After All, I'm Not Exactly an Insensitive Guy

"No, what will you do if I leave?"

Leona hadn't expected Kang De to say something like that.

These were gentle words, full of concern and care, but coming from Kang De, they sounded strange. Leona immediately became wary. "... What are you plotting now?"

"... What kind of conspiracy?"

The girl looked like she'd seen right through me. "Hmph, the first time we met, you rejected a beautiful girl's advances head-on; the second time, you chopped an axe right next to my head; the third time, you almost made me die of anger... And now you're doing this again? Are you trying to play me for a fool?"

Kang De said calmly, "From our first meeting, I knew you were from the Vidal Family. Given the unpleasant events of the past few days, I was naturally very wary of you. That's why I resorted to intimidation. As for making you angry to death... I think every word I said was logical."

He said, "As for now, I'm not playing you. In fact, after this exchange, your credibility has risen to about 80%. It's basically safe to say you're Tina's good friend, and what you said is true. Since that's the case, of course I can't leave you in the city to die..."

Women and men focus on different things, at least that's true for Leona. The girl noticed the word that displeased her and said with dissatisfaction, "Only 80%?"

Kang De said calmly, "Eighty percent is the highest level of trust I have in you."

Leona retorted sarcastically, "Shouldn't I feel honored?"

Kang De nodded and said, "Yes, you should feel very proud, because I have given you the highest level of trust I can give. If I later discover that you have lied to me, you and your family will die a very, very terrible death, and my highest level of trust in you continental people will be further reduced, which will further intensify my code of conduct and lead to more terrible things happening—do you understand? If you betray me, the world will change because of it. Don't you feel very proud?"

Leona was speechless with sarcasm, because looking at Kang De's expression, she realized that he wasn't joking, but was speaking very seriously about something serious.

Her eye twitched slightly.

Sure enough... this guy has gone mad too.

I have to admit, he and Tina are a perfect match now...

As she thought this, a strange pang of sadness welled up inside her.

Because she witnessed Tina's tremendous transformation firsthand.

Although Leona looked down on Tina's former innocent and naive appearance, after seeing the now cold and suspicious Princess Goth who had undergone drastic changes, she found that she actually preferred the innocent princess from before... Growing up and becoming sensible is not always a source of joy and comfort.

She was heartbroken by the betrayal and loss that Tina had suffered.

And now, she sits in front of Tina's husband.

The other person was just as suspicious, cold-blooded, rational, and insane as Tina.

This means he used to be a wonderful, interesting, and kind person, just like Tina... and then he turned out like this. What a terrible world.

Thinking of all this, he didn't voice his dissatisfaction.

Even the lingering resentment in my heart slowly began to disappear.

Leona shook her head and said softly, "Right now, the only person you can truly trust is Tina."

Kang De was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "I don't know."

If you let him answer.

In this other world, on this continent, there is only one person he can trust wholeheartedly.

But he was already dead.

Such is the helplessness of the world and the cruel joke of fate... It was only at the moment when the knight turned into starlight and vanished that Kang De realized that the other person was someone he could trust wholeheartedly.

But that's all in vain now.

Even if he brought the knight's sword back to the White Mist World and whispered his past to him—the secrets of Earth, the White Mist, and that never-before-seen other world—it would all be meaningless.

Because the knight could no longer hear these things.

Leona said softly, "Are you thinking about her? That's why I wanted you to see Tina as soon as possible... Right now, you're probably the person she trusts most, even more than her own family."

Kang De snapped out of his reverie and gave a gentle smile.

Leona was stunned for a moment when she saw that smile.

It's not that the smile is particularly handsome, nor that the silver-haired girl is being infatuated again; it's mainly a contrast to preconceived notions... For example, if a highly accomplished, wise, and composed monk in the eyes of others suddenly raps, it would definitely startle everyone around him.

In Leona's mind, Kang De was almost synonymous with "vicious and vicious." After all, in their short time together, Kang De had sneered, sneered, grinned, and mocked, each smile filled with malice or aggression. Yet now, he was showing a smile that was unbelievably pure.

The girl was momentarily stunned—could he really laugh like that?

Then she heard Kang De say, "I don't know if Tina trusts me the most, but I will tell her about how one of her good friends still worked hard for her despite being misunderstood and guarded. Such a precious friendship is worth more than gold, and you will gain her heartfelt guilt, gratitude, and trust."

That's a very well said statement.

Although the language was not ornate, it was touching, especially coming from Kang De, which gave Leona a jolt, and all her previous grievances and worries almost burst forth.

The girl turned her head away, concealing her emotions. "... I don't care."

Even so, I still feel somewhat happy and gratified.

All the busyness and running around these days finally paid off, because Kang De recognized her efforts.

... etc!

Pah, pah, pah! Why would I think like that? Why would I care about this bastard's approval? I do these things because I'm loyal and have morals, not for others' praise and thanks!

Although that's what she thought, the involuntary smile and changes in her facial expression betrayed her true feelings; she was indeed very happy.

This even led to a further reduction in negative perceptions of Kang De.

Hmph, this guy isn't so bad after all. Didn't he say some pretty good things just now? Wasn't he quite considerate of girls' feelings?

Could it be that he's only fierce towards strangers he doesn't trust, but incredibly kind to those he trusts? If so, then this isn't a flaw, but rather a strength... Ahhh, I also want a man who's kind only to me but fierce to outsiders...

Kang De looked at the girl whose expression was becoming increasingly cheerful and even joyful, and swallowed back the words he wanted to say.

I originally wanted to tell her that her so-called guilt and gratitude were only based on her genuine sincerity, and that if she harbored ill intentions or even plotted something, she should be prepared to suffer a terrible fate.

Forget it, let's just forget it.

After all, I'm not some kind of stereotypical straight man.

It's okay if they don't say those harsh words, I'll do it anyway.

He went over Leona's words and actions in his mind again, looking for any possible loopholes or flaws, but soon the girl broke free from that girlish reverie.

"Now that we've had a frank discussion and reached a preliminary level of trust and consensus, Kang De, my Cathayan, I ask you, what are your plans for the next step?"

She said seriously, "I must remind you, time is of the essence, both on Tina's side and here. The elven army has not yet arrived, so leaving the city now poses little danger."

Kang De shook his head and said, "Like I said, this scam is too complicated. Nick isn't trustworthy. If I leave alone, regardless of the chances of success, it means you'll all be left behind..."

Leona said, "I am the heir of the Vidal Family. Although Nick seems powerful, he wouldn't dare to act too recklessly. Once you get to Tina's place, you can ask her to write a letter explaining the situation... Don't worry, even if the city falls, the elves won't make things difficult for me because of the Vidal Family."

The city has fallen.

These are the three words I fear most.

Kang De shook his head and said, "You can rest easy, but what about the others? What about the people of this city? What about the members of the Heaven and Earth Society? What about Hong San?"

Leona thought for a moment, "Hiding a few people in the Chamber of Commerce is no problem. Hong San can hide here; the elves won't bother him. He's not some big shot."

Kang De said quietly, "Hong San... might not want to escape."

Leona was taken aback at first, then seeing Kang De's expression, she guessed what he was thinking and her expression changed. "You want to help Nick defend the city? Is it because there are many of your Cathay in the Heaven and Earth Society? You need to understand, understand what Tina is doing, understand what is most important..."

Kang De remained silent for a long time.

He probably hasn't really made up his mind yet.

Out of a sense of justice and out of compassion, he could not ignore the city. Regardless of the knight's entrustment and Tina's relationship, on one side were the invading elves, and on the other was Goth, who was passively resisting and suffering heavy losses. It was obvious which side morality was on.

But while the logic is sound, the reality is that Kang De still didn't have a genuine sense of empathy for the war, and he didn't know what he could do in a large-scale battle.

So...

"Let me think about it, let me think about it carefully."

Kang De said.

He is currently separated from the Autobots, Iron Son is a powerful force he can rely on. Whether he is defending the city or escaping, the first thing he needs to do is to reunite with the Autobots.

I've already thought of a method: send a message using a manual radio and hope the Autobots' car radios can receive it... If that doesn't work, I'll have to go back to Earth and find a solution.

In addition, there is one more point.

The Crimson Scroll.

When it was discovered on the Holy Seal Archipelago, no matter how it was handled, the scroll showed no unusual signs.

But this time, upon returning from Earth and coming into contact with the scroll, it ignited golden Flame.

This is a remarkable change.

Kang De had a vague premonition that this change might signify... power.

He had to find a way to unravel the mystery of the Crimson Scroll.

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PS1: First update, 3,000 words. The second update will be later, so everyone can go to sleep first.