267 Too Wasteful
In short.
This informal delegation that was hiding but everyone knew what was going on successfully arrived at Valentine City and stayed in the mansion prepared by Goethe.
From the carriage to the residence, everything was handled by Hong San.
The mansion for the elves to live in was in the rich district. A few small buildings and houses were divided into one and acted as a temporary embassy. They were separated by the surroundings, and there were also guards standing symbolically.
This piece of land was already Kang De’s property. He temporarily took it out and let the elves make do with it.
In the battle of Valentine, many nobles died in battle, and many large and small families were even removed from the list. Many residences and industries became ownerless. Originally, no one dared to say anything even if Kang De smiled at them all, but Kang De did not fancy this small benefit. Hong San, who dealt with all the matters of Valentine for Kang De, had even greater ambitions. How could he make a mistake on such a small matter? He knew that free was the most expensive.
Therefore, a few days ago, Hong San announced Kang De’s opinion to the temporary municipal council.
After a short vote, the members unanimously agreed to establish the special foundation for the post-war reconstruction of “Nick Valentine and Kang De”. Its function was to integrate, summarize, and represent all the ownerless assets that had lost their owners in the Battle of Valentine and carry out the appropriate financial management, investment, and management.
All the benefits from this would be used for Valentine’s various post-war work. They would generously and benevolently benefit every Valentine who could work diligently and bravely to rebuild their home, including medical care, pensions, reconstruction, memorial, disaster relief, education, investment, and so on to ensure that the wealth left behind by the great people who sacrificed themselves for this land could continue to help the compatriots of this land.
Another function of the foundation was to manage the assets. Not only was it responsible for managing the assets, but it was also responsible for dealing with the inheritance problem. For example, a distant relative of a noble who had died in battle had run over to inherit this property. The foundation would undergo a strict and detailed assessment to determine the other party’s identity and return the assets in another way.
It was a one-time payment according to the value of this industry before the war.
Most of the council members did not understand the deeper meaning of this rule, but since it was suggested by Kang De alone, no one would object. Moreover, this return method was extremely generous. After all, as soon as the war arrived, Valentine’s property was long worthless. It was completely His Highness Kang De’s kindness to pay according to the pre-war price.
Only Hong San knew what Kang De was thinking.
“The surroundings of Valentine will be my basic territory in the future. With this place as the center, the housing price will definitely increase by 100 times in less than ten years. How can I let the arrogant nobles who hide outside and fight a war enjoy the fruits of their labor? The natives will stay in the city and fight to the death and enjoy the development dividend. You deserve this, but the city was defended by me and the economy was built by me. How can I let the cowards run back and take advantage of me after this? Block their mouths as soon as possible to prevent any trouble in the future.”
Kang De said this to Hong San in private.
Under the guidance of this thought, Hong San understood what the leader meant and began to secretly search for and inspect property. He also bought land as soon as possible.
All the industries were paid according to the market price before the war and even increased by 20%.
The money to buy a house was all injected into the foundation.
To put it nicely, he wanted to set an example and provide a cash flow to the foundation.
The Vidal Chamber of Commerce also bought a lot under Kang De’s hint.
This should be one of the most successful investments of Leona and the entire Vidal Chamber of Commerce in the next ten years.
Therefore, the most satisfying way to earn money in the world was to invest in real estate.
What was even more satisfying to earn than this was naturally obtaining policy information in advance and investing in real estate.
What was better and more profitable than this was naturally setting up his own policy and investing in real estate.
However, at that time, Kang De was only proud for a short while before throwing this proud feeling to the back of his mind. Firstly, Valentine had not been built. He did not have any real feelings or predictions about how much the house price and personal assets would expand, nor did he see any money. Now, it was only an investment and layout.
It was nothing.
If Valentine really developed quickly, his situation, power, strength, and status would probably have expanded to a certain extent. Money might only be a string of numbers.
Thinking of this, he was not very excited.
Moreover, he sighed—d*mn, it was good that buying a house on Earth was so simple, convenient, and cheap.
“Your Highness, the elves have already checked in.”
The Elven diplomatic mission arrived at the temporary embassy. Kang De, Hong San, and the others were still strolling outside the city. They had walked back and were almost at the city gate. There were already people standing by the road and reporting this news.
Kang De nodded and asked Hong San, “How did you arrange it?”
Hong San replied, “Other than a symbolic sentry post, nothing has been arranged. There are no servants in the embassy. We’ll provide them with ingredients and supplies according to His Highness. The rest is up to the elves. This is a safety measure. They’re worried about us, and no human in Valentine is willing to serve the elves.”
When Kang De heard this, he thought for a moment and asked, “What about security? Let them defend themselves? If there’s some evil enemy faction, such as the destructive elements of the Empire, leading an attack or poisoning, or even the cunning elf elements orchestrating an assassination, will we be very passive?”
Hong San smiled, “Your Highness, are you stunned by the Elven Duke’s cry? This is an informal meeting, and we didn’t beg the elves for peace. How can we be passive?”
“…That’s true.”
Kang De knocked his head and pointed at the administrator waiting by the road. “Brother, please make another trip and tell the elves to be careful. No one will attack them in Valentine. It’s hard to say if they have ulterior motives. If Duke Tiling is attacked and dies, there’s no room for negotiation. We can only fight again. Many elves will die, so please be more careful.”
The administrator was a hot-blooded young man. He was already standing in front of Kang De with a respectful and admiring expression. When he heard Kang De’s words, he was so excited that his face was red. He shouted, “Yes! Your Highness! I’ll deliver your words!”
These Goethe people, no, or rather, the various races and people of the entire continent were all used to the days when the elves were the overlords of the world. The noble and powerful races and powerful and invincible national strength were always righteous, the beacon of strength and glory. No matter which race or country they were from, they had to be humble when they saw the elves. Even when the two countries fought, they were a little uneasy. They had never seen such a scene.
—Envoy, be careful. We won’t kill you, but if you’re killed by others, our two countries can continue to fight. I can only kill tens of thousands of elves!
Before this, this young alderman would never have imagined that the Goethe people could actually speak to the elves like this, to the elf envoy, and to the Elven Duke.
As expected of His Highness Kang De.
The fanaticism of his die-hard fans increased again.
Kang De and Hong San looked at the young man who quickly walked away as if his entire body was burning and smiled.
“Your Highness, please get in the carriage too.”
Hong San assumed an inviting posture. “It’s no longer convenient for you to walk in the city. The fanatical crowd will surround you unless you want to make another public speech.”
Kang De stepped onto the carriage parked by the road and smiled. “Spare the elementary school students of the future.”
Hong San was not exaggerating at all. Now, Kang De’s prestige in Valentine City was already like a god. He had destroyed the five Elven Legions and protected Valentine with an incomprehensible terrifying power. In the eyes of most people, he was already a demigod who had descended to the mortal world. The speech in front of the Valentine National Cemetery made this powerful hero possess the kindness and greatness of human nature, causing many experts and nobles to be convinced.
As a result, in the past two days, Valentine’s various well-organized reconstruction work and compensation and treatment work had successfully begun. There was no plague, hunger, or cold. Although it was the material support of the surrounding areas of the province and the diligent work of the staff, in the hearts of the vast crowd, the greatest merit was naturally Prince Kang De. This was the benefit of being a leader. The blame would fall from the sky and credit would be lost.
When the news of the establishment of the “Nick Valentine and Kang De” special foundation spread, a large number of temporarily recruited speakers and aldermen spread this initiative through the streets and alleys. Kang De was simply about to become a saint.
This was because this completely benefited every Valentine.
This was the first time something called a foundation had appeared in this land and world.
They were public-spirited, responsible, and trustworthy. They served the well-being of most people.
Most importantly, everyone knew and heard it.
Perhaps their culture was not high, or perhaps it was very difficult for them to understand the way the foundation operated, but the speakers who were sent to block after block alley to patiently announce loudly made everyone feel something. Prince Kang De was talking to him, and his heart was filled with every ordinary life.
The carriage drove into the city. There were no longer any cries on both sides of the street. Gradually, laughter appeared, and there was a strong or enthusiastic conversation and drums. The work after the war was very smooth.
This was because after experiencing the nightmare-like calamity, someone was guiding everyone’s future.
As long as this person was around, people would not be confused.
“Your Highness,” Hong San said seriously, “This land will indeed become the foundation of your career.”
Kang De shook his head gently. “Not even close.”
Temporary embassy.
Knock, knock, knock. There was a knock on the door.
“Please come in.”
The Elven Sage, Elandir, pushed open the door and entered.
He was one of the most trusted court officials of the Royal Court. He was the etiquette teacher and royal consultant of two generations of Phoenix Kings. He was elegant, handsome, knowledgeable, and charming. He had countless stories and legends. His name was synonymous with elegance. He was always calm, composed, and wise.
However, his face was strangely dark now.
Clearly, he was very, very, very… angry.
In the room, Duke Tagris, who had cried bitterly and was as weak as an effeminate girl, was sitting on the wide chair. He leaned against the backrest and placed one foot on the edge of the chair. He reached out to fiddle with the flowers on the table.
With a click, Elandir closed the door.
When Duke Tagris heard this voice, he immediately put down his leg, retracted his hand, and sat down dignifiedly.
Then, he turned around in shock like a little rabbit. In an instant, his expression became terrified and aggrieved, and his eyes were filled with tears. The Duke pouted and whispered, “Is Teacher Elandir going to punish me?”
“…”
The always elegant and elegant Elven Sage took a deep breath. Endure, endure, endure. He silently recited the other party’s identity, the oath of loyalty to the royal family, his duty as a subject, and his elegant and calm way of life. However, when he saw this expression on Tagris’ face…
—I can’t help it!
He said sternly in an unprecedentedly ferocious tone, “Please be more dignified!”
The aggrieved, terrified, and crying expression on Tagris’s face instantly disappeared. He sighed, “Elandir, look, it’s the same reprimand. Why is it that Kang De’s reprimand is similar to Father’s when he reprimanded me, but you only said the same thing?”
Elandir did not argue with the other party and said coldly, “Because you’re really too shameful!”
The scene that had happened earlier stunned Elandir even more than Kang De and Hong San. After Kang De was stunned, he was shocked and suspicious. When Elandir reacted, he almost slapped him.
Thinking of the scene he had seen earlier, he was so angry that he trembled.
Elandir said angrily, “Do you know what you’ve done? The honor and personal reputation of the royal family in public, in front of our enemies! Do you know how shameful this is?”
Tagris smiled slyly when he heard this. “But what does that have to do with me?”
“…”
Elandir’s eyes widened.
These words were so shameless that he was speechless.
Immediately after, he said, “Even… even if you don’t care, the face of the Twilight Dynasty…”
Tagris sighed, “Why are you old fellows becoming more and more prideful? So what if you cry? Will my crying today make the Royal Army be underestimated? Will it make the Royal Navy not vigilant? Will it make Kang De think that the Twilight Dynasty is extremely weak? Then I can cry a few more times.”
Elandir was stunned again, then shook his head. “You can’t say that.”
“That’s what I said. Master Elandir, you’re overreacting. What I did just now was only a strategy. It won’t have a bad impact.”
Duke Tiling waved his hand and said, “Otherwise, with the situation at that time, what way could we have broken through Kang De’s aggressive strength? Fortunately, I reacted quickly and my acting skills were good.”
At this point, his expression became even more proud. He looked at Elandir and blinked. “I clearly haven’t used this move for a long time, but I can still cry when I want to. As expected of me, Elandir. Do you feel nostalgic?”
The Elven Sage said coldly, “I miss my teaching stick and the strict teacher-student relationship at that time.”
As soon as he finished speaking, a shadow flashed in front of him. Tagris appeared in front of Elandir and stretched out his fair hand. His palm was so fair that it was almost transparent. He curled his lips as if he was enduring the pain that was about to come. His eyes were like a tap as they began to fill with water again, “I… Teacher, I was wrong…”
Elandir covered his eyes and sighed, “Please be more dignified…”
“Sigh, how boring.” In the blink of an eye, Tagris appeared by the window again. He sized up the potted plant and sighed as he looked, “Elandir, you were clearly very funny as a teacher.”
The Elven Sage revealed a nostalgic expression, then shook his head and said, “It’s different.”
“You’re right. It’s different, but it’s different now. In that case, I can naturally do as I please.” Duke Tiling stood up and turned to look at Elandir by the window. The sunlight shone on his face, adding a different charm to his already handsome and slightly feminine face.
He pursed his lips and smiled. “What do you think?”
Elandir was stunned for a moment, then slowly sighed, “I knew it was not that simple…”
“Hey, don’t make me sound like I’m only here to play. Of course, I have a mission too. It’s actually very embarrassing to cry in the street. It’s all that b*stard Cathayan’s fault.”
Tagris snorted, his fair face slightly red, “I thought that he had to talk nonsense politely to us no matter what. Then, I revealed that I had brought the Empress’s peaceful will, and everyone sat together to talk. Then, I waited, waited for something to happen, waited for everything to happen…”
At this point, he muttered, a little angry, embarrassed, and even envious.
“Who knew that this b*stard was so rough and barbaric? He can say anything, but he said this. We can’t do anything to him, and no one will criticize him for saying and doing wrong…”
Tagris slowly sighed. “To be honest, I’m a little envious.”
The elf looked up. Sunlight sprinkled down along the movement of his face. It was as if flowing light liquid rolled on his exquisite skin, complementing a small sadness under the brilliant sunlight.
He said softly, “Deterrence and hegemony. You hold great power and make the various countries wary, but you don’t have to wear a mask.”
Elandir was silent.
Then, he said, “Actually, we can leave now. Although he’s rough and barbaric, there’s something he sees extremely accurately. No matter how the negotiation goes this time, the war has to continue.”
“As for him…”
A fierce glint flashed through the Elven Sage’s eyes, “He won’t live for long. Even the preparations of the council and the legal department are most likely useless… Goethe’s outcome has long been decided.”
Tagris simply shook his head. “I won’t leave.”
He leaned against the window and crossed his arms. He snorted, “If I leave now, won’t I have cried for nothing?”
“You didn’t cry in vain,” Elandir said indifferently. “As a human, he should feel a supreme honor to be able to see you in a sorry state and wailing before he dies. His life has not been in vain.”
Tagris shouted, “It’s not that ugly, right? I practiced in the mirror when I was young.”
He subconsciously touched his face.
Elandir sighed. “You’re not leaving?”
Tagris nodded. “No.”
He straightened up and paced a few steps. “Although his words are unpleasant and he’s so rude, I still have to stay and save his life. Goethe’s defeat is inevitable, but there’s more than one victory in war.”
“I can tell. Although he’s rough, he’s not crazy or stupid. Compared to our short interaction today, I’m more willing to believe the content analyzed by the intelligence information I gathered earlier. All his actions and logic, and the testimony of everyone he came into contact with, these are his true personality…”
Elandir interrupted, “Your Highness, have you really considered it?”
Duke Tiling raised his head and looked through the ceiling at the distant sky, “He revealed an incomprehensible but terrifying power that’s enough to destroy an army and raze a city. Most importantly, we’re not sure if he can only use it three times, and we don’t know if the power is only so great… I’m worried about such a person. The Emperor of the Empire is worried, but some guys are even more worried.”
As he spoke, the elf revealed a cold smile.
“Calculating the time, some of the guys up there should be on their way. They won’t allow anything beyond their control to happen. They’ll definitely capture Kang De, interrogate him about his secrets, or kill him. In other words, if we leave him alone, he’ll be finished soon. Once he’s finished, Goethe won’t have any hope of winning.”
“But I won’t.”
He narrowed his eyes and said coldly, “I’ll ruin everything these guys want to do!”
Although his voice was soft, it was firm and filled with sharp killing intent.
Elandir took a deep breath and whispered, “Your Highness…”
“I’ve said it before.” Tagris turned around, his eyes as cold as knives. “It’s too wasteful to only use such an ability to deter us.”
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