Chapter 433 – News

Even the smallest of nations is never truly tranquil, especially when it’s located in a largely overlooked desert. Or perhaps precisely because this country is so small, it cannot remain peaceful.

The Huaibien Kingdom has been particularly unsettled lately. While the ignorant poor might believe the nation continues to function normally, those with even slight awareness can faintly detect the signs of an approaching storm. The recent explosive news that spread throughout the kingdom overnight serves as clear evidence.

There were three pieces of news in total: two good and one bad—though this “bad” news might actually be considered good by many.

However, regardless of which of these three messages one considers, they are equally shocking and deeply connected to the entire kingdom’s future. Faced with such news, even the most carefree citizens cannot simply dismiss it with a casual “the nobility are so messy.”

The first news concerns His Majesty the King of Huaibien Kingdom—rejoice! This king who has ruled the kingdom with brutal oppression for over a thousand years is “finally” going to die!

Common folk tend to be ignorant and shortsighted, often failing to recognize the deeper implications of events. When this news spread through every street and alley, most people’s reaction was to celebrate with great enthusiasm, which clearly demonstrates how unsuccessful Tandak has been as a king.

The second news brings even greater joy—although one Master-Level powerhouse of Huaibien Kingdom has fallen, heaven has blessed the kingdom. A new kind, benevolent, great, selfless Master-Level powerhouse, so virtuous that even saints would feel inferior, will become the new Kingdom Protector and continue to safeguard the nation. Under his protection, the kingdom will not only avoid destruction but also have the opportunity to be reborn.

The third news follows immediately from the second—to express the highest respect for the new Master-Level powerhouse, King Tandak has decided to marry the pearl of the kingdom, the beautiful Princess Aisha, to this powerful individual.

It must be said that these three pieces of news, which spread throughout the kingdom overnight and became known to all, appear utterly shocking to many wise individuals. Countless nobles, professionals, and officials can sense the turbulent undercurrents behind these three announcements…

However, to the common people, this undoubtedly represents good fortune and hope. For those struggling to survive in this barren desert, looking on the bright side is a fundamental skill—especially when… this matter at least sounds completely beneficial, doesn’t it?

Precisely because of this, the kingdom’s taverns have become exceptionally lively in recent days. Even homeless wanderers who cannot afford cheap liquor have stopped their grumbling gossip and begun discussing “state affairs.” Many poor people gathering in taverns to relax now look toward the future with hopeful anticipation.

In a small tavern located in the slums of Rock Sand City, exactly such a scene is unfolding.The tavern owner cheerfully transcribed the kingdom’s proclamation onto expensive papyrus and posted it in the most prominent spot of the tavern. The Boss Lady, who had already consumed considerable ale, excitedly announced to everyone present:

“Friends, drink to your heart’s content! To celebrate a new powerhouse sheltering our nation, all drinks are free today!”

“Hooray! Praise the new Master-Level powerhouse! And of course, praise our generous and beautiful Boss Lady!”

“Long live the kingdom’s rebirth! I dare say the new powerhouse will surely purge those damned goatmen! We’ll no longer have to worry about their threats!”

“Oh, my Princess Aisha, radiant as the bright moon, you must find happiness!”

“With a Master-Level powerhouse leading us, the Huaibien Kingdom will surely go further! To our nation’s future, cheers!”

“Cheers!”

The tavern’s atmosphere quickly reached its peak. The dull thuds of wooden mugs clinking formed a continuous celebratory rhythm, and hopeful smiles rarely seen replaced the usual complaints and numbness. Everyone was envisioning and celebrating the kingdom’s future, even if these matters felt distant to them. Yet, the simple-hearted poor never hesitated to express their hopes for tomorrow.

At the very least, after such “joyous news,” three years of tax exemption shouldn’t be too impossible, right…?

“Truly, life in this desert is so arduous. I can’t remember the last time I saw these bottom-level civilians show such genuine smiles.”

In an inconspicuous corner of the tavern, two individuals were sharing a desert-style roasted boar. Compared to the tavern full of commoners clad in coarse linen, these two figures in lavish attire stood out starkly.

However, no matter how conspicuous they were, under the cover of a faint, nearly imperceptible colorful arc of light, none of the celebrating patrons noticed this highly incongruous pair—a man and a woman.

If the tavern owner had immunity to Formal-Level spells, he would have leapt up in astonishment, for the very people sitting in this dim corner were none other than the protagonists of the kingdom’s news—Ovakain and… Princess Aisha.

Taking small sips of hot Butter Beer and watching the cheerful poor occasionally burst into carefree laughter, Aisha’s voice grew increasingly soft and ethereal:

“Lord Ovakain, though I know I’m unworthy of aspiring for the affection of a Master-Level powerhouse… but… but I’ve truly fallen in love with you. From the first moment I saw you, I felt my destiny was sealed… Perhaps this is what they call fate? Regardless, I truly wish to be with you. It might sound shameless, but… but please, stay for me, Mr. Ovakain.”

Gazing deeply into Ovakain’s profound pupils, Aisha’s face, flushed from the beer, glowed with a faint blush. The usually haughty young lady now appeared like a lovesick woman, her intoxicated eyes misty and her gaze toward Ovakain growing increasingly fervent.However, faced with Aisha who had pressed her entire chest against the table, Ovakain, who had remained silent all along, only let out a meaningful sigh.

Carefully avoiding the girl’s fervent gaze, the black dragon with a complex expression and seeming hesitation simply silently drained the mug of ale in one go.

Then, accompanied by the soft thud of the wooden mug being set down, Ovakain’s words emerged low and clear:

“…First, I must reiterate that my presence truly brings disaster to this nation. My enemies are indeed on their way to hunt me down.

Additionally, though it may seem impolite… forgive my bluntness… Aisha, you are lying! You do not love me at all. Unfortunately, while your acting is superb… I’m sorry, but the emotions in your heart have always been… unmistakably clear to my perception.”

(End of Chapter)