The People Who Were Not Saved

Why are you still alive?

The Prime Minister's words were as sharp as a knife, as biting as a cold wind.

It was as if the air itself had frozen.

After winning a war, the hero is surrounded by gratitude, admiration, recognition, and awe, a star-studded atmosphere of being the center of attention. This sweet and joyful atmosphere of victory is shattered by cold words, followed by a chilling resentment.

The man before me is a father from Cleveland, a man who has lost his son.

His eyes and expression held an unyielding coldness.

A second later, Tina reacted and quickly stepped in front of Kang De: "Uncle Xide!"

Kang De stopped her.

The Prime Minister bowed slightly, impeccably polite and graceful, his demeanor flawless, his expression calm and composed, as if his previous words were an illusion. "Your Highness, what can I do for you?"

What was happening now was completely unexpected. Tina was flustered, her tone almost pleading. "Uncle Xide, this isn't Kang De's fault. We're all very sad about what happened in Cleveland, so..."

"--I understand, Your Highness."

The Prime Minister's tone and expression remained completely unchanged, cold and calm, like a bottomless, icy pool, which was frightening because you didn't know what he was thinking, or even whether he was angry.

He said calmly, "But what does that have to do with me?"

The Prime Minister turned to Kang De and repeated, "My son is dead. For me, that is the only outcome... My only son is dead, my most beloved, the one I placed my hopes on, the one I taught and watched grow from childhood, the one who continued my life, my dreams, my legacy and my bloodline, the Knight Cleveland, the pride of the Kailamu Family, is dead."

What does death mean?

"It means I'll never see him again."

"This is my only thought, all my feelings, as a middle-aged father who has lost his son."

He looked at Kang De and said calmly, "Now that you know, is there anything else you want to say?"

"... Uncle Xide!"

Tina's face flushed crimson, and she gripped Kang De's arm tightly, her eyes brimming with tears. "I understand how you feel, but please don't say such things. You're only tarnishing Cleveland's honor and sacrifice. He upheld his mission and beliefs until the very end, even in his death..."

"--His sacrifice triggered a series of events that ultimately led to this hero miraculously saving the crumbling nation. His sacrifice saved the country, is that what you're going to say?"

The Prime Minister's words ruthlessly interrupted this sacred and grand occasion.

His meticulously manicured eyebrows twitched slightly, perhaps a sign that this deeply calculating politician could no longer suppress his anger; his cold eyes were filled with mockery and rage.

"Therefore, as Prime Minister Goth, I thank His Highness Kang De for everything he has done for this country, and I remember all the great sacrifices made. As the ruler of this country, I am truly grateful to him."

He pointed to his heart. "But I am also a father. He saved this country, he saved your Taidariel Family, he saved most of the Goth People who might have died, he saved the families, wealth, and status of countless nobles. So, the whole city is grateful to him, everyone is cheering, and mentioning his name, Kang De, is like calling out the name of a god. But alas..."

But...

The Prime Minister's tone was icy. "But not everyone was saved by you, not everyone will thank you. Please remember that, hero, because for me, for a father, the outcome of this battle is a still-cold home, a chilling darkness and uncertainty, a future where living or dying, the city standing or falling, the country existing or perishing, makes no difference."

My son is dead.

He stared into Kang De's eyes. "You were involved too, weren't you?"

"--Enough!"

Tina retorted sharply, "Prime Minister! Such accusations and slanders are unacceptable! The murderers of Cleveland are the Good Family, the Empire! You cannot use this to blame Kang De, who was also a victim!"

The Prime Minister coldly replied, "Is that so? If he has nothing to be ashamed of, what is he doing here today?"

"... You're taking your anger out on me!"

"If that's what you think, then so be it."

He looked at Tina and said coldly, "Are you demanding that a father who has lost his son remain calm and rational? And, Your Highness, if this is what you call displaced anger, then what about the murderous intent and brutality you displayed a few months ago when you mistakenly believed that Mr. Kang De had also died in Glittering Sand?"

Tina's expression changed drastically. She clenched her fists, took a deep breath, and pulled Kang De away.

Kang De pressed her hand down and shook his head.

Tina wanted to say something more, but the Prime Minister turned his attention back to Kang De.

"Mr. Kang De, since you're here today, could you please answer a question that has been bothering me for a long time?"

Kang De calmly said, "You speak."

"I heard that you annihilated five Dragon Banner Warband outside Valentan, shocking the world. Three days ago, you broke through the encirclement and rushed from Valentan to reinforce Danfeng Lucerne, crushing six armies' blockade and defeating the main force of the expeditionary force. Such power, even if not godlike, is not far from the heroes and saints of ancient times."

"--But why, in Glittering Sand Town, just two or three months ago, were you manipulated by that incompetent Samuel? The Penguin was completely wiped out, and my son died there. Please answer me, what were you doing then? The power you used to save Valentan, to save Danfeng Lucerne, to save Goth, why couldn't it save my son? What were you doing during the Glittering Sand Incident?"

At this point, the Prime Minister's voice rose higher and higher, almost to the point of roaring.

When Kang De arrived in the skies above Danfeng Lucerne with unprecedented and unparalleled power, and decisively defeated the Elf Expeditionary Force, the entire population of Danfeng Lucerne cheered and rejoiced.

However, this does not include the prime minister.

The father, who had lost his son, could only think, "You're so capable, what were you doing in Glittering Sand Town?"

Because that's how things turned out.

Kang De used this power to save the entire Goth, but he couldn't save his son.

"Was this power awakened and used because of my son's death, or...?" he asked, "Or did you decide to use it only after watching him die?"

Kang De did not answer.

What's the point of answering?

The Prime Minister did not expect him to answer.

That's just the way it is.

What can be done?

"Why did you come...?"

Prime Minister Xide sighed.

"What brings you here, Mr. Kang De, great hero?"

As the head of state, his vision and experience are truly terrifying; he has keen insight and can see through people's hearts.

The Prime Minister's gaze was filled with indifference and mockery from beginning to end.

"I know what you're here for."

"The moment I saw you, I knew what you were here for."

"It is obvious that you arrived like a hero at the moment of Goth's demise, reversed the situation, achieved an epic victory, were appreciated by the whole nation, and shocked the world. For you now, Cleveland is the last Shadow on this glorious Goth road. You came here not to visit us, but simply to seek peace of mind and to hear what you want to hear."

"You want to see my wife and I forgive you, let go, and comfort you. You want to hear us say our understanding and even gratitude—that the sacrifice in Cleveland was worthwhile, and that you should live well for my son's sake too. It wasn't your fault; you and he both did the right thing... You want to hear those words so you can feel at peace, so you can have a good cry, and so you can let go."

"This way, I can earn your double gratitude and remorse, double compensation and concessions, and even legitimately gain more of your goodwill, protection and commitment for Goth. It can also win the friendship and goodwill of a super guardian for me and the Kailamu Family. And you, Prince Kang De, can also untie the shackles of your unease. It is truly a win-win situation."

"But there's a problem."

"As a politician, I could easily utter a thousand such words without batting an eye, enough to completely subdue the Guardian, but..."

He said slowly, "But as a father, I can't bring myself to say such disgusting things."

"So, my answer is very simple."

"Cathayan, even if all of Goth Kang De your name, even if the whole nation is grateful to you, even if I, as Prime Minister, must treat you with utmost respect and a smiling face, as your father, I do not forgive, I do not understand, I am not grateful, I cannot let go."

"For though your grace and radiance shine upon the entire nation, they do not extend to us."

I'm sorry to disappoint you.

Even if the entire nation fawns over you, uttering countless words of reverence and gratitude, with me, forever and ever, you will never hear the words you desire.

He was well-mannered, and his movements remained graceful.

"If there's nothing else, please leave. The Kailamu Family does not welcome you."

"If you are angered by my words and actions today, please feel free to retaliate with your authority and methods. I am not afraid. Even someone as powerful as you, what can you take from me?"

After he finished speaking, he bowed to everyone, including A Xing and even the coachman standing in the distance.

Then he turned back, walked back along the smooth, clean road, and went to his colleagues, subordinates, and students. The genuine feelings of a father were once again concealed by the mask of a politician. Goth's prime minister was a silent but firm rock, approachable, always smiling, and completely devoid of any majesty or severity. Yet the archduke respected him, his subordinates supported him, and his subjects revered him.

He walked with a warm smile and a measured pace.

The prime minister's faction of bureaucrats and courtiers held their breath.

Waiting for the leader.

"Attention! Silence! His Excellency Xide Kailamu is departing for the Privy Council. Prime Minister Goth will, as always, defend the rule of Teldrassil, the interests of the nation, and the well-being of the people! May the light forever shine upon Goth's land, and may all of Goth's heroes continue to uphold their duties today!"

This was perhaps a ritualistic act. As the butler-like figure uttered these words, the officials surrounding the prime minister, led by Xide, slowly began to walk along the street. The prime minister's servants, nearby residents, busy soldiers, officials, and workers all bowed their heads in greeting.

Kang De and his entourage watched all of this unfold.

Tina suddenly shivered.

Yes, the knight is dead.

Only the Prime Minister remained.

A father who had cultivated deep roots in Goth's political arena for decades, whose family's influence had been intertwined with Goth's for centuries, who controlled the largest political faction in Goth, who was respected by the Grand Duke and trusted by his subjects, and who had lost his son, hope, and future.

Just now, Prime Minister Goth, who had never made a mistake, error, or lost his temper in public for decades, showed extremely clear hostility toward Kang De.

Only now has Tina carefully considered the Prime Minister's last words.

It sent chills down her spine.

Even someone as powerful as you can't take anything from me.

What does this mean...?

For a moment, even Tina dared not think any further.

Just then, Kang De calmly said, "Let's go."

Tina turned to look at him. Kang De's expression was very calm, but it was like a volcano about to erupt.

She whispered, "Kang De..."

"I'm fine."

He smiled at Tina, then turned and walked towards the carriage. "This matter is settled."

Get on the bus and leave.

In the silent carriage, not only Tina, but even A Xing dared not breathe.

--If it had been anyone else who dared to speak to Kang De like that, Platinum Ape would have slapped them across the face long ago. But she didn't dare to make a move, and didn't even say a word. It wasn't because she was afraid of that prime minister, but because she was afraid of Kang De beside her.

"... Hey, Kang De."

Tina also seemed preoccupied and remained silent, clearly unreliable.

After much deliberation, Miss Platinum Ape finally spoke, albeit with a heavy heart.

Kang De looked over curiously.

A Xing said with a pained expression, "If rubbing your face against her would make you feel better, I can pretend I didn't see it this time..."

"..."

"..."

Kang De and Tina were both startled awake, then looked at each other in bewilderment, the princess instinctively smoothing the hem of her skirt.

Then, the two of them laughed together.

"... Why do I always feel like you two are secretly doing something together?"

Although A Xing posed such a probing question, the atmosphere did liven things up considerably.

Thanks, I'm fine.

Are you really okay?

"Um..."

Kang De smiled and said, "What else can we do? He is him, and his father is his father. Just make that clear. If he doesn't forgive me, he doesn't forgive me. What's the big deal? How can it bother me? I'll just continue doing what I need to do. If I change my mind because of his father's words, that would be the real betrayal of him."

He met Tina's worried gaze and shrugged.

"Let him hurl a few insults that make him feel better. Consider it an act of filial piety on behalf of Cleveland. This is a one-time thing. If he dares to talk to me like that again, hmph..."

Tina could only manage a forced smile.

She still remembers the Prime Minister's expression, words, and eyes, and his last words: Xide had lost everything, which is why he could so readily antagonize, reject, and rebuke Kang De without fear of retaliation, because he truly had nothing left to fear.

Yet such a person was still Goth's chief administrator, the maker and implementer of national policies.

But now it's like this...

In this era, where Goth's ideas are just beginning to take shape, but beneath the surface, turbulent currents are sure to surge.

Kang De's defeat of the elven invaders and his intimidation of Twilight Moon will surely shock the continent and bring peace to Goth. However, the power he wields will also inevitably arouse the fear and hostility of other nations. While direct conflict on the battlefield will not occur, underhanded tactics, conspiracies, schemes, and malice will inevitably follow.

Goth will not have a peaceful time for some time to come.

But at this moment, the Prime Minister...

Tina had a feeling that things might not be as simple as they seemed.

Perhaps...

The wheels rolled on, returning to the palace.

Although Kang De complained and grumbled for a while, he then remained silent.

Tina stole a glance at A Xing, who was holding one of Kang De's arms and quietly resting his head on Kang De's shoulder. So the princess gently pulled Kang De's other hand and placed it on her lap.

Even through the long skirt, one could still faintly feel a touch that was different from skin.

With her other hand, Tina wrapped her arms around Kang De's arm and slowly hugged him, pressing her whole body against him.

A warm touch, captivating beauty, embraced on both sides, boundless allure.

Kang De simply stared blankly at the roof of the carriage.

"... I'm not as bad as he makes me out to be, am I?"

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PS1: Update update update... Damn, this is so annoying. I have a cold and feel terrible. I'm drowsy after taking medicine, and I feel awful... Goodnight, goodnight.