"The existence that sealed me allowed me to transcend time and space and live to this day; the existence that Domination me allowed me to survive and become stronger..."
Even after thinking about it for three days, I still feel dazed and don't know how to face these two people.
Ed nodded in understanding as he listened to Xilǐ'er's remarks.
He felt that Xilǐ'er's current state of mind was similar to that of characters in certain novels he had read while studying abroad in another world.
It's that classic plot where the protagonist, whose entire family has died, trains relentlessly for revenge, only to discover in the end that his enemy is actually his own master.
The only difference between Xilǐ'er and those protagonists is that he doesn't carry the burden of his family's hatred; all the grudges are concentrated on himself.
That's precisely why he can't achieve a clear mind no matter what he does.
Ed felt that even he himself found it difficult to say who was right and who was wrong, but although he couldn't empathize with Xilǐ'er, Ed knew another way to solve the problem.
That is, to shift your attention.
"In that case, I have a good suggestion."
Ed looked intently at Xilǐ'er and, as expected, saw the expectant look in the other's eyes.
"Let's go escape for a while."
Ed earnestly said, putting himself in others' shoes:
"Anyway, you can't change the past, as for the future..."
"You want to repay a debt of gratitude, Twin Kings might not accept it; you want revenge, well... then I suggest you don't even think about it..."
"In short, all you need to know is that the Twin Kings simply made the most appropriate judgment for their positions."
"They possess the power of mental Domination and physical reshaping; anyone can be a useful tool to them."
"Just like you said, whether your relationship with them is one of gratitude or hatred, it's really just your one-sided emotion."
How many knights are there in the Eternal Domain? How many of them still consider themselves human?
Should they thank the Twin Kings for letting them live until now, or hate Twin Kings for turning them into Blood Corpse?
Do you think the Twin Kings would care about this issue?
At this point, Ed's tone also carried a hint of admiration and sincerity:
"I don't like the Twin Kings, but their ability to establish the Eternal Domain can only be described as no accident."
After listening to Ed's words of advice, "If you can't figure it out, just run away," Xilǐ'er pondered for a moment and nodded silently.
Seeing that his talk therapy was effective, Ed thought for a moment and then asked:
Xilǐ'er, what's the farthest place you've been in all these centuries?
Xilǐ'er was somewhat bewildered by Ed's abrupt change of topic.
He thought for a moment and replied:
"It must be the Second Holy See."
Seeing Ed's surprised expression, Xilǐ'er explained:
"I was born in the territory of Duke Frostblade, which is now mostly part of the Eternal Domain, with a small portion occupied by the Graycast Corridor because the rules of that territory are incompatible with the Eternal Domain."
"I have spent most of my life either within my territory or continuing eastward into the Demon Realm to fight."
"So the Second Holy See must be the farthest place I've ever been in my life."
Ed nodded thoughtfully:
"Since that's the case, I have an idea. Would you like to hear it?"
"Since it's your suggestion, I naturally..."
Ed raised his hand to stop Xilǐ'er's polite formalities:
Listen to this first, then make a decision.
He said earnestly:
I think you can go around and explore first.
Even excluding the time that was sealed inside the amber, you've lived for over a hundred years.
"But you should spend most, or even all, of your time serving your lord."
"Intelligent beings always need rest; you could try taking a vacation."
"Please forgive me for refusing; this is far too audacious."
"No, how is it considered reckless to do something like this just because you're on a trip?"
Ed was somewhat confused, but seeing Xilǐ'er shaking his head while casting a resolute look in his eyes—a look that seemed to defy the Domination his former employer— Ed silently wrote a note in his mind about the other man.
[Born to be a hard worker, enjoying happiness requires cultivation.]
Whether it's out of habit or a desire to forget his inner turmoil through work, Mr. Knight doesn't want to take a vacation right now.
Since direct advice was ineffective, Ed resorted to a roundabout tactic to achieve his goal:
"Don't feel pressured, your trip is helping me out too."
Xilǐ'er immediately realized that Ed was trying to comfort him; after all, how could working overtime while his subordinates went on vacation be of any help?
Seeing that the other party still didn't believe him, Ed said seriously:
"It's not a simple trip; you'll need to help me with some things, but--"
Before we proceed, let's clarify one thing first...
"After all, I only entrust tasks to 'my own people'."
Ed's tone became more serious:
" Xilǐ'er, this is your last chance. You can choose to become my subordinate and obey my orders, or you can choose to become a free knight without a lord and live only for the principles and justice in your heart."
"If you choose to become a wandering knight, as long as you pose no threat to the Second Holy See, I will have no objection to you, we will remain friends, and the gates of Valhalla will always be open for you."
"Whether you want to hunt Blood Corpse or punish evil and promote good, it's up to you. Even if you want to go on an adventure to the southern empire, we may still have a chance to meet again."
"As for submitting to me... normal salary and benefits go without saying, and even the 'travel' I mentioned can be counted as paid leave, since you still have to do some things for me."
"In addition, I am now of High Tier and have absorbed a portion of Adelaide's power, bringing it under my command. I can grant you a permanent blessing."
The illusory path symbolizing the future split into two forks before Xilǐ'er. Xilǐ'er didn't know which path led to a better future, but perhaps due to the inertia of the past century, Xilǐ'er still wanted to find an enlightened lord worthy of his loyalty.
In other words, he's a chosen employee, the kind who lacks ideas but has top-notch execution skills. He'll choose his boss, but he won't be his own boss.
Ed is patiently awaiting his decision.
Making a choice wasn't difficult; after all, Xilǐ'er had thought about it a lot over the past three days.
But when the moment of truth arrived, Xilǐ'er felt his heart race.
The middle-aged knight stood up and looked at Ed. After taking a deep breath, he knelt down on one knee with a serious expression. Ed knew what was about to happen when he saw this, so he immediately stood up and went to him.
The knight's upper body remained upright, only his head drooped slightly, performing the standard Old Kingdom knightly salute:
"My lord, please allow Xilǐ'er from the Duke Frostblade's Territory to offer you his eternal loyalty."
"As your knight, I will certainly fulfill my duty..."