Choosing the Future

The old man had lost count of how many times he had watched the sunrise over the sea.

After his ship was sunk, he was brought to this enormous and terrifying sea fortress. King Kudel's letter of credence was confiscated, and as an envoy, he had no choice but to wait here.

Ultimately, the King of Kudel decided to seek peace with the Magic Empire. He sent the old man as an envoy to try and establish contact with the Magic Empire. Of course, the Kudel were not foolish enough to be unaware of the power of the undead, so they chose another path—to go to the Magic Empire's ally, the Sea-Encircled Country, to deliver their letter of credence and sincerity to the Magic Empire.

At first, things went as everyone expected. Their ship was quickly discovered by the sea fortress of the Sea-Encircled Country, and the group was imprisoned. Their ship was also sunk. Although the old man explained his purpose to the guards, he was not received by the fortress ruler. Since he boarded the ship, he had been imprisoned in this small room made of steel. Apart from looking out the window at the scenery outside, the old man could do nothing.

Although the old man himself was well aware that this trip was nothing more than a gamble, he had no other choice. He had requested a meeting with the fortress commander several times, but received no response. His only stroke of luck was that the commander hadn't killed him, which meant there might still be a chance. Perhaps the Magic Empire was considering whether to allow Kudel to continue existing as a valuable ally. Frankly, the old man himself wasn't very confident about the likelihood of success.

Regardless of the circumstances, the Magic Empire was destroyed by the Five-Nation Alliance and five heroes. As one of the Five-Nation Alliance, Kudel naturally could not remain uninvolved. Although the King of Kudel offered very generous terms, whether these terms would be meaningful to the Magic Empire remained to be seen.

Of course, the old man hadn't been entirely without effort. He had hinted, even tentatively, at the situation in Kudel, recounting the innocent people who had starved to death there and the tragic tales of those who had perished at the hands of undead. He had hoped this would evoke some sympathy, but it seemed to have little effect. The old man, of course, didn't know that these guards weren't human, but guardians conjured by Dark Elf. They had been left by Li Lin at the sea fortress to protect and monitor Princess Shirley, and were now sent by Shirley to monitor this old man. If it were an ordinary human, they might have been swayed by the old man's tragic tales, but for Dark Elf, human suffering was merely a fleeting spectacle—moreover, Dark Elf themselves enjoyed witnessing human suffering.

On this day, the door was finally opened after the old man was arrested.

"Her Highness wishes to see you."

Staring at the expressionless guards outside the door, the old man felt a sudden jolt in his heart. He took a deep breath, straightened his body, straightened his clothes, and walked out of the room.

Guided by the guards, the old man arrived at the command center at the very top of the sea fortress. The opulent room was unbelievable for a military building; luxurious carpets covered the floor, and the walls were adorned with inexplicably ornate carvings and decorations. Of course, as the command center of the sea fortress, it was specially built by Li Lin for Princess Shirley's use. After all, as a princess and an ally, she deserved a certain degree of special treatment.

After the old man entered the room, he quickly saw the young girl sitting on the sofa, flipping through a report.

Princess Shirley?

The old man frowned slightly. He had heard rumors about this princess before, but now it seemed the rumors were clearly inaccurate. After all, if this princess were truly just a decorative figurehead and an unfavored noblewoman, as the rumors suggested, she would never have been able to sit in this position. If this sea fortress was indeed built by the Magic Empire, then surely the Magic Empire wouldn't have chosen someone who was merely decorative and had no practical significance?

While the old man was pondering these thoughts, Princess Shirley was also secretly groaning in despair.

In fact, after taking over the sea fortress, she naturally faced pressure from within the Sea-Encircled Country. Her father, the King of the Sea-Encircled Country, demanded that Princess Shirley relinquish control of the sea fortress. Princess Shirley, however, clearly had no intention of giving up. Using the orders and authority of the Arcane Mage, she gained actual control of the sea fortress and brought all her trusted people with her, beginning a subtle confrontation with her father. Although initially, Princess Shirley was somewhat reluctant, as she valued relationships highly. Although the king didn't particularly like her, she was still his biological daughter, and there was no need to go too far. This is why, even knowing it would be a suicidal mission, Princess Shirley still went to the Magic Empire.

However, while Princess Shirley valued family ties highly, she was not unaware of the political winds and Li Lin's intentions in entrusting the sea fortress to her. Princess Shirley was naturally well aware of this. Although she did not like Li Lin's actions, she lacked the power and qualifications to make demands on the Arcane Mage. Moreover, Princess Shirley understood that this was her last straw for survival. If she handed over the sea fortress, her fate would likely be lifelong confinement within the palace, random marriage into some noble family, or even complete disappearance.

Although they were prepared to sacrifice themselves for their country, they felt that such situations were far too common, even just once.

Therefore, to protect herself, Princess Shirley had no choice but to rely on the sea fortress, her only bargaining chip, to buy herself a chance. Afterwards, she began to suffer a series of assassination attempts. Although these attacks all failed against the Dark Elf, they completely broke Princess Shirley's heart. She had thought that as the king's biological daughter, she wouldn't threaten his throne and wouldn't be treated this way. However, the repeated attacks made Princess Shirley completely lose faith in her father, and she began to secretly confront the king.

Princess Shirley's strategy was also very clever.

Externally, she has been following Li Lin's orders to visit neighboring small countries, persuading them not to join the Five-Nation Alliance's suicidal act as cannon fodder. She also outlined the benefits Li Lin had hinted at, enticing these small countries to follow her lead. Princess Shirley has positioned herself as a "diplomatic envoy of the Magic Empire," ensuring that when these countries need to make decisions related to the Magic Empire, they will first think of Princess Shirley, not the King of the Sea-Encircled Country. In this sense, Princess Shirley is using foreign political pressure to force the King to reconsider his value and the risks of killing her. After all, although the Sea-Encircled Country, as the first ally, won't face severe punishment from the Magic Empire, if Princess Shirley dies, and the small countries lose their only possible connection with the Magic Empire, then punishing the Sea-Encircled Country in front of these countries under the pretext of "obstructing communication" wouldn't have particularly negative diplomatic repercussions.

However, the arrival of Kudel's envoy threw Princess Shirley, who was smoothly carrying out her plans, into a panic.

Just as Li Lin had guessed, Princess Shirley, though possessing considerable diplomatic knowledge and talent, lacked the most crucial quality that Catherine possessed—decisiveness.

For Catherine, as long as Li Lin gave her a goal, she would accomplish most things on her own without needing Li Lin's help. Only when she encountered dangerous situations that she might not be able to handle would she consult and report to Li Lin. Princess Shirley, however, was completely different. Perhaps because Catherine had become Li Lin's subordinate and slave, while she was merely an ordinary diplomatic envoy, Princess Shirley was very concerned about the potential impact of the Magic Empire's actions. Of course, she could pretend not to know about this, kill the old man and his men, and let the Magic Empire completely destroy Kudel. However, she dared not do so. After all, for Princess Shirley, Kudel was a great power, and in her view, it would be very advantageous for such a great power to become a vassal state of the Magic Empire. The Magic Empire was very likely not to refuse this proposal. From an ordinary person's perspective, it was very normal for Princess Shirley to think this way. After all, she was not a member of the Magic Empire and had not experienced the massacre a thousand years ago, so she naturally could not understand Li Lin and others' obsession with "revenge."

While Princess Shirley couldn't understand Li Lin's "fight to the death" and "kill the enemy without hesitation," she had her own considerations. If Kudel truly became a vassal state and ally of the Magic Empire, then the value of her own Sea-Encircled Country as an ally would be greatly diminished. After all, they didn't have any political resources worth trading with the Magic Empire. But Kudel was different; they possessed vast territory, a wealthy treasury, and a large labor force. If the Magic Empire truly accepted Kudel's surrender, then her and the Sea-Encircled Country's positions would soon be relegated to the sidelines.

Despite her concerns, Princess Shirley still hesitated to make a decision immediately. She feared that if the Arcane Mage learned that Kudel had once wanted to make peace with the Magic Empire but had been stopped by her, it would be detrimental to her. Frankly speaking, all the political and military capital that Princess Shirley currently possessed for independence was given to her by the Magic Empire. Once the Magic Empire took it back, a plucked phoenix would be no better than a chicken, and her future was easily predictable.

After much deliberation, Princess Shirley made a decision. She planned to meet with the Arcane Mage and then subtly bring up the matter. If Li Lin showed interest, she would go along with it. If Li Lin refused, she could simply continue carrying out her orders.

Unfortunately, Li Lin didn't give her that chance at all.

When Shirley used the magical teleportation given to her by Li Lin to contact Ringwraith City, she was disappointed to find that not only Li Lin, but even the Seven Ring Spirit Envoys were nowhere to be found. This meant she couldn't report her situation to Li Lin, nor to Nia or any other person with the power to make decisions and exert influence. This put Princess Shirley under considerable pressure. Although she vaguely suspected something, unlike Catherine, Princess Shirley wasn't yet capable of making decisive and unwavering choices.

So in the end, Princess Shirley decided to meet the old man first before making a decision.

"Hello."

Seeing the old man enter the room, Princess Shirley raised her head, gestured slightly to him, and then lowered her head again.

This gesture made the old man frown again. After all, he was considered an upper-class nobleman of Kudel, and he had visited many countries over the years. Even within the Five-Nation Alliance, he had never been treated so coldly, let alone when facing these small countries!

But now...

The old man sighed, gave Princess Shirley a slight nod as a greeting, and then just stood there... Was it intentional that she didn't say "please sit down"?

Silence fell. After the initial greeting, neither side spoke. Princess Shirley flipped through the documents in front of her, while the old man stood there. It was an invisible power struggle; whoever spoke first would relinquish the initiative.

However, the old man clearly didn't have that patience.

"Princess Shirley, I heard you wanted to see me?"

"It's nothing."

Princess Shirley finally raised her head, but there was something in her eyes that was hard to understand.

"Well then, let me introduce myself first..."

The old man bowed slightly, about to say something, but Princess Shirley interrupted him.

"I know who you are, Kudel, the diplomat... Mr. Garis, you've visited the Sea-Encircled Country more than once, so I have a strong impression of you. Of course, it seems you don't remember me at all."

"..."

The old man's words were stuck in his throat; what could he say?

"However, I'm really curious."

Princess Shirley did not stop talking.

"As one of the Five-Nation Alliance, a nation that once destroyed the Magic Empire under the leadership of the Five Heroes, is now actually turning around and seeking peace with the Magic Empire? To be honest, this has really changed my previous views and opinions. So, what exactly made you make such a decision?"

"..."

The old man didn't speak. Yes, after reaching this conclusion, they understood that they were likely to be labeled as traitors and cowards by others, but... they wanted to live, not be completely destroyed.

"Mr. Garis?"

"... I think you should know that very well, Princess Shirley."

The old man sighed deeply; he could no longer run away.

"We, the Kudel, are utterly powerless against the undead army of the Magic Empire. We cannot annihilate them, nor can we stop them. So, before our people are completely wiped out, suing for peace is the only thing we can do, isn't it? Indeed, it is a difficult decision for us, but we have no other way, we have no other choice. This is the only thing we can do."

I agree with you.

Princess Shirley put down the documents in her hands and crossed her arms.

"Then why did you come to us?"

"You are allies of the Magic Empire, aren't you?"

The old man gave a wry smile.

"Besides the Magic Empire, I can't think of any other country in the world that could build such a magnificent and enormous sea fortress."

"That's true."

Princess Shirley readily admitted to what the old man said, though it's unclear which part she was admitting to.

"The Undead Legion is beyond communication. We cannot entrust the fate of our empire to undead creatures. Therefore, I can only entrust this to you, Princess Shirley. For our sake as fellow humans, please convey our nation's goodwill to the Arcane Mage on my behalf."

As he spoke, the old man bowed deeply to Princess Shirley. But...

"Please raise your head, Mr. Garis. The envoy of Kudel cannot possibly bow so deeply to a small country like ours."

Princess Shirley's voice, however, plunged the old man's heart into an icy abyss.

"What... do you mean by this?"

The literal meaning of the words.

Princess Shirley sighed softly.

"While I understand what you're trying to say, unfortunately, I think I must decline your request."

"Why!"

Upon hearing this, the old man excitedly took a step forward, but then two guards stopped him.

"Before you arrived, I was still hesitant... but after you entered the room, I made my decision. The reason is simple: you didn't bow to me immediately."

"This...!!"

"I imagine you're still hesitating, Lord Garis."

As she spoke, Princess Shirley smiled.

"For a powerful nation like Kudel, one of the Five-Nation Alliance, to have its diplomatic envoy bow down to the princess of such a small country is truly unacceptable, isn't it?"

"You've misunderstood, Princess Shirley, I didn't mean to do that..."

I think I haven't misunderstood.

Princess Shirley shook her head as she spoke.

"Then, Mr. Garis, please tell me, if the Magic Empire agrees to your proposal, how will things change?"

"This..."

"You'll still be the same as before, won't you? Although you live a humiliating life under the rule of the country you once destroyed, you still live, possessing power and status that we can never attain. And in the end, that's all."

"I don't understand what you mean, Princess Shirley."

Twenty-one times.

"Why?"

Upon hearing this, the old man was slightly taken aback.

"You have visited the Sea-Encircled Country twenty-one times, but you have never once paid a formal courtesy to your father... has that not been true?"

"..."

"It's alright if you don't need to answer. I understand perfectly well that a small country like ours has no right to interact with the Five-Nation Alliance on an equal footing. However, we are also well aware of how the people of Kudel regard us. You see us as uncivilized barbarians, as inferiors. In your eyes, we are nothing more than a lowly little country and subjects devoid of any civilization. Even if you are accepted by the Magic Empire, this idea will likely remain unchanged, won't it? Although you are still relatively polite to me now, will you still treat us this way once you are also under the protection of the Magic Empire? I doubt it. At that time, you will strive to obtain better treatment and status than we have... That's understandable, but frankly, I don't like it."

"... Just because of that?"

The old man stared at Princess Shirley with wide eyes in surprise.

"Your Highness, please consider this carefully... We are not..."

"I think I don't need to think about it anymore."

Princess Shirley spoke, taking out a letter— Kudel's letter of state—and gently tossing it into the fireplace beside her. The letter was quickly and completely destroyed by the flames, leaving no trace. Seeing this, the old man felt all his strength drain away; he could barely stand, his legs trembling slightly.

"I don't think you need to look so dejected, Mr. Garis. You know as well as I do that this was just a gamble. And... you should be thankful that, at least, you died at the hands of humans, not under the teeth of undead."

"I see..."

The old man sighed deeply, but the next moment, he suddenly straightened up, his eyes shining with a light he had never seen before.

"Well then, I have one last question, and on my own behalf, I'd like to get an answer to it."

"Excuse me."

Seeing the old man who suddenly seemed like a different person, Princess Shirley hesitated for a moment before responding.

"Princess Shirley, you are human, the citizens of the Sea-Encircled Country are human, and we, the people of Kudel, are human too."

"..."

"Why, why did you choose to ally with the Magic Empire? Why would you rather choose a country you know nothing about than help us, fellow human beings? Is it merely for the sake of pride?"

"It is precisely because I do not understand the Magic Empire that I accept it."

Princess Shirley pondered for a moment before answering.

"Indeed, as you said, we are just ordinary humans, and so am I. I don't use magic, nor do I possess any sword skills. I once visited the capital of the Magic Empire and saw sights I had never imagined. I admit, even now, I still don't understand what the Arcane Mage and those other mages are thinking."

"So..."

"However, I understand the Kudel's thoughts."

Anger blazed in Princess Shirley's eyes.

"You treat us as an uncivilized, barbaric people. In your eyes, we are only fit to be your subordinates and slaves. You buy all our possessions at low prices and then sell them back to us at high prices. Before you, we have no dignity whatsoever. No Kudel person respects us. Even a princess like me cannot receive the respect I deserve in your country. You do not wish to live with us; in your view, living with us would be a disgrace to your status. We are all human beings? Yes, then... I would like to ask, why did you send warships to blockade our sea routes at the very beginning of the war? Why did you plunder all our resources?" "Go to Kudel? Are we your allies? Are we your vassal states? No, you treat our Sea-Encircled Country like a warehouse, coming and going as you please, taking as much as you want, without caring about our opinions or considering our feelings. Indeed, I don't know much about the Magic Empire; perhaps they are more arrogant than you, and perhaps they respect us more... But as things stand, I would rather associate with a country I don't yet understand, one I can gradually learn about later, than travel with a country I know very well—so well that I know there's no possibility of any change."

With that, Princess Shirley let out a long sigh.

"I think you should have been prepared for this... Mr. Garis, it was Kudel forced us to make this choice."