"So, esteed Duke Stuart, how much do you know about us?"
This is the main topic for today, leaning on his arm, Oscar looked at her with a half-smile.
Selyu shook her head and said.
"Isn't introducing oneself your job?"
"Indeed."
Oscar put away his smile and beca serious.
"Do you know 'Ideal Country'?"
"Ideal Country? I've heard of it."
Selyu was a bit puzzled, not knowing why Oscar brought this up.
She had heard Yawei ntion these people, as the old steward of the Stuart family, he knew many secrets, such as things related to Oscar. When Selyu found out about this side of Oscar, she beca very vigilant. It seed their encounter on the train was deliberately arranged.
"Ideal Country, from the philosopher Plato's work, is a book we highly recomnd, and its content is sothing we greatly agree with."
"I've read that book," Selyu said. Reading was one of her only hobbies, with books from all over the world on her shelves, all collected by Yawei.
"What do you think of the country in the book?" Oscar asked.
Selyu thought for a mont and replied, "A beautiful yet lifeless and unattainable utopia."
The country in the book seed beautiful but was completely petrified, without any room for change, like a pond of stagnant water.
"Indeed, from today's perspective, it falls far short, but it has so excellent aspects still worthy of our reference."
Oscar wasn't surprised by Selyu's answer; even he had similar views to so extent.
"Then what on earth are you trying to say? Surely you're not here to discuss philosophy with , are you?" Selyu asked.
"Of course not, philosophy doesn't win a girl's heart. We like the concept of the 'Ideal Country,' but ultimately, it's just a theory left in the book. Plato didn't have the capability to realize it; he couldn't create a country."
Oscar said this very seriously and earnestly.
"But we can."
Selyu's expression changed slightly; she didn't respond imdiately. After a brief silence, she laughed.
"That's treason."
"That depends on your definition of 'country,' doesn't it? We have no territory to speak of," Oscar wasn't bothered by Selyu's threat.
"So what are you here for today? To convince to join your strange organization and establish this ideal country? It sounds more like the superiority club of wealthy and powerful people than a country," Selyu said, "Yawei ntioned you to , you sounded mysterious and unwelco."
"There will always be biases; however, I hope you consider us seriously before making a decision. We look forward to welcoming you as a new mber."
As Oscar spoke, he took out a letter, its seal imprinted with a familiar symbol matching the necklace around Oscar's neck, and pushed it towards Selyu.
"? I don't quite understand what makes worth recruiting," Selyu did not take the letter but asked cautiously.
Since Lawrence started targeting her, Selyu held a faint hostility and vigilance towards these sudden visitors. Being a newly adult duchess, she seed like a plump lamb to those with ill intentions.
"We aim to enlist anyone valuable, or invest, you might say. You're like this, and Lorenzo was as well. Unfortunately, his ties with the Purification chanism were too deep, and we didn't want any dealings with them, so we were compelled to give up."
Oscar explained their criteria for selecting mbers.
"Lorenzo?"
Selyu didn't expect soone like Lorenzo to catch their eye, and Oscar earnestly explained.
"You know Plato established three classes in 'Ideal Country,' right?"
Selyu knew, and she quickly replied.
"Philosophical rulers, iron-blooded warriors, ignorant citizens."
"Lorenzo is an excellent warrior, extrely excellent, his fearless battle spirit can be seen; he would be the kingdom's strongest defender."
Oscar didn't hesitate to praise Lorenzo, continuing.
"If possible, I really hoped he could beco a part of the country. As for you, you're the youngest female duchess of Stuart, backed by countless family supporters. With age, you'll beco stronger; you'll be an exceptional ruler. Your joining would accelerate the growth of our country significantly."
Oscar shifted his tone, becoming more relaxed.
"We won't force you; after all, this is an ideal country, everything cos from the mbers' voluntary choice. Coercion here seems filthy, whether or not to join is your own consideration, and don't rush to answer , think it over carefully."
Selyu was silent, then she looked at the letter, her gaze unconsciously t the eyes on the wax seal, it seed to co alive, both observing each other thoroughly and seeing through each other's soul.
"Moreover, there's one more thing; your joining might save Lorenzo's life."
Oscar seed to know the trajectory of the story, he said to Selyu.
"What do you an?"
Hearing the girl's voice, Oscar looked as if his cunning plan had succeeded, he explained.
"Don't mind it, just a speculation. You should know this city is Old Dunling, it belongs to the Purification chanism, and the Purification chanism serves Queen Victoria."
Oscar knew far too many things, he said to Selyu.
"Queen Victoria's will is the one executed with utmost priority. When it conflicts with Lorenzo, do you think the Purification chanism will side with Lorenzo? And when the ti cos, do you think Lorenzo can escape this city?"
"At that ti, only we can help Lorenzo," Oscar said.
"Are you using this to threaten into joining?"
"Of course not, we never force anyone, I'm rely laying out the interests and stakes for you. You could be a safeguard, pulling Lorenzo up when he slips, and indeed giving him a little push into our camp wouldn't be bad either."
Although he said they'd give Lorenzo up, Oscar wouldn't miss any chance if it arose. A likable person who was also such a capable fighter was rare.
"No... wait, does that an you're not subordinate to Queen Victoria either?"
"We are a republican parliantary system, not a monarch's dictatorship."
Oscar stood up, smiling as he bade farewell to Selyu.
"I've said enough today. As for whether to join or not, please consider it carefully. Naturally, I hope you do join, because not long ago a great ruler rejected us, which saddened us greatly."
"Who are your mbers?"
"That won't do; the mber list is confidential. Even if you join, you may not know everything." Oscar decisively refused.
"Is that all? Aren't you afraid I'll reveal it?" Selyu asked.
"You won't do that, and even though I've talked so much to you, this country remains elusive to you, doesn't it?"
Oscar hadn't shared any valuable information during the entire conversation; it all felt like he was persuading Selyu to invest, like a charlatan scheming for money.
"Wait, I have one last question."
Selyu suddenly stopped Oscar, she looked at him and asked.
"You value Lorenzo's strong martial prowess; you value our Stuart family's resources and dominion. What about you?"
Selyu seed to have found a key point; she queried.
"Why did you join? What can you contribute to this ideal country?"
Unexpectedly faced with such a question, Oscar smiled slightly and then said.
"Value, this term is variable, not rely political, resource, or martial value. It has different anings in different contexts."
Oscar explained quite seriously.
"My books are actually quite popular."
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