Extreme Cold Era: Shelter Don't Keep Waste-Chapter 816 - 45

Facing this woman who repeatedly claimed to be here to help humanity, Brandelis' eyes were filled with distrust and scrutiny.

She could sense from Miss Aili's attitude that she indeed came with sincerity, and she seemed to genuinely want to help humanity fight against the gods.

But the problem was that her actions and style made it difficult for Brandelis to believe she was here to help humanity.

So, she changed her approach and asked Miss Aili, "You keep saying you're here to help humanity, so what have you actually done to help? I found out you appeared in the Northern Territory over two months ago, so what have you been doing all this time?"

This question caught Miss Aili off guard for a moment, but she quickly responded, "I discovered that your leaders have not realized the threat the gods pose to humanity. They still think everything is peaceful and are dedicating extensive energy and resources towards economic and industrial construction rather than preparing for war and enhancing human combat capabilities!

So, I tried to influence them to adjust their strategy and increase investment in military strength as much as possible..."

"Arrogant! On what basis do you assume that humanity hasn't invested in the military domain? And what makes you think they are the leaders of humanity?" Brandelis rudely interrupted Miss Aili and seized the flaws in her statement: "In over two months, don't you know who the true leaders of the Empire are? You haven't even ventured into Chernobyl!

Yet, based on a brief glimpse in Beloburg, you assume to have a sufficient understanding of humanity, and further, you attempt to impose your understanding to unrealistically influence humanity—is this what you call helping them?"

Brandelis shook her head vigorously, feeling very disappointed with Miss Aili's words and actions.

Perhaps she indeed came with a heart set on helping humanity, but unfortunately, her actions and methods made her seem overly arrogant and presumptive.

"Aren't they the leaders elected by your populace? Or is the empress beside you the actual leader of this country? But I asked many people, and they all said the cabinet is the highest governing body of this country!" Miss Aili's face showed bewilderment and confusion, as if she truly didn't understand what was going on.

Seeing the expression on Miss Aili's face, Brandelis slapped her own forehead, feeling a sense of helplessness and frustration.

The feeling was akin to watching a naïve child making a mess while sincerely trying to help.

This attitude of Brandelis made Miss Aili realize she might have done something wrong.

Meanwhile, Empress Annie seemed to understand what was going on and spoke to Miss Aili, "Miss Aili, you don't seem to have a clear understanding of the Empire's political structure. What led to your misunderstanding?

I think if you had investigated the Empire's political structure in depth, you would have understood that although the cabinet is indeed the highest governing body, the true leader of this nation, directing even human advancement, is the Regent Count Brandelis of the Empire."

At this point, Empress Annie walked up to Miss Aili, looking at her somewhat awkward expression, and curiously asked, "So what led to your misunderstanding and erroneous perception?"

"Count Brandelis? But I heard that this count was excluded from your ruling core, wasn't he? After the Empress returned to power, the cabinet became the actual ruler of the Empire—hadn't the Regent Count slunk back to his own territory?" Miss Aili spoke with a tone mixing confusion and puzzlement, making Brandelis feel a burst of conflicting emotions.

She spoke helplessly, "Miss Aili, who told you that? I heard Deputy Prime Minister Kafka mention that you and she are close, didn't you ask her this question?"

This was also a place of helplessness and confusion for Brandelis. Aili's influence on Kallen was visibly substantial, and logically, Kallen should have had ample recognition and understanding of the Empire's political system and could have corrected Aili's misconceptions.

Yet, Aili formed such a mistaken understanding, inevitably making it seem absurd.

"I heard it from Miss Lina. Her father's friend is a member of the National Assembly, and he's the one who told me about political matters. She explained why she didn't question Kallen about this, "By the time I reached Deputy Prime Minister Kafka, I was already prepared to influence humanity's development strategy adjustments, so initially, we discussed that.

Then she started issuing policies, adjusting economic development directions, and I didn't give it much more thought..."

By this point, Kallen seemed to have realized where her problem lay.

"Alright then...whatever a member of the National Assembly says, you believe without verification?" Brandelis had a silent urge to question the heavens, but eventually, restrained her emotions and explained to Miss Aili: "A member of the National Assembly doesn't inherently possess any authority; they're simply elected representatives reflecting interests. Although their votes can indeed influence state policy, in actuality, they only have the options to approve or disapprove.

The cabinet and the Empire's political factions can sway voting outcomes through their influence, so the so-called National Assembly is merely a stage for political faction jousting within the Empire.

Moreover, elected members often come from various sectors, and while ensuring that the Empire's policy-making hears voices from all societal groups and strata, their political acumen isn't necessarily high, nor are they well-versed in the mode of political operations and power distribution of the Empire.

Yet, because they are elected representatives, many members often hold themselves in high regard, believing they are crucial to the Empire, thinking they truly are the ones who steer this Empire."

Brandelis narrated the situation soothingly, while Miss Aili's expression had already changed.

Eventually, Empress Annie, in a relatively gentle way, said: "Miss Aili, you indeed misunderstood. While the cabinet is indeed the highest governing body for this nation, it's controlled by the Regent of the Empire, which is the Count Brandelis standing before you.

Including the Deputy Prime Minister Kafka you know and the current Prime Minister of the Empire, they were all elevated to their positions by this Regent Count Brandelis.

And both the National Assembly system and the Cabinet's Prime Minister system were instituted by Regent Count Brandelis. For the whole Empire, even I, as the Empress, have to listen to her..."

"Your Majesty the Empress, such words really are flattery meant to kill, I'm not a power-hungry official," Brandelis shrugged as Aili appeared stunned.