What a Master of Romance!

"Talk, negotiate?"

The bright lights illuminated Nixiyasi's surprised face.

She spent the entire day in a daze, her mind filled with her father's words as he left, and the image of Kang De —her father said he was going to confront Kang De, but she knew in her heart that she had no personal relationship with Kang De, and that all of this had nothing to do with Kang De.

But she did not stop her father.

Whether it was because she couldn't stop it, or because she didn't want to stop it, even she herself wasn't sure.

She just hid in her room, lost in thought, from morning till night.

As the sun set and the moon hung in the sky, her father still hadn't returned, and she began to feel something was wrong. Just as she was hesitating whether to go and ask him, a knock came at the door.

It turned out to be a special envoy.

This annoying fellow was now incredibly humble, his words carrying a hint of ingratiation. While this did little to lessen Nixiyasi's dislike for him, the admiral, with her keen senses and powerful mental strength, still noticed the change in his attitude...

She had a vague feeling that something she didn't know had happened.

So they made up their minds and headed to the Broken Isles.

As before, she received a warm welcome and courteous treatment, but what made her feel embarrassed and even at a loss was that the Dragon of Cathay once again personally received her.

Upon learning that she hadn't had dinner yet, Kang De even invited her to dine with him.

She instinctively wanted to refuse, but found she had no reason to—she could use a haughty face and sharp words to reject any suitor's persistent advances, but not in front of Cathayan.

She sat down at the table in a daze. The delicious food laid out on the table, which was dozens of times more exquisite and delicious than the Cathay dishes she had ever eaten, could not tempt her taste buds, because her mind was full of thoughts about her father. She did not know what her father had said to Kang De, she did not know whether the two men had reached any agreement, and she did not even know where her father was now.

After she mustered the courage to ask, she received a very frank answer.

"Sir Anthony has gone to Distant Harbor," Kang De replied from the other side, "To attend a negotiation."

"Talk, negotiate?"

"Yes, negotiations."

Kang De said, "This situation is boring, embarrassing, and very undignified. I am fed up with the Azure Fleet's endless attacks and harassment..."

Hearing this, Nixiyasi's face darkened, and she lowered her head, saying, "I'm so sorry."

"Don't say that, it's not your problem... at least not your primary responsibility," Kang De reassured her, continuing, "Besides, the members of the Council probably can't stand the Azure Fleet's repeated disgraceful misdeeds under my command... In other words, we have a consensus to end the conflict."

He smiled and said, "Ultimately, they didn't send you here to provoke me for no reason. They have something they want from me, and I... also have something I want from them."

"Thus, the basis for transactions and negotiations was established."

The admiral's daughter was startled.

--What I want to get from them.

She looked up in disbelief, a thousand emotions welling up inside her. She seemed to have guessed something—her father's intentions, Kang De's invitation, the envoy's change of attitude...

At that moment, the world turned a blood-red hue, and a raging Blizzard raged above and below. Her body trembled, and endless shame, anger, despair, and indignation roared within her soul. She was a soldier, a dignified naval admiral, who had endured countless hardships and fought countless battles, dedicating her loyalty to the Council and winning glory for herself. And now? She was placed on a shelf, treated as a commodity for trade by the high and mighty rulers.

What is this? What is this? What is this?

In an instant, she felt as if she had fallen into an ice cave; her pupils lost focus, her whole body was ice-cold, and she was surrounded by an abyss.

They even felt that their entire life was a joke, and all their competitiveness, hard work, tears and sweat were nothing more than a casual remark from powerful figures who could easily manipulate and play with them.

"The vast colonies and subordinate city-states of the Council, the Council's accumulated patents and knowledge over hundreds and thousands of years, and the exquisite and powerful magical artifacts... these are all things that Distant Harbor needs."

In a daze, she heard the Dragon of Cathay's voice. "I plan to use those three extraterrestrial substances to exchange for these things... Anyway, the Council wants them, so I'll just trade them for them."

A beam of light pierced through the blood-red world.

Wh-what?

She jolted, and instinctively asked, "Exchange what?"

Kang De was visibly taken aback, but not angry, and repeated, "The slaves, laborers, and artisans of the Council and its subordinate city-states; the Council magic and intellectual wealth; and the export of alchemical and military magical artifacts; oh, and the signing of research agreements, the kind where we each contribute five hundred dollars but he still adds a luxury item... that's basically it."

For a moment, Nixiyasi's expression was incredibly complex. She stammered, "... That's it?"

Kang De pondered for a moment, "Oh right, there's one more."

The admiral bit her lip... just as she expected.

"And the trade treaty, I almost forgot," Kang De chuckled. "After all, the Arcane Council full of mages. You spellcasters are of noble status, enjoy substantial stipends, and can earn money even by working, so your purchasing power is considerable. Your Council dominates the south, controlling trade, and there's a vast amount of wealth lying dormant among the people. I happen to have many things here, which I think you mages would find very interesting and would be happy to accept new things..."

The boiling of her blood gradually subsided, and Nixiyasi's expression became extremely strange.

Although she was embarrassed to ask awkward questions like "Did you buy me from the Council?", she could basically understand from Kang De's description that she was not one of the commodities.

She breathed a sigh of relief; the world had returned to normal. She hadn't been abandoned by her family or country, nor had she been treated as a commodity to be traded at will—but she didn't seem happy.

A subtle feeling welled up inside me.

Especially Kang De's words.

You spellcasters.

Your Arcane Council.

You great mages.

It sounds so jarring...

She struggled to describe her feelings—resentment? anger? confusion? A jumble of chaotic thoughts raced through her mind, leaving the admiral unsure of what expression to wear.

She once resented Kang De and the Council treating her as a commodity, but when she learned that Kang De had not done so, she actually felt a little resentful, as if she had been looked down upon and forgotten.

They were inviting me just yesterday...

--Aaaaaaah, what am I thinking?!

She mentally screamed for a while, managing to maintain a calm and composed demeanor, temporarily suppressing her anxieties. Although this strong and independent woman had become increasingly vulnerable and helpless lately, she ultimately upheld her dignity as an independent woman—never complaining or taking her anger out on others.

She whispered, "... Thank you."

Kang De waved his hand. "No need for thanks, it has nothing to do with you."

"That being said, I am still grateful for your magnanimity and tolerance in the face of the Azure Fleet's offense," Nixiyasi said, bowing her head. "And, my father... eh?"

She suddenly raised her head, looked at Kang De, her eyes shifting uncertainly.

"How?"

"My father... went to the Distant Harbor? For negotiations?"

Nixiyasi snapped out of her daze—no one knows a daughter better than her father, and vice versa. No one knew Anthony's true worth better than Nixiyasi. Her father was merely a mid-level mage, only slightly renowned in his hometown. What merit did he possess to participate in the negotiations between the Distant Harbor and the Council?

"Kang De Highness, why was my father allowed to attend the negotiation meeting? It's... it's..."

She was distraught, and asked in a trembling voice, "What does this have to do with me?"

Kang De paused for a few seconds, put down his teacup, and gave a wry smile, "Ah, I've been found out after all."

Nixiyasi stared at Kang De, saying nothing, her hands trembling slightly.

"Don't worry," Kang De said gently, "Things aren't as complicated as you think."

"Is that so?" Nixiyasi remained silent for a long time, then said sadly, "Should I immediately offer you my loyalty? Or rather, offer you something you desire more? As a reward for your enormous concessions and kindness?"

Kang De frowned.

His worst fears came true.

The woman before me had reddened her eyes, her gaze filled with a sorrowful resolve. It was clear that she was on the verge of emotional collapse, a result of the struggles and pressures of the past few days, and today's explosive blow... After all, she was such a proud soldier, beautiful, strong, like a flower, yet as resilient as a sword.

However, they encountered the most ruthless betrayal and treachery from their own country.

Loyalty and pride were trampled upon.

Clearly, she was on the verge of hysteria, and any external force could completely ignite her emotions, causing her to lose control and even exhibit suicidal tendencies.

But there's a problem here.

Kang De wasn't good at dealing with women; he didn't really know how to soothe a hysterical, withered, and desperate woman—he couldn't exactly go up and force a kiss on her.

It's too late to call A Fu now.

Horus is all about backstabbing; he'll mostly come up with bad ideas and then record them.

There's only one way left now.

Kang De closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

She is a soldier, a proud soldier, a rational and proud soldier...

Although I have a large bust, a great figure, a beautiful face, and a very dashing air, I can't think about that now...

In short...

Don't treat her like a woman. Don't treat her like a woman. Don't treat her like a woman...

Seeing Kang De remain silent for so long, Nixiyasi assumed he was guilty. At that moment, she felt both disappointed and heartbroken, as if nothing in the world mattered anymore. She was about to slam her hand on the table and stand up...

At that very moment, Kang De, who was opposite him, opened his eyes.

She felt that the other person's eyes shot out a sharp, piercing gaze, like lightning, piercing through layers of fog and looking straight into her soul. That gaze seemed to contain infinite power, captivating her mind and causing her to freeze in place.

"What a joke."

The Dragon of Cathay said calmly, "Last night I extended an invitation to you to join my cause, but you declined because of your honor and loyalty as a soldier. I understand your situation and position, so let's drop this matter. I won't bring it up again, and I won't resort to any tricks."

As those words echoed in her ears, Nixiyasi felt that the other person's eyes were stern and open, as if radiating endless sunlight, bright and blazing, without a trace of treachery or darkness.

"There are countless naval talents in this world, and many are willing to serve under my Kang De. While I admire your command abilities, I would not stoop so low as to negotiate and compromise with the Council for the sake of someone as insignificant as you. Don't overestimate yourself; a person should know their own limitations."

Although the subtle arrogance and merciless sarcasm were hurtful, coming from the mouth of the world-renowned and awe-inspiring Dragon of Cathay China, they were incredibly persuasive, leaving no room for rebuttal.

But not being able to repay the debt doesn't mean you can endure it.

At least Nixiyasi's face was flushed red; she couldn't bear the humiliation and contempt.

Especially when Kang De cruelly exposed the truth, it was a ruthless trampling on her self-esteem. She felt utterly ashamed, and her military pride and feminine shame made it impossible for her to stay there any longer.

The admiral's daughter suddenly stood up, using all her strength to stop the urge to cry, and forcing herself to maintain her last shred of dignity in front of Kang De. She wanted to run out the door and escape, to get as far away as possible.

But at that moment, she saw Kang De glance at her from across the room.

A voice as cold as a biting wind blew from the endless abyss; a single word, heavy as a mountain.

"Sit."

At that moment, she even had a strange feeling, as if the person standing in front of her was not a young Forbidden Spell magician, but a monarch like the Grand Speaker or the Emperor, who ruled over the great powers and stood at the top of the Mortal World.

The Dragon of Cathay's eyes darted around, its tone calm, yet its words were a perfect fusion of power, prestige, and strength. Its formidable aura was not merely a simple mental suppression technique, but a manifestation of a powerful will forged through countless trials, a fusion of authority, achievements, reputation, and status. It was the majesty of a monarch, unquestionable, unrefusable, and inescapable; mortals could only bow their heads and look up in awe.

Her legs went weak, and she succumbed to this overwhelming power, involuntarily sitting back down.

Let me tell you what happened.

Before she could resist or do anything else, Kang De's words followed.

"The Council did consider using our personal relationship to their advantage. Of course, we both know that such a thing doesn't exist, but that's what they really think."

"Your father told me about the terrible things and bad situation you've been facing lately. Although it was your own choice, it ultimately stemmed from me."

"I don't intend to take responsibility for this, but I can do you a favor."

"That's why the negotiations took place. You could say that the article surrounding you was a prerequisite for the deal—although I could have proactively proposed to the Council, saying, 'Let's stop the fire quickly, I'll sell you extraterrestrial materials,' but considering the pointless suspicion of your shitty council members, they would definitely doubt my true motives. But if they felt that I agreed to start the negotiations for your sake, then they would probably believe it."

"Your value lies here."

Kang De's tone remained unchanged as he pointed at the expressionless Nixiyasi: "In a few days, you will be able to learn the details of the negotiations. None of the terms involve you. At my request, the negotiations concerning you have been kept secret and are not included in the written agreement. In the Council's view, this is an unspoken understanding, but for me, it is a small apology and compensation to you. You have ultimately been dragged into this."

"Let's talk about what you need to do in this agreement."

"You won't be punished; you'll most likely be rewarded. Yes, you can stay in the Azure Fleet. I don't need your loyalty, I don't need you to offer anything, and I don't need you to be a spy or infiltrator. If you're willing, then let's maintain the status quo, just like we are now. Of course, what the Starry Sky Council thinks and what they do in the future is beyond my control."

"I have only one demand or ultimatum to you."

Nixiyasi looked up blankly as Kang De slowly rose, his hands on the table, leaning forward. His aggressive posture cast a huge Shadow in front of her, like a mountain pressing down.

"If, in the future, those bastards of the Starry Sky Council get their hands on something good and try to use you to threaten and blackmail me again, then without a doubt, I will not pay for it. Because we are even now, you need to understand what that means and bear the consequences yourself, and then make your choice."

"--Whether you continue to be blindly loyal, be betrayed by the Council, die, suffer a fate worse than death, watch your entire family perish, or betray and flee, it is all your choice. As for Distant Harbor, Distant Harbor will still accept you, but there will be no preferential treatment. You can ask me for help, but if you do so, you must be prepared... Join Distant Harbor, pledge your loyalty to me, and repay all the debts I have paid for you today."

From beginning to end, Nixiyasi didn't have a chance to speak.

Every breath, every heartbeat, everything was precisely controlled by the man before her with his powerful will and pressure; her emotions were also controlled... even everything else.

She could only look at Kang De helplessly, as if listening to a merciless verdict.

The sound seemed to come from the highest heavens.

Cold, sharp, indifferent.

Was I clear enough?

All the impressions I had of him from our previous interactions—his warm smile, his easygoing manner, his friendly demeanor—had vanished. The Kang De before me was a stranger to me like never before.

Nixiyasi felt a deep emptiness inside.

Panic, loss, confusion, even fear.

She felt like she had done something wrong.

Faced with Kang De's final question, she nodded silently, very quickly.

"Very well, then that makes things clear."

The Dragon of Cathay nodded.

Nixiyasi breathed a sigh of relief.

Does this mean the formal, bureaucratic process is over?

The Kang De before her was so unfamiliar it frightened her. She still preferred the Kang De she knew—the witty and easygoing Kang De from their first conversation, the Kant A Fu to tell her that "meeting him now would be awkward," and the Kang De with her through the streets of the Distant Harbor, proudly introducing her to his aspirations, ideals, and actions...

Please, come back soon...

"A Fu."

As Kang De called out, the beautiful ship girl pushed open the door and entered, looking somewhat apprehensive, hesitant to speak.

Nixiyasi did not see the joy on her friend's face. She was still looking at Kang De, looking helpless, like a pitiful little dog looking at its angry owner, hoping for something.

"Show the guest out for me."

It was like being struck by lightning.

The admiral turned into a frozen statue, losing the ability to speak, and even her eyes could not move.

"I'm busy with business at the Distant Harbor, and negotiations are about to begin. Excuse me."

Kang De's attitude was gentle and polite, but to the admiral, it conveyed a terrifying aloofness. She watched as the Cathayan nodded to her, wanting to say something, but her mouth felt like it was filled with lead. She watched as the dazzling stargate spun and opened, and the Dragon of Cathay stepped into the phase intersection, disappearing from sight.

No.

This is not what she wanted.

How she wished time could turn back to the past.

Can...

After Kang De left, emptiness and coldness filled her body, and in a nameless fear and panic, she realized something... there was no going back.

She sat there blankly, time lost its meaning, she just sat there.

A long time.

Footsteps sounded, A Fu came to his side.

Nixiyasi stared blankly at the ship girl, her heart utterly broken. She wouldn't be surprised if this friend adopted a distant, cold, and polite attitude.

Her voice was hoarse as she said, "A Fu... are you here to kick me out?"

But a soft, warm hand landed on her shoulder.

"Sister Nixiyasi," A Fu said gently, "Are you alright? Father...?"

Gentle greetings and comforting words were the final catalyst. With a loud "waaa," the admiral hugged A Fu and burst into tears, crying very hard.

Meanwhile, the sea breeze howled in the Distant Harbor as Kang De stepped out of the Phase Gate.

He stretched and rubbed his stern face. "Sigh, women are so hard to deal with... But I finally got it sorted out. Hey, Horus, is everything alright?"

"... Hold."

The voice of the Iron Son was more wavering and helpless than ever before.

"It shocked my mom for a whole year."

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PS1: I initially planned to write Nixiyasi as a man... but it turned out fine!

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