Chapter 477
The Duke Windermere's words could easily be interpreted by other Duke as an attempt to curry favor, but she didn't care. A life-saving favor deserved a face-to-face thank you; that was the bare minimum of respect.
Next, Amiya, in her capacity as leader of Rhodes Island, explained the matter of incorporating the Sarkaz to the Duke.
Seeing that she had almost finished speaking, Shi Lei took the initiative to speak and give a final summary:
"This war between two countries was started by Theresis. His body is currently in the trunk of that car. If you want to settle scores with him, go ahead. If there are no other issues, let's end today's meeting here."
I will bring Sarkaz who are willing to surrender to Liyue City for permanent residence. The location is at the border between Lungmen in Yan and Ursus. You are all welcome to visit me anytime."
The Duke present were not familiar with Shi Lei, and they all remained silent, except for the Duke Windermere, who agreed:
"Great, I'll definitely pay them a visit when I have time. If they can behave well under your leadership, it will be a great benefit to this land. And I heard you've dealt with several leaders of the Royal Court Army, is that right?"
The Duke Windermere deliberately added that last sentence to make the Dukes around him face reality.
They can easily control even the leaders of the Royal Court Army, so dealing with these Dukes would be a piece of cake.
The Duke Kester frowned slightly, and after a moment of thought, asked:
"Are the Sarkaz scattered around the world also under Liyue City's protection?"
"No."
Shi Lei shook his head, giving a clear answer:
"If other Sarkaz break the law, deal with them as you see fit. My current responsibility is only to protect the Sarkaz within Liyue City."
The other Duke followed suit with a few questions, but they were all trivial. In the end, it was Old Wellington who set an example and asked the question that no one dared to ask:
Did you shatter that sky?
This question couldn't be avoided; after all, so many people saw him fall from the sky. Since there was no way to hide it, Shi Lei simply told the truth:
"Yes, but it was a last resort. I was teleported to another planet by the lich's Magic Array, and I couldn't Magic Array to come back, so I had no choice but to do this."
This nonchalant attitude sent chills down the spines of the Dukes.
Because they couldn't return after being teleported to another planet, they were forced to destroy the Star Pod. Does that sound like human language?
The more humble Shi Lei was, the more terrified they became, fearing that saying the wrong thing would bring about their utter destruction.
Even with thousands of soldiers and high-speed warships not far behind, it couldn't bring any sense of security.
The Duke had previously ordered the plundering of anything that had fallen from the sky. Now that the man was standing right in front of them, they were all like wilted cucumbers, not daring to entertain any rash thoughts.
Even a peerless expert capable of piercing through Star Pod poses a greater threat than Theresis.
In particular, as Duke Windermere had just mentioned, he had successfully intimidated the two Royal Court Leader with his mere reputation, giving them a clearer understanding of Shi Lei's strength.
When the Dukes realized that even their combined armies could not defeat him, all their ulterior motives would be hidden away, leaving only fear and awe.
Amiya sensed the Dukes' embarrassment and covered her mouth with one hand, almost bursting out laughing.
If anyone else had been in charge of this recruitment, it would have met with strong resistance and opposition. But since Mister Zhongli was in charge of it, they wouldn't have dared to utter a single word.
The Dukes remained silent, creating an awkward and subtly tense atmosphere. Seeing that they offered no further comment after his explanation, Shi Lei offered a promise:
"I will try my best to take these Sarkaz away within 24 hours. As for those scattered in various places, if they commit unforgivable crimes, you can deal with them as you see fit; it's none of my business."
The Duke Kester's legs went weak with fear, but he still managed to hold on and, upon hearing this, took the initiative to speak:
"Understood. I'll go back and instruct the Defense Zone to be strictly guarded to prevent those Sarkaz from spreading and causing trouble. As for your plan to incorporate the Sarkaz, I have no objection. If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving now."
With her taking the lead, the other Duke all took their leave.
They thought to themselves that they shouldn't have come here to fight for the landmines without even getting the information. If they ran into a ruthless guy, they probably wouldn't survive until tomorrow.
The Duke Wellington glanced at the calm-faced Shi Lei with a complicated expression, then turned and left the scene.
In the end, only the Duke Windermere and the Dephine mother and daughter remained, seemingly having something to say.
Regardless, the codename Zhongli and the name Liyue City will, from this day forward, be scattered across this land like snowflakes falling in winter.
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Chapter 552 Going Their Separate Ways (4K)
Seeing that the Duke Windermere were standing there, showing no sign of leaving, Shi Lei politely inquired:
"Is there anything else?"
The Duke Windermere bowed and once again expressed his heartfelt gratitude to him:
"Judging from what you just said, you should be leaving Londinium soon. I hope that before you leave, you could do me the honor of having a simple meal at my home. That way, I can show you hospitality and repay your great kindness."
Shi Lei didn't care whether she was genuinely thanking him or trying to curry favor. From today onward, all sides would be keeping a close eye on him, and he couldn't stay here for long.
Moreover, every minute he spent in Londinium, the Dukes worried for a minute.
If they went to someone else's territory and stayed up all night, they would definitely drive these Dukes to the brink of a nervous breakdown.
"Duke Windermere, thank you for your kindness. However, too many people are watching this place and are eager for me to leave Victoria as soon as possible. I have promised them that I will evacuate within 24 hours. You are welcome to visit Liyue City when you have time."
Seeing that he politely declined, Windermere couldn't press the matter further and could only nod helplessly.
"Alright, it's settled then. Once things are settled in Londinium, I'll return to the Border Garrison between Victoria and Sargon to take a look around. I'll stop by Liyue City for a couple of days before I leave."
The Sargon border is seven or eight hundred kilometers away from Liyue City. How can this be considered "on the way"?
Shi Lei didn't point it out and agreed with a smile.
"I'll be there during Chinese New Year, but I'm not sure about other times."
"Alright, you all go ahead with your work, I won't bother you any longer. Dephine, quickly say goodbye to the gentleman."
Goodbye, Mister Zhongli!
The mother and daughter acted swiftly and decisively, leaving the scene under the protection of the Sword Guard. As they went further away, the last high-speed warship on the outer perimeter also took off.
Watching the warship sail away, Theresia breathed a sigh of relief and solemnly said to Shi Lei:
"Mister Zhongli, thank you so much!"
He Shi Lei because these Dukes originally wanted to take Theresis's body away. Regardless of whether they desecrated it or beheaded it afterward, it would serve as propaganda.
However, Zhongli's presence created a powerful deterrent, causing none of the Duke to dare order their men to move Theresis's body.
That way, it wouldn't become something people would eat. The Dukes themselves didn't want it, and she just picked it up along the way.
Shi Lei grinned, looking very relaxed.
"Hehe, no need to be so polite. I have a lot of things to do every day and no time to deal with daily chores. I'll have to trouble you to manage these tens of thousands of Sarkaz from now on."
Theresia had initially thought it was a complete surrender, but in the end, she was the one in charge. She covered her mouth in disbelief, her joy overflowing.
After Theresis's death, the Sarkaz usually recognized her as their leader. However, decades earlier, Theresia was the rightful Empress.
These tens of thousands of Sarkaz were originally under her control. Now that they've gone to Liyue City, they're still under her control.
It's like getting political asylum just by having a nominal title. They even provide free housing and a place to stay. Is there really such a good thing in the world?
Perhaps because she was used to hardship in the past, she felt it was somewhat unreal when faced with a windfall.
If they can continue to receive Shi Lei's protection, then the Sarkaz may indeed have a chance to escape the path of violence and destruction.
At that time, her political views, which are criticized by outsiders as idealistic, may find fertile ground for implementation.
Seeing Theresia burst into tears of joy, Shi Lei smiled faintly and turned his head to look eastward.
"There's one last group of guests. Once things are settled here, we'll pack up and leave. Otherwise, those Dukes won't be able to sleep well tonight."
Another batch?!
Theresia was momentarily stunned, unable to understand what other forces might be coming.
Rhodes Island and various Duke have already visited; could it be the Londinium Self-Rescue Army?
Four or five minutes later, the answer was revealed.
Talulah confirmed that the high-speed warships had withdrawn before she and Mudrock made their way through the Sarkaz crowd to pay their respects.
Upon seeing Shi Lei, she bowed respectfully and then said very solemnly:
"Mister Zhongli, I will return to Lungmen with you. But before we do, could I trouble you with something?"
Shi Lei had already guessed what the other party wanted to do, but his smile remained unchanged as he teased:
"Why be so polite? If I say no, will you just stop talking? Tell me, what is it?"
Talulah bit her lip, bowed to him again, and only then dared to make her request:
"I know you are very skilled in treating Originium-related illness. There are too many wounded and locals who have recently been infected in the current Rhodes Island."
Our medical resources are very limited; at best, they can only temporarily relieve their pain. This is merely treating the symptoms, not the root cause, and they will eventually die in the wilderness. I hope you can recruit them and bring them into Liyue City."
Shi Lei noticed her genuine feelings and readily agreed.
"Fine, I'm taking these tens of thousands of Sarkaz with me anyway. A few thousand more or fewer won't make a difference. But have you discussed this with them?"
Upon seeing Talulah's momentary speechlessness, he immediately understood and said earnestly:
"These things are all about mutual consent; you can't force anyone. We'll stay here for a maximum of twenty-four hours before leaving. You can go back and ask them what they think. As long as they're willing to abide by Liyue City's rules, I can take them with me."
"Thank you, I'll go back and discuss it right away!"
The infected aren't just in Victoria; their situation is dire across the entire region. It's clearly better to send them to Liyue City than to let them die in the wasteland without medicine.
Jiu Xin lofty ideals and vows to save more infected people from their suffering. She won't go, but other ordinary infected people probably won't refuse such an opportunity.
With Shi Lei's promise, Talulah finally felt relieved and happily turned to leave.
Come to think of it, she hasn't laughed in a long time.
During the year they spent with Nine after escaping from Lungmen Prison, they went to Ursus, Sargon, and finally Victoria.
She witnessed too much backstabbing, exploitation, and oppression during that time. The overall atmosphere was extremely oppressive, making it difficult for Talulah happy.
Seeing her leave happily, Shi Lei smiled with the satisfaction of a loving father.
He wasn't worried that Talulah would run away; she needed his help and had no reason to run away again.
Moreover, she is now completely different from Talulah in the Chernobyl case.
Furthermore, the other party possessed a small Rock Constructs she had placed within her body, allowing her to locate them at any time. From any perspective, she had no need to escape.
Once Talulah disappeared from sight, Shi Lei turned his gaze to the thirty-odd Sarkaz Representative:
"You heard what I just said, right? You have twenty-four hours to get back to the city and retrieve your belongings. If you stole them, you'd better return them to me."
Your entry into Londinium is essentially an act of aggression, there's no denying that. If you are attacked by local residents En route, you are not allowed to retaliate. Once you've all returned, you will depart at the appointed time."
"Yes, City Lord!"
The Sarkaz Representatives accepted the order and led 30,000 Sarkaz to Londinium West Gate.
They planned to enter the Mid-level District from here and return to their residence in the Central City District to retrieve their personal belongings.
It's best to go in a group to collect luggage. If you enter the city alone later in the day, you're more likely to be captured and killed by unsuspecting Londinium residents.
With tens of thousands of Sarkaz gone, the view of the plains suddenly opened up considerably.
Theresia walked over and closed the coffin, preparing to bury him in Liyue City. The ideal that Theresis couldn't fulfill, she had now accomplished. Burying him in Liyue City would allow him to witness the future of the Sarkaz.
Faced with the three girlfriends who approached him, Shi Lei took the initiative to [do something] with them. Then he walked straight up to the Doctor and said:
"This is the result you wanted. Neither the Sarkaz were wiped out, nor was the Duke of Victoria eliminated. The number of deaths from the war has decreased, but the contradictions caused by the intensification of class conflict still exist."
"This result is quite good. I have no power to address class contradictions; I truly have the will but not the ability."
After expressing his feelings, the Doctor voluntarily resigned, saying:
"All good things must come to an end. It's time for us to leave. I heard that Doctor Kal'tsit was seriously injured by the Blood Demon Great Lord. I need to go back and check on her. Mister Zhongli, farewell then."
"No rush, wait a moment."
Shi Lei summoned Broca and learned that Rhodes Island's This Ship was more than 300 kilometers away from Londinium.
As the saying goes, if you're going to help someone, help them all the way. He summoned the Rock platform, ready to see the Doctor off.
With Mudrock and Broca charge, those Dukes probably wouldn't dare to make any underhanded moves.
Since there was a free flying vehicle, why not take a ride? The Doctor readily agreed, thanked them, and then walked onto the Rock platform with Amiya and Logos. Shi Lei piloted the vehicle, and they took off.
After leaving the field, Talulah used an old Walkie-Talkie to pinpoint the location of the Rhodes Island forces.