I Want to Meet the Elf Empress

After returning to the Vidal Chamber of Commerce from the city hall, Kang De remained inside.

As expected, the contents of this meeting were quickly leaked out; even without the elves' encouragement, the Goth People present could not have remained silent.

This is a major event that concerns the interests of all Goth People.

In an instant, it was as if a piece of metallic sodium had been thrown into a calm lake, causing violent boiling and even an explosion. Whether it was the Goth nobles or the secret agents from various countries, everyone was stunned by the conditions offered by the elves and could hardly speak.

It is unprecedented for a powerful global hegemon to bow down to a human being and offer such generous terms of goodwill... and it is extremely dangerous.

This means that the terrifying power to conquer cities and annihilate armies will merge with the Twilight Moon to some extent.

If Kang De were to agree, Goth would immediately be spared the danger of national subjugation and would become the most prestigious vassal of the spirits in history—or perhaps not even have to be a vassal.

Putting everything else aside, the fact that the elves shared the sea routes and trade routes was enough for Goth to make a complete turnaround within ten years, not to mention the exchanges between the Dusk Moon Dynasty in military and magical fields.

With the powerful support of the Dusk Moon Dynasty, Goth could even turn his attention eastward and discuss with the Empire the issue of their so-called status as the sovereign of the human world.

It is easy to imagine the profound impact this treaty would have on the world once it is concluded.

This is the world's superpower.

Even after suffering a heavy setback in Valentan, the hegemon's prestige remained. The mere introduction of this proposal was enough to shock and horrify Kang De, who created the myth of war, the Duchy of Goethe, who saw hope, and all the continental nations that were watching the show for amusement.

Therefore, almost all the prominent figures currently in Valentan were converging on Prince Kang De's residence, hoping to catch a glimpse of him, greet him, probe him, inquire about news, listen to his teachings, and speculate on his true thoughts.

It's not just a political need, but also a matter of interests.

Because these people all know that the most valuable and precious thing in the world is information.

It means getting the information faster than others.

The conditions offered by the elves were too generous, not only for His Highness Kang De personally, but also for the entire Goth. For example, the opening of the shared shipping route meant that Goth trade and import and export-related industries would usher in a terrifying boom. At such a time, being one step ahead, stockpiling goods, and purchasing ships, and being able to start planning ahead of everyone else, meant countless huge profits.

Driven by this pursuit of self-interest, all the noble lords transformed into kind and approachable sages, warmly shaking hands with even the most ordinary servant as if they were paying homage to a king.

Their smiles were warm, even obsequious, as they spoke to the lowest of the low, whom they would normally disdain, with the utmost humility, generously bestowing money—if the other party could provide even the slightest useful clue, they would stuff handfuls of gold coins into their hands like stones.

But they were all disappointed.

The only information that could be obtained was that when His Highness Kang De returned, his expression was still kind and his emotions were very stable, just like always, without any unusual behavior.

Soon, Prince Kang De's chief steward, Hong San of Cathayan, appeared before everyone, announced and posted a notice as a response to all—Prince Kang De believed that Goth's fate and future would be decided by the Goth People, and that the Elf's proposal should be discussed by the Taidariel Family on behalf of the nation.

His Highness Kang De himself will not comment on this matter separately.

But even this announcement alone is enough for everyone to make their own judgment.

Because the conditions for elves are too favorable.

Neither Kang De nor Grand Duke Teldrassil could possibly refuse.

For Kang De, this treaty meant he wouldn't have to forge a blood feud with a global superpower, and it also meant he could rightfully rule a country, even leading a large army of the Western world back to his homeland as a hero to save his homeland—what reason did he have to disagree?

This was especially true for Grand Duke Teldrassil. On one hand, there was the prospect of his race's demise and his nation's destruction; on the other, there was the prospect of recuperating, strengthening his nation, and even gaining a crown with the support of the elves. What reason did he have to object?

Therefore, many people have already made their decisions.

In their view, this war, which was originally a foregone conclusion but unexpectedly took an unexpected turn, was about to end.

The Goth People are about to enjoy a better life, and the people in neighboring countries... also need to take action.

The message is being delivered, faster than before.

From beginning to end, no one doubted whether the elf would keep his promise.

This is quite normal. Regardless of whether the rumors circulating now were spread by the elves, since these rumors have had consequences and the elves have not denied them, it means that the elves have tacitly accepted everything.

Unless they manage to kill Kang De, suddenly denying everything after all has settled will inevitably provoke Kang De's full wrath, leaving the entire country in perpetual turmoil.

Given the size of the Dusk Moon Dynasty, they had no need to take such a risk.

"... This is an open conspiracy; we must think of a way to deal with it!"

In the main building of the Vidal Chamber of Commerce, in a central, windowless room, surrounded by the most loyal guards who kept watch from a distance, not allowing anyone to approach, Hong San paced back and forth, talking to himself, his expression changing constantly, while Kang De sat in a chair, writing characters stroke by stroke.

He was writing a letter to Tina, and even to his nominal father-in-law.

Whether out of politeness or political stance, he needs to formally state his position on this matter.

Hong San was waving around in front of him. Kang De sighed, looked up, and said, "Hey, stop spinning around."

The Cathayan stopped in his tracks, his face showing anxiety. "Your Highness! This is the Elves' scheme!"

Kang De said calmly, "I know... we've been scheming against them all along. Are we not allowed to return the favor? Having the guts and the idea is their own skill."

He wrote a few more strokes, then pointed outside with the tip of his pen. "As for those Goth People outside, let them be. You once said that I've done enough for Goth, it's their turn to do their work."

If they're willing to kneel and act like dogs, why should I pull them up and then let them complain?

Hong San's expression faltered slightly. After a moment of silence, he said softly, "Your Highness, if Grand Duke Teldrassil and Princess Tina both agree to the conditions proposed by the elves... what will you do?"

Hong San wasn't asking whether Kang De agreed or not.

Because Kang De would definitely agree, right?

The master of this country, the citizens of this country, his own "father-in-law" and "wife" have all agreed, so how could Kang De, an outsider, have the right to object and clamor to continue fighting the elves? That would be ridiculous.

Hong San just wanted to know what Kang De would do next after he had no choice but to agree.

Kang De paused writing for a moment, seemingly deep in thought, a flicker of confusion in his eyes, before lowering his hand to continue, muttering, "Let's see if Goth and the elf understand."

Although the terms proposed by the elves seemed incredibly generous to the world, and indeed were, they were not enough to cloud Kang De's judgment.

As an ordinary person, he had never enjoyed real power, nor tasted the feeling of being high above and holding great power. The elf's proposal was actually to give him the two countries of Cathay and Goth, as well as to give him a high status and great military power. But even Tagelise did not expect this. Kang De had no sense of reality about it at all, and just thought it was amazing.

He certainly wouldn't have guessed where Kang De came from or what he possessed.

Kang De's abilities and background to date are enough for him to obtain everything he wants on the more developed and familiar Earth. Although the power and status in the other world are good, they don't seem so good after all.

As for sending troops to support Kang De and help him defend his motherland, etc...

That would be an even bigger joke.

--Damn it, if you guys had the guts to send me to the late Ming Dynasty or the Republic of China, I'd be really interested. Send troops my ass, homeland my ass, what kind of place is Cathay?

The bright future meticulously crafted by the Dusk Moon Dynasty held little appeal for Kang De, allowing him to view the situation more calmly. The treatment offered to him personally served only two purposes: either to pull him into their camp, or to kick him out of the Cathay or find a way to kill him.

Those generous offers made to Goth, in fact, concealed poison.

Compared to Goth, Twilight Moon held an overwhelming advantage in the fields of economy, politics, culture, military, and technology. According to Kang De's insight, a comprehensive exchange between two countries with such a disparate strength would inevitably lead to the complete assimilation of ideologies and the strong invasion of soft power, which would be a huge disaster for the weaker party.

What the strong offer to the weak for free is actually very expensive.

History tells Kang De that once a country establishes an overall economic advantage, it will inevitably raise the banner of free trade. When a country's powerful manufacturing sector is strong enough to compete with the world, why not embrace free trade and take money from other countries?

Industrial-era United Kingdom, post-World War II United States, and [beep--] are all examples of this.

Since the elves are superior to Goth in every way, the so-called comprehensive exchange is nothing but a terrible assimilation. In just a few years, Goth will be transformed into the shape of elves inside and out.

As for sharing shipping routes, it's even more obvious: what's given to you is yours, and what you don't want to give me can be taken back at any time. Goth's maritime trade is currently suffering a severe blow because of the Elven sanctions and blockade. The Elven navy is here, so giving it to you or taking it back is equally simple.

--If Kang De doesn't interfere.

If Kang De were to intervene, then even with full open communication, the elves' soft power infiltration would be a joke. Perhaps the Dusk Moon Dynasty would even take on Kang De's shape inside and out. Everything that Earthlings created in the one or two hundred years after the Industrial Age is incomparable to what the current elves can achieve.

Just give him time.

As long as he's willing to do it.

Therefore, Hong San's question was actually very insightful.

He wanted to know what Kang De would do next, what he would do.

Therefore, Kang De replied that one should look to Goth and the spirits.

The elf's suggestion was ill-intentioned, and Kang De could see that, so could Grand Duke Teldrassil and Tina, and even the wise people of this country.

But this is precisely where humanity's tragedy lies.

Humans cannot remain rational forever; in other words, rationality and courage are luxuries, because they are often accompanied by pain. Compromise, indifference, numbness, and retreat, on the other hand, bring benefits and happiness.

If they agree, Goth will become incredibly wealthy and powerful for the next few decades, and people will reap enormous benefits. However, decades later, a potential danger will erupt. By then, those who made the decision will have already enjoyed enough benefits, made arrangements for their families, and may even have passed away, leaving them no further connection to the dangers...

What will they choose?

The difference in choices made is often what distinguishes a politician from a statesman.

This is exactly what Kang De wanted to see.

Goth's fate, in the end, must be decided by Goth People himself.

He had never met Grand Duke Teldrassil, Tina, and the brave warriors of this country... He did not want to, nor was he obliged to, bear all of this alone.

The ugly thing that happened in Valentan the other night... once is enough.

He looked at Hong San and slowly revealed a gentle smile.

"Don't worry," he laughed. "It would be even better if Goth People."

For some reason, Hong San seemed to understand the smile, and couldn't help but shiver, feeling a chill that made him tremble.

He composed himself slightly and said in a hoarse voice, "But the challenge doesn't just come from here. The one who least wants to see this treaty signed is definitely the Empire. They have old grudges against Your Highness and will surely have some schemes to deal with it. I've been thinking all along that even if the Empire takes the most moderate and cautious approach, it will still take action."

Hong San sighed as he spoke, "For example, shortly after the treaty is signed, the atrocities committed by the northern barbarians of Cathay will spread throughout the continent. The entire Western Civilization world will be watching the barbarians' cruel destruction of the ancient Eastern empire. The great leaders of all nations and peoples will be enlightened by the gods overnight, filled with the radiance of Civilization. All countries will inevitably take practical actions to explore the possibility of providing military support and armed intervention to Cathay —and you will certainly be the commander-in-chief."

"What you called public opinion manipulation is exactly like this. In today's mainstream perception, gratitude and loyalty are the most recognized perfect qualities, which are what any well-regarded important person should maintain and possess."

"After the treaty is signed, you will become the most powerful and famous figure on this continent, establishing power and reputation in foreign lands. Then, you will return to your homeland with great strength and support to save your people. This is the unwavering belief in loyalty and love for one's homeland expressed in every legendary tale."

"The nations will kindly inquire whether you need volunteer troops and military support; the people will discuss when you will return east; the Chinese compatriots in Cathay on the mainland will find you, pleading with tears in their eyes, telling you about the atrocities committed by the Tartars, the suffering of Divine Land and the endless blood debts, even pledging to die for your return; the Cathayan will spontaneously pledge their loyalty to you and be willing to follow you back; the imperial court will send high-ranking officials to invite you back three times..."

"Everyone will do everything in their power to bring you back to Cathay, whether it's the nations of the continent, the elves, or Cathay... it's practically a global alliance."

"If you disagree, if you remain with Goth..."

Hong San stopped talking about this.

The rest doesn't need to be said; everyone will understand.

He concluded. "In short, everyone will try to send you, the rule-breaker, to another continent, preferably never to return—that's just the mildest, most cautious, and most cowardly approach."

"And there are even more intense, more terrifying, and more insidious ones."

His tone was heavy, and his eyes were deep and focused.

This is what he has always been worried about.

The elves' irresistible and grand scheme is enough to stir up a storm in the entire world.

Kang De remained silent for a moment, then shook his head with a smile and said, "Oh."

Just one simple word.

But expressions, tone of voice, actions, and even reaction time are all details that cannot be ignored.

Upon hearing this and seeing Kang De's reaction, Hong San's pupils contracted sharply.

The long-standing confusion and speculation were powerfully confirmed at this moment, and the resulting shock was several times greater than the elf's previous suggestion, even making his legs go weak.

Kang De seemed to sense something, looked up at him, and asked, "What's wrong?"

Hong San smiled wryly and said, "You're a bit... too calm, so calm that it's a little scary."

Kang De didn't delve into it, because there was no reason to doubt it. He smiled and said, "Calm... a little, I suppose. I'm not too flustered. Along the way, very few things have thrown me into a panic."

A Xing, who had been acting as the bodyguard and never left the room, snorted, "Yeah, what's there to be afraid of? At worst, we'll just go home. Who can do anything to us?"

Kang De squeezed her hand, recalling his days on the Holy Seal Archipelago, a nostalgic smile appearing on his face.

That's definitely a good idea.

The Holy Seal Archipelago suppress all supernatural forces. The elves are known as the world's hegemon, with unparalleled magical technology, countless mages, and Invincible Fleet. But even if they gathered the strength of the entire nation to attack the Holy Seal Archipelago, they would be nothing more than a bunch of small boats from the age of sail.

Even the current British Royal Navy could easily defeat them.

When the time comes, we can go back to Earth and get some coastal defense artillery and rockets. Once we have Iron Son set up the ship and some magical creatures to teach us, even if the entire world's military forces come, it will just be a real-life version of a beach landing.

However... there's no need to go back.

Kang De thought of the story of the Holy Seal Archipelago and the warning in the Crimson Scroll.

Hong San asked, "So, Your Highness... what do you intend to do now?"

"It's very simple," Kang De replied. "I need to see Tagelise and formally inquire whether this proposal is the Elf Queen's idea, and what the council's opinion is on it. If his answer is yes, then I will tell him that I need to see the Elf Queen and discuss some matters with her face to face."

Hong San looked surprised, but the next moment, footsteps came from outside, followed by a guard's cautious call. Leona went out to check, and when she returned, her expression was somewhat strange.

"Tagelise is here, and he brought that bottle of Sprite with him."

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PS1: This update is 5,000 words... Next, I'll adjust the update schedule. Goodnight.