To Remain Silent for Justice Is to Be Complicit in Evil

At approximately 10:00 AM today, His Highness Kang De took off from the Knight Afu and arrived in Distant Harbor.

He also inspected and guided the vigorous anti-rebel work of the Traitor Suppression Society.

Accompanied by Brigadier General Kavisalong, commander of the Elven Expeditionary Fleet, Master Niola, the Seeker of the Azure Fleet, and Colonel Henry Baker, the interim fleet commander of the Holy Empire's Fourth Subfleet, His Highness Kant conducted an on-site investigation at Kang De Sound of the Tide Manor, the lair of the Tinston Family, the ringleaders of the Distant Harbor Riot.

He learned in detail about the fierce battle that took place here the previous night, strongly condemned the Tinston Family's perverse and heinous acts of rebellion, expressed his condolences to the soldiers who fought bravely the previous night, and then gave a profound critique of the decadent and wasteful extravagance of the Sound of the Tide Manor.

And checked in.

The battle that took place here last night ended by 3 a. m., and by 9 a. m., all signs of battle and physical damage had been repaired.

This was thanks to Colonel Henry Baker of the Empire Fleet.

Upon receiving news of the battle at the Sound of the Tide Manor, he led his henchmen in a menacing manner.

The elven soldiers guarding the manor initially thought these traitors from the neighboring kingdom were there to claim credit, which nearly led to a minor conflict. However, the guards later discovered that the temporary commander of the empire had only brought a group of bricklayers and architects, all of whom had been "recruited" from the city to volunteer for the job.

Under Colonel Henry's enthusiastic mobilization, these restorers and craftsmen worked at an astonishing speed to repair the damage, clear away the corpses, clean up the battlefield, and restore the ruins.

As for the blown-up gates, damaged windows, and even items destroyed in the fierce battle, Colonel Henry quickly dispatched men to dismantle usable items directly from Imperial warships and mansions throughout the city, transport them here, and reassemble them. Some of these items were even more valuable than the originals.

Now, Kang De is sitting in Luent Tinston's private study on the third floor, listening to a report.

This place even looks more luxurious than Tina's study. The ebony desk is inlaid with something that looks like jade with a warm color. The brass ornament on the desk is a tangible model of the theory of the origin of the four elements. Ancient pottery is displayed on the bookshelves. The closer to the coast, the more oriental the atmosphere becomes. Kang De even saw a wooden screen with mysterious patterns engraved on it, which looked like the shapes of some mythical beasts. The brocade of the armchair he was sitting on was smooth and soft, and it felt cool and warm to the touch.

The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers; the smell of war had long since dissipated.

It is said that last night, the loyal butler Tinston and his servants destroyed important documents here and lay in wait, trying to kill as many higher-ranking intruders as possible and to show the evil Cathayan the indomitable glory of the Tinston Family. They gripped their weapons, carrying alchemical bombs, and hid behind doors and tables.

Then the elven mage, who seemed to have X-ray vision, took them all down with powerful sulfuric acid arrows through the wall.

The damaged walls have been repaired with magic, and the broken furniture and objects have been replaced. As for the Tinston Family's courageous resistance here, the evil Cathayan are completely unaware of it.

Thank you all for your hard work overnight.

Kang De glanced at the detailed reports and ledgers compiled by the three armies, then nodded. "A portion of the proceeds from the confiscation of property will be used to reward the soldiers who participated in last night's operation. The basic reward will be one month's salary for both officers and soldiers. Those who make outstanding contributions will receive additional rewards. Horus has already listed the specific reward details. After you receive them, take a look and see if there is anything you need to add, then submit them to me for signature."

The three naval officers were taken aback and were about to decline when Kang De said calmly, "It's my money, I can spend it however I want. I said I'd reward you, so you can't take a single penny less."

Colonel Henry reacted the fastest, stepping forward to take his list. "Thank you, Your Highness!"

Even the Elf Brigadier General and the Seeker of Mysteries had no choice but to accept it.

Kang De casually flipped through the report and remarked, "I've already determined the punishments for the rioters from last night's disciplinary action, according to the severity of their responsibilities. They're divided into death sentences and lenient sentences, with the Traitor Suppression Society responsible for the lenient sentences."

The projector on the table projected a map of the area around the Distant Harbor onto the wall behind it.

"My plan is to establish a large reform camp in the southeast of Distant Harbor, right here..." Kang De drew a circle between Qilin Cape and Distant Harbor, "Using the laser pointer to house these scum who can't escape their fate. They will complete their initial reformation and training here to prepare for the next phase of the work."

Kang De turned to look at the three generals. "Next, I'll assign tasks. Kavisalong, the elven troops' mission is to continue hunting down any remaining fugitives, such as these powerful merchant guilds whose influence extends throughout the province. In the next few days, I need you to at least completely eradicate their influence around the Distant Harbor."

The elf bowed and said, "Yes, Your Highness!"

This proud elf didn't care about any reward; he had his own scales for judging gains and losses. The more difficult the task Kang De gave him, the happier he became.

"Master Niola, your men are responsible for relocating the reformed prisoners on the list out of Distant Harbor and managing them properly. You are also in charge of overseeing the construction of that reformation camp. I've heard that the Arcane Council's architectural skills are renowned throughout the continent. You can report any missing materials and building materials to Horus, and we will coordinate and make arrangements. My requirements are twofold: first, stability; second, no unexpected casualties."

The spellcaster bowed and said, "I will obey your command."

Kang De's gaze fell on Henry: "Colonel Henry."

The Imperial man bowed deeply. "We await your instructions!"

Kang De said, "I heard from Horus that you are quick-witted and adept at amassing wealth. Last night, I need you to quickly integrate and restore the businesses, shops, and ships of the various families, merchants, and gangs that were raided. As for the people involved, apart from those on death row, I allow you to consider allowing them to atone for their crimes and avoid sending them to labor camps. As for the death row inmates, I can give you two days to get all the information you need to know—can you do that?"

Colonel Henry sat bolt upright and shouted, "I'll stake everything, sir!"

"Good."

Kang De remained calm and continued, "That's all I wanted to say. Horus will inform you if there's anything else to add. Henry, you stay behind; I have something else for you to do."

Henry was stunned, then a look of wild joy flashed in his eyes.

The elven brigadier and the Council master exchanged a glance, then saluted and took their leave. When the two fleet commanders' eyes swept over the imperial man, a hint of disdain flashed in their eyes. After all, these two commanded a powerful fleet with military merit, seniority, and ability, while the latter was just a piece of trash who had been added after five rounds.

The character and conduct this man displayed over the past two days filled these two proud commanders with deep disdain.

Leaving the study, the Brigadier General walked side by side with the seeker of secrets. The clean and tidy corridor was silent. After taking two steps, Kavisalong spat out, "Imperial bastard."

Master Niola said, "He is indeed a shameless scoundrel."

Even after surrendering, both of them did their best to uphold the dignity of their respective navies and even their nation. Only this shameless villain was obsequious and utterly devoid of honor.

In last night's joint operation between the three nations, even though the Empire Fleet suffered heavy damage and was the weakest, His Highness Kang De actually ordered this Imperial man to become the battlefield commander-in-chief and coordinate the joint operation.

And this imperial man, who had been obsequious and fawning before Kang De, became like a bloodthirsty hyena when facing the Goth People —savage, cruel, and cold-blooded.

He was like a rabid, energetic male dog, conducting twelve successful interrogations in a single hour, three of which were conducted simultaneously. According to the elven warriors who were supervising the interrogations, the process was "no different from being devoured alive."

Colonel Henry preferred to interrogate his targets in dark, cramped rooms. In the dim light, the prisoners could only hear his screams and roars. The violent and rapid torture brought unbearable pain. In endless despair and fear, having to listen to the other person screaming and roaring in their ears was enough to make even bystanders' hair stand on end, let alone the prisoners who experienced it... No one could endure that kind of cruelty for five minutes.

"It's reasonable."

The elven commodore said coldly, "There are many nobles like him among humans. Look at him, how humble and obsequious he is in the face of power, in the face of Prince Kang De who could destroy him at any time. He has no pride of the navy at all. But how can a so-called noble be accustomed to humility? The more humble and undignified he is in front of the strong, the more he will make up for it by taking it from the weak..."

He paused for a moment, then said, "His Highness Kang De must have done it on purpose; he saw through Henry's true nature."

Niola frowned. "He doesn't even spare the Imperials..."

According to Kang De's orders, if spies from their own country were encountered during the operation, they could avoid suspicion and have foreign troops arrest them. However, Colonel Henry caught the vague word "could". After finding a clue about the Empire, he did not consider avoiding suspicion at all, but instead carried out a brutal and cruel interrogation.

Ultimately, this led to the uncovering of a large number of suspects.

This process was always under Horus's supervision.

In other words, there's absolutely no problem.

Do you think the Empire will hold him accountable?

The elf scoffed, "He's very clever. You and I will bear the blame for our defeat and surrender, but this Colonel Henry is merely the captain of a fifth-rate battleship. Before he became fleet commander, five captains with higher priority had already died in battle. In other words, he can easily portray himself as a hero who commanded with composure, turned the tide, and preserved the navy's strength to the greatest extent possible."

"Moreover, he obtained even more important intelligence and information, enough to cover up all his crimes."

The brigadier general raised his right hand and pointed to the bracelet on his wrist.

"The Paradox Element... That's what His Highness Kang De said. This mysterious and powerful substance has been completely controlled by His Highness Kang De, and there's even a method for its harmless disposal. And now, Colonel Henry is the only officer on the Imperial side who knows about this. Such a significant discovery and report is enough to be processed into valuable intelligence. Look, the heroic captain, who turned the tide and brought important intelligence..."

Master Niola said coldly, "But all of this is predicated on winning over Prince Kang De."

"Yes, so he has already taken action."

Kavisalong stopped and glanced behind him. "He could have avoided suspicion, but instead, he devoted his utmost enthusiasm and energy to the massive manhunt for imperial spies and nobles whose political stance leaned towards the empire, and directly participated in the killings. This was the greatest request of loyalty he made to His Highness Kang De —that the latter could inform the empire of this matter at any time and expose his lies and fabrications."

Master Niola shook his head and said, "What a cunning dog."

"That's true."

The elven brigadier responded, then said, "How despicable! Such lowly, sycophantic flatterers gain favor through shamelessness, while loyal and valiant warriors..."

He shut his mouth.

The seeker beside him was staring at him in astonishment, somewhat dumbfounded.

"Look... look at what?"

"You..." Master Niola was somewhat unsure, "What are you dissatisfied with?"

The pointy-eared man retorted angrily, "Why would I be dissatisfied? I'm merely lamenting that rulers throughout history have favored sycophantic courtiers over loyal and valiant soldiers; this is true of all nations and peoples. But what does that have to do with me?"

After saying that, he left the seeker behind and strode away quickly.

The spellcaster stood behind, paused for a moment, then chuckled, shaking his head. "They say a lie repeated a thousand times becomes the Truth... these elves wouldn't..."

He muttered to himself for a moment, then sighed.

"Forget about him, even I'm both scared and excited..."

Last night, with air support, real-time battlefield communication, and multi-layered command links, soldiers from various countries swept through the rebels in the Distant Harbor like autumn leaves in the wind, encountering almost no decent resistance. Even though there was an absolute gap in equipment, tactics, and quality between the two sides, the victory was too swift. Although the private soldiers, mercenaries, and even gladiators of nobles and wealthy merchants lacked experience in large-scale battles, they had a considerable advantage in small-scale skirmishes... but they were still crushed like a hot knife through butter.

Laymen watch the spectacle, experts watch the details.

Ordinary soldiers, watching the long-range fire support descend from the sky, might at most utter a questioning remark like, "Is fighting for His Highness Kang De this enjoyable?" or "Why is the battle going so smoothly tonight?"

For a general like Niola, with his rich combat experience and top-notch war vision, the shock and awe he felt last night were no less than when he saw that steel warship.

Soldiers from three countries, in disorganized formations, simultaneously conducted dozens of military operations throughout an entire city, with remarkable order and discipline, even though just a dozen hours earlier they had been enemies.

In other words, Kang De quickly and casually incorporated and mobilized the armies of the three kingdoms, which differed in discipline, equipment, and tactics, and then commanded them to carry out a riot control operation that can be described as an art of war.

So.

If an army received military training unique to Kang De and aligned with his war systems, was equipped with war machines created by Kang De's unparalleled alchemy, received real-time synchronized battlefield communications and highly efficient command links, and possessed long-range support that could descend from the sky and destroy everything—just how powerful would this army be?

Master Niola didn't even dare to think about it further.

This is probably why the proud elf experienced that subtle change in mindset.

If you can't beat them, join them—this is the survival instinct of every intelligent being.

He sighed and moved his feet.

How lucky Goth People was... those idiots, they deserved to die.

"You run this errand for me."

In the office, Kang De gave another list to Colonel Henry.

"Take this list for me and deliver it to the Governor of Azure Waves Province. Tell him that these are traitors who have committed heinous crimes and deserve the death penalty. Their honors, family titles, and reputations should also be stripped away."

The death sentence is set for tomorrow.

"Your Excellency the Governor has one day to prepare. I need a joint statement issued in the name of Distant Harbor, exposing and condemning the crimes of these traitors to all of Goth. Officials, nobles, officers, merchants, and all conscientious gentlemen of Distant Harbor must sign this statement."

"Tomorrow, these traitors will be publicly executed. All decent people who uphold justice and righteousness must attend to witness the fate of these traitors."

Oh, right, there's one more thing.

Kang De looked at Colonel Henry, who was listening attentively with his hands at his sides, and smiled.

"Tell the Governor that, in order to reflect the justice of the community and the spirit of Goth's principles, I have only categorized the prisoners' crimes on this death penalty list. As for the specific form of execution, I have returned the power of sentencing to Distant Harbor, to be decided by the good people of Distant Harbor themselves. The form of execution for each traitor with different crimes should be reflected in the joint declaration."

"Furthermore, please pass on a message to the Governor, asking him to convey it to the good people of the Distant Harbor."

Upon hearing this, Colonel Henry immediately bowed his head, listening respectfully.

He originally intended to kneel down directly, but during their first meeting, Lord Kang De had told him not to kneel.

"Tell them."

Kang De's smile faded, "To not speak out for justice is to conspire with evil. Yesterday's events were hasty, and the upright gentlemen of Distant Harbor did not have time to take just action. But today I give them a full day to deliberate and prepare, and I think that should be enough—that's all."

The imperial man nodded and said, "Yes, that's it, word for word, I've remembered it all."

Kang De smiled at him and waved his hand, saying, "Go ahead, thank you for your hard work."

The other party respectfully replied, "It is my greatest honor that Your Highness has given me a chance to atone for my sins. Henry Baker is willing to offer you all my loyalty! Everything!"

Kang De smiled slightly.

Colonel Henry understood perfectly, bowed, and quietly closed the door.

After he left, the Dragon Girl, who was standing in front of the bookshelf browsing through the Tinston Family's collection, held a large-print book and said without looking up, "From a dragon's perspective, this imperial fellow has been licking my boots quite diligently. I heard that last night he was busy tearing apart the enemy while cleaning up and preparing for you, and he didn't even boast about it. Kang De, you haven't been so flattered by this courtier-like fellow that you've lost your bearings, have you?"

Kang De scoffed, "That's it? Hong San is miles ahead of him."

Lily exclaimed in surprise, "So that's why you're unmoved!?"

Kang De smiled. "He's different from you... It's obvious why he's trying to please me. If I'm happy, he might get what he wants, but that's all."

Dragon Girl crossed her arms and raised her head, saying, "No, I'm just like him. I only want shares. Give me the money now."

"Then work hard, or develop other businesses." Kang De casually said, looking down at his sketches, "You wouldn't agree to the Shining Lily Project, and you wouldn't take the shares either."

Lily glared at him and said, "You think you can make me wear those shameless clothes with that little bit of money?"

0.1 percent isn't a small amount, is it?

Your mother's mouth is full of one percent of the shares; even a warm-hearted bitch wouldn't be as heartless as you.

Kang De shrugged and casually asked, "By the way, when is the Dragon Emperor arriving?"

"After receiving my Dragon Ballad, he actually stopped being in a hurry."

Lily glared at Kang De, but still replied, "Now that you have the situation under control, his first priority is to ensure there is no internal turmoil on Dragon Island, and then he should take action to suppress the conservatives."

Kang De thought for a moment, "Oh, tell him to hurry up, or come over for a chat when he has some free time."

"How?"

Kang De put down his pen, took a sip of tea, and said, "After dealing with the urgent matters of the first phase, I need to take care of some things while the bullets are flying around for a while; it'll probably take a day or two."

Dragon Girl was taken aback. "You're just telling me this like this?"

"What's wrong?" Kang De answered instinctively, "You won't tell anyone anyway."

"... Huh?"

The Dragon Girl's eyes widened in astonishment.

Kang De asked in confusion, "What's wrong?"

"... No." Lily's tone was a little complicated. "I thought you were going to say something like, 'Anyway, I can always come back and use Forbidden Spell to crush any stupid idiots who don't know their place.'"

Kang De put down his teacup, picked up his pen again, and while looking down at the drawing, casually explained, "That sentence is for the answer to 'What should I do if something happens after you leave?'"

Lily paused for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"Alright, Grand Forbidden Spell Master, I know how powerful you are." She turned around and said, "I'll speak to the Dragon Emperor."

After speaking, the Dragon Girl Lady swayed gracefully and pushed open the inner door of the study, entering the conference room.

"Father."

Horus called out, and then fell silent.

"What's wrong."

No, I'm just feeling a bit strange.

The Transformers said in a complicated tone, "It's like a martial arts genius watching the mentally challenged kid next door practice the Black Tiger Heart Strike day after day, and then one day he suddenly shatters the void with a punch and begins to ascend."

"You're watching again, you fucking..."

The door was pushed open as soon as she finished speaking, and Lily's head popped out. "Oh, you seem to be in a good mood today. How about 0.5% of the shares?"

"Dream."

Without hesitation, Kang De replied indifferently, "0.5% of the shares is enough to make every young woman in this province between the ages of eighteen and twenty-four walk around in bikinis in front of me..."

The door slammed shut with a bang.

With a sigh of relief, Iron Son let out a long sigh of relief.

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: Damn, that's really cool. I never imagined that one day the United States would accuse Zimbabwe of interfering in United States domestic affairs. Light of Africa, light of Africa.