The whole mental pressure to have a conversation with the man in front of you, especially when you are in a position with a direct conflict of interest with him, is terrifying. The proof is that after a brief conversation that lasted less than twenty minutes, Olibat felt like his close-fitting shirt was soaked with sweat; And the spirit has become a little sluggish because of the previous pressure.

Olivebart made a side accusation of Osborne's policies related to the activities of the Intelligence Agency and the pressure on neighboring countries, but he was fooled by the mentally prepared prime minister. In this regard, Oliebat half sighed, half seriously said that judging from Osborne's way of acting and aggressiveness, if it were not for the protection of the Intelligence Bureau and the Railway Gendarmerie, I am afraid that the prime minister would have been killed by the assassination of hostile forces.

"yes...... His Highness's concern is very reasonable, and something similar has indeed happened. As he said this, Osborne glanced in the direction of the door, intentionally or unintentionally, "But rest assured, I'm safe with the kids watching." ”

"Those children...... Like Rect, huh? Olivebart's eyes flashed, "If you are in China, I think the existence of the Ice Maiden can ensure that you have no worries." ”

"yes...... Although there are some strange things about the personality, but the work is very efficient. He single-handedly handled the southward movement, including the adjustment of the itinerary and the policy of responding to terrorist attacks, as well as the notification and diplomacy to neighboring countries. Thanks to him, I'll be able to go to Crossbell in peace of mind—"

"Crossbell?" Olibat couldn't help but interrupt Osborne's words, "Your Excellency......"

"I know, Your Highness...... You're worried about me, and it's terrifying to me. Osborne's next words calmed Olibat, "In recent years, Crossbell has entered an unprecedented state of chaos due to the intervention of major forces - because, hehe, although the position of me and the Imperial Government has always been unhesitating, "Crossbell belongs to Erebonia...... But in reality, all forces are involved, and they all have their own interests. This time I am going to have a meeting with the representatives who support our country over there, because the inflow of funds from the Republic has recently increased considerably, and our influence there has been suppressed......"

"I deeply admire your courage in defying hardships and dangers...... But even if security is fine, I still don't think it's a wise choice to let the Prime Minister of the Empire set foot in such a place. ”

"Aren't you the same? Your Highness. Osborne's rhetorical question left Oliebat speechless, "Infiltrate the Floating City, fight against the completely unknown forces of the ancient civilization, and complete the inspection mission safely." Besides, His Highness has nothing to protect except the children of the Viscount's family, the guards of Fandel, the guerrillas, and other companions—my actions are but a drizzle compared to the great deeds you have accomplished. Besides......"

Osborne smiled slightly, easily guessing Olibat's most secret arrangement.

"His Highness has been regarded as a hero in the public opinion of the country...... In this case, His Highness took the "White Wings" to triumph in the imperial capital...... Hehe, a large number of media outlets, mainly the "Imperial Times", must have rendered and reported a lot. Such a gorgeous return is sure to meet your expectations. ”

“…… Do you know all about it? Olibart said softly.

"yes...... This is a trivial matter that doesn't even need to be investigated by the "Intelligence Department", just a look at what the reporters are exchanging after the interview. Osborne said with a smile, as if what he had just said was just a normal routine, "Please make the most of this opportunity to strengthen your position." Your Highness, I ...... you But there are great expectations. ”

"Have hope for me? I really didn't expect that...... I thought you were going to lecture me-"

"Why?" Osborne was surprised, "My Highness and I are on the same side in the first place!" Your Highness, I know that you have always hated the decaying aristocracy of the vast Erebonia, and of the system that is bound by pedantic and outdated rules, right? ”

Olibart didn't speak, just nodded slightly.

"Although I was exaggerated by the domestic media as the "iron-blooded prime minister...... But my position in the Empire, to be honest, is not solid enough. Although in the imperial capital, the majority of my supporters are in the majority, but in the territories dominated by the princes, especially the "Four Great Families", my supporters are very few. I do have seventy percent of the forces at my disposal in the regular army, but the remaining thirty percent are still wavering, and the nobles still have a fair number of "domain armies" and top-notch chasseurs hired for a lot of money in their respective territories, and if you count these together, we will probably lose our position between us—and you must know that this is a critical time for me to fight for the future dominance of the empire. ”

"So, you lay a railway network across the country, use the imperial capital as your base camp, and develop your power throughout the empire...... At the same time, through economic and political soft strikes, eliminate some weak autonomous states and small states, and thus use their resources to give you a voice, right? ”

"Huh...... Your Highness really understands me. That being the case, let me once again solemnly invite you—to assist me in my plans, Your Highness. With your help, the reformers can be said to be like a tiger with wings, and they can also make the rotten aristocratic forces come back and collude with each other to keep warm, and then they will be one step ahead like a collapsed embankment - isn't that what you want to see the most? ”

“…… Before I answer this question, there is one thing I want to figure out. Oliebart did not answer immediately, and was silent for a long time before he said, "Prime Minister, what is your relationship with the association?" ”

"I don't quite understand what you mean." Osborne said solemnly, "It's just that in order to promote imperial reform, use everything that can be used—that's my political philosophy." ”

"I see...... We are indeed very compatible. Hearing Olibat's words, Osborne's eyes showed a little hope, but they were quickly dispelled by the next words, "But that's why I'm going to refuse you." ”

"Oh?"

"I really don't like the rotten aristocratic forces...... However, I have a deeper confusion and fear about your approach. "What you do will plunge the Empire into some kind of irreversible frenzy...... Mobilizing the power of the entire empire and turning the heavens and the earth upside down can indeed defeat the corrupt aristocratic forces. However, once the gears of fate begin to turn, they can no longer be stopped, and everything in this world, including you and me, will inevitably be swallowed into the torrent of this age—and at that time, the direction of the future will be beyond our control. Do you understand this? ”

"Of course." Osborne smiled slightly—when he saw that Olibart finally let go of the hypocritical etiquette and revealed his true thoughts and thoughts, Osborne, a skilled politician, finally showed his arrogance and conceit for the first time: "Because that was the first step of my reform." ”

With that, the prime minister stood up.

"Your Highness, if you are interested in changing your mind and cooperating with me, please send someone to inform me. Until then, please solidify your position...... At the very least, don't be turned back on or taken advantage of by the aristocratic faction you hate. My words...... Hehe, your ally, I'm afraid I'm a little impatient. ”

After saying that, and nodding to each other with the prince, Osborne strode towards the door.