Civilization: Beyond Two Worlds

277 I Want to See the Elven Empress

After returning to the Vidal Chamber of Commerce from the city hall, Kang De closed his door.

As expected, the content of this meeting was quickly leaked. Even if the elves did not add fuel to the fire, it was impossible for the Goethe people present to remain silent.

This was a matter that concerned the interests of all Goethe people.

For a moment, it was as if a piece of metal sodium had been thrown into the calm lake. An intense boiling and even explosion swept out. Be it the Goethe nobles or the spies of the various countries, everyone was stunned by the conditions set by the elves and could barely speak.

The powerful hegemon of the world actually bowed to a human and offered such sincerity. This was unique… and it was very dangerous.

This meant that the terrifying power of destroying the city and army would converge to a certain extent with Twilight.

As long as Kang De nodded and agreed, Goethe would immediately break free from the danger of losing their country. Moreover, it would become the most prestigious elf vassal in history—it did not even have to be a vassal.

Not to mention anything else, just the fact that the elves shared the sea route was enough for Goethe to complete a huge turnaround in ten years, let alone the communication between the Twilight Dynasty in terms of military and magic.

With the powerful support of the Twilight Dynasty, Goethe could even turn east and discuss the position of the other party as the so-called ruler of the human world with the Empire.

It could be imagined how far-reaching an impact this treaty would have on the world.

This was the world overlord.

Even if he had suffered a heavy setback in Valentine, the might of the overlord was still there. Just casually pushing out this suggestion could shock Kang De, who had created the war legend, the Duchy of Goethe, who had seen hope, and all the countries on the continent who were watching the show and having fun.

For this, almost all the famous figures who had stopped in Valentine City gathered at His Highness Kang De’s residence. They yearned to see him, ask him, test him, ask for information, listen to his teachings, and guess his true thoughts.

It was not only political needs but also benefits.

This was because these people all knew that the most valuable and precious thing in the world was information.

He had obtained the news before others.

This was because the conditions given by the elves were too generous. Not only was it a personal courtesy to His Highness Kang De, but the entire Goethe had benefited. For example, opening up the sharing route meant that the sea trade and import-and-export-related industries of Goethe would welcome a terrifying development. At this moment, it would be faster to attack first, hoard goods, and buy ships. If he could start setting up before everyone, it would mean countless huge benefits.

Driven by this request for benefits, all the nobles turned into amiable and approachable sages. They held the hand of even an ordinary servant kindly as if they were meeting a king.

Their smiles were warm and even fawning. They spoke to the inferior people they usually disdained to look at in the most humble tone they had in their lives and generously gave them money. As long as the other party could give even a little useful information clue, the gold coins in their hands would be stuffed over like rocks.

However, they were all disappointed.

The only news they could obtain was that when Prince Kang De returned, his expression was still amiable and his emotions were very stable. As usual, he did not show any abnormal performance.

Soon, Prince Kang De’s head butler, Hong San, the Cathayan, appeared in front of everyone and posted an announcement in response to everyone. Prince Kang De felt that the fate and future of Goethe would be decided by the Goethe people. The elves’ suggestion had to be discussed by the Tedrell family on behalf of this country.

Prince Kang De would not express any opinion on this alone.

However, just this announcement was enough for everyone to make a judgment.

This was because the conditions of the elves were too generous.

Be it Kang De or Grand Duke Tedrell, it was impossible for them to not agree.

To Kang De, this treaty meant that he did not have to make a fatal enemy of the world’s hegemon. It also meant that he could legitimately rule a country and even bring the armies of the Western world back to his hometown to save his home as a hero. What reason did he have to disagree?

This was even more so for Grand Duke Tedrell. On one hand, his kingdom would be destroyed, and on the other hand, he would recuperate with the support of the elves, strengthen the country, and even add a crown. What reason did he have to object?

Therefore, many people had already made a decision.

In their opinion, this war that was originally without suspense but had suddenly changed was about to end.

The Goethe people were going to live a good life, and the people of the surrounding countries… were going to take action.

The news was transmitted, faster than before.

From the beginning to the end, no one doubted that the elves would keep their word.

This was very normal. Regardless of whether the rumors spreading now were voluntarily released by the elves, since this rumor had consequences and the elves did not deny it, it meant that the elves had tacitly agreed to all of this.

Unless they thought of a way to kill Kang De, if they suddenly turned hostile and denied everything after the dust settled, this would definitely incur his total anger, causing the entire country to never have peace.

With the size of the Twilight Dynasty, there was no need for them to take such a risk.

“…This is an open scheme. We have to think of a way!”

In the main building of the Vidal Chamber of Commerce, there was a central secret room with no windows on all sides. There were the most loyal guards guarding from afar and not allowing anyone to approach. In the room, Hong San paced and paced, talking to himself, his expression changing. Kang De sat on a chair and wrote words word by word.

He was writing to Tina and even to his nominal father-in-law.

Be it out of politeness or standing, he had to officially express his attitude on this matter.

Hong San swayed in front of him. Kang De sighed and looked up, “Hey, stop pacing.”

The Cathayan stopped and an anxious expression appeared on his face, “Your Highness! This is the plan of the elves!”

Kang De said indifferently, “I know… We’ve also been scheming against them. Aren’t we allowed them to return? It’s their ability to have this courage and this thought.”

He wrote a few more times, then pointed outside with the tip of his pen. “As for those Goethe people outside, let them be. You once said that I’ve done enough for Goethe. It’s their turn to do something.”

If they were willing to kneel and be dogs, why should he pull them up and be blamed by them?

Hong San’s expression froze slightly. After a moment of silence, he said softly, “Your Highness, if Grand Duke Tedrell and Princess Tina agree to the conditions proposed by the elves… what will you do?”

Hong San was not asking if Kang De agreed.

This was because Kang De would definitely agree.

The master of this country, the citizens of this country, his “father-in-law” and “wife” had both agreed. How could it be the turn of an outsider like Kang De to object? It would be funny to argue and continue to fight the elves.

Hong San wanted to know what Kang De would do next after he had no choice but to agree.

Kang De stopped writing for a moment as if thinking. Confusion flashed through his eyes. Then, he lowered his head and continued, saying, “It depends on whether Goethe and the elves understand anything.”

Although the terms proposed by the elves looked so generous to the world and were actually really so, they would not let Kang De lose his mind.

As an ordinary person, he had never enjoyed true power and had not tasted the feeling of being high and mighty and in power. The elves’ suggestion was actually to give him the two countries of Cathay and Goethe and give him a noble status and huge military power. However, even Tagris did not expect this. Kang De did not feel anything about this at all and only felt that it was very powerful.

He would not expect where Kang De came from and what he had.

The ability and foundation Kang De had so far were enough for him to obtain everything he wanted on the more developed and familiar Earth. Although the power and status of the other world were good, it did not seem to be that good.

As for sending troops to support Kang De and help him support his motherland…

That was even more of a joke.

—D*mn, if you have the ability to send me to the end of the Ming Dynasty or the Republic of China, I’ll definitely be very interested. Attack? What kind of place is Cathay?

The beautiful future painstakingly woven by the Twilight Dynasty was not attractive to Kang De, so he could look at the problem more calmly. The treatment provided for him only had two goals. They could either pull him into the same camp or kick him to Cathay and kill him.

Those generous conditions aimed at Goethe were actually hidden poison.

Compared to Goethe, Twilight had an overwhelming advantage in the fields of economy, politics, culture, military, technology, and so on. In Kang De’s knowledge, if such comprehensive communication between two countries with a huge difference in strength was definitely a complete assimilation of ideology and a powerful invasion of soft strength, it would definitely be a huge disaster for the weak.

The free treatment provided by the strong to the weak was actually very expensive.

History told Kang De that once a country established an overall advantage in the economic field, it would definitely raise the flag of free trade. When their powerful manufacturing industry was enough to form a competitive advantage over the world, why not embrace free trade and snatch the money of other countries?

England in the industrial era, the United States after World War II, and [Beep—] were all like this.

Since the elves surpassed Goethe in all aspects, the so-called comprehensive communication was only a terrifying assimilation. In a few years, it could turn Goethe into an elf inside and out.

As for sharing the route, it was even more obvious. What was given to you was yours. If he did not want to give it to him, he could take it back at any time. Goethe had now suffered a heavy blow to its sea trade because of the sanctions and blockade of the elves. The other party’s invincible navy was here. Giving it to him was as simple as taking it back.

If Kang De interfered, even if there was full open communication, the invasion of the elves’ soft strength would be a joke. Perhaps the Twilight Dynasty would even turn into Kang De inside and out. Everything Earthlings had created in the 100 to 200 years after the industrial era was not something the current elves could compare to.

As long as he was given time…

As long as he was willing to do it…

Therefore, the question Hong San asked was actually straight to the point.

He wanted to know what Kang De had to do after this.

Therefore, Kang De replied that it depended on Goethe and the elves.

The elf’s suggestion was ill-intended. Kang De could tell. It was impossible for Grand Duke Tedrell and Tina, or even the smart people in this country, not to see it.

However, this was the sad part of humans.

Humans could not maintain their rationality forever. Or rather, rationality and courage were very extravagant, because that was often accompanied by pain. Compromise, disregard, numbness, and retreat would bring benefits and joy.

If they agreed, Goethe would become extremely rich and prosperous in the next few decades. People would obtain huge benefits and benefits, but in a few decades, the potential danger would erupt. However, at that time, the people who made the decision had already enjoyed enough benefits and made arrangements for the family. They would even pass away one after another, and the future danger would no longer be related to them…

—What would they choose?

The difference between the choices made was often the difference between politicians.

This was what Kang De wanted to see.

In the end, the fate of Goethe had to be decided by the Goethe people themselves.

Grand Duke Tedrell, Tina, and the brave people of this country that he had never met… He did not want or have the obligation to bear all of this alone.

The ugly thing that had happened on Valentine’s night a few days ago… once was enough.

He looked at Hong San and slowly revealed a gentle smile.

“Don’t worry,” he said with a smile. “It’s even better if the Goethe people are all so useless.”

For some reason, Hong San seemed to have understood this smile and could not help but shiver. Moreover, he felt an extremely cold feeling.

He composed himself slightly and said bitterly, “However, the challenge doesn’t only come from here. The person who doesn’t want to see this treaty signed the most must be the Empire. They have an old grudge against Your Highness and will definitely have the conspiracy to deal with it. Along the way, I’ve been thinking that even if the Empire takes the gentlest and most careful attitude, it will take action.”

At this point, Hong San sighed, “For example, not long after the treaty is signed, the entire continent will spread the atrocities of the barbarians in the north of Cathay. The entire Western civilization is paying attention to the cruel destruction of the ancient Eastern Empire by those barbarians. The great leaders of various countries and races were instructed by the gods overnight and are filled with the brilliance of civilization. The various countries will definitely take practical actions and explore the possibility of military support and armed interference in Cathay. The commander-in-chief will definitely be you.”

“The kidnapping of public opinion you mentioned is like this. In the current mainstream understanding, gratitude and loyalty are the most recognized perfect qualities. These are things any big shot with a good image has to protect and possess.”

“After the treaty is signed, you will become the strongest and most famous figure on this continent. You will build your strength and reputation in a foreign country and return to your homeland with powerful strength and support to save your citizens. This is the loyalty expressed in every legendary story.”

“The various countries will ask you amicably if you need the volunteer army and military support. The citizens will discuss when you’ll return east. Our Cathayan compatriots in the exiled continent will find you and cry and beg. They’ll tell you about the atrocities of the enemies, the suffering of the empire, and the blood debts. They’ll even die to show their sincerity and beg you to return as soon as possible. The Cathayans will spontaneously pledge their loyalty to you and be willing to follow you back. The Imperial Court will send important ministers to visit three times…”

“Everyone will think of a way to let you return to Cathay, be it the countries of the continent, the elves, or Cathay… This is almost the alliance of the entire world.”

“If you don’t agree, if you stay in Goethe…”

At this point, Hong San stopped.

There was no need to say the rest. Everyone would understand.

He concluded, “In short, everyone will think of a way to send you, a rule breaker, to another continent. It’s best if you never return—this is only the gentlest, most cautious, and timid method.”

“There are even more intense, terrifying, and sinister ones.”

His tone was heavy and his eyes were serious.

This was what he had been worried about.

The elves’ unstoppable and grand scheme was enough to stir the storm in the entire world.

Kang De was only silent for a moment. He shook his head and smiled, “Oh.”

It was a simple word.

However, his expression, tone, actions, and even reaction time were enough to become unnoticeable details.

Hearing this and seeing Kang De’s performance, Hong San’s pupils constricted violently.

His long-standing confusion and guesses were forcefully confirmed at this moment. The huge impact resulting was even several times greater than the elf’s previous suggestion, even making his legs go weak.

Kang De seemed to sense something and looked up at him. “What’s wrong?”

Hong San smiled bitterly and said, “You’re a little… too calm. It’s so calm that I’m a little afraid.”

Kang De did not probe further because there was no reason to suspect anything. He smiled, “Calm… a little. I’m indeed not too flustered. Along the way, there are very few things that make me flustered.”

The gorilla, who had been acting as a bodyguard and had not left his side, snorted, “That’s right, what’s there to be afraid of? At most, we’ll go home. Who can do anything to us?”

Kang De shook her hand and smiled nostalgically as he recalled the days of the Holy Seal Islands.

This was indeed a good idea.

The surroundings of the Holy Seal Islands suppressed all supernatural forces. The elves were known as the hegemons of the world, and their magic technology was number one in the world. There were as many mages as there were clouds, and experts were like rain. The Invincible Fleet was invincible, but even if they gathered the strength of the entire country to kill their way to the Holy Seal Islands, they were only a group of sampans in the era of sail.

Even the current Royal Navy of England could defeat them.

At that time, he would return to Earth and get some coastal cannons, rockets, and so on. With his iron son around, he would find magical animals to teach him. Even if the entire world’s military came, it would only be a game of Beach Head 2000.

However… there was no need to go back.

Kang De thought of the story of the Holy Seal Islands and the warning in the crimson scroll.

Hong San asked, “So, Your Highness… what do you want to do now?”

“It’s very simple,” Kang De replied. “I want to see Tagris and officially ask him if this suggestion is the Elven Empress’s idea. What does the council have to say about it? If he answers yes, I’ll tell him. I want to see the Elven Empress and communicate some things with her face to face.”

Hong San looked surprised, but the next moment, footsteps sounded from outside, then the guard shouted carefully. Leona went out to check. When she returned, her expression was a little strange.

“Tagris is here with the bottle of Sprite.”