In the past two years, Berliat had felt a sense of crisis.
If the gloomy Ugor was to be measured in time, the period between the end of the Eight Peaks Expedition and the fall of Kislöw was his golden age. During this period, his position was not high, but he was trusted and valued by Laing. Laing gave him a lot of authority and autonomy, as well as sufficient funds.
Berliat was not interested in money. What he desired was power and status, and perhaps a little beauty. His salary and rewards were more than enough. He did not accept bribes, and he did not bend the law for personal gain. This was because Berliat knew very well that he was a lone official. Laing's trust was the only opportunity for him to gain a foothold in the Brittany court.
After the fall of Kislöw, although Berliat's position had risen, his power had actually weakened. This was because there were no more bear carcasses to eat, so he did not have the ability to be a full-time official. After becoming the political commissar of the First Guards Pike Cavalry Regiment, Berliat immediately found a new position for himself. He was the director of the Muxilon Military Factory. He had the right to supervise, but not the right to manage. He had always been closely monitoring the flow of funds and employment issues in the factory.
Under Berliat's leadership and the dwarf's suggestion, a ten-hour working day with eight days off and two days off, double overtime pay, a community recreation room for workers, a food street, a literacy class, and regular holiday activities with rewards and competitions were established. At the same time, through the ranks of general worker, level two technician, level one technician, engineer, and senior engineer, as well as the corresponding salary and benefits, the enthusiasm and work spirit of the workers was greatly stimulated.
It was due to this reason that since Year 2522 of the Imperial Calendar, the Tzeentch cult and other Chaos sects hiding in Musillon had been inciting the workers to riot or destroy the only military industrial center in Brittania. However, it was futile. The workers couldn't be incited at all. The Tzeentch cult members had tried their best to bribe them with gold and silver, but to no avail. Not only that, the workers refused to do anything, but they also managed to protect the factory well despite numerous premeditated attacks and explosions.
However, there was also a problem. Belial soon realized that he had nothing to do. After the entire system of rules, evaluation, and promotion had been established, the Wugorians had fewer things to do, and he no longer seemed that important.
Berliat knew that as a bureaucrat, the most important thing was the "three things".
To avoid things, without Laing or Suria's permission, he would not do anything that had nothing to do with him. He would not take any responsibility that had nothing to do with him, and would not do anything that did not benefit him.
To do things, he had to take the initiative to find something for himself to do. He had to emphasize his importance, constantly show his presence and political achievements, and find something to show his ability.
To be able to do things, this was the easiest to understand. It was most important to be able to share the burden of the monarch and complete the tasks that were given to him to satisfy Laing or Suria.
It was because of this that he took some risks and took the initiative to propose the "Kislöw Restoration Plan" and the "Female Tsar Heir Plan" to Laing.
The things were done, but Berliat did not get many benefits. Half a year's salary could be understood as an "incentive punishment". However, Queen Suria somehow found out about this and did not treat Berliat well when Laing was not around.
This was very troublesome.
He remembered that he was very serious about keeping it a secret!
(In fact, Suria was aware of it. Teresa, who knew a little bit of the inside story, unconsciously revealed a little bit through her excellent word-of-mouth skills.)
Now, Talleyrand and Berliat, who were in a luxurious suit and a military uniform, were walking in the passage of the palace with Berliat. It was obvious that Talleyrand was calm, but Berliat was a little uneasy. "My Foreign Affairs Minister, is His Majesty holding a 'big' or a 'small' one today?"
"It should be a big one." Talleyrand leaned on his crutch, and the tall lame man was guessing what Laing meant.
"A big one?" Berliat asked.
Talleyrand nodded. He glanced at Berliat who was a little uneasy and pale. He was amused, but said, "Oh, oh, I don't know what's going on, but I can only say that I'm really looking forward to tasting Her Highness Morgiana's cooking again. This kind of opportunity is really rare. We all know that Her Highness the Lake Goddess will only cook for His Majesty."
"Is, is that so …" Berliat was not thinking about this.
However, as soon as the double doors of the room were opened, Berliat immediately calmed down.
Because in addition to the Knight King, Laing, and the Knight King's queen, Suria, Laing's chief female minister, Veronica, was also there. The female speaker's attire was particularly elegant today. Her graceful body was only wearing a fiery red tight-fitting dress, and her graceful S-shaped curves were envied by all women. The part above her breasts to the neckline was a transparent design, and her snow-white skin was faintly discernible, sexy and charming. Her beautiful dark brown hair was draped over her back, and her beautiful face was exquisitely made-up. Her swan-like slender snow-white neck was wearing a divine jewelry that shone with a powerful light.
Under the desk, two slender legs wrapped in thin black silk Lycra pantyhose stood side by side. The part of the skirt that wrapped around the buttocks seemed to have a kind of magic, making people want to explore the deep black gap in the middle. The delicate jade feet were wearing ten centimeters of silver studded high heels. It was definitely someone's favorite.
Berliat knew about Veronica's matter. A while ago, Veronica had just received a flower wedding dress from the Lake Fairy, Lilith, and was very excited. She wore the dress and showed it off everywhere. "This is a gift from Laing!" "How is it? Ordinary people don't have it, right?"
As a result, Laing was unhappy. One must know that the fiery and unrestrained Veronica's flower wedding dress was a typical semicircular ultra-low cut and miniskirt. When she showed off outside, Laing was naturally jealous and unhappy. However, he could not punish her, so he forced her to add a layer of fabric on top of the tube top. Only then did it pass the examination.
So, what did this mean?
Veronica's appearance here meant that Ryan and Sulia would not be in a situation where they would question him.
Sure enough, after everyone sat down one after another, Laing signaled Berliat to make the wine. Today's wine was Snow Goose Vodka mixed with Baileys Liqueur.
Berliat was relieved and immediately made the wine for Laing and Suria. Knight King wanted to say something, but when he saw that Laing had already spoken, he could only give up. He secretly reached out his hand to Laing's waist and found a suitable position. In an instant, he twisted his wrist 360 degrees.
Laing's facial muscles twitched, and he could not help but smile bitterly. He did not dare to resist.
After taking their seats, only Laing, Suria, Veronica, Talleyrand, Berliat, and the head maid, Sylvia, were present.
Without much nonsense, Laing quickly got to the point. "Talleyrand, you answered my question and did a good job last time, so I asked you to come again today."
"I dare to use all my strength to show my loyalty, and I will continue to die!" Seeing that Laing's face was serious and did not seem to be joking, Talleyrand straightened his body and said firmly.
Seeing Talleyrand's "I'm the most loyal" expression, Laing and Suria's faces twitched a few times.
How can a person be so shameless?
Laing had just returned from the subspace and was very busy every day, so he did not have much time to think. He directly asked Talleyrand about the Empire.
The core of the question was, if Emperor Karl-franz was really dead, and the Nur army entered the capital of the Empire, then what were the chances of his eldest son, Frey Derick, becoming the emperor of the Empire?
"Your Majesty, if you ask me, I'm not very confident." Talleyrand thought for a long time, and the lame man's answer was, "It's like the King Selection Congress in Ossouin. Whether or not the Empire can appoint a new emperor depends on whether or not the parliament of the Empire can be held as scheduled, reasonably, and legally. Frey Derick must be registered immediately. None of the three conditions can be ignored."
"Three conditions?" Laing hinted at Talleyrand to continue.
"Firstly, confirm that Emperor Karl-franz is dead. Secondly, elect a single person, which means that Frey Derick has no competitors. Thirdly, all the existing Kurfürsten must stand on Frey Derick's side. At least two-thirds of the votes are needed to directly crown the emperor of the Empire in a temporary emergency." Talleyrand nodded and combed his curly hair elegantly. The Brittany Foreign Affairs Minister said solemnly, "You must've considered the first and third conditions, so I won't say more. Even for the second one … Your Majesty, don't forget that Emperor Karl-franz may have met with misfortune, but his titles of Grand Duke of Brunswick and Grand Prince of Brunswick are not without heirs! Also, the queen of the Empire … "
"Queen Helena of the Empire? Karl's son, Luitbald II?" Laing immediately understood.
Yes! Karl-franz had a queen and a son! Suria, who was sitting next to him, couldn't help but nod.
The emperor's wife and son were too insignificant. Different from Suria, who was the "executive deputy king", Helena, Karl-franz's queen, had barely participated in any politics. She barely even attended any activities together with the emperor.
Luitbald II, as the emperor's eldest son, was very strange too. He was less than thirty years old this year, which was the prime age for a crown prince to deal with affairs. However, judging from the military operations after Karl-franz ascended the throne, not only did Luitbald II not follow the army, he barely even showed up in the internal affairs and ritual activities.
But it was without a doubt that Frey Derick couldn't stop Luitbald II if he came out to fight. Then, according to the system of the Empire, an election ceremony for the emperor would have to be held at this moment. Not only would there be three rounds of election, but all the Kurfürsten had to be present, and it would take several months.
Then, what about violence?
No. Laing hurried to shake his head and deny it in his heart. Violence at this moment? Leaving aside the legitimacy and legality of the election of the emperor by force, violence at this moment meant civil war. Also, anybody could use it as an excuse to rebel against the court of the Empire in the future, and the Age of Three Emperors and the Age of the Great Void would immediately reappear in the Empire.
Civil war at this moment???
"The Kurfürst system of the Empire can ensure that things are not out of control at any moment, but it is too lame at such a critical moment!" After a few glasses of vodka, Veronica was already lying on Laing's body and acting like a spoiled child. "Not good enough ~ Laing ~ You are the best. You are the best. The Goddess of Vengeance commands the whole country. Who dares to compete with her?"
"Okay, I understand this question. Then, the second question." Laing patted Veronica's plump bottom and asked, "Even if Frey can't be elected emperor, according to the time, the Nur Army must have arrived in Brunswick, and the parliament of the Empire must have been opened. Then, why didn't the Empire send a request for help to us? At this time, there is no reason. As long as the horn of Ubetherick is blown, Bogenhafen will light up the beacon tower and ask for help from us. "
"Your Majesty, that is what you think." Talleyrand drank a glass of vodka. The lame man pondered for a long time. "Your Majesty, you are thinking about the survival of the old world and Frey's father. Have you ever thought about the problem from the perspective of an ordinary Kurfürst of the Empire?"
"An ordinary Kurfürst?" Laing was deep in thought.
"Your Majesty, you have to consider a problem. Whether it is Emmanuel, Duchess of the Empire, or your son, Baron, they all have one thing in common, which is that they lack ability, prestige, and influence. Even if they can have an advantage in the parliament of the Empire, it is because you are behind them." Talleyrand stopped eating. The lame man showed a rare serious expression. "With your support, they can beat the other Kurfürst of the Empire in all aspects. But without your influence, they may be excellent and have some prestige, but they will never be able to control the parliament of the Empire. Do you understand what I mean?"
Suria's lips curled. She liked what Talleyrand said. It was safe to say that without Laing's support, Emilia wouldn't have been able to be the Kurfürst archduchess so easily, and Frey wouldn't have been able to unite the army of Nur when he was only twenty. That was Laing, her husband!
Veronica was more or less angry. Little maid? I was the one who bought her back!
Berliat did not say anything but focused on mixing the drinks.
"I understand it now. Nur has an army, but nobody will be convinced by the army alone. That's what a warlord does, and the country will only collapse instantly. Let's take the system of the Empire as an example." Laing immediately understood it. "At this moment, we must not play the 'Laing Card' on the parliament of the Empire, because it will be an absolute political mistake, right?"
"Exactly!" Talleyrand really liked talking to Laing. He only needed to know when to stop.
"Their military achievements are obviously insufficient. Their prestige is barely qualified, but they are still far from Your Majesty. Right now, neither the abdication nor the coup is worthy of the throne." Talleyrand was truly solemn at this moment. "Therefore, as long as the countess and the barons are not idiots, they will only intimidate you with the elite army of Nur at best. They will never dare to force an abdication or a coup. In that case, it will be impossible for them to control the parliament of the Empire."
"Therefore, whether or not to ask for help from Brittany will be put on the agenda for everybody to discuss." Talleyrand continued. Seeing that everybody in the banquet hall, including Morgiana who served the dishes, was listening to him carefully, the tall lame man continued, "Then, for the Kurfürsten and the owners of the Kurfürst right of the Empire, it will be a very complicated question whether or not to ask for foreign soldiers to enter the capital. It will be a lie if the Kurfürsten say that they do not want foreign reinforcements, but if they do come, it will not be a good thing for the other Kurfürsten and the cabinet of the Empire, either. Your Majesty, you will understand if you think about it. Then, no matter what happens, the countess and her son will benefit, and they will be asking for help."
"Therefore, everybody is in a hurry, but they are all waiting and will not be the first to speak. From the perspective of the Kurfürsten, the best outcome is that Countess Emmanuel and the barons propose and promote the plan of asking for foreign soldiers." Talleyrand dipped his hand in the vodka and drew on the tablecloth. "Then, they will 'reluctantly' agree, or even give their tacit consent by not saying anything."
"It was you who asked the Brittany to come. Does it have anything to do with us? The Empire can obviously persist. If we lose, it will prove that it is useless to ask for foreign soldiers, and if we win, it will be our persistence. Does it have anything to do with you calling us dad? Don't flatter yourself, alright? " Talleyrand analyzed the Kurfürsten's thinking circuit of the Empire. "Isn't it perfectly reasonable for a son to ask his father for help?"
"Besides, who knows what will happen if foreign soldiers are invited to the capital of the Empire? Huh? Everybody knows that the baron is your son, the countess is your lover, and you have a son and three daughters. Should the Brittany cavalry from the west enter the capital and abolish the emperor of the Empire by force so that the baron can ascend to the throne, the Kurfürsten will at least have a reason to say that they were forced or coerced. After Chaos is beaten back, the Kurfürsten can even launch an 'Anti- Laing Alliance'. By then, Your Majesty, you … "
Talleyrand stopped talking.
Laing was more and more puzzled as he listened. He thought to himself that the story sounded very familiar to him!
The whole territory was in trouble both inside and outside. As it happened, the emperor passed away, and the central government of the Empire was unable to control the chaos, so a certain noble suggested that foreign soldiers be sent to the capital to quell the rebellion?
Mr. Lai from the Empire led the Brittany cavalry to the capital to control the situation from Simak in the West (the Brittany established a province briefly before the Empire was established but was later abolished because of the inability to control it)?
After Mr. Lai entered the capital, he abolished Luitpold II, the rightful heir of Emperor Bank, and forcibly replaced his own son, Frey Derick, as the emperor?
As the Empress Dowager's maid, she had an affair with Grand Preceptor Lai?
Was Mr. Lai jealous or not?
Let's go to the part where the title is not legitimate and the thirteen electors ask for Lai?
The Empire was in chaos, and the warlords were divided? The electors rose?
The grand preceptor was actually me???
Laing completely understood. He could not help but sigh. The elector system and the political operation logic of the Empire had been played out by Talleyrand.
Such a system could allow the Empire to correct mistakes and avoid interference from external forces to the greatest extent, but it really pulled the earth apart at the critical moment.
Was it so difficult to do something?
Laing understood again.
"It is extremely difficult for the elector system of the Empire to do something, Your Majesty. But if the Empire's system does not want to do something, there are probably ten thousand ways to do it." Talleyrand smiled and said, "So it is the same for the parliament of Ossouin and the parliament of the Empire. There must be a monarch who constantly supervises and promotes the implementation. The High Lord Tyrion and Emperor Karl-franz were this role, and so are you, Your Majesty. Right now, the Knight King Kingdom cannot lose you. Never."
"Do you think the Empire can pass the resolution to ask for our help?" Laing continued to ask.
"It's hard to say, Your Majesty. If the Countess and the Baron cannot control the parliament of the Empire, then we can only count on a politician in the Empire's parliament to propose and implement the resolution with fearless dedication and true sacrifice for the Empire." Talleyrand clenched the spoon and said, "He must be determined to bear all the consequences and bear all the sins, and he must not expect to gain anything."
"Then we must be prepared for both sides." Laing stood up and said, "If the Empire finally decides to ask for our help, that will be the best. If the Empire does not ask for our help, then we must also be prepared to support the Empire. But we will not go to Brunswick."
"Then where do you plan to support?" Suria asked.
"White Wolf City, Mildenheim!"
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
