Hong San

According to Tina, this port is one of the Good Family's properties.

As the lord of this place, one naturally possesses various privileges and priorities, such as engaging in commerce and developing industries. The current feudal system of the empire grants nobles a high degree of autonomy, meaning that as long as one has the ability, one can certainly manage one's territory into a prosperous and wealthy land that generates a fortune every day.

Apart from the share that should be paid to the eldest son, the rest is yours.

This is such a large piece of legally owned private land. If it were on Earth, it would be incredibly luxurious.

Of course it's awesome!

Even on Earth, nobles have it pretty good.

It's always been great, from ancient times to the present.

China's so-called aristocracy has been utterly destroyed, but Europe's aristocracy has never disappeared. Instead, it has transformed itself, integrated into the new era, and continued its exhilarating life of exploitation.

Putting aside other things, Kang De knew that the Queen of the United Kingdom was Britain largest landowner in Britain, holding the purse strings, the gun, and the title of noblewoman. Although it was a constitutional monarchy, she could still influence the entire United Kingdom upper class and even the operation of the state machinery in various ways. She didn't have to take responsibility; she only needed to act as a figurehead, but she could be the mastermind behind the scenes. She was incredibly happy. Compared to her, the Japan Imperial Family was just a little brother.

The nobles who rallied around the Queen of the United Kingdom also spontaneously formed a huge interest group. Everyone was happy to share the benefits because the United Kingdom valued this. Countless wealthy people and celebrities were eager to get a knighthood from the Queen, not because the title sounded good, but because it was a passport to high society. If you didn't have a knighthood, you weren't one of them, and no one would associate with you.

In contrast, the France nobles were much more miserable because the French king died young and was beheaded long ago. Without a leader, they had no rules or order, and could not form a larger interest group that would expand and enjoy together. Therefore, they envied the United Kingdom immensely.

It's ridiculous, even for China people, that this is something they can hardly understand. France is supposedly the birthplace of modern democracy and a supposedly free and equal Western country, yet this kind of poisonous thing from hundreds of years ago still exists. Even in France, which is known for its revolution, the nobles who have survived still maintain an astonishing vitality, control enormous wealth, and form a closed and exclusive little circle.

But in any case, these new-era nobles will never be as arrogant as before.

Now, however, Kang De was able to see firsthand what kind of power and pomp the so-called aristocracy actually possessed.

The port official hurriedly left to deliver the message. Not long after, the sound of horses' hooves thundered in the distance, followed by the orderly sound of footsteps. The once bustling port was now in chaos.

Everyone present was driven away, whether they were sailors loitering, merchants soliciting customers, or captains waiting to unload cargo; they were all forcibly removed and their work was immediately stopped.

Squads of soldiers, armed with spears and clad in leather armor, strode in.

Kang De observes intently.

Leather armor, spears, boots, and short swords—all were of the same standard, and even the soldiers' expressions and movements exuded a sense of familiarity and habit.

"Professional soldier..."

He made his judgment in his mind.

The fact that the Glittering Sand Viscounty could support a full-time professional army meant it was clearly wealthier than he had imagined... or was this simply standard practice among the imperial nobles?

Do they have a reason to recruit a standing army, ready for combat at any time?

The horses neighed, and more knights in armor dismounted.

Their armor and weapons were far superior to those of the infantry, but they all had different styles, and their expressions were proud and awe-inspiring; they were probably the so-called knightly class.

Clearly, even with a professional standing army, the knights from another world still rely on their powerful personal combat skills and Dou Qi spirit to become a special class that cannot be ignored in the war machine.

Wearing heavy iron boots, they patrolled the docks, and both soldiers and civilians bowed their heads in awe, demonstrating the prestige and status of the knightly class.

One of the knights approached the dock walkway, looked up and saw Kang De, his eyes as sharp as a hawk's.

Kang De's gaze was calm.

He had dealt with the Goth Knights and fought against the Royal Navy of the Dusk Moon Dynasty, the dominant power in this world. He had been on the battlefield, and his courage had grown. How could he be afraid of a mere glance?

Besides, why would Earthlings be afraid of so-called knights?

--Friend, have you heard of Mark?

The knight saw that Kang De, this Cathayan, was calmly meeting his gaze, and that he was positioned at the bow of the ship with a condescending air, showing no manners whatsoever, so the knight couldn't help but snort coldly.

And he glared at Kang De.

The two were not far apart; at least with Kang De's current eyesight, he could already see the other's appearance.

A young man with a majestic and imposing appearance, a broad forehead, a short beard, and an air of domineering arrogance on his face, clearly someone who had achieved early success and had not yet been tempered by society.

But that's not the point.

The key point is that Kang De was able to see the other person's expression at this distance.

It's contempt.

Kang De was taken aback.

Before he could say anything, the other person looked away, stopped looking at him, and strode away.

Kang De lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then memorized the man's appearance.

He said calmly, "Where did this idiot come from?"

What is Kang De saying?

A voice asked from behind.

Kang De turned around and saw that Tina, the knight, and the captain had already come onto the deck.

He smiled and said, "It's nothing."

Without mentioning what had just happened, he changed the subject. "Ready to go ashore?"

"Yes, the Good Family has already sent people to cordon off the docks. Judging from this, Uncle Samuel might come to greet me personally. He's an elder, and I can't wait for him to arrive before I come out... I'm a junior, and a guest. In front of allies, it's best not to put on airs; there's no need."

Tina smiled and said, "By the way, after we land, we'll not only need to buy supplies, but we'll also be staying at Glimmering Sand Castle for a few days. Does Kang De need to bring anything?"

Kang De thought for a moment.

We're only staying for a few days, so there's no need to move our belongings from the cabin.

Just to be on the safe side, he had temporarily sent the high-tech items such as electrical appliances in the room back to Earth. He also kept the weapons and equipment only for self-defense. As for the large amount of magical supplies seized from the elven spellcasters, a large portion of them were also sent back to Earth, which was the best safe haven.

But it wouldn't be good to go to the castle empty-handed; it would be too strange to conjure up a whole bunch of stuff out of thin air... So he packed two boxes and put some unimportant things inside.

"They're all in the room; there are two boxes."

He said.

I'll arrange for someone to move it.

The captain nodded and then asked, "Sir Kang De, what about those boxes in the cabin?"

Kang De thought for a moment, and realized it was full of instant noodles and sugary drinks; why bother moving it?

So he shook his head and said, "Just leave it there."

The captain nodded, indicating he understood. "Your belongings are kept in a separate cabin, as are the princess's personal items in a separate, confidential cabin. Any sailor who approaches without permission will be severely punished."

This was an attitude, and also a show of sincerity, Kang De greatly appreciated.

He said, "Thank you for your help."

The captain smiled.

As a seasoned seaman who had seen all sorts of people over the years, he was very optimistic about Kang De's potential. If he didn't work harder to cultivate a good relationship now, when would he? No one ever thinks they have too many friends.

At that moment, the knight said, "They've arrived."

Everyone looked in the direction of the dock and saw a dozen knights leading three carriages on the wide road. The commoners watched with curiosity and awe as they made their way towards the dock.

Soldiers kept the crowd at bay, the docks were deserted, and the knights dismounted one after another. The knights who had arrived earlier went to greet them, and the lead knight went to the first carriage and opened the door.

A middle-aged nobleman led a Little Boy out, and soldiers, knights, and commoners alike bowed and saluted upon seeing the two.

Kang De was sharp-eyed and kind-hearted.

He keenly noticed that the knight who had previously looked at him with disdain had come to the second carriage, opened the door, and helped a young girl in a blue dress down.

Tina said, "Kang De, let's go, Uncle Samuel is here."

Samuel Good, Viscount, head of the Good Family, ruler of Glittering Sand.

The knight jumped onto the dock first, then reached out and helped Tina over—it was his duty.

Tina turned to look at Kang De.

The knight was also watching Kang De.

Even the people on the ship didn't move; they were all watching Kang De.

Cleveland laughed, "What are you standing there for? Do you want me to help you up too?"

"Ah..."

Kang De smiled and said, "I forgot my axe; it feels a bit strange."

Everyone laughed.

The Earthlings nimbly leaped into another world.

Tina looked at him, seemingly seeing right through his thoughts. The girl said softly, "Kang De, don't worry, don't doubt. Face them just as you faced us before. You have noble blood, you come from a remarkable place. You should face this new world with confidence and composure."

Kang De nodded. "Okay."

He disembarked, and the captain and the others followed suit.

The Good Family members also walked over.

Goth's procession came to meet them.

Both sides wore smiles—polite smiles, reserved smiles.

"Good day, Uncle Samuel. It's a pleasure to be back on the beautiful land of Glittering Sand."

Tina her skirt and bowed.

"Good day, beautiful princess, Goth's jewel, Glittering Sand brighter with your arrival."

Samuel looked refined and sophisticated; his hair was impeccably styled, his clothes were perfectly pressed, and he performed impeccable aristocratic etiquette.

"Sister Tina!" The girl in the blue dress had beautiful long, honey-colored hair. She smiled radiantly, her chest was full, and the azure pendant on her head swayed constantly. She ran forward and grabbed the princess's hands.

"Hannah! Mind your manners!" Samuel said with a smile.

Meanwhile, Cleveland greeted one of the leading knights.

Good day, Knight Cleveland.

Good day, Knight Lost.

The two bowed meticulously, their expressions reserved, even somewhat aloof, but they seemed to be acquaintances.

The little boy next to Samuel looked at Kang De with curious eyes.

Tina greeted him with a smile, "Lynch, do you still recognize me?"

"Good day, Sister Tina." The little boy, still looking at Kang De, tilted his head and asked, "Is this gentleman from Cathay?"

Regardless of whether they had been secretly observing him beforehand, with this question, all eyes of the Good Family were focused on Kang De.

Tina smiled and said, "This is Kang De, a visitor from the East we met during our voyage. He is an upright and courageous man who helped us a great deal along the way. He is a gentleman of noble birth."

Kang De looked at the Western faces and nodded to them. "Good day, everyone."

He and Tina had already rehearsed it before, so there's no need to say more.

"Good day, Mr. Kang De. I am Samuel Good, the owner of Glittering Sand. Welcome to this land. I hope you will have many wonderful memories here."

Samuel replied politely, "We welcome every guest; Goth's friends are our friends... but you are from the East, with a different culture, language, and customs. Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality due to these differences."

Kang De smiled and said, "You're too kind."

Samuel continued, "When Reston told me that the Penguin had a gentleman from the East, I made arrangements. I believed that having a fellow countryman to serve and entertain us in a foreign land would make the visit much smoother."

He turned his head and said, "Come out."

From the back of the crowd emerged a man with yellow skin and black hair, whose clothing and hairstyle were completely different from those of the mainlanders present. He jogged over, disregarded the dirt on the ground, knelt down before Kang De with a thud, kowtowed heavily, and cried out, "This humble one, Hong San, greets Master Kang!"

A barely perceptible chuckle rose from the crowd, filled with disdain.

Kneeling and kowtowing.

Even the commoners, when they saw Samuel, simply bowed and placed their hands on their chests in greeting.

Completely different etiquette.

Kang De looked at the members of the Good Family in front of him. They all looked at Hong San, who was kneeling on the ground, with a mixture of amusement, curiosity, and disdain in their eyes.

It's like watching a toy, a joke.

The other person was someone who shared the same hair color, skin color, and even language as Kang De.

The wind on the dock was a bit chilly.

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PS1: First update, almost 4,000 words... One more update to go, please vote!

PS2: The setting for Cathay will be released gradually. You can also make guesses. When you guess, think about the synopsis. Everything you want will be there.