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To the Fool Klein's question, Emperor Hobert replied, "The Iron Curtain has fallen."
The other members all thought that the "Emperor" was describing the current international situation, as if the "Iron Curtain" had fallen and become a foregone conclusion.
Only Klein understood that Hobert meant that once this ideological struggle began, it would be a fight to the death, without any room for compromise.
This reminded him of the history of prehistoric civilizations, and he inwardly sighed that the development of the situation was always surprisingly consistent.
That once immensely large red giant with its steel torrent was also established at the end of World War I.
But the difference was that Hobert clearly understood the trajectory of historical development, first using war to seize massive amounts of wealth, and then obtaining large amounts of war reparations as a victorious nation.
Finally, there was Hobert's use of Beyonder forces. Theoretically, given the current situation, countries like Loen should have long frozen all assets of the Atlantis Kingdom in the Northern Continent.
However, according to Klein's understanding during his time in industrial cities like Constant, half of the real estate in the entire southern coast industrial area of the Inner Sea was owned by the Atlantis Kingdom, and no one had confiscated it.
Before, it was because they were still allies, but now it was because the Loen Kingdom no longer had the ability to directly confront Atlantis, so they dared not push things too far.
In terms of Beyonder power, Atlantis was already much stronger than Loen, and in terms of the orthodox churches, the Church of Mother Earth would definitely support Atlantis.
If a choice had to be made, the Church of the Evernight Goddess would most likely support Atlantis, and before a choice had to be made, the Church of the Evernight Goddess would maintain its current neutrality.
The Church of the Lord of Storms, considering the attitude of its allies, would probably also choose neutrality, or provide limited assistance to the Loen royal family, such as intervening to preserve some of the royal family's strength if Loen were to lose in the war, but don't expect them to actively provide assistance.
As for the other churches, the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom had no direct vested interests and would probably choose to stay out of it. The Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun and the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery, as the losing side, had just signed some religious agreements and would not easily take action.
So, in terms of the orthodox churches, Atlantis had a certain advantage.
With this set of "combination punches," the assets of Atlantis in the Northern Continent would not only not be frozen, but they could also continue to use those industries to continuously transfuse blood into the newborn Atlantis.
This was also different from Klein's impression of history. He believed that under Hobert's deployment, Atlantis would definitely become strong quickly!
But such strength was definitely something that the countries of the Northern Continent were unwilling to see, and even something they were very afraid of.
Hobert spread his hands and said, "Don't make it seem like we started the war. During the peace talks in Backlund, we were isolated.
"Especially Loen. They originally promised to help us obtain franchise rights in many industries throughout the Northern Continent after the war, but they went back on their word on the second day of negotiations.
"I can understand that they were forced to agree to some of our conditions when the war situation was unfavorable, but what I cannot understand is why they have no guilt about their subsequent breach of contract?"
The other members were speechless. Most of them did not want the war to continue, but the decision of whether or not to start a war was not in their hands.
After another moment of silence, Hermit Cattleya initiated 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 Feynapotter royal family had lost his Beyonder characteristics. Unexpectedly, now the Archangel of the Loen Kingdom had also been killed!
"Yes," Hobert gave a definite answer: "Trunsoest planned to seize William I's Beyonder characteristics, but we detected it, 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 sighed: Is this the lawyer's way of thinking?
Cattleya was slightly stunned: "So, William I was killed by you?"
Hobert nodded, but did not reveal the details.
Klein also realized: This is to prevent Trunsoest from obtaining more Sequence 1 characteristics.
Hanged Man Alger said, "Could this be the reason for the current tense international situation?"
Hobert smiled: "Who told William I to push Trunsoest out to be the king of the Paz Kingdom? Perhaps Loen's victory in the previous desperate situation made them suddenly lose themselves.
"William I actually had the idea of using Trunsoest. The moment he had this idea, his fate was already sealed."
Alger and the other members all realized that they couldn't discuss the world situation with the "Emperor," otherwise all the faults would be with the "Emperor's" opponents.
This time, Klein didn't object to the war very much. He had personally seen the prosperity of Atlantis, and the common people had regained hope and confidence in life.
He also saw that the ills of the countries of the Northern Continent had not been eliminated because of the war, but only that the current demands had increased, covering up some of the ills.
In Klein's view, if this war were to break out, it would be a "righteous war."
The topic ended here, and the hall was silent again for a while before Alger asked Sun Derrick, "I heard that there were some problems with your scriptures? Have the problems been resolved now?"
The "Fool's Scripture" is basically only spread in Atlantis, and the speed of its spread is not very fast, so Alger has only now heard that some of the content of the "Scripture" is inappropriate.
Derrick subconsciously glanced at Mr. Fool shrouded in the gray-white mist: "The problem has been solved."
Cattleya asked curiously, "What problems did you encounter?"
Derrick glanced at the "Emperor" again before saying, "Some descriptions were not verified, or were too exaggerated. We have already made a revision."
Alger reminded, "Be sure to pay attention, don't promote that other churches are bad, so as not to cause conflict."
Klein, sitting at the head of the bronze long table, thought of the scriptures they had revised: It can only be said that it won't cause trouble, but some funny things will definitely still happen. For example, one day, Will Auceptin will be surprised to find when he sees the Church of the Fool's scriptures: When did I become an angel under the "Fool"?
Then, Leonard's old grandpa, the awakened Azik, and the messenger lady who was trying to recover her state followed suit: What, me too?
After exchanging information about the scriptures, Cattleya looked around, not holding too much expectation, and said, "Does anyone have the Beyonder characteristics of Sequence 3 of the 'Mystery Pryer' pathway?"
She had digested the 'Mystic' potion for a long time, but she had only obtained the 'Prophet' potion formula from the Moses Ascetic Order, and was still very, very far from obtaining the Beyonder characteristics or the main ingredients.
Although she was a member of the ten pillars of the Moses Ascetic Order, the higher the sequence pathway, the more precious the corresponding resources. Even such an ancient organization could not squander them arbitrarily.
Moreover, Cattleya came from the "Element Dawn", and was less influenced by the "Hidden Sage", and was not so trusted within the Moses Ascetic Order.
It might be a few years, or even more than ten years, before she had any hope of getting a advancement opportunity from her organization, so she had to seek help at the Tarot Gathering.
None of the other members spoke. Beyonder characteristics of this level are not like radishes on a roadside stall, everywhere.
Most of them are also worried about the characteristics and advancement of Sequence 3.
At this time, Hobert suddenly said, "Do you have any thoughts of jumping to an adjacent pathway?"
Everyone was familiar with this sentence. After thinking about it for a while, they immediately looked at Leonard.
Cattleya took a deep breath, almost without thinking, "Yes."
Hobert slowly nodded. This was the reaction of a normal person. To be honest, he really didn't expect that Leonard would be able to refuse to jump to an adjacent pathway and give up the opportunity to become an angel.
But thinking about it, such a decision was indeed in line with Leonard's personality.
"I have clues to the Beyonder characteristics of 'Arcane Scholar' and 'Knowledge Magister'," Hobert said. "I can help you solve the potion formula."
The "clues" Hobert was talking about were the "0-82" crystal light curtain obtained in the previous battle of gods, which was a sealed artifact comparable to the "Knowledge Magister".
Moreover, its ability was very weak. If it could be used to cultivate an angel, that would be great.
As for the potion formula, it was very easy for Hobert to obtain. He only needed to use "Connection" to get the corresponding formula.
Even the characteristics after being crushed can form a "Connection".
Hobert did have a copy of the Beyonder characteristics of the "Knowledge Emperor" in his hand, but there was still some of Roselle's mental residue in it, so he did not intend to crush this Beyonder characteristic.
Cattleya was excited for a while: "I, what kind of reward should I pay?"
"I have to think about this, or discuss it," Hobert said. "I can give you the potion formula first tomorrow. You can prepare the ritual first, and you can try to advance when the time is right, and then make up the reward later."
"Okay!" Cattleya took a deep breath and sincerely said, "Thank you!"
That was the opportunity to become an angel! It was the dream of many people!
At this time, Moon Emlyn suddenly sighed: "The third one!"
Everyone knew that he was talking about the fact that this was the third clue to angel-level Beyonder characteristics that the Emperor had taken out!
Magician Fors thought in her heart: What you don't know is that Hobert has prepared the Beyonder characteristics for me to advance to Sequence 3, and has also obtained clues to the "Traveler" Beyonder characteristics.
Klein also thought: So, the Beyonder characteristics for me to become an angel were also obtained with Hobert's help.
This made him once again sigh at the difference between angels and angels.
After completing this transaction, everyone did not continue to exchange information, and Klein announced the end of this Tarot Gathering.
Hobert and Audrey, who had returned to the real world, did not get up immediately, but continued to lie on the bed. Audrey asked first, "Hobert, where did you get so many high-level Beyonder characteristic clues?"
Hobert smiled and said, "This is not the clue I obtained alone."
Then he said, "Currently, for me, as long as there are clues, I can relatively easily obtain an angel-level Beyonder characteristic.
"If we can have a few more angels who are kind to us, this is a very cost-effective business."
Audrey hummed, as if that was the case.
Hobert sat up first: "Since your parents are here, spend some time with your parents.
"Well, you haven't been back to Loen for a long time. I'll just give you a month's vacation."
Audrey was about to refuse, but Hobert said first: "In a month or two, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will definitely be very, very busy. Even if you want to rest, you won't have time then."
Audrey was moved, because she hadn't rested for a while.
"It's best not to go back to Backlund," Hobert instructed. "Your current identity is a bit special. If you go back to Backlund, you may encounter some trouble. I suggest you go to the family territory in East Chester County to relax."
Audrey sighed: "I do miss the beautiful mountains and rivers there, and the fresh air there."
Hobert smiled slightly: "Pay attention to safety. If you encounter any problems, contact me immediately with the 'Order Crystal'."
"Oh," Audrey agreed, feeling that she was a demigod anyway, and should not encounter any unsolvable problems.
Hobert stood by the bed and stretched: "Okay, I should go meet the envoys."
Audrey got up and shared a kiss with Hobert.
Back in the office, the court butler invited Princess Ethel, the envoy of the Feynapotter Kingdom, in.
When countries send envoys, it is very important to meet which one first. In the past, Hobert would definitely meet the Loen envoy first, but now it is different.
Hobert exchanged simple pleasantries with the princess, who still had short hair, and then talked about the topic. Ethel said, "No matter what the future situation is, we will firmly stand on the side of the Atlantis Kingdom."
Of course, they had to stand on this side. The Church of Mother Earth definitely supported the Atlantis Kingdom.
For the Feynapotter royal family, without the Archangel, basically the church went, and the royal family had to follow.
Moreover, the Atlantis Kingdom was already strong enough. In the previous World War, the Southern Balam Duchy could only affect the war situation. Under the pressure of the Intis and Feysac armies, their tactics could only be guerrilla warfare.
But now it was different. The war had only ended for more than half a year, and the Atlantis Kingdom already had the power to challenge the entire Northern Continent!
Ethel's statement made Hobert nod slightly, but he talked about another thing: "Actually, we don't regard the nobles as enemies, or rather, we don't regard anyone as enemies!
"We hope to let ordinary people create more wealth, so that the cake will be bigger, and everyone can get more benefits."
Ethel seemed to think for a while before saying, "We will consider introducing the political model of the Atlantis Kingdom."
Hobert smiled and said, "As a friend, I want to remind you that the sooner this process is, the better. If you wait until the end of the war, the Feynapotter Kingdom will miss the best opportunity."
Ethel nodded: "I will try to persuade the parliament as soon as possible."
Hobert suddenly jumped to another question: "Do you still want to be queen?"
Ethel was taken aback for a moment, then suppressed her excitement: "Yes, but there are still some obstacles."
Originally, with Philip I's support, she would definitely have won the battle for the throne, but the problem now is that Philip I has rapidly lost his original authority after losing the Archangel status.
Hobert hummed, "If you plan to introduce the political model of the Atlantis Kingdom, I will send an angel to send you back home."
"When you become queen, you can promote corresponding reforms. However, what is certain is that in the future, the nobles of Feynapotter will lose many rights, and the rich will not be able to do whatever they want as before."
"You have to be mentally prepared for this, and the royal family's Beyonders must also be mentally prepared."
Ethel immediately said: "I will ask the person you send to form a cabinet, and all the management work 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 is operating normally, we will leave at most some consultants. In the next few years, these consultants will gradually withdraw."
By then, he could use politics and economics to coerce the Feynapotter Kingdom, and it wouldn't matter whether he left consultants or not.
Ethel took a deep breath, inwardly lamenting that she should have come here earlier.
Then she asked: "Is the battle in the Balam Empire going smoothly? Do you need our support?"
The Northern Continent countries have different views on this war. Some say that the Atlantis Kingdom has gained an advantage, while others say that the Atlantis Kingdom is caught in a quagmire of war.
Because they were afraid of causing misunderstandings, Feynapotter had never sent anyone to the front line to conduct detailed investigations.
But Hobert smiled and said, "You don't need to worry about the upcoming war. My marshal once said: If the Paz Kingdom 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 long been on the edge of the civilization circle."
"But now it's different. This place will be the center of the civilization circle in the future!"
After chatting about the international situation for a few more words, Ethel said goodbye and left.
As she walked out, she suddenly recalled the scene more than two years ago, when she invited Hobert to her villa as a guest and tried to win him over, hoping to help her fight for the position of heir.
And now, Hobert already has the ability to directly send her to the position of queen.
After ending the meeting with the special envoy of the Feynapotter Kingdom, Hobert then met with Princess Alice, the special envoy of the Loen Kingdom.
The two of them also chatted casually for a few words, and Alice said helplessly: "Hobert, why has the situation developed to this point?"
Hobert didn't say anything too official, but just smiled and said, "Our differences are in all aspects, and I can't ignore the Loen's high-level hostility towards the Atlantis Kingdom."
Alice took a deep breath: "Don't you have any explanation for the death of Loen Kingdom's 'Protector'?"
But Hobert said: "A child holding a piece of gold passing through a busy city is easily robbed.
"So, is this the child's fault? Or the gold's fault? Or the robber's fault?"
Alice opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but said nothing.
It was the first time she had heard someone describe the "Protector" as a child.
Hobert continued: "William I should have firmly joined hands with me to deal with Trunsoest, instead of helping Trunsoest to deal with me.
"I know what William I was thinking at the time. He felt that I and Trunsoest were bigger enemies. If our territories were not far apart, we would definitely fight first.
"And in order not to let Trunsoest recover the Beyonder characteristics in William I's body, I would definitely continue to ally with Loen to fight against Trunsoest.
"This way, he can play both sides in the Northern Continent, watching us fight to the point of exhaustion, and then find opportunities to seize some benefits.
"This is the political model that Loen likes to use in its colonies, which is 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 too long, because Alice had clearly felt Hobert's attitude. There was no possibility of any mediation in the relationship between the two countries.
The third person Hobert met was the Intis envoy. This envoy tentatively asked: Can the Intis prisoners of war be released in advance?
According to the previous "Backlund Armistice", Hobert would release more than 320,000 Intis prisoners of war within a year.
About half a year has passed, and Hobert has only released less than 60,000 people.
These prisoners of war have greatly solved the problem of labor shortages in various places. They built houses and squares, and so far, they have basically built two small cities.
And Intis currently wants these prisoners of war back just to expand its army!
After all, these prisoners of war have undergone long-term military training and have also participated in wars, which are much stronger than newly recruited soldiers.
So Hobert offered the condition that if Intis could pay off the war reparations in advance, he would release the prisoners in advance.
The war reparations that Intis is responsible for paying to the Atlantis Kingdom are worth 1.5 billion pounds, and only 300 million pounds have been paid so far.
Including the war reparations from the Feysac Empire, the Atlantis Kingdom has only received about 600 million pounds in reparations so far.
Hobert used these reparations to build 3 large offshore docks and 2 airship assembly centers, 1 large artillery factory, and part of it was 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 the reparations in advance, and the Atlantis Kingdom did not intend to release the prisoners in advance.
The subsequent meetings were uneventful, and everyone clearly felt Hobert's strong hostility.
After the special envoys returned to their countries, shocking news shocked the high-level officials of the Northern Continent countries: With the support of the Atlantis Kingdom, the current King Ferdinand II of Feynapotter abdicated, and Princess Ethel ascended the throne!
This gave the nobles of the Northern Continent a sense of urgency. They realized that they had to do something, otherwise their kings or emperors might also abdicate inexplicably.
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