Chapter 403 7.57 Trial of Heretics (5)

Ulysses Elam was a unique monarch on this continent.

Unlike those heroes who were widely sung by bards and tavern bartenders, he believed in the power of "low-key" and "forbearance".

What appears to be a failure may not "really" be a complete failure.

In the same way, a big victory that seems like a victory can be achieved if one takes a long-term view.

It may not “really” be a victory.

**

A nightmare experience in his childhood made Elan in awe of the word "life" since he was a child.

When he was 6 years old, he witnessed his mother die in childbirth.

In the Middle Ages, when medical conditions were generally poor, it was not uncommon for women to die due to childbirth. The belligerent father immediately forgot about the incident, but Ulysses remembered the nightmare deeply.

From that day on, he knew that the records in the holy bishops' books were not false.

The arrival of peace in every life is a gift from the Holy Lord Christ to mankind.

When he grew up, the lingering images from his childhood were still engraved in his memory. From the moment he became the crown prince, he began to scrutinize his kingdom keenly.

Through careful account comparison, Ulysses discovered that compared to wielding a sword and going to the battlefield to fight, it would be more cost-effective to directly use gold coins to avoid disputes.

Because of every human life that takes to the battlefield, they grow from babies crying for food to being able to work in the fields, and then to being able to pick up swords. This requires the kingdom to invest a lot of time and money.

There is not much difference between a dead person and a loss of property.

Waging a war just to obtain land and war compensation is a completely loss-making deal in the eyes of Ulysses.

Money is easy to get.

But it takes 18 years to raise a soldier from infant to adult.

This lost time can never be regained no matter what.

*

Based on this "life philosophy", when the Kingdom of Mercia was handed over to Ulysses, he immediately became a tortoise that everyone despised.

As long as we can form an alliance, we will never split.

As long as you can defend, you will never attack.

As long as compensation can be paid, force will never be used.

The seven countries of the English Islands immediately discovered a rising coward, and the name "Honest Man" Elam was firmly pinned on Ulysses' head.

But he didn't care.

After 20 years, the leaders of the seven countries have changed.

But Ulysses still sat on the throne, submissive.

After 40 years, the leading families in the seven countries have even changed.

Ulysses carried gifts and blessed the new monarch year after year.

Looking at the Kingdom of Mercia, under 40 years of Buddhist management, its land has not decreased at all, but has increased by 20%.

This is a land that has been completely abandoned due to years of war.

Ulysses swallowed it calmly, and then used the country's large population to reclaim wasteland and plant it, turning the scorched land into fertile farmland.

**

Internally, he vigorously developed basic industry and made Mercia's ships the strongest among the seven countries in England.

Externally, he tried his best to promote trade and exchange goods with all countries as much as possible.

His business philosophy was not wrong.

40 years of political experience told him that "avoiding war and developing in a low-key manner" is the brightest road for the country's rulers.

It's okay to be scolded.

They just dare to say verbally that they are cowards. Mercia has not seen a real invasion in many years.

The dragon-killing ballistae densely distributed on the walls of all cities are proof of the kingdom's national strength.

**

It's a pity that the life of a mortal is never "smooth sailing".

2 years ago, Hummel Blood Pigeon crossed the North Sea.

One year ago, Loki led the Viking pirates who suddenly appeared on the land of the Kingdom of Mercia. This officially announced that the peaceful life of the Kingdom of Mercia was permanently disrupted.

It had been a long, long time since Ulysses had gone to the front lines in person. Facing Loki, he could only fully cooperate and agree to all his requests.

Loki asked him to be a hostage, and he obeyed.

Loki said we were allies, and he readily agreed.

But does he really think so in his heart?

Regarding this issue, Loki once naively thought that when he showed the value of an ally and married Elizabeth, the old man would see his strength.

Cooperating with the martial Vikings will make the Kingdom of Mercia more stable and diverse without force.

However at this time

Ulysses Elam when he emerged as the fourth witness. He thought back carefully and had to admit that everything his father-in-law did seemed to be under his "coercion".

He hid his fear deeply, beneath a wise smile that kept him smiling almost all the time.

It wasn't until the Principality of France targeted itself that it finally broke out!

**

"I am Ulysses Elam, the Lord of the Kingdom of Mercia. Today, standing in the hall of the Inquisition, facing the twelve angels under the disciples of the Holy Lord Christ, I guarantee that what I say is true. "

Loki looked at the old man with mixed feelings in his heart.

It is young people like Elizabeth who can truly demonstrate strong plasticity in the face of changes.

From extreme resistance to openness. It took the Princess of Mercia less than two months. Because she truly saw the changes in people's lives in this land.

No matter what era, the elderly are the most difficult to change.

When faced with adversity, they will use the experience gained from a lifetime of hardship to be compliant with reality.

But their hearts are still as solid as a rock.

"According to my interactions with this Duke Loki, he once told me clearly that he is a 'predictor' from the turbulence of time and space!"

"Thirty years ago, the Byzantine King 'Mikhail III' once announced to the world that 'predictors' are the most dangerous enemies in the world. They descended to this plane like foreign gods, but the history stored in their brains is indeed written for us by unknown secret existences"

"Since this man descended into the Viking tribe, the Viking tribe has ushered in a disaster of extinction!"

"In just three years, a large number of Vikings went to the battlefield. The bloodthirsty tribe, led by a madman like 'Lost', fell into the brink of losing control."

"If we don't do something, the seven countries of the English Isles, together with the Vikings and the entire Slavic territory, will all be turned into a paradise for raising demons by him!"

"Build a huge empire covering the Scandinavian Peninsula, the English Isles, and the Slavic Peninsula!"

"This is the real goal of this madman!"

In front of Loki, he was submissive and obeyed all his requests. Ulysses had been patient until now, waiting for Loki to stand before the French to be tried.

He thought he would definitely die here, so he came forward to make an accusation.

He accused the time traveler of spreading the flames of war to the entire Mercian territory.

He also accused him of plundering the land of the Mercian people and occupying his only daughter.

The buzzing sound of discussion sounded again. Judge Ethan looked at Loki with a pair of sharp eyes. It was not until now that he finally understood why the "suzerain" wanted to use all the power of France to target this man.

This man is really dangerous.

"Enough." Loki shook his head and said softly.

"That's enough, father-in-law."