The Cloud-Raised Brave Man's Travels

"Leader, the coffin is ready. I'm going to rest first."

At this moment, an Ursus man pushed open the door of the chapel, shouted loudly, and left directly. He seemed unusually generous, well... it was in line with everyone's stereotype of the Ursus people.

"Well, hard work."

"They call you the Vanguard?"

"Well, but I don't take it for granted. If my brothers and sisters need a guide to put their minds at ease and find a direction to move forward, then I am willing to take on that responsibility."

"This responsibility isn't easy to bear. People with this title usually have a very hard life."

Andorn did not answer directly but talked to Koya about the Ursus man who suddenly broke in just now. In fact, Koya knew that the Ursus man who suddenly broke in just now was not here to report on his work, but to confirm Andorn's situation. After all, the look that Fiammetta gave Andorn just now was not very friendly.

"The old man from Ursus who had just broken in had lost his family, friends, land, and hometown in the war. What could he rely on, what could he believe in? Where could he find comfort and redemption? After a long journey, he arrived in Lateran, in the Garden of Eden filled with joy and happiness that he had accidentally heard about from a traveler. But what could he find here? As an outsider, upon his arrival, he was not even allowed to set foot in this peaceful place he had been searching for for so long."

"For poor people like them, the Laterans would build a home for them outside Lateran, provide them with food, listen to their troubles, and show Lateran's kindness. But they always watch from the other side of the river, never truly understanding what these people need. The Sakotas stand high above the sky, overlooking these others. Because the Sakotas are a blessed race, and only the Sakotas are blessed."

"I have always wondered why only Sakota should receive grace, while those who are pious should not be allowed to integrate into the commandments for their entire lives."

Koya thought his understanding was up to par, but aside from the fact that Koya didn't know what "grace" was, Andorn's words were all bullshit to Koya.

"So, you want to make those who are not Sakota feel grace, or make all Sakota lose grace?"

"..."

"I might not understand it very well, but your logic is still a little strange. Just because others are doing well, you want them to suffer? That logic doesn't make sense. And since your brothers and sisters respect you as the Pioneer, shouldn't you want them to live a life like Shakota and create a holy city for them that is no less beautiful than Lateran? Why do you think Shakota is doing too well?"

After hearing what Koya said, Andon was not angry at all, but seemed a little happy.

"Mr. Koya, I just want the Sakotas to understand one thing. If everyone is equal in death, then life should be the same. The Sakotas are not nobler than any other race."

"I'm a little confused as to what you're thinking, but I think you might need these books. By the way, if you have time, you can visit Rhodes Island or Chernobog."

In Koya's hands appeared those old, basic books again: Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong's Selected Works, and A Fundamental Introduction to Socialism. How could one put it? On this star-studded land of Terra, the red storm was spreading. Why was it that wherever he went, there was a group of people who were perfectly suited to reading these three books?

"Andorn, perhaps these books can answer some of your questions. But as your brothers and sisters call you, find the path that truly suits you. And don't be so obsessed with Lateran's Gift. It's... essentially no different from the Demon King's Black Crown. It's not subject to human will; it's an objective fact."

After saying this, Koya took Vina and the others to where Cecilia was, leaving the chapel to Mostima and the others and Andon. The words and books left by Koya made Andon fall into deep thought. Looking at the books with bright red covers, Andon had a strong premonition that he might have found the path he was looking for.

"Lemuian, won't you stay there?"

"Hmm... I'm not really suited to stay there. Although I'm well now, Fiammetta will definitely take her anger out on Andorn if she sees me. I'd better leave first."

"Then please take me to find Cecilia. Do you remember the way?"

"Of course, let's go."

·Dividing line·

"Give me more!"

"Ah, be careful not to burn yourself."

"Well, I can't make it into a bad shape...otherwise it won't look good. Mom likes beautiful things, so I have to make it perfect."

It took Koya and his companions quite a while to find Cecilia, as she didn't stay in her burial place for long. Instead, she came to the lounge of the Requiem Church with Rosella. When Koya and his companions found Cecilia, she was actually making some props for the ceremony. Skadi was also helping, but her face was slightly grieved. Looking at Skadi, she was surrounded by debris, and it seemed that she still had some difficulty controlling her power.

"Sister Rosella, Kazdel, the Sarkaz's Kazdel must be like Zakota's Lateran, right? The Sarkaz's hometown... well, it must be like Lateran. Everyone is happy and greets each other when they run into each other. The streets are full of cotton candy and ice cream trucks. Oh, and there must be snack shops too."

Well, the Kazdel that Cecilia imagined and the real Kazdel weren't exactly the same, but they were completely unrelated. The current Kazdel was a devastated land where no crops could be cultivated, a land of wandering Sarkaz who refused to leave their homeland and waited to die, a desolate wilderness with no one to see. It was the complete opposite of everything Cecilia had imagined...

Facing Cecilia's innocent and lovely face, Rosella could only answer...

"...I think so, one day."

"Yes, just as Cecilia said, the Sarkaz people's Kazdel is like this. But the city is still under reconstruction, so it may take some time to become what Cecilia described. Also, the Sarkaz people don't seem to like sweets as much as the Sakota. By then, the streets of Kazdel may be filled with fried Originium worms."

"Your Majesty the Demon King."

"Well, that's not necessary. I'm just a temporary Demon King, and I'll be stepping down in a few days."

"Koya-nii! Have you ever been to Kazdel?"

"No, but the new Kazdel is being rebuilt right before my eyes."

Perhaps before heading to Victoria, it would be necessary to visit Kazdel. While it might be a living hell to others, Koya could restore it to a place where normal construction could take place if he so desired. After all, the main substance polluting Kazdel's land was Originium, and Koya happened to be able to completely absorb its energy.

"Mr. Koya?"

"Once Che City has repaired its core drive, head towards Kazdel. I'll take care of everything, and then we'll start rebuilding around Che City. Don't worry... As long as I'm here, no natural disasters will sweep across the area. Just build the city around it."

Andone's words, Cecilia's expectations, and the respect from the unfamiliar Sarkaz... these three combined made Koya think of Kazdel. Although the black crown on his head was borrowed from Amiya, since he is the acting Demon King, he must at least leave some inheritance for our little Demon King. Theresa left Rhodes Island to Amiya, so Koya should leave a Kazdel to Amiya!

"We'll have to cross the border of Victoria to get to Kazdel, so it won't be a big delay. The only thing we have to consider is whether the core area of Che City, which was forcibly destroyed by Tallulah, can be repaired before we return."

And since they are talking about rebuilding Kazdel, they have to have a good talk with the countries around it. If Koya leaves, Rhodes Island will not be able to stop the invasion of a country.

"Brother Koya, you are so awesome!"

"Hahaha, I think I'm pretty awesome too."

Koya smiled and touched Cecilia's hair. He said that he would discuss this matter carefully with the doctor after returning. She would definitely find a way.

Koya accompanied Cecilia to prepare the things needed for her mother's funeral service, and Kazdel stopped talking at this point, as if he had just made a joke and boasted to the child.

But the people around him didn't think so. Everyone had listened to what Koya had just said. No one doubted whether Koya had the ability to rebuild Kazdar. After all, with Koya's exaggerated strength, he could easily intimidate an entire country alone. The frozen volcano in Xiosta was still standing there. No one wanted their capital to become an artistic ice sculpture exhibition overnight.

The main reason why Kazdel is currently difficult to rebuild is still due to some historical issues, but in the face of Koya's exaggerated strength, these problems are just small problems that can be solved by adding one to one.

Elsewhere, Andon, Mostima, and Fiammetta were a trio. Mostima and Fiammetta stared at Andon, who was poring over the book with such reverent devotion. He looked even more devout than the bishops studying the law in the Vatican, and it made their scalps tingle. They both knew that Andon was, at best, a man of strong independent thinking, and at worst, a heretic. He would never have such a devout faith in any religion. So, what were these books that Koya had produced?

Even Fiammetta didn't know how to face Andorn. It was too strange—

"I found it……"

"What did you find?"

"A path, a path that truly makes all people equal!"

Andorn read very fast, but no matter how fast he read, he would not be able to finish reading so many books in 30 minutes. He regarded these books as an encyclopedia that answered his questions. If he had any questions, he would open the table of contents and see if the titles above were related to his questions. Half an hour was enough for him to read a small amount of content, and this small amount of content made his body and mind feel more open than ever before. All his previous questions were answered at this moment.

And he finally understood the doubts that Keya had in mind when they were chatting just now; he originally thought that Keya didn't understand, didn't know, and didn't comprehend, but now it seems that he was clearly asking - why has this one plus one problem bothered you for so long?

"Excuse me, I must share this great idea with my brothers and sisters! Goodbye!"

Andon lost his usual demeanor. With a smile on his face, he quickly left the hall, leaving Mostima and Fiammetta looking at each other in bewilderment.

"Why are we staying here?"

"...I don't know, but it looks like Andorn got a pretty good book. I'm a little curious, Fiammetta. How about we go to Rhodes Island with Lemion later?"

"it is good."

Chapter 257: Arknights: The Last Day in Lateran

When Koya and the others left the Requiem Church, eighty percent of the Lateran affairs were over. Cecilia didn't have anything extra in her hands. Her mother, Felia Laporta, was buried in the flower fields of the Requiem Church. After leaving the Requiem Church, Cecilia was obviously a little lost. For an eight-year-old child, it would take some time to accept the departure of her mother. And Andorn actually didn't know anything about Cecilia's father.

They knew of Cecilia's existence because of Felia's information, but Cecilia's father had no other clues except that he was a Sarkaz mercenary. To cheer Cecilia up, Koya asked Lemiaoan to take her around Lateran and eat some cotton candy and ice cream.

Soon, only Amiya, Vina, and Weicao were left by Koya's side. Skadi wanted to stay, but she was sent by Koya to protect Cecilia. Although Cecilia's identity had been recognized by the Vatican, there were still extremists who wanted to murder Cecilia. With Skadi around, Koya was able to let Cecilia roam freely in Lateran.

The people who stayed behind also had a mission. Koya came to Lateran to communicate with various countries, but was delayed for a while because of Cecilia's matter. However, the mission still needs to be completed. It is still early and there are still an hour or two before lunch, so let's try our best to complete this mission before dinner.

First up was Leithania... not much to say about that, the conversation went smoothly; then came Kjerag, this small country that had just begun to see the world had the most envoys at this International Conference. For the Kjerag people, getting to know the world was what they needed to do right now. They didn't know much about Koya, they only knew that he came to chat with Kjerag for a while on behalf of Rhodes Island.

Next up was Columbia, whose contrast to Kjerag was most stark. In Koya's words, Columbia had already figured out how to fly, while Kjerag was still researching the Originium furnace. Columbia's envoy also had the air of a researcher, more like a mad scientist than an official. Koya used a piece of dragon scale to become good friends with Columbia's envoy, though this "friendship" was only nominal.

Dongguo... There's nothing much to say about this. They are a vassal of Yanguo, and the meeting with Dongguo was quite pleasant, mainly because they said they would have the opportunity to invite Koya to experience the special geisha of their Dongguo.

Rembilt is the only country that did not attend the Lateran International Conference. The specific reason is unknown, so it is ignored.

Sargon's envoys were very bold and straightforward. After a real man's wrestling match with their envoys, the Pasha directly became good friends with Coya. Not like Columbia, but a real good friend.

Next are Sami, Bolivar, and Iberia... These three countries are currently in chaos internally. They have no spare energy to pay attention to what is happening on the land of Terra. Their conversations with Keya are polite and distant. It is obvious that they do not want to have anything to do with Keya.

It was already four o'clock in the afternoon, and Koya and his team only had one last delegation meeting mission left. Koya deliberately left it to the end because this delegation was from Victoria.

"Now comes the key, Vina, Weicao. How many of these Grand Duke's envoys do you think will be surprised by you?"

"I don't think there will be any surprises. They might just want to kill us."

"Agree."

"Haha, don't worry. With me here, they'll have to think twice even if they want to act. The situation in Victoria is very tense right now. Eight dukes are besieging Londinium, but only four of them are worth noting. "Iron Duke" Arthur Wellesley. According to intelligence from Rhodes Island, he currently supports the Deep Pool, a Tara organization led by a drake. Catherine Fitzroy, Duke of Caister, is currently linked to the self-defense forces in Londinium. Garnetta Manners, Duke of Windermere, is taking a very bold route. He's probably the first ducal force to engage in direct conflict with the Sarkaz. He also has connections to Letania, so we need to keep an eye on that. And Jean-Étienne, Duke of Normandy, has the full support of his former Gaulish subordinates."

"Simply put, the Duke of Wellington supports the Tara people and has a drake; the Duke of Caster has the support of the nobles and merchants, as well as some support from the citizens; the Duke of Windermere, with the support of Leithania, is active in Victoria's political situation as a nationalist leader, and is warmly welcomed by the smaller nobles and citizens who desire peace and order. The Duke of Normandy, on the other hand, is committed to establishing a "United Kingdom" based on his own nation, with Victoria as a supplementary force, and is actively supporting the restorationist groups in Gaul to this end."

"Indeed, Vina's summary is correct. The remaining four dukes are probably simply here to grab a piece of the pie or become his loyal followers, so they're not a concern. This time, the Victorian delegation also arrived in Lateran in four batches. So... which duke's delegation would you like to meet first?"

"..."

Vina and Wei Cao fell silent. Vina wondered how Victoria, a city so vast, didn't even have a single loyalist duke... Oh, there were some, the Duke of Cumberland and other nobles still willing to shed their blood for Victoria's legend, but with the fall of the palace and the decimation of their captors, the royalists fell silent. Wei Cao, on the other hand, fell silent after hearing that familiar name.

"It seems that you two are not ready yet. Then follow me and announce to the four dukes that Rhodes Island will also participate in this game."

The meeting with the four Duke's envoys was fruitful, with both sides having a thorough exchange of views. The Duke expressed misunderstanding and disapproval of Rhodes Island's actions, a fact the Island side regretted. The Duke urged Rhodes Island to abandon its unrealistic ideas, and Rhodes Island stated that the matter was a foregone conclusion.

In short, when Koya left the last Duke's delegation, he had a smile on his face, while the four Duke's envoys took out the terminal with heavy faces and called the Duke.

"I didn't expect that Weicao you knew the Iron Duke's messenger. She looked as if she had seen a ghost when she saw you."

“…They probably don’t want to see me.”

"I'm truly sorry for forcing this on you, but the Victoria matter cannot be delayed any longer. If we, Rhodes Island, intervene in this conflict as the Kazdel Government-in-Exile, the people of Victoria will likely view us as enemies. Therefore, I can only borrow your names."

"I understand. I also hope Victoria can settle down soon, otherwise I won't follow you to Rutland."

After a few days of getting along, Weicao has adapted to Keya and the others. Although she is still quiet, she will share her ideas with them if she has any.

"Koya, I want to go to Londinium next."

"So, Amiya, in what capacity are you planning to intervene in this fight? The leader of Rhodes Island or the Demon King?"

"Rhode Island!"

"Then go back and prepare well."

·Dividing line·

When Koya and his three companions returned to their residence, Cecilia and the others had already returned. Koya and his companions came back a little late.

"You guys are back? Have you eaten?"

This was Jiulu's concern, which was very characteristic of Yan Country. However, as soon as Jiulu said this, the faces of Koya and the others immediately turned gloomy.

"Ah, what's wrong with you?"

"Yes, it's a very classic Victorian dish. The envoy must have put a lot of effort into making these dishes in Rutland."

"That you?"

Lemiaoan followed up with a puzzled look at Koya and the others, while Jiulu and Lin Qingyan beside him suddenly understood and cast sympathetic glances at Koya and the others. Mostima and Fiammetta, the companions who had traveled through many transitions, also understood. Mostima smiled and asked Koya.

"Looking up at the stars? Hmm... no, since you said it's classic cuisine, then this new style shouldn't be there. So it's black pudding, haggis, eel jelly, or something like that?"

"You understand it very well. Yes, after eating these dishes, I felt like my tongue and throat were beaten."

"I never want to eat Victorian food again."

"Ahem, Victorian cuisine actually has some good ones, for example... for example?"

"For example, the ten most famous restaurants in Londinium are all old Gallic restaurants?"

"Cough cough."

All in all, although the dinner was not good, Koya and the others did not want to eat anymore. Even when they drank water, they could smell the fishy smell of internal organs.

"By the way, Lemuel, we're almost done with our business in the Lateran and will be leaving tomorrow night. Does your Pope have anything else to do?"

"I've already spoken to the Pope about this. He simply expressed regret that you left so soon and said that I had failed to fulfill my duty as a good host."

"It's already very good. This is a very good country."

On their last night in Lateran, except for Cecilia who was sent to bed, everyone decided to have a Lateran-style party at Mastema's suggestion. Of course, this party was very serious. Lateran parties are all about being spontaneous. Apart from the indispensable large amount of desserts, you can do whatever you want!

"Koya, right hand red!"

"Zofia, left foot white!"

Twister, a party game with a lot of showmanship, is usually played by same-sex groups, because opposite-sex groups can easily end up sticking together, like now. Koya only needs to lift his mouth upwards to drink the freshest mare's milk, while Zofia only needs to lower her head a little bit to end up in trouble.

"Koya, your back hit the carpet! Lose, lose, choose, dare or truth or dare~~"

Although Koya could still hold on, he clearly saw that Zofia's hands had begun to tremble. She might fall down in a few seconds without the next round. But Koya was under Zofia now. If she wrote this chapter together, it might be reviewed again, so Koya simply admitted defeat.

"Let's take a big risk."