In Ark Simulator, why do I always get a tough start?

Chapter 127: The Weapon: You Have a Lover in Shelag?

"Uh."

Having broken free from the simulated vortex, Chen Qi opened his eyes again. After a brief headache, he fully adapted to the memories flooding his mind.

"It seems my body is gradually adapting to the simulation."

"However... I originally just wanted to escape some official business and take a good vacation to relax during the simulation."

"Unexpectedly, the vacation had no effect at all; in fact, I felt even more tired than usual."

Having lived as a king on thin ice for several years in the simulation, Chen Qi felt that this simulation was even more torturous than when he was the emperor of Letania.

After all, in the simulation of Letania, although he started from a very low point, he has always been supported and followed by the people.

But in Sherag, almost no one understood what he was doing, and it was difficult for him to gain everyone's support.

Even his family members, who trust him implicitly, find it difficult to fully support all his decisions.

After all, neither Enshiodis nor Enya are the same as Jian.

Jian herself didn't care much about the lives of Letania and other people; she only upheld Chen Qi's authority and rule.

But for Enciodes and his people, Sherag was their homeland, and it was impossible for them to be without feelings for the people of this land.

Furthermore, they are much smarter than the simple-minded Jian, and are incapable of unconditional obedience.

This feeling of having to carry everything alone... is truly unbearable.

"but……"

Recalling the incredibly real and unforgettable warmth of family love I experienced in this simulation, I felt a deep sense of peace and connection.

Even with his eyes tightly closed, Chen Qi couldn't help but reveal a warm smile.

"It wasn't bad at all; it was a completely new experience."

However, just as Chen Qi was thinking this, the scene of his beloved siblings being torn apart by his death during the "glimpse into the future" resurfaced in his mind.

The thought of this matter was like a thorn stuck in his heart, making him restless and unable to eat or sleep.

Logically speaking, everything Chen Qi did at that time was the optimal solution.

Only when Enthyodes personally killed this tyrant, achieving something no one else could accomplish, could his rule be considered truly secure.

Moreover, only by letting Ensiodis kill him with his own hands could his younger brother, whom he had protected too much and who lacked some of the perseverance found in the original story, be transformed.

The current situation in Shelag requires a monarch with a firm stance and a tough attitude to rule.

Viviana could back down, since the fortune he left her was ridiculously large and wouldn't be squandered in a short time.

However, Sherag relies mainly on finance and trade for support, and any damage to its credibility would lead to its catastrophic destruction.

However, at that time, I was running out of time and only my willpower kept me going, so I overlooked the harm this would cause to my family.

Listening to these three siblings, who were once deeply attached to each other, reveal the profound estrangement and even hatred that arose because of his death, I was deeply moved.

And his adoptive father, who was even closer to him than his own son, caused him great suffering for the rest of his life because of his death.

While Chen Qi was suffering greatly, he also felt that he should do something.

"However, let's not do things like the return of the King of Kalan to Shelag."

Thinking that after returning to Letania, he would be burdened with endless political affairs again, Chen Qi, who had become more cautious, also had a new idea.

"Let's find a way to get back to Rhodes Island first and tell Kal'tsit about the cooperation with Letania."

"Then, if I can establish a business partnership with Kjerag through Rhodes Island... I might be able to meet with Enya and Ensiodis alone."

"This way, we can avoid getting into trouble and clear up the misunderstanding between them, killing two birds with one stone."

Having already devised a plan, Chen Qi once again demonstrated his exceptional execution skills, taking out his communicator from his pocket and dialing "Jian's" number.

After a busy signal, Jian's familiar, cool voice came from the other end of the communicator.

"Hello? Your Majesty? Is there anything urgent?"

"--It's nothing, I'm just a bit annoyed by the pressure of government affairs."

Hearing the voice of the first woman he loved after so long lifted Chen Qi's spirits considerably, and he chuckled as he spoke:

"How about it, Mace? You've been in Letania for too long. How about we go on a trip together?"

Jian replied with interest, "Oh? My dear Your Majesty, would you like to have a date with me?"

"By the way, let me guess, the vacation spot you mentioned isn't Sherag, is it?"

"—Absolutely right, my dear Miss Jian. I'll reward you with a kiss later."

Jian's unhesitating answer confirmed Chen Qi's suspicions.

Sure enough, the results of the second simulation not only reflected reality but also influenced the perceptions of people who participated in the first simulation.

In reality, Letania, under its leadership, not only achieved the unification of the western continent, but Sherag also successfully gained independence, becoming Terra's economic center and tourist destination.

So in the future, as you do more and more simulations, who knows, you might end up being the emperor of all of Terra?
Thinking of this, Chen Qi shuddered and quickly shook his head.

Forget it, he's had enough of being an emperor or a king.

If I could have another simulation, I would rather die than be in power again.

I'd rather be a war maniac who abandons his brain and fights to the death, to properly vent the pressure I've accumulated from government affairs.

"Today we'll go back to Rhodes Island with Zuo Le and report the news of the cooperation with Letania to Theresa."

"Then we can press our advantage and get Theresa to allow us to sponsor the Shelagala trip. Then we can go on a date with Shelagala, right?"

"...Why are you suddenly so enthusiastic? Do you really want to go on vacation to Shelag?"

Chen Qi's suggestion was quite appealing.

But as a woman, Jian still keenly sensed the changes in her husband's emotions.

"Or……"

Jian narrowed his eyes slightly, and asked tentatively with a hint of joking:
"While I was unaware, what kind of confidante did you hook up with in Sherag?"

"You said you were going on a date with me, but actually you wanted to reunite with your lover after a long time?"

However, Jian's words startled Chen Qi, and he replied somewhat hesitantly:
"What are you thinking? Do you think you don't know whether I've ever gone to Sherag to pick up women or not..."

"Hard to say."

Having been by Chen Qi's side for a long time, she could tell from a single sentence whether her man was feeling guilty. After a brief silence, she revealed a smile of interest and said:

"That's fine too, it just so happens that I'm also quite interested in Shelag, so I might as well go and take a look."

Let's see what kind of woman can bewitch this man when I'm not paying attention.

Although Jian is more manly than most men, as a woman, she is still somewhat competitive and prone to jealousy.

In terms of personal relationships alone, Jian is not a woman who is generous enough to share her man.

But she was certain that her man wasn't the type to be attracted to just anyone.

Gertrude was deeply in love, and she could accept it.

Vina's actions were also driven by political considerations, which is understandable.

By the same token, it's reasonable to suspect that the woman in Sherag that her husband is having an affair with might also be someone with a high position of power in Sherag.

Could it be that saintess?

Doesn't that mean that Qi already had a way to seize power in Sherag without using force?
Jian was filled with curiosity about this.

Of course, besides that, Jian also had a strong curiosity about Shelag, a mysterious land that even the man she loved couldn't conquer.

She was even more curious about what kind of hero the only one, the King of Kalan, who had not succumbed to the iron torrent of his man, was.

However, Jian still habitually considered things from Chen Qi's perspective and raised a crucial question:
"I don't care, but what are your plans for governing in Letania?"

"Our dear Her Majesty Viviana won't be back for another two weeks."

"—Ha, my daughter, dares to try and outsmart me?" However, facing Viviana, who shared the same idea—wanting to use official business as an excuse to travel—Chen Qi merely smiled "cruelly" and answered loudly:

“I asked Gertrude to take a letter to her, saying that I had more important things to do and had to leave.”

"If she doesn't come back soon, the amount of official business she has to handle will only pile up, and even if she works overtime every day, she won't be able to keep up!"

"Oh, and by the way, tell Gertrude to tell her that if she dares to be lazy or negligent in her duties again, she should report to me immediately."

"When we get back, we're going to give her a good spanking!"

"...Now I understand who Viviana inherited her lazy personality from."

Hearing Chen Qi's words, which completely captured Viviana's attention, Jian smiled slightly but did not say anything in opposition.

After all, didn't she also hope that the man she loved could abandon all his heavy burdens and live freely with her?
Now that this busy person finally wants to live for herself, she can't let her down.

……

"Oh my, could this be the famous Black Knight? Miss Mace, the most trusted bodyguard of the Emperor of Letania?"

That night, aboard the land-based ship piloted by Zuo Le, Chen Qi and his group returned to the Rhodes Island ship with the cooperation project stamped and signed by Viviana.

However, to Chen Qi's surprise, as soon as they returned to Rhodes Island, Theresa summoned them all to the command center and personally hosted a welcome dinner for them.

Moreover, when faced with the long-disappeared Mace who had transformed her horns into those of a Sarkaz, Theresa recognized her true identity at a glance.

"I heard that Miss Jian was one of the most trusted confidantes of the late Emperor of Letania, but she died in an assassination attempt many years ago."

"I never expected that you would not only be alive, but also willing to come to Rhodes Island?"

She exuded an approachable aura. Theresa looked at the mace standing beside Chen Qi, already understanding the situation, but still smiled and asked:
"Miss Jian, what made you decide to visit us?"

"Furthermore, why are you following Mr. Chen Qi? Isn't your beloved the Emperor of Letania?"

"--Nothing, I was just bored and came here to experience a different kind of life."

Faced with Theresa's question, the usually concise and to-the-point Jian, after some thought, still gave his answer.

"As for what you said about my admiration for the Emperor of Letania... please don't misunderstand."

Facing the rather surprised gazes of Theresa, Kal'tsit, and Amiya standing to the side, Jian unceremoniously pulled Chen Qi's shoulder.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Jian gently pecked Chen Qi's lips, answering their questions with his actions.

"ah!"

However, never expecting to witness such intimate behavior, the sixteen-year-old Amiya blushed and pressed her long ears down to block her view.

Even the Rhodes Island operators around were surprised that Jian would be so bold, and the innocent employees blushed slightly.

"That's my answer."

However, none of this was anything to be ashamed of for Jian, and she stated frankly:
"I have never liked that high and mighty Emperor of Letania."

"The man I love is standing right beside me. He is a living, breathing human being, not some emperor."

Theresa pondered for a moment, and quickly understood the meaning of the mace. She smiled gently and said, "That's truly impolite of me~"

It seems that Mr. Chen Qi really is that Emperor of Letania.

However, Theresa and Kal'tsit simply exchanged a glance and confirmed this guess from each other's eyes.

After all, they couldn't believe that Jian, the woman who could drive Qi mad and make him willing to destroy Ursus to avenge her, would fall in love with another man.

If nothing unexpected happens, then the Chen Qi standing in front of them is another body that the Emperor of Letania created for himself.

But how did he manage to escape from the demonic "Wilderness" and ensure that the demons would not return to the Terra continent?

More importantly, if His Majesty the Emperor possesses such power...

Is there a way to deal with the other threat to Terra, known as the "Hai Si"?

With such expectations in mind, Theresa's gaze toward Chen Qi held an even more indescribable tenderness.

"Since that's the case, then I won't ask any more questions."

"Well then, Miss Jian, on behalf of Rhodes Island, I welcome you to our home."

"By the way, I'll also reassign you and Agent Chen Qi to a double dormitory room, so that the new environment won't affect your relationship~"

"Thank you very much."

Seeing how understanding Theresa was, Jian developed a greater liking for her in just a few words.

After saying goodbye to each other, Theresa watched Chen Qi and Jian leave the command center.

Only then did Kal'tsit approach at the opportune moment, coldly asking:

"Theresia, what do you think His Majesty the Emperor's purpose is in remaining on Rhodes Island in hiding?"

"...Whatever his motives, I think we all need to rely on his strength to overcome more crises in the future."

Theresa had thought it through very thoroughly. At this moment, no matter what Chen Qi wanted to do, Rhodes Island lacked the power to stop him.

Since that's the case, we might as well go along with his wishes and let him do whatever he wants.

"Although the demons are gone, the continent of Terra is still fraught with danger."

"The starry sky, the sea, and the crisis of the previous civilization... If His Majesty the Emperor is willing to do his part to resist these disasters, that would be the best thing for us."

"Alright, Kal'tsit, let's not talk about that anymore. Let's talk about what's been happening on Rhodes Island lately."

Kal'tsit remained silent for a moment. Seeing Theresia's completely unconcerned expression, she suppressed her worries and calmly reported:
"Okay, if that's your decision."

“Recently, according to intelligence brought by Operator Saria, Rhine Lab seems to be carrying out some kind of secret operation with the support of the Columbia government.”

"Operator Saria has requested that we intervene in Rhine Lab's operations, but we must first obtain Empress Viviana's permission."

"...However, it now seems that our chances of persuading Queen Viviana have greatly increased."

The thought that the late Emperor Chen Qi was still on Rhodes Island, and that Kal'tsit had also benefited from the conveniences Chen Qi had brought her, prompted a slight smile before she continued her serious report:

"Also, there's the issue of the commotion in Iberia... Hai Si's reaction has become increasingly outrageous."

“Several of us nominal deep-sea hunters have recently been trying to establish a connection between the Argo and the land.”

"I think they will bring us some news soon."

"Oh, there's one more thing, though it's not a big deal."

Kal'tsit then seemed to remember something and reported to Theresa in a calm tone:
“'The Revenant' Encia Shivaash has recently contacted us.”

“She contracted carcinoma and came here specifically for medical help. I arranged accommodation for her yesterday.”

"Encia? Is she the long-lost third princess of Sherag?"

Although there was no intelligence network in Kjerag, Theresa had heard about the "sibling rift" that was causing a stir in Kjerag.

When Theresa learned that Encia had contracted Oripathy, she realized that this might be a good opportunity.

"Perhaps, we can leverage Miss Encia's connections to establish some business collaborations with Sherag, Terra's economic center."

"...Theresia, I don't mean to spoil your fun, but this is difficult."

Having heard about Seraphim's situation, Kal'tsit, not optimistic about it, gently shook her head and said:
"Enshia felt deep resentment towards Enshiodis for murdering the former King of Kalan, Qi Shivaish."

"I don't think she'll set us up..."

However, before Kal'tsit could finish speaking, just as she uttered the name of the former King of Kal'tsit, she belatedly realized what she had said.

At this moment, even Theresa seemed to realize something, and she exchanged a slightly surprised glance with Kal'tsit.

祈？
This name felt so familiar to them.

"Contact Agent Chen Qi immediately and ask him to return to the control center!"

However, before Kal'tsit could remind her, Amiya, who had also realized what was happening, quickly gave orders to the Rhodes Island operators around her:
"Also, please have Miss Encia come to the control center!"

"We have something very important that we need her to confirm!"

(End of this chapter)