Arknights' Lock of Heaven

"Sometimes I think the people of Yan have a lot to say: 'A son of a wealthy family would not sit under a dangerous roof...'"

clang!

The sound of Speaker Witt's cane tapping on the ground of the aircraft rang out, and the guard who heard this could only sigh.

Then he stopped talking about it.

As for Stephen, he closed his eyes, looking weak and airsick, indicating that he hadn't heard anything.

At least the meaning was conveyed.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

What tricks are they playing?

Inside Patriot's tent, Xia Yu and Patriot looked at each other, staring at the latest communications.

"No, the name Witt... he's the Speaker of the Ursus Empire, right? Isn't he?"

"Although we sent them invitations, it was just a formality. Why did he come all by himself like that?"

Froststar was also puzzled. "Could our information have been leaked? What do they know?"

“It can’t be that bad,” Xia Yu said, frowning. “Just two days ago, Kal’tsit said in the communications that based on what I did in Kazimierz, they thought I was planning an assassination to break the deadlock in the Snowfield.”

"They didn't seem to believe much about the Eden Project propaganda, so why the complete 180-degree turn in their attitude now?"

"Perhaps... I can understand him."

Just then, Patriot said slowly, "They're willing to risk everything."

"What do you mean?" Upon hearing this, everyone looked at him.

"Ursus... Ah, Ursus, I've been wandering around this country ever since I left Kazdel."

“I know the Ursus people; they don’t learn to compromise.”

"They will only stare at every bit of profit with greed, and then plot in their minds how to swallow it whole."

"The nobility... has fallen behind the times. Everyone can see this. With the popularization of education and the development of science and technology and people's livelihood, their ancient and rigid system is becoming increasingly unsuitable for today's world."

"The reason for Kazimir's two defeats in the Eastern Kingdom is this."

"But who can willingly become an outcast of the times? It's impossible to watch the power in one's hands slip away bit by bit."

"Their counterattack is inevitable, and it's happening right now. Perhaps those nobles are even laughing at us for trying to stop the storm they've stirred up with money."

“Speaker Witt…and the Emperor, they must have seen these reasons and decided to add fuel to the fire among the nobles.”

“Witt is a staunch royalist, and the nobles hate him to the core. If they can kill him at the wrong time and in the wrong place, thus removing a huge obstacle that is a threat to them, they will not hesitate.”

"He was the kindling that ignited the flame, wanting to give everything he had to win a greater victory for Ursus."

“But…” Upon hearing this, Shuangxing looked at Xiayu.

“I understand,” Xia Yu nodded, and said helplessly, “Well, you have commendable courage.”

"Using himself as bait to increase the chances of success in the plan, right? But whether he exists or not, the Ursus army will launch its attack on time. Compared to the benefits brought by the Eden Plan, an Imperial Speaker is nothing."

Ultimately, it's because they don't really trust the capabilities of us allies.

“But I wouldn’t believe it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes,” Patriot sighed. “That’s only human nature.”

"I understand, I understand, I was just venting a little," Xia Yu waved her hand. "Judging by the time, they should be arriving soon. Since you have a relationship with them, you can take care of their reception."

"I still have some things to debug, so I won't go."

After saying that, he vanished instantly in front of everyone.

"Uh..." Upon hearing this, Patriot and the others looked at each other in bewilderment.

There's no personal relationship or anything like that.

Yes, we're just nodding acquaintances at most, but there's some unspoken understanding between us.

But looking around, there really aren't many people who can host such important figures.

464 Prelude

The infected base is bustling with activity today.

Over the past few weeks, the construction of the eco-park has been a topic of great interest to those infected.

During this period, the base's operations returned to normal, with all projects proceeding in an orderly manner, from the development and transportation of the mines to the planning and construction of new settlements, and the reclamation of fields outside that were prepared for planting in the spring.

Aside from the last project, which was progressing slowly due to the freezing weather, the other projects were progressing very quickly. The land reclamation was only to provide a place for the people in the base to work, and no one really cared how much useful land could be reclaimed.

Today, everyone put down their work and returned to the base, because the eco-park is about to be completed.

“…It’s amazing,” Witt said, standing at the window and looking down at the infected base that was still thriving despite being surrounded by ice and snow. “It’s hard to believe that there are hundreds of thousands of troops threatening this place right on the edge of the snowfield.”

“People always have to think about how to survive in the future,” Froststar said with a slight sneer. “In Yan language, it’s called planning ahead. No matter how terrible the army on the border is, we still have to find a way to fill everyone’s stomachs first.”

She had never been fond of these Ursus bureaucrats, even the Speaker of the Ursus Imperial Council.

In the past, she, like other infected people, listened to their promises of various policies to improve the situation of infected people and dreamed that one day they would come true.

Even now, those so-called policies are all just talk from these politicians, none of them have been implemented. Even the new future that the infected people are about to face has little to do with them.

Her impression of Witt was that he was a very capable speaker for Ursus, but for the Infected, it didn't matter whether he was there or not.

In any case, the policy promises and gestures have not diminished at all, but nothing has actually been delivered.

In the past, Frostnova would have turned and left long ago without saying another word. The fact that she is still here patiently shows that she has changed a lot.

“Miss Yelena, you’re right,” Speaker Witt said with a smile, seemingly oblivious to Yelena’s subtle rejection of him. “Filling one’s stomach is the most important thing in life.”

“If we can’t feed the people under our command, we probably won’t be in this position for long.”

“Just call me Frostnova,” she said in a businesslike tone. “There are plenty of people in Ursus who can’t even feed themselves, aside from the infected, and the world hasn’t changed much.”

“Isn’t this about to change, Miss Frostnova?” Speaker Witt said, still as gentle as a spring breeze. “Change always comes slowly, and the flames of resistance need to be brewed before they can sweep everything away.”

"...Aren't you afraid of burning yourself to death too?" Froststar glanced at him sideways when she heard this.

“No, if the flames are large enough to burn me to death, then I will gladly accept it,” Speaker Witt said, bowing his head. “That would represent the rebirth of Ursus.”

“I hope so,” Frostnova said nothing, for she knew Speaker Witt’s purpose in coming.

This man... probably really thinks that way, otherwise he wouldn't have come here at this time.

According to their intelligence, this was a journey with a slim chance of survival.

"Then, Miss Frostnova, when may I meet with your advisor?"

Despite Frostnova's lukewarm attitude, Speaker Witt showed no impatience.

He knew that this girl would be the next generation leader of the Snowfield Infected. The Patriots' guerrillas lacked a young generation capable of taking on the responsibility, and in the past, they had made a big mistake in choosing this person.

Now, the old men who have fought alongside the Patriots their whole lives don't trust any outsiders at all; Frostnova, whom they've watched grow up, is the best choice.

In the past, their reason for not choosing Frostnova was simple: Frostnova's Oripathy was too severe, so severe that it was questionable whether she or the Captain would die first, and in this situation, they obviously couldn't count on her.

Currently, Frostnova's Oripathy remains at a newly infected level, and her close relationship with her ally Rhodes Island makes her the perfect candidate.

They even have the position of head of the ecological park in mind for Froststar.

This is something that is highly valued.

“This is not something I can decide,” Frostnova sighed upon hearing this. Patriot said that he had a relationship with Speaker Witt, and the atmosphere between the two when he picked them up at the airport that day was... extremely awkward.

Well, they definitely know each other and have some kind of relationship, but so many years have passed, they probably aren't that close anymore.

Moreover, the old man is so rigid and conservative that when Speaker Witt mentions anything secret, he will just stare at him silently with his bloodshot eyes, creating immense pressure.

On one occasion, Speaker Witt's guards almost drew their swords, because he nearly thought Patriot was about to attack.

But those who know him well know that he was just making a statement, indicating that this is not something you should ask.

Therefore, Patriot was not suitable to receive the Imperial Speaker, given his special status. So Patriot used the excuse of arranging military affairs to pass the man on to Frostnova.

They even call it "training you."

The other supervisor was even less reliable; ever since the eco-park was nearing completion, he had been spending 24 hours a day on the construction site.

Froststar could tell that he wasn't making excuses, but genuinely concerned about the ecological park's situation. After all, if something went wrong with this thing, all the subsequent plans would be ruined.

Theoretically, there shouldn't be any problems, but he was still quite concerned. These days, they were acting mysteriously, and he wondered what exactly they were doing in the ecological park.

Sometimes even Frostnova herself can't see anyone, let alone Speaker Witt.

Perhaps to others the Speaker of the Ursus Empire Council is an undisputed big shot, but to him, he is no different from anyone else.

“But you will definitely see him today,” Froststar sighed. “After all, it’s the first time the eco-park is being launched, and he will definitely be here to oversee it.”

“Oh, that’s good,” Speaker Witt smiled upon hearing this, displaying great composure.

If someone unaware of the situation were here, they would probably be completely confused. Why would the Speaker of the Imperial Council of Ursus have to go through all sorts of trouble to meet with a senior executive of a business company on his own territory?

It's utterly ridiculous, but who can argue with someone who's really capable?

“You seem really eager to see the advisor,” Frostnova said, looking at him curiously. “You should know what the advisor has done, right? Aren’t you afraid of him…”

At this point, Froststar reached her right hand to her neck and pulled.

The meaning is obvious: Aren't you afraid he'll dislike you and leave this place here?