A Father's Love

Anthony Syracuse's roar echoed throughout the captain's cabin.

Nixiyasi's face drained of all color.

At that moment, her body and soul trembled together.

She didn't know what she was afraid of, but she was instinctively afraid. She didn't want her father to meet Kang De, she just instinctively didn't want to... Perhaps deep down, she had already seen through her father.

I also know why my father wanted to see Kang De.

"No..."

She whispered in anguish.

The man's voice contained a consistent, habitual condescension and aggressive tone.

"If you don't want this to happen, go find Kang De and tell him you want to see him! He has disgraced my daughter's reputation and jeopardized her future; how can he not take responsibility!"

Nixiyasi kept her head down, just like three years ago, five years ago, ten years ago, twenty years ago. The figure called her father was always like a gloomy and terrifying snow mountain, casting a dark Shadow and radiating a chilling aura that made her tremble. She never dared to look directly at him or even look up at him, always keeping her head down and trembling.

Her voice was weak and trembling. "No..."

Anthony snapped angrily, "What are you talking about! Do you even understand anything...?"

I said--

The admiral's voice was almost shrill, unprecedentedly lost and shrill, like a girl cornered against a wall who had picked up a knife to defend her last and most precious possession.

Her hair was disheveled, her eyes were disheveled, yet she stared fiercely at her father like a mother wolf, her pearly white teeth biting her cherry lips, the blood glaringly bright.

"--No!!!"

She clenched her fists, her voice trembling, her body shaking.

But he was definitely yelling.

Even though she was already renowned in the navy and had achieved remarkable success as a spellcaster and soldier, the thorns, shackles, cages, and constraints woven around her by the man called her father since childhood continued to torment her body and soul at all times.

Courage requires bravery.

An inexplicable force supported her in taking this first step.

To reject, to resist.

Nixiyasi's voice became hoarse. "I don't want you to do that."

The unexpected answer startled Anthony.

He angrily raised his hand, only to find that the bright blue light in his daughter's eyes flashed and disappeared. Although he was of ordinary talent and had limited achievements, he was still a spellcaster.

He sensed a suppressed yet boiling rage driving a powerful surge of Magic Power that was causing restless activity in the external elements—almost a prelude to casting a spell.

What does she want to do? What is she planning to do?

How dare she do this! How could she possibly do this!

A sudden shock and horror filled his mind, and an indescribable anger and fear intertwined within him, leaving Anthony speechless for a moment... He seemed to realize that something terrible was about to happen.

He stared at Nixiyasi, then fell silent.

Nixiyasi, meanwhile, was silently looking back.

My past life, the shackles called family, flashed through my mind like a revolving lantern.

Her father said that the family had given everything to raise her.

The father said that in order to support her promotion, the mother had become ill from overwork, and the younger brother's future had also been delayed.

Her father said that in order for her to achieve what she has today, he had to end his own path of arcane magic prematurely.

Therefore, she should naturally take responsibility for all of this, and she should give back.

At all costs.

She had heard these words thousands of times since she was a child.

Each repetition is a spell, weaving a mountain strong enough to crush the soul.

The child lacked the ability to distinguish right from wrong. From a young age, she was indoctrinated with her father's ideas and beliefs. She wholeheartedly accepted this contract and its demands, and she always did her best to repay her family and relatives, even at the cost of delaying her own future and advancement.

She believed this was only natural. Her father's long-term brainwashing and belittling had made her believe this, believe that she hadn't worked hard enough, believe that she owed her family something, and believe that she had a responsibility to repay her family and relatives... It was like a contract.

Until recently, until last night.

She finally realized that there are far more abnormal family relationships in this world.

She listened as A Fu talked about her relationship with Kang De, her father and daughter.

It was Kang De who created and made A Fu, giving the warship intelligence, human form, and allowing it to walk in the world. However, as the undisputed creator, he never believed that A Fu had any obligation or responsibility to dedicate everything to him and die without regret.

Even from the perspective of the understanding and rules of any nation or people on the mainland, Kang De would have such authority.

But after realizing that A Fu had gained a mind, his question became: What are your plans? What do you want? What can I do for you?

Last night, she even had the opportunity to meet the legendary Cathayan in person, and inexplicably asked Kang De about his relationship with his father—and then she saw a genuine, unconscious smile.

That smile sent shivers down her spine. Kang De laughed so freely, so joyfully, so happily, as if he were talking not of his father, but of a funny, mischievous, and equal friend.

Compared to her, Kang De far surpassed her in strength, reputation, achievements, talent, and ideals, and a father who could raise such a son must also be far superior to his own father.

Such an outstanding father and son have a relationship a thousand times more harmonious than that of a father and daughter.

In the Distant Harbor, she also saw an ordinary family of five: the husband worked as a laborer at the docks, the wife was probably just a domestic helper, and the three children were unremarkable and still relied on their parents for support.

But there was no contractual agreement between them regarding the responsibility of raising and repaying their parents. The hardworking parents didn't seem to emphasize this idea of gratitude to their child. She only saw the poor people gaining dignity with Kang De's help, and the little child developing an admiration for his father and a longing for labor under the sweetness of ice cream... It was different from her, completely different.

Ordinary people whose status, abilities, and achievements are far inferior to hers are also happier than she is.

Since last night, she had been caught in a state of confusion and doubt. She vaguely felt that something was wrong, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Until today, after hearing her father's request, anger and fear intertwined in her heart. In this chaotic and intense emotion, her mind was momentarily clear.

A sudden realization dawned on her; she understood the source of her confusion and bewilderment.

She realized something.

Her relationship with her father may be abnormal.

But this bewildering awakening was not enough to make her resist so fiercely. What truly touched her bottom line was her father's unreasonable demand... She did not want her father to see Kang De.

Therefore, she took that step and voiced her opposition.

"Why?"

After a long silence, a low, questioning voice followed.

The voice made Nixiyasi flinch, but then she realized that her father's tone was not hysterical rage, but rather calmer than she had imagined.

She looked up, slightly surprised.

Why don't you want me to meet Kang De?

The questioning was calm, not an angry interrogation or accusation.

Nixiyasi was somewhat at a loss—she had prepared herself for a storm, but this development was unexpected; she had never imagined that her father would speak to her so calmly.

She stammered, "I... I..."

Is there anything wrong with that?

Nixiyasi looked at her father in surprise.

"I mean, was my request and behavior wrong?"

Anthony said calmly, "Is it wrong to want my daughter to have a worthy family to rely on, someone who can protect her and help our family?"

The admiral's daughter shook her head with a wry smile, "Father, we really aren't that kind of relationship..."

"But ultimately, there is a connection—you'd rather bear the consequences of treason, the risk of being suspected by the Council, stripped of your power, or even stripped of your identity, just to see him. You don't even want him to know about your silent sacrifices and burdens, or your current situation in the fleet and the humiliation and criticism you face. You say you and he don't have that kind of relationship, then I ask you, what exactly is your relationship?"

Her father's voice was calmer and lower than ever before, without anger or questioning. This left Nixiyasi at a loss for what to do—she was even somewhat incredulous and moved, because she vaguely sensed something from her father's peaceful and low tone.

Some feelings she had longed for but never held onto hope for...

She whispered, "Father..."

After a long silence, the man slowly nodded. "I understand."

He turned and left.

Nixiyasi called out from behind, "Father, you..."

"I'm going to see him, in my own way, just as you're determined to stop me. I'm going to see him no matter what, and I hope you won't stop me."

"I misunderstood and forced you to arrange this meeting for me. I apologize. I will find my own way to see him. This is a conversation between men..."

Anthony, with his back to his daughter, tilted his head slightly. "Because, as your father, I must tell this naive and lucky boy—for his sake, my daughter is even willing to defy her father."

After saying that, he pushed open the door and left.

Nixiyasi remained where she was, instinctively reaching out her hand, her gaze blank, as if she were stunned for a moment.

One hour later.

As Anthony Syracuse donned his goggles and helmet and boarded the assault boat with his soldiers, the scent of the sea mingled with the breaths of the sailors, and he couldn't help but look back.

The bridge deck of the massive magic-guided frigate was packed with people seeing them off. The fleet's high-ranking officers surrounded the special envoy, Osko, waving and greeting them. Everyone's expression was sincere, full of anticipation and blessings. Not long ago, Osko Oscot had also delivered a passionate speech.

The envoy said it was an operation filled with honor and loyalty.

In order to maintain world peace and stability, to enable the Council to detect whether these extraterrestrial substances are dangerous as quickly as possible, and to prevent the selfishness and greed of the Cathayan from causing trouble for the whole world, they were ordered to seize as many mysterious substances as possible at all costs. This was undoubtedly a heroic and fearless feat.

They certainly deserve generous rewards and gifts.

In fact, whether it was the soldiers who signed up, the special envoys who gave speeches, or the captains and officers who selected the participants, everyone knew in their hearts that what mattered was not honor, feats, mission, or significance, but rewards, wealth, and promotions—that was the best call to action.

Many positive role models have already been established.

In the raids of the past few days, although our fleet suffered heavy losses and more than a thousand people were captured, a small number of assault teams still managed to recover valuable unknown materials.

The envoy immediately delivered the rewards: Tula Xiaye advanced studies, his military rank was promoted three levels, and he received a large amount of wealth... The heroes, who had turned their lives around overnight, were picked up by Wyvern convoy that had arrived overnight. They were to return to the capital to receive commendation and enjoy all the honors, wealth, and status rewards that came with it.

It was like a shot of adrenaline, injected into every eager soldier.

Anthony sat in his seat on the assault boat, the stench of the vessel making him frown. Many of the soldiers around him were engrossed in their own daydreams, their words utterly offensive.

They were discussing how they should squander the riches if the gods were to grant them the opportunity to acquire a large quantity of the desired goods and successfully return home, receiving various rewards from the Council. They talked about the women in the best brothels in Tula Xiaye, calculating how much it would cost to sleep there for a month. Their low, lewd laughter exuded a vulgar air, and their words contained not a trace of worry or sorrow, as if they were going on a picnic.

Anthony grunted, his face showing disdain and resentment.

Damn it.

--These people should be paid an entry fee! You think you can do this sure-fire, profitable deal with such high hopes and without any worries? Whose help are you getting out of this?

The enemy was the Distant Harbor Fleet, which consisted of Kang De's subordinates.

The mission this time is to seize the spoils that belong to Kang De.

The ferocity of the Dragon of Cathay had long since spread across the continent. Countless lives and deaths had demonstrated its cruelty and ruthlessness. The countless corpses of the elves proclaimed to the entire continent the consequences of opposing Kang De. The destruction of the Broken Isles further confirmed this terrifying rule. Logically speaking, anyone who received the mission to steal Kang De's spoils would be terrified and curse.

But these soldiers were all smiles, even singing songs, showing no fear whatsoever.

Everyone knows why.

They might even reveal a tacit, lewd expression when talking about it.

--Of course, it's because of the Commander.

Even now, news keeps coming back from the Broken Isles. With the envoys and officers secretly pushing things along, every soldier knows that this trip is safe and sound. The Distant Harbor Fleet never uses lethal weapons. At most, they will use magical devices to flip them overboard and throw them into the water. Moreover, they will never let them drown. Instead, they will send people to rescue them. Although they will be captured after being rescued, they will live a good life.

They will be treated to good food and drink by the Goth People stationed on the Broken Isles.

So even if we fail, it doesn't matter; there's no danger to our lives. But if we succeed, manage to seize some unknown substances, and return safely, then we'll be rich.

The Council's hefty rewards could make the most ordinary sailor rich overnight and change his fate, or propel elite officers to new heights and limitless futures. It was a sure-fire way to make money; who wouldn't want to do it?

So even though the suicide squads sent out suffered repeated setbacks and a large number of officers and soldiers were captured in the past few days, the enthusiasm of the fleet's sailors did not diminish but increased, and they eagerly signed up, which could not be stopped.

They all knew there was no danger on this trip, and they also knew the reason why the Cathayan were being lenient with them.

Because their beautiful commander goes to the Broken Isles every night and doesn't return until very late, and Kang De's reputation as a playboy has long been known.

Any man would know what happened.

Every night, the sailors in the cabins would chuckle and whisper amongst themselves, their excited swearing filling the air with the scent of heather. They openly discussed their highest-ranking officer, their reverence and respect gradually fading. The officers turned a blind eye, pretending not to hear, all part of the special envoy's carefully orchestrated plan... to diminish Nixiyasi's prestige as much as possible.

So the soldiers believed the rumors, believed that their commander's sacrifice had ensured their safety, but their words contained no gratitude, only malicious humiliation and excited fantasies. Even as the assault boats slowly drifted away toward the Broken Isles, some people were still whispering among themselves.

Anthony was furious about this.

He felt that an entrance fee should be charged to the soldiers who signed up, and those who were lucky enough to seize the unknown substance, successfully return home, and receive commendation from the Council should also have a cut taken from their rewards as a return and gratitude to the Xugula Family.

Because all of this, or rather, the reason why this reckless military operation was able to succeed, was due to the sacrifice and dedication of his foolish daughter.

Thinking of this, he turned back again and saw a familiar figure on the flagship deck surrounded by thousands of sails of the Azure Fleet. It was Nixiyasi, his most satisfying and successful work and treasure of his life, who was watching the fleet depart. Anthony knew what she was looking at.

He then calmly turned back around.

But he slowly exhaled.

That was close.

That was a close call.

No one knows a daughter better than her father.

During the earlier argument, upon hearing Nixiyasi's almost out-of-control roar and sensing the mental surge as her Magic Power flowed freely within her, he suddenly realized something extremely terrifying.

His most successful and precious work of his life is about to spiral out of control.

He had no doubt that if he persisted in his opinion, refused to back down, and continued to force his daughter to agree to his demands, then Nixiyasi would do something extremely crazy.

That was a close call.

He stared straight ahead, his expression turning sinister. He knew that Nixiyasi had been gazing at him, and must be very moved... This fool, just like her mother, is fine with anything most of the time, but as long as she gets a little sunshine on time, she'll be happy and moved for a long time.

But she is also different from her mother.

Because he could already hear the faint creaking of the chains gradually breaking.

So...

--We can't keep them here any longer.

In that case, it's a one-off deal.

At the very least, it should fetch a good price.

Dragon of Cathay, Dragon of Cathay...

He recalled his private conversation with the special envoy the previous night, during which the Starry Sky Council had provided a complete plan.

The wise men of the Tower of All-Seeing believed that Kang De was a hypocrite who was easily swayed by soft words and a pushover. In that case, they would approach him as a good father who was not good with words but kept his paternal love hidden in his heart and discuss Nixiyasi's problem with him... They were sure to gain a lot from the discussion.

Originally, he planned to force Nixiyasi to arrange this meeting with a strong attitude, and then "confess" to Kang De in a secret conversation, expressing his unspoken but profound fatherly love. Kang De would then relay this to Nixiyasi, which would surely move this silly daughter to tears. Even if she fell into Kang De's arms, she would continue to wholeheartedly work for the family's benefit... The plan took a slight turn for the worse, but it didn't matter.

Kang De, please treat my daughter well.

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PS1: Update... Damn it, when I was writing about Nixiyasi, I was scratching my head, but when I was writing about her father, I didn't even blink. I instantly thought of three different plans, plot twists, and story developments, and I struggled for a while about which path to choose. So frustrating.