The Child's Father

The harbor is bustling, but the nights are long.

As Kang De, cloaked and accompanied by his Parrot, entered this quintessential Goth city, a strange and wonderful feeling welled up within him.

Amidst the surrounding noise and curious glances from passersby, a family of four strolled leisurely past.

The younger child, clutching his mother's hand, glanced timidly at Kang De, shrank back, and eagerly stuffed the food in his hand into his mouth, as if afraid a stranger would snatch it away.

Kang De could see clearly that a small white plastic stick was topped with a pink ball.

It was a lollipop.

He turned his gaze to the buildings on the surrounding streets, Goth in style and, due to their open and diverse harbor functions, also possessed a strong exotic flavor.

Distant Harbor was Goth's jewel, once a major commercial hub on the west coast. During the country's golden age, this city was dazzling, prosperous, and brimming with wealth and dreams, attracting worldwide attention.

Even the historical records of Cathay, separated by oceans, contain detailed accounts and descriptions of this city. The first fleet from the East arrived at the Distant Harbor from Qilin Cape, marking the first stop in commercial exchanges between Cathay and Goth. After arriving at the Distant Harbor, rare and exotic goods from Cathay were continuously transported to various parts of the mainland.

Unfortunately, its glory days are over, its prosperity has faded, Cathay is beset by internal and external troubles. Trade has been cut off, and the Twilight Moon is aggressive, blocking maritime trade. The Broken Isles seize the opportunity to rise up, and with the help of many, they isolate the communication between the East and West continents, thus foreshadowing Goth's decline. The Distant Harbor bears the brunt and gradually falls into ruin.

Most of the once bustling docks have been abandoned, and the prosperous cities have gradually become desolate. Many urban areas have been abandoned, becoming havens for the poor and breeding grounds for crime. The reduction in wealth and trade routes has made vested interest groups increasingly greedy and xenophobic, intensifying their exploitation of the poor and squeezing out competitors, creating a vicious cycle. Under these circumstances, the outbreak of war and the invasion of the Twilight Moon have only made matters worse.

This was the state of the city when Kang De entered the Distant Harbor.

Lifeless and utterly chaotic.

Anyone with ambition who takes over this city will face only two outcomes.

First, they are assimilated by money and influence, becoming dogs of the powerful and wealthy.

Secondly, they die amidst various accidents, changes, and power struggles in officialdom... Those with stronger connections, who are "one of their own," might be able to escape with their lives, but they will still have to slink away in disgrace.

This Western Hills, hopeless situation would be a headache for any ambitious and brilliant monarch.

But now, in less than a month, everything has changed.

The night view was brightly lit, and tourists flocked to the area, coming and going in a continuous stream.

Even newcomers can see something different from other cities in this bustling night scene and the smiles on the faces of tourists... it's an unprecedented vitality and energy.

Everyone on the street, whether man or woman, old or young, whether dressed in coarse cloth or exquisite clothing, wore a satisfied smile, relaxed and at ease, and their gentle eyes held a faint but real will.

That is the character of a city that is gradually taking shape.

Kang De gazed at the passersby, his eyes somewhat dazed.

He was already very familiar with this city; he had done many things here.

This includes, but is not limited to, deploying Horizon class warships outside the port to slay dragons with shipborne anti-aircraft missiles, and unleashing Phase Gate over the city to shower tens of thousands of tons of grain down on it.

And at the Sound of the Tide Manor, he signed an order to purge the aristocratic class, called on all citizens to publicly try the scum of the powerful in radio and live television broadcasts, and launched a city-wide evacuation plan.

There's also flying planes all over the sky, capturing and turning the navies of three countries against each other, chatting and laughing with the Dragon Emperor, turning the officials of the Arcane Council upside down, and threatening the Empire.

And being forcibly kissed by Parrot, spanking Dairila's bottom, eating on Tina's chest, and so on.

But truly walking through the city as an individual is a very rare experience.

It's not from surveillance footage or reports.

Instead, walk through it and see with your own eyes.

He saw exotic customs, languages, cultures, and atmospheres different from those on Earth.

He also saw familiar things: these ordinary people from another world walked confidently and calmly down the street, their faces showing no fear or weakness, no worry about tomorrow, and no confusion about the future.

Before he knew it, a smile appeared on Kang De's face.

"How about it?"

The Parrot chuckled, "I've seen some records and documents about this city. It's a hopeless cesspool. Don't even mention Archduke Goth; even if the Emperor wanted to clean this place up and restore Distant Harbor to its former glory, it would cost him his life... In the current political system of this world, Distant Harbor is an incurable mess. Even the most decisive ruler lacks the courage to cut through it."

She turned to look at Kang De, her cloak obscuring most of her face, but her delicate chin and cherry-like lips still revealed her stunning beauty. Wearing Dairila's vest, she said, "But what about you? How long did it take you? At most, it's only been a month or so."

Kang De, walking alongside her, remarked, "I don't find it that difficult..."

The Parrot rolled its eyes and said, "Brother, just the fact that a large number of noble families were slaughtered without hesitation, with heads rolling and hanging from lampposts, would be enough to shake the legitimacy of the emperor and the hearts of the nobles. Do you think it's easy? Why don't you eat meat porridge?"

She curled her lip again. "And your crackdown on pornography and illegal publications, and your crackdown on organized crime, wow, you directly mobilized troops from the elite navies of the three countries, Superman to build battlefield command links and intelligence support, and provided extraterrestrial firepower and logistical support. Even the American Empire doesn't go to such lengths in its counterinsurgency wars. You think it's easy?"

Kang De laughed when he heard this.

Too.

Not only were the powerful elites entrenched in the Distant Harbor caught up in Kang De's two fishing expeditions, but even the criminal gangs rooted in the people were uprooted.

Those carnivorous hyenas engaged in shady dealings, acting as black gloves for the powerful and wealthy. Even after Kang De took control of the Distant Harbor, they were still thinking about how to curry favor with their new master. In the survival philosophy of these "underworld giants," every ruler needed them to do some dirty work and maintain order at the bottom.

Therefore, they are not panicked.

Then came the iron fist of punishment.

After all, Kang De born under the Hongqi and was deeply influenced by the people's democratic dictatorship. Now that he has established a base in another world, he certainly will not allow any powerful underworld to exist in his territory.

These scoundrels were always successful at bullying civilians and suppressing laborers, but when they encountered the elite naval forces of the Three Kingdoms, supported by Superman and time-space teleportation, they were utterly crushed and routed. From the leader to the big bosses to the ordinary henchmen, after being interrogated and confirmed by both the Traitor Suppression Society and Horus, they were all sent to different places according to the severity of their crimes.

Labor reform, hard labor in miners, a VIP seat at the military firing range—everyone has a bright future.

"The Distant Harbor has taken on your shape."

The Parrot exclaimed happily, "This city is unlike any other in the world... The privileged class, having survived the catastrophe, has tucked their tails between their legs. The evil forces that grew in the darkness have been wiped out. Nobles and gangs, organizations that have existed since ancient times, oppressing, bullying, and exploiting the masses in both light and darkness, have all vanished. Why do you think these people are laughing? Not long ago, they were trembling under the iron heel of war, howling from the torment of hunger. Why do you think they can laugh now?"

Kang De seemed lost in thought.

"Because what maintains order, protects them, and provides them with work and food in place of the nobles and gangsters is a group led by someone who constantly earns their trust, awe, and even affection."

The Parrot said calmly, "Indeed, you won. You defeated the nobles, you ruled the Distant Harbor, so they followed you, so they helped you, but that's not their fault. Besides, look at their smiles. Would they have smiled like that under the rule of those nobles? They..."

Just then, Malegith paused, and Kang De was startled at first. Then he heard the sound of wind behind him, and a soft, warm feeling enveloped his face. Someone covered his eyes from behind.

Guess who I am?

The voice was highly recognizable. Kang De was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and said, "Didn't you have an appointment?"

He took A Fu's hand, turned around, and under the bright streetlights, a wisp of soft pink hair playfully peeked out from under the hood of her cloak; the ship girl's smile was as bright as jade.

Then Kang De paused, taken aback.

Because standing next to A Fu was a tall figure, also wearing a cloak, with long, wavy hair cascading down her chest. Kang De saw those ruby-like eyes.

"Miss Nixiyasi."

This was none other than the commander of the Azure Fleet, the beautiful admiral of the Council. Although he didn't know how she had been lured to the Distant Harbor by A Fu, Kang De still greeted her politely, "Good evening."

Nixiyasi instinctively took a step back.

She glanced at A Fu, then at Kang De, her heart filled with confusion and shock. Coming to Distant Harbor today was not her own wish, but A Fu was too good at coaxing her, and she had unwittingly boarded the plane and arrived here.

--In the past two days, the Council become increasingly urgent, and the special envoy has become somewhat hysterical, using threats and orders to force fleet members to continuously set out and seize floating objects from the Broken Isles.

Then they were continuously sunk and captured by the island's garrison.

After each major defeat, Nixiyasi felt a mix of emotions. With a wistful sigh, she boarded the ship and headed to the Broken Isles to "attempt to retrieve the prisoners." At first, she felt ashamed, but later she felt nothing at all, and even a little expectant—mainly because A Fu was too well-behaved, understanding, and had a sweet voice. She was also a lovely girl, far better than those bastards in the fleet.

Tonight, as usual, we went to the Broken Isles to visit the prisoners. A Fu suggested we go to Distant Harbor for some fun. The beautiful admiral initially refused, but she couldn't resist A Fu's persistent pleading and finally gave in.

Then... I met Kang De.

Upon seeing the Dragon of Cathay, the admiral felt a mix of emotions, followed by a growing suspicion. After all, she was a decisive and shrewd general, and this chance encounter seemed somewhat deliberate.

A wary glint appeared in her ruby-like eyes as she rapidly considered whether this chance encounter was orchestrated by Kang De, and if so, what their intentions were. How should she respond?

... But soon, this speculation vanished into thin air.

Because...

An elf stood before her, looking her up and down.

Her beautiful eyes were as dark as distant mountains, and her imposing and dignified aura even overshadowed her stunning beauty. As a top elite of the Council, Nixiyasi sensed the blazing Phoenix Fire and the supreme majesty of the great monarch with her spiritual power. Even though they had never met, she immediately understood the other party's identity.

Empress of the Twilight Moon, ruler of the four seas, Phoenix King Dairila.

In that instant, Nixiyasi realized that it was indeed a coincidence.

And...

Oh no! I stumbled upon the Dragon of Cathay and the Elf Queen's secret rendezvous!

In that instant, Nixiyasi was overwhelmed with emotions. As the fleet commander, she was well-informed and knew, of course, that Princess Tina of Goth had arrived at the Distant Harbor.

In other words...

Kang De secretly met with his elven lover right under Princess Tina's nose.

This shockingly absurd situation even gave her a subtle feeling of "as expected of you."

The composure and shrewdness of a renowned naval admiral of the Council vanished. The successive attacks left Nixiyasi completely bewildered. She stammered, "W-who are you?"

"Honey."

She saw Her Majesty Dairila turn around. "These humans in the Council are dishonest. They clearly recognized me, but they're pretending not to know. They'll probably expose our affair when they get back..."

No way! Besides, the whole thing about you two has been going on all over the mainland for ages!

Nixiyasi was extremely flustered, not even noticing the subtle word "affair." She stammered, "No, I swear on my soul, I didn't see anything tonight..."

"Despicable human, how could I possibly believe your empty words?"

The legendary, mighty and domineering Phoenix King embraced Kang De's arm in front of her, his eyes unfocused and terrifyingly empty. Even Nixiyasi, a veteran of countless battles, felt a chill run down her spine.

She heard the other person say, "If you leak this information, the Silver Moon Council will be furious and might even propose my removal from office. As for Kang De, Tina, knowing that Kang De has been cheating on her, will most likely chop off his head and, holding his head, drift towards Cathay Kang De..."

--The sampan won't reach Cathay; it will only sink hundreds of nautical miles away! Isn't Princess Tina a gentle, elegant, and knowledgeable beauty? How could she do such a thing?

Nixiyasi inwardly scoffed, but she was clearly flustered. After all, this was too outrageous, and even with her strong personality and resourcefulness, she didn't know how to deal with it.

Just then, she heard the other person say, "If you refuse to die, I don't believe you can keep the secret. There's only one way left."

Grasping at a straw, the admiral exclaimed repeatedly, "What? What?"

"Phoenix King" glanced at the helpless Kang De: "Darling, sleep with her, make her our sister. If we're family, we won't have to worry about her revealing the secret, right?"

Nixiyasi was taken aback, then her face flushed red, and she cried out, "This... no way!"

The Phoenix King grinned maliciously, cracking his knuckles. "That's not up to you. Be good, don't be afraid. Tonight, Kang De will teach you how to be a grown-up..."

Before she could finish speaking, she received a sharp blow to the head. "That's enough."

The Parrot grumbled, "Tch, virgin."

Kang De reached out to hit her, Malegith shrank back again. Nixiyasi stood there stunned, only to see A Fu hiding to the side, chuckling. This time she realized she had been tricked.

For a moment, she didn't know whether to cry or laugh, or even whether she should be angry.

--Although she has an outgoing and generous personality and is mature and rational, the recent events have been hitting her defenses one after another. It is not surprising that she was tricked by the Phoenix King himself tonight.

Kang De smiled apologetically, "Sorry, she's just a bit of a joker, please don't take it to heart."

Seeing Kang De's face, for some reason, the resentment and dissatisfaction in Nixiyasi's heart dissipated, and she whispered, "I... I really won't tell anyone."

Kang De nodded. "Yes, thank you."

He glared at A Fu: "So what are you doing here?"

A Fu laughed, "I brought Sister Nixiyasi here to relax— A Fu isn't neglecting his duties; most of his computing power and his physical body are on guard in the Broken Sea. He even lured the enemy's supreme commander to their headquarters. That's a great achievement! How will Father reward me?"

Kang De reached out to give her a flick on the forehead, A Fu smiled and poked her little head out. He sighed, released his fingers, and ruffled her head, which earned him A Fu rubbing against him like a kitten.

She put her arm around Kang De's and said with a smile, "What a coincidence! Father, Sister Nixiyasi, Mother Dairila, let's go play together!"

The Parrot smiled and hugged Kang De's other arm, "Okay, honey, let's go together?"

Nixiyasi was once again stunned by the terrifying titles "Dairila's Mom" and "the child's father"—not that she was making a fuss, but this kind of thing was just outrageous!

Phoenix King, can you believe it?

She whispered, "I... I won't bother you any longer, I can go..."

Before she could finish speaking, she saw the Phoenix King turn around, his pupils unfocused, his tone calm, and his eyes vacant. "Ah, he won't even come shopping with us, insisting on walking by himself. Sure enough, he's going to secretly report us. Honey, think about it. Tie him up in the basement, strip him naked, put him on a chain, and take him out for a walk whenever you want. Wouldn't that be nice?"

"... I'll go! I'll go, okay?!"

Nixiyasi reluctantly conceded, lamenting inwardly. She had once been a commanding and authoritative naval commander, but why did she keep encountering these kinds of things lately, becoming increasingly weak and vulnerable...?

Their eyes met, Parrot and A Fu smiled at each other. The parrot then took Kang De's arm and walked forward with him. Nixiyasi followed A Fu helplessly, and the four of them entered the bustling night market together.

Tonight's encounter was both a coincidence and a deliberate act. The ultimate plan was for the Parrot and A Fu to hit it off and take advantage of the night to kill three birds with one stone.

In the Yilan-Tai'er incident, the full-scale counterattack against the Council began at the night market in Distant Harbor.

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PS1: Update... Ah, I got called in by the city's propaganda department. I just finished writing, going to grab some food, and this afternoon I'll have to listen to someone chant sutras...