Getting Drunk Again

"Tagelise?"

"Speak of spirits, and spirits appear!" Kang De was somewhat surprised, and then frowned.

Given the current public opinion and environment, there is already much discussion outside. As the Elf Duke and Twilight Moon Envoy, Tagelise's visit amidst the fermenting public opinion will surely lead to much speculation.

It's important to understand that Kang De's initiative in inviting someone is entirely different from the other person coming to him on their own.

Leona, a seasoned businesswoman with extensive experience, possessed a keen political sense. She sensed Kang De's thoughts and, half worried and half reassuring, said, "The good news is, although he's here, no one has noticed him. The bad news is, even our people haven't figured out how he got in."

It is said that the Duke of Tiling appeared directly in the banquet hall where he had been invited to dinner the previous night, under tight security, and then politely conveyed his request for a visit to a startled passing maid.

Kang De's heart skipped a beat. "Is this a demonstration?"

If one can appear silently in the banquet hall without alerting anyone, one might also be able to appear silently in Kang De's bedroom, and at night no less.

Upon hearing this, the A Xing jumped up.

As Kang De's most capable super fighter, she bears the heavy responsibility of being his bodyguard. In fact, a large part of the Vidal Chamber of Commerce's defense work is undertaken by her mercenary group. Now, a handsome young elf has quietly sneaked into her doorstep—she refuses!

So she declared resolutely, "Kang De, it's too dangerous outside! From now on, I'll hold you while we sleep!"

Leona was taken aback and annoyed. "Is this the time to talk about this?"

Kang De pondered for a moment, then said, "I heard he's a top-tier war... magician of the Dusk Moon Dynasty. It's not surprising that he was able to sneak into the Vidal Chamber of Commerce undetected, especially since A Xing is by my side. But at least this serves as a warning to us..."

For example, there are always top-tier experts in this world who can pose a threat to his personal safety.

Feeling embarrassed, A Xing angrily said, "I'll go beat him up and teach him a lesson!"

Kang De reached out and pressed down on A Xing, shaking his head. "He's probably not here to show off or be arrogant... Since he can offer such generous and sincere conditions, he wouldn't use this opportunity to intimidate me and provoke my rebellious side. If he's reminding me, who is he reminding me to be wary of? The Empire?"

He thought for a moment, then said, "I'll go see him."

A Xing said, "I'll go with you!"

"Good."

Leona had wanted to follow, but she was more meticulous and thoughtful. Now that the war between Goth and the elves had taken such a turn, with the elves going to such lengths, the Empire would be in an awkward position. After all, she was an Imperial citizen and a member of the Vidal Chamber of Commerce. She was better off not listening to Kang De's secret discussions with the elven envoy, lest she find herself in a difficult position later.

As soon as she stopped, Kang De and A Xing had already started walking downstairs. Leona turned around and saw Hong San still standing there in a daze, and called out, "Hey! What are you still standing here for? Come on up!"

Having gone through the Battle of Valentan together, and with the Vidal Chamber of Commerce providing strong support to Hong San's Heaven and Earth Society, Leona and Hong San were not strangers; in fact, they could be said to have some acquaintance.

Furthermore, Leona, being a businesswoman by profession, was adept at cultivating relationships and knew the importance of Hong San in Kang De's heart. Coupled with her own growing feelings for Kang De that she couldn't share with outsiders, bringing Hong San into the fold was clearly a highly profitable deal.

Seeing Hong San staring blankly into space, lost in thought, I couldn't help but remind him.

Hong San was startled by what he heard. He came to his senses after a while. His face was pale and he even had cold sweat on his forehead. It was unclear what he was thinking.

Leona frowned and asked, "What's wrong? You don't look well. Are you feeling unwell?"

Hong San instinctively stammered, "No... no..."

The silver-haired girl was, after all, a highly talented business genius. Her keen eye for business had been honed through years of negotiation and discussion, and she could tell at a glance that Hong San was not being sincere.

She gave him a deep look. "Things have changed again. I don't know what the elves' next plans are, but I know they're definitely up to no good. If elves could just swallow their anger, they wouldn't be elves... In other words, Kang De's situation is still not very optimistic..."

Leona sighed, "I'm an Imperial citizen, and all I know is business. I don't understand politics or strategy. That gorilla woman is only good at fighting; she's useless when it comes to thinking. You're the only one around Kang De who can make decisions and discuss things... You mustn't cause any trouble."

Hong San initially listened intently, but his expression gradually turned solemn. Finally, he looked at Leona, bowed deeply, and said in a deep voice, "Please rest assured, my life already belongs to His Highness Kang De."

After he finished speaking, he straightened up without offering any explanation or defense.

They went straight after Kang De in the direction he had gone.

Leona gazed at his figure and slowly exhaled.

During the war, she was trapped in this city. At that time, Nick was unsure of friend or foe, the elves were watching with predatory eyes, and it seemed that everyone inside and outside the city was an enemy.

She was at a loss, and Kang De protected her—no, at that time, everyone protected each other.

At that time, every time a problem was discussed, it was always her, Kang De, and Hong San together. She wanted to protect the members of the Vidal Chamber of Commerce, Hong San wanted to protect the people of the Heaven and Earth Society, and Kang De wanted to protect everyone.

Now, with the powerful enemy defeated, Kang De has become known throughout the world after this battle. He is now a figure who has intimidated the Twilight Moon and is famous throughout the continent. He is noticed by the monarchs of various countries and feared by the Dusk Moon Dynasty. He has become a big figure who can influence the world situation. Hong San has also been transformed. He is no longer humble and timid, but has shown his long-dormant brilliance and sharpness. He has offered his loyalty to Kang De and served him at his side.

Of the Valentan trio at that time, Leona had become an outsider.

Being the daughter of a wealthy merchant and a powerful family in the southern part of the empire is no longer a significant advantage; she is also an imperial citizen, making her position inherently awkward and unable to offer much help.

The A Xing that suddenly appeared from behind put even more pressure on her.

Leona knew that if things continued like this, the camaraderie Valentan had once shared would slowly become a memory... Kang De would inevitably drift further and further away from her.

"Retreating without a fight is not my style... How will you know if you don't try?"

She clenched her fist and walked in the opposite direction.

Tina is Goth princess, while A Xing is a notorious villain of the time; the former has status, and the latter has power.

However, with her title as the young lady of the Vidal Chamber of Commerce, she was far too far from being able to stand on the same level as them or stand beside Kang De.

Unless...

"Unless I'm very rich..."

By this standard of "very rich", the Vidal Family, one of the richest families in the southern part of the empire, can only be considered penniless. This "very rich" should mean that they control one or more of the continent's economic lifelines, can interfere in the appointment and dismissal of officials in the country, and can even drive a war for profit, making the monarch wary but helpless... Only by reaching this concept can one be considered rich.

This refers to the thing called "capital" that Kang De mentioned during Kang De previous conversation.

Although Kang De only mentioned it jokingly at the time, Leona was deeply impressed.

When Kang De mentioned this word or this thing, his eyes revealed a sigh, as if it were a terrifying, unprecedented monster, so powerful that nothing in the world could do anything to it.

However, when it came to the Dusk Moon Dynasty, whose power and influence dominated the continent, Kang De's response was extremely indifferent.

The difference in quality is immediately apparent.

Since such a thing exists, it is possible to make it work.

"Or maybe I have a lot of power..."

The Vidal Chamber of Commerce was one of the most influential clans in the southern part of the empire, but that was the end of it. Even though Leona became the guild leader, she couldn't be considered very powerful. Compared to the nation, those powers were insignificant.

But she thought of the greenskins of the north, the eight major clans, countless small tribes, their enormous numbers, their tenacious vitality, their fearless bravery... If they weren't inherently obsessed with infighting and unable to unite, the orcs would have long been able to make their voices heard on the continent, instead of struggling to survive in the barren wasteland.

Now, a group of Greenskins devoutly and resolutely regard Kang De as the son of prophecy, and fanatically obey all his commands, which gives Leona a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"If I assist Kang De in bringing the wild orcs under my command and unifying the various tribes and clans, then I will be qualified to be his ally. If I can build a sense of identity and establish my own voice among the orcs on this basis, then I will have real power in my hands..."

Having money, or having power.

Or...

Leona slowly clenched her hands together.

"... I want them all."

She put the meeting between Kang De and Tagelise out of her mind, stopped thinking about it, went to her office, and called the old butler, "There are two things for you to arrange. First, find out if any of the orcs from the Green City Chamber of Commerce Guild have come to Valentan. If they have, invite them over; if not, go and invite them. Second..."

She hesitated for a moment, then gritted her teeth. "Write a letter and ask my father to come over!"

On the other side, Hong San left Leona's sight, stopped at the top of the stairs, reached out to hold onto the wall, took a deep breath, and the lingering fear and shock in his eyes had not yet dissipated.

Earlier, when he spoke with Kang De, he mentioned the crisis and suffering of Cathay, and how continental countries would use China as Cathay to force Kang De to return home.

Kang De's reaction confirmed his guess.

Neither angry nor pleased, neither indifferent nor enthusiastic, just a simple "oh".

They didn't take it to heart at all.

This only proves one thing.

His Highness Kang De knew nothing of the situation in Cathay, the tragic fall of Cathay lands, or the brutality of the barbarians. He felt as if he had never been to that land.

It seems like I have no feelings for that place.

There was neither goodwill nor malice.

It's as if they have no connection to that land at all... Only in this way can it be like this.

In other words...

Hong San slowly lowered his eyes.

Master, your absurd conjectures, those drunken ramblings, that so-called outer heaven... actually exist.

With a thud, Hong San's head slammed against the wall, a bitter smile appearing on his lips.

"I really brought this on myself... Although I should restrain my curiosity, I just can't help but let my mind wander... Master's words are correct, and I cannot doubt them. It is truly a great blessing."

"So..."

How did you memorize that mental cultivation method?

He searched his mind for long-forgotten memories from his early years, for the things his master had taught him. Some he hadn't studied seriously, and some he had studied seriously, but the ones he hadn't studied seriously, he still memorized by rote.

Even those things he felt he would never be of any use in his life...

"I thought I'd never use the methods for training suicide soldiers in my life, but the first time I'm using them is when I'm training them myself..."

Hong San recalled that mental cultivation technique, the Primal Soul Annihilation Heart Formula, which allowed him to end his own life in a critical moment—quick, economical, and painless, while also resisting soul-searching and mind-seizing to prevent the worst-case scenario from occurring.

He recalled the entire set of techniques, recited them silently to reinforce his memory, and then gave a silent, bitter smile.

Was I clever or foolish?

Once you've thought of something, guessed it, or confirmed it, it's no longer safe to assume it's true.

We need to add an extra layer of insurance.

Such a secret must be kept strictly guarded, and no one should be allowed to discover it.

He mocked and despised his own talent and wit, then walked toward the banquet hall.

A Xing was still comforting Kang De, telling him not to worry too much, but he also had his own little scheme and cunning. "How about we go back to our hometown? We won't have to worry about anyone bullying us there..."

Kang De smiled helplessly.

If I had stayed on the Holy Seal Archipelago, I wouldn't be facing these troubles now. Things have escalated, my status has risen, and I've become the target of more and more people's attention. The scheming and troubles are endless.

But if he had stayed on the Holy Seal Archipelago, he would have been stuck watching the wind and rain every day for decades, and then going mad or dying from longing. But he followed the Goth People back to the mainland, experienced sorrow and farewell, and inadvertently opened the way home.

But this also created an insurmountable debt of gratitude. To fulfill his promise to the knight, he came to Goth, got caught up in the great war, and was unable to extricate himself from it, which is why he is still alive today.

Who can truly understand the gains and losses, the joys and sorrows, the partings and reunions of fate?

Before he could speak, A Xing was startled by his expression and immediately came over to hug him, gently patting and comforting him, "Don't cry, don't cry!"

"..." Although Kang De wasn't exactly a chauvinist, it was still a bit strange to be hugged and comforted by such a beautiful girl. He was both amused and exasperated. "Where did I cry?"

A Xing pouted and said, "Whenever you make that face at home, it means you're about to cry. I'm used to it."

Kang De felt a little embarrassed—when A Xing was in her ape form, he could cry for as long as he wanted while lying in her arms, but now that A Xing had become such a beautiful girl, he felt very ashamed when the old stories were brought up.

He quickly retorted, "I'm not crying now!"

A Xing clapped his hands. "That's really amazing!"

"..."

If Kang De hadn't known A Xing's personality, he would have thought the other person was deliberately mocking him.

But A Xing is A Xing after all. After praising him, he showed a regretful expression and encouraged him, "Actually, it's okay to cry sometimes like before. My body is much more flexible than before!"

After saying that, he patted his chest, causing a stir.

This reminded Kang De of the name of the protagonist in a globally bestselling children's book.

Harry Potter.

His eyes were very honest, and they involuntarily glanced at A Xing's chest, which was indeed quite large.

A Xing naturally noticed his gaze. If any other man had stared at her like that, she would have kicked him in two long ago. But when Kang De looked at her like that, she just gave a smug and innocent smile, and without any concern, even whispered seductively, "Want to give it a try?"

Just then, the door to the banquet hall across the corridor opened, and Tagelise poked his head out from behind it, looking this way with a smile, "Eavesdropping is very impolite, please don't make me lose my temper."

His smile held a deeper meaning.

There was even a slight, inexplicable dissatisfaction.

A Xing flew into a rage, looking like her good time had been ruined. She already disliked Tagelise, and her animal instincts made her feel a vague sense of crisis. Now, old and new grudges surged up together, and she roared, "Bean sprout! Come on, let's fight!"

"Bean sprouts?" Tagelise's gaze swept over A Xing's thighs and chest, focusing on his waist and hips, before he revealed a disdainful expression and even let out a sneer.

That's all they said.

Although A Xing didn't know why he was acting this way, animal instincts are irrational, and a feeling of even greater displeasure and unease arose spontaneously.

This made her even angrier. "Come on! I promise I won't kill you with one punch!"

Kang De reached out and pulled A Xing back, patting her shoulder. "Don't rush, there will be other times to fight, not now... Calm down, don't stoop to his level."

A Xing barely managed to suppress his breath.

Kang De, holding her hand, walked toward Tagelise.

Duke of Tiling's gaze fell on their clasped hands. Before Kang De could greet him, he said, "Your Highness Kang De, you were proposing to the Phoenix King in front of me just now, and now you're being so intimate with another woman in front of me. Isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

Kang De smiled and said, "Your Grace, since you know that Tina and I are already engaged, isn't it a bit inappropriate for you to say you'd help me arrange a marriage with the Queen of Cathay?"

The Duke was momentarily speechless. He couldn't very well say that the Empress of Cathay had no right to care about such things, so he snorted and returned to his seat, waiting for Kang De and A Xing to come in.

The Round Table from last night hadn't been removed. Kang De sat down and glanced at the Sprite bottle on the table. The wrapper had been torn off, and the label on the cap had been worn away. Iron Son's work was indeed efficient.

He went straight to the point. "Under the current circumstances, isn't it inappropriate for Your Excellency to come here so abruptly?"

Tagelise simply smiled.

"We discussed official business earlier, in my capacity as the Elf Duke. Now, this is a private matter, in my capacity as Tagelise. His Highness once said that if I wished to get drunk again, I was welcome anytime, so I came to your door."

He looked at Kang De and said softly, "Since there are no spirits to bother us today, I'd like to apologize once more and have a few drinks with you, Kang De, and then say some drunken ramblings—is that alright?"

Kang De looked at him and slowly nodded. "Convenient, very convenient."

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PS1: 5,000 words... Ugh, going home is such a hassle. I can write as late as I want in Hangzhou, but at home my mom will nag me, and I have to be careful not to let her know... Tsk...