People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Ernst could only contact their vice-chairmen.

For example, Dr. E.E. Erickson.

Edgar Everett Erikson, the 8th Baron Mercator of the former Victoria, had a son named William, who had inherited the title of baron before the Battle of Londinium, and a pair of grandchildren. He was a rare "three generations living together" and a "harmonious and happy family" in Terra.

Some people may not be familiar with this name. Ernst is not familiar with it either, but Kelsey says he is writing a book that can be called the "Encyclopedia of Terra," called "The Journey of the Earth."

Kal'tsit also personally participated in the creation of this book, providing Erikson with a lot of suggestions and corrections through mutual correspondence. She even planned to personally annotate this book, "The Journey of the Earth," and give it to the Doctor later so that he could more quickly familiarize himself with and understand the basic situation of the land of Terra.

If Kelsey, with her demanding eye, could give such high praise to Erikson and his works, and even personally participate in the creative process to offer advice, then Erikson must indeed be quite capable.

Of course, anyone who can serve as vice president in the Terra Exploration Association is a capable person. The real reason Ernst favored Erikson was actually only one, and it was very simple.

He now resides in Lateran.

Hey, we're close by!

Chapter 1021 Emengard: Grand Commander Ernst, Loyal!

E.E. Erikson is 91 years old this year.

To be honest, Ernst was a little upset when he heard the news.

Is it possible that a 91-year-old man can still serve as the vice president of the Terra Exploration Association under the World Summit? Is his speech still clear?

Seriously, don't give me some kind of senile old man like Sir Edmund. Which Humphrey is treating me like Jim Huck?

However, it turns out that Ernst's idea was indeed somewhat stereotypical.

You're right, Erikson is indeed 91 years old, but that's Terra, according to the animals!

Erikson not only showed no signs of aging, but was also full of energy and looked exceptionally spirited. When he arrived to see Ernst, he even had some potato chip crumbs on his lips.

Ernst glanced at the clock on the wall; only half an hour had passed, and he couldn't help but be somewhat surprised.

"Mr. Erickson? You're here so quickly?"

"Not fast, not fast at all. I walked here."

Eriksson's face crinkled with laughter as he waved to Ernst.

“Driving would have been faster, but since it was the World Expo, the road to the Papal Palace was closed, so I couldn’t drive in and it was hard to park. I just walked.”

"It's good that we didn't take up Prime Minister Ernst's time."

Ernst remarked from the bottom of his heart:

"You are in very good health."

"You exercise regularly, don't you?"

Erickson replied, as he removed the large backpack from his back, unzipped it, and took out a large stack of documents.

“I roughly know why Prime Minister Ernst summoned me. Mariam is always like this; once she encounters something that interests her, she gets completely absorbed in it. But she's not the kind of person who doesn't know her place. Before each trip, she always leaves her route map at the association. This is a rule she set, and the other explorers in the association do the same.”

He carefully stacked the documents and began searching through the densely packed reports, muttering apologies incessantly.

"Because of the tight schedule, I didn't have time to find her copy at home. I'm sorry, Prime Minister Ernst, could you help me look for it?"

Ernst's lips twitched slightly, but he still stood up and walked to the table to help the old man search through the items.

We can't just watch a 91-year-old man working by himself while he sits here all by himself, can we?

When Eriksson saw that Ernst had actually moved, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes behind his glasses. He adjusted his glasses and a smile appeared on his lips.

“Mariam would resupply at the Explorers’ Base every so often and send reports back. Once we find her file and compare it, we can determine her approximate route and the location where she disappeared.”

"Speaking of which, Prime Minister Ernst, are you acquainted with Mariam?" (This is followed by an unrelated phrase: "Nine-like Three-Three 'Hedgehog 4% Off Shopping Agent'...")

Ernst shook his head as he scanned the names on the files:

“Not familiar with her. I’ve met all the directors of Rhine Lab, but not her.”

That being said, Ernst actually had a very good impression of her.

Back then, when Nastie and her team wanted Rhine Lab to set up a branch in Kjerag, Christensen, the director who could make the final decision, had disappeared. To pass the proposal, they had to convene a meeting at the department head level.

Mariam voted in favor at that meeting.

Although the actual results later revealed a surprising "overwhelming majority in favor," meaning Mariam's vote wasn't necessary, Ernst remembered that Mariam had voted for the plan.

This is one of the reasons why Ernst is so concerned about this rescue operation.

Eriksson seemed somewhat surprised by the answer. He turned his head to look at Ernst and muttered:

"I thought that since you and Christensen are so close, you must be very familiar with Mariam as well."

Ernst, being a filmmaker himself, had excellent hearing and naturally heard Erikson's whispers so close by. He was somewhat curious:

"Why do you say that?"

"Because back then, in the entire Colombian country, only Christensen was willing to invest in Mariam's incredible exploration projects."

Eriksson answered matter-of-factly.

"Just like you, you are the only leader in all of Terra who is willing to invest in Christen's dream of breaking out of the isolation barrier."

"Sometimes, when I see what you do, read the books that interpret your thoughts, and listen to what you say in your speeches, I feel a sense of unfamiliarity."

He chuckled, sounding somewhat shy and embarrassed.

"Perhaps it's because I, a 91-year-old old man, am a bit out of touch with the times. I actually feel that you've progressed so much that you don't seem like a Terran anymore!"

Ernst was suddenly startled.

"Don't worry about it, don't worry about it, Prime Minister Ernst. I didn't mean anything by it. I was just joking and expressing my feelings."

Eriksson slowly stood up, still holding a document in his hand.

"Found it! Let me see!"

Ernst also straightened up and glanced at Eriksson again.

Old Deng is really keeping up with the times, but he hasn't learned anything good. How come he almost opened my account with just a few words?

However, what he said didn't seem to have any problems.

He's an old man who's almost a century old and may not be very sensitive to other things, but he must be deeply aware of the changes in the times.

He was 14 years old when Colombia formally gained independence in 1019. He was 26 when Lingons fell and Gaul perished in 1031. He was 33 when the Great Silent War broke out and the last king of Iberia issued an edict of silence to the entire nation in 1038. He witnessed the accession of Pope Ivangelista XI, the Great Conquest and Rebellion of Ursus, and the Sorcerer King, who had ruled Letania for nearly a century, being thrown from a tower by the Twin Queens during the September Rebellion.

It's no exaggeration to say that he is a living "modern history of Terra".

In his eyes, perhaps the experiences of the first half of his life were not as magnificent as the history he has witnessed in the past few years.

It's no wonder he felt that way.

Ernst's movements were too fast, too fast, it felt like he was urging people to run.

Erikson didn't notice Ernst's complicated expression. He reviewed the documents in his hand, compared them with the location where Mariam's team had disappeared, which was left behind by Ektilnil, took out the pen hanging from his chest, and finally drew a large circle in red on the map of the endless ice field's exploration area.

His voice also became focused: Er

"It's probably this area from Severus Pass to the [Boundary Line], most likely northeast of the [Boundary Line]."

The "boundary line" he mentioned is the end of Yinsong.

Both the Columbians and the Ursusians had explored the Endless Icefield to some extent. Later, after the Terra Exploration Association was established, with the influx of more explorers, the location of the Icefield's [boundary] was gradually outlined.

When the explorers reach a certain point, a Silver Ridge will appear to block their path, and people have basically figured it out.

"However, given Mariam's personality, if she had noticed the Silver Edge, she probably wouldn't have continued forward with a team of newcomers."

Eriksson muttered to himself, somewhat puzzled.

Ernst coughed softly.

He couldn't very well tell Erikson that the Silver Edge just happened to disappear at that point in time, could he?

Because he called [Sami] away.

He confirmed:

"Is it this area? If I can confirm, I'll send a rescue team."

Erikson checked the exploration log that Mariam had sent back one last time and nodded:

"It should be right."

"Row."

Ernst thought for a moment and then contacted Emengard.

He wasn't just contacting Emengard for the sake of contacting Emengard; he wanted to ask the lich for help inquiring about the Cyclops who had lived on the ice plains for a long time, and also to communicate with the Guardians.

Because of Elkiel's "Gaze," the Cyclopes moved their entire race to Kjerag, and now they've followed them to the floating city of Kazdelnia, becoming its first inhabitants. However, a small number of Cyclopes remain in Sami; after all, every race has its share of loners. Ernst hopes to learn about the area through communication among the Cyclopes, and ideally, find a Cyclope to guide them.

Cyclops can see bad outcomes. This prophetic ability is usually useless, but in this situation, it's perfect as a tool for scouting.

With a few guardians as bodyguards and Sami sending a guide along, once they find and rescue the person, the news of Tikkaz saving the expedition team will definitely make headlines.

Nastya and the others' long-cherished reputation will be enhanced once again.

Ernst truly felt sorry for them. The exhibits Kazdelnia displayed at this World's Fair were so pitiful that they brought tears to the eyes of anyone who saw them. Alas.

It's truly remarkable that a race has survived so many repeated ravages. While Terra officially recognizes the existence of Kazdelnia and the legitimacy of Ticaz, Ernst hasn't yet seen any ordinary person show any kindness towards the Ticaz.

The name will still be "Sarkaz".

If this were in a game, and a new tag were created, the aggressive and expansionist AE would probably have been completely whitewashed long ago. Unfortunately, this is reality.

The Sarkaz lost the war, lost all their territory, and now they have to suffer the negative karma for thousands of years. What an unlucky bunch.

Ernst no longer needs this kind of empty fame, but they really need every opportunity to gradually build a positive image for themselves.

Hopefully they can handle things well.

Ernst connected to the small cube and called out to the other side:

"Ermengard."

Emengard's voice came from the other side:

"Mr. Ernst?"

"loyalty!"

Chapter 1022 An opportunity to solve the demon problem in one fell swoop!

Nasti was very excited, extremely excited, incredibly excited.

Not only her, but all the Tikkaz in Kazdelnia are very excited right now.

Because Mr. Ernst finally gave them orders!

As you know, sometimes the most painful thing in life is like a tree wanting to be still but the wind never ceasing, or a child wanting to care for their parents but they are no longer there. Simply put, it's having someone who has been kind to you right in front of you, yet being unable to repay them.

For the Tekaz of their generation, Ernst was like a bright, white moonlight, hanging in the sky not too far away, but no matter how high Kazdelnia flew, it was difficult to actually touch the hem of his clothes.

The white moonlight is the unattainable obsession of youth that ultimately traps one for life; Ernst is also an "honorary Tikkaz" who is destined not to belong to Kazdelnia.

It is true that someone in Kazdelnia has proposed bestowing this title upon Ernst, along with the title of "Honorary Leader of Kazdelnia".

However, both proposals were ultimately rejected by the Supreme Council of Kazdelnia.

Commissioner Hedley astutely pointed out: "When you actually bestow this title upon Lord Ernst, it feels more like an insult to him."

To use an inappropriate analogy, it's roughly equivalent to bestowing the title of honorary Japanese upon a Chinese person, not to mention that Sarkaz's international notoriety is probably even more exaggerated than that of the Japanese.

Not to mention that Ernst was also the Prime Minister of Scherrag.

Who are you calling a Sarkaz? (Inhales) (Shouts) Who are you calling a Sarkaz!

Although the person who made this suggestion certainly had good intentions, this Tikkaz compatriot is clearly lacking in common sense, has a basic understanding of international politics, and may even lack some necessary basic education. He may think that a title is truly honorable as long as it is preceded by the word "honor".

Woodley and Nastie didn't blame him, but figuring out how to repay Ernst's kindness was a real headache for them.

Now that Ernst has finally given the order, they finally have a way to pass Ernst's order down the chain of command!

"This is a good thing."

The famous (though not particularly famous) former Sarkaz demon lord, Theresia, delivered an important speech on this matter. Nasti immediately ordered the Lich Lord Fremont to personally go to the Ice Plains to discuss the matter with the Lord of the Spirit Guardians, Nezre, ensuring that he would take it "to the extreme."

At the same time, Kazdelnia can provide unlimited support for this matter, including but not limited to "the Cyclops High Priest personally divining and formulating a rescue plan", "the warp transcribed by the Lich to provide long-distance support at any time", "the Balrog Safar can personally go to clear the way and melt the ice and snow", "the Banshee Queen's spell to protect us at any time", "the Kazdelnia City Management Committee to reimburse all expenses", and so on!

Mariam herself probably doesn't know that her disappearance this time has not only touched the hearts of her old colleagues, nor her angel investor Christensen, but also the hearts of a large group of Tikkaz!

In other words, when the Tikkaz said "regardless of cost," they truly meant no cost was a factor. Otherwise, if all the "resources" they had invested were quantified and priced accordingly, the amount would be astronomical. For one thing, there are countless people willing to pay an exorbitant price for a single prophetic opportunity from the Cyclops, especially since this was the Cyclops' High Priest, the very Lord of the Royal Court, the "Eye," personally involved. If he were willing to open this door to the public, even the Grand Duke of Victoria, the Queen of Letania, and perhaps even the True Dragon of the Great Yan would be interested.