290 Are You Surprised?!
Tina saw the tall city wall and towering spire of her hometown again.
The emotions surging in her heart were almost uncontrollable.
A few months ago, she had embarked on the journey to the Empire and worked hard to contribute her small strength to the unstable Goethe. She had secretly gone on a diplomatic mission and avoided ears and ears. She had been chased by the elves and betrayed by the Empire. Then, she had given up her diplomatic mission and gone to the north of the Empire to gather volunteer troops… Then, she finally arrived at the end.
Her hometown, the capital of Goethe, the Red Maple City.
This was the place where Tedrell’s ancestors and the first pioneering knights had arrived. They had built the first town here and explored and built this wild but prosperous land. Generation after generation, until today, Goethe had long become a strong and great country and created its own glory.
!!
However, everything had an end. The royal authority could not last forever.
At the very least, what people had today in Red Maple City was hope and not despair.
Although a considerable degree of martial law was still maintained, there were still pedestrians in the city. Business activities did not stop, or rather, they had revived. The soldiers patrolled with high morale. The mage towers shone with a reassuring light. Young people from many universities and institutes were preaching everywhere on the street. Along the way, they even heard Valentine’s declaration four to five times, making Tina proud and sad.
For months, the battle situation had changed from pessimism to despair to hope. The two people who were mentioned the most were Princess Tina and the Cathayan, Kang De.
The latter was mysterious and shocking, while the former made every Goethe person excited and proud. As the princess who had seen through the trick of the Emperor and formed an army in the north, Princess Tina was previously a perfect woman who was famous for her beauty and knowledge. Therefore, the current transformation made the Goethe people even more fanatical and reverent.
If the princess returned to the Red Maple City at this moment, it would definitely attract the support and welcome of the vast Goethe people… However, for some reason, Tina did not do this. She contacted the palace almost as if she was escaping and secretly returned to her home as if she was escaping.
This was because she did not know if she could face the pure love, support, and cheers of her compatriots.
This world was crazy, evil, and without light, forcing innocent people to make cruel decisions. There was no perfect solution, nor was there any right or wrong. The person who made the decision would bear everything alone with her soul.
No, actually… she was not lonely.
“My daughter, although the journey is long, you’ve finally returned to your hometown… Welcome back.”
Although the citizens did not welcome her grandly, her family would always open their arms and wait for her to return.
Grand Duke Leckos Tedrell of Goethe hugged her.
At this moment, her tears had already flowed. Sometimes, her father’s embrace would be the last port for a girl to be fearless and cry loudly. There were too many hardships and sorrows along the way that she had nowhere to confide in. A few months ago, she was still a carefree, innocent, and pure princess, but she experienced betrayal and farewell in a short period of time. Then, she was stained with blood and threw herself into the killing battlefield… She was finally home.
The Grand Duke hugged her gently and patted her back. His blond hair, which was forever combed back, was slightly withered and pale. His heroic face also looked thin. Only his well-trimmed beard and heavy eyes supported the dignity of the monarch. His majestic body hugged Tina like a lion hugging a cub.
However, sorrow also assaulted him.
To a father, there was nothing more painful than not being able to protect his children.
This father and daughter each tasted their sorrow. When Tina’s crying gradually stopped and calmed down, the Grand Duke still comforted her, “It’s all in the past. It’s all better…”
“…Yes.”
With a strong nasal sound, Tina lowered her head and left her father’s arms to wipe her face. She was already a strong girl and would not cry until she fainted. After venting her emotions, she slowly calmed down.
The Grand Duke looked at her and was half heartbroken and half joking. He teased, “You really make me sad, little Tina. It seems that Father’s embrace can no longer make you cry to your heart’s content. You already have a better cloth doll. You can hug it more comfortably and cry more happily… Is that so?”
Tina blushed and lowered her head even more.
No matter what, she would still be shy to be teased in front of her father.
“That’s not bad.” The Grand Duke’s gaze was like a torch. Seeing this, he nodded and sighed, “It seems that you still like him very much… I’m relieved.”
Tina said softly, “Father…”
“Alright, Tina, at the very least, this doesn’t have to break my principles and save me from painful choices and decisions. My daughter, forgive me for being your father and also having a responsibility to this country. Therefore, be it as a father or as the ruler of Goethe, I have to ask you…”
The Grand Duke took a step back and looked at his daughter. He said seriously, “When will the boy you chose, that Cathayan, Kang De, come to Red Maple City? Be it official or personal, I have to see him as soon as possible.”
“He…”
Tina avoided her father’s gaze and looked at her feet. “He wrote me a letter. I replied. He said that it’s up to us to negotiate. I invited him to the Red Maple City… He’ll move when he receives the letter.”
“I understand. I’ve also received a letter from this Cathayan friend. His words are very polite and reveal the calm and desirelessness that a Cathayan has. It’s as if the reason for helping Goethe is very simple and there’s no other desire for power or wealth… Considering the Valentine speech that spread throughout Goethe and the charm of my beloved daughter, I’m willing to put aside the ruler’s paranoia and believe in romance and love.”
He reached out and gently tidied the hair on the side of his daughter’s cheek, his eyes gentle. “Actually, if he really loves you that much, or even forever, it’s fine to hand Goethe to him and you. If he saves Goethe from the brink of destruction, it’s reasonable to thank him no matter what.”
Tina whispered, “Father, he shouldn’t be interested in ruling Goethe.”
“That’s a headache.”
The Grand Duke scratched his hair in slight distress, “It seems that the test of the gods for me has not ended… My treasure, from the moment you were born, I’ve been considering the future. If a brat dares to barge into your life, I’ll definitely give him countless tests and breaths like an evil dragon. Only when he sincerely passes countless tests and intimidation will I hand you to him…”
At this point, a subtle displeasure appeared on his face, “But at that time, it was difficult for me to imagine that it was actually such a situation now. The person who is going to become my son-in-law is also the person who is about to save my country. I have to give him noble etiquette and gratitude, but he’s actually not interested in my power and wealth…”
“In other words…”
Grand Duke Rexos covered his chest in a slightly exaggerated manner. The details of his rich facial expression and his two trimmed eyebrows trembled comically, and he no longer had any dignity.
He said sadly, “In other words, before long, there’ll be a reserved and calm Cathayan sitting in front of me. He’ll stare at me like a calm lake. No matter what I say, he’ll answer ‘Yes, Grand Duke’, so much so that it’ll seem rude for me to show any dissatisfaction with him snatching my daughter. I can’t threaten him or say harsh words. He doesn’t have the dignity of a father at all, and he doesn’t have the self-awareness of a son-in-law. The Tedrell family will welcome a Stella II…”
Seeing her father’s familiar funny appearance and funny tone that was very different from his usual dignified posture, Tina could not help but smile. “Second Sister is not as you said. Kang De is also very interesting…”
“Oh, that’s even worse. I have a feeling that this is a difficult kid to deal with. Don’t let him get involved with your second sister. Why don’t you sow discord and let these two guys fight…”
“How can there be such a father…”
“You don’t understand yet, Tina. This is the art of rule. You still have to continue learning. You have to know that a qualified ruler will definitely not let the two unstable factors under his rule combine. Otherwise, the family status of the holy Tedrell family will collectively decrease by one…”
Finally, the mood returned to a familiar rhythm. As a family, the atmosphere in the family was cheerful and happy. The smile on Tina’s face gradually became sincere, and she forgot her previous sadness.
Listening to her father’s interesting complaints, her once carefree life.
“Let’s go, girl. Stella, Landiston, and the others can’t wait to see you…”
“Yeah.”
“But then again… Tina?”
“Father?”
“I want to say that although he might be a difficult kid, and I don’t know how to face him in such an awkward situation, no matter what… I will accept what you like.”
“…”
Tina stopped and lowered her head.
Her voice was a little teary again, “Thank you, Father… and I’m sorry.”
“Why should you apologize? You’ve done enough and good enough.” The Grand Duke still gently touched his daughter’s head, just like when she was young. “You don’t have to apologize to Father.”
Tina bit her lip. Humans were emotional animals. Sometimes rationality could not control everything. She said softly, “Father, there’s information that the Elven Expeditionary Force has been mobilized…”
“About that, we’ve also received the news. The staff headquarters is deducing and analyzing it, but no matter what, the defense of the Red Maple City has never relaxed and has been strengthening… Tina, this is the safest port, because here, I’ll bear all my responsibilities as Father.”
Tina stopped talking and followed her father through the familiar court. This was her home.
However, his mind had already floated far away.
“By the way, where’s your aunt?”
“Aunt sent me back and left. I invited her to see Kang De and escort him… I originally planned to let her rest and see everyone before going, but she said that she doesn’t really want to see you and everyone. It’s too troublesome…”
“She’s still the same as before… However, I’m still very happy that she can come. After all, she doesn’t belong here… She didn’t have to get involved in this mess.”
“That’s right…”
Tina stopped and glanced in Valentine’s direction. Her aunt should have set off by now… Her father was right. She didn’t have to get involved in this.
At the same time, between a peak, Sword Saint Snowfall looked back in the direction of Red Maple City. Tina had already returned… As an aunt, she still had to run an errand to pick up a nephew-in-law.
“You want to order me around…” She snorted, “Be careful not to really snatch it away from you. In any case…”
She shook her head wildly and continued to set off. The road from Red Maple City to Valentine was a little long.
In Valentine, it was already the next day. Kang De had already read the letter for the fifth time before carefully putting it away. Such a rare treasure should be framed and circulated in the future for every elementary school student to read.
“Seriously…”
He looked north. “When will Tina come…”
He looked in all directions, “Those enemies from outer space are coming soon.”
It would be best if they didn’t come at the same time.
“Your Highness.” Hong San flew up to the room and said, “It’s been arranged. We sent people in a few directions and spread the news. After analyzing the strategic situation, we’ve calculated the possible itinerary of Princess Tina and the others and are waiting at various points. We should be able to receive them in advance.”
Kang De crossed his legs. “Yes… that’s good. I hope to send away those guys who came to cause trouble before Tina arrives… Alright, let’s wait for Godot here.”
“Who’s Godot?”
“It’s a… pfft, pfft, pfft. This joke is not very good.”
At this point, a trace of gloominess flashed through his eyes, “He’ll come, right…”
“Hey—”
At some point, Tagris had appeared below and waved, his smile carefree as always.
When Kang De saw his smile, he rolled his eyes. “Alright… don’t worry. If he lies to me, I’ll personally give him an Oscar… They’ll come.”
He shrugged.
In the distance, a few meteors streaked across the sky and landed on the ground.
The world changed color, and lightning roared. The temporary altar engraved by the brand was a huge circle that outlined complicated and profound patterns. The light dissipated, and the array diagram on the ground burned with blazing flames. The hooded guest who had instructed his subordinates to send information to Tina a few days ago ignored the filth and heat on the ground and knelt piously.
Three figures appeared in the dust.
“In the lower realm, the eternally smelly air, the short-lived mud crawlers that can never stand up.”
The figure who stepped out of the smoke was very interesting. One was old, and the other was young. There was also a strong man, who seemed to be three generations old, middle, and young. However, no one would treat them as three generations old, because that youngest and thin child had a sadistic smile on his face. His face was gloomy and proud. There was a terrifying temperament on his body. It was that even if people saw him, they would ignore his age.
He looked around. It was deserted. He snorted. “Is it here? Where’s the wine? The women? The slaves? Why didn’t you prepare these?”
The hooded guest’s body trembled. He was about to speak when the old man beside him said, “The mission is more important.”
“Mission? It’s only a trip. How much trouble can a Cathayan who didn’t make any abnormal reactions in the Star Palace cause? Only those old-fashioned guys will be so shocked.”
The little boy said disdainfully, “You should find some fun in the lower realm, right?”
The old man’s voice was calm, but he did not give in at all, “Let’s go find that Cathayan first and turn him against the elves. Let’s see how far he can go. Then, we’ll clean up the mess. After we’re done, we’ll check the seal. There’s no time for you to do your boring and disgusting games.”
The little boy’s eyebrows twitched. He did not speak, but his expression darkened.
At this moment, the middle-aged man who had been silent suddenly said, “…I feel that something is wrong. I can’t describe my feeling… Mud crawler, are you sure no one is following you?”
The hooded man still knelt humbly. No one let him get up. He felt that this was reasonable.
“Your Excellency, no. Your humble servant can confirm that no one has noticed my whereabouts,” he said respectfully. “In fact, I asked Your Excellency to descend to this desolate place for this consideration. If you want to find fun, I…”
The middle-aged man ignored him and still frowned, “Something is still wrong…”
“Hey, Monty, it’s your first time in the lower realm and you’re just not used to it,” the little boy said. “Do you think this is hundreds of years ago? That fellow who can monitor the sky has long died. Let’s go and find some fun. We’ll play with women, kill the mud crawlers, and make some specimen art. Then you’ll forget…”
As soon as he finished speaking, the middle-aged man suddenly turned to look at him with a serious and sharp gaze.
“What did you just say?”
The little boy was shocked, then frowned and said, “Find some fun…”
“No, the previous sentence!”
“That fellow who can monitor the sky has long…”
The middle-aged man’s expression finally changed, but it was already too late. In the next moment, the indifferent little boy and the calm old man revealed unbelievable expressions at the same time and looked at the sky in unison.
In an instant, the dark clouds that had gathered earlier were swept away. Crimson flames ruled the sky, and a line of fire broke through the clouds like a stream of light. The phoenix’s cry resounded through the world.
The enemy from the upper realm looked at the raging flames in shock.
They saw the Origin Fire Heavy Armor that circulated with the fire runes of Heraclitus, the Immortal King Halberd that had once faced the sky and swept through the Void Spirits, the Phoenix Divine Wings that were wrapped in flames, and the nine phoenix tail feathers that flowed with flames that fell with golden flames. The king with the phoenix blood flapped their wings in the sky.
Impossible.
Such a thing would definitely not happen.
She had clearly…
However, everything that happened in front of them was not an illusion. Blazing flames burned in the sky, but the souls of the three visitors from outer space could sense a terrifying heat and burning killing intent.
“It’s actually you!” Monty transformed into a violent wind and shouted, “Phoenix King Marge!”
The king with gorgeous fire wings and fluttering phoenix feathers had already swooped down.
The flame at the tip of the halberd was like a prairie fire. It instantly ruled the sky and descended to the ground, turning into a fire domain that burned everything. It firmly enveloped this world, isolated the outside world, and sealed all aura.
Only the Phoenix King’s clear roar echoed through the world like a phoenix crying in the nine heavens.
“—Fierce Warrior Descent!”
…
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