Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 21: The Flow of Wind, Part 1
...—12th July, E642 | Imperial Palace, Nevada, Vermillion Empire—...
HOT AIR can be felt in every corner of Islan—ter except the region of Amerlesia Mountains which is always cold. Summer has begun less than a week, but the heat was only felt yesterday. It's just a change of seasons, intangible. However, the effect is clearly felt. The life activities of the city are influenced by this. Same with the change in wind direction.
From the highest balcony of one of the palace towers, Kanna looks silently at the hustle and bustle of city activity. This season is a season where the activity of the citizens is more crowded, the number of immigrants is more, and economic activity reaches its peak. However, from what Kanna's eyes see, this year's summer is no more crowded than last year's summer. Last year's summer was less crowded than last year's summer.
No elves were seen on the streets of the city. There are no warebeasts that pass by. The conflict between the New World Order, the Emiliel Holy Kingdom, and the Vermillion Empire had long shown its effects. If this were to happen before the Vermillion Empire acquired the Emeralna Kingdom and the Matepola Kingdom, the empire might have to focus on increasing food productivity in two or three years. However, with the current empire, the effects of the conflict would not have been too influential.
But that doesn't mean everything will be okay. The difference seen now is only the beginning. When the war really broke out, the resources of—both natural and human— would plummet sharply. Damage will be rampant. And, if Veria also attacked as Artemys feared in his letter….
“Islam has no choice but to resolve this conflict with minimal casualties and damage,” muttered Kanna with a twitch in the forehead. “Emperor Shiva Rashta.!” Kanna's hands clenched, her teeth grinding.
Although Kanna hates what the man has done, her actions in uniting Veria are inspiring. Even Kanna and Achilles would not be able to do what the emperor did even if they worked together for a long time. Indeed, the situation in Iceland is much more complicated than Veria. However, the results were surprising and very inspiring. Unite one continent without having to deploy troops and shed blood….
“Nona,” call Meyrin who appears suddenly behind Kanna. “Xavier has arrived at the palace as you wish. Monica was with him too. There seems to be a conflict between them. But understanding Monica, I can assume it was related to Miss Artemys. Xavier went to Veria with Monica, and I made sure Monica didn't know that Xavier saved Miss Artemys.”
Artemis…. Kanna honestly no longer knows how to deal with her sister who is two years older. He was of course happy that he could be saved, but at the same time he was annoyed by his closeness to Xavier. And recalling the moment where he saw Xavier come out of his personal library Artemys…. An evil whisper appeared in Kanna's heart: How about I look into Artemys' memory to find out what really happened?
Kanna shook her head slowly, expelling those bad thoughts from overpowering the heart. He had long admitted that he had a taste for the red-haired man. Nizivia has entrusted Xavier to her. If Nizivia can't be with him, the girl wants him to be with Xavier. It is no longer about destiny that transcends against time, nor for itself alone. However, this is for Nizivia.and Clara as well.
However, it does not justify Kanna doing anything. He will be looking for an opportunity to talk to Xavier from heart to heart. If Xavier ultimately has no sense in him, then there is nothing he can do. He had no choice but to accept the reality and move on. Love is not something that can be forced.
However, the chance to talk about heart with the young man could not be found any time soon. The empire was the priority of Kanna; everything was under the empire. Friends, family, and even love…. If all that prevents him from carrying out his duties, then all he has to do is put all that aside. An emperor must put the empire above all else.
“Thank you, Meyrin.” Kanna said after a long time of silence. “I will meet Xavier, and we will leave for Kazarsia Kingdom. I need you to tell Achilles about this. And as long as I'm gone, I'll leave my duty to you. If you can't decide, discuss with Kak Achilles.”
“Alright, I understand. I'll go straight to Prime Minister Achilles.” Meyrin instantly disappeared, her skills clearly increasing.
Unwilling to keep Xavier waiting, Kanna jumps down the tower and lands on the balcony of the palace's third floor, before stepping quickly down.
Three warriors darted forward, raising each of their swords against a plontos-headed man who had long been a royal byword.
The man elegantly dodged the two swords of the soldiers, while the double-edged sword moved and perfectly staged the third. The three soldiers did not want to lose, they continued to press. However, after several times banging swords with each other, the plontos-headed man with the face of the rogue successfully made the three soldiers fall.
“Uwoooo! As expected of General Clown! It's stunning! Awesome!”
“Really! Even though he did not rely on mana, the three of them did not dwell. General Clown's physical strength was enough to melt a mountain!”
“It is fortunate that the Princess has a husband as strong and patriotic as General Clown. If my daughter is already at marriageable age, I want her to look for a man with responsibilities like him. Then, if my wife ever gets pregnant again and gives birth to a son, I want her to follow General Clown.”
“Heh, heh, heh, not just you, Gob! All parents wanted their son to imitate the Great General Clown. I do too. But, yeah, I don't have a wife yet! Oh, why are you married and I'm still single?! That's so unfair!”
“Ckckck. You're too bego, Mok! You're single because you didn't learn from General Clown's charms! Look at him, the women chasing. General Clown's blood was incomparable to most princes, but his heart was much more radiant. Shine your heart, Mok!”
“You. I have to copy every single thing Great General Clown did!”
While they were all busy chlorifying and glorifying General Clown, the general himself was struggling to endure the pain in his shoulder.
Fighting three soldiers at once was exhausting. Moreover, their sparing was seen by dozens of soldiers. If he had made the slightest mistake, it was likely that Clown would have ended up in prison. He shuddered in horror at imagining it. And think of the expression his wife would show….
I had to practice three times more than before, the inner Clown with a new spirit that filled the soul.
He had forgotten his intention to run away after feeling the pleasure of being a man. He will not let himself be separated from his wife. …Although it requires him to follow the stupidity of those around him.
General Clown has decided to replace his father-in-law as king, so he can ensure the truth about him will not be revealed.