"Thank you, this is your ticket." After receiving a gap that had been cut out from the ticket inspector, Guy was finally able to end this somewhat complicated journey. It didn’t take much time to take the train from Saint-Tejac to Ballahate, and, as Levi said, due to the loyalty shown by the Haines and El Barea during the civil war. , The "Railway Gendarmerie" directly controlled by the government did not take over here. Although the staff at the station where he was handed over told him that government representatives have tried to ask the gendarmerie to intervene on the railway line for reasons such as'supervising the meeting of leaders.' This means that the prime minister undoubtedly does not want to stop. Ambitious here.

It took Guy not much time to get from the station to the Ducal Mansion of Baryahat. Although he has never been to this aristocratic city, the difference between the magnificent aristocratic street and the relatively simple and simple craftsman street and civilian area is quite conspicuous. In the same way, the most luxurious ducal palace is unique even in Noble Street—Looking at the huge neoclassical palace and the well-maintained lawns and gardens around, Guy has to sigh, the imperial The great aristocracy is truly extraordinary.

After confirming Guy's identity, the guards guarding the gate of the Ducal Palace took him to a magnificent hall and left on their own. During the period, they didn't say a word to Guy, even if Guy kept asking. It seems that the master here has made strict rules, he thought.

And when the meticulous butler took him through the winding corridors and saw someone who wanted to talk to Guy in the room at the end, he was not surprised at all-the famous lawyer Xiong in Crossbell Ian Grimwood, sitting in front of a large desk, looked at himself with a little relief and a little guilt.

"Lawyer Ian...Although I heard that Arios said that you were secretly transferred to another place..." Seeing this person, Guy had no doubt about why the imperial nobles would have a relationship with him. "But I Unexpectedly, it would take such a long way."

"Haha... it's a bit inappropriate for a sinner like me to enjoy such a good life... It is the young duke of the El Barea family who respects me." Lawyer Ian waved his hand, and Guy knew about him. Why do you say that? The lawyers are wearing specially tailored fur coats that were worn by nobles of the empire. The furniture in this room is also famous products. Even the half-box and half-box of candied kumquat that the lawyer had on hand, Guy recognized that it was a limited product from a small country in the Middle East-he had seen it in a general department store in Crossbell, and the price was impressive. Stuffed, but it was swept away the day after it was put on the shelf.

"I think the lawyer helped the Duke solve a very difficult problem, right?" Guy didn't take it seriously. He knew that Lawyer Ian was not the kind of person who loves luxury life. With his style, even if he thinks he is not worthy of such a life. , And it is naturally impossible to suffer without merit.

"Some trivial things within his power." Attorney Ian has taken over; in fact, he has shown outstanding talent in handling the aftermath of Kruchen State; a civil attorney from Crossbell has a good understanding of imperial law. The degree of astonishment has long won the respect of people including Eusis and Earl Gotti-except that, except for Eusis, no one else seems to know that this famous lawyer is Dai The sin body came here as part of the exchange of benefits.

After a brief greeting, Attorney Ian greeted Guy to get to the point. Simply put, what he wanted to discuss with Guy this time was a major issue concerning the future of Crossbell. For more than a month, Lawyer Ian has been reading various legal provisions and past dispute examples to determine a key issue-that is, the legal ownership of the disputed area of ​​"Cross Bell".

Attorney Ian put the documents on the table and gave Guy a detailed introduction one by one. Gay has always been insensitive to related issues, but he still firmly grasped the key points of lawyer Ian through his instinct.

First of all, the current international law is generally based on the "glorious contract" signed by various countries on the mainland under the leadership of the Qi Yao church in 965 on the Qi Yao calendar. The contract was concluded to settle the large and small military disputes on the mainland for the purpose of religion and other factors. Its most important feature is that it clearly stipulates the physical boundaries and spheres of influence of countries, and for the first time clarifies the sovereignty of the country. concept. After that, the three powers of Ereponia, Kalvard, and Iska were prevented from annexing their territories by means of force expansion, and as compensation, their existing territories and spheres of influence will be retained and respect. In the history of the empire, this was regarded as a diplomatic victory because Emperor Drekers successfully legalized the large amounts of land he annexed in the north and southwest after the unification of the empire.

Therefore, the empire’s claim to the sovereignty of Crossbel is reasonable and natural. Around 600 years in the seven lunar calendar, Krossberg maintained a long-term close relationship with the empire. When the local aristocratic council of Krossberg was unfavorable, the empire often sent troops and even consuls to maintain order. In the history of the empire, The eleven Governors of the State of Croatia came from this. In comparison, the Republic’s sovereignty claim on Krossberg only came from the military oppression of the empire seventy years ago. The empire was forced to allow the Republic to intervene in the affairs of the state due to the threat of the powerful combat power of the Republic’s revolutionary army, and its legitimacy was weak. A lot.

Therefore, the mainstream political views within the empire are caused by the lack of sovereignty of Krossberg and the unequal treaties; the occupation of the jurisdiction of the republic is inconsistent with international law. Therefore, at the moment of the re-emergence of the empire, it is taken for granted that the imperial government regained its own inherent territory-not to mention the fact that Kross Bell announced its independence and founding of the country not long ago, which actually caused the imperial government to suffer huge losses. It means a little bit of revenge in it. The empire has always refused to recognize the sovereignty of the Republic over the land. In their view, unless the Republican army can once again force the empire to sign a humiliating sub-city contract, they will be wishful thinking about Closberg’s territorial claims.

"Sounds reasonable... So, is Clos Bell really an empire territory?" Guy couldn't help but stunned after hearing these words. He is not interested in political issues. His dislike of the empire simply stems from the fact that the two major powers are fighting openly and secretly here, causing great damage to the local residents. In politics, he has always been innocent. Now he even thinks that since Heliga and Olibat have the ability to contend with the prime minister, they may be able to prevent the conflict around the area from deteriorating, and maybe even come up with a peaceful solution to the problem with the Republic?

"Theoretically this is the case, but in reality..." Attorney Ian shook his head, "What I just said was based on the "Glorious Contract" led by the "Seven Yao Church" and the related international relations system. The problem is that the territorial disputes of the empire are not limited to these... The autonomous prefectures in the southwest and many territorial expansions, including Joule, have avoided direct military conflicts, but they are also probing back and forth on the verge of violating international law. If you really want to abide by the rules set by the church, then how to re-divide the territory of the empire will require another question mark. After all, there is no reason for selective observance of things like international law-the empire that suffered a loss on the Crossbell issue has taken a lot of advantage elsewhere. This is also the reason why the empire’s unanimous analysis of the sovereignty issue of the State of Croatia is the result I mentioned above, but it never publicizes it in the public. "

"Then... Attorney, what do you think of the future situation of Crossbell?" Guy thought hard, but couldn't think of a reason, so he had to throw the problem back to Attorney Ian.

"You know, I used to break this order with the illusion that I can rely on power that is not a human being... But I failed, and I don't think about it that way anymore." Lawyer Ian sighed, "Therefore, more Considering from a more realistic perspective, I think...Under the current international situation, at least in the next few decades, I will see no sign of the decline of the empire...If there is no other power to intervene to break the balance. Be pragmatic. Thinking, maybe falling to the empire in this way is the best outcome for Clos Bell's future."

"...Speaker McDowell, crying quite sad when he surrendered power. Is it because he also thought of this...?" Guy was silent for a long time before he said, his tone lightly, as if mumbling to himself.

"It should be. Originally, there might be a chance for a peaceful settlement... but after this change, it won't be possible. Crossbell will no longer have the opportunity to stand in the middle and have both sides, but must choose one side. stand."

"Why?" Guy puzzled.

"Because, the current Clos Bell has done things beyond autonomy." Lawyer Ian's beard trembled lightly, "has completely aroused the desire for conquest and dominance of the two big countries. In this case, Expressing a hardline attitude on the Crossbell issue has become the unanimous political correctness of the two countries’ politicians; any argument of compromise or opposition may therefore become a target of public criticism, and their political life will be affected. Even the previous stance on Croatia will be affected. His Royal Highness Oribat, who is most supported by Los Bell’s autonomy, no longer continues to say good things about Clos Bell in public. This is the best proof."

"So, lawyers, do you think that it is the best choice to go to the stronger side?" Guy asked.

"Yes. On the one hand, this kind of thinking is more pragmatic. Not only is the empire stronger, it is also the side that is actually occupying Clos Bell. With the hand of Governor Rufas, the assimilation of the autonomous prefecture should progress quite smoothly. However, this does not mean that people who are still influential in the autonomous prefecture, including you, do not need to do anything."

"..." Guy was silent, waiting for lawyer Ian to reveal the answer.

"I'll be straightforward, Guy. The future of the empire... Is it Prime Minister Osborne or His Royal Highness Olibate at the helm... The impact on Crossbell can be said to be very different. Therefore, we must Every effort must be made to provide support to Your Highness." Attorney Ian did not hesitate to reveal the answer, and the eyes under the black framed eyes shone with shrewd light.