People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Luenst thought that would depend on Columbia, or on Miss Miloski, the great inventor of Dulin in Sherag. She had recently helped Nasty improve the Gravity Defiance Mechanism. According to the units they used, the weight that could be lifted into the air after installing the Gravity Defiance Mechanism had doubled.

Group weight -4.

Speaking of which, I don't know what the President has been busy with lately. I haven't heard of any new technological products being launched in Colombia for a long time.

Is it because Rhine Life moved to Kjerag?

Or was the President actually waiting for the World's Fair to give himself a "surprise"?

The moment the word popped into Ernst's mind, he shuddered.

I'm really a bit of a masochist; why am I even thinking about something as terrifying as "surprise"?

"Lord Ernst, by the way, why did you bring those people with you this time?"

Kal'tsit asked with some concern.

Ernst snapped out of his reverie, looked at Kal'tsit, and smiled slightly:

“The Rainbow Team are my guests and friends, not prisoners. I can’t keep them locked up in Shelag forever, can I?”

"Besides, some of them are indeed particularly interested in Ursus. What's wrong with them relaxing after they've finished their work?"

"Besides, I don't expect this trip to Ursus will be peaceful either. Having a group of professionals with us will make it safer, won't it?"

Chapter 914 Fyodor: Borrowing a Head

Ursus Empire, Saint-Germain Castle, in front of the Imperial Palace.

When the convoy escorting Ernst arrived at the most magnificent building in the city of Saint-Germain, Emperor Fyodor Vladimirovich of the Ursus Empire was already waiting there with his trusted confidant, Speaker Islam Witt.

The emperor, who had actually been in power for over twenty years, greeted Ernst with a kind smile as soon as his guards helped him open the car door.

This is an immense honor.

In a country where the concept of monarchical supremacy is particularly strong, the fact that the monarch of one country personally walks to the leader of another country is a courtesy that even the commander of the Ursus Army Group, who holds a large army, cannot enjoy.

It's not uncommon for leaders from other countries to visit Ursus, but the Ursus emperor would at most wait outside the palace. Seriously though, Ernst has set a precedent in Ursus history once again.

No one has ever enjoyed this kind of treatment.

Even Speaker Witte's face showed a hint of surprise and astonishment when he saw Fyodor himself step forward.

But Fyodor, who was holding Ernst's hand tightly, didn't care at all. His chiseled face was full of joy and curiosity as he looked Ernst up and down.

"Prime Minister Ernst, is this our first meeting?"

Ernst felt a little uneasy under that gaze, and nodded in response:

"If it's face-to-face, this is indeed the first time."

"I've been looking forward to meeting you for a long time, and now my wish has finally come true. Prime Minister Ernst, you are indeed handsome and talented."

You're the only person I've met in a long time who's ever directly complimented me on my looks.

Ernst mentally muttered a complaint, then waved his hand modestly:

"Your Majesty Fyodor is too kind. I have no special talents, only the ability to shout slogans. My current achievements are entirely due to the broad-mindedness of the leaders of the great nations and their commitment to the entire Terra civilization."

Generally speaking, at this point, the polite formalities should be about over.

Speaker Witte was about to step forward and guide the two back to the palace, but to everyone's surprise, Fyodor shook his head solemnly, his face serious.

"Many people in this world talk a lot about benevolence and morality, but all they care about is making money for themselves."

"Only Prime Minister Ernst, your achievements are undeniable."

"The people of Ursus are straightforward, and we are never stingy with praise and commendation for those who have made achievements. Moreover, Prime Minister Ernst has made such a great contribution to Ursus, so how could I remain silent?"

As Fyodor spoke, he turned his head and looked at Witt beside him.

"Witt, pass down my orders: From today onward, Prime Minister Ernst is the most honored guest in Ursus. He has every right to act within Ursus, even if it's to the Imperial military camps, the Royal Research Institute, or even my palace—no one is to be obstructed!"

I'm so full of chives! *Eight☆Ears彡》Zero Swoosh—: Are you so full you can go to your palace?

Ernst's smile was a little stiff.

Why would he go to your palace if he's so full of himself?

Witt's lips twitched slightly.

But he also knew that Fyodor was merely using those words to express his favor. Not to mention Ernst, Witte himself could have gone directly into the palace to find Fyodor, though he wouldn't have gone so far as to go to Fyodor's bedchamber and wake him up.

Needless to say, Ernst wouldn't go even if he were asked to. After all, it would ruin his reputation if word got out.

Witt immediately nodded and said:

"Your will, Your Majesty."

Fyodor then turned around and invited:

"I'll arrange for maintenance and resupply for the landship that came with you—the Rhodes Island. Mr. Ernst, shall we go inside?"

Inside the St. Arthur Palace, in the small council chamber.

This was Ernst's first time entering the palace of a monarch. While the Duke of Caesar's mansion might be considered presumptuous, it wasn't quite on par with a royal palace. As for the Iron Palace in Londinium, Ernst had only caught a glimpse of it from afar; the war situation was too dire for him to visit.

The Ursus people's construction of the palace was extravagant and wasteful. The St. Arthur Palace underwent several renovations during the Great Conquest, with some renovations and expansions reaching a level that almost required reconstruction.

Even disregarding the gardens and buildings attached to the palace, and focusing solely on the palace itself, this palace represents the pinnacle of Terra's colossal architectural aesthetics.

Walking along the indoor road known as "Glory," which is comparable to a main thoroughfare in Tukarim, Ernst only needs to look up to see all sorts of unique decorations hanging on both sides of the passage.

Islam Witt, the Imperial Speaker, acted as the guide. Seeing the curiosity in Ernst's eyes, he eagerly offered his introduction:

"These are the glory of Ursus."

"During the Great Conquest, Ursus conquered more than thirty independent city-states and brought countless small kingdoms under its rule. Their histories are all here."

Ernst did not answer; his gaze was drawn to the plaques hanging beneath the decorations on the wall.

The plaque was not the name of those small, extinct countries, nor the name of the former owners of those "legacy" items, nor a record of Ursus's history of conquest.

That was just a string of numbers with no clear meaning.

"That's the number of people who died in Ursus during that war."

Speaker Witt said slowly,

"His Majesty the Emperor uses this method to warn every descendant that our empire is built on the blood of countless Ursus people. As you walk this path of 'glory,' you will not only receive the glory of Ursus, but also the gaze of millions of Ursus heroes."

"Empires come from iron and blood."

Ernst pursed his lips, remained silent for a moment, and then nodded:

"It's very impressive."

He could see Fyodor was observing his reaction out of the corner of his eye, probably wanting to hear his specific evaluation.

But Ernst really couldn't say anything.

Even if I told you, you wouldn't want to hear it.

Ursus has war ingrained in its very being; even the emperor grew up in this environment. It's not hard to imagine how ordinary people in Ursus understand and learn their history.

However, this differs slightly from the information Ernst had gathered before coming to Ursus.

All the information he gathered and inquired about indicated that Fyodor's policies were, in fact, exceptionally "pacifist."

Internally, the government allowed the military to recuperate and establish a parliament, transforming the army group's territory into a provincial-level administrative region, thus balancing and weakening the military's influence on politics, and promoting a large number of bureaucrats.

They actively mediated externally, halting frictions with countries like Letania, Casimir, and Victoria, and curbing domestic revanchism against the Eastern Kingdom. After Sherag and Lateran called for a summit of all nations, they were among the first countries to respond.

Many might say that they didn't take the World's Fair seriously, but that's because they didn't respect the then-weak Sherag.

To put it bluntly, if a complete stranger plays house and sends you a fake invitation, would you, a successful adult, gladly accept the invitation?

At the time, Ursus had enough troubles at home, so why would they be interested in playing with children?

Once Sherag demonstrated a considerable degree of "soft power," they became more proactive.

The idea of ​​being deferential at first and then obsequious is laughable, but it's also a harsh reality. If you don't demonstrate your strength, others will underestimate you. Failing to understand and accept this will only lead to losses.

Otherwise, why would there be the famous saying, "A single punch can prevent a hundred more"?

Ernst only gave the word "shocking" in the end, and Fyodor did not say anything, but there did seem to be some disappointment in his eyes.

If I had known, I wouldn't have bothered with all that work; I would have just brought out and hung up all these souvenirs.

Ahem, that's right, these souvenirs aren't usually displayed.

Just kidding, there are quite a few precious treasures here. Some of them even require special storage environments to ensure their stability. If you just take them out, the cost of cleaning and maintaining them every day would be quite high.

The Ursus treasury doesn't have much money, so Fyodor went to great lengths to save face this time, even taking money out of his own private treasury!

The three of them walked together to the small council hall.

This is a small office, not very large, only about 60 square meters. It is the smallest room in the entire royal garden, but those who can enter here are all important ministers trusted by the emperor, so it is somewhat like the "Grand Council".

Fyodor settled into the high-backed chair, nodded to Ernst, and only after Ernst and Witte had taken their seats did he begin to speak:

“Prime Minister Ernst, I personally have great respect for you. This is not just politeness. To be honest, your talent often reminds me of the late Emperor. His military achievements were comparable to your political abilities.”

"Cough cough."

Witt couldn't help but cough, giving Fyodor a somewhat resentful look.

No, Your Majesty, are you determined to say something shocking today?

Every word you uttered today was utterly treasonous. What are you trying to do? Do you really intend to rebel?

Fyodor, of course, noticed Witte's look, and he calmly gave the following instruction:

"Secretary Witt should take care of his health in his daily life."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Witt said, forcing a smile.

Fyodor continued:

"So, I would like to ask Prime Minister Ernst for a favor."

Ernst raised an eyebrow.

Putting aside his personal feelings for me, and whether there's any causal connection between respecting him and asking him for help, specifically...

"Is there a rebellion brewing in Ursus?"

Ernst made a guess, after all, Fyodor's overly friendly and ingratiating attitude just now was indeed somewhat unusual, coupled with the rebellion mentioned in his letter, it was hard for Ernst not to think in that direction.

He even vaguely guessed what Fyodor wanted to do, and his eyes became a little strange.

"Yes."

Fyodor nodded:

"So I'd like to borrow something from you."

You're even using honorifics now? Are you trying to borrow my head?

"I need your help to catch a fish."

They really are borrowing my head!

Chapter 915 discusses the abstract nature of the term "Ursusian Plan".

"Your Majesty Fyodor, it's not that I don't want to help you, but this is really a bit..."

"I'll transfer the Central Army Group over there to protect your safety."

"This isn't a question of whether or not we have an army group."

"I can also send a few bodyguards over to protect you closely."

"Well, the interior defense is indeed very strong, but this is a bit... "

"We'll split the confiscated property 30/70."

"This...this isn't a good idea, is it?"

"Fifty-fifty!"

Fyodor said seriously,

“Prime Minister Ernst, the Grand Duke Baikal is a long-established nobleman. His army group’s territory of Chernobog has developed rapidly in recent years. I have sent people to investigate his wealth, and it is almost equivalent to one-tenth of the wealth of the Duke of Kester!”

No, brother, no, Your Majesty, how do you know how much wealth the Duke of Caesar possesses?

Ernst had a lot of complaints in his mind, but he didn't even know where to begin.