Not a Loss

"Choose us first."

When Master O'Malley finished speaking, the room fell silent.

Dairila, who had been facing away from the three, moved slightly but did not turn around.

Hong San closed his eyes and sighed silently.

Kang De, gazing at the map, slowly raised his head.

For a moment, he didn't even realize the meaning of those words.

He frowned and said, "What did you say?"

The temporary messenger bowed and said, "Your Highness, this is a request from the Arcane Council, a heartfelt hope from the Grand Speaker and the Starry Sky Council. We yearn for generous assistance and hope to take this opportunity to resolve some past conflicts and unpleasantness, and gain a loyal, friendly, and righteous ally."

Kang De said, "There are still over two thousand warriors and more than fifteen thousand civilians waiting to be evacuated from the Broken Isles. It will take at least four to five hours to evacuate them all. The initial rescue efforts for the Azure Fleet will be limited. I can only send three transport planes for the time being..."

Before he could finish speaking, Master O'Malley interrupted, "Your Highness, we beg for your utmost rescue. Just as you rescued all the crew members of the four warships trapped in the Broken Isles, at least rescue all the officers and soldiers aboard and serving in the Azure Fleet..."

The envoy emphasized, "We yearn for your generous assistance. Please forgive us. We are willing to pay any price. Please believe me, the reward will definitely, definitely satisfy you."

Kang De said impatiently, "I'll consider it after we've completely evacuated the Broken Isles."

Master O'Malley bowed his head and said, "Your Highness, please don't speak in anger. The Council sincerely apologizes to you. Please go and save them now."

The Fire Thief raised his eyebrows.

But he still didn't realize what the other party was planning.

"Can't you understand human language? I told you there are still ten thousand here..."

The spellcaster from the Council looked up. "The Council is not unreasonable, Kang De Highness Kant. You can first evacuate the loyal soldiers who remain on the Broken Isles and fight for you, and then begin the rescue operation against the Azure Fleet... We earnestly implore you."

Kang De's impatience turned into astonishment.

He finally understood what the other person meant—his previous inability to understand it was not due to his own slowness, but because he had never thought of it in this way, and had never imagined that such a thing could exist in the world.

The Earthlings looked at Hong San, Hong San looked back helplessly.

His expression turned cold.

Are you teaching me how to do things?

The other party showed no sign of panic, maintaining a respectful demeanor, and said humbly, "No, it is merely a sincere request. I implore Your Highness to make a kind and wise choice; it is always good to have another friend."

He appeared neither uneasy nor worried.

It seemed as if the request made was not unreasonable at all.

Because he genuinely believed that it was not excessive.

I also genuinely believe that Kang De would agree with his position and make such a choice.

The Council's messenger advised, "The Starry Sky Council made a wrong judgment, and the council members are already reflecting on their actions. We offer you our sincerest apologies, Kang De Highness. You must be very angry, which is certainly your right, but what's done is done, the Council admitted its mistake, and is willing to make amends promptly..."

"I know you must be furious and reluctant to rescue the Azure Fleet, but now we should join forces against the enemy. If you save the Azure Fleet, you will gain more strength to fight that deep-sea behemoth. The Council assures you that it will not take any further independent action in this incident. We will stand with you on the same side, on the same front, against the unknown enemy, and we acknowledge that all the benefits of the Broken Isles belong to you..."

He earnestly pleaded, "Your Highness, please do not take your anger out on innocent soldiers."

Throughout the entire ordeal, Kang De stared in astonishment at the monk before him.

After the other person finished speaking, he suddenly laughed.

The smile was filled with sarcasm, realization, disbelief, and a deep... disgust.

O'Malley was somewhat surprised and uneasy.

He asked, bewildered, "Excuse me, what did I say wrong?"

"You know, sir."

Kang De stepped forward, put his arm around the other man's neck, and patted his shoulders affectionately, a smile on his face but no mirth in his eyes. He whispered, "You disgust me."

O'Malley's heart sank. "If I have done or said anything wrong, I offer you my sincerest apologies. Please do not hold my rudeness against me..."

"No, no, no, that's not it. You weren't rude, in fact, you didn't do or say anything wrong, but do you know why I feel disgusted?"

"... Please allow me to make a request."

"Because, my friend, the reason you disgust me is precisely because you feel you haven't done anything wrong... you genuinely feel you haven't done anything wrong."

Kang De laughed and laughed, then he reached out and slapped Master O'Malley across the face, repeatedly. "Damn it, damn it, such a thing actually happens, such a thing actually happens..."

Master O'Malley was stunned. He was at a loss, not knowing what to do or say. When he decided to take action, he felt a terrifying, oppressive, and utterly frightening anger and killing intent emanating from the body beside him, a surging flame of rage bursting forth from within.

"Do you think that I'm only avoiding saving the Azure Fleet because I'm angry that your unauthorized actions have ruined the current optimistic situation, and that I just want to watch your people die?"

The messenger opened his mouth.

Kang De grinned and said, "So, as long as you apologize, give me money, set conditions, and offer enough bargaining chips, you can appease me. Once I'm appeased, I'll immediately go and rescue the people of the Azure Fleet?"

As he spoke, he gently patted the master's face. "Is that so? Right? Tell me?"

Master O'Malley's forehead was beaded with sweat. He felt a strange panic. Kang De's murderous intent beside him instilled extreme fear in him, but an even greater unease stemmed from the unknown. He didn't know where the problem lay, or why Kang De was angry—was there something wrong with that thought? Wasn't this the reason he didn't want to save the Azure Fleet? Were there other schemes or selfish motives? What was going on?

A thought suddenly occurred to him, and he realized another possibility.

Could it be...?

O'Malley said urgently, "Kang De Highness Kant! If you are worried that the Council getting involved in some secret concerning the Broken Isles, you can rest assured that as long as you rescue the Azure Fleet, the Council recognize your full claims to all the property and secrets of the Broken Isles! All the interests, industries, resources, and connections of the Broken Isles belong to you! Whatever you discover in the Broken Isles, we will..."

Kang De suddenly burst into laughter.

"You guys are really..." he sighed, "... hopeless."

"Mr. O'Malley."

You probably don't understand.

Kang De said calmly, "I am indeed angry at your selfishness and stupidity, but that is no excuse for not helping. Your soldiers and fleet are innocent. I will not stand idly by and watch them die. I will save them, but not now. The only reason not to save them now..."

He pushed Master O'Malley aside and pulled him in front of him so that the other man would look into his eyes.

The Fire Thief calmly stated, "There are still at least 17,000 people in the Broken Isles awaiting rescue."

"Do you understand?"

He sighed, "You idiots, don't you know what queuing is?"

Master O'Malley's mind went blank.

He felt absurd, angry, and bewildered. Previously, upon hearing this, he had assumed it was merely Kang De's excuse, a way for him to express his dissatisfaction and demand a higher price. But now, listening to Kang De's words and looking him directly into the eyes, he suddenly realized instinctively...

That's exactly what he thought!

Are you kidding me!

What's going on in his head?

Is he an idiot?

Don't they even have the most basic judgment?

Even children, cats, and dogs will make a choice between a piece of meat and a grain of rice!

The temporary messenger was somewhat distraught. He felt like he was dealing with an incomprehensible madman. But that was just the way the gods were—a madman with a diseased mind, twisted thoughts, and bizarre intellect, who actually possessed the power to shake the world.

"Your Highness Kang De!"

But the envoy must still adhere to his duties and strive for opportunities for the Council.

He said in a deep voice, "I don't mean to change your mind. I just ask you to weigh the pros and cons. You've already saved nearly 40,000 people. The most valuable people in the Broken Isles have already been sent to the Distant Harbor, right? What value are the remaining 10,000-plus residents?"

"If you need workers or slaves, the Arcane Council willing to offer you double compensation. Our sphere of influence spans the southern part of the continent and the overseas islands. We will provide you with 40,000 slave laborers and 10,000 immigrants, guaranteeing their health. Those 10,000 immigrants all possess extremely valuable crafting skills..."

"Think about it, you've already saved 40,000 people. Whatever your request, you've achieved your goal. In this miraculous rescue operation, the survivors of the Broken Isles have completely accepted you. They will be grateful and loyal to you, and your name will spread throughout the continent! You will become a legend!"

"Your Highness, we have won! This unprecedented aerial evacuation operation has been a success! Everyone will marvel at your mercy and strength. No one will care that more than 10,000 people have not yet been rescued. After all, this was not your responsibility or obligation. Who has the right to ask you to do better?"

He softened his tone at this point. "It's time to listen to the sincere requests of powerful potential allies, Your Highness. Saving the Azure Fleet is more valuable than saving the remaining ten thousand or so."

Master O'Malley patiently guided him. "Compare them, judge them, Your Highness Kang De. Please use reason to think about which of the two is more important."

"Responding to the Council's request will earn our sincere gratitude. This is a plea for help from one of the world's greatest powers. An ancient and powerful spellcasting organization is willing to befriend you, offering countless riches, advanced technology, generous rewards, and strong support. Even a powerful elf would not refuse an opportunity to Council..."

"Only a negligible price is required."

He bowed deeply again. "Kang De Highness, please make a careful decision. This is not a threat, but a sincere inquiry—are you really willing to forgo the gratitude, rewards, and strong support from the Council for the sake of more than ten thousand insignificant refugees?"

The room was completely silent.

Hong San stood there, stunned, while Dairila didn't turn around.

Only Kang De and O'Malley looked into each other's eyes.

"You're right," Kang De said slowly. "Your analysis is spot on. Weighing the gains and losses, calculating the advantages and disadvantages, it's clearly more worthwhile to abandon the remaining survivors to rescue the Azure Fleet, which is in danger."

Hong San closed his eyes, and the Phoenix King sighed softly.

But the next moment, Kang De's voice rang out. "But you've made a mistake."

He said, "I'm not in charge of accounts."

O'Malley's expression changed drastically. "Your Highness Kang De!"

"Why are you calling me grandpa?!"

Kang De's gaze was sharp, his tone as firm as a rock. "This is my final decision. I will bring all the survivors awaiting rescue on the Broken Isles back to Distant Harbor. Until then, the Azure Fleet will only receive limited support with three transport ships. You can go back and report to your Speaker!"

This was not the outcome the Council desired. Master O'Malley found it utterly absurd; he couldn't comprehend Kang De's motives and thoughts at all—why?!

He hissed, "Please reconsider! Your Highness Kang De! Are you sure you want to do this? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; are you going to turn away the friendship of the Council?!"

The temporary envoy was utterly unable to accept this outcome. His tone was laced with threat. "For the sake of over ten thousand worthless lives, you not only rejected the Council's offer of reward, compensation, and friendship, but you're even inviting our hostility, resentment, and a rift in our relationship! I don't understand! What were you thinking?!"

What am I thinking?

Kang De looked at Master O'Malley, who seemed somewhat deranged and even a little doubtful about life, thought for a moment, as if he wanted to explain something, but then hesitated to speak.

"I wanted to yell at you, mock you, threaten you, and scold you, but after thinking about it, I decided against it, because you wouldn't understand."

"I see now. Even if I scold you, you'll still find it incomprehensible. You're so hopeless, so arrogant. You can't understand what I'm saying, just as you can't understand that the lives of the lowly are also lives. Those ten thousand people, most of them are probably farmers, servants, beggars, and the like. They have no value, like weeds that can be seen everywhere and have tenacious vitality. You think it's normal to abandon them."

"But I don't want your opinions, I want my own."

"I think they are human beings too, even if they are humble, lowly, foolish, pathetic, or even if they don't live a good life—but their lives cannot be weighed on a scale."

He said quietly, "I didn't come here to settle scores."

Master O'Malley shook his head, looking utterly bewildered. "This is absurd, this is absurd!"

Kang De raised an eyebrow and said, "Don't understand? Don't understand why I would offend the behemoth that Arcane Council for the sake of some insignificant commoners? Want to know the reason?"

The other person nodded, their eyes filled with expectation, a thirst for an answer.

Kang De's choice overturned the spellcaster's long-held, ingrained worldview.

The reason is simple, that is...

Faced with his thirst for knowledge and curiosity, Kang De shrugged.

"Fuck your mother, I don't really care."

O'Malley felt like he was about to explode.

"This is impossible!" he shouted. "What are you up to? I don't believe it! To Council for the sake of these ten thousand worthless lives—this is utterly absurd! Why would you do this!"

"I was just thinking, if I were one of the 15,000 survivors of the Broken Isles, living an ordinary life, earning a living through labor, and then suddenly faced an unavoidable and unexpected disaster, and a kind person was willing to save me, but at the same time, there was another inexplicable person advocating abandoning us to save another group of people who brought this upon themselves, arguing that saving those people was more worthwhile—that's true to some extent, but guess what I would do?"

"What those 15,000 people wanted to do is what I want to do to you now."

Kang De smiled at Master O'Malley.

"Idiot—" he roared, throwing a heavy punch, "Bitch!!!!"

Caught off guard, the envoy was struck squarely in the face. The immense force contorted his face, and a sharp pain surged through him. The powerful impact sent him flying, crashing through the door and slamming outside.

The caster immediately realized what was happening, and a surge of intense shame and rage welled up within him.

He activated his magic and was about to retaliate, but the next moment, a surging pressure arose out of nowhere and descended upon his mortal body in an instant. O'Malley felt that there was a terrifyingly powerful expert hiding in this house. With just one glance, he lost all thoughts of resistance.

He coughed up blood, making hoarse sounds, his eyes filled with mad resentment.

"Since I'm already going to offend you, one more punch won't make a difference."

Kang De was in the room, said, "Go and ask your speaker clearly. If you want to go to war, just say so now. I'll go and wipe out the Azure Fleet directly, so you won't keep thinking about it."

"Hong San, see this off for me."

Inside the room, the chief strategist's expression shifted. He glanced at Kang De, bowed, Hong San Highness. Just now, I even felt that the Council's proposal was the most rational choice."

Kang De forced a smile and waved his hand, saying, "Actually, me too."

Hong San went out to clean up the mess, closing the door behind him. Only Kang De and Dairila, who hadn't spoken, remained in the room. Phoenix King then turned around and looked at him silently.

Did I do the right thing?

Kang De sighed, "It feels good to make tough statements, but... alas, things in life are rarely perfect. This is probably the worst deal I've ever made. To uphold my beliefs, I've paid a foreseeable and enormous price. Sticking to ideals is indeed not an easy thing."

Just then, he felt warm, strong arms wrap around him from behind.

A gentle touch, a shy acceptance and a comforting embrace.

"It wasn't a huge loss, because I saw it."

Dairila whispered in his ear, "Council dares to bully you, I'll beat them to a pulp with you."

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PS1: Update... Damn, I'm not feeling well tonight, not entirely satisfied with this chapter, going to sleep.