Minister of Everything Iver

Isabel looked at Iver with a puzzled expression. Iver smiled and explained, "Because Star Antimony is currently embroiled in intense internal strife. If Avalon were to encounter problems at this time, launching a war against Avalon and winning would be an excellent way to alleviate domestic conflicts."

"Why?"

Isabel pressed on, "Generally speaking, isn't it against war to fight when there's internal strife? Why can't we just announce that Meg has become young again to stop them from starting a war?"

In the past, if she knew the outcome, she wouldn't have asked again, nor would she have dared to.

But now she is also trying to explore the underlying principles—not by relying on the explanations of "teachers" or "staff," but by trying to think for herself.

Queen Sophia also looked over with interest. Ligeia simply sat sideways on the Queen's lap, her right arm boldly around the Queen's shoulder, and looked back at her. Her tail wagged rhythmically, patting the chair legs behind her.

They were clearly curious about Iver's answer as well. But it was more like an assessment and test than Isabel's inquiry.

Iver saw through their intentions, sat up straight, and answered seriously, "Because the core problem of Star Antimony is that they are expanding too fast."

"The Stibium Kingdom, the Iris Flower Kingdom, the Narcissus Principality, and the Black Eagle Principality were formed from the split of the Herasul Empire. Even the Round Table Knights founded Avalon were once Herasul Empire people... This is due to the similarity of their languages."

"But the empire's division happened hundreds of years ago. The fact that it split back then indicates that it had irreconcilable contradictions. Reunifying it without resolving those contradictions makes its rule unstable."

"Especially the Narcissus Principality, a kingdom of mages... They were only swallowed up less than thirty years ago, not even a generation has passed. They were the most likely force to threaten Star Antimony. They were definitely not happy about being defeated and occupied by Star Antimony and the former Black Eagle Principality through sneak attacks and other means."

Even towards the end of the war that destroyed Avalon, the Narcissus Principality never sent troops.

Those Golem and gargoyles are products of the Stibnite Person, while those elite soldiers come from the Black Hawk—and the Narcissus Territory has already fallen into a state of semi-rebellion.

On the one hand, the governor in charge of the Narcissus Principality was an ambitious man with outstanding military and political abilities, and the mages all supported him; on the other hand, those mages were inherently averse to war.

"Star Antimony is too far from Narcissus, separated by the entire Black Hawk, making it difficult for them to reach and govern. Furthermore, the Iris People have recently been supporting several rebellious restoration forces in Black Hawk... With rebellions occurring in both Narcissus and Black Hawk, suppressing and pacifying these rebellions requires substantial expenditures. The expansion dividends have been exhausted, and now they're actually starting to lose money."

"Furthermore, within Star Antimony, as necromancers gradually withdraw from the center of power and flock to the Black Eagle Principality and the Narcissus Principality in large numbers... the factional competition between alchemists and Demon Scholar has lost its buffer zone, becoming increasingly fierce and gradually losing balance. No matter which side the royal family sides on, it will cause dissatisfaction on the other side."

"Economic pressures will lead to military spending cuts. Star Antimony chose to shift this expenditure to the Black Eagle Principality to appease the alchemists and Demon Scholar —professional soldiers from there are most affected by the downsizing."

Iver explained earnestly.

This is also why, during the war to destroy Avalon, Star Antimony chose to have its high-end forces wipe out the enemy in one fell swoop, rather than relying on its elite troops to repeatedly harass them as usual.

"Under these circumstances, they urgently need a new war—a resounding victory—to alleviate domestic tensions."

"...But according to you," Isabel said, somewhat puzzled, "Their problem is that they occupy too much land, right? Then why do they continue to wage war?"

"Of course they know, that's why we've had decades of peace. That's why Avalon and the Iris have survived... but they can't stop now."

Iver shook his head and replied simply, "If the Narcissus Principality were willing to submit, with the help of those clever mages, they might be able to recover... but the Narcissus Principality the only one that has not been subdued by them."

Because they can't win either. If the battle is really fought long and drawn out, they might not be able to defeat the Narcissus Principality.

"... So, although Star Antimony looks very powerful and seemingly invincible, it is actually very fragile?"

Isabel suddenly realized. "So Miss Ligeia wants the enemy's attack to fail, so that their internal rebellion will be stronger? Then they won't be able to care about us?"

"Hmm... more or less."

Iver smiled helplessly, "If we don't show weakness, they'll probably continue to test our limits. And that testing itself will hurt us... It's better to let them attack, and then give them a surprise."

"After all, they have to cross the sea to attack. This is a natural defense."

Without the traitorous Minister of Trade, it would be quite difficult for the Stibnite Person to smuggle their Department of the Army over. And in terms of naval strength alone, Avalon is undoubtedly far superior to Star Antimony.

After all, putting a few griffins on a ship is practically equivalent to having an aircraft carrier. And at sea, storm-type abilities pose a greater threat than on land.

The Dragon Blood Law Decree is practically invincible when it comes to clearing away impurities... as long as the energy level is suppressed, there is basically no way to exempt it.

Meg used to be terrified of the Aging Curse of the Path of Twilight, but now she doesn't even have that flaw anymore.

It's fair to say that Miss Ligeia is now capable of protecting an entire nation single-handedly. As long as she demonstrates her strength, Avalon will essentially be safe... at the very least, she'll earn the respect of Star Antimony and Iris.

That way, Iver wouldn't be tied up here. He could go explore other places to get equipment without worrying about finding his home gone when he returns.

If it weren't shown, Iris and Star Antimony would always remain skeptical—is Ligeia really as strong as Meg? Is she just putting on a show? A solid punch would teach her a lesson.

From this perspective...

When Iver helped Meg transform into "Ligeia," history was completely changed.

"You haven't actually finished speaking, have you?"

Ligeia said with a sly smile, "Why don't you just say it all?"

"There's another reason... you want to kill those dishonest guys, right?"

"... You actually figured it out?" Iver glanced at Ligeia with some surprise, neither confirming nor denying.

Isabel was startled. "Huh? Who is Iver going to kill?"

"Those corrupt knights."

Iver said solemnly, "War is a good excuse... to send knights who have never experienced war to the battlefield, expose their weakness and cowardice, and let the veterans share their experience with the young; it is also a trial that can make those immature young people have courage, temper steel in fire and remove rust, and they will be our new pillars. In this way, Avalon, as rotten as dead wood, can be reborn in blood and fire."

"...oh!"

Isabel's eyes lit up.

"Simply put," Ligeia translated with a smile, "We'll find an excuse to send those disobedient old men and those good-for-nothings to the battlefield to kill; and give the reliable and salvageable young people some credit and promote them. Through this means, we'll violently reshuffle the current Round Table Hall and replace it with people who are willing to obey your orders."

"... It seems to mean the same thing, but this one sounds really bad."

Isabel muttered.

Her Majesty the Queen to the side, was quite pleased.

She clapped her hands repeatedly, a rare smile on her face.

"You have to be a little naughty, little Isa. You're still too green... Learn from Iver. See how he does it."

Ligeia nestled in the Queen's arms, giggling, "Anyway, I have some time now... so I'll take some time to teach you how to be bad."

"... Is it enough if Iver knows how to do it?"

Isabel glanced at Iver, still somewhat reluctant. "All I need to do is genuinely treat them well."

"It's not impossible."

Iver crossed his arms and nodded in agreement.

It's just playing the bad cop. He's really good at that.

It's simply a matter of being fired from a company versus being fired from the biosphere...

Ligeia smacked her lips.

She realized that Isabel was worried that she was becoming bad and cunning, and that her relationship with her friends—perhaps specifically Iver —was about to deteriorate.

That's not entirely impossible. The Sofia of today is completely different from the vibrant young woman she first met. Their friendship has lasted until now as a result of continuous compromises between the two sides.

"In that case, Iver."

Queen Sophia extended an invitation. "Why don't you try joining the Round Table Hall first?"

"... As a knight?"

Iver asked in return.

The implication is whether he must inherit the Moriarty Family.

The Moriarty Family is very special; it has no branch families. If he were to inherit the Moriarty Family, it would mean that Edward and Yulia would be separated from the family and lose their surname.

Although he didn't know Yulia and Edward's attitudes, Iver was still reluctant to do such a thing.

"If you're not willing, you can do it as a minister."

Sofia chuckled lightly, as if joking, "What do you think, Minister of Everything?"

Iver gasped.

Isabel's eyes widened immediately.

Even Ligeia's wicked smile froze.

"Minister of Everything"—while the name sounds humorous... it actually means "manages everything." They simply don't specialize in any particular area, but when necessary, they can intervene in the affairs of any department based on the Queen's decision or the Round Table Hall's resolution.

Most importantly, their status is equivalent to that of ministers in their respective departments. In other words, other ministers cannot govern or order them around.

This is undoubtedly a "key minister of the state".

He could even be described as a close confidant of the Queen, the highest-ranking royal envoy.

Since there is no actual "Minister of Everything," this ministerial position can be left vacant. Even her Prince have never held this position since Queen Sophia ascended the throne.

"... I haven't graduated yet, Your Her Majesty the Queen?"

Even Iver hesitated.

He wasn't flattered, nor did he feel incapable of the task. He had no doubt that he could do a better job than most of Avalon's ministers.

I'm just wondering—if I really take over this position, will it be inconvenient to travel?

The procedures for ministers leaving Glass Island are certainly different from those for ordinary people. Not to mention going abroad... that's basically on the level of an "envoy."

Queen Sophia easily saw through Iver's thoughts.

She comforted her, "Don't worry, it won't delay you... because you're the Minister of Everything. You can say that you're carrying out my special mission in everything you do, including hiding your identity. And you don't usually have a job... um, I can transfer ' Miss Aleister ' to your command."

"As for the Noble Red, I've decided to send troops to wipe them out. I'll have George return to the army in a bit, and the regular army will handle this matter from now on. You don't need to worry about your safety— Ligeia can also protect you personally."

"Just focus on your studies this week and prepare for your advancement ceremony with Isabel. There shouldn't be any other unexpected events. I'll help you complete the other procedures... By the time the next semester starts, you should be a minister."

As the old Queen spoke, she winked playfully at Iver: "How about it, going to school without the identity of a minister—doesn't that make you feel happy?"

"Really."

Iver nodded honestly.

I have to say, it was kind of fun.

Update complete! A long-awaited double update at midnight! I slept on and off for over ten hours yesterday, and skipped the IV drip because I was worried it might lower my immunity. My rhinitis is still quite bad today, with even more runny nose and phlegm... but at least my head doesn't hurt anymore, so I can go back to work...

I'd like to recommend my friend's new book, "This Actor Was Too Immersed in His Role."