Mystery: The arrival of the new Black Emperor

Regarding "The Fool" Klein's question, "Emperor" Hobert's answer was: "The Iron Curtain has fallen."

Other members thought this was the "Emperor" describing the current international situation as a foregone conclusion as if the "Iron Curtain" had been lowered.

Only Klein understood that Hobert’s original intention was that once this ideological struggle began, it would be a life-and-death struggle without any room for relaxation.

This reminds me of the history of prehistoric civilization, and I feel in my heart that the development of the current situation is always surprisingly consistent.

The once huge red giant with a torrent of steel was also established at the end of the First World War.

But the difference is that Hobert understands the development of history. He first used the war to seize a huge amount of wealth, and then obtained a large amount of war reparations as a victorious country.

The last thing is Hobert's use of extraordinary power. Theoretically, with the current situation, Loen and other countries should have frozen all the assets of the Kingdom of Atlantis in the Northern Continent.

However, according to what Klein learned when he was in industrial cities such as Constant, half of the real estate in the entire industrial zone on the south coast of the Sea of ​​​​Jianhai was the property of the Kingdom of Atlantis, and no one had confiscated it.

Before, it was because they were still allies, but now it is because the Kingdom of Loen no longer has the ability to face the Kingdom of Atlantis, so it does not dare to do anything.

In terms of extraordinary power, the Kingdom of Atlantis is already much stronger than Rune, and in terms of the Orthodox Church, the Church of the Earth Mother God will definitely support the Kingdom of Atlantis.

If they have to take sides, the Church of the Goddess of the Night will most likely support the Kingdom of Atlantis, but until they have to take sides, the Church of the Goddess of the Night will maintain the current mutual support.

Considering the attitude of its allies, the Church of Storms will probably choose not to help each other, or provide limited help to the Loen royal family. For example, if Loen fails in the war between the two countries, they will step in to preserve the royal family's certain strength, but otherwise Count on them to offer help.

Other churches, the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, have no direct interest and should choose to stay out of the matter. The Church of the Eternal Sun and the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery, as the losing parties, have just signed some religious agreements and will not take action easily. .

So as far as the Orthodox Church is concerned, the Kingdom of Atlantis has certain advantages.

With this "combination punch", not only will the assets of the Kingdom of Atlantis in the Northern Continent not be frozen, but they will also be able to continue to use those industries to continuously transfuse blood for the new Kingdom of Atlantis.

This is also different from the history in Klein's impression. He believes that with Hobert's deployment, the Kingdom of Atlantis will quickly become stronger!

But this kind of power must be something that the countries in the Northern Continent are not willing to see, and it is even something that they are very afraid of.

Hobert spread his hands and said: "Don't make it seem like we started the war. During the Backlund peace talks, we were isolated.

“Ruen, in particular, originally promised to help us obtain franchise rights for many industries across the Northern Continent after the war, but they went back on their word the day after the negotiations began.

"I can understand that they were forced to agree to some conditions when the war situation was unfavorable, but what I can't understand is why they felt no guilt for breaking the contract later?"

The other members had nothing to say. Although most of them did not want the war to continue, the decision whether to break out of the war was not in their hands.

After being quiet for a while, "Hermit" Cattleya started a new topic: "I heard that William I, the 'protector' of the Loen Kingdom, was killed!"

The members were all stunned. In previous exchanges, they had learned that the Archangel of the Feneport Royal Family had lost his extraordinary characteristics. Unexpectedly, the Archangel of the Loen Kingdom had also been killed!

"Yes." Hobert gave an affirmative reply: "Trunsoest's plan to seize William I's extraordinary characteristics was discovered by us, so we used Trunsoest's plan to kill William I. ”

"Ah?" "Star" Leonard didn't react for a moment: What kind of logic is this?

Klein also lamented: Is this the thinking mode of lawyers?

Cattleya was slightly startled: "So, it was you who killed William I?"

Hobert nodded but did not release details.

Klein also realized that this was preventing Trunsoest from obtaining more Sequence 1 characteristics.

"The Hanged Man" Alger said: "Isn't this the reason for the current tense international situation?"

Hobert smiled and said: "Who asked William I to push Trunsoest out to be the king of the Parth Kingdom? Maybe Roen's previous victory in a desperate situation made them suddenly lose themselves.

"William I actually had the idea of ​​using Trunsoest. When he had this idea, his fate was already sealed."

Alger and other members have discovered that they cannot discuss the world structure with the "Emperor", otherwise all the faults will be the fault of the "Emperor's" opponents.

This time, Klein was not very opposed to the war. He saw with his own eyes the prosperity of the Kingdom of Atlantis and the ordinary people regaining hope and confidence in life.

He also saw that the ills of the countries in the Northern Continent had not been eliminated because of the war, but that the needs now increased, covering up some of the ills.

In Klein's view, if this war breaks out, it will be a "righteous war."

This topic ended here, and the hall was quiet for a while again, before Alger asked Derrick "The Sun": "I heard that there are some problems with your holy scriptures? Has the problem been solved now?"

The "Holy Code of Fools" basically only spread in the Kingdom of Atlantis, and the speed of spread was not very fast, so now Alger heard that some of the contents of the "Holy Code" were inappropriate.

Derrick subconsciously glanced at Mr. Fool shrouded in gray mist: "The problem is solved."

Cattleya asked curiously: "What problem did we encounter."

Derrick glanced at the "Emperor" again before saying: "Some descriptions have not been verified or are too exaggerated. We have already made a revision."

Alger reminded: "We must be careful not to spread bad propaganda about other churches, so as not to cause conflicts."

Klein, who was sitting at the head of the long bronze table, thought about their revised holy book: I can only say that it won't cause trouble, but some ridiculous things will definitely happen. For example, one day, Will Ascetin saw the holy book of the Church of Fools and was surprised to find: When did I become an angel under the seat of "The Fool"?

Then, the old man in Leonard's body, Mr. Azik who woke up, and Miss Messenger who was trying to recover, said: What, me too?

After exchanging information about the Holy Code, Cattleya looked around with little expectation and said, "Which of you has the extraordinary characteristics of Sequence 3 of the 'Secret Peeper' path?"

It has been a long time since she digested the potion of the "Occultist", but she only got the potion formula of the "Master of Prophecy" from the Moss Ascetic Order. She is still far, far away from getting the extraordinary properties or the main material. .

Although she is a member of the Ten Pillars of Moss Ascetic Order, the higher the sequence path goes, the more precious the corresponding resources become. Even such an ancient organization cannot squander it arbitrarily.

Moreover, Cattleya was born in the "Dawn" and was less influenced by the "Hidden Sage", so she was not so trusted within the Moss Ascetic Order.

She might not be able to get a chance to be promoted in her organization for several years, or even more than ten years, so she had to seek help from the Tarot Club.

No one from the other members spoke. Extraordinary characteristics of this level were not like carrots on roadside stalls, they were everywhere.

Currently, most of them are also worrying about the characteristics and promotion of Sequence 3.

At this time, Hobert suddenly said: "Do you have any idea of ​​​​jumping to the adjacent path?"

This sentence sounded familiar to everyone. After thinking about it for a moment, they immediately looked at Leonard.

Cattleya took a deep breath, almost without even thinking: "Yes."

Hobert nodded slowly. This was the reaction of a normal person. To be honest, he had never thought before that Leonard could refuse to jump to an adjacent path and give up the opportunity to become an angel.

But think about it, that kind of decision is indeed in line with Leonard's character.

"I have clues about the extraordinary characteristics of the 'Arcane Scholar' and the 'Knowledge Teacher'." Hobert said: "I can help you solve the magic potion formula."

The "clue" that Hobert was talking about was the "0-82" crystal light curtain that he had obtained in the God War. It was a sealed object that matched the "Knowledge Teacher".

And the ability is very useless. If you can use it to cultivate an angel, that would be great.

As for the magic potion formula, it was easy for Hobert to obtain it. He only needed to use the extraordinary characteristics to "correlate" to get the corresponding formula.

Even the characteristics after crushing can be "related".

Hobert did have the extraordinary characteristic of the "Emperor of Knowledge" in his hand, but part of Russell's spirit remained in it, so he had no intention of crushing this extraordinary characteristic.

Cattleya was excited: "I, what kind of reward should I pay?"

"I have to think about this or discuss it." Hobert said: "Tomorrow I can give you the potion formula first, and you can prepare the ritual first. When the time is right, you can also try to be promoted first, and then you can make up for the reward. Can."

"Okay!" Cattleya took a deep breath and said sincerely: "Thank you!"

That's your chance to become an angel! It is the dream of many people!

At this time, "Moon" Emlyn suddenly sighed: "The third portion!"

Everyone knows that what he said is true. This is the third clue to the extraordinary characteristics of the angel level that the emperor has released!

"Magician" Forsi said in his heart: What you don't know is that Hobert has already prepared the extraordinary characteristics for me to advance to Sequence 3, and also got clues about the extraordinary characteristics of "Planeswalker".

Klein also thought: In this way, the extraordinary characteristics of becoming an angel were obtained with Hobert's help.

This made Him sigh again at the difference between angels.

After completing the transaction, no one continued to exchange information, and Klein announced that the Tarot Club was over.

After returning to the real world, Hobert and Audrey did not get up immediately, but continued to lie on the bed. Audrey first asked: "Hobert, where did you get so many high-level clues to extraordinary characteristics?"

Hobert smiled and said, "This is not a clue I obtained alone."

Then he said: "Currently, as long as I have clues, I can obtain the extraordinary characteristics of an angel level relatively easily.

"If there are a few more angels who are kind to us, this will be a very good deal."

Audrey said "Yeah", it seemed like that was what happened.

Hobert sat up first: "Since your parents are here, please spend some time with your parents.

"Well, you haven't been back to Loen for a long time, so I might as well give you a month's leave."

Just when Audrey was about to refuse, Hobert took the lead and said, "In a month or two, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be very, very busy, and you won't have time to rest even if you want to."

Audrey was moved because she had indeed not had a break in a while.

"It's best not to go back to Backlund." Hobert warned: "Your current status is a bit special. You may encounter some trouble if you go back to Backlund. I suggest you go to the family territory in East Chester County to relax. ”

Audrey said with emotion: "I do miss the beautiful mountains and rivers there and the fresh air there."

Hobert smiled slightly: "Pay attention to safety and contact me immediately using the 'Order Crystal' if you encounter any problems."

"Oh." Audrey agreed, feeling that she was a demigod after all, so she shouldn't encounter any difficult problems.

Hobert stood beside the bed and stretched: "Okay, it's time for me to meet with the envoys."

Audrey stood up and kissed Hobert goodbye.

Back in the office, the palace steward invited Princess Ethel, the special envoy of the Kingdom of Feneport, to come in.

When various countries send special envoys, it is very important which one to meet first. In the past, Hobert would definitely meet with the Luen Special Envoy first, but now it is different.

Hobert had a few polite words with the princess who still had short hair, and then got down to the topic. Ethel said: "No matter what the situation is in the future, we will stand unswervingly in the support of the Kingdom of Atlantis." This side."

Of course, we have to stand on this side. The Church of the Mother Earth will definitely support the Kingdom of Atlantis.

For the Feneport royal family, without the Archangel, basically where the church goes, the royal family has to follow.

And now the Kingdom of Atlantis is strong enough. In the previous world war, the Principality of South Balam could only affect the war situation. Under the oppression of the Intis and Feysac armies, their tactics could only be guerrilla-based. host.

But it's different now. The war has only ended for more than half a year, and the Kingdom of Atlantis already has the power to challenge the entire northern continent!

Ethel's statement made Hobert nodded slightly, but he said another thing: "Actually, we don't regard the nobles as enemies, or we don't regard anyone as our enemies!

"We hope to allow ordinary people to create more wealth, so that by making the cake bigger, everyone can get more benefits."

Ethel seemed to think for a while before saying: "We will consider introducing the political model of the Kingdom of Atlantis."

Hobert smiled and said: "As a friend, I want to remind you that the sooner this process happens, the better. If you wait until the end of the war, the Feneport Kingdom will miss the best opportunity."

Ethel nodded: "I will convince the council as soon as possible."

Hobert suddenly jumped to another question: "Do you still want to be the king now?"

Ethel was slightly stunned at first, and then suppressed her excitement: "I want to, but there is still some resistance."

Originally, she had the support of Philip I, and she would definitely win the fight for the throne. However, the problem now is that after Philip I lost the status of an archangel, he quickly lost his original authority.

Hobert said "Hmm": "If you plan to introduce the political model of the Kingdom of Atlantis, I will ask an angel to send you back to your country.

"When you become the queen, you will promote corresponding reforms, but what is certain is that in the future, the nobles of Feneport will lose many rights and interests, and the rich will not be able to do whatever they want like before.

"You must be mentally prepared accordingly, and the extraordinary members of the royal family must also be mentally prepared accordingly."

Ethel immediately said: "I will ask the people you sent to form a cabinet, and all management of the kingdom will be handed over to the cabinet."

Hobert was very satisfied with Ethel's promise: "I will only send people to help you form a transitional government. After the government operates normally, we will leave at most some consultants, and in the next few years, these consultants will gradually withdraw ”

At that time, they will be able to control the Kingdom of Feneport politically and economically, and it doesn't matter whether they keep advisors or not.

Ethel took a deep breath and sighed inwardly that she should have come here earlier.

Then he asked: "Is the battle in the Balam Empire still going well? Do you need our support?"

Countries in the Northern Continent have different views on this war. Some say that the Kingdom of Atlantis has gained an advantage, while others say that the Kingdom of Atlantis has fallen into the quagmire of war.

For fear of causing misunderstandings, Fenebaud has not sent anyone to the front lines of the battlefield to conduct detailed investigations.

Hobert smiled and said: "You don't have to worry about the coming war. My marshal once said: If the Kingdom of Parth is still there in the New Year, it will be a shame to him."

Ethel's eyes narrowed and she thought of Medici, who had once been loyal to the "Creator".

Hobert continued: "You have such worries only because the Southern Continent has been on the edge of the civilization circle for a long time.

"But it's different now. This place will be the center of the civilization circle in the future!"

After chatting for a few more words about the international situation, Ethel said goodbye and left.

As she walked out, she suddenly recalled the scene more than two years ago, when she invited Hobert to visit her villa and win over him, hoping to help her compete for the position of crown prince.

And now, Hobert has the ability to send her directly to the king's position.

After concluding his meeting with the special envoy of the Kingdom of Feneport, Hobert then met with the special envoy of the Loen Kingdom, Princess Alice.

The two chatted briefly, and Alice said helplessly: "Hobert, why did the situation develop to this point?"

Hobert did not say anything too official, but just smiled and said: "Our differences lie in all aspects, and it is impossible for me to ignore the hostility of Loen's senior officials towards the Kingdom of Atlantis."

Alice took a deep breath: "Why don't you explain the death of the Loen Kingdom's 'protector'?"

Hobert said: "A child holding a piece of gold passing through a busy market can easily be robbed.

"So is this the child's fault? Or is it the gold's fault? Or is it the robber's fault?"

Alice opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out.

This was the first time she heard someone describe the "protector" as a child.

Hobert added: "William I should unswervingly join forces with me to deal with Trunsoest, instead of helping Trunsoest deal with me.

"I know what William I was thinking at the time. He felt that Trunsoest and I were bigger enemies. If our territories were not far apart, we would definitely fight first.

“And in order to prevent Trunsoest from recovering the extraordinary characteristics of William I, I will definitely continue to join the Loen Alliance to fight against Trunsoest.

“In this way, he can have his way on both sides of the Northern Continent, watch us fight to exhaustion, and then look for opportunities to grab some profits.

"This is Luen's favorite political model in the colonies. It's very annoying."

Alice nodded: "I understand."

Hobert said again: "The Iron Curtain has fallen. The future direction of the world can only be determined by war."

The two did not talk for long, because Alice had clearly felt Hobert's attitude, and there was no possibility of mediation in the relationship between the two countries.

The third person Hobert met was the Intis envoy. The envoy first tentatively asked: Can the prisoners of war in Intis be released early?

According to the previous "Backlund Peace Treaty", Hobert would release more than 320,000 Intis prisoners of war within a year.

About half a year has passed and Hobert has released less than 60,000 people.

This group of prisoners of war has greatly solved the shortage of manpower in various places. They have built houses and squares. So far, they have basically built two small cities.

And Intis currently wants these prisoners of war back just to expand the army!

After all, these prisoners of war have undergone long-term military training and have participated in wars. They are much stronger than newly recruited soldiers.

So Hobert made a condition that if Intis could pay off the war compensation in advance, he would release the prisoners in advance.

The war compensation paid to the Kingdom of Atlantis by Intis is worth 1.5 billion pounds, but only 300 million pounds have been paid so far.

Including the Fusac Empire's war compensation, the Kingdom of Atlantis has only received about 600 million pounds in compensation.

These indemnities were used by Hobert to build three large ocean-going docks, two airship assembly centers, and a large artillery factory. Some of them were also distributed to the families of the martyrs in the form of pensions.

In the end, they did not achieve any constructive results. Intis did not pay compensation in advance, and the Kingdom of Atlantis did not intend to release the captives in advance.

The subsequent meeting was uneventful, and everyone clearly felt Hobert's strong hostility.

After the envoys returned home one after another, a shocking news shocked the top leaders of the northern continent countries: with the support of the Kingdom of Atlantis, the current king of Feneport, Fernando II, abdicated and Princess Ethel ascended the throne!

This gave the dignitaries of the Northern Continent a sense of urgency. They realized that something had to be done, otherwise their king or emperor would most likely abdicate inexplicably.