385 Father
What was the reason for intervening in the Goethe War and fighting for Goethe?
Kang De had already made it very clear.
However, be it for revenge or admiration for the courage and resistance of the Goethe people, the experience along the way and the motive to step into Goethe’s territory, including this series of world-shaking forbidden curses, breakthroughs, turning the tide, strategic deterrence, and victory, there was ultimately a source.
That was that person’s sacrifice.
That night in Glory Sand Town, knives and swords flashed. Familiar people continuously died. Betrayal, escape, and even sacrifice. The impact, overturn, and shock that night gave him almost reshaped Kang De’s personality.
This was his first time killing.
He had been betrayed.
A life and death crisis.
He realized that being weak was not kindness, but he was powerless to do evil.
Because of his naivety and gullibility, he killed his friend.
For the first time, someone died to protect him.
The knight’s death directly caused his psychological defense to completely collapse. The psychological pressure accumulated from drifting alone in the other world for more than a year erupted. Kang De immediately launched a crazy revenge operation and executed all the members of the Goode family in the cruelest way, gradually stepping into a bloody abyss.
However, in the last punishment operation, because the shadow of the knight flashed through his heart, he did not let himself completely fall. Although this caused him to not cripple Lost’s mobility immediately and was instead cursed and killed by the other party with a divine weapon, the divine power carried by that dagger opened the door to seal the two worlds, causing Kang De to finally return to Earth… Fate could only be surpassed by greater fate.
In the end, all of this came from Cleveland’s last instructions. Even if he died, he fought alongside Kang De in another way and guided him home.
He also fulfilled his promise and protected Tina and Goethe for the knight.
That day, in the red sky of Red Maple City, steel wings whistled through the sky. He looked down at the city from the air and finally arrived at his hometown which Cleveland could not forget. He fought the Elven air cavalry as if he was fighting alongside the knight. It was a very mysterious feeling, but it really existed. He crossed time and space and fulfilled his promise. I’m here to fight for your motherland with you.
Cleveland created the current Kang De.
At the moment when Kang De was most confused, broken, and desperate, he used his life to give him the meaning of living. Even if Kang De returned to his hometown later, even if everything on Earth had not gone far, even if he had never lost anything—the knight’s soul and will had long fused into Kang De’s bloodline and become the guide for his life, life, and battle, continuing his life in another way.
Therefore.
As long as Kang De’s soul had not changed, as long as he would still be moved by the brave, draw his sword for the unyielding, stand up for the resistance, and help the strong, as long as he still protected the bullied weak, as long as he was still angry about injustice, every time he fought to fulfill his beliefs, he would definitely think of that night that he would never forget and remember what the knight had said to him.
As long as this was the case, as long as that person’s figure did not fade from his memory, Kang De would remember Cleveland’s obsession and enthusiasm and the country and people he wanted to protect. His kindness would not be cut off.
Tina must not understand such a thing.
Since the knight had left, other than Kang De himself, no one in this world knew everything that had happened in Glory Sand at that time. They did not know what Kang De had experienced at that time.
What did he choose and what did he welcome?
They did not know what Cleveland meant to Kang De.
He had fulfilled his promise and saved the princess and Goethe.
He was omnipotent and deterred Twilight. He had single-handedly beaten up the expeditionary army until they were forced to cease fire. He was fearless and was not afraid to face the strongest and most terrifying country in the world… However, he was still afraid of something.
He was afraid to meet Cleveland’s family.
However, he had to see them.
The knight’s death was greatly related to him. Before the knight died, he was the only person who stayed by the other party’s side. Logically speaking, he should see the other party’s family.
Even if this was more difficult than anything.
Tina held Kang De’s hand.
Even the gorilla did not object and only held the other side tightly.
The princess looked at Kang De’s sad expression. Clearly, it was not as simple as losing her close friend. The knight’s death clearly had deeper meaning and memories for Kang De, but she knew nothing and did not understand, because after they were reunited, the topic of Glory Sand was still a taboo between the two of them.
Be it the death of the knight or anything else.
Kang De did not want Tina to know about his revenge in Glory Sand Town, and she did not want him to know. When she returned, she forcefully strangled the last survivor and dug up the Goode family cemetery.
The two of them did not want each other to know the old pain.
However, their emotions were still similar. In the end, they missed and recalled the same person.
“Let’s go together.”
Her tone was light and firm.
Kang De looked at her, his tone helpless and his expression confused. “Can I do it now?”
Two days ago, the battle of Red Maple City had just ended. Kang De, who was surrounded by the crowd, had been thinking about visiting the knight’s family. After a long time, the fanaticism and cheers of the people stopped slightly. He finally found Grand Duke Tedrell and asked him to show him the way.
However, he did not get what he wanted.
The knight’s father was the Prime Minister of Goethe, the Administrator of the Duchy. He was in the midst of the war of destruction. The Prime Minister ruled the officials and coordinated the operations of the various departments of Red Maple City. He transferred resources, mobilized aldermen, was in charge of reserve replenishment, medical assistance, food supply, transportation of resources, firefighting, and saving people. Apart from that, as the war progressed, the Prime Minister had a new mission.
That was to protect Goethe’s last honor and dignity when the city was broken.
No one could stand such high-intensity work for 20 to 30 hours. The news the Grand Duke received was that after the war was won, the Prime Minister could not hold on and fainted. However, he was only overworked and was fine. The medical officer and priest said that he would be fine after resting.
Therefore, Kang De could only postpone the visit.
Early the next morning, he wanted to find someone to ask if the Prime Minister was awake.
If he woke up, he would visit.
He did not expect the Prime Minister to wake up earlier than him, and after waking up, he immediately went to work.
After the war, Red Maple City was busy everywhere. They had to count the casualties, distribute food, compensate, reward, repair damaged buildings, and prevent the epidemic. Moreover, they had to coordinate the operation of the entire country’s government affairs, recover and hand over the territory, follow-up negotiations with the elves, transfer resources, maintain order, foreign affairs, and internal affairs… Just thinking about it made them feel a headache. The specific government affairs were a hundred times more troublesome.
Kang De could not shamelessly go to the Prime Minister’s office of the Privy Council and forcefully interrupt the urgent government approval and let the endless officials go out first, because he wanted to cry to the Prime Minister for a while.
As for going directly to the knight’s house…
Clearly, it was an even worse option.
...
If the Prime Minister worked in the Privy Council and Kang De went straight to his house in Cleveland…
Then he would face a mother who had lost her son alone.
When he thought of that scene, his soul trembled and he instantly lost all his courage.
This was because before the knight died, he called his mother.
“I…”
He was a little shaken.
What could he do? What could he say?
Tina said gently, “Then don’t go.”
“No.”
After a long silence, Kang De shook his head.
“No, I have to go.”
...
He said softly, “At the very least, I want his parents to know…”
They had to know that their son’s sacrifice was meaningful.
Moreover, the blood of a knight would definitely not be wasted.
She could visit the Prime Minister today. This was the information Tina had obtained from the Grand Duke this morning.
Last night, the Privy Council was busy until late at night. Grand Duke Goethe personally signed the decree and ordered the officials led by the Prime Minister to immediately go home and rest. They were not allowed to leave the house before ten in the morning.
The Grand Duke had really sent people to keep an eye on it.
Moreover, the guards and servants of the Prime Minister’s official residence would obey such an order.
If he went now, he would see it.
He found three cloaks to hide his tracks and rode the palace carriage to remove the Tedrell symbol. He left through the secret door behind the palace and headed to the Prime Minister’s official residence. There were only three people. Kang De, Tina, and the gorilla were the bodyguards. Now, the security problem of Kang De and the Tedrell family was the most important.
The coachman was a reliable guard who had served the Goethe Palace for generations. He was silent. His mission was to drive and sacrifice himself at the critical moment. He did not say a word along the way.
There was also silence in the carriage. On his left was the gorilla, and on his right was Tina. They were both peerless beauties. The faint fragrance was refreshing, but Kang De did not have the mood to watch and play from afar.
Tina was understanding and said softly, “Don’t worry too much. Uncle Xide and Aunt Annie are very good people. I went after I returned. They even comforted me. Don’t let your imagination run wild…”
Kang De forced a smile.
“That’s not your fault, Kang De. You’ve already done very well, including his share…”
Tina’s tone was a little depressed, but in front of Kang De, she could only force herself to stay awake.
Cleveland was her Guardian Knight and her friend since she was young. In fact, on the night of Glory Sand, the princess asked the knight to protect Kang De. Then, Cleveland completed this last order with his life. Even now, Tina could not let go.
The carriage drove. Through the gap in the window, he could see the mottled city wall outside. The elves’ indiscriminate bombardment had left scars in the city. It would probably take a long time to clear the wounds of war.
Modern concepts, modern technology, modern resources… What could he do?
Kang De was distracted and thinking. Sometimes, he thought of his destination getting closer and closer, so he was nervous. Tina held his hand. He felt the princess’s hand tremble slightly, and the girl’s heart was not calm.
Like Kang De, she was uneasy, confused, and sad.
The taste of victory was not completely happy and sweet.
This was because there were also people who could not see victory, those who had already died.
The carriage slowly slowed down and stopped.
It stopped slightly.
Kang De’s heart skipped a beat.
“We’ve arrived.”
The coachman spoke for the first time and opened the door. Kang De was the first to get out and look forward. The high courtyard wall stretched all the way. A group of people in the uniforms of Goethe officials stood at the door. At this moment, they were listening attentively to the speech of a gray-haired middle-aged man surrounded in the middle.
From time to time, someone would nod in agreement, cheer, clap, or agree.
“That’s Uncle Xide, the Prime Minister of Goethe,” Tina said softly. “There’s also his followers, students, and trusted aides… Looking at the time, they’re here to wait for Uncle Xide to go to the Privy Council together.”
Political faction.
These words appeared in Kang De’s mind.
Prime Minister of a country…
This was the Prime Minister’s official residence and the security was very tight. Soon, guards noticed this suspicious carriage parked nearby. Mages quickly approached from the sky, and a few cavalrymen flew over.
The coachman gave the warrant of the Goethe Palace. The cavalry also recognized Princess Tina and saw Kang De’s face which belonged to the Cathayan. Therefore, his face quickly flushed red and he saluted excitedly.
Kang De said softly, “I’m here to visit the Prime Minister.”
The news of the guards caused a commotion among the officials of the Prime Minister’s faction. Very quickly, the Prime Minister said a few words that calmed them all. Under the gazes of Kang De and the others, the Prime Minister of Xide stepped out of the crowd and walked towards the carriage alone. He even smiled and waved.
Tina and Kang De heaved a sigh of relief.
Then, he hurriedly went forward.
“Your Highness.”
After approaching, Kang De saw the Prime Minister’s face clearly and carefully.
As expected of Cleveland’s father. He could indeed give birth to such a son. The charm of an old man was silent, firm, and mature. He looked gentle and restrained the sharpness of his youth. In its place was silent, firm, and smooth strength that had been honed by time and experience.
There was no arrogance or dignity. His expression was calm and generous as if he was a knowledgeable wise person and not an important minister who held the power of a country. He looked harmless, but no matter who it was, they would not underestimate him or ignore his voice and opinion…
“Your Highness.”
He smiled and nodded at Tina, then looked at Kang De.
That calm, elegant, and wide smile made Kang De feel a little dazed.
The person in front of him looked like a middle-aged knight.
“I guess you must be His Highness Kang De.”
The Prime Minister stretched out his hand and lowered his body in a very respectful manner. “I didn’t have the time to thank you. That was a great battle. You protected this country. Every one of us is grateful.”
Kang De immediately shook it with both hands and whispered, “Please don’t say that, Mr. Prime Minister. I don’t deserve it. Some people deserve to be thanked more than me, those who sacrificed themselves for this country.”
Prime Minister Xide was stunned for a moment before nodding. “That’s true. For this victory, we’ve lost too many warriors. Goethe will remember their contributions…”
A strange feeling rose in Kang De’s heart.
He gritted his teeth and said, “I’m here this time…”
Before he could finish, the Prime Minister glanced at his pocket watch and said apologetically, “Please forgive me for being unreasonable, Mr. Kang De. You came at the wrong time. The Grand Duke’s restraining order has been lifted. I should go to work. You know that there’s a mountain of work in Red Maple City. Many things have to be dealt with. I can’t have powerful strength to protect Goethe like you. I can only do what I can…”
As he spoke, he laughed.
Tina’s expression changed slightly.
The Prime Minister’s gaze landed on Kang De’s face again.
“Speaking of which—are you here to find me? The arrival of the Guardian of Goethe has indeed surprised me. What can I do for you, Your Highness Kang De?”
His smile was very enthusiastic, polite, and filled with gratitude.
Indeed, he had saved Red Maple City, Goethe, and the lives of many Goethe people. He had repelled the Elven Expeditionary Force. The current Kang De was already no different from a god in this city.
However…
Kang De’s expression became unnatural.
He said softly, “You don’t have to be so polite. I’m a friend of Cleveland’s. I’m here as a junior to visit my friend’s father. You don’t have to be so polite.”
The Prime Minister’s eyes narrowed.
He looked at Kang De. Slowly, his eyes became cold and mocking.
The enthusiastic and grateful smile slowly retreated from his face.
“Father’s identity… is that so?”
His tone was a little playful.
Prime Minister Xide looked at Kang De. He turned and looked at Tina.
True emotions slowly revealed themselves.
The fatigue on his face was half of the fatigue on his face and half of the pain and sorrow of losing his son in his middle age.
At this moment, the politician’s tact and dignity had been removed. He was only a father who had lost his son.
“I understand.”
He said, “But, my son is dead.”
His tone was calm and cold.
“Why are you two still alive?”
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