People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

His family, the Edwiss family, was also involved in the murder of Ernst and Ensioudis's parents. The case is still unresolved due to insufficient evidence. Therefore, when Ensioudis promoted Nohis to Kalan Trading as CTO, there was quite a stir within Kalan Trading.

But Ernst overlooked one point.

Despite the internal complaints, it was ultimately just an internal issue within the Kharlan Trading Company. Moreover, after Nohis demonstrated competence in his position, such disputes had diminished considerably.

At this point, Ernst parachuted in Ratatos and kicked Nosis out of the board, which ironically put Nosis at a disadvantage.

People are always quite aware of the importance of being generous with other people's money, so public opinion will naturally side with Nosis, who lost the bet.

Latatos's work during this period must have been quite difficult.

After a moment's hesitation, Ernst asked with a grave expression:

"Did he arrange for someone to make things difficult for you? Do you need my help to resolve this?"

One thing at a time, Ernst could find a way to compensate Noxis for his contributions to the Kalan trade, or at the very least, Ensiodes could find a way to compensate him. But Latatos was one of his own.

The decision to parachute in has already been made, and the person has already been sent down. That means he represents Ernst's Scherrag government and Ernst's face.

Ernst had no reason to withdraw, and the employees naturally had no reason to disobey Ratatos.

If a company, even a state-owned enterprise, is starting to form factions and internally marginalize the disciplinary inspector personally appointed by the prime minister, Ernst doesn't even dare to think about what it will dare to do next!

This unhealthy trend must be eradicated immediately! Anyone involved will either have their salary docked or be demoted. If Nosis himself is even fueling this trend, trying to sideline or even drive Latatos away through this method, then sorry.

Ernst could only ask him to retire with dignity.

Seemingly surprised that Ernst would pay so much attention to her plight and even try to stand up for her, Latatos paused slightly, her cheeks flushing slightly, and turned her head away somewhat shyly.

"No, as far as I know, Noxis Edwis himself wasn't involved in this. Because the factory is small but orders have increased dramatically, he's been working on improving various production techniques."

"As for the difficulty in finding work, that's in the past. I've already taken care of it. Thank you for your concern, Ernst."

Latatos said seriously.

She was, after all, the patriarch of the Sheragbrontao family. What she lacked was a broad perspective and the knowledge to understand things, but never the means to get things done.

Let alone the small-scale Kalan trade, even the Blantao family, with her spending almost half her time in the territory and the other half in the Kalan trade, was firmly under her control.

Of course, this is also due to the fact that there is really nothing to look forward to in the other heir.

After exchanging a few seconds of eye contact with Latatos, confirming that she wasn't lying or avoiding eye contact, Ernst turned back and nodded slightly.

"Alright then. Besides asking about the current situation of Kalan Trade, I have another very important matter to discuss with you this time."

Ernst stopped in front of a door at the end of the corridor, gestured for Latatos to enter, and then helped open the door.

Two people sat facing each other in the spacious room. Even those who weren't good at reading the atmosphere could tell from their unwillingness to even look at each other that they were at odds and even on the verge of conflict.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Actos."

Ernst greeted one of the people in the room.

Upon seeing Ernst return, Actos practically jumped up and launched into a tirade against Ernst:

"Ernst, you're planning to make this guy your security guard? Ha! If you ask me, he's not even as good a fighter as my guy, Guluo! If you really want to build your security team, I'll send Guluo to you! You can just get rid of this guy!"

After being called out "this guy" repeatedly, even Jesston couldn't help but get annoyed.

Fortunately, because Ernst was present, he didn't lose his temper on the spot. He just stood up, seething with anger, and retorted:

"Lord Actos, please refrain from speaking nonsense. Although I am not particularly talented, I do hold a Columbia Free Fighting Certificate, a Blacksteel International Mercenary Qualification Certificate, and a Dark Web Professional Executioner Qualification Certificate! Does your subordinate, Guro, have any quantifiable standards to prove his strength?"

Jeston's words were certainly tricky. Anyone with a modicum of sense would know that there was no way to respond to that.

Guro has never even left Sherag, so how could he possibly have obtained all those certificates?

But as everyone knows, Actos, the head of the Perroche family, has never been quite normal.

Upon hearing Jeston's words, he was neither annoyed nor at a loss; instead, he said with an arrogant expression:

"So what if I don't? Guro is someone I approve of. A warrior approved by me, Actos Perroche, isn't that far more valuable than any of your certificates?"

That's incredibly arrogant.

In Jeston's eyes, this is like an old man on the street saying that he thinks Ma Baoguo is more valuable than Bruce Lee, simply because he likes Ma Baoguo.

But this old man's background was rather powerful. This left Jeston unable to directly refute his absurd and unreasonable arguments.

Seeing that the two were about to have intimate physical contact again, Ernst quickly stopped them:

"That's enough, Jeston, sit down first. And Chief Arctos, I have my reasons for choosing Jeston, you can listen to me. Why argue with him first?"

He snapped out of his reverie, noticed the smile on Latatos's lips, sighed helplessly, and rolled his eyes at her:

"Still laughing? Go sit down."

Watching Latatos, a smile playing on her lips, wag her tail and settle into the third chair at the square table, Ernst coughed softly, officially beginning the performance:

"I've invited you all here today to discuss the defense of Shelag."

Chapter 143 You're a minister now, but you have a secretary

"The Shelag Defense Conference?"

"So, can we go home now?"

Actos shrugged.

Ernst's lips twitched.

"What insightful opinion does Chief Aktos have?"

Actos stood up, his face full of self-righteousness:

“It’s very simple. The defense of Shelag has always been handled by our Perroch family, and we have never had any problems with it. I don’t think there is any need to hold a special meeting.”

Ernst breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

You startled me! You should have said that sooner. I thought you were going to expose that Khelag has no defenses at all!

It's a good thing you're so confident; I was actually worried you weren't!

After calming his racing heart, Ernst smiled and looked at Actos, explaining:

"Chief Arctos, you are absolutely right. In fact, I completely agree with your view. The Perroch family has indeed made invaluable contributions to the defense of Shelag. But..."

There's always a "but." Ernst paused deliberately, whetting Actos's appetite before slowly saying:

"As everyone knows, our Shelag is now governed by me, the Prime Minister, in Dejeragand, a decision made jointly by the three major families. It is rather unreasonable that the government governing Shelag does not have a department to manage Shelag's defense affairs. If outsiders see this, I will be ridiculed."

"Can you really bear to see me, the Prime Minister, and the Holy Son not even have proper titles?"

Now it was Actos's turn to be embarrassed.

Ernst's words did indeed sound reasonable. Since the Three Races Conference had already recognized that the Kjerag government was the government that managed all affairs of Kjerag, didn't Kjerag's defense also fall within those affairs?

If it is included, then it is perfectly reasonable for Sherag to convene this defense conference. If it is not included, then isn't the decision of the Three Races Conference a joke? Is he, the patriarch of the Perroch family, going to be the first to lead the opposition to the Three Races Conference?

However, despite this, the defense of Sherag was the foundation of the Perroch family's superior position. As a beneficiary of this power, Actos could use it to organize and train an army larger than the other two families, send troops to other territories without their consent when unrest occurred in the territories of the two families, and even launch armed attacks—all privileges he had been granted.

How could he possibly relinquish this right so easily?

Therefore, Actus, who was known for his sophistry, chose to remain silent at this moment.

He neither agreed nor disagreed.

Ernst had anticipated his reaction. He also knew very well that, without resorting to force, this was the maximum resistance Actos could offer.

Latatos, who was watching the confrontation from the sidelines, also looked at Ernst with great interest.

Using the resolutions of the Three Races Conference as an argument to secure defense rights for the Sherag government, this tactic of leveraging external forces to render Aktos speechless was indeed a brilliant move.

But not enough.

Because Latatos knew, like Actos, that the maximum offensive Ernst could launch without resorting to force was limited to this.

As long as Actos remains adamant in his stance, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, no one can do anything about him.

He was, after all, the patriarch of the Perroch family, one of the most powerful men in Kjerag, controlling the most fertile valleys and lakes, supporting the entire Kjerag's food production. He also commanded a sizable army.

Even Enciodes, at the height of his power and arrogance, dared not confront him head-on.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been forced by himself and Aktos to relinquish the benefits he was about to claim and agree to establish the Sherag government at the Three Races Conference.

If Ernst were to use force, or even violence, then Latatos would undoubtedly not approve of him... well, considering personal feelings, she'd probably not approve at least 80%.

Aktos Perroche is no Nohis Edwis. His subjects, who have long served as "guardians of Shelag," are not as easily swayed as the employees of the Karan Trade. Expecting them to accept a parachuted-in "Ministry of Defense leader" is practically a pipe dream!

At that point, Ernst would not only offend Actos, but his Ministry of Defense would also face resistance. If the situation were not controlled, it could even lead to riots within the Perroch territory, or even more serious civil unrest.

Ratatos's eyes gleamed with anticipation.

At some point, appreciating and learning from Ernst became one of her greatest hobbies.

Those problems that seemed intractable to her, problems for which there was no other way but to confront him, were all solved effortlessly by Ernst. This made her even more eager to see what would happen next.

What method will Ernst use this time?

"Chief Aktos, there's no need to be so resistant. Just like I said when I came into the room, you can listen to my proposal first."

Noticing Actos's stern expression, Ernst pouted helplessly.

“I have never intended to target the Perroch family. I have the utmost respect for the three families and their contributions to the history of Kjerag. That is why I am so eager to work with the three families to complete Kjerag’s transition to modernization.”

“This is not just empty talk. You can take a look at Miss Latatos. Doesn’t her current attire seem a bit unfamiliar to you? You should have guessed it by now. She is now serving as a representative of the Sherag government and my representative, holding a decision-making position in the Karan Trade and also having a seat on the board of directors. Even my brother Enciodes has to consult her before making a decision.”

Ernst looked at Latatos. Latatos nodded.

This is a fact, and even if she denies it, Actos can find out. Besides, she has no reason to deny it at all.

She was very grateful to Ernst for giving her this opportunity. Although the job was initially very difficult, just as Ernst had told her, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform the Blantau family.

Latatos already had many ideas in her mind. As long as the time was right, she could establish the second "Kalan Trading Company" in Sherag, no, the first "Blantau Trading Company"!

Ernst turned to Actos, whose expression had softened somewhat, and continued:

"So please believe me, I have absolutely no intention of undermining the Perroch family's pivotal position in defense affairs. On the contrary, I convened this meeting to give you a surprise!"

Ernst clapped his hands, and the door opened again. Holhaya, who had been waiting at the door, stepped into the conference room with an appointment letter that looked like an award certificate in her hand.

She bowed slightly to the people in the room, and then, as Ernst had instructed, handed the letter of appointment to Actos, who was somewhat dazed.

Actos accepted the letter of appointment, his gaze falling upon the elegant handwriting in black on a gold background (written by Vina), at which point Ernst's voice rang out:

"As the Prime Minister of Kjerag, I have decided to formally appoint you, Mr. Actos Perroche, as the Minister of Defense of Kjerag!"

"Minister of Defense!" Actos, holding the letter of appointment, suddenly stood up, his face filled with disbelief.

It's unbelievable that Ernst would appoint me to such a prestigious and modern position. It's unbelievable that Ernst actually kept his word, neither threatening my position nor revoking my power. It's unbelievable that Ernst's handwriting is so beautiful, and that the appointment letter is so well-made!

It's so cool, I could take it home, frame it, hang it on the wall, and show it to everyone I meet. I'd say, "This is my letter of appointment as Minister of Defense!" Of all the ministers in Shelag, do any other ministers have such a letter of appointment? Only I have such a handsome, gleaming golden letter of appointment!

"From this moment forward, Chief Aktos, or rather, Your Excellency Aktos, you are now the officially appointed Minister of Defense under the Ministry of Defense of the Sherag government! The defense of Sherag will be entrusted to you and your secretary, Mr. Jeston."

Ernst clapped his hands and congratulated him.

Before he could finish speaking, Actos raised his objections again:

"Wait, wait, wait, what's this guy doing here?"

He pointed at Jeston.

What is a secretary?

“Secretaries are worthless,” Holhaya retorted with a smile.

Ernst suddenly realized and explained, "Oh, Lord Actos, a secretary is someone who helps you with your tasks."

"Can I not have a secretary?" Actos asked, frowning.

Ernst nodded readily: "Of course, Your Excellency Actos, but I must remind you beforehand that I created this position of secretary for your benefit. The secretary is very important. Government affairs are different from family affairs, and many involve areas you may not be familiar with or understand. For example, writing defense documents, developing defense plans, communicating with the outside military community, and writing the annual defense white paper, etc."

Ernst then pointed to Latatos:

“Miss Latatos often told me that when she first joined Kalan Trade, her unfamiliarity with the various industries, indicators, and rules made her initial work particularly difficult. And having to report to Kalan Trade on time every day also left her feeling physically and mentally exhausted at times.”

"The purpose of creating the secretary position is to help you solve these problems. If you insist on canceling it, you may have to deal with these problems yourself."

Actos stood there, stunned.

He thought the Defense Minister was no different from before. Now that he hears this, it seems a bit difficult.

And forget about the work itself, just having to come to Tukarim every day is enough to drive him crazy. He's the chieftain of Peroch, what kind of behavior is this, running to Shiva's territory every day? Not to mention he's clocking in early in the morning, does he think he'll neglect his family affairs?