Civilization: Beyond Two Worlds

284 Tina

North of Goethe, Ansar Province.

At the beginning of the war, the attacks of the elves were already aggressive. The Twilight Dynasty used the world-renowned navy to seal the coastline and used the islands overseas as a springboard to launch a landing war from all directions, causing Goethe to fall into the flames of war and deter places, causing the provinces to be unable to take care of themselves.

This maximized the advantage of the elves’ military strength.

The Ansar Province located north of Goethe was one of the focuses of the expeditionary army’s many attacks. The Elven Marine Corps captured the port of Carile on the west coast at lightning speed. A squadron used this as the center to carry out a deterrence cruise, causing the subsequent troops and resources to continuously land. The army that had obtained the replenishment reinforcement opened up the front and attacked everywhere, causing the situation in the north to deteriorate and restrain a large number of Goethe’s troops.

As a result, the Ansar Province was enveloped in the flames of war. The local military and administrative officials and nobles desperately defended and could not take care of themselves, let alone transfer troops to support the entire battle.

This was also the epitome of this war.

Under the overwhelming military advantage of the elves, Goethe could last until now because of the bloody battle of the nobles, soldiers, and even commoners who did not care about the price and protected their homes. It was also because the Elven Expeditionary Force was careful in their tactics and was willing to use time and consumption to reduce the casualties of their soldiers.

After all, the lives of elves were precious and concerned their votes and future. It could not be ignored.

However, no matter how brave the Goethe people were or how careful the elf army was, under the huge difference in strength between the two countries, Goethe’s defeat was already a matter of time.

This was the common conclusion of the military observers and intelligence departments of the various countries… The human countries led by the Empire did not provide support and help. In fact, because of the ferocious might of the elves, they were even unwilling to carry out verbal condemnation. There were even rumors that the Empire had already reached an agreement with the elves to secretly divide Goethe.

In such a desperate situation, there were no reinforcements outside Goethe. The strength inside was continuously consumed. How could he defeat the strongest Twilight Dynasty in the world by fighting alone and fighting a powerful enemy? The outcome was actually already decided.

—But that was a month or two ago.

In the past two months, the battle situation of Goethe, which originally would not have any variables, had changed one after another.

Firstly, Her Highness Tina, the pearl of Goethe, who had secretly gone to the Empire and asked for support, had encountered danger in the Glory Sand Territory. The truth and facts were unknown to the public, but the next time that princess who was famous for her kindness and weakness appeared in front of the public, she was already in the north of the Empire.

She gave up on the trip to the capital and announced that she would fight for Goethe to the end. She also made speeches in the various cities in the north of the Empire, recruiting volunteers, building an army, lobbying the nobles, meeting the businessmen, and obtaining some possible assistance. To the shock of the outside world, she really succeeded.

To the outside world, Her Highness Tina had obtained the unanimous support of the nobles, commoners, soldiers, mages, and so on with her pure and noble soul and character. She had encouraged a group of righteous people to pick up their weapons and fight for justice, justice, and the future of humanity.

However, anyone with any common sense knew that this was simply nonsense. The reason why humans became a powerful race second only to the elves was that they never did anything without benefits. Those divine and pure ideals had long died. They still followed the Saintess of the Country. Pfft.

The real reason why the great nobles and merchants were generous was hidden in the fog. Everyone kept their mouths shut about this. According to the groundless news, Princess Tina had used the credibility of the Tedrell family and the Duchy of Goethe as the foundation to sign an agreement with every investor with extremely crazy profits. That concerned the ownership and mining power of an ancient ruin in Goethe, and that was the reason why the elves and the Empire coveted it.

It was precisely this kind of fake news hidden in the fog that made people scratch their hearts the most.

Moreover, a few large families and Chambers of Commerce in the north of the Empire were all involved in the investment.

This served as a good example.

The others took a look. Alright, a large family with a long history and a rich Chamber of Commerce. These words were famous, rich, and powerful. It was unknown how many thinkers, strategists, and spies they nurtured.

With their shrewdness and caution, if they were all involved in this investment, it meant that the ruins Princess Tina mentioned were indeed true—what? A certain Empire minister denied it? That was even more f*cking true.

So?

Therefore, why not take a share? It would be a waste not to earn!

The investment support of those northern big shots played a good role as an example and a demonstration. In the end, everywhere Tina went, there were local families, chambers of commerce, and powerful figures who took the initiative to welcome her. When they talked about this investment and buying shares, the terrifying reputation and reputation that Tina had accumulated in a short period of time was all coordinated by the powerful people in these places.

They gave money to others and were extremely generous. This was because all their support had been converted into shares and counted into the final ratio. After the initial negotiation and plan, this fundraising game began to expand on its own. The scale became larger and larger, and more and more participants entered the venue. They gathered into a terrifying torrent and transformed into weapons, rations, mercenaries, medicine, and other war resources that gathered under Princess Tina.

It was not that no one questioned, but the voices of doubt inexplicably disappeared.

This was because the game had already begun.

The shares that Princess Tina sold were limited. When she led the volunteer troops away from the Empire’s border and returned to Goethe, the true feast officially began. The people who had bought the shares looked forward and waited for the news ahead, feeling uneasy. Those who did not have the time to enter beat their chests and stomp their feet in regret.

Therefore, shares began to be bought and sold.

The news on the front lines kept coming back.

When the news of Princess Tina’s victory came, the unit price of the shares would increase. When the news of loss came, it would fall. Victory and defeat were common in war. There were wins and losses in the war, and the stock price naturally rose and fell. However, during this rise and fall, a large amount of real money disappeared inexplicably and fell into someone’s hands. A few smart people who saw the world also disappeared inexplicably.

All of this had nothing to do with Tina.

When the no longer naive princess led the army back to her homeland, the banquet no longer had anything to do with her. She only wanted to leave a huge surprise for this world and give the elves the heaviest blow. Then, she would disappear with the glory of her father, brother, sister, and Tedrell. Therefore, she only fought, fought, and fought. As long as the support from behind was continuous, she did not care about anything.

As for the few big shots who were first persuaded by Tina, they controlled the information and secrets behind the scenes, causing the stock price to continuously rise and fall. During this process, they secretly swallowed and devoured shares and crazily harvested the wealth that was born out of thin air to earn a lot.

The natives of the other world were addicted to this wonderful game and enjoyed the pleasure of controlling everything. They did not know what a bad example this simple financial game would set for future generations. Even if they knew, they did not care, let alone Tina.

Princess Goethe was slashing the elves, and a few giants were crazily harvesting the chives. The chives waved their gold coins and fought to enter. Some relatively smart people also saw through the door. These people were really a little smart, so they thought, Heh, so what if it’s a scam? I can earn money too.

The crazy game, terrifying desire, greed, and madness. Everything forcefully supported a lie that was actually filled with mistakes and made it true.

This was the true Emperor’s New Clothes.

The only outcome for the child who exposed the truth was to be beaten to death by all the subjects.

The ancient ruins existed. The elves wanted it, so the war broke out. Princess Tina was the chosen Saintess and was supported by international public opinion. She was supported and followed by many people. The Empire was even about to officially interfere in this war, support Goethe, and fight the elves.

With the support of the Empire, this war could not continue. The elves had to retreat.

If Goethe won, they could develop that ruin and excavate priceless ancient artifacts. They could earn countless wealth and make everyone rich!

Countless rumors led to more and more people believing this—Goethe’s defense war was in a good form and was about to obtain the final victory.

Amidst this optimism and anticipation, only a small number of people maintained their cold consciousness.

The initiator of this game and a portion of the participants knew that this unprecedented scam that would definitely shock the world would explode sooner or later.

Tedrell would be finished. Goethe would be destroyed. There were no ruins. These were all scams, but so what? Princess Tina would die in battle and the Tedrell family would be reduced to ashes. Where could he ask for revenge?

—What? You’re talking about me? I’m also a victim! What? You invested money because you heard that we were involved? That’s because you’re as stupid as me. What responsibility do I have? Hehe.

These “victims” had to obtain the last sum before the final explosion and leave calmly. Then, they had to hypocritically sigh at Princess Tina’s ruthlessness and determination at the celebration banquet.

It was originally like this.

In fact, Tina knew her ending and fate very well.

However, in this ridiculous and crazy black comedy, a shocking piece of news fell from the sky.

Princess Tina’s husband, Kang De, was not dead.

Moreover, in a small place called Valentine in the south of Goethe, he had used a forbidden spell to kill five dragon flag legions of the Elven Royal Army in one go. Coupled with the ones that had died in Valentine earlier, a total of six elf legions had been declared destroyed.

Forbidden spell. D*mn, it was a forbidden spell.

When this news spread to the north, the few big shots who dealt even laughed when they heard it. Which guy made up such ridiculous fake news? Although these people who bought the shares were stupid, they were not that stupid. He had to respect them a little.

However, it was true.

The entire world had gone crazy, and so had the investors. The unit price of the shares had risen like a rocket earlier, and the transaction value had plummeted. Valentine had given a speech, the elves had stopped their attacks, and the capital of the Empire had been shaken. One news after another raised the confidence of the investors—d*mn, this worked?

In a few days, which was now, the elves sent out unofficial envoys to discuss how to hand over the corpses of the tens of thousands of elf soldiers outside Valentine. An even more shocking news spread.

The elf proposed conditions for peace.

It was a ridiculous treaty that almost blinded the eyes of the living beings of the entire continent.

This round was completely impossible because no one was willing to sell the shares in their hands anymore. The people who had already sold their shares beat their chests and stomped their feet in regret. The big shots had just made a few orders and not long after the shares in their hands scattered, they were promoted—it had to be known that there was no such thing as rising and falling!

Even they were confused—so did that ruin exist?

Was it a surprise?

Surprise.

Were they angry?

Angry.

Did they dare to flare up at Tina?

They did not dare.

Why?

This was because her husband was awesome.

Anyone with a little common sense could tell that Kang De grasped such a terrifying power and even made the Twilight Dynasty lower its head. No person with a normal IQ would reject that amazing treaty. Once it was signed, Goethe would fully embrace Twilight and use the hegemony of the number one country in this world to complete a leap in national strength.

As for Kang De, he had become the ruler of Goethe with Princess Tina. He had accepted the invitation of the elves and entered the council and the magic council to form his own army. He had married the Cathayan Empress and obtained the rule of the Eastern Ancient Kingdom. Therefore, were you sure you wanted to offend such a person?

For a moment, Princess Tina became the focus of the entire world again.

The most enviable girl in the world.

To be able to pick up such a handsome man on a diplomatic mission to the Empire, she was really the Daughter of Heaven. Any powerful figure had to sigh at their own daughter’s worthlessness.

As for currying favor, loyalty, repairing relationships, and strong support, it was even more necessary.

In just a few days, Tina was surrounded by countless visits, praise, and flattery.

However, no one knew that this pearl of Goethe’s heart was not filled with sweetness and happiness, but with bitterness and nervousness. She no longer knew how to face her “fiancé”.

After experiencing the desperate change in Glory Sand Town, she had once thought that she had already lost everything. Therefore, she was no longer naive, innocent, and weak, causing her mind to be hard and strong.

She began to be stained with blood, hurt others, and seek victory. She became strong, brave, and even cold. She did many things she would never have done before, but when she heard the news about Kang De, she discovered that she was still that weak and helpless girl.

“Did you not sleep all night again?”

A sigh sounded in her ear. Tina looked up in confusion. Her aunt walked in with a wooden plate. The fragrance of the food spread, but she had no appetite at all.

Ever since she returned to Goethe, she had experienced several battles. There were countless attacks, assassinations, and sneak attacks. It was all thanks to her aunt’s Snowfall Sword.

This cold and lion-like woman had always been Tina’s dream and admiration. At the most difficult moment, it was also her aunt who had always protected and encouraged her, guiding her in the direction and expelling her doubts.

Tina said softly, “Aunt…”

Two strings of tears involuntarily fell.

“Cry! You’re crying again! Why are you crying?!”

The wooden plate was placed on the table with a bang. Sword Saint Snowfall reached out and grabbed Tina’s chin. He raised her exquisite and beautiful little face and said angrily, “Look in the mirror! Aren’t you beautiful? Aren’t you lovable? He’s too happy that you’re willing to be his wife. What are you thinking?”

Tina muttered, “It’s not like that. I forced him to come to the continent and let him suffer this. He wasn’t by his side when he was in the most pain and even claimed to be his wife. I even let him be involved in this war that doesn’t belong to him. I witnessed the killing and even participated in it… He must blame me very much. I’m too ashamed to see him…”

“…Nonsense! If he blames you, why did he come to Goethe? Why did he write to you? If he blamed you, he won’t have helped Goethe at all! You even dare to kill people. Why are you afraid to see him?”

Tina shook her head, her dazzling golden hair swaying. She said miserably, “This is different. He doesn’t blame me. He’s a good person, but I can’t take it for granted. I…”

The Sword Saint asked, “So?”

The girl did not react for a moment, “…So?”

Sword Saint Snowfall raised her eyebrows and said in an aggressive tone, “Therefore, if you think he’s a good person and feel guilty, compensate him! Then thank him! Isn’t that simple? Why don’t you directly set off south to find Kang De? Everything will be over after we meet!”

Even if she had already honed her former knowledge and wisdom into true strength in war and conspiracy, Princess Tina still felt at a loss when talking about Kang De. “Go… find him? What for? I… I don’t know what to do…”

The decisive Sword Saint slapped the table, “You don’t know what to say? Then don’t say anything. Just carry him up and kiss him! Press him to the bed and sleep with him! He obtained you as his wife for no reason and can’t be happier! If he’s really as good as you say, he’ll live with you for the rest of his life if you sleep with him!”

Tina blushed with embarrassment and wished she could cover her ears.

When the news that Kang De was alive returned, the princess’s frozen heart gradually thawed. Now, she was no longer in her usual dignified posture.

She said angrily, “Then I… shouldn’t have done that to him! What if he has someone he likes? I’m already very sorry to him now. I’ll announce that he’s my husband and all the girls on the continent will know that he’s married. If he meets someone he really likes, the other party will definitely ignore him…”

As soon as she finished speaking, Tina was knocked on the head. Sword Saint Snowfall said angrily, “You’ve returned to your original stupid appearance! Why do you care about him? Does he hate you? Do you hate him? If you don’t hate him, go! If you don’t stay in Tedrell with such a good man, do you still want to push him out?”

Tina covered her head and muttered, “Aunt, you make it sound so fierce as if you know it very well. You’re also a member of the Tedrell family and you don’t hate him. If you’re so good at talking, why don’t you do it yourself?”

“…”

The Sword Saint’s cheeks flushed red, and then she said angrily, “You said it! In any case, I want to taste a man too. It’s rare to have someone who’s pleasing to the eye and powerful. Just wait. I’ll go to Valentine’s now and have sex with him. In the future, you can call him Uncle! I’ll make you have nowhere to cry!”

She pretended to leave. Tina looked anxious and reached out to pull her back. “Wait…”

Her aunt stopped and looked at her with burning eyes.

The girl lowered her head and sighed.

“Don’t hesitate. You’ve already missed it once. Do you still want to miss it a second time?”

Sword Saint Snowfall stretched out her hand and touched her niece’s head. She hugged her in her arms, “Take out your usual decisiveness and drive. You were already very good earlier. Don’t reveal your true colors at the thought of Kang De… I’m serious. If you don’t go now, he’ll be snatched away by the Queen of Cathay.”

Kang De would not be snatched away. He was not from Cathay. That country had nothing to do with him.

Tina thought to herself.

However…

She still wanted to see him, but she was afraid to.

However, which emotion was stronger? What should she do after seeing him? Should she laugh, cry, apologize, greet, thank him, or…

Or was it… like what her aunt had said… it was not good to kiss?

Tina’s eyes were dazed as if she was in an endless reverie. One moment she was blushing, and the next she was giggling.

She was crazy.

At this moment, voices sounded outside.

“Your Highness, there’s an urgent military situation!”

Tina and the Sword Saint were shocked at the same time and let go of each other. The Princess of Goethe took a deep breath, and her gaze changed from confusion to determination. The shyness and hesitation on her face were no longer there.

The iron-blooded side appeared again.

She stepped out of the tent and said coldly, “Is it about Valentine?”

The officer outside the tent knelt on one knee and did not dare to look up. His tone was calm and respectful, “No, it’s information about the military deployment and mobilization of the Elven invasion army.”