The Future of Sargon / Showing Equal Disdain for Every Doctor Who Won't Feed Their Dog

"Um, it seems she went to Manjushri Monastery. The owner of Warm Cottage told me that since the exam is being held there, she went to scout it out first."

"Alright, then leave him alone. You keep a close eye on the students these next two days, and make sure no one gets hurt before the exams are over." Enciodes knew the other two families very well; if they had the chance to sabotage anyone, they would do it cleanly and efficiently. So, to ensure his students could complete the exams safely, he assigned his most trusted Matterhorn, to personally supervise everything.

Meanwhile, the other two companies did similar things.

Meanwhile, Suika had already arrived at the foot of Manjushri Monastery.

When the guards saw a stranger come to Manjushri Monastery in the snowy weather, they were a little nervous. After all, the guards here were mostly from noble families. The guards here were just a means to gain prestige. In terms of combat power, they were far inferior to the warriors of Pelloch.

However, since Manjushri Monastery is located in the heart of Kjerag, the fact that someone actually managed to get here means that almost all of Pelloch's warriors are dead. So, whether these Karami have any fighting ability or not doesn't really make much difference.

So the guards were terrified when they saw a figure suddenly emerge from the snowstorm.

Luckily, Suika was alone; if she were with dozens of people, these noobs would probably wet their pants in fear.

Upon learning Suika's identity and purpose, the guards all looked over in surprise.

Even those who aren't members of the Kjerag family know that the most attention-grabbing thing about Kjerag recently is the exam in three days.

The person who brought this exam was a messenger from the outside world. She suddenly arrived at Manjushri Monastery, and it was unclear what she wanted to do.

So a guard quickly went to report to the elders.

Soon after, Suika was invited inside.

"There are still three days until the exam. Miss Messenger, is there something you need to tell me now?"

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the Grand Elder looked at Suika.

"Me? I have two things to do this time."

Firstly, I've heard there are quite a few students taking the exam this time. I wonder if the Grand Elder has arranged the exam rooms? And how are the invigilators being arranged?

Secondly, when will the exam papers be unsealed and then printed?

"You can't start doing it when you're a genius, can you?"

Upon hearing Suika's words, the Grand Elder stood up.

"It is a blessing for Kjerag that Miss Messenger is concerned about this matter."

There's no need to worry about the examination venue. Manjushri Monastery already has large rooms prepared for believers, and two rooms are enough for five hundred examinees.

The examiners had already been chosen, and our guards would serve as proctors. They were all loyal warriors of Kjeragandr, and under Kjeragandr's watchful eye, they wouldn't dare to act recklessly.

As for the exam papers, we actually forgot about that.

However, the exam papers will inevitably be seen when they are printed, and what if they get leaked out...?

As the elder spoke, he led her to a huge indoor plaza. Suika looked over and saw that the plaza was about half the size of a football field. Although it would be a little crowded to accommodate more than two hundred examinees, it was not impossible.

The elder said there was another identical house not far away.

Both rooms were equipped with the same kind of heating rods that we had seen on the Holy Mountain, so even though the space was quite large, the temperature was not actually low, and the students would not be so cold that they could not write.

Suika was quite satisfied with this.

As for the exam papers that the Elder was worried about, Suika found it much simpler.

"This isn't difficult; doesn't the Silverash family have a photocopier?"

They transported it here, arranged a room for three people from different factions, and on the last day, they went in to photocopy the exam papers.

The three cooperated and supervised each other, and before the exam, they were not allowed to have any contact with anyone except for having food delivered to them.

As long as those transporting food cannot communicate with them, and their daily needs for food, clothing, shelter, and transportation are confined to specific areas and do not overlap with others, then even if someone with malicious intent were to do something wrong, it would be difficult for them to find an opportunity within a single day.

Chapter 316 The Future of Kjerag

"A good idea. No wonder you're a messenger from the outside world."

The elder glanced at Suika and then said to the person beside him.

"Go and invite envoys from all ethnic groups to come and discuss this matter."

After that person left, the Grand Elder looked at Suika again.

"Young lady, can we talk?"

"Of course, we're talking right now, and I also have something I'd like to ask you."

Suika looked at the old man in front of her. This guy had a special status in Kjerag. As a religious institution in Kjeragandr, Manjushri Monastery not only managed the daily life of the saintess, but also held the right to convene the Three Clans Council, which was the most important factor in stabilizing the situation in Kjerag.

In other words, no major move by Kjerag could escape his notice, and as the Grand Elder, he also had the right to offer his opinions on these matters.

The old man before me could not be simply categorized as a die-hard or conservative. Whether as the de facto supreme leader of the Kjerag state religion or a participant in Kjerag's political development, his vision was undoubtedly broad enough.

He was well aware of the reasons for Kjerag's backwardness, a large part of which stemmed from its ignorant religious beliefs. However, instead of changing it, he, as a beneficiary of the system, not only welcomed the situation but also intensified the persecution of those who held open-minded Kjerag ideas.

Because he understood the true nature of the matter, he knew even better that the more open Kjerag, the more disadvantageous it would be for him.

However, he is currently the highest authority in Kjerag, and even the Three Clans Council needs to consult his opinion. Therefore, with him in control of the overall direction, the Open Faction, to which Enciodes belongs, has been severely suppressed.

"Haha, that's great!"

"Then tell me what your problem is. I should know a thing or two about it in Kjerag."

Upon hearing Suika's words, the Grand Elder chuckled and said, looking like a kind old grandfather. No one would have imagined that without him, Kjerag's development would not have been so slow.

Suika explained her idea of buying a batch of these heating rods, which was also the reason she came to Manjushri Monastery in advance.

She had specifically asked about this when she was at the Browntail family, and Browntail's Ratatos told Suika that this thing was a "specialty" of the Manjushri Monastery, so even if people from other families could make it, they would have to get the Manjushri Monastery's permission to sell it.

"This is nothing. Although the items are made in the Manjushri Monastery, the actual materials come from various tribes."

"If Miss Messenger wants it, I'll mention it during the meeting later and give her a special purchase permit."

After the old man finished speaking, he looked at Suika again. Suika nodded to express her gratitude, then shook her head to indicate that she had nothing more to say.

"Now that you've finished your business, Miss Messenger, this old man has a few questions for you."

Before you came here, or what were your impressions of Kjerag from the outside world?

Seeing this, the Grand Elder finally spoke and asked.

After asking the question, I didn't get the answer I expected, but rather a brief silence.

"Hmm, is there something you're hesitant to say, young friend?"

The elder regretted his words as soon as he spoke, seeing the silent Suika.

At that moment, several envoys from the Three Clans Council arrived at the same time. Seeing the two talking, they did not approach but stood quietly a short distance away, waiting for the Grand Elder's summons.

After glancing at it, Suika deliberately feigned hesitation.

"Um, so I'll just tell you then?"

Before the Grand Elder could refuse, she continued...

"When Enciodes's letter was delivered to the school, the principal held a special meeting to discuss the issue of the number of places."

Some of those present were surprised, saying, "Why should Kjerag, a self-governing territory, have ten slots like a sovereign state..."

At this point, Suika deliberately glanced at the members of the Three Clans Council who were filled with righteous indignation after hearing her words, and then looked at the expressionless Grand Elder.

"I also need to apologize here. Initially, I actually shared the same thoughts as those people."

In my eyes, Kjerag is similar to Siesta; it's an autonomous region with its own independent economy and religion.

It belongs to a small place with snow-capped mountains as its own scenic spot.

On the Terra maps I've seen of countries like Great Yan Ursus, the Kjerag region isn't marked as a country; it's just retained as a name.

After listening to Suika's words, the Grand Elder remained expressionless, but those people not far away were already furious.

What do you mean it's just an autonomous region? Kjerag has been an independent sovereign state since ancient times!

The Grand Elder was also deeply distressed at this moment. He had only intended to find a topic to discuss and then seize upon the loophole in her words to show that Kjerag's current existence was the most suitable for Kjerag.

Ideally, this messenger should be expelled from Kjerag before the exam, or at least kept under control. But this guy is completely unreasonable and throws out bombshells the moment he opens his mouth.

Looking at the expressions of the people not far away, he knew he had gone too far, but they had all heard what he had just said, and he couldn't go back on his word and punish Suika now.

He could imagine that when Suika's words reached the ears of the three families, the one from the Silverash family would probably burst out laughing.

After all, if Kjerag wants to be recognized by the nations of Terra again, opening itself up is a necessary step, followed by strengthening its nation, military, and economy to increase its visibility.

But all of this points to one thing: opening up Kjerag, something he absolutely cannot agree to.

"And what about Kjerag in your eyes now?" The elder had no choice but to change the subject, trying to divert attention in this way.

"Some people want to move forward, some hesitate, and some deliberately hold others back... But no matter how times change, they will never go backward, and those who stagnate will be eliminated by the times."

Ultimately, if the people of Kjerag want to proudly proclaim their country's name elsewhere, rather than becoming a true autonomous region, then openness, acceptance, inclusiveness, and ultimately forging a unique path of development for Kjerag are essential steps.

When Suika saw that there were many people around, she put on a serious expression, then activated her ability to amplify her voice to a distance, and then said, word by word.

The elder dismissed the idea, knowing his age and understanding the complexities of such matters. He believed that while everyone could talk the talk, few could truly walk the walk.

He wouldn't live for many more years anyway. If it weren't for his greed for power, he should be sitting in a warm little house playing with children, instead of here plotting against Suika.

However, he clearly did not notice the tricks that Suika had secretly played, and at this moment, many people not far away showed thoughtful expressions in their eyes.

Chapter 317 Equal Contempt for Every Doctor Who Doesn't Feed His Dog

Turning his head, the Grand Elder was surprised to find many people standing not far away. He paused for a moment, then smiled.

"Ahem, this man is getting old, and his hearing isn't what it used to be. Since you're all here, let's get down to business..."

The elder's words brought everyone out of their thoughts, and they all looked at him.

He then recounted Suika's suggestion.

The envoys then realized that in their arguing, they had forgotten about the most important thing: the exam papers.

Fortunately, Suika's solution seemed quite good to them. The three of them supervised and vouched for each other, and spent a day in seclusion to carry out the printing work.

Although it was a tiring and difficult day for the people who did it, they did manage to ensure safety and confidentiality.

After everyone reached a consensus, the representatives left to arrange for the printing press to be brought here from Enciodes's territory.

Suika suggested they go check where the exam papers were kept.

The elder led her inside, and the further they went, the more guards Suika noticed.

The elder stopped when he reached a small, secluded courtyard at the deepest part of the Manjushri Monastery.

"The exam papers and the large box containing them are all in here. Our people are responsible for guarding the outside and delivering supplies to the people inside..."

"Would it be convenient for us to go in?"

"Of course it's convenient. After all, the exam papers were brought up by you, Miss Messenger. If we didn't trust you, this exam would have been completely unnecessary..."

After the elder finished speaking, he walked to the door and knocked.

Soon after, the door opened with the sound of footsteps.

"It's not that it's not mealtime yet... Elder, Suika!"

It was Jian who opened the door. She was a little confused as to why someone was knocking on the door before the appointed time, but she was startled when she opened it.

"I was wondering why I hadn't seen you in so long. So it turns out that Enciodes guy assigned you to guard the exam papers!"

Although Suika knew about it that day, she still teased her about it after they met.

"I wouldn't feel comfortable entrusting this task to anyone else, and since you trusted me to keep the exam papers safe, it's my duty to ensure their protection before the exam."

In front of the Grand Elder, Jian answered seriously, a rare occurrence for him.

As the group was talking, the people inside came out, and they all tensed up upon seeing the Grand Elder.

"It's alright. The messenger wanted to see how things were going here and whether the exam papers were well protected, so I brought her along. I hope this hasn't disturbed your work."

The elder smiled and spoke gently. If those present didn't know what kind of person he was, they would probably think he was a kind and gentle old man.

After seeing Jian, Suika was relieved to find that the people with her were indeed women from the other two factions, just as Weiss had told her.

Although no one can force Jian to do anything, it still feels strange for her to live with a man for so long.

When Suika said goodbye to Kai, she glanced at the two people and felt that they looked familiar, but she couldn't quite place their names.

"What, do you know those two?" Noticing Suika's gaze, the Grand Elder looked over and asked after seeing that it was another two people.

"No, it's just that to be trusted by the Browntail family and Paleroche family and assigned to such an important task, those two women must be among the elite of the elite!"

"The shorter one is someone sent by the Browntail family, named Mosi. I heard he's a confidant of the family head's sister."

The very tall Æthiphian was a general from the Paleroche family named Valais.