A Good Day

The night wind howled, the sky exploded with shimmering lights, fireworks burst forth, and even the waves seemed to roar.

Explosive notes resounded as the orcs sang their wild song.

Electronic music blared across the stage, the roaring death metal was soul-stirring, pillars of fire erupted, and large animal bones, embedded with high-powered light bulbs, were stuck on the stage and scattered everywhere, their scarlet light both evil and alluring.

The lights and shadows flashed, the Japan swung wildly in all directions, and the atmosphere of "waaaaaagh" was instantly set in motion. The green-skinned dog in charge of manually turning on the lights grinned and went wild, thinking it was the coolest kid on the block tonight.

The ferocious drumming continued unabated. The green-skinned drummer raised his drumsticks, made of animal bones and electrical components, his arm muscles bulging as he frantically pounded the drum kit in front of him.

The drum set had also undergone a thoughtful and radical modification. The bass drumhead was painted with terrifying beast-face battle patterns, the entire drum set was painted red, and pointless sharp corners and barbs were wrapped everywhere. With the fierce strikes of the drumsticks, the many light bulbs decorating the surface of the drum set flashed on and off, which was incredibly cool.

The green drummer opened his mouth wide with excitement, his tongue sticking out. Accompanied by intense drumming, he wildly shook his head, his dreadlocks, made of more than two hundred light-emitting diodes, dancing wildly. They were even flashing, the most insane thing ever. This cyberpunk scene elicited bursts of fierce howls.

He got this outfit by trading it for the weekly hygiene champion's perk! With that, he found enough parts in the Giant Garbage Happy Mountain and gained unparalleled joy tonight.

Giant Garbage Happy Mountain refers to an electronic and mechanical waste dump located within the Greenskin community. It is a sacred place that the Greenskins yearn for, a place that the Big Mek promised them.

Three guitars swirl wildly, sparks Mars, electricity crackling, and ice shards flying. The three green-skinned guitarists are dressed in incredibly stylish outfits, some with CDs woven into chainmail, others with electrical wires woven into jackets, but no matter what, they must be adorned with colorful lights!

Light pollution on Earth, the white moonlight beneath the green skin.

The bassist, caught up in the moment, gripped the lever at his waist and spun it wildly, black smoke billowing from his back and a deafening roar as he dismantled a tractor engine!

--And with Green Skin's inexplicable intuition, he managed to reassemble the disassembled engine into an iron suit, which he then put on.

Amidst the chaotic and deafening noise of the demons dancing wildly, the home team grabbed the microphone in front of them.

The Green Skin's hoarse, deep, underbite-like accent, mixed with the roaring, heavy electronic music, surprisingly unleashed a wild and unrestrained charm. In short, the Green Skins in the audience were screaming wildly and having a blast.

A small number of people from various ethnic groups shared in the revelry with the Greenskins. Not everyone accepted this violent art form, but some did.

The dwarves were delighted, finding the taste invigorating. Sailors also enjoyed coming here to shout for a while, while the elves, who came silently in cloaks, were ashamed to be seen. The pointed-eared elves were full of wood, especially the soldiers, who actually disapproved of the decadent music and frivolous sounds in their homeland.

The Cathay group that had mistakenly entered this place looked completely bewildered.

"... Have we arrived in the territory of the Demonic Sect?"

"Stop talking nonsense."

But the scene was indeed terrifying. Below the stage, the audience waved large glow sticks that looked like blood and danced wildly, as if they had all been bewitched by evil magic. Many Cathayan retreated in fear, while a small number of people who pursued individuality stayed behind and enjoyed this crazy tranquility.

Having abandoned their families and homes to venture into foreign lands, they needed a release after nearly two months at sea.

"Ughhhhh... I really can't understand this stuff."

"That's normal. I'm not used to it either—everyone has things they like and dislike. If you don't like something, don't force yourself to accept it. Let's go."

"Good."

Kang De led Dairila away through the passage on the right. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see several orcs with red cloth wrapped around their arms walking back and forth, maintaining order in the arena. He smiled slightly.

Leaving the tense atmosphere of the meeting, the fresh air filled her nostrils, and Her Majesty breathed a sigh of relief. Turning her head, she frowned and said, "What did you just say? You don't like it either?"

Kang De nodded and said, "Yes."

Dairila looked disgusted. "But you're the one who caused all this, aren't you? Why?"

"Because the orcs like it," Kang De said, spreading his hands. "They don't disturb others, they hold concerts in designated venues, they consciously maintain order, and they don't encourage or incite the audience to do anything they shouldn't... Since they've done all that, I naturally have no reason to object."

"... Not only did you not object, you actually facilitated it, didn't you?"

"Yes," Kang De laughed, "We always have to find some amusement for them."

He turned to look at the tall building.

He only provided a framework to ensure it wouldn't collapse; the Greenskins did all the decorating themselves, and when it opened, Kang De named this concert hall specifically for the Greenskins.

"The Mournful Howling and Thunderous Sound Hall," he said smugly. "How about it? Isn't that a powerful name?"

Dairila pouted and said, "I don't want to talk to a barbarian like you."

They left the venue, away from the noise, and as the sounds gradually subsided, Dairila stared blankly at the city lights in the distance. After a moment's hesitation, she whispered, "Did I disturb you?"

Kang De turned his head and said, "Hmm?"

"You were supposed to be hosting the Cathayan tonight, with such a banquet... it wouldn't be right for you not to show up, would it?" Dairila said, then glared at Kang De. "And so many beautiful women from Cathay... are you very happy? The Empress hasn't even planned to marry you yet, and she's already sent so many women?"

Kang De protested, "Who was it that said they would arrange a marriage between me and the Empress if I just went back to Cathay?"

No sooner had she finished speaking than she was struck again by a blow to the elbow. Dairila cried out, "That was a political trap! It was my scheme! I just wanted to fool you and deceive you! Is that so wrong?!"

She raised her eyebrows and glared angrily, looking fierce.

Kang De couldn't help but laugh.

Of all the girls he knew, Dairila had the most interesting personality. Only in front of her could Kang De maintain the strategic initiative—because she was so easy to understand.

She's easier to understand than men.

It's so easy to understand that it can directly apply the tropes from romance anime and visual novels.

He looked at the other person, raised an eyebrow, and said, "Oh—so you were lying to me before?"

A look of unease flashed across Dairila's face. She glanced sideways, then unconsciously stole another look at Kang De's expression, muttering, "Well, there was nothing we could do about it, right? You were an enemy back then, of course we had to use some methods... Of course, we wouldn't do that anymore, not for a long time!"

Kang De pondered for a moment and said, "Oh, but I have another question... You lied to me, saying that if I surrendered, the Queen of Cathay would marry me, but that was a lie. If I had surrendered then and found out it was a lie, and there was no queen, what did you plan to use to compensate me?"

"..."

Dairila instinctively wanted to answer, but suddenly her cheeks flushed red. She realized this was yet another mockery from the despicable Cathayan: "Dream on! You should be chained up and locked in the royal dungeon!"

Are you angry?

"Snort!"

Are you really angry?

"If you were a subject of Twilight Moon, I would have exiled you to the polar ice fields long ago!"

"Then you'll have to travel a long way to see me."

"Who would have thought... Ahhhhh, say that again!"

Are you angry?

"..."

"Want a family bucket?"

"... eat."

Thus, the majestic and powerful Empress Twilight Moon, who ruled over the vast seas, presented a KFC family bucket.

So... you're not going back?

"Ah?"

"While using this city-wide celebration to quickly integrate the Cathayan from the east into the city and foster a sense of belonging was indeed a brilliant move."

Dairila finished a piece of original recipe chicken, casually tossed the bone aside, and the chicken bone spontaneously combusted, the Phoenix Fire everything to ashes.

She turned back to Kang De: "In this situation, you don't need to show your face—but since it's a celebration, it's a city-wide celebration, including not only the common people and soldiers, but also the high-ranking members of the Cathay Mission, your ministers and generals, and... humph, your close associates!"

Her beautiful yet dignified eyes fixed on Kang De: "Is it really alright not to show up?"

Kang De looked back at Dairila without saying a word.

His gaze was fixed on Her Majesty the Queen's face—or more precisely, her mouth.

Her pearly white teeth and delicate pink lips, glistening with the oil of fried chicken, didn't appear vulgar; instead, they made her even more adorable. Being beautiful certainly allows one to do whatever one wants.

Everyone says that eating is a pleasure, but Kang De believed that watching others eat is an even greater pleasure.

Dairila is an elf.

They are royalty.

In this other world, elves are the origin of almost all aristocratic culture and etiquette.

As a chosen race, they have long lifespans, are proud and arrogant, and have established numerous achievements and accomplishments. They have nothing better to do than think about how to show off.

The numerous elaborate etiquettes and rituals are part of the show-off, which means that the etiquette of the elves is so tedious that it has become almost obsessive. Walking, running, jumping, eating, sitting, and even the movement of a little finger must be carefully observed. As the royal family of the elves, Dairila was required to be educated and trained to the highest standards. It was in this environment that she grew up and eventually became the queen of Twilight Moon.

This means that the education and training from childhood to adulthood have been imprinted deep in the soul and become instinct.

Although the outrageous etiquette education seems both frightening and cumbersome, its practical manifestation is a stunning aesthetic. The exquisite demeanor of an elf, combined with meticulously crafted and ingeniously designed physical movements, makes the emperor's demeanor captivating, every glance and smile exuding unparalleled elegance.

Now, only Kang De can appreciate this myriad of charms.

Candied hawthorn, potato chips, spicy strips, and even the now-popular Original Recipe Chicken—no matter how common or ordinary the food, it all seemed to radiate a treasure-like brilliance when it reached Dairila's lips. The beautiful queen ate it slowly and gracefully, as if savoring the most exquisite delicacies.

Kang De, seeing this, felt happy for the chickens—they truly died without regret.

He gazed at Dairila, who was so close to him. A crumb of fried chicken clung to the corner of the queen's mouth, a sight more exquisite than the most magnificent jewels in the world, making her beauty seem to have fallen to earth.

He wanted to reach out and wipe away the crumb for Dairila, but he wanted even more to lean in and kiss her gently, to lick away the little bit of oil. An inexplicable impulse burned in his chest, making him involuntarily take a step forward.

--Dairila jumped back a step like a startled rabbit.

She almost instantly caught Kang De's gaze, and saw her delicate tongue dart out from between her pearly teeth, deftly licking away the crumbs from her lips, then quickly and shyly retracting. But the next second, as if she had thought of something, the Empress stuck out her tongue again, licking her lips twice in quick succession, cleaning them thoroughly.

Finally, she looked at Kang De warily. "You... what do you want to do?"

Kang De paused for a moment, then shook his head and smiled, "Come with me."

Dairila asked warily, "What?"

"The leaders of the Chinese expedition to the Cathay are entertained by Dong Tianming's banquet, and they have endless things to say. The bureaucrats from various departments also have their superiors stammering. But you're right, Tina and the others should be waiting and chatting at the manor... So, come with me." Kang De beckoned to her.

"I..." Dairila turned her head to the side, "I don't want to."

"What's the matter?"

"I don't want to see Princess Tina," the Queen whispered. "She certainly doesn't want to see me either."

Kang De was speechless.

He understood Dairila's concerns.

The Eastern Expedition under the Twilight Moon, with its clash of armies, is the origin of all the stories. Without this war, Tina would never have been able to cross the sea to go on her mission, much less end up stranded on the island.

But Goth paid a heavy price for this... How could he easily let go of national and personal grievances?

Even though the military campaign was not Dairila's order, and she could not stop the Silver Moon Council's determination to wage war, as the highest monarch of the elves, she believed she should take responsibility for it.

He sighed, "This is destined to be a mess... There will be many opportunities to cooperate in the future. Tina told me privately that Goth no longer has the luxury of seeking revenge lightly, and Twilight Moon has also paid a heavy price. She said that only time can gradually heal the old wounds, and also said..."

Dairila waved her hand and said, "Don't say anymore."

Kang De was right; the hatred between Goth and Twilight Moon was destined to become a muddled mess.

Goth alone would probably never have had the chance to take revenge on Twilight Moon. And because of Dairila and Malegith's relationship, Kang De was not completely hostile to Twilight Moon. He was not Goth People, and his conflicts and hatred with the elves were settled during the Battle of Valentan and the relief efforts for Danfeng Lucerne. Now, Kang De's target of hatred was firmly locked on the Empire.

Dairila sighed. "I know what she means, but Kang De... because of you, she's even willing to give up her hatred for the elves, but giving up and forgiving are two different things."

"She will not forgive Twilight Moon and me, and I will not apologize to her."

"Because I am the ruler of all the elves, the Phoenix King will not apologize, because before you appeared, the Goth-Moon War... was indeed in our best interest."

As she said this, she looked directly at Kang De, her gaze pure and sincere, devoid of any ulterior motives.

Kang De shook his head helplessly.

"How about this?"

He took two more steps forward and whispered, "How about you come with me disguised as Malegith?"

The Empress's body trembled. "What?"

"Disguise yourself as Parrot," Kang De urged. "Wear her vest, and no one will recognize you, right? Add a metal mask, and it'll be perfect."

Dairila's expression shifted slightly, then she shook her head. "... No, it's meaningless."

"How can it be meaningless? If you were dressed as Parrot, you could do anything." Kang De instigated slyly, "You know how bold Parrot can be when it's dressed as you. After all, that's just how living beings are—timid and submissive in reality, but when they put on a disguise, they strike with full force..."

Upon hearing this, Dairila ground her teeth.

She was too ashamed to listen to the rumors about "herself" and Kang De.

Over the past few months, the courtiers, maids, and elders have been looking at him with increasingly strange eyes. No matter how he thinks about it, it's all the ancestor's fault! Although... although...

But she still went too far!

The Phoenix King had been looking for an opportunity to teach this increasingly outrageous ancestor a lesson, but he never had the chance. Now, Kang De was speaking in his ear, his instigating tone like the whisper of a demon.

"Give it a try. I know you've done this before, but it was just small-scale stuff. It feels really good to cause trouble under a disguise. If you don't believe me, just look at the Parrot's true colors before..."

Her Majesty the Queen licked her lips.

"I..." she asked, "What should I do? How should I do it?"

"You're asking me that?" Kang De chuckled. "What's the thing you most want to do but are too embarrassed to do? Maybe you could do it if you wore Parrot's disguise..."

Dairila hesitated for a moment, then her face flushed crimson, and she blurted out, "You wish!"

Kang De looked bewildered.

Before he could even react and seize the opportunity to vent, Dairila quickly covered it up. "Hahaha, I've got it! That's it! That's it!"

Then, she started rubbing her face.

Sound of the Tide Manor.

Although the estate staff did not participate in the celebration, they did arrange a small buffet and movie screening. On the third-floor balcony, Tina and Leona leaned against the railing, drinking juice.

"Where are they?" Leona scoffed. "They've probably run off to the Cathay women's side, huh."

"Yes." Tina glanced at the papaya milk in the silver-haired girl's cup, a fleeting sneer in her eyes, before she said calmly, "I had Kang De go and seduce the most beautiful woman from Cathay..."

"Puff!"

Leona sprayed the papaya milk out of her mouth and coughed twice. "What did you say!"

The princess remained calm. "But Kang De left after a short while."

The white-haired young lady was finally satisfied and nodded, saying, "At least he has some conscience. So, he..."

"He must have gone to keep the Phoenix King company."

"Pfft!"

Leona was choked again, almost jumping up. "Tina, are you just going to watch?"

"The Phoenix King would be fine too." The princess tossed her hair behind her ear, gazing at the lights of the Distant Harbor. "Indeed, we should thank her... She allowed the rumors of her affair with Kang De to circulate, risking damage to her reputation to solidify the matter. She sacrificed her own honor and national prestige to instill fear and vigilance in other nations, ensuring they wouldn't escalate the situation too much and push Kang De completely into the arms of Twilight Moon..."

She smiled as she said this, "So, it's okay to give her a little."

"... There's a limit to how much nonsense you can say."

The silver-haired girl sighed, "What if it gets stolen?"

"If the Phoenix King has the ability to steal it, that's a good thing," Tina whispered. "Even if she manages to steal it, we still get points... after all, it's still here."

"You're saying that again." Leona gripped the railing, her fingers tightening slightly. "Aren't you overreacting? Things might not be as complicated as they seem..."

"I will not tolerate the risk of losing Kang De... even the slightest possibility. Although it would be very unfair to that girl I've never met, who cares about reason in these matters?"

Tina lowered her eyes. "So..."

Just then, Leona exclaimed, "Hey--you're back!"

Upon hearing this, the princess looked up abruptly, only to see the manor gates slowly opening, several guards bowing in salute, and her lover returning in the moonlight, accompanied by a metallic face draped in a long robe.

"Ah..." Tina squinted her eyes, "Today really is a good day."

"Have I... have I been found out?"

A low, pitiful, and uneasy voice came from behind me.

Don't panic.

Kang De said calmly, "You're wearing a mask, they won't recognize you. Be bold, be wild, don't be afraid... Just cause trouble, the Parrot will clean up your mess."

"Oh... oh." Dairila mustered her courage, "I... how should I humiliate her?"

"Ah, that's a difficult topic... It's hard to imagine she has any shame."

"That's true... Let me think about it some more!"

The door opened, and the girls greeted us with smiles.

Silver Moon City Royal Court.

"Achoo! Look how angry you all are!"

Malegith's shouts echoed throughout the chamber, "What have you been debating all this time? Why don't you elect a few 'Ten No' councilors? This council is hopeless! Always up to these low-class tricks!"

"--You want to stand by and watch, or even instigate an alliance among the continental powers against Kang De, so that Kang De will completely fall into our arms? Damn, you're dreaming."

"--Damn it, you've got your plans so shrewd, you're so confident, right? You think even if you mess things up, I'll use my looks to bail you out, right? What am I supposed to do? You messed things up, and now I have to pay Kang De to appease him? Do I even have any dignity left?"

"Give us a little something extra! Dragon Island is gradually siding with Kang De, we're not the first! You want to be made into a movie too, don't you? Let me tell you..."

She seemed very abnormal, but no matter how they examined and tested her, she was undoubtedly the Empress. Moreover, her mind, methods, consciousness, tactics, and wisdom were no different from usual, and even surpassed her. The councilors could only endure this suffering, being forced and tormented by the Empress who was a hundred times more powerful than usual.

They attributed the reason to "the Empress's great displeasure upon hearing that Cathay had sent thirty-six female officials."

Yes, the news of Cathay migration and the investiture of Kang De has spread throughout the world.

The already highly unstable scales have gained another chip.