People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

But Viviana was different; she didn't care about how much power she had, but rather how much responsibility she bore.

For her, her time in Kjerag was one of the few peaceful days in her life when she didn't have to worry about anything and could live entirely according to her own wishes. And this kind of time didn't come out of thin air; it was created by people like Ernst, along with many others who supported Ernst.

Like many who consider Kjerag a paradise and wish to live there forever, Viviana also hopes to remain a carefree Elafia forever, neither a rising Candle Knight nor a powerful Elector, simply living her life in Kjerag.

Such thoughts often fade as tourists return to their hometowns. Or they may become a deep-seated longing, prompting them to pack their bags again and return to Kjerag during their next holiday.

But unlike the other eight, Viviana had some different thoughts after returning to her long-lost homeland, Letania.

She felt the oppression of the land of Shitongling, the tension within the Elector's Tower, and the covetousness and malice from all sides. She missed the environment of Sherag and wished that Sherag could be by her side.

This was both her aspiration for Ernst and her aspiration for Scherrag.

"I believe that Sherag is not unreplicable!"

"I think that other places on this land might become like Shelag!"

"I think you will support me, because that's what you want too, isn't it?"

"The mountains descend, the valleys rise, and the arduous journey becomes a smooth road. You said it yourself, didn't you?"

Viviana said earnestly.

She was using Ernst's words.

The last paragraph, in particular, is the original text of the "Speech of Light," which is now quoted by countless people and even framed at the Terra International Human Rights Council. It is a symbol of the yearning for equality and respect for human rights!

Viviana paused, then reiterated her intentions:

"I want to become the Elector."

"I want to transform Shitongling, this land, into a place like Shelag—harmonious, loving, helpful, devout, and kind. I hope these virtues can also exist in every resident of Shitongling!"

She earnestly said:

“I know this is very difficult for me. To do it as perfectly as you do is even more difficult. But if I don’t try, there will never be a chance of success!”

"So, Mr. Ernst, please don't deny me, deny this ideal! Please look again, am I really completely unqualified to be an elector?"

She stared intently into Ernst's eyes, as if trying to find the answer within them.

Ernst fell silent for a moment.

not qualified?

If blood ties are the basis for selecting the Electors, then Viviana is absolutely qualified.

Even if she is an illegitimate child, she is still of legitimate imperial blood. Throughout history, how many illegitimate children have been made legitimate? This is not a major event without precedent.

Moreover, compared to those anthropomorphic, non-human, and hierarchical nobles, Viviana may not look like a noble, but that's all she is—she simply doesn't look like one.

She was too approachable, which wasn't a bad thing for a politician, but not a good trait for the aristocracy who needed mystery to maintain their authority.

However, this is clearly not a reason to "deny" Viviana.

Ernst felt Viviana was unsuitable solely because of her naiveté.

Despite Viviana's passionate and heartfelt words, a moment's calm and careful consideration of her statements reveals that she was merely indulging in "emotions."

The emotions were so intense that if Ernst were to say "no," it would feel like he had done something heinous, and he would feel guilty!

But actually?

Whether it's motivational platitudes like "There's absolutely no possibility if you don't try" or direct pleas like "Please don't deny it," neither is particularly meaningful. It's only because Ernst is more responsive to gentle persuasion than force that he'd actually respond to this approach, which is why he frowned and pondered seriously while mentally analyzing the situation.

If it were someone like Ivignad or the Duke of Caesar, a politically devoid of emotion, they would have immediately started wiping away tears, helping the person up, and then spouting a whole bunch of unfounded difficulties, before putting on an attitude of "I didn't want this either" and refusing the offer!

The highest level of interpersonal communication in politics lies here: enthusiasm, politeness, and feigning ignorance. Four ÷ ÷ ☆

From this alone, Ernst could draw the conclusion that Viviana was certainly not suited to be an elector.

Because electors have the lowest requirements for emotions, if you have a poker face, then it's really convenient. You can save yourself the trouble of practicing the skill of "not showing your emotions"!

This position requires pretense, ruthlessness, the ability to weigh pros and cons, and the capacity to "make deals with those who can benefit us without batting an eye, while turning a blind eye to those good people in distress who cannot help us."

Viviana couldn't do that.

But

How many people can do that?

An unexpected sound rang out; it was Kal'tsit who jumped in through the window.

Mon3tr's body was still lying on the wall outside the window. It seemed that she had encountered some "accident" when she entered the tower, so she had to come to Ernst in this rather unseemly way to report on her work.

Then, they happened to run into Ernst and Viviana talking.

She had also spent a long time in Sherag, so Viviana was no stranger to her. But even so, she really hadn't expected that this seemingly pure and aloof knight princess would have such thoughts.

Go become an elector, maintain your conscience, and then bring benefits to the people.

It was like a joke about how the three elements could be combined in pairs but not all three could coexist. When Kal'tsit first heard it, the corners of her mouth involuntarily turned up.

But when Viviana said, "I'm serious," Kal'tsit had already stopped smiling.

She respects everyone who wants to challenge the impossible, even if that challenge is to be elected emperor, and she wants to live up to her extravagant conscience.

Therefore, she chose to break through the window and enter before Ernst could answer.

Because she knew that once Ernst spoke, it would most likely be persuasion, which was to say no.

Kal'tsit thought that Viviana wasn't a bad option either. She could give her a try!

Ernst is still too young and inexperienced. Someone as knowledgeable as her would understand: if someone like Theresa can emerge from the Sarkaz, and Amiya can now be the leader of Rhodes Island, why can't Viviana become an Elector?

People grow up, after all. Theresa wasn't always so committed to "the great unity of the people of Terra," and Amiya wasn't always determined to "let the earth sleep peacefully." Their talents weren't something they were born with.

Although Viviana is a bit older, she is not older than Theresa, and the challenges she faces are not as great as Theresa's, much less as great as yours, Ernst. If you are willing to nurture her, you might be able to cultivate an excellent, conscientious, and beneficial Elector!

After all, Ernst, what you're best at is "creating miracles," isn't it?

Kal'tsit wanted to see this result; she desperately hoped that the number of more anthropomorphic rulers on Terra would increase!

Wasn't there a reason why she supported Ernst so much back then, even going against her principles to stay in Scherrag and become his advisor? Now that Ernst, the big boss, is doing well, isn't it time to start helping him raise some smaller ones?

If Ernst couldn't hear Kelsey's thoughts, he would definitely give this love-starved lynx a good dose of love! The time and energy spent on her feelings weren't hers to ask for so much from Vina!

Kal'tsit stepped forward and patted Viviana on the shoulder:

“Viviana, if you want to become an Elector, you can also choose to join Rhodes Island.”

"While I cannot make you an elector, please believe me, I can teach you how to become a qualified elector!"

"Once you've completed your studies, you can come back, turn the tide, save the fallen dynasty, and succeed to the throne, fulfilling your dream!"

Viviana glanced at Kal'tsit with some suspicion, her eyes clearly saying, "You?"

But Viviana was very polite and naturally couldn't directly ask Kal'tsit such an embarrassing question, so she said instead:

"But why is Shi Tong's situation so dire that I need to turn the tide and save the day?"

Kal'tsit coughed twice, ignoring Viviana's question:

"If you don't believe me, you can sign a prospective operator contract, try living on Rhodes Island for a while, listen to my lectures, and then make a decision."

"This"

Viviana hesitated for a moment, but Ernst finally couldn't help but speak up.

Snatching someone away right in front of me? That's a bit too unethical, isn't it?

Hakimi, it seems I really can't tell the difference between the king and the queen. Even your creator has to call me a "treasure". Do you even know what filial piety and righteousness are?

"Kal'tsit!"

He gave a soft hum and glanced at Kal'tsit, who smiled.

Despite their playful banter, they both understood each other's thoughts.

Kal'tsit was deliberately giving Ernst a way out, while Ernst was seriously considering and testing Viviana.

If she truly made the request to Ernst because she "wanted to become an Elector," rather than "wanted to be with Ernst," then even if her apprenticeship were changed to Kal'tsit, she would likely have agreed as long as he could teach her the knowledge and skills to become an Elector.

Conversely, if she abandons her so-called "ideal" because of the choice of teacher, then her heart is not sincere.

And now, Viviana has proven it.

Her earlier interest was genuine; if Ernst had refused, she might have actually considered Kal'tsit.

"After all, he was an advisor to Ernst!" He must be quite capable.

At least that's what Viviana thinks.

Then Ernst can rest assured.

"Viviana, I'll teach you."

Viviana turned around abruptly and exclaimed in disbelief:

"Mr. Ernst?"

"Yes, I will teach you from the very basics."

Ernst nodded.

"Let's start with how to define the enemy and the enemy."

Viviana nodded, touched.

"is teacher!"

Chapter 698 Ernst's Little Classroom Begins!

How to distinguish between friend and foe.

This is actually a very profound proposition. If we divide this short sentence, it can be divided into three parts.

How to do it is the methodology, the specific way to do it, and the part that truly puts the theory into practice. This part should actually be done last.

The word "division" is quite enigmatic. It's not about judgment or distinction, but rather about division. This already carries multiple layers of meaning.

As for the final distinction between friend and foe, that is where the essence lies.

To become a successful politician, one must accurately distinguish between friend and foe. Friend and foe are not defined by good or evil, strength or weakness, or status; combining these distinctions leads to the following conclusion.

The act of dividing people into friend and foe is essentially drawing a circle around oneself.

This circle can have many names—morality, law, principles—but Ernst personally prefers to call it the "bottom line."

Outside the bottom line, everyone is an enemy; inside the bottom line, everyone is a friend. Those who become part of the bottom line are one of our own.

This is the logic of politicians.

Ernst, being a time traveler, sets a high standard for his moral compass, making him seem like a once-in-a-century moral exemplar on Terra. For the native Terrans, however, this standard is much more subtle; often, even if you reach out your whole hand, you still can't quite grasp where their bottom line lies.

But don't assume that this kind of person is easy to talk to. On the contrary, the fact that you can never find his bottom line means that the scope of his "circle" is extremely small, and he doesn't care about anything except himself.

These people are purely political beings; for them, there are no "insiders," only "outsiders."

Many people have heard this little story from Ernst's previous life: a master gave his scholars a test, asking them to find a way to enclose a larger area using the same amount of material.

Mathematicians calculated the maximum extent to which the material could be stretched, and then circled themselves according to this formula.

The geographer placed the materials on the equator and said that he could orbit the entire planet in time.

Philosophers, on the other hand, confine themselves to their own little world.

"Why is that?" Viviana asked, somewhat surprised.

Ernst replied earnestly, "The philosopher said that he did not enclose himself, but everything else. He surrounded the whole world."

Viviana paused, a look of realization crossing her face.

In some ways, those who study philosophy and those who go into politics are somewhat similar, or rather, good politicians generally understand philosophy.

Ernst used this example to tell Viviana this very simple truth—for people like this, the only person they can truly trust is themselves. They can be enemies of the whole world or friends of the whole world. They may constantly say, "My heart is filled with the whole country," but what they really care about is "whether my Longevity Palace has been repaired or not."

"This kind of person is very dangerous and we must be wary of them."

Viviana's face showed a hint of panic, but looking at Ernst, she breathed a slight sigh of relief:

"Fortunately, the teacher isn't that kind of person."

How do you know I'm not?

Ernst Cold 8: $Wuqi, 42 Extraction*Group! : Unexpectedly asked rhetorically.

Viviana's pupils contracted, the smile on her face slowly disappeared, and she looked at Ernst with some fear.