Civilization: Beyond Two Worlds

Right now, the last place Kant wanted to go was probably Lucerne.

His father-in-law was furious.

Thunder was furious.

“What have you done!”

Archduke Rechnos looked like an enraged lion. He glared at Kant with fury, disappointment, and even disgust in his eyes.

The so-called etiquette had already been thrown to the back of his mind. He even wanted to rush up and grab Kant’s collar, but he was stopped by Sylmeria. The Snowfall Sword Saint knew Kant’s temperament.

Even though his sister had stopped him, the archduke still roared at Kant.” You said you wanted to save the refugees from the Broken Islands. I provided you with supplies and sent you an engineering army. How did you repay me? You’ve provoked another terrible enemy for Goethe! It might even put the entire West Coast in danger!”

” I understand how you feel,” Kant said calmly.” But it’s not my fault.”

“It’s not your fault? You were aggressive, forcefully occupied the Far Harbor, massacred the nobles, and even caused trouble for the Broken Islands. If you hadn’t provoked the Broken Islands, would this have happened? How many people were there in the Broken Islands? How many did you save? How many people died because of this?”

Kant was still repeating the same words, but his tone had turned cold.

” That’s not my fault. You shouldn’t blame me.”

“I’m not blaming you! I don’t care how many people die on the Broken Islands! But-”

The room echoed with the archduke’s roar. He struggled with all his might, trying to break free from the Sword Saint’s grip. At the same time, he roared,” But the people of the distant lands are my subjects! All the cities and towns on the west coast are my territory! They barely survived Mu Yue’s attack, but because of you, they were in danger! You lured an enemy more dangerous than elves to Goethe!”

“..”

Kant frowned.

Judging from the results, it was indeed the case. In the end, the God of the Star Palace had descended and the peerless beast had revived in advance because of the return of the Fire Stealer. But why did the Fire Stealer return?

The logic behind this was too complicated, so complicated that he did not want to explain it at all.

Moreover, the current archduke probably wouldn’t listen to an explanation.

“I feel sorry for this.” Kant said,” I’ll try my best to resolve this matter.”

” Yes, yes, you can solve it. You can always win. You can defeat the elves, fight the dragons, and even defeat the three countries when they work together. I can believe that you can still win this time, but…”

The archduke calmed down and looked at Kant with a cold gaze.

“But is this the end?”

“Won’t we provoke new enemies in the future?”he asked.

” How many more times will Goethe take risks with you?”

“Can you protect these innocent people from danger and death every time? If you try your best to solve this problem, the West Coast will still have to sacrifice a lot. The next time you encounter another enemy, will Goethe be forced to stand with you and sacrifice himself because of your choice?”

” You…” Rechnos looked at Kant with a dark gaze.” Answer me. How long will this sacrifice and cooperation last?” Are you going to be satisfied only after the last Goethe is drained of blood?”

At this point, the expressions of the three people in the room changed at the same time.

“Father!”

“Father!”

“Hey!”

Tina, Stella, and Sylmeria looked at the archduke at the same time.

They could smell the uneasiness in this question that was close to breaking off.

Kant exhaled slowly.

He looked at the unqualified monarch in front of him.” I thought that Goethe and I were comrades who advanced and retreated together. We were companions who understood each other. We were fellow travelers with common interests and ideals.”

“I thought so too at first.”

The archduke straightened his back as well. He spoke to Kant as the archduke of Goethe.

” I’m filled with gratitude towards you, and I’m still grateful to you now. Your fearless act of righteousness saved Goethe from the Elven army. I once thought that you were an emissary sent by the gods, someone Tina could entrust her life to. I even considered making Tina the new archduke in exchange for your eternal protection of Goethe…”

“But what have you done?” Rechnos whispered. You have constantly provoked new enemies for Goethe, and you have also changed our traditions, challenging the order of nobility that has existed since ancient times. You pity the commoners and despise the nobles. You have forcibly occupied Goethe’s land, and you have tarnished the reputation of Tedarell.”

“Don’t you know how bad your reputation in Goethe has become? Over a month ago, everyone in Lucerne, from the nobles to the beggars, was filled with gratitude towards you. But now, there are countless criticisms, curses, resentment, and curses directed at you. You have been taking risks and doing dangerous things. You have been provoking enemies for yourself, as if you believe that you will win every time, but have you ever thought…”

The archduke sighed.” If you lose, even if it’s just once, with your power as a Forbidden Mage and your attainments as a Grandmaster Alchemist, you’ll have a way out no matter what. But what about Goethe? How many of us are going to die? How many losses? Enough, I’ve really had enough. This country has had enough…”

His tone was filled with desolation and exhaustion.

After inheriting the position of Grand Duke, Rechnos had never slacked off for a single day in the past few decades.

He believed that he was responsible for the country and the people. He was conscientious and diligent in governing. He wanted to restore Goethe’s former glory and pull the country out of the quagmire of continuous decline. However, this was the sorrow of the world. Individual diligence was not enough to change the general trend. He tried his best to govern, trying to break through the elven blockade and restart the great sea route. In the end, it led to the invasion of the Sunset Moon, and the country almost perished.

Decades of hard work had led to such a result. The country had suffered a war, and countless warriors had died. Rechnos did not say anything, but this huge blow had silently destroyed all his spirit and will. Now, he only wanted the country to be stable.

He only hoped that the people could live in peace in the coming days and no longer suffer setbacks and tribulations.

This was an irreconcilable conflict between him and Kant.

” What do you want?” Kant looked at the lifeless lion with an indifferent expression.

The archduke did not answer. He turned to look at his two daughters, who had different expressions on their faces.

Tina and Stella were his treasures, his beloved children.

“Do you know why I’m angry? It’s not just you who brought danger to Goethe.”

He closed his eyes.

” It’s because your actions led to a result. You made me realize that not only am I not a qualified monarch, but I must also become a failed father.”

He gently pushed Sylmeria away and sat back in his chair.

” You asked the dynasty for help, right? Your Forbidden Spell can’t safely deal with that monster.”

” The Emperor’s proposal has been sent over. At the same time, rumors have already spread throughout Lucerne. I’m afraid that the Empire, the Council, and even the elves are involved. The rumors spread very quickly, and no one will stop them. It won’t be long before even the commoners will know what you’ve attracted to Goethe.”

” The emperor has two suggestions,” the archduke said tiredly.” First, Goethe will be officially incorporated into the empire, and all military and diplomatic powers will belong to the emperor. The next archduke will be appointed by the emperor and will pay taxes. Also, Stella will marry a prince of the empire as an in-law.”

Stella’s face turned pale instantly.

” But this should be the emperor’s strategy and negotiation method. He gave two conditions. One was an extremely harsh price, and the other was a real demand.”

” What’s that?” Kant raised his eyebrows.

The archduke glanced at Tina.” You join the Empire, and the Emperor will split the land for you to build a country. You will provide the Empire with forbidden spells and alchemy, and the Empire will provide you with endless honor, a huge territory, loyal subjects, and any support you need, whether it’s an army, wealth, resources, or anything else. As a form of alliance or contract, the Emperor will need you to marry a princess of the Empire. Any one of them will do.”

Tina’s expression was calm, and she even shook her head slightly.

Rexnos retracted his gaze and revealed a mocking smile.

“Do you understand? Kant, you have made me a failed father, and a failed monarch at that. If I choose the former, I will have let down Goethe, my ancestors, and my second daughter.”

” If I choose the latter, I will sacrifice my youngest daughter’s love and dignity.”

As he spoke, he even laughed. You saved my country, then you stole my daughter, then you made me the laughing stock of the nobles, you challenged my authority, you openly took away Far Harbor from me, and you made me a duke who couldn’t even manage my son-in-law well, and couldn’t even protect my country. I could care less about all of this, but you brought war to my people.”

The archduke covered his face, and faint tears streaked across his cheeks.

“Moreover, you can’t handle this matter…”

He sobbed,” If I want to protect the citizens of the West Coast, I have to agree to the Empire’s conditions. If I choose the former, I will be a failed monarch and a failed father. If I choose the latter, I will also be a failed father. Kant, I have actually failed a long time ago, but I still think of myself as a competent father. I used to be proud of that, but now, the last of my dignity has been taken away by you…”

Rexnos covered his face and sobbed like a child.

“I’m nothing anymore…”

Tina and Stella also cried. They wanted to go up and comfort their father, but the archduke waved his hand hard. Don’t come over!”

He covered his face and rubbed his eyes hard.

Kant stood there blankly.

” Don’t worry,” he said.” You’ll always be a good father.”

The archduke looked at Kant slowly.

Kant shook his head.” There’s no need to consider the Empire’s conditions. There’s no need to agree to them.”

“You know what?” Rechnos whispered. If it wasn’t for Tina, I wouldn’t even hesitate to beg you to agree to the Empire’s conditions. Goethe is too young to bear you.”

“.. Tsk, it’s really strange. Other families ridicule their son-in-law and drive him out of the house, and then the son-in-law says that Goethe is not a live-in son-in-law. But you’re the other way around.”

Kant shrugged.” I won’t agree to the dynasty’s request.”

“Why?”

” Because I’m going to kill First Prince Alex. I still haven’t gotten my revenge for Bright Sand.”

The knight’s friend said calmly,” That’s why I didn’t recommend Goethe to join the empire and marry Stella to that prince. If I wanted to kill Alex, the empire would definitely stop me. If the empire stopped me, I would have to destroy the empire as well. It would be a little awkward if we met on the battlefield.”

Apart from Tina, the other three people revealed looks of shock and astonishment at the same time.

They even felt like they were in a trance, wondering if they had heard wrongly.

Although Kant’s tone was calm, they could clearly sense the determination and murderous intent in his voice. This was indeed the man’s plan. He was not lying.

He wanted to kill the eldest son of the largest and most powerful empire in the history of the human world.

If this country wanted to stop him, he would even destroy them.

After a long daze, the archduke suddenly stood up.

” What?” After the shock, he was even more furious. The weakness he showed was replaced by anger. He growled,” You still want to start a war with the Empire? Are you still going to drag Goethe along?”

Kant raised an eyebrow.” During the Songmoon War, the Empire was the nominal suzerain of Goethe. Not only did it sit on the sidelines, but it also secretly made plans with Mu Yue to divide Goethe. Not only that, but it also plotted to kill Goethe’s diplomatic mission. Such a great humiliation. Have you never thought of revenge?”

“Revenge is too extravagant for the current Goethe,” the archduke said painfully as he closed his eyes.

Kant looked at him for a long time before shaking his head.

“Weak? Foolish? Naive? They wanted to murder my daughter, and I wished I could eat them alive. But I’m not only a father, I’m also the King of Goethe. I can’t let my people step onto the battlefield and sacrifice their lives because of my personal hatred, because they also have daughters, and they are also children…”

The archduke looked at Kant and said firmly,” Goethe will never dance to your will. Kant, I don’t want to be your enemy. Don’t make things difficult for the people we love.”

There was no point in saying more.

Kant shook his head.” We’ll see. I don’t want to be your enemy. Don’t stand in my way.”

” What about you, Kant?” The archduke called out from behind him.

“What?” The Fire Stealer stopped in his tracks.

“I know that in your eyes, I’m weak, stupid, and old. I don’t want to be the master of a strong country anymore. I just want my people to live in peace. For the sake of the commoners of Far Harbor, you’ve become enemies with the nobles. You’ve saved the lives of the Broken Isles regardless of their status, but do you think they’ll be grateful to you for this?”

“Rumors have already spread in Lucerne, and I’m afraid it’s the same in Distant Harbor!” he shouted. They will know that you are the one who attracted the monster. Even if you are not, the person who spread the rumors will lead such a lie! If there are any casualties or injuries in the Far Harbor, everyone who respects you will immediately hate you! You can’t even count on the refugees of the Broken Islands to thank you! They will think that you caused all of this!”

“So, what is the point of your persistence, kindness, and patience? You should know the result!”

“I want to know why,” Rexnos asked.

Kant’s back froze for a moment. Perhaps a very long time.

“I don’t expect them to understand or be grateful for what I’m doing,” he said calmly without turning back.

With that, he pushed open the door and left.

Tina looked at her father worriedly before chasing after him.

” I’m sorry,” Kant said as he looked down the sky corridor of Maple Leaf Castle.

Tina walked over and held his hand naturally.” It’s okay. I know.”

” I’ll take care of it.” Kant shook his hand gently.” I’ll settle this matter.”

“Yes.”

Kant turned around and said,”The Empire’s proposal…”

” Why are you explaining this to me?” The princess turned her head and smiled gently. I didn’t take it to heart when Father said it. I’m not stupid.”

Her eyes curved into crescents.

“Even if you want to sell yourself, there’s a more suitable buyer.” She smiled and said,” It must be much better than the Empire…”

Kant was stunned.

“Alright, I’m fine. The situation is urgent and I’m very busy. Hurry up and get to work.” Tina hugged Kant gently and stopped him from continuing.

She pressed her face against the Fire Stealer’s broad back. She was silent for a moment. Then, she said softly,” Kant, you can do whatever is necessary. But there’s only one thing. Don’t abandon me. Otherwise, I won’t be able to live.”

Kant fell silent. Then, he slowly pressed down Tina’s hand that was hugging him.

Far Harbor.

The Realm Gate opened, and the Fire Stealer returned because he had received a message from Horus.

Father, I’ve discovered something.”

Kant walked out of the tent. He was about to listen to his iron son’s report when he suddenly saw Hong San striding toward him.” Your Highness, rumors have begun to spread in the distant port and the temporary camp.”

Kant’s eyes narrowed. He closed his eyes, took a few deep breaths, and opened them.

” As expected,” he said coldly.” Use the broadcast to appease the citizens and say that everything is under control. The relevant departments should pay attention to appease them and mobilize combat troops to prevent unrest. Horus, find the source of the rumors, and then…”

At this point, he stopped because Hong San was laughing.

“What’s wrong?”

“Your Highness, I just thought of something happy.” ” I’m surprised, excited, and incredulous,” the Skyquaking man said with a smile.

“What?”

A puppet dog bounced over, and the military notebook on its back opened.

A scene was played inside.

One person was beating up another person, and the person who was beaten up was struggling and howling.

“Why did you hit me? Let me go!”

“Because you have bad intentions!”

“I’m not lying! All of this was caused by Kant! A terrifying monster is attacking the distant port. Your home and your loved ones will be destroyed and killed!”

“Bullshit!”

“It’s true! Kant is lying to you!”

“F * ck you!” The man who hit her swung his fist.” I’m not stupid! Everything His Highness Kant says is true. He’ll provide us with food and water, work points, and food. Who the f * ck are you? Why should I believe you?”

The scene changed.

Another strong man with a fierce appearance held down the person who wanted to escape like he was holding a chicken.

“Where did this idiot come from? I wonder if I can get a few work points for catching a spy…”

The scene kept flashing.

Some were audio.

Some were angry, some were mocking, and some were reasoning seriously.

“I don’t think I have anything worth lying to.”

“Are you saying that His Highness Kant spent so much money just to deceive us? Why?”

“Son of a b * tch, I believed in bastards like you before. You said bad things about His Highness Kant, so I was hit twenty times on the butt. I almost didn’t get my identity card! You still dare to use such tricks to deceive your grandfather!”

“Someone come! Someone come! Someone here is badmouthing His Highness Kant!”

“Kill him! Kill him!”

“Don’t kill him! Send him to the patrol team for interrogation! Find out his accomplices!”

“There’s a spy!”

Kant stared and listened silently.

Hong San said,” Almost all the people who spread the rumor were reported and discovered by the people from afar. Some were captured and beaten up, while others were temporarily stabilized. Then, some citizens informed us…Your Highness, I’ve never seen such a situation. The civilians spontaneously boycotted all rumors on a large scale…”

” I’m a little ashamed,” he said.” At first, I even thought that they would be easily incited by rumors. I was also prepared for a large-scale suppression and punishment.”

Hong San cupped his hands and bowed to Kant.” You have built up such prestige and trust in such a short period of time. My lord, you are truly a rare talent.”

Kant shook his head silently.

He looked at the image on the screen and listened to the unhesitating voices. Suddenly, he laughed.

“So similar.”

“What?”

“People like my grandparents… They don’t know how big the world is, how the world works, how the great powers flourish, and how our country weakens. Compared to us, they know too little.”

” They don’t know anything,” Kant mumbled.” In fact, they’ve spent their entire lives wandering about a dozen miles away. However, they seem to instinctively trust and believe in something…”

” Now I understand why. I also understand why they must not be let down.”

“So…”

“I’ve decided.”

” I want to keep the danger out of their sight,” Kant said softly.

Hong San had no idea what his lord was talking about.

However, it did not stop him from remembering that very important matter.

“Speaking of this, my lord, I have a countermeasure.” He said in a subtle tone,” It’s just a little troublesome. I need you to make a trip. Go…”

” No need.” Kant waved his hand.” I already have an idea.”

” I’ll leave the distant port to you. I’ll go and borrow something.” He patted Hong San’s shoulder.

“What? My lord! Your Highness!”

Hong San extended his hand, but Kant had already opened the Realm Gate.

On the sea, the Azure Fleet.

The deep-sea behemoth had awakened. With a single command, billions of sea monsters went to pay their respects. The siege of the fleet had been lifted. They received the command and retreated to observe. Kant had teleported over through the spatial beacon he had left behind earlier.

“You said that you owe me a favor. Now, I want you to return it.”

Kant raised his hand in front of the fleet commander. An ethereal misty crystal floated in his palm.

” All the magic power of an entire Azure Fleet.”

“Fill it up,”he said.

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

[PS 1: 6,000 words…] Sigh, this chapter was a little rushed. It could have been expanded to at least 8,000 words. (Distant)