People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Seven, that's no small number.

Carmen didn't believe Ernst would deliberately exaggerate the danger he faced. After all, if he wanted to cause trouble, there was no difference between surviving one assassination attempt and multiple attempts; both would be enough to kill Iberia.

He said, "The number of seven means that we have definitely seen seven sea creatures."

Well, that's it. He said the Sea Si were just a few that slipped through the net, but the number of those few that slipped through the net is almost double digits! And that's just the Sea Si who directly attacked Ernst and were located on that section of the road. If we calculate based on this ratio, how many Sea Si are currently lurking in the entire Iberia? So, there's no place in his net that hasn't slipped through, is there?

The Deep Sea Cultists are truly despicable; do they treat the Inquisition like a playground where anyone can come and go as they please?

After a moment's thought, he unexpectedly made a suggestion:

"Prime Minister Ernst, if what you say is true, then the situation in Iberia is indeed worrying. In my opinion, perhaps this visit should be cancelled?"

Ernst turned his head in surprise upon hearing this. If he hadn't been quite composed, he almost would have blurted out an "Huh?"

This visit, we've already come all this way, how can we cancel it?

I came to Iberia and survived seven assassination attempts just to be on a legitimate mission. This experience could be considered a Heroic Spirit's Noble Phantasm in any other movie. But after finally reaching a safe zone and meeting the person in charge, you're telling me to go back?

Am I stupid or are you stupid?

But Carmen's expression was unusually serious, showing no sign of joking. He spoke solemnly and earnestly, with a hint of shame, explaining:

"The situation in Iberia is extremely urgent. The Deep Sea Cultists have become so unscrupulous that, although we are ashamed, the Iberian Tribunal is afraid that it cannot guarantee your safety during your visit to Iberia for the time being."

"If anything goes wrong, Iberia cannot afford the consequences, nor can Terra suffer the loss. Therefore, Prime Minister Ernst, for your safety, I think it is advisable to postpone this visit. I will personally escort you to Victoria. Once the court has cleared its doors, I will extend another invitation to you. What do you think?"

Ernst frowned.

He was genuinely confused about what exactly the Four Card Gate was trying to achieve. Lu*★…

His tactic of retreating to advance was indeed shrewd. Once he learned that the assassination had occurred and that he and the inquiries would inevitably bear responsibility, he immediately seized the opportunity to back down before Ernst could launch his attack.

This step back, ironically, put Ernst in a difficult position. On the surface, Iberia appeared to have shown remorse, and was even willing to abandon face and cancel the visit to protect Ernst's safety, with the leader personally escorting Ernst to a safe place.

Upon closer examination, Carmen's actions not only completely severed ties between the court and the assassin, but also prevented Ernst from using the incident to cause further trouble. In this affair, the only loss he suffered was his own reputation.

But what face do Iberia, and Carmen, have left?

From the moment Dario requested aid from all of Terra, the Iberians had already humbled themselves. To those who stood up, this humility might have seemed shameful, but for those who had already humbled themselves, hey, they truly understood the benefits! Plus, with the formidable banner of fighting the Sea Legion standing tall, they wouldn't lose too much face; they still had something to maintain their dignity.

Ernst had initially thought that Dario was an exception, but now it seems that whether it was the rampant spread of the Dario virus or Carmen's own "awareness," the entire Iberia seems to be heading in this direction!

How infuriating! I'm so envious. I want to stand on the moral high ground and point fingers at them!

But as the saying goes, what can you do when someone has already apologized?

Ernst, with his swollen face and a swollen face, could only roll his eyes at Carmen and reply:

"That's not necessary."

"Since the Deep Sea Church has set its sights on me and dared to launch an assassination attempt against me, it is not only Iberia's country that has lost face, but also the entire World Summit's face."

"I have already sent someone to inform the International Summit that your country has done its utmost in eradicating the Deep Sea Church, but due to objective limitations, there are some shortcomings, which I understand. However, Archbishop Carmen no longer needs to worry about this matter. The International Summit will definitely support our member countries!"

Carmen opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but after a long pause, she couldn't utter a word.

Ernst was pleased with his reaction.

Hey, do you want to stand at the bottom of morality and enjoy a life of immorality?

It's alright, I've always loved helping others. Watch closely, I'm here to help you!

He's tired of this trick of abducting people. The Grand Duke of Victoria, the Queen of Letania, the Vice President of Colombia—which one hasn't been abducted by him? You, a Liboli who spends all day watching the sea monsters snarling in the Iberian Peninsula, think you can outmaneuver a feline known for its cunning?

To put it bluntly, "setting an example" means using universally known moral standards and grand principles to demand things of public figures who claim to be "role models for the world." This tactic certainly worked on Ernst, but only if Ernst himself didn't want to do so.

Carmen had clearly miscalculated. He had come here either for Iberia or for Haisi! Carmen's polite remark about "Iberia's objective conditions being insufficient" was originally meant to imply to Ernst to "give him some money," but unexpectedly, it gave Ernst a perfectly legitimate excuse.

You want some, huh? I gave you all of it!

What's this called? This is called trying to retreat in order to advance, only to be taken advantage of. Carmen was also stunned. She instinctively wanted to refuse, but the words wouldn't come out.

If the situation in Iberia II is urgent, that's what he said; if he hopes to clear his own door before asking Ernst to continue the visit, that's also what he said. Now Ernst has picked up a broom to help, how can he stop him?

He'd already said all the nice and bad things, so what was Ernst supposed to say? If Ernst wasn't allowed to speak, then why had he invited him to Iberia in the first place?

Is this just to show off the Iberian Tribunal's ability to silence dissent? Then it seems Iberia really needs a couple of "human rights stick" blows.

Carmen was unwilling to do anything that would offend people, and Ernst did not give him a chance to think of a solution.

He was determined to ensure the annihilation of the Deep Sea Church and the confrontation with the Sea Heirs. This was not only to establish the authority of the International Summit, but also to truly involve the International Summit in a major crisis.

On this one point alone, Ernst could not back down, even if it might displease the ruling faction in Iberia.

"Lady Carmen, what are your thoughts?"

"This"

Carmen gave Ernst a deep look, pursed her lips, and seemed to be weighing something.

He made his decision before Ernst could urge him.

"Prime Minister Ernst is indeed very thoughtful."

"I have no opinion."

See, he even has to thank us!

happy National Day

When I post this, I should be in Shanxi. After playing with the black monkeys, I really wanted to go to Shanxi to see the ancient buildings. I hesitated for a long time during the National Day holiday, but finally decided to take this opportunity to go.

Once I've finished writing all the drafts in Shanxi, it should be the 2nd. I'll take a day off for National Day and continue updating tomorrow, the 3rd. Goodnight!

Chapter 720 Terra Counterterrorism Plan, codename: Operation Gulf

Shelag, Tukarim, the venue for the World Summit.

There aren't many situations that would prompt an emergency meeting at the World Summit, but today's event is one of them.

The assassination attempt on Prime Minister Ernst has thoroughly ignited this newly established organization, which continues to demonstrate its influence and authority.

The members of the World Summit, not only the five permanent members of the Security Council, but also second-tier powers such as Casimir and Lateran, felt particularly excited at this moment.

Yes, excited.

Under Ernst's leadership, the World Summit resolved the Sarkaz issue to some extent, maintaining peace and tranquility in the land. No one denies this achievement, nor does anyone deny the enormous role the World Summit played in it, or the profound impact it will have on the future of Terra.

Even the most demanding politicians must admit that achieving the greatest influence, success, and authority with minimal cost, compromise, and conflict is an operation that almost no one on Terra can replicate. Only Ernst mastered this perfect combination of timing, location, and popular support, and accomplished this feat.

However, while they acknowledge and praise the resolution, many Terran countries are not actually very satisfied with it.

The Sarkaz did indeed make some sacrifices, such as the Lich's promise to open the Temple of Knowledge, which to some extent helped the nations of Terra to complete some lost documents and recover some lost secret arts. However, compared to the "status of a sovereign nation" they gained, these things seemed somewhat insignificant.

Moreover, many hawkish politicians have also expressed reservations about Ernst's policies. The reason is simple—Ernst seems to be a bit too dovish!

In Ernst's view, war was a last resort, a less-than-clever way to resolve political problems when contradictions had accumulated to an irreconcilable point. But to hawkish politicians, war was simply exhilarating!

The World Summit, as a new international order established to replace the Victorian hegemonic system, was born without experiencing a brutal struggle that swept across the land, without being born in blood and fire. That's one thing, but it hasn't even dealt with a single minor conflict. What's going on here?

More than one representative privately suggested to Ernst during the World Zero Summit that the Sarkaz barbarians fear power but do not appreciate virtue. Trying to win them over with mere interests would only make their appetites grow bigger. They must be severely beaten with swords and sticks before they will behave.

Ernst then retorted, "Then why don't you go to Londinium and fight the terrorists?"

They didn't answer. But everyone knew what their answer was—because Victoria was too strong.

Victoria is still the boss. No matter how fierce the infighting is, she is still the former overlord of Terra. Even a fallen camel is bigger than a horse. If she is not one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, who would dare to interfere in Victoria's affairs?

But Ernst also knew that although he had shut them up, he still had to keep his distance.

Because there are certainly quite a few hawkish politicians on Terra, Ernst couldn't exclude them all from international politics. Moreover, being a dove all the time wouldn't work. He agreed with the saying "truth is only within the range of cannons," but unlike those who only use cannons to proclaim truth, Ernst preferred to put the cannon to the other side's head and patiently reason with them.

I, Snow Leopard, am learned and knowledgeable, and I am well-versed in astronomy and geography. If you don't understand, I, Snow Leopard, also know a little about guns and cannons!

Moreover, these people are right about one thing. This isn't the Spring and Autumn or Warring States period, where subduing the enemy without fighting is largely impossible. In Terra, it's very difficult to get everyone to willingly acknowledge you as their leader without ever having a fight.

Therefore, he has been looking for an opportunity to help the World Summit find its own big stick in the carrot-and-stick approach of using both carrot and stick tactics.

Clearly, the Iberians, or more precisely, the Iberian Abyssal believers, are about to suffer the consequences!

"Gentlemen, how many troops do you plan to send?"

The newly arrived Colombian representative dropped a bombshell right from the start. His voice had a slightly mechanical quality, and while his questions seemed to be seeking opinions from various countries, his words already conveyed a definitive conclusion—Colombia had decided to send troops.

If Horhaia or Ernst were here, they would immediately recognize this new representative—none other than the Tin Man! The Tin Man with a brand new skin!

The Tin Man volunteered to come to Sherag, and also to see the Soul Forge of Kazdelnia that had been moved there—or rather, returned to—where his relatives might be burning. He was certainly nostalgic.

The Letanian representative, who had been busy pulling strings back home to attend the International Music Concert, perked up at the news:

"send troops?"

He paused for a moment, then shook his head vigorously.

"No troops will be deployed. No troops will be deployed."

"Leytania is currently busy with the International Concert and is not sending troops."

Viscount Walton of Victoria glanced sideways at the representative of Letania and curled his lip in disdain.

Typical Leitanian, always thinking about their own little corner of the world, such a narrow-minded view.

Unlike our Victoria, who is the balancer of all Terra! Even now, with the end of hegemony and the era of international summits, we are still a unique superpower, with a vision and perspective that are far superior!

Walton raised his hand and spoke into the microphone:

"Victoria will send troops."

"The security of the head of state is a matter of utmost importance to every member state of the World Summit. Anyone who dares to infringe upon this right is tantamount to declaring war on the World Summit!"

"Marshal of the Imperial Allied Forces, Duke Windermere and Duke Castle, have already given instructions on this matter. Victoria will allocate a group of elite soldiers to support the World Summit's operations."

After speaking, he turned his gaze to the seats of the Yan Kingdom.

A hint of hesitation flashed across Ning Ciqiu's face.

She really wanted to lend a hand, but the instructions from the Yan Kingdom's higher-ups were very clear.

Yan supports the position of the World Summit, but will not directly send anyone to participate in this action.

Although Yan Kingdom has gradually begun to participate in the international politics of Terra, it has been isolated from the world for thousands of years, and the power of the Glorious Isolated Faction within the country should not be underestimated.

Zhenlong also finds those old Dengs who bring up "ancestral laws" at the slightest disagreement disgusting, but Yan Kingdom is currently beset by the Sui Beast internally and the Hai Si Evil Demon externally. If they were to add fuel to the fire in the court now, it would be a loss if it caused factional strife!

So, just bear with it!

反正也憋了那9么多年了4，真龙年纪8还不大，大不2了就用4政治斗争最3无敌3的绝0招——熬老5头！

Ning Ciqiu was powerless to do anything about it, and could only tell the truth:

"The Yan Association will provide all support except for direct aid."

At least it's support, and it counts as a vote when you vote.

Seeing Yan Guo's stance, everyone's attention turned to Vina, who was chairing the meeting.

Last month it was Ivangelista XI, this month it's Ernst's turn. Since Ernst is absent, Vina will temporarily fill the position. Next month it will be Ning Ciqiu of Yan, one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Shelag and Lateran are the only two countries that are not permanent members of the UN Security Council but have the right to take turns hosting the meetings.

Vina thought for a moment, picked up the microphone, and asked somewhat strangely:

Why do you all think we're going to war?

"The word 'sending troops' doesn't sound good. Iberia is also a member of the summit of nations. Unless we receive an invitation from them and confirm that the Iberian government is inoperable, it would be somewhat inappropriate to send troops directly, wouldn't it?"

Ernst established the International Summit not to impose indiscriminate hegemony on smaller nations. In fact, the International Summit serves as a protective shield for smaller countries. As an enhanced version of the United Nations, its significance, simply put, is that smaller nations pay protection money in exchange for a stable international order provided by larger nations. It transforms the previous system of plunder and unbridled international bullying into a more civilized and orderly system.

If we casually use the word "send troops" to send regular armies to invade other countries without permission, what does that mean? Doesn't that mean nothing has changed?

Even Aihara Ryu would be furious if he heard this, saying, "At the World Summit, look what you've actually protected!"

Moreover, wouldn't it be inappropriate to call this an operation involving the deployment of troops?

She was more worried than anyone else about Ernst's assassination attempt, but after receiving Ernst's letter, she understood Ernst's thoughts more than anyone else.

First, Ernst did not want to directly destroy or take over everything in Iberia. This mess was a disaster for anyone who took it on; Scherrag was neither capable of handling it, nor did the other countries at the World Summit have any intention of doing so. It was best to let the Iberians bear it themselves.

They simply wanted to help Iberia eliminate a group of people who were holding them back, namely the [Deep Sea Church] that launched the assassination!

Secondly, it's unreasonable for so many major powers to unite and send troops to attack a small, insignificant organization. It's like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Even if they win, it won't look good.

Finally, there has to be a target for military action, but the trouble with the Deep Sea Church is that all of them are cunning and lurking in every level, field, and communication in Iberia, just like the American cockroach in the shadows. When you see one, its ancestors may have already multiplied for eighteen generations!

If a large army were to invade, they would all hide. It's hard to imagine what the army could do there besides plowing up the entire land of Iberia.

It was costly, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, yet yielded very little result. Can this operation be considered a victory? Can it be considered an attempt to establish the authority of the World Summit?