Chapter 2: New Century (Epilogue)
The King of Winter, having foolishly consumed the Parasitic Tree Fruit, is there any chance of controlling him?
Of course, the unnervingly decrepit King Karari in front of him is a bonus.
Look at his ghastly appearance.
Dark circles under his eyes, darker than those of a giant panda.
His face, withered and dry like tree bark.
Sunken cheeks, dull, lifeless eyes.
Hands covered in age spots, and his temples streaked with white.
He’d believe it if someone said the King of Karari was on his deathbed.
However, before that, he decided to hear what the King of Karari and the King of Winter had planned.
So he made an inviting gesture to the King of Karari, signaling him to continue.
“It’s like this, you’ve surely seen the King of Winter’s army. As the side with the strongest military might, he demands supreme command of all troops and a leading position in the alliance. Our armies must also obey his commands.”
“Afterwards, to protect the safety of our two countries, His Majesty Winter very enthusiastically offered to send troops to garrison our key cities and help us build stronger defense systems.”
“But it can’t be for free. We have to offer some resources to the Winter Kingdom annually as a fee for their hard work. Oh, and…”
The more King Maidon listened, the tighter his brow furrowed.
What kind of alliance is this? It’s practically a vassal state of the Winter Kingdom!
The King of Winter has such a big mouth. How long has it been since he brushed his teeth? He wants to take two vassal states right after their formation. Even the old Kolon Empire never did anything like that.
“Did you agree to the King of Winter’s proposal?”
He interrupted the King of Karari, who was still rambling, his tone already impatient.
“Of course I agreed!”
The King of Karari replied with a look of pleasant surprise, explaining:
“Where in the world can you find such a good deal? The King of Winter will help us command our troops to repel the Elves, manage our cities, and even help us build stronger fortresses! All we have to do is pay a little money in the end.”
Then perhaps the King of Winter could also help sit on the throne.
King Maidon snorted, thinking to himself.
He was utterly disappointed in the King of Karari. He initially thought he was just a foolish nouveau riche, but now it seemed the King of Karari was a complete idiot with no political acumen!
“Alright, Lord Gustus, we can discuss the alliance later. I’ve lost all interest in continuing this conversation.”
“If there is any sincerity in this alliance, then please have His Excellency the King of Winter come to discuss it in person. I am willing to offer some financial compensation, but I cannot accept anyone, not even a national power, interfering with my country’s administration.”
King Maidon shifted his position on the seat and lowered his leg from his crossed position.
“However, your army alone cannot stop the Elf invasion. The scouts at the front are reporting that the Elves have reinforced their troops again. They have already passed the probing phase.”
“So what?”
King Maidon scoffed.
“When the nest overturns, no egg remains intact. This Emerald Frontier must be defended, whether we want to or not. The Kolon Empire once hated pursuing and intercepting the Elves the most. Do you think if the Kolon Empire is now the Winter Kingdom, the Elves will show mercy if they break through?”
“If the King of Winter doesn’t defend it, then we will all die. We are willing to pay some price; we have done all we can!”
“Alright.” Looking at King Maidon’s resolute expression, the King of Karari helplessly spread his hands.
“An alliance requires mutual consent. Since Your Excellency doesn’t agree, we three kings will negotiate again when His Majesty the King of Winter wakes up.”
“For now, you must have traveled far and are undoubtedly hungry. As the host, I naturally cannot let my ally suffer. I will order my guards to bring out delicious food.”
The King of Karari’s attitude had always been very pleasant.
This made King Maidon feel quite comfortable.
He disliked the arrogant King of Winter, but he sympathized more with the foolish King of Karari.
After all, the more foolish King Karari was, the easier it would be to annex Karari in the future.
Melodious music began to play, and the guards brought a large round table into the hall.
They moved around like butterflies, placing the pre-prepared delicacies, dish by dish, onto the table.
Although all the plates were covered, just looking at the quantity made King Maidon’s appetite soar.
Years ago, he had heard that the King of Karari was quite fond of luxury, traveling in a carriage pulled by 18 Dragon Beasts. If the streets were wide enough, he could have added more.
That carriage was as tall as a small house.
Now, seeing the resplendent city walls and the ostentatious golden statue of the King in Karari City, King Maidon reaffirmed this point.
The taste of these delicacies must be excellent.
He, Maidon, was only a slightly larger country than Karari and had no special products. Unlike the King of Karari, who could earn money by selling fruit.
Life had always been tight.
Why could such a foolish king and such a foolish country produce precious materials like Parasitic Tree Fruits?
Why didn’t he have any in Maidon, only various kinds of sea fish!
King Maidon was consumed by jealousy.
“Alright, the dishes are served. Let the banquet begin. Please don’t be shy today.”
The King of Karari smiled and extended an invitation.
King Maidon did not stand on ceremony and directly uncovered the lid of the plate in front of him, but his expression immediately turned grim.
“Lord Gothers, what is the meaning of this?”
King Maidon exclaimed angrily.
In his plate, where were the delicacies?
It was a large black centipede, as thick as an adult’s forearm, roasted to a golden crisp, tender on the inside and outside, brushed all over with fragrant oil.
Its jet-black carapace reflected a cold light under the lamplight, emitting a foot-odor-like smell.
“Is there a problem? This is our Karari specialty, Charcoal-Grilled Black Dragon.”
Charcoal-Grilled Black Dragon?
King Maidon almost choked with laughter.
But perhaps it was just a coincidence?
So he uncovered another plate.
“What is this now?!”
King Maidon nearly roared.
“This is called ‘A Touch of Green Amidst a Hundred Flowers’.”
The King of Karari pointed to the giant green fly’s head surrounded by a pile of bright red devil peppers on the plate, smiling sweetly and cordially.
“And this one?”
“This is called Lazy White Strips~”
In reality, it was just boiled roundworms.
King Maidon was about to go mad. He no longer wanted to look at the other dishes. He didn’t need to be told; they were probably one more disgusting than the other. He pointed at the King of Karari, who was sitting there looking unperturbed, his lips trembling.
“Are these dishes the specialty of your country? Eat one for me to see?!”
“Of course, no problem.”
The King of Karari put on an innocent expression and then uncovered the plate in front of him.
Inside, coincidentally, was a dish of “Lazy White Strips.”
However, it was made of noodles.
The plating was identical to the “Lazy White Strips” in front of King Maidon, making them indistinguishable.
Closely following.
To King Maidon’s astonished gaze.
The “King of Karari” picked up the “Lazy White Strips” in front of him and slurped them down with gusto.
He even squinted his eyes and smacked his lips.
He showed an expression of immense enjoyment, as if what he was eating was incredibly delicious.
Could this thing actually be tasty?!
King Maidon looked at the “Lazy White Strips” in front of him, emitting a strange smell, and fell into self-doubt.
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The third day of National Day, there’s nothing much to thank you all for, so please enjoy the expensive Lazy White Strips.
This dish is difficult to source and complex to prepare, with an exquisite appearance.
Please don’t be polite with this penguin.
Keke
