450 Ha, Tsundere
Dragons and elves.
The air suddenly became subtle.
Tina, Stella, and even the gorilla’s gazes became a little meaningful.
The professor was right. If this swarm had historical records, it must have been preserved in a documentary of powerful forces that had not been burned by the flames of war. The All-Seeing Tower that gathered the path of arcane magic in the world was one of them, and the royal library of the capital of the Holy Empire, the ruler of the human world, was definitely among them.
However, the headquarters of the Arcane Law Council was very far from here and it was too late.
There was even less of a need to talk about the Empire. With the grudge between the two sides, the public grudge between the Empire and Goethe, and the personal grudge of the knight, Kang De wished he could kill the blood-related mother of the Eldest Prince, Alex. There was still this score between the two sides. How could the emperor give Kang De a debit card to his library—and it was very far away.
After all, his iron son was seriously injured and could not move at supersonic speed in flight.
If it was not far, it was only close.
Dragons and elves.
Dragons were the dragons in the city, and elves were the elves outside the city.
The employees of the Dragon Island Defense Company were sent by the Dragon Emperor to Red Maple City to discuss business.
There was also the Phoenix King who was preparing to negotiate and retreat.
Especially the latter.
Elves were a race favored by the gods. Their long lives, powerful talent, and perfect physique and appearance were envied by all the intelligent living beings on the continent. As the monarch of Twilight, the famous Phoenix King, Delilah, was naturally the most outstanding and beautiful elf.
Her peerless beauty, peerless noble bloodline and supreme power in the world, and the strongest personal martial strength in the world could basically crush the three women present in all aspects.
Most importantly, her relationship seemed to be a little unclear with Kang De.
Be it the details and content of Valentine’s negotiation or what had happened in Red Maple City that day, everything was subtle. The Phoenix King had actually pretended to be Duke Tiling to see Kang De. There was actually such a ridiculous thing in the world. Even the bard who was the most unrestrained did not dare to make it up, but it had really happened.
There was also that “Kiss of Victory”. It was really mean to the core. Even Tina, the person involved, was letting her imagination run wild the more she looked at it. Moreover, after the mysterious attack that day, the Phoenix King appeared almost immediately. Not only did she ask about his well-being, but she also gave him the Sun God’s divine ring. The gorilla did not believe that there was nothing wrong.
At the thought of this, not to mention the intelligent Tina and Stella, even the simplest gorilla’s gaze became sharp.
Kang De pondered for a moment and said to the professor, “Thank you. No matter the outcome, I owe you a favor. If there’s anything I can help with in the future, please tell me.”
“No… no.” The professor bowed forcefully and said in a panic, “Then… then I’ll take my leave first!”
His gossipy mentality was completely satisfied because the change in the gazes of the two princesses and that unknown lady had already explained many things. The scholar’s caution and wisdom told him that it was a little dangerous to stay any longer. As expected, the rumors had some basis. His Highness Kang De was indeed unclear with the Phoenix King…
The professor hurriedly left through the small door.
Kang De looked at the three pairs of beautiful eyes and was silent for a moment before saying, “This matter is very important.”
Stella glanced at Tina and said first, “We know. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be in such a hurry. Therefore, who do you want to ask for an answer from? A dragon or an elf?”
“I’ll ask whoever’s more afraid of me.”
Kang De said, “I still have a battle with the dragons. They’ve already changed their minds once and can’t cause any more waves. Therefore, I chose the elves. Even if they can detect some clues from my question, they won’t act rashly, because the sword of the forbidden spell has been hanging above their heads. The lesson I gave them is enough.”
He looked at Stella and said to Tina, “Don’t think too much.”
“No one will think too much, Kang De.”
Stella’s answer was not polite, but the truth.
Even if the gossip about Kang De and the Phoenix King had become more and more intense in Red Maple City in the past few days, no Goethe person felt that he was a spy colluding with the elves.
From Valentine to Red Maple City, he had killed, shot, and destroyed the elf legion and high-level lords along the way. They had dealt a heavy blow to the Twilight Dynasty. Direct casualties and indirect losses of national strength and reputation were almost uncountable. If this was a ruse coordinated by him and the elves, no Goethe person would believe it… The reason was simple, Goethe was not worthy.
The Second Princess continued, “We won’t doubt your kindness and stand. However, can the elves believe it?”
Elves could not be trusted, but Delilah could, because she had not lied to him so far. Kang De was about to say this when Horus, who was pressed against his back, emitted a small electric current.
Therefore, he woke up and said, “I’ll use a careful attitude to verify and judge. Those who lie to me will pay a heavy price… It’s always been like this.”
Tina, who had been silent, gently held Kang De’s hand and said gently, “Go. Business is more important, but you have to bring the gorilla along. Be careful. It’s different from before.”
He sent people out of the city and sent news to the elf camp that was temporarily stationed dozens of kilometers away. Kang De was waiting in a village 30 kilometers outside the city, in the tallest watchtower.
Kang De stood at the top of the tower and observed his surroundings with the Phoenix Vision. He paid attention to all the abnormal elemental fluctuations to prevent a large fireball from sweeping through this cannon tower a few kilometers away.
Horus was assisting in the vigilance and was still chattering, “Father, ask the Phoenix King about that locust later. If she asks where you discovered that thing, don’t avoid talking about him, don’t say coquettish words, don’t say it in Cathay, and don’t hesitate.”
He said earnestly, “You have to tell me. I’m sorry, I can’t tell you, because I don’t want to lie to you.”
Kang De was studying the moss on the stone bricks. He rolled his eyes and said, “You’re so annoying.”
His iron son said, “This is a reasonable suggestion. Father, be it for the current situation or the future, maintaining favorability is a job that has to be done.”
“Is this also the reason why you told me not to bring the gorilla?”
“In theory, if it reaches the point where Miss Gorilla has to attack, it will definitely be a bitter battle. Father can’t even retreat through teleportation, because Miss Gorilla can’t enter the white fog world. If it’s an ordinary situation, we can deal with it ourselves. Moreover, the tactical choice is more flexible.”
At this point, Horus’s tone changed, “Of course, this is purely the understanding of a person like Father. From a psychological point of view, when the Phoenix King comes to see you and sees Miss Gorilla accompanying you, her mood will decrease by about 22.8%. On the other hand, her mood will increase by 46.5%.”
“…How did you calculate this number?”
“I made it up, Father. Just to be convincing.”
Tsk.
Kang De’s expression was subtle. His iron son continued, “Father, in any case, I have nothing to do. Let’s practice. I’ll act as the Phoenix King. Come and simulate a conversation with me.”
“…No.”
“Father, don’t disappoint my kindness. Only practice can improve. In fact, Father has rarely left a deep impression on girls since you were young. In fact, other than Wang Xiaoman, you don’t even have a female friend. It’s all because you lack practice. However, playing Galgame can’t train your EQ and social ability. After all, women in reality are fickle. This inflexible program can’t be simulated.”
Horus said in a low voice, “But AI can! As a super artificial intelligence, I’m willing to relieve Father’s worries.”
“Get lost.”
“Father, this really makes me sad. I can…”
...
“If you say anything else, I’ll turn you into a VTuber and earn money online! Aren’t you able to simulate a woman’s personality? Then go earn money from the otakus! Artificial intelligence can perform multi-line calculations, right? Then turn me into dozens of lousy streamers with different personalities that cover all the bases to cheat the money of these d*mned people! At that time, we don’t have to think about opening a company and doing business in Africa. Just this line of work can earn a lot!”
“…”
Horus was defeated.
He tried to persuade him, but he still could not make Kang De change his mind.
He sighed to himself and temporarily gave up on this plan. His father was both petty and suspicious. He was unwilling to admit the fact that he was an emotional idiot, let alone trust his son. It was really sad.
It seemed that the plan to record his father saying flirtatious words to the camera would have to be hidden for a while.
It wanted to say something, but the sensor sensed a thermal fluctuation. Kang De looked up and saw the flames of the phoenix wings on the horizon. Delilah rode the phoenix over.
It was still that heavy armor that was glorious and resplendent. It shone with demonic patterns and flowed with light, noble and dazzling. There was the King’s Sword at her waist and she was wearing the full phoenix-winged helmet that covered her beautiful face.
After landing at the top of the tower, Delilah looked around and did not discover a second person.
Then, she took off the helmet.
Her long hair danced in the wind. The Empress subconsciously shook her head. Accompanied by this action, her messy hair swung back, as if it was splashing with light. Under the majestic, thick, dignified, and divine armor was peerless magnificence. Her bright green eyes were like distant mountains. They were heroic and beautiful, and their dignity was with the country.
...
Two completely different characteristics were completely unified on her body, causing the Phoenix King to look shockingly strange and beautiful. No wonder she was fanatically respected and loved by the elves. A beautiful elf was also the iron-blooded commander and legendary warrior. It was enough to make the proudest male elf bend down.
In Kang De’s eyes, Delilah had another temperament. When she pretended to be her brother and came to Valentine to negotiate and even warn him, her other identity allowed her to let go of her restrained self, allowing Kang De to see her other appearance… That beautiful elf was of high status and peerless power, as if she was favored by the gods and owned the entire world. She also carried the world.
In the end, these thoughts and stunned gazes turned into a calm smile. “Good day, Delilah.”
The Phoenix King, who was holding the helmet in her hand, was first stunned and subconsciously wanted to smile.
Then, she immediately stopped.
She glared at him fiercely, “What’s so good? I have to restrain the soldiers under me every day and have to write letters to the lords and ministers in the country to arrange and plan to discuss the matters after retreating and returning to the country. I have to consider how to settle the score with the council… Hmph, why should I tell you this?!”
She walked to the side with her back facing Kang De, her metal boots stepping on the stone bricks.
“Tell me!” The Phoenix King’s tone revealed her impatience, “Why are you looking for me?”
Kang De raised his eyebrows, “I didn’t have the time to ask last time. The council bypassed you and started a war again. Be it legal or imperial, it’s usurpation and rebellion, right? If you want to pursue the matter after you return, they definitely won’t sit back and wait for death. They might already be brewing a conspiracy. You have to be careful.”
Delilah turned around and glanced at him. She snorted, “This is the internal affairs of the elves. What right do you have to interfere and ask? I’m the Phoenix King. Do I need you to remind me of such a thing?”
“Instead of meddling in my business, I’m more worried about a small country like Goethe. If the external threat is temporarily gone, internal turmoil will begin. Don’t think that all the Goethe people will be on your side. They’re good to you now only because they’re on the same side. If you touch some Goethe cake in the future, you’ll definitely fall out. Apart from that, the Empire will definitely not let you be a threat. The enemies of outer space will value you more…”
As Delilah spoke, she discovered that Kang De was smiling and looking at her with an annoying gaze.
She said angrily, “There’s also me! There’s also our Twilight Dynasty! Don’t think that things will be settled like this! I have to slowly settle this score with you! Enjoy a moment of victory. We’ll always watch you!”
Kang De nodded repeatedly, “Yes, yes, yes. However, since the great Phoenix King will settle scores with me sooner or later, why remind me to be careful of some Goethe people?”
Delilah said angrily, “Of course, I’m sowing discord! Can’t I?!”
Kang De nodded and echoed, “Yes, yes, yes. The Phoenix King’s brilliant plan will bring peace to the world.”
Although she did not know the meaning of these words, the Phoenix King indeed sensed a certain mockery. She said coldly, “You invited me out to say such a thing? I’m leaving!”
“Alright, alright, alright. Let’s get down to business.” Kang De sighed, “If I just call you out and immediately make requests and ask questions, I keep feeling that it’s a little overboard.”
Delilah snorted.
“Alright, alright,” he said seriously. “I only want to ask you if you’ve heard of creatures like the Grevind Swarm? They’re locusts, silver-gray, and look like this…”
He took out a box with a locust nailed to it and innards flowing.
“…Disgusting.”
Although she said that, the Phoenix King took the box and looked at it seriously for a while. Phoenix flames flashed in her eyes, “It’s not a living being, but a strange structure… I’ve never heard of it.”
Kang De’s heart turned cold.
He struggled with all his might. “The spellcasters of Goethe don’t know them, but a natural history professor said that he’d seen such an insect in an ancient book and caused a disaster in the ancient era…”
“The ancient era of humans?” The Phoenix King let out a disdainful laugh, but in the blink of an eye, she realized it. She immediately restrained her smile and glanced at Kang De. Seeing that his expression was no different, but it revealed anxiety and anticipation, she secretly thought for a moment, but she still shook her head gently and her tone softened.
She said, “I don’t have such an impression. Believe me, as the Phoenix King, most of my childhood was spent receiving the education of a king. I might not be able to recognize all the insects that have existed in the world, but as long as they’re mutants with destructive power that cause disasters, I’ll definitely know and recognize them. Kang De, I’m not bragging. I’ve read the relevant records of almost all the disasters that happened in this world in ancient times.”
“This is the knowledge that the king of the world’s overlord should have.”
Delilah said softly, “Moreover, the ‘ancient’ recorded by us elves is completely different from the ‘ancient’ of humans… You understand, right?”
Although he was mentally prepared, disappointment was inevitable.
“I see…” He sighed softly, “Then I’ll think of a way…—Thank you.”
“Wait,” Delilah said. “Is this very important?”
Kang De looked at the other party’s gaze and nodded. “Very important.”
Therefore, the Phoenix King put away the box. “Then I’ll help you ask. Go back to the Maple Leaf Palace and wait.”
Kang De was stunned. “Didn’t you say…”
“Even I have something I don’t know. Perhaps the ‘disaster’ triggered by such a small insect is only a disaster recorded by you humans. Hmph, just wait. The foundation of the elves exceeds your imagination.”
She summoned the phoenix, put on her helmet, and lightly jumped onto the phoenix saddle.
Kang De looked at her and could not help but say, “Aren’t you curious about the background of such a thing?”
From the beginning to the end, she did not ask.
The phoenix wings flapped, and the line of fire soared into the sky, leaving only a sentence.
“Idiot, look in the mirror at your dilemma when you took that thing out!”
Kang De looked up in a daze before saying, “I’ll wait here!”
“…Up to you!”
This sentence sounded faintly.
Kang De looked at the sky in a daze for a while. His iron son suddenly said, “Something is wrong.”
“What?”
“The Phoenix King’s attitude is not right. It’s very different from last time.”
“Yes?”
Horus said in a low voice, “Converting it to favorability, it’s an increase of about 20%. Moreover, she passed a key plot. However, the last time she came to find you, it was not like this. The way she looked at you just now was evasive and even instinctively shy. She’s clearly imagining something. This means…”
Kang De asked, “What does it mean?”
“It means that someone is chattering beside her and helping you, causing her to develop some subconsciousness feelings.”
“…Who?”
Click, click. Horus stretched out an electronic eye probe from Kang De’s back and rolled his eyes in front of him. “How the f*ck would I know?”
“Language!”
“I learned it from Father!”
It was almost noon. Kang De held up an umbrella on this empty sentry tower. Master Kang’s logo was bathed in the sunlight of the other world. He lay on the recliner and narrowed his eyes to take a nap.
The phoenix came again.
He rubbed his eyes and got up. Delilah had already arrived in front of him. She looked down at him and frowned. “How long has it been since you rested?”
Kang De was stunned, then smiled. “Not long.”
Delilah looked at him deeply. She took out a book from somewhere and threw it into his hand. “It just so happens that a scholar in the military camp knows about such insects. His mobile library has just collected books that record such a pest plague, including their cause, habits, and annihilation plan. I can only help you this much. As for the spells and resources needed to annihilate the insects, I won’t provide them.”
Kang De revealed a happy smile and nodded. “That’s enough. Thank you.”
He did not even look at it. He looked at the Phoenix King and bowed deeply, “Thank you.”
Delilah said, “There’s no need to thank me. I’m only returning your favor. I’m leaving—hmph, a dignified Great Forbidden Spell Master meeting the Phoenix King in private. You’re shameless, but I want my reputation.”
She turned to leave, but Kang De said, “Wait!”
The Phoenix King turned around and a stack of boxes fell from the sky. Kang De stuck his head out from behind the boxes. “You’ve finished what I gave you last time, right? There are more varieties and flavors this time!”
Delilah said angrily, “How can I finish it so quickly?!”
Although she said that, Delilah still hid those boxes in a certain space. Moreover, she clearly looked relieved for some reason.
She glanced at Kang De and summoned the phoenix. “Take care of yourself. I’m still counting on you to be cannon fodder and take down as many enemies from outer space as possible. Be stronger next time and don’t be in such a sorry state.”
With that, the king had already left on the phoenix.
“She escaped.”
Horus evaluated.
Kang De watched the other party’s figure disappear and lowered his head to open the book.
“The ink is very fresh. She just wrote it.” His iron son scanned it and evaluated, “Ha, tsundere.”