Chapter 507: 507
Why Aren’t You Kissing Me?
The envoy from the Arcane Magic Council left in a huff.
This negotiation ended on bad terms.
Before he left, the envoy still protested formally in the face of Kant’s unprecedented contempt and humiliation, as well as his unyielding attitude. He claimed that the Arcane Magic Council would definitely respond.
Then, he ran away faster than anyone else.
This was normal.
If these two Spell Casters were to meet Kant on a normal day, they would definitely be extremely respectful and humble. Even if Kant humiliated, belittled, or even mocked them, they would not even say a word. This was because the other party was a Great Forbidden Spell Master. He could be considered a peerless powerhouse even in ancient times. He was also an unquestionable pioneer on the path of Arcane Spells. In the face of such a person, they could only offer all their respect and reverence.
Because a Forbidden Mage scolding you is a sign of kindness and love for you. You have to accept it.
But this occasion was different.
Because they were diplomatic envoys, what they represented on such an occasion was not personal honor or disgrace.
It was the Arcane Council, which had a history of more than 1,200 years, a total of more than 7 million registered members, more than 500,000 active users, more than 30,000 official employees, eight departments, three free cities, and countless trade routes, assets, shares, research institutions, schools, observatories, and patents.
It was precisely because of this that they could only choose to be unyielding when faced with Kant’s reprimands and provocations. Even if the outcome of angering a peerless champion was very likely to be killed on the spot, they could only grit their teeth and endure it. If they retreated here, it would mean that the honor and dignity of the Arcane Magic Council were easily trampled and humiliated by an outsider. If that happened, they would suffer a punishment that was even more terrible than death when they returned.
Now, they had arrived at Lucerne, heard Kant’s words and ultimatum, and responded appropriately. Their mission as messengers had been completed. Next was the work of the council.
After the two envoys left the audience hall, the archduke sitting on the throne suddenly stood up and took two steps forward. His usually elegant and handsome face was twisted in anger, like an angry lion.
“You’re crazy!” He suppressed his anger and growled,” Do you know how powerful the Arcane Magic Council is? At least 70% of the Spell Casters from Gorde who helped you a few days ago are registered members of the Arcane Magic Council. The law faculties of all five universities in Danfeng and Lucerne have a background project with the council. All the Spell Casters in this country aim to join the Arcane Magic Council…”
“So powerful.” Kant said,” Then why didn’t you side with the Council when Goethe was beaten up by the elves? Are they disdainful or do they not dare to accept it?”
The archduke’s face turned red instantly, and the Snowfall Sword Saint’s eyes widened.
Kant, who had begun to let himself go under immense pressure, had already become a Great Onmyoji.
If he didn’t want to accept it, then no matter how hard he tried, he wouldn’t even bother to look at him. If he found any benefits, he would just eat them up. He wouldn’t care about what he thought or consider his feelings. Was there any meaning in that?
If they didn’t dare to accept it, it would be the Dread Elves ‘vanguard. If they felt that it wasn’t worth it, then…
I’ve beaten the elves to death, and you’re telling me this?
Of course, the archduke could certainly give the correct answer as to why they did not accept it, saying that the Arcane Magic Council abided by neutrality and distanced itself from politics. However, this answer was completely meaningless, and there was no need to say it.
Kant was not asking a question.
It was a slap to his face.
The harmony and harmony of the past few days, the tacit understanding and goodwill recently, had been cut into pieces in the blink of an eye. The differences and oppositions in the ideology of the country were extremely cruel.
The two men stood there silently, their gazes locked.
Tina and the Snowfall Sword Saint looked uneasy.
Things happened too suddenly, catching them off guard. In the blink of an eye, it was time to choose a side.
“I’m in a hurry, so I’ll just say it.” Kant said calmly,” There are priorities. If the news is leaked, the hope of monopolizing the cake is already slim. However, the knife to cut the cake must be in our hands. We will decide who to give the cake to and how much to give. Whoever dares to snatch it first will have their hands chopped off!”
” That’s why I have to use a strong method to deter the various countries and forces that are ready to make trouble. I have to take advantage of this opportunity to speed up and completely take control of the underground world. Then, I’ll move unhindered and divide the various countries. I’ll find a good chicken and a good monkey. Then, I’ll find the person who leaked the secret. I’m going to chop him into pieces alive.”
Kant’s gaze was cold as he looked at the archduke.” During this period, Goethe will be under tremendous pressure. The military pressure at the borders should be nothing to worry about. With the Forbidden Spell around, a large-scale attack will always be the worst choice. However, the internal divisions, rumors, egging, instigation, and bribery are not something that Forbidden Spells can resolve. This is what Goethe wants to resolve, and it is also your mission. You must do it well.”
The archduke’s expression was wooden.
Then, he said coldly,” It’s easy for you to say. The situation is far worse than the War of Songyue. Rumors are spreading everywhere. The civilians who have just experienced the war must be extremely frightened. No one wants to fight again. No one wants to experience the despair from before. What makes them afraid is not the rumors, but what is really happening. The chaos and turmoil that has occurred is the voice of the people who hate war. How do you think we should solve this?”
” As Grand Duke Goethe, don’t you have such common sense?”
Kant said coldly,” Poor communication, slow information transmission, and poor education. How can the real public opinion be linked in a backward place like Goethe? If it could, Goethe’s country would have been destroyed by one uprising after another!”
” Wake up. The so-called public opinion that you speak of is nothing but a tool and a butcher’s knife for those who have already gained benefits and those who have ulterior motives. Taking advantage of the national crisis, they will take advantage of the situation and spread chaos. To deal with such people, they will be imprisoned, tortured, executed, and intimidated. Don’t you know what to do as a ruler?”
“I’ve never done this before!” the archduke snapped. Such a thing has never happened under my rule!”
“So, you almost lost your country!” Kant roared back.” Now, I’m here!”
It was like two lions roaring.
The beasts on the grassland were fighting for territory.
Ideals, wills, beliefs, such differences were impossible to reconcile.
There was no peace between the old and the new.
The archduke’s brows twitched. He suppressed his anger and desolation.” You’re gambling. You’re gambling with their futures and lives.”
“Aren’t you?” Kant’s tone was as cold as ice.” I’m betting on a prosperous future that was exchanged for with blood and sacrifice. You’re betting on the benevolence and kindness of politicians and monarchs. Who’s more naive?”
The archduke’s stance and ideals were obvious from the first quarrel. He was too kind and soft-hearted, unlike those in power who could not be ruthless. He was old and was shocked by the disastrous consequences of the war. He did not want the people of this land to suffer again, so he advocated sharing this new mysterious substance with the world instead of monopolizing it. He no longer had the idea of hegemony.
But he was still too naive.
He didn’t know if there was a saying in the other world that a man was innocent, but if history taught the Chinese something, it would be that they would be beaten if they fell behind, and compromise would only give them an inch and an inch.
The archduke looked at Kant, his eyes filled with disappointment.
He could already see his persistence and unyielding determination in the other party’s eyes that were as hard as iron.
Kant exhaled slowly. His ultimatum was like a sharp sword before the archduke.
” You are Goethe’s ruler and Tina’s father. I respect you. I did not come here to enslave or control you, but I am not obligated to do my best for this country. I could have forced you, but I respect your national sovereignty.”
” So, Mrs. Goethe, for the sake of the dead, I will give you a chance to make a choice. I want you to answer me now. Do you choose the light of the future or the peace of the present? If you choose the former, you will continue to fight and fight for your country with all your might. If you choose the latter, I will leave immediately.”
“From now on, this matter has nothing to do with you.”
” Of course, you can continue to share intelligence with the other countries, carve out a cake, accept their generous conditions, and sign many contracts in return for generously contributing this epoch-making new material to the other countries. But don’t blame me for not reminding you that I will make them worse than waste paper.”
” I won’t take revenge on you, but I won’t accommodate you either. I won’t take special care of you or target you. You can wait and see what happens next.”
“Choose,” he said, lifting his chin.
The archduke’s eyes were shaking violently.
The other party’s words were a subtle and reserved ultimatum.
The meaning is clear.
The archduke wanted to use the ownership of the mysterious substance, the right to research, the right to explore, and other rights in exchange for Goethe’s transcendental status and generous rewards from the various countries, in exchange for the stability of the country and the happiness of the people.
But what Kant meant was that he wanted to see how the other countries would treat them without that thing.
Such an attitude and behavior could be said to respect the right to choose, but…
Rexnos looked pained and subconsciously looked at his daughter.
“Father, I’m sorry,” Tina lowered her head and said softly.
Goethe’s little princess was already standing beside Kant.
Then, she raised her head and looked at her father bravely. This was the first time she had clearly expressed her stand that was completely different from her father’s and stood on the opposite side of him.
” I want you to know, Father, that this is not because of blind obedience to love, nor is it because of gratitude. It is because I, Tina Tedarell, have made an independent and rational choice based on the new beliefs I have forged from the world I have experienced and seen. I agree with Kant’s words. Peace and happiness do not come from begging, nor are they charity from powerful countries…Instead, it must be forged with blood and fire.”
The archduke stared blankly at his beloved daughter.
Once innocent as a flower, pure, brilliant, beautiful, blooming in the warm castle, never polluted by the secular world. He entrusted all the good things to this, hoping that this child would live a peaceful life, be a respected scholar or artist, marry the person who loved her deeply, and live her life like this.
But that was just a father’s loving and one-sided thought.
He was unable to protect his country, nor did he protect his daughter.
Now, the gentle and beautiful flower in his memory had experienced the hardships of the outside world. It welcomed the sun with a new attitude. His little Tina stood beside Kant. The pride and spirit of the Skyquaking Dragon, who had intimidated the world with forbidden spells, could not hide the girl’s brilliance. What was reflected in her blue eyes was no longer the yearning for poetry, flowers, love, and the sea.
It was steel, sharp, cold, and firm.
That elegant figure stood straight and proudly. She could wear a gorgeous dress that covered the entire continent, or she could wear armor and carry a battle axe. It turned out that his daughter had grown up a long time ago.
The archduke was silent. He stood upright like a statue, as if he had been frozen for a century.
Then, he gently reached out and took off the signet ring that symbolized Goethe’s authority from his right hand.
“In that case,”
He stroked the ring and slowly placed the administrative token of the Grand Duke of Tedarell on the ground.” Tina,” he said softly,” in that case, prove it to me.”
” From now on, take my signet ring and give orders in my name. Follow your own will and cooperate with the people around you to fight for what you think you should fight for for this country. You will also bear the corresponding consequences and responsibilities. Tina, my daughter, I don’t know if this is right or wrong, but…”
He slowly turned around and walked towards the small door on the side of the audience hall. Although his back was straight, it was lonely and desolate. Before he pushed the door open and left, the archduke turned his head, wanting to say something.
However, she choked up a little.
In the end, he didn’t say anything and just left silently.
Sylmeria looked at Tina, then at Kant. After a moment of hesitation, she said,” Kant…” The feeling you give me is even worse than when we were helping the Red Maple Lucerne. I hope you know what you’re doing.”
She sighed and chased after the archduke.
Kant supported Tina, whose body had gone limp.
The princess hugged Kant tightly. She hugged his waist and back with great strength, as if she was holding him tightly. Her body was trembling slightly, but it was from fear rather than sadness.
“Kant…”
She buried her face in Kant’s arms, her voice trembling.
“I’m very afraid…”
” I’m sorry.” Kant fell silent. Then, he hugged her gently.
“Don’t say sorry…” Tina whimpered,” Say that you won’t leave me.”
“It won’t happen.”
“You liar! You just said that if Father chooses to quit, you will leave immediately!”
” It’s only a complete political and military release, but the civil exchanges still continue…”
” Sob, sob, sob. You’re saying such weird things again. You’ll definitely run to the elven pointy-eared queen!”
“.. What are you thinking?”
Tina hugged Kant tightly. She was silent for a while before she slowly said,”Actually…” I’d rather you go to the Elven Empress. In that case, at least you… It’s still here.”
Kant was shocked.
” I’m even more afraid that you’ll disappear without a word, completely disappearing from this world. I’ve been having nightmares, dreaming that nothing happened. You didn’t appear. You’re not in this world. I’m terrified when I think of this. Kant, don’t go. Don’t leave me. I don’t want anything other than you…”
Tina murmured, whispered, poured out, and vented.
He was like a child who had a nightmare.
Kant patted her back gently and comforted her softly.” It’s alright. Don’t be afraid.”
“Then why did you suddenly become like this today?”
“It’s just that…” Kant revealed a complicated and sorrowful expression.” You suddenly understand? He felt that he could not continue like this. He felt that it was very tiring to live like this. He took care of everyone’s thoughts, was always polite, considered the interests of others, accommodated, respected, and polite… I’m so tired.”
“As expected, compared to being an honest person, being a clown is even more enjoyable. Unbridled, moody, and unscrupulous. Not only do I not have to worry about doing things, but I can also achieve better results. I…”
He hesitated for a moment, but he still said it. He shared different secrets with different people. Tina, who was in front of him, had experienced the bloody night of Bright Sand with him. During that journey of revenge, those crazy, hysterical, evil, and brutal memories were buried in the deepest depths.
But she kept laughing at him with sharp and evil laughter.
“I feel that doing things this way is more enjoyable.” Kant shook his head and smiled bitterly.” Am I crazy? When I mentioned the word clown… I feel very good and eager to try.”
“I don’t know…But if you want to go crazy, let’s go crazy together.” Tina muttered,” As long as we’re together, I’m not afraid of anything. Nothing can separate us…”
“Clown girl…” Kant chuckled.” Sounds good.”
Although she did not know what Kant was talking about, it was not important. Tina raised her head in his arms. Her eyes were dazed as she looked at the person before her. Her cherry lips parted slightly.” It feels good?”
“Yes.”
“Then why didn’t you kiss me?”
Hence, they kissed.
The second kiss was the same as the first. Tina cried until she looked like a painted cat. The physical experience wasn’t very good, but on the spiritual level, she was able to vent and release herself to her heart’s content.
After a long time, Tina was the only one left in the audience hall. The princess used a spell to calm her flushed face and smooth out the wrinkles on her chest. However, her entire body felt lazy, comfortable, and powerless. Her lips, body, and breath felt like her entire body was filled with his scent. An unprecedented joy and relaxation enveloped her body and soul. She slowly bent down and picked up the ring her father had placed on the ground.
“.. Father, I lied to you.”
“He said that it’s not because of blind obedience to love, but… That seems to be the case.”
“As long as I can be with him, as long as he doesn’t leave…”
” If he kills someone, I’ll help him silence him. If he starts a fire, I’ll help him keep watch. I’ll help him do whatever he wants. I’ll satisfy him so that he can’t leave me. I’ll make him like me forever, as long as he doesn’t leave…”
The side door was knocked lightly. Tina suddenly turned around, and the cold blue light condensed into an ice axe.
” I’m here to protect you.” Sylmeria walked in and looked at Tina, who seemed a little off. She no longer had the mood to tease her.” Your father asked me to protect you.”
Tina’s heart trembled as she clenched the ring in her hand.
At the same time, Kant walked into the gate of the Empire’s embassy in Goethe with a warm smile.
The two survivors of the Penguin had actually both gone mad.
￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥
[PS 1: Upgraded…] This chapter was 5000 words, but a little content was omitted (Wearing Pants).