5/8
“Sorry for the delay. I will try to publish the remaining two chapters after I come back from college. However, I will release today’s second chapter in the next 30 minutes.”
—-
“Puting it simply, the answer to this question is quite easy.”
“Apart from Karl, there is another key figure in the middle, Minister Charl”
After Renji told all this to Nova, the Dragon Empress was initially shocked. Nova had never imagined that the real Karl had passed away in the 214th year. Following that revelation, her pupils quickly turned into purple eyes, filled with anger.
“So for the next fifty-six years, was the “Karl” by my side actually fake?”
Karl was considered a close friend by Nova. After all, Karl was one of the few remaining people who could still be with her, a comrade who had fought alongside her in the battles led by Master Ashen.
The thought that someone dared to desecrate Karl’s corpse and impersonate him for so many years brought a sense of guilt and self-blame to Nova. This guilt and self-blame turned into a sentence uttered by Nova, filled with endless anger.
“Master, I’m going to bring Charl here right now.”
Indeed.
Bringing Charl over immediately seemed like the most direct and simple solution. Renji believed that by questioning Charl, they could uncover the truth about those past years. However, Renji shook his head.
“Nova, Charl is not the key. The key lies behind Charl.”
“Are you talking about Miyuki?”
Nova clenched her fists. Whether it was deceiving her with a fake Karl or persuading her to “meditate (Deep Sleep)” at just the right time, she began to suspect that Miyuki, the elf knight who used to be part of “Emperor’s Personal Guardian” was behind it all.
“I don’t know for sure, so we need to continue investigating. Clarifying the truth from those years. Since Charl is presented to us in the forefront, we can grab him anytime. But we shouldn’t be in a hurry. By keeping Charl as a thread, we can continue to follow it and possibly uncover more hidden truths, like fishing with a long line to catch deeper fish.”
“Yes, Nova will do as master says ”
Unconsciously, Renji still lost in thought, suddenly felt a warm touch on his hand. Nova had approached and tightly held his hand.
When Renji looked up, whether it was due to Nova changing to her “low-star illustration” or something else, he saw a deep sense of sensitivity on Nova’s face. It was for this reason that the Dragon Empress held his hand so tightly and pressed her body against his.
Indeed, for Nova now, feeling the touch and warmth of her Master was the only thing that could calm her hesitant and confused heart.
“Master did I cause trouble for everyone…” Nova’s voice was low, and as she spoke, Renji could feel her trembling hand.
Previously, Nova had always believed that she did nothing wrong. After all, during Karl’s era, the Dragon Nation prospered more and more. Later on, as Charl, Karl’s successor, introduced slightly extreme policies, Nova vaguely sensed it. However, due to her trust in Karl, she didn’t intervene. Later, under Anno’s suggestion, she completely let go and entered a state of seclusion.
But now, learning some truths, Nova realized that the current situation of the demi-human was not because they were “not working hard enough” and were naturally selected. It was persecution by some outsider with ulterior motives that led to this.
For Nova, these were two completely different concepts.
In the current Lizardmen tribe, most demi-humans, unlike the robust and large Rush, were either extremely thin or at least had poor health. From their expressions, one could see deep exhaustion and a bleak lack of expectation for the future.
Regardless of the race, the vitality is always measured by the younger generation. However, the young demi-humans within the Lizardmen tribe currently show no signs of vitality. Most of them follow their parents, carrying a bamboo-framed basket, heading into the forest. They return with meager resources, hunched over, and retreat into their respective tent camps, nibbling on inferior fruits still coated with mud.
Even the once proud “72 Tribes” like the Lizardmen tribe are in this state, not to mention other demi-human tribes.
“No, Nova, this is not solely your fault. Now that we’ve realized we’ve taken the wrong path, instead of blaming ourselves and feeling guilty, it’s better to quickly get back on the right track. Look, they’ve already arrived.”
Renji tightened his grip on Nova’s hand, and with the other hand, he pointed. Nova followed his gaze and saw Eileen and the maid returning, followed by many members of the revolutionary army.
For most tribal members who hadn’t received the news, the appearance of the revolutionary army in front of the Lizardmen tribe was met with great vigilance and caution.
….
“Which tribe are these people from, and what do they want to do?”
“I seem to recognize them. They are that group of revolutionaries!?”
“Why are they coming over? Are they here to take things again? Haven’t they seen that our Lizardmen tribe is in this state!”
“Oh well, those of us hiding in the back, forgetting the glory of our tribe, have no right to talk about them.”
In the midst of the sighs of most Lizardmen members, the discussions abruptly stopped as the aroma of food wafted through. Following behind the figures of the revolutionary army, the enticing smell silenced the noisy discussions.
Several demi-humans instinctively brightened their eyes, lifted their heads, and the Lizard’s large noses sniffed the air vigorously. Eventually, everyone found the source of the fragrance.
Seeing this scene, Renji’s mouth curved into a smile. Regular cooking might not achieve this effect, but with the carefully selected “special attacks” in his recipes tailored for demi-humans, the allure of the food was infinitely amplified.
In the game, cooking, usually just a way to “raise affection” unexpectedly shone brightly in the second playthrough.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Chief Losa stood up as agreed and began to explain to the tribe. However, it wasn’t really necessary; the thunder hammer raised high in his right hand had already silenced any objections.
“Mom, what’s that?” Some young demi-humans, unfamiliar with the thunder hammer, didn’t understand why their parents were so excited, even trembling as they held their hands.
The female demi-human crouched down, picked up her child, allowing them a better view.
“Do you remember the stories I often told you about our ancestors and the Great Emperor?”
“Remember, remember! They are saviors, great heroes, relying on each other, the most reliable partners!”
“This hammer is a symbol of the friendship between our ancestors and the Great Emperor. So my child, look carefully. Make sure to remember its appearance. This way, not only will our ancestors bless you, but the ‘Great Emperor’ will also surely protect you.”
“Really! I will try my best to see clearly, and I will never forget it in my whole life!” The young demi-human widened their eyes, imprinting this moment deep into their memory..
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