People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

He listened.

But he is different from Theresa.

Theresa wondered what changes using the Shard would bring to Terra and what problems it would cause.

But Therese, whether forced or voluntary, now thinks more from the Sarkaz's perspective.

If the Sarkaz cannot achieve equality, then let Terra burn!

"Moreover, the Shard is merely a means, not an end."

"The important thing is Originium."

"Tens of thousands of years ago, the arrival of Originium and the Pact of the Outcasts forever changed the fate of the Sarkaz people."

"What we are doing now is simply taking back the fate we were born with."

Whether you obtain a single Originium, forge a new contract, alter the Sarkaz's constitution, or do nothing at all but burn it as firewood to provide energy for Kazdelnia, it's all worthwhile!

All Therese had to do was make the high and mighty Creator bow his head and take a second look at the will of living beings!

He risked everything, facing the "Creator" the doctor spoke of. Even if it was like Jing Ke's assassination attempt on the Qin emperor, a one-way trip, at least he tried. He was worthy of his race and himself.

What's more, he now has a backup plan.

Even if he really fails, it will only be following the dead end that Ernst has already paved, and his own demise will be the only stepping stone for the new Kazdelnia!

It doesn't matter if no one remembers what he did, especially now that there's Theresa.

That's decent enough!

Theresa knew that Wu Qi was 6~Liu Siyu Han￥:, and that she could never persuade her own brother.

That's why they made an agreement that the losing side would unconditionally help the winning side.

Otherwise, she would probably have a real fight with Therese right now, until she could release the pain of her loved one's impending death!

Unfortunately, she didn't have that opportunity, and Theresis wouldn't give her one. Their time was extremely limited; having already resolved to dedicate everything to the Sarkaz race, they had very little time and space left for themselves.

Theresa steadied herself and spoke calmly:

"So when do you plan to execute the plan?"

Therese closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He had asked himself this question countless times.

This was the day the plan began, and also the countdown to his execution.

He already had an answer in his heart.

"A month later."

"August 2007."

"Let this matter end this year, with our generation."

P.S.: Let's be a little more cheerful today, since it's the last day of the month. Hope everyone can go to bed early and wake up early for good health, and start the next month off right!

By the way, I have a small request: I'd like to ask for leave on November 2nd. My childhood friend invited me to the cinema to watch the all-Chinese LPL team versus Faker, a match that will be held after ten years. It was him ten years ago, and it's him again ten years later—it feels like a fateful showdown. I haven't seen my friend in a long time either, so I sincerely ask for your permission! Thank you!

Chapter 774 Ivignad is speechless

Ernst Shivaesh always did things satisfactorily.

Most people on this land know this, and if they don't, someone will tell them: "Ernst is behind this, so relax. We just need to think about how big a slice of the pie we'll get in the end. Ernst has a lot more to consider."

Of course, if he doesn't solve it, the result is also simple.

It's nothing more than taking the blame. On this land, who hasn't taken the blame at least once? (Section 4: 6)

No one is perfect, and there are many people on this land waiting for Ernst to make a harmless mistake so they can offer some pointers.

Ivignad was waiting for just such an opportunity.

She initially thought that the concert's popularity being overshadowed by the news orchestrated by Ernst presented an opportunity.

After all, you see, this is a very real issue. The exchange between land and sea, and Agor's arrival on land, was indeed a major event for the entire land. Everyone who knows of the glorious past of Old Iberia will have complex feelings towards Agor. On one hand, they were the driving force behind the Golden Age; without their technology, Iberia could not have risen to prominence. On the other hand, they are also suspected of being the masterminds behind the Great Tranquility; without them, Iberia, having developed to that point, could not have collapsed so quickly.

Therefore, their first official contact with the mainland will undoubtedly be a major event, attracting the attention of all Terra. Whether they are patient or restless, adventurous or strategically minded, everyone will be watching closely the unfolding events of this meeting. How many people will even care about a concert held in Letania?

Let alone the nations of Terra, even the Letanians themselves, like Ivignad, are now more curious about the situation in Iberia, aren't they?

From this perspective, did Ernst make a mistake?

No, he simply focused his energy on more important matters, thus neglecting some less important issues—the International Music Concert was a big event, but compared to the exchange between two civilizations, one on land and one at sea, it was indeed insignificant.

But from the Letanian's perspective, he was wrong.

It was your promise of benefits that led to the hosting of the International Concert, painting a rosy and generous picture for Letania. Now, that rosy picture is still there, but the contents have shrunk considerably!

Everyone who benefits from this international concert will be affected. This includes ordinary Letanians, the six nobles, electors, and even the Empress. If handled properly, this could be seen as an "action that harms Letanian interests."

Does this sound like sophistry? The International Concert was initiated by Ernst, and he didn't cancel it. Argolor's landing wasn't conducted by Ernst either; he decided the timing himself. These two events coincided and caused losses, so how can you blame Ernst?

But that's politics. It's the standard—it's nothing on the scale, but it weighs a ton on the scale.

For example, a major earthquake strikes a large city, and a small village is hit by a mudslide. The two disasters occur at the same time. Based on the severity of the disaster, you choose to go to the earthquake-stricken area, which is more severely affected, to offer your condolences. However, your identity will inevitably lead to more rescue efforts being directed towards the earthquake-stricken area. Does that mean that you have, to some extent, abandoned the villagers affected by the mudslide?

Of course, you can say you didn't, and you probably never even considered it. But some people with ulterior motives can use this to their advantage, avoiding any mention of bigger issues that have captured your attention, and focusing solely on the suffering of the villagers you abandoned. The emotionally charged public opinion won't consider what actually happened at the same time; it will only condemn your cold-bloodedness and ruthlessness. If you happen to have a label of "kindness" or "humanitarianism," then the stain of your hypocrisy and two-faced life will be fabricated out of thin air.

Even if you want to make amends afterward, there's no way to do so, because making amends would make it seem like you're admitting you were wrong. If you don't make amends, it will only lead to further public outcry.

The standard approach at this point is to play dead, wait for the storm to pass, and then decide whether or not to do anything.

Doesn't this seem surreal? It's almost unbelievable that something like this could happen in real life. Who would fall for this? And who could actually be so defying?

It really does.

Japan repeatedly emphasizes that it was bombed with atomic bombs and how long the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki suffered from radiation hazards afterward, but never mentions why it was bombed or what was happening in the world at the time. This is a classic example. Ironically, in many places, and even within China, some people actually buy into this narrative! They believe that Japan truly suffered.

In response, Ernst repeated what he had said to the Deep Sea Christians: "Humanitarianism is about protecting people."

Ivignad wasn't as shameless as Xiao Rizi. She was very clear-headed. As one of the empresses of Letania, she knew that it would be pointless for her to fight Ernst to the death.

There are indeed some voices criticizing Ernst in Letania. But these voices are not something she released or instructed others to release. They come from radicals, people who can't think things through, those who are unhappy in their lives and like to blame everything on others, and some who are jealous of Ernst. Whoever they are, they can potentially vent these useless emotions anywhere.

This emotional rhetoric has not yet become a formal public opinion trend, and Ivignad can shut it down at any time.

But she didn't do that either.

Because she knew that Ernst would definitely care about these voices.

This is what he likes to hear, the so-called "voice of the people."

Ivignad didn't intend to make a big deal out of it, but she could bring it up with Ernst and then make a deal.

While she nipped these emerging public opinions in the bud, Ernst conceded some benefits.

Ideally, it would be a joint effort between land and sea, after all, Ivignad knew that this was the real top priority. But she didn't hold out much hope for it. The real power behind this joint effort lay with the five permanent members of the Security Council, and Ernst was merely their proxy. Whether he could get a share, and how much, was still uncertain. If it all went to Letania, and Kjerag and Ernst got nothing, it would be like having a beast running without feeding it—that would cause problems.

If Letania were to take a share from the other four countries, then Letania would be at a slight disadvantage compared to the other four countries.

So, this is the first volume, but it's something I can only dream about.

Ivignad's real objective was the middle ground: to carve out a slice of the pie from the Concert of Nations.

Herlinmat ate a bit too much, and Ivignad was indeed envious.

Neither of the twin queens truly broke off relations; otherwise, the peace and tranquility within Letania would not have been possible. "Gillette's Beans" would have torn apart this already unstable country. As queens who shared the same responsibilities, neither of them wanted things to really escalate to that point.

But after escaping Ivignad's trap, Helenad had become much wiser. She was careful, and this international concert was truly organized entirely by her. It seemed she genuinely had no intention of sharing anything with Ivignad.

With no other option, Ivignad had to find another way.

Just then, a letter arrived from Archduke Leopold.

Let's use this opportunity to ask Ernst to mediate.

Ivignad wasn't asking for much. She knew that Helimat was genuinely angry this time, and a 50/50 split was impossible. She offered 60/40, and was willing to accept at least 80/20, with Helimat taking 80% and her 20%. Just showing up, going through the motions, at least making an appearance would be enough.

The good thing about this is that Wurnst suffered no losses whatsoever; instead, Helena's side received the spoils. If the Twin Queens can reconcile, it would also be a good thing for Letania.

Although the conflict of power is irreconcilable.

For Ernst, this was a win-win situation, a great benefit. Not only could he project an image of being a "dove" mediator, handling everything from major disputes over the Queen to minor domestic matters, but he could also extricate himself from the struggles in Letania, avoiding any unforeseen incidents and the infamy of being labeled the Secretary-General of the World Summit for interfering in Letania's upper echelons' policies.

This is a way out that both sides can gracefully step down.

As for the worst option, it would be to make a scene.

But to be honest, Ivignad herself knew that if this got out, Letania wouldn't be in the right. For this matter to truly gain traction, it would probably take several years, even a decade or more. Only after people had forgotten the uproar caused by this sea-land cooperation would anyone pay attention to Letania, and only then would some busybodies use headlines like "Those Neglected in the Progress of the Times" to attract a bunch of bored onlookers and make some self-righteous criticisms in a world of fools.

As for a genuine reversal of public opinion, that's even more difficult. Either Agor will turn against them, causing the cooperation to break down, or Ernst will make a fatal mistake and his public image will collapse. If neither of these things happens, this will ultimately just be a minor public opinion storm.

There are countless ways to attack politicians. Ernst might be going to a tea plantation tomorrow, but he drinks a cup of coffee before leaving in the morning. This purely personal preference can be interpreted as "disrespect" and used as a topic for sensationalism. Again, nobody's perfect. Ivignade was simply giving Ernst a chance to "make a small mistake," allowing both sides a way to save face.

She believed Ernst would take action.

Having made up her mind, Ivignad was about to instruct her subordinates to prepare to eliminate the gossiping nobles with nominal titles when a large group of imperial voices erupted from the adjacent tower.

A moment later, Ivignad saw Herlinmat walk onto the covered bridge, ready for the "customary afternoon tea".

She asked with some curiosity:

"You sent someone out?"

Herlinma nodded, seemingly with some indignation:

“Recently, some people have been gossiping about the International Music Concert. I sent someone to clean it up.”

Ivignad: "

"what happened?"

Ivignad awkwardly tugged at the corners of her mouth, revealing a less-than-attractive smile:

"No, it's nothing."

Helena gave her a strange look:

"Speaking of which, Ernst sent a message to the summit."

"The Agorians seem to want to perform as special guests at the World Summit."

She seemed to pause deliberately, picked up her cup, and took a sip of tea.

"But I'm too busy here and can't spare the time."

"Why don't you go and extend an invitation on behalf of Letania?"

Ivignad was taken aback.

In that instant, she stared at her sister who was looking at the documents in her hands, and for a moment, she didn't know what to say.

Chapter 775 Agor's Hemp

Kal'tsit was speechless, Theresis didn't want to speak, and the Queen of Letania didn't know what to say.

But some people, even after saying everything they want to say, still can't clearly express what they want to say.

Yes, Clementa really couldn't do it.

The Sea Kings have not severed the connection between their home realm and Miliarum. Clementa can still directly contact the Agor home realm deep in the ocean through Agor's advanced communication system.

She is also speaking with several senior officials in the region.

This was against the rules. Agor valued efficiency, and the territory had already granted the governor of Miliarum the status and power of "plenipotentiary ambassador." As long as Clementa accepted and assumed this responsibility and obligation, her actions within the scope of her authority would not require any reporting to the territory.

Even if there were any instances where she might overstep her authority, the realm allows her to make ad hoc decisions within certain limits, provided it doesn't harm Agor's interests. At most, an investigation team will be dispatched to Mirialium afterward to review the mission. Clementa, having risen to the position of governor, shouldn't be unaware of this process.

However, the local authorities still received a communication request from Clementa.

It has been less than three months since they granted the authorization.

Fortunately, Agor's own emergency response measures were quite comprehensive. The professional emergency response officers were also reasonable; after connecting the communication lines, seeing the haggard, panicked, weak, and even somewhat disoriented image on the holographic screen, they immediately took it seriously.

"Governor Clementsa, rest assured, we are professionally trained and our professionalism is beyond question. Now that you have connected to this hotline, we will definitely help you solve all your problems."

"Now, please tell me, what happened?"

“Ernst knew our father.”

"?" The emergency response officer was slightly taken aback, thinking to himself, "What's wrong with you? Why are you trying to claim kinship right off the bat? Agor doesn't do that kind of thing!"

At least you can't openly try to climb the social ladder!

He coughed somewhat awkwardly, and the consul corrected him:

"Ernst, is that the land spokesperson you contacted? Does he know your father? Has he communicated with Agor?"