Qilin Cape

Lily eventually relayed Kang De's response back to Dragon Island verbatim.

Although he was responding on behalf of Goth, forcing Kang De to temporarily seal away the soul talents of the Zaun, he was forced to utter words that were neither strong nor powerful...

But the dragons were still extremely angry.

The noble rulers of the skies were attacked and disappeared in Goth. The Goth People, who were as insignificant as ants, did not show any fear or shock in apologizing or begging for mercy, nor did they surrender immediately. They did not even prepare any gifts to apologize. Instead, they directly issued a threat, saying that if anyone dared to enter the territory again without permission, war would be waged.

--And they even dare to ask Dragon Island for a fine!

From the perspective and way that dragons view problems, such a response is a complete provocation, an insult to the dignity of the dragon race, a contempt for the glory of the dragon race, and a desecration of the pride of the dragon race. Such a reckless act must be met with utter and painful destruction.

According to the rules of ancient times, for such rebellious and arrogant ants, the dragon race should send the powerful Winged God Azure Dragon Division to destroy their country and exterminate their race, burning every inch of their farmland, forest, manor, and city, along with their pitiful creatures, into glass with their blazing dragon breath.

The elders of the Dragon Council did indeed make that claim.

But the angry roar quickly subsided.

First of all, Goth was insignificant, but a Cathayan named Kang De protected them. The alchemical weapons he created possessed unparalleled aerial combat power and could even pose a threat to the dragons.

Secondly, and most importantly.

Phoenix King Dairila has made it clear that she will always maintain the conditions and sincerity of the Valentan negotiations, and will always keep the door open to Kang De —no matter what.

Even in the most dangerous moments of war with the dragons.

The implication is that if Goth and Dragon Island were to engage in a major war, and Kang De were to summon the elves to intervene in the war in exchange for loyalty to Twilight Moon... then the Phoenix King would respond.

"Hateful!"

An unnamed dragon elder present roared in anger.

"However..." he continued.

The old dragons present understood the meaning of the reading comprehension by using the same way of thinking that dragons are grouped by kind and things of a kind are clustered together.

--I was going to suggest that you all attack together, but the elves are just too powerful.

In short, the Phoenix King's open statement at this juncture became a crucial factor in reversing the situation. The unyielding Goth, the aggressive dragons, and the impending war were abruptly halted at the edge of the precipice. Even the most arrogant dragon supremacist dared not risk going to war with Twilight Moon to teach Kang De a lesson.

But we can't back down.

The dragon race cannot lose face.

Seeing that the Phoenix King's attitude had extinguished the dragon elders' Spark, the Dragon Emperor breathed a sigh of relief and began to mediate. He was also extremely troubled by this matter.

The missing dragon must be found, alive or dead.

After all, although these dragons are conservative fools [beep--], driven by the elders all day long and unable to be used by the Dragon Defense Company, they are still dragons after all. They can't just be killed out there for no reason and their bodies can't even be found—that would be such a damn waste. How can we let the enemy benefit from them?

Moreover, with elders stirring up trouble and fueling public opinion, the clansmen usually have a nationalist sentiment that the dragon is the greatest in the world. Now that their clansmen have been killed abroad, if the ruler does not take strong and decisive measures to avenge them and reclaim their honor, or even utter a single word, then his position as Dragon Emperor is insecure.

But being tough... well, we have to be tough.

During the previous business negotiations, Santos's report had given the Dragon Emperor some insight into Kang De's character: a determined troublemaker who had no interest in political maneuvering.

The subsequent negotiations proved this point.

With the elves as his backers, he became increasingly arrogant.

Dragons value their reputation, even at the cost of their own. The Dragon Emperor wants Goth to sacrifice some superficial things to protect the pride and face of the dragon race. In return, Dragon Island can offer generous compensation in private.

The so-called "face" was nothing more than the arrival of an observation team, a joint investigation, and Goth's official apology to Dragon Island, along with his statement of a thorough investigation. This was enough to appease those idiotic dragons who spent all day sleeping in their nests and who would roar and scream at the slightest provocation.

But the response was always "no."

No, they're not allowed to come. Not even a single dragon is allowed. If they do, they'll be killed, and they'll face the consequences.

As for an apology, don't even think about it. You were the ones who trespassed and illegally invaded Goth's territory, and you were the ones who were so weak that you were beaten to death. Yet you blame Goth and demand that Goth take responsibility for his inadequate supervision and protection—should we send you a pot of lotus flowers to eat to replenish your energy?

The only concession Goth could make was to allow Miss Lily, who maintained a good friendship and relationship with him, to join Goth's investigation team as an observer. This was Goth's greatest show of sincerity.

In short, no matter what suggestions were made, the response was always the same:

National dignity is not to be traded, and sovereignty is not to be negotiated.

"The dragons must be furious."

A map lay before Kang De. It was already afternoon. Thanks to a secret long-distance communication method, Goth was able to conduct near-real-time negotiations with Dragon Island.

According to Lily, the Dragon Council is still making a huge scene. The dragons are real trolls; mortals hurl insults with flying spittle, while dragons unleash their dragon breath, creating a very heated atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Kang De was taking this opportunity to look through maps, review reports, and make preparations.

Compared to the dragon elders who wanted to seize the opportunity to expand their influence and reclaim their former dominance, His Majesty the Dragon Emperor was at least pragmatic. He revealed the approximate location of the missing dragon delegation through private channels, which Tina circled in red ink: the Azure Waves Province on the west coast of Goth.

The territory that the dragons entered was a cape that stretched from the province to the Endless Sea.

It is called "Qilin Cape".

The name originates from many years ago, during the most frequent voyages of ocean exploration, when the Cathay Fleet sailed in, initiating the exchange and friendship between Goth and Cathay. On that day, local fishermen saw the sails of the Cathay Fleet and the Qilin pattern on the flags flying at this cape.

The place was named in commemoration of this first encounter, and it remains so to this day.

This place has become a famous tourist attraction, and many stories have unfolded since then. There are countless legends and tales about it, and what Kang De wants to know now is whether there is anything special about it.

Soft, warm fingers rested on his shoulder, and a familiar fragrance filled his nostrils. Tina's voice rang out. "The orders have been issued. The governor of Azure Waves Province has dispatched troops to seal off the surrounding area and is carefully investigating any clues. We have emphasized the seriousness of the situation. The ability to annihilate a dragon squadron in such a short time is a force that Azure Waves Province, after the great war, cannot withstand."

She said softly, "They know what's important; they won't do anything foolish."

Kang De nodded.

"In addition, the investigation force has begun to be recruited and formed. A team including mages, battle mages, sun priests, explorers, naturalists, and alchemists will provide you with comprehensive combat support and advisory services. Second Brother's Gladiolus Legion will send an elite ranger to protect them."

"Logistical support will be my personal responsibility."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a golden waterfall cascading down, and then his back was enveloped in a warm embrace. Tina gently hugged him from behind and whispered, "We'll have to be apart for a while this time."

This matter is urgent and dangerous; we may have to face the mysterious enemy that wiped out an entire dragon squadron. Under these circumstances, Tina cannot afford to be a burden.

A soft warmth touched his cheek as Tina's face pressed against his. Kang De gently nuzzled the princess's smooth cheek. "It won't be long. We'll be back once it's resolved."

"Um."

Tina pulled the necklace from her collar—a magical artifact from Cathay, Eternal Tranquility's Protection.

The dazzling pendant shimmered with waves-like ripples.

This echoes the Chang'an's Watch held by Kang De.

"Our hearts are connected. Whenever, wherever, Kang De, as long as you want, as long as I want, we will be where each other is... No one has gone far away."

The princess's dreamlike whispers were like gently swaying oars, rowing into Kang De's heart.

The girl whispered in his ear, "We'll be apart for a while... do you want to make up for it beforehand?"

Kang De was taken aback at first, then his heart began to pound.

My face quickly became hot.

A strange tingling and trembling sensation arose in my body.

Supplement... supplement what?

Tina's soft breath brushed against his face, warm and fragrant.

He swallowed, and then...

"--What are you doing here?"

Suddenly, A Xing's shout rang out from outside.

Tina stood up straight instantly, while Kang De lay as flat as possible.

The next moment, A Xing pushed open the door, and Lily was standing beside him. Dragon Girl glanced over with lightning speed and noticed that Princess Tina was standing behind Kang De instead of disappearing under the table. A look of disappointment flashed in her eyes.

Kang De asked, "What's wrong with the A Xing?"

A Xing said, "She was just standing at the door, I wonder what she was doing!"

Princess Goth and the Prince Consort understood almost simultaneously, their unfriendly gazes fixed on the Dragon Girl. Lily remained calm and said indifferently, "I apologize. I was in a state of extreme fear and anxiety just now, and I didn't know how to convey the Dragon Clan's response to you. Ah, Prince Kang De, the thought that you would be angry with me because of the Dragon Clan's decision and actions makes my heart ache as if it were shattering..."

You're talking nonsense! You were clearly eavesdropping!

Holy crap, was my primary motivation for modernizing Maple Leaf Palace really to prevent some repressed pervert from spying and eavesdropping? Installing a whole set of power lines and surveillance equipment for that is just ridiculous!

Kang De stared at him coldly.

Dragon Girl instinctively hid the notebook behind her back.

"... Never mind," Kang De shook his head. "What news?"

Lily replied, "Dragon Island has tacitly compromised, but their patience and pride have reached a breaking point. The Dragon Emperor, representing the council, has issued an ultimatum to Goth."

"Six days. There are still six days until the Dragonfire Soul Lamp is completely extinguished. Out of respect for the Forbidden Spell spellcaster, the Dragon Clan has decided not to set foot in Goth's territory for the time being. However, the powerful Dragon Legion will be stationed on Talak Island outside Goth's sea area, giving Goth six days to investigate the cause and effect and apprehend the culprit..."

"Only six days."

She said, "If there are no results in six days... you know what will happen."

Six days.

Six days!

What?! Six days?!

You actually gave me six days of alternate time and thirty to forty days of Earth time to procure and deploy air defense positions, and even told me the location of the air force's base?

Go ahead, Dragon Emperor, are you some kind of otherworldly Duke Xiang of Song?

Kang De almost burst out laughing, but he held it in and pleaded humbly, "Six days is too short. How about a month?"

The Dragon Girl shook her head and said, "It's no use telling me this. This is already the best outcome. It's not easy to make those old dragons swallow their pride and admit defeat... If you hadn't defeated the Phoenix King, we probably wouldn't have even had six days. We might already be at war."

--What do you mean I defeated the Phoenix King?

Kang De felt guilty and wanted to retort, but Tina's hand on his shoulder tightened unconsciously. Then she calmly said, "Your Highness Lily, no one wanted things to turn out this way. You sacrificed your reputation and a lot when Kang De needed help, made a vow with him, and helped him a great deal. I am extremely grateful for that."

"Your help to him is your help to Goth, and we are willing to repay you, but not at the cost of national dignity. Apart from that, we will do our utmost... We also ask that you join forces with Kang De to do everything in your power to solve this problem, for your own sake and for the sake of your people."

Lily said calmly, "Don't be nervous. I have no physical interest in humans. You should focus your attention and vigilance on this idiot and that pointy-eared one."

She pointed at A Xing.

A Xing shouted, "Yeah, yeah! I'm the one who's right... no! Who's the idiot?!"

Kang De felt that the situation could not be allowed to continue.

The story of the Phoenix King speaking up for Goth when threatened by the Dragon Clan circulated among a small group and naturally became strong evidence of gossip.

After all, people are just so bored; they like to attribute everything to gossip about men and women.

He stood up, interrupting A Xing's commotion, and said to Lily, "Anyway, this time, A Xing, you, and I will be working together... Our first official collaboration, I hope it goes well."

Lily stared at his outstretched hand, her gaze momentarily unfocused.

Was that irresponsible fellow tricked into leaving by the previous generation of Fire Thief in the same way?

And now...

After a moment of stunned silence, a smile appeared on Dragon Girl's lips, a smile that was both self-deprecating and resolute.

Hadn't the decision already been made?

Even if you are already dead, and your burial place cannot be found.

At least I can walk the path you once walked.

She took Kang De's hand.

"It's a pleasure doing business with you."

A Xing grabbed Kang De's other hand and shook it vigorously. "Happy to cooperate!"

"I think I can appear now."

A familiar voice rang out from the doorway. Kang De, caught in the eerie atmosphere of the girls' subtle rivalry, smiled with delight. He subtly pulled away from A Xing and Lily's hands and went to greet them.

"You finally decided to show up. I got home too late last night and was planning to talk to you today, but then I ran into some trouble... I was just thinking of talking to you about it."

"Your subject has also heard about it," Hong San said, bowing. "I heard a couple of days ago that Your Highness was very busy and had summoned the Goth and other wise men to discuss the matter of the silver-gray locusts. The situation is urgent, and I have never heard of this insect, so I cannot share Your Highness's burdens. Moreover, without Your Highness's summons, I did not come forward to get in your way..."

"Go away, go away," Kang De nudged his shoulder. "Then why are you here again?"

"Your Highness, please allow me to inform you that I have been working on your private guard in accordance with the plan we discussed these past few days, and it is already showing initial results. After all, I had already begun selecting and training them back in Valentan. But as you know, the best training is still on the actual battlefield."

Hong San bowed and said, "I have heard that Goth's side is already organizing support teams and accompanying troops. Please allow us to join them. The Valentan People and Orcs are eager to serve you."

Kang De's smile faded slightly, and he frowned, saying, "This isn't conventional warfare, in fact..."

The ability to quickly and silently eliminate a significant number of dragons within Goth territory could not have been a large-scale military operation. It must have involved only a small group of powerful individuals or an unknown, mysterious force. In the most extreme scenario, there was only one enemy... Ordinary people's teams could not participate in such a battle.

"Your subject understands, and I have explained this reasoning to everyone. However, this is precisely why they follow you... We only care about where your enemies are."

Hong San said, "If the Gladiolus Legion can go, so can we."

Kang De frowned and pondered for a long time before finally nodding, "Alright, you will operate alongside the Gladiolus Legion, don't fall behind... We can test our plan in actual combat."

Someone has to operate the Shilka Anti-Aircraft Gun... It's not sustainable to keep using alchemical golems.

Perhaps it's time to give them some more powerful weaponry.

Around dusk, all personnel were ready and all supplies were prepared. The advance team had already set off, and the follow-up investigation team traveled lightly and made every effort to advance towards Azure Waves Province.

Cities and fortresses along the way dispatched troops to provide support, and the elven armies stationed in various places also sent out rangers. It is said that the elven fleet of the Azure Waves Province set sail again to patrol the west coast, especially around the Qilin Cape area—it all looked like they were there to help.

Yes, this is definitely helping out.

During previous negotiations, the Phoenix King had made the suggestion that the Elf Expeditionary Force stationed throughout Goth territory participate in patrols and intelligence gathering.

After being flatly rejected by Goth's side, Her Majesty the Queen said something lightly.

"If we don't get help from the elves, we'll have nothing to do but cause trouble."

In the end, I had no choice but to agree.

The price was that people started looking at Kang De with even more curiosity.

In short, with meticulous escort and guidance along the entire route, the survey team, fully protected and supported, saw the long coastline of the Azure Waves Province at sunrise.

Next, we need to investigate what exactly happened to those dragons.

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PS1: I went to the basement to move a bucket of water today; it was the first time I'd gone out in two months... (gazing into the distance)