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

Chapter 83 Reunion with the Mace

"Since Princess Theresa has spoken, I think I'll take the liberty of doing so."

"As for why Nearl hates me, I'm not surprised."

"My face is indeed easily mistaken for that of some important people."

Chen Qi, who wasn't interested in Margaret's life, simply laughed it off and moved on from the topic.

What Chen Qi is more curious about now is Theresa, who is standing alive in front of him.

"However, I really didn't expect that Princess Theresa would be on Rhodes Island."

“I haven’t seen you on Rhodes Island since I started working here, I thought…”

"It seems that Dr. Chen Qi has heard about our Sarkaz clan?"

Seeing that the crisis had been resolved, Theresa, relieved, explained to Chen Qi with a gentle smile and soft voice:

“My brother, the Regent Theresis, and I have indeed had some disagreements and disputes in the past.”

"However, after that ambitious Emperor of Letania launched that great war more than a decade ago."

"My brother and I reached a reconciliation for the sake of the continuation of the Sarkaz race."

"Now, my brother is leading the Sarkaz elites to rebuild the Sarkaz homeland in Londinium."

"The vast majority of the Sarkaz believe that their brother, who followed the iron-blooded path of that great emperor, can bring them the same prosperity and dignity as the Letanian Empire."

"And those who follow me are the Sarkaz, who are tired of war and bloodshed and hope to explore an alternative path."

Mentioning this past event, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the Sarkaz, Theresa's smile softened even more as she said:

"On this land, we are searching for a way to gain recognition and peace for the Sarkaz without waging war as much as possible."

"We travel between countries, doing our best to bring healing, peace and protection to all those in need on this land."

"Until we gather enough strength and gather more idealists like us who are full of hope."

"Together, let's create an era of peace."

"This is Rhodes Island's current stance."

I understand. The Sarkaz are an official diplomatic force, but independent of the military government.

Fortunately, at least their desire to heal and save lives is genuine, and it's not too different from Rhodes Island in the original worldview.

He was only there to treat and save lives, not to exert influence for the Sarkaz government-in-exile.

However, after hearing Theresa explain Rhodes Island's claims...

Chen Qi seemed to have found a reasonable excuse to go to Letania.

"It sounds like Rhodes Island is truly a rare gem of conscience on this land."

"Then I will also respond to the call and do my best to bring healing and help to more people."

"By the way..."

Chen Qi glanced at Margaret, who immediately lowered her head in shame after noticing his gaze, and smiled faintly:
"I can also hide on Rhodes Island from people who might misunderstand my face."

“Your Highness Theresa, if there are any overseas assignments to be done, you can certainly leave them to me.”

"Don't let my appearance fool you. I've practiced medicine in the Great Yan for many years, and I'm quite confident in my social skills."

"Perhaps I can even offer you some assistance?"

"Well... although the doctors on Rhodes Island are also nervous, if Dr. Chen Qi is confident that he can play a greater role than if he stayed on the island."

After hearing this, Theresa pondered for a moment, and then agreed with a tolerant smile.

"Then, I respect your choice."

"However, if I may inquire, where does Dr. Chen Qi intend to begin?"

"—Of course it's Letania."

Without hesitation, Chen Qi gave the answer he had been waiting for.

Of course, he had already prepared an explanation for this, and calmly replied:
“I heard back in the Great Yan that, thanks to that emperor, Letania has the most lenient policies towards the infected and is also more favorable towards the Sarkaz.”

"Moreover, Letania possesses the most expansive and fertile land in the world, as well as the strongest productive forces."

"And then there's my face, which bears a striking resemblance to that emperor."

"I think that even if I'm not universally loved there, I should be able to make more sense of socializing."

"It sounds like you already have a clear plan."

Theresa nodded. Rhodes Island hadn't been officially established for very long, and she was also constantly looking for a breakthrough to break Rhodes Island's diplomatic isolation.

The reason for finding Lungmen first was simply to test the Great Yan's attitude towards Sarkaz, who had once helped Letania expand its territory.

Unfortunately, while Rhodes Island didn't exactly hit a wall with Wei Yanwu, it also failed to achieve further cooperation with the Great Yan.

Theresa did indeed intend to place her hopes on Viviana, the emperor's adopted daughter.

And now, there is Chen Qi, an officer with a face almost identical to that emperor and a mysterious identity.

This might increase the probability of Queen Viviana agreeing to cooperate with Rhodes Island.

"Since you are ready, on behalf of Rhodes Island, I approve your overseas assignment request."

"However, according to Rhodes Island's regulations, dispatched operators must be accompanied by at least one other operator when they go abroad."

"—You need not worry about that."

No sooner had Theresa finished speaking than Zuo Le stepped forward without hesitation and calmly replied:
"The officials of Great Yan will protect every citizen of Great Yan."

“I am willing to accompany Dr. Chen Qi to Letania to try to facilitate a dialogue between Letania and Rhodes Island.”

"In that case, I'll leave it to you."

With just a few words, Theresa agreed to let Chen Qi go to Letania, as if it were a pre-arranged plan between the two of them.

After watching Chen Qi and the other operators leave, Theresa turned her gaze to Kal'tsit and Shining, who remained beside her without saying a word.

“Your Highness (Theresia), I think…” X2
"Shhh."

However, before Shining and Kal'tsit could speak, Theresa interrupted them.

“I know you have some doubts and are very curious about Dr. Chen Qi’s past.”

"I'm the same as you in this respect."

"But I think that since Rhodes Island is just an international medical organization, those who join us are just people with aspirations who are willing to contribute to healing this land."

"Dr. Chen Qi is not one of the Sarkaz who swore allegiance to me during the Tower of Babel era."

"Then we should respect his privacy."

Theresa, who already had a vague idea of ​​the answer in her heart, did not delve into it further, but instead chose to play dumb at the opportune moment.

After all, Rhodes Island doesn't have the strength to expose all of this right now.

In a sense, even this demon queen still needs to rely on Chen Qi's power and influence.

"As long as he doesn't harm this land, and as long as the outcome is good, I think it's best if we don't interfere."

"Let's assume that Dr. Chen Qi really does have some connection with that great emperor..."

"I think perhaps we should still treat him as a hero, shouldn't we?"

"Without him, perhaps we would have been devoured by evil spirits, and this land would have long since been devoid of life."

Kal'tsit and Shining exchanged glances, neither of them having a particularly good impression of "Invoke," yet they couldn't utter a single word in rebuttal.

After all, everything Theresa said was true.

Moreover, what if Chen Qi really is that terrifying emperor...?

If we really anger him, this land might suffer another world war.

It's better to pretend you know nothing and let him go...

……

"Your Highness, please forgive my indiscretion."

"Do you really believe in Rhodes Island's so-called claim of saving this land?"

On the land ship bound for Letania from Rhodes Island, Zuo Le, who was in charge of the helm, couldn't help but ask Chen Qi behind him a question.

However, what Zuo Le received was Chen Qi, who was resting with his eyes closed, giving a subconscious reply that sounded like that of a monarch:
"—Zuo Le, do you think I'd be stupid enough to serve an organization led by the Sarkaz leader?"

"My subordinates dare not!"

Having had previous contact with Chen Qi, Zuo Le thought he was an approachable person. However, upon hearing Chen Qi's imposing yet calm response, he was so frightened that he almost lost control of the steering wheel.

Zuo Le was still young. Although he was the candle bearer of the Imperial Palace, he had not seen many people in high positions except for his father, who was a general.

However, when he heard the dangerous undertone in Chen Qi's calm voice, he finally understood what "the emperor's might is overwhelming" meant.

If he weren't currently piloting a land-based boat...

They were probably so frightened that they knelt on the ground, trembling with fear.

Is this the divine might of the true dragon?

It's terrible.

This was the Third Prince, the most approachable of all the princes. If it were Duke Wei, or even His Majesty's current power...

Zuo Le suspected she was going to faint from fright.

However, Zuo Le was unaware that the oppressive aura he had just felt came from Chen Qi, who had recently become the strongest ruler in all of Terra.

Back in Letania, countless high-ranking officials, nobles, generals, and dukes were terrified and lost control of their wits under his supreme authority.

He was so young, yet he could withstand the pressure that Chen Qi unintentionally released.

That's already quite remarkable.

"Okay, don't be so nervous, Zuo Le."

"Just now... I was a bit flustered and lost control."

Realizing his mistake belatedly, Chen Qi toned down his imperial demeanor and quickly regained his usual affability, replying calmly:
“We all have our own stance, and I can distinguish how to fight for my own interests.”

"You don't need to tell me what to do, just stop me if I might do something outrageous because I'm angry."

"As for the rest, just do your own thing."

"I obey my orders."

Zuo Le cautiously agreed, but then, still somewhat curious about His Highness's actions, he couldn't help but ask again, "Your Highness, I have another question."

"If Your Highness is going to negotiate with the Queen of Letania, why not go to Triinttelme, but instead to Viseheim?"

"That place is just a trading city in Letania."

"...because there, I have someone I absolutely must meet."

Looking out at the desolate wilderness, Chen Qi seemed to see the face of the woman who was the most important to him.

I wonder how Jian is doing now that so much time has passed.

If Jian saw him, what would she do to him?

Does Jian still love him? Or is she indignant that he broke his promise to conquer Ursus?

Or is she filled with resentment because of his departure without saying goodbye?
In matters of state and military affairs, Chen Qi, who was ahead of almost all the leaders in this land, could not guess Jian's attitude towards him.

Ultimately, Chen Qi, having decided to leave everything to fate, could only continue urging Zuo Ledao:

"Just keep driving toward Viseheim."

"Also, I might stay there for a few days. During these days, you are free to do as you please, but don't bother me, understand?"

Zuo Le nodded and agreed.

……

Viseheim, a trading city in Letania.

This place used to be the border between Letania and Casimir. Although it was prosperous, it could not be considered a major city in Letania.

Since a great emperor emerged from here, Viseheim's development has been at the forefront of Letania.

Trade, industry, and even tourism have all become part of the city's prosperity.

Every day, tourists from all over Terra come to pay homage to the relics left behind by the great emperor in this city.

"This is the very street where His Majesty the Emperor of the Holy Leitania Empire once led party members and commoners in a march against the politics of the Twin Empresses."

A Caprini-style tour guide was explaining things to tourists who were constantly taking photos on this busy street:
“Back then, His Majesty stood right here, at the very front of the procession.”

"When Count Dilov ordered a violent crackdown, His Majesty responded swiftly and fearlessly led the rebellious civilians into the army!"

"Although His Majesty was arrested here, according to the recollections of many ministers, the reason why His Majesty did not resist was likely because he wanted to mobilize the power of the people, and therefore did not use force."

"Facts have proven that His Majesty's vision is far-reaching than anyone else's."

"It was precisely because of this incident that His Majesty accumulated a great deal of popular support, thereby strengthening his party's power."

"Next, we will proceed to the courtroom where His Majesty was tried after his arrest. Please stay close to me..."

Large tour groups, led by guides, continuously traversed the city.

However, the tourists who were eager to take photos and look around were unaware of this.

Their tour guide, who referred to himself as "His Majesty the Emperor," seemed to be just an ordinary tourist, hurrying past them.

No, to be precise, Chen Qi simply couldn't stand the tour guides' exaggerated praise and quickly walked away.

"What fearless leadership of civilians in a charge... I didn't even have time to charge before I was arrested by the 'Queen's Voice' people."

"And not resisting... Was that not resisting? I hadn't received the Witch King's inheritance yet, so I didn't even have the ability to resist."

"If I had this spell from the beginning, I could have stormed the Twin Towers and captured the Twin Queens directly. Why bother with all this trouble?"

As the person directly involved in being "deified," Chen Qi shook his head, both amused and exasperated.

He never imagined that in just over a decade, he would become a perfect idol in the hearts of the Leitanian people.

Although he was pleased to hear the public's praise as the person in question.

But... he didn't want to be just a god in the hearts of the Leitanians.

After all, God's omnipotence is a given.

But this only makes the Letanians forget that it was actually their own strength that allowed them to ascend to the throne.

"I need to talk to Viviana about this when I see her."

With this in mind, Chen Qi embarked on his journey once again, searching for that familiar beer hall based on his vague memories.

What was once a slum in my memory has transformed into a prosperous residential area after more than a decade of development.

Along the way, Chen Qi saw many children running happily past him.

Even some children who were born with Oripathy were not discriminated against or ostracized by other children.

Drivers pulling carts laden with pack animals, laborers carrying loads, vendors hawking their wares...

Everything was completely different from what he had seen more than a decade ago.

Here, everyone is busy with their own lives.

Here, everyone stands tall and lives with dignity.

Just gazing at this simple life brought tears to the eyes of this former emperor.

Gradually, he finally arrived at the place he was going to.

Unlike the streets that have changed with time, the decor of this tavern is exactly the same as I remember it.

Chen Qi took a deep breath and silently prepared himself mentally.

He stepped forward and pushed open the tavern door.

"Ding-dong..."

The silver bells on the tavern door rang, for it was midday and the beer hall, which was not yet open for business, was still empty.

Familiar scenery came into Chen Qi's view.

The tables and chairs are still made of sturdy and durable wood, some of which have aged over time, highlighting their dark patina.

Some of them were newly purchased and still smelled of fresh wood.

The bar counter is still the same, but it bears many more marks.

Everything seemed unchanged; the only thing that had changed was the person who stepped into the beer hall…

"...This place isn't open yet. If you want to drink, remember to come back after 7 p.m.

From the second-floor staircase of the beer hall came that familiar voice that invigorated Chen Qi.

"Why aren't you leaving yet? Are you new here? Don't you know the rules?"

As the creaking of wooden planks echoed from the second floor, the footsteps of the newcomer seemed to pound on Chen Qi's heart, causing his heart to race.

Unable to receive a response, Jian continued in her languid voice, speaking softly:
"If you really want a drink, I'm free and can buy you one."

"But if you're after me... I wouldn't mind making you suffer a little."

"What if I told you that I came here specifically for you?"

Only after confirming that the sound was indeed the mace did Chen Qi take a deep breath and finally answer her.

However, at the very moment his slightly trembling voice rang out...

The second floor of the beer hall, which had previously been filled with footsteps, fell silent.

But the silence lasted only a moment.

Soon, from the second floor of the beer hall, amidst a flurry of footsteps, came the sound of something being knocked over and breaking.

Then, it sounded like someone had fallen to the ground, making a dull thud.

Even so, Chen Qi still heard a series of hurried footsteps getting closer and closer to him.

Soon, the female owner of the beer hall arrived on the first floor in a disheveled and shabby state.

The moment Jian and Chen Qi locked eyes, the air fell silent.

This former Black Knight hadn't even had time to put on his clothes properly; his long, golden hair was a mess from the rush.

Her pupils contracted slightly; just a few steps left her breathless, her face flushed, and she didn't even have time to put on her shoes.

But Jian had no time to care about any of this.

At this moment, all she could see was the figure she had longed for, standing before her, smiling at her with tears in his eyes…

Jian kept suppressing his heartbeat, and didn't even dare to breathe.

She is afraid.

I'm afraid all of this is just a hallucination I'm having while drunk.

She was terrified that if she made even the slightest noise, she would wake up from this beautiful dream...

"...Am I dreaming?"

After a long while, the disheveled mace gradually came to his senses, but still cautiously asked himself:
"You, it's clear that you can never come back to me..."

"...I was once afraid like that too, mace."

Facing the person he loved most, Chen Qi, after a moment of reflection, could no longer suppress his emotions.

He opened his arms to the woman in front of him.

"But now, we are all alive."

"Sorry, Jian, for keeping you waiting so long."

As soon as Chen Qi finished speaking, he felt a gust of wind rush towards him.

The next second, his body was pinned to the ground by the beautiful figure that lunged at him.

However, the slight pain in their backs could not stop the two from embracing each other tightly, as if they were merging into one another.

Chen Qi felt a wet patch on his chest... it was the hot tears that had turned into more than ten years of longing for the mace that had knocked him to the ground.

"...Don't leave me again, you fool."

"I don't want you to be an emperor or a savior anymore..."

"I just hope... you're still you, that's enough..."

"Yes, I promise you."

Chen Qi gently pressed his cheek against Jian's forehead and answered, word by word:
"This time, I am Qi, who belongs only to you."

(End of this chapter)