[Lille: Whatâs this person doing?]
A rustle of applause rose from beneath the stage, quickly turning into enthusiastic clapping, followed by cheers and acclamations...
However, those who have heard genuine cheers and applause would only feel this was superficial, as if done to satisfy a supervisorâs inspection. Of course, some were truly stirred by the emotions:
Stirred by the applause, everyoneâs clapping; not joining in would make one seem out of place, wouldnât it?
With emotions running high, the content of the speech becomes unimportant since everyoneâs already exhilarated.
Elliot heard a voice in his head clearing up instantly.
[Elliot: Uh... this... the instructor says he wants to give the workers a refresher on ideological education, delivering speeches here every day.]
[Elliot: And heâs quite good at it.]
Lille shot a glance at the lad:
[Lille: If heâs so good, how did you fall asleep listening to him?]
Elliot scratched his head, a bit embarrassed, and said:
[Elliot: But I really think he speaks well. He even told us how the worker predecessors continued to fight under the strict lockdown of the Martial Law Bureau, holding on until the Kingâs return...]
Within just a few seconds, the speech ended, and the workers began to disperse.
Elliot grabbed Sevens, who was standing up: "Mr. Graham spoke quite well, what do you think? I didnât even know who planned the uprising in Scotland before...
Hey, wait a minute, isnât the current Grand Duke of Scotland named Graham? What do you think..."
Sevens was expressionless: "Indeed, quite good... as for the surname, what do you think?"
Elliot was stunned.
Scotland was the first to raise the flag of resistance in the war against the Martial Law Bureau. Even before the Bureau deployed militarized police and implemented armed riot control measures internally, Scotland and Walesâs resistance forces had nearly succeeded in their independence efforts.
This is a land of heroes!
Elliot suddenly became excited: "Wow, then does that mean his family is actually..."
"Maybe... but selling othersâ information within the European Union is illegal. If youâre curious, you can ask yourself..."
Before he could finish speaking, Instructor Graham walked over, with a beautifully dressed woman by his side serving him a drink, which seemed to be some freshly opened liquor.
Johnny appeared beside the wine glass:
[Johnny: Damn, a hundred spirits tequila... does this guy always drink so well? You European Community civil servant guys sure have it good.]
[Lille: Stupid, this definitely isnât part of the European Union benefits! Didnât you hear the Scottish Grand Dukeâs surname is Graham?]
[Johnny: Hey, Iâve always said corporate colonialism is ruining the world, but here you all are still messing with feudalism, feels more feudal than when you were king.]
[Lille: The Graham family is a Grand Duke, and what conflict is there with the Graham family owning a few big companies? No conflict.]
[Johnny: By that logic, thereâs no conflict with the Graham family holding a few positions within the European Union either...]
Elliotâs newfound reverence was abruptly interrupted by the two AI staff joking around.
Sometimes people are strange: tell them the Graham familyâs nobles participated in overthrowing the Martial Law Bureau, and they will worship, appreciate, and admire these nobles who dare to resist the Bureau, believing them to possess noble spirit.
But tell them their current society beneficiaries, and especially their descendants, are living such lavish lifestyles, just like those they hated their whole lives...
Their minds suddenly freeze.
Elliot was short-circuited now: so Graham, the instructor, being so wealthy and living so lavishly, is unrelated to him being a European Community civil servant.
On the contrary, him being a European Community civil servant is somewhat related to him being a Graham family member.
Watching Instructor Graham walk over, he had to quickly reassure himself:
The Graham Grand Duke deserved recognition for overthrowing the Martial Law Bureau and was rightfully favored by the King, wasnât he?
If the later generations couldnât enjoy benefits, wouldnât their struggles have been unfair?
"Wonderful!" Graham took a sip of wine, appearing even more excited than the workers just now.
In Lilleâs view, he indeed seemed more excited than those workers earlier.
"These workers need true ideological baptism, with His Majestyâs protection; they will spread the Kingâs thoughts across this land, letting people feel the Kingâs compassion.
The European Union is genuinely malevolent; for so many years, the bad companiesâ power has deeply poisoned this land. Continuing like this will ultimately...
We should restore order; the first step is to let them realize there are good people and good companies within the EU, learning to bravely point out these bad people."
Elliot, having been teased, was skeptical:
Is this right?
This doesnât seem right, big brother doesnât mean this, right?
Nor does it seem wrong because big brother said knocking out EBM was a crucial strategic point; only then could workers in other places dare to stand up...
"Youâre right..."
Before Elliot could respond, Grahamâs face turned solemn: "I just noticed many workers speaking vulgarly, liking to mention things they shouldnât.
I think this workersâ movement isnât just about workers needing ideological reinforcement; you need it too.
As a member of the Cyberpsychosis Special Treatment Committee, how can you slack on the workersâ ideological education?"
"Ah?"
Elliot was at a loss, his small hands having nowhere to place, eyes wandering.
Graham continued: "Sevens is doing quite well; heâs already compiled a whole set of materials for ideological training and exams. You should learn more from him."
"Ah??"
Elliot looked towards Sevens not far away, the latter raising his head, showing a hint of expression on his previously stern face, albeit one of mockery towards Elliot.
Sevens seemed to have anticipated things would turn out this way. He blinked, lifted his briefcase, and left the scene.
Simultaneously, Elliot received a transmission from Sevens before his eyes:
[Sevens: You know, the Kingâs government places great importance on ideological training; Iâve already prepared the exam materials and documents.]
[Sevens: But the workersâ training can be delayedâyou understand why it should be delayed, I just guaranteed that nobody would seriously look at these things.]
[Sevens: But youâre different; study and read well on the way, I think the instructor has much more to say.]
[Elliot: And you?]
Graham answered this question, pointing to Sevens who was leaving:
"Not only has he memorized the Kingâs speeches, thoughts, and policies by heart, but he is also thinking of passing on the ideology to his fellow workers, and you?
No way, you need to start learning now; we need to prepare a training class targeted just for you..."
Now it wasnât just Elliot feeling overwhelmed; even Lilleâs brows furrowedâ
Arasaka Academyâs classes also have courses on instilling liberal thought, but that stuff you can bs with your eyes closed.
The real question is whether this pig-brain Elliot could memorize them, not to mention, it would delay things!
So Lille immediately signaled Elliot to find an excuse to evade, and the latter, as if finding a savior, grabbed Grahamâs arm:
"Instructor, weâre heading to Berlin this afternoon..."
Halfway through speaking, Elliot felt like an iron block was shoved into his throatâ
If Grahamâs expression earlier was only rather serious, somewhat like a stern teacher...
Now, his eyes resembled those looking at a dead man, vermin, pests, and anything else unpleasant and ready to be crushed instantly.
Elliot had never seen such an expression... not even in the company.
An arm caught his hand, and when he came to, he saw Sevens stepping between them, respectfully addressing Graham:
"Instructor, the itinerary is ready, CINO company is prepared to discuss the upcoming arrangements with us so they can send over that whale, would you..."
Grahamâs expression relaxed, but Elliot knew: the coldness didnât vanish, it just hid away.
He flicked his hand as if shaking something dirty off it.
"Hmm... I understand; indeed, I should be the one to coordinate with them."