the Witch King, is now the leader of the Witch King's remnants, a figure feared throughout Letania, and the very foundation of their power. It is indeed quite a contrast.

But Elector Leopold himself didn't seem to care much about it.

The Witch King was overthrown because he offended too many people's interests and exposed his fatal flaws, so he deserved to die. His becoming a member of the Witch King's remnant faction was naturally because this identity better suited his current interests.

He could be a remnant of the Witch King now, and if one day he overthrows the Twin Queens and installs a new emperor who is disobedient, he could also be a remnant of the Queen.

This cycle repeats itself. In the words of the Yan people, it is like following the stories of Yi Yin and Huo Guang, carrying out the act of deposing and installing emperors. He will become a great hero who will change the world for Letania, just like the previous Elector Leopold!

Elector Leopold was a hero, and he was destined to always be a hero!

However, even heroes have their limitations, and the current situation is indeed somewhat perplexing to him.

Fortunately, he had many advisors and staff, as well as many noble colleagues willing to follow his lead, so he could listen to their opinions:

"What are your thoughts on Her Majesty the Queen's plan to hold a concert for all nations in Leitania?"

"Isn't this a great thing?"

An elder [Translated: 2: Ling Shan "》Six Dukes spoke up,

"You all should have witnessed the grandeur of the Kasimir Games. I don't need to elaborate on how much money the Business Federation made from that event. If that rather uninteresting sporting event could generate such staggering profits, imagine what a concert could bring!"

His voice was loud, but the people in the room seemed not to hear him at all, and the response was lukewarm.

Everyone knew that Leopold wasn't asking about trivial matters like "how much money he made."

Money is important; everything revolves around it. Even the Elector had to pay a fee to anyone who asked him to do something. But compared to the money, people were clearly more concerned about the Empress's intentions and whether there was any possibility that she was targeting them.

The count, clearly having been rebuffed, gave a sullen laugh and shut his mouth.

He knew perfectly well what these people wanted to talk about, but was "politics" something a nobody like him could possibly have a say in?

He was very self-aware; he had only just reached the middle level among the remnants of the Witch King's faction. If it weren't for the fact that he happened to be related to Elector Leopold and had married one of his distant cousins, he wouldn't have been qualified to be here.

It's laughable that he believed in Leopold's name back then, thinking that the remnants of the Witch King's faction weren't so bad. Only after he actually got in did he realize that these "big" figures were the most "petty" of all. If you spoke poorly, they would think you had no ability and discard you as a pawn. If you spoke well, they would think you were too resourceful and might threaten their position, so they would suppress you at every turn and then find an opportunity to get rid of you.

Poor Count Viseheim, isn't he a living example?

Previously, her brother was mediocre and incompetent, and was humiliated in every way by the high-ranking members of the remnant party. Later, she killed her brother to take power, which was considered a testament to her loyalty, but she was also considered to have been too ruthless. She could even kill her own brother and could not be spared. Now she is also being threatened that she will be killed no matter what.

what a pity.

He finally understood. Everyone said the Queen had made Letania rigid and conservative, but the Witch King's ever-changing ways and constant upheavals weren't necessarily a good thing. And these remnants of the Witch King's faction were even worse than the Queen; their internal hierarchy was so rigid that there was no room for advancement, not even a narrow path.

The only thing that matters is offering advice that has little substance but sounds plausible; that's what gets you by.

However, to his surprise, while the other nobles remained silent, his relative, the powerful Elector Leopold, unexpectedly spoke up:

“The Earl of Wolumonde is right, this is indeed a good thing.”

Elector Leopold smiled slightly.

"The World Games ended up being a complete mess, yet the Business Federation and the Supervisory Council still managed to make a fortune from it. What about our World Music Concert?"

"Furthermore, don't you all think this is the Queen yielding to us?"

"For such a grand event as the International Concert, she chose several venues in the territory of St. Thomson, the territory of Trintelmer, and my territory of Leopold. What do you think this signifies?"

This question is not difficult to answer. If not all of you, at least the vast majority of you can understand the purpose of this arrangement.

The first meeting was held by Shi Tongling, with the aim of winning over Shi Tongling, the elector of the throne, and then recommending one of his own people to the position of elector of the throne.

The second venue, Triinttelme, is the capital of Letania and the jewel in the Queen's crown. Holding the event here is naturally meant to enhance the Queen's prestige!

This third venue, Leopold Territory, was actually Elector Leopold's territory.

Did the Queen know he was a remnant of the Witch King?

Of course he knew. Not only did the Queen know he was a remnant of the Witch King, but he also knew that the Queen knew he was a remnant of the Witch King, and the Queen also knew that he knew the Queen knew he was a remnant of the Witch King.

However, the power of an Elector was simply too immense, not to mention that this Elector also held the name [Leopold]. Even if the Empress knew this, they couldn't cause her any trouble.

Because the Letanians wouldn't believe it. The Queen couldn't reveal the truth either, because the media, the public, and their elected leaders mostly only cared whether someone was good or bad. And the idea that the heir to Grand Duke Leopold, who had overthrown the Witch King, would be a remnant of the Witch King's faction was tantamount to saying that the cowboys who scalped their fellow countrymen were actually Native Americans—a truly absurd joke.

Sometimes that's just how it is. If you say it out loud, no one will believe you, and people will think you're making fun of them in broad daylight, which will only damage your own reputation.

This is how unscrupulous journalism is born and manipulates the masses. They adhere to a "truth"—only what people believe is true, and only what people like will be believed!

Knowing full well that he was a remnant of the Witch King, the fact that a concert was still held at his stronghold makes the answer quite clear.

Perhaps they want to "reconcile"?

Reconciliation is not impossible, but that depends on Her Majesty the Queen's sincerity.

Seeing that Elector Leopold looked confident and had already begun to toast with the important figures, Count Wolumond refrained from offering a word of advice.

In fact, he thought Elector Leopold's idea made sense. Judging from the Gemini Queens' usual style of doing things, they were using this venue to curry favor with Leopold in order to reach a reconciliation and exchange it for the possibility of the smooth implementation of domestic reforms. There was a possibility, and a great possibility!

But is there such a possibility?

Actually, did the other party choose this location to reveal their true intentions?

Count Wolumonde hesitated for a moment, then shook his head.

He didn't know if Elector Leopold had considered this. Judging from his proud demeanor, perhaps not? But he couldn't be sure. After all, he had fought against Her Majesty the Empress for so many years and manipulated her so many times. Whether this pride was the arrogance brought about by numerous victories or a superficial disguise due to his deep cunning, no one could say for sure.

But whether he thought about it or not, Count Warrend had figured out one thing: two

—None of my business!

Leopold's affairs are naturally for his admirers to worry about. He's finished with the remnants of the Witch King's faction. Not only did he not gain any benefits, but now they want his advice and schemes, only to get themselves into trouble? Don't even think about it!

Instead of thinking about all this, I might as well go back and have a couple of drinks. I heard that the nobleman in the neighboring count's territory is getting married soon. Who knows, I might be able to go over and mooch a couple of drinks.

Their family, their city, their business—all have fallen.

But he wasn't Count Viseheim; he didn't have such strong attachments. If he fell from grace, so be it. Even in decline, couldn't he still live a life of comfort and security?

How many people spend their entire lives striving and struggling, only to achieve this kind of treatment? Aren't we all just trying to make a living?

With that thought in mind, he calmed himself down, smiled, and drank the glass of wine.

Chapter 691 Lola: Willing to Serve

Shelag, Tukarim, Shelag Government Office Building, Vina's Office.

"Miss Lola, I'm leaving this matter to you."

Vina handed the project proposal to the large polar bear in front of her and gave a wry smile, looking somewhat helpless.

"You've been working hard lately. Once this project is finished, you should be able to relax for a while. Please ask Ernst for permission to take a good rest then."

"I'm not tired."

Lola gently shook her head.

The task of hosting the World Concert was indeed an unexpected new job. It felt like having finished all the work and ready to take a vacation, only to have your boss suddenly call you out in the middle of the night to work overtime. When Lola first heard about it, she did feel a bit of a headache.

Young Master Ernst was always like that, his mind seemingly filled with countless whimsical ideas. Lola admired this very thing, because Young Master Ernst's whimsical ideas often brought extraordinary results, making everyone's faces light up with smiles. This was completely different from those adults who would just slap their heads and come up with something on a whim!

It would be a lie to say she wasn't tired at all. After all, that's just her personality. She takes every project seriously and insists on going to the construction site to inspect everything. When the workload in Sherag was smaller, she could manage, but now, with dozens or even hundreds of projects underway every day, she's practically working herself to the bone. Even though the Ursus people are generally strong and she exercises regularly, people aren't made of iron, so how could she not be tired at all?

She said she wasn't tired, she just said "not bitter".

Lola didn't find her hard work arduous at all; she thoroughly enjoyed it, constantly learning during construction, celebrating with the workers after completion, and witnessing the smiles on the residents' faces after the project was put into use. Similarly, she felt genuinely grateful and fortunate that Ernst had entrusted this work to her, given her inexperience, and therefore, she didn't want to let him down!

It was with this feeling that Lola took on the construction task for the venue and seized this precious opportunity to test herself!

In a way, we have to thank Her Majesty the Queen of Letania for this.

Originally, the venue for the International Concert should have been contracted out to a local Leitanian construction team or other internationally renowned construction companies, but Her Majesty the Queen insisted on giving the task to Ernst.

In her words:

"Prime Minister Ernst, don't you want to take advantage of this?"

The construction fee offered by Letania was very generous, and Ernst was indeed very tempted by the money. Moreover, he understood that Helena was using this method to "reward" him.

To be honest, Ernst felt that this was a bit like... well, you know what I mean... right?

That's the one commonly known as taking kickbacks.

Ernst never did this in his previous life, but even if he's never eaten pork, he's seen a pig run, right?

Have you seen "In the Name of the People"? That Director Zhao, who became famous throughout the world for his bowl of noodles, did exactly this!

Ernst helped Helena Marte, saving her political reputation from becoming a so-called "enemy of the nobility"—something only Ernst, the founder of the Universal Summit, could do.

Helena had nothing to offer in return; she commanded the military, and couldn't very well hand over the Leitanian armed forces to Ernst as bodyguards, could she? She wasn't some anonymous AI from a previous civilization.

Besides, she also understood that giving Ernst armed forces was not necessarily a good thing.

So, after all the calculations, it seemed she had nothing else to offer in return. Only "money," this vulgar thing that everyone looks down on yet everyone needs, was something she could give as a gift.

However, the people of Letania valued propriety, and so did Ernst. She couldn't just carry the money away in boxes and boxes to Kjerag, could she? Giving him a card directly would make her seem like a wicked aunt trying to seduce Ernst. So, this method was clearly the best.

Moreover, Kjerag's construction standards are renowned worldwide! Kjerag Railway Station, the Summit Building, the Jeragund statue, and the renovated New Manjushri Temple—each one is unique and represents a distinct architectural style. Entrusting the venue arrangements to Kjerag ensures that the standards will not be compromised.