Sura

In the end, it was Kang De who carried the drunken Grand Duke back to his room.

After all, Tina and the Sword Saint Cascading Snow are both women, and Tina has no strength. Hilmeria dislikes her drunken, scumbag brother very much, so having a servant do this would be a bit too formal.

It's more intimate to have Kang De, as Kant's "son-in-law," do this.

... That old man is so dishonest.

Kang De, carrying the Grand Duke on his back, felt that his usually serious and dignified uncle was struggling and writhing like a drunken maggot, constantly causing trouble.

It felt like picking up a corpse... Ugh, ugh, ugh.

They were eventually helped back to the bedroom, where the maids took over.

The Grand Duke's room was filled with books and mountains of files. There were no luxurious or expensive decorations, but many paintings hung on the walls. Many of them were portraits of Tina, Hilmeria, Stella, his two sons, and a mature and dignified noblewoman who bore a resemblance to Tina.

That must be Tina's mother. According to Tina, she left when she was young.

Kang De didn't press for further details.

The largest one is a family portrait. The artist's brushwork is superb, and the portrait is almost identical to the real person. It's like Leng Jun from another world. It must be an early work because the Grand Duke in the painting is much younger, as is Tina's mother, while the children of the Taidariel Family are all very young.

Besides these, there are a few paintings whose quality is visibly inferior to the other works, and they could even be described as graffiti. If abstract art had not yet emerged in this other world, then it can only mean that these paintings have commemorative value... just like the obviously crude short sword, round shield, and scroll.

The maids bustled about, helping the Grand Duke undress and change into his nightgown, and preparing drinks and spices to help him sober up. Tina stood next to Kang De, noticing where his gaze was directed, and a look of nostalgia flashed in her eyes.

She explained, "Most of these were gifts we gave to our father... He cherished them, even framing and preserving them with great care. We were very happy at the time, but as we grew older, we felt embarrassed. However, as we got older still, we gradually understood our father's feelings..."

The princess looked at her father lying on the bed and said softly, "Because of the mother's love, a father's love is more intense than that of other parents. A teenager, eager to break free from the constraints and protection of his parents and possessing a strange sense of pride, may feel embarrassed or even annoyed. But as he grows up a little more, he will understand."

Kang De nodded slowly.

This is not a perfunctory agreement, but a genuine resonance based on personal experience.

He recalled his intense and exciting trip to Africa not long ago.

Rescuing his father was a race against time, and the two were forced to go through a hail of bullets together. After Moyani's attack, he finally broke down due to the mental pressure that had been building up for so long, and he yelled at his father. Even decades later, he would still remember his father's embrace that day.

And his tears.

This was the first time he had seen his father's tears since his grandfather passed away.

His father is probably still waiting in the embassy's air-raid shelter. After all, less than half a day has passed on Earth, and he already misses his father. He hasn't really told his father that it's all over yet.

Let's wait and see. After all, I'm already "bombed to death." It's a good opportunity to see if the country can extort something from those two bastards, the American Empire and France. The king will definitely get a lot out of it too. Going back now would be awkward, since we haven't even reached an agreement yet.

However, I really need to find some time to go back.

We need to continue strengthening our capabilities. We need to replenish the fuel and bombs for our fighter jets, and we also need to enhance our ground firepower. Goth's matter is not over yet, and it's not just about Goth.

The dragons nearby, the elves in the middle, and the empire still have a score to settle.

And then there's Tagelise... oh no, it's what Dairila was talking about, the powerful extraterrestrial enemy.

If all else fails, we'll have to borrow some equipment from our motherland, but we can't just ask for it for free. They might give it to us, but that's not how cooperation works.

Let me think, what do I have that the country would like?

From another world.

Even if you were to send a handful of soil or a blade of grass from another world, the top experts at the Chinese Academy of Sciences would be shocked. But matters in another world are too complicated, so we'll have to discuss that further.

All that's left... is the plane I got for free.

I might not be interested in the F-16, but the F-35 would definitely be excellent.

But the source is quite difficult to explain.

However, I saw in the news that the Japan crashed a F-160 fighter jet into the sea and couldn't retrieve it...

So you're using this as an excuse?

It should be very valuable.

--What? You're asking what the country wants to do with the F-35s?

Research? Research materials? Research engines? Research electronic systems and command links? And incidentally, reverse-engineer the details of the American Empire's combat system?

Fart!

As a confident, self-reliant, and responsible major power, China has no motive or need to study the weapons of the United States. Of course, we returned them after finding them, as a way of doing the American Empire a favor.

Moreover, as a great nation with a long history spanning thousands of years, our country adheres to the ancient tributary system and will never allow foreign friends to suffer even the slightest loss.

Return it? Of course we have to return it.

We picked up one of your F-35s; we should return two to show the magnanimity of a superior nation like ours.

"... Kang De?"

Tina's call interrupted Kang De's good-natured smile, "What are you thinking about?"

Never mind, I need to think about the details more.

Kang De composed himself, regained his composure, and immediately concealed the matter. He looked at the many gifts and paintings on the Grand Duke's wall and asked Tina with a smile, "Which gifts did you send?"

Tina blushed. "I won't tell."

Kang De expertly pulled out his phone, intending to take a series of photos. "Then I'll ask Stella, oh no, I should just ask your father. He'll definitely brag to me about it with great pride, especially knowing that you've never given me any gifts. He'll be even more proud of himself then..."

Unlike the foolish alien natives, Tina knew what a cell phone was for. The princess grabbed Kang De's arm, exclaiming, "You're bullying me!"

Then, she realized what was happening from Kang De's ambiguous smile.

He said those things not long ago, didn't he?

She lowered her head, looking wronged. "... Go ahead and bully me."

My lord, I'm sorry.

I now fully understand your feelings of resentment.

But what does that have to do with me being a ruthless princess assassin?

Kang De wished he could immediately embrace Tina and commit adultery in front of his father.

But there are just too many people here.

At this moment, Tina was busy changing the subject, or rather, she had gleaned something from Kang De's earlier words. Suddenly, she looked at Kang De and smiled, "Kang De, are you jealous? You've never given me any gifts?"

She gently took Kang De's hand and gave it a small shake. "What do you want?"

The soft light in the Grand Duke's bedroom bathed the girl's exquisite face in a gentle glow. Kang De gazed at her thin, cherry-like lips, his heart skipped a beat, and then he turned his head away.

He said, "... Okay, I misspoke. You've given me gifts several times already."

Tina tilted her head and asked, "What kinds are there?"

The question isn't about the gift, it's about the memory.

Faced with her gentle smile, Kang De smiled too, and whispered, "The first time, needless to say, and then there was the necklace, sword, shield, and potion; Hong San's incident, actually counts as that too..."

Upon hearing this, Tina's expression turned strange, as if something was amiss.

"Thinking about it carefully, your announcement of the engagement was one of those times, and then there was that love letter and your intentions when you Valentan —those were precious gifts to me, and then there was what happened a few days ago..."

Kang De looked at Tina, and both of their faces flushed at the same time.

The scene was chaotic, and with the A Xing causing trouble, the experience wasn't exactly pleasant.

But it can be savored and remembered for a long time.

Tina gazed at Kang De for a moment before chuckling softly, "Although he has some minor flaws, it's already quite remarkable for Kang De."

"... What's the meaning?"

"It's nothing special, I'm just happy and want to reward Kang De."

Tina smiled gently and shyly, leaning closer to Kang De, her voice barely audible, "Kang De, would you like another gift?"

Although the voice was soft, Kang De heard it clearly.

For a fleeting moment, Kang De could even hear the sound of his own blood flowing.

After all, they didn't have much experience.

His voice was distorted. "Wh... what gift?"

Tina's eyes narrowed into crescents as she smiled beautifully, a smile that also revealed a smug cunning, like a hunter gradually becoming more skilled, maneuvering around an intriguing prey, round and round.

She asked softly, "What does Kang De want?"

"I..." Kang De, quick-witted as ever, adopted a evasive approach, "I'll like whatever you give me."

Tina raised her head slightly; she was tall enough that her breath brushed against Kang De's cheek. The girl blushed and whispered, "Then... come to my room?"

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh!

It must be said that these few words, coupled with what happened this morning, the beautiful scenery, and the feeling of being on a cloud... truly gave him endless imagination.

Kang De remained calm, or perhaps feigned composure.

"Look... look at what?"

But all of this is nonsense.

Tina grasped Kang De's hand and whispered, "Whatever you want to see, I'll show you."

Oh my god, who can resist this?!

Kang De's psychological defenses were about to completely collapse, and this sweet, dog-food-filled territory was almost permanently secured. But at that moment, the Sword Saint Cascading Snow, who had been standing not far from the bedside, frowning and directing the maid while also mocking his brother, suddenly trembled, as if his patience had reached its limit.

She waved for the maid beside her to step back.

Then he bent down and seemed to say something to the sleeping Grand Duke on the bed. His voice was very soft, and he used the strength and technique of a martial artist, so the maids did not hear him.

But the next moment, the Grand Duke sat up as if he were a spring-loaded puppet, shouting, "Tina—ah—I can't accept this! Father can't accept this! Ahh...

Then he lay back down abruptly, two lines of tears streaming down his face.

The shout startled Kang De and Tina, who were engrossed in their conversation, and also drew the attention of all the maids and butlers in the room.

Tina was naturally very shy, and the reason she was so bold and proactive was entirely because her emotions were too intense. She was always full of courage and boldness when it came to matters concerning Kang De. However, under this silent and even subtle gaze, the princess immediately blushed. Even though no one had heard what she had said earlier, she still felt so ashamed that she couldn't lift her head when she thought about it now.

Kang De wasn't much better, but he had one advantage: his early education and life experiences honed his ability to remain calm even in the face of adversity.

They acted as if nothing had happened.

The Sword Saint said calmly, "The Duke is drunk. Take good care of him. Use some sleep-inducing incense so he can get a good night's sleep... It's getting late, we should go."

Then she turned and walked toward the door, gesturing to Kang De and Tina.

Kang De was completely unaware, thinking that it was the Grand Duke's spirit in heaven... no, it was the Grand Duke's sixth sense that sensed his daughter walking towards the wolf's jaws, and that's why, driven by his subconscious, he let out that heart-stirring shout. Solving this problem was also easy.

Just don't do that in front of him.

But Tina caught a glimpse of a smile playing on her aunt's lips the instant she walked by.

Her eyes narrowed slowly, and she instinctively tightened her grip on Kang De's hand.

After leaving the Grand Duke's bedroom, the maids in the corridor bowed and stood at attention. The three of them walked through the open garden, with Tina holding onto Kang De's arm tightly and close to him.

Her Highness seemed to have forgotten their previous conversation and chatted casually with Kang De.

She asked, "Did Father give you the Crimson Scroll?"

Kang De took out the scroll. "Hmm, you gave it to me, but nothing particularly noteworthy seems to have happened."

Kang De had already told Tina about Akatum's recognition and divine power. This matter had to be kept secret, but there was no need to hide it from Tina, because it all originated from her.

"Don't rush. Since fate has chosen you, it must have meaning. Even if it hasn't happened yet, it will in the future. And don't think that just because you've received the blessing of the King of Gods, His Majesty Sura will ignore you. His light shines indiscriminately on everything in the world. The gods aren't as petty as you think."

The girl said softly.

Sura?

Kang De's expression shifted; the name sounded familiar. He pondered it carefully, then suddenly realized that he had heard this name in Valentan —it was the name of the god worshipped by the Goth People.

He said, "Sura... Sula, the Sun God?"

Tina smiled and said, "Yes, the god we believe in, our guardian, the embodiment of sincerity and courage, with a heart full of love and magnanimity, is also the light that Teldrassil follows..."

Kang De murmured, "So that's how it is. Then this Crimson Scroll is..."

Tina smiled and nodded, made a gesture in front of her chest, and then stroked Kang De's forehead.

May the light shine upon you and me, upon each and every one of us.

The brighter the sun shines on the earth, the more we should care for and cherish those who are still enduring darkness...

The Grand Duke's words flashed through his mind.

The sun god...

The Crimson Scroll in his hand shimmered slightly again.

Kang De suddenly laughed, "This seems quite interesting."

Tina blinked, then revealed that shy yet mischievous expression again.

She smiled shyly, then said in a serious tone, "Well then, Kang De, you foreigner, stranger from the East, may I have the honor of taking up a little of your time to introduce you to His Majesty Sura, Goth's patron saint?"

Kang De recalled the girl's earlier whispers, and his heart stirred. "Okay..."

Before the words were even finished, the voice of the Sword Saint Cascading Snow rang out from ahead. "Hey, if you're interested in doctrine and faith, go to the church. The bishops and nuns there dream of spreading the glory of the Sun God to you. It's getting late, I'm going to sleep, Tina!"

Hilmeria turned around and hugged Princess Tina tightly. "Let's go, go rest."

Tina was both surprised and annoyed. "Auntie, you have rooms too..."

"I have to protect you, silly girl. What if the elves send assassins? What if some other evil force kidnaps you and threatens Kang De? Goodbye, goodbye— Kang De, see you tomorrow, goodnight."

With that, he dragged Tina away.

The night wind howled, and Kang De stood there stunned for a long time, gritting his teeth.

What's this woman doing causing trouble? Aren't we good brothers who fought side by side?

He was listless and extremely unhappy, and hunched over the railing for a long time.

One moment he's feeling down, the next he's grinning like an idiot, hehehehe.

After a while, he returned to his courtyard. Due to his complicated feelings and the fact that he had just obtained the Crimson Scroll, Kang De simply greeted Horus in the courtyard without engaging in any further conversation before returning to his room.

What he didn't notice was that Iron Son's sensors were watching his figure with a cold and meaningful gaze.

Pushing open the door and entering the bedroom, I saw A Xing.

"A Xing, have you eaten yet?"

During the previous banquet hosted by the Grand Duke, he asked A Xing about it. A Xing was hiding in the inner bedroom watching a tablet. He really didn't know what was so interesting about PAW Patrol. Before he left, he also left a lot of food behind.

Before the question could be finished, A Xing, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, sprang up like lightning, stood up straight, looked at Kang De, blushed, and seemed to be hesitating about something, tentatively taking a step.

Kang De had never seen the A Xing blush, nor had he ever seen her hesitate.

"What's wrong? What's wrong with you...?"

He instinctively walked over, but before he'd taken two steps, A Xing's face had turned bright red, and he suddenly cried out, "This is so weird! I can't do it! Aaaaaaaahhhhhh!"

Then, his figure moved as fast as the Rafale, rushing out the door and fleeing in a disheveled state.

"..."

"Um????"

Kang De remained silent for a moment, then his expression returned to Nick Young's.

What happened again...?

He pondered and pondered, but could not find a solution. He also studied the Crimson Scroll, but still could not find a way. Even if he took it to the White Mist Space, nothing would happen.

After tossing and turning for a while, I finally fell asleep.

When A Xing woke up the next day, he was much more normal, but his eyes were still a little evasive and he spoke somewhat awkwardly. Before Kang De could ask him any questions, Stella rushed over.

A message has been delivered.

The dragons have arrived.

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PS1: Update! 5000 words! Time for bed, goodnight everyone.