Chapter 585 - Countdown to Destruction (2/2)
“You said that right! Those cowards who escaped will regret it one day!”
“Good!” A glint of pleasure revealed in the Chairman’s eyes. He let out two deep coughs and raised his hand to get everyone’s attention. Then, he continued. “That settles it since there are no objections. Now, please inform this matter to the civilians and maintain the social order in the streets. The ongoing struggles are due to the civilians feeling worried about their future and a lot of these problems will resolve themselves as long as we guarantee their life stability. Also, I request that the Southern Fleet heads into the Strait of Light to defend the commercial channel from the King’s Party army. From now onward, the Port region must operate at its peak in order to guarantee the flow of food to other regions. Inform and assure the fishermen that we will purchase their harvests with double the price.”
The Chairman stood to his feet gradually. “Everyone! We must fight alongside the frontlines and cannot fall. Only the victors will stand until the end and we will be the victors!”
The bustling noises faded.
The parliament members left one by one and the spacious conference hall fell into silence. The Chairman stood before his seat and gazed at the empty place. This was the first time that he revealed a pleased smile. Then…
Cough cough… Cough cough! The Chairman bent his trembling, frail body over and his ear-piercing coughs resounded in the conference hall. After a few moments, the Chairman caught his breath and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, only to find a ghastly trail of fresh blood smeared on it.
“I can’t fall… It hasn’t ended yet… We can still emerge victorious…” the Chairman muttered under his breath. He straightened his body and turned toward the exit.
***
The chilly breeze blew along an aromatic white smoke.
“Indeed. Fresh fish are always the most delicious.” Lydia hugged her knees on the lakeside and admired the vast, royal blue lake presented before her with a witty smile. From the distance, the azure sky and lake reflected off each other perfectly as though they were a single, gorgeous portrait. “Spring leaves and autumn arrives. The changes in their colors are the most beautiful in this world. Ice melts into water while water freezes into ice. This is the most magnificent scenery in this world. Always ever-changing, and none identical. Even one will have a different realization, viewing the same leaf from different angles. The leaves will still dance in the wind and shudder in violent storms. This is the best proof of survival and the world.”
The Archangel turned around and faced the elderly man sitting near her. “You don’t agree, Minister Amund?”
“Your Highness, I do hope that you can be a little quieter. The fishes that are about to take the bait have been startled by you,” Amund sighed.
“There’s no such thing, Minister Amund. Clever fish will not be enticed while enticed fish will not be startled that easily. Once the fish have such thoughts, they will pounce up regardless of perils even when there is no bait on the hook. Although this may sound silly, it is due to this silliness that they can satisfy the hunger of others, which is a happy ending for all. Silly fish will not regret their decisions and the fishers can satisfy themselves. Everyone is happy this way, right?”
“Haa…” Amund let out a long sigh. “You’ve left the Golden City for some time, Your Highness. But, it seems that the emissaries of the Country of Light’s Parliament have no intentions of leaving.”
“Let them be. I guess they must be so mesmerized by the beauty of Golden City that they can’t bear to leave. Well, isn’t that great too? I want to see more of the scenery. Come to think of it, the autumn leaves in the Northern mountain range should be changing their colors soon. Doesn’t it feel good to savor on tasty chestnuts while strolling in the red, autumn forest, Teacher Amund? You wouldn’t mind taking a walk in the autumn forest with me, right?”
“Haa… Your Highness. Now isn’t the time for that.”
“Ah, you’re right, the fish is about to be cooked,” Lydia displayed a cheeky smile and picked up a grilled fish beside the bonfire. She savored with tiny bites. “Mm… The timing is perfect. Grilling fish requires knowledge and skills too. Leaving it too long in the flames will burn it badly, but it will have a fishy smell if it isn’t left long enough. If one can’t grasp the heat control and timing accurately, one will not be able to relish its flavor. No matter if the fishy or burnt smell is too heavy, no one will think that the fish is tasty.”
“… Your Highness, do you think it is about time?”
Lydia’s movements came to a gentle stop. “This fish smells great, Teacher Amund… This fish is mine. This lake is also mine, and the fish in the lake naturally belonged to me. I won’t allow the greedy people to snatch my possessions. They may have forgotten that the delicacies belong to the Munn Kingdom and are my assets. The delicacies shouldn’t be given and wasted on rapacious mice.” The corner of Lydia’s mouth perked up into a pretty curve. “Inform the 3rd Royal Fleet that it’s time for their appearance.”
“3rd Royal Fleet?” Amund looked curiously. “Your Highness, is it necessary?”
“It’s the season of the wind now, Minister Amund.” Lydia let out a chuckle. She stretched out her fingers and felt the gentle breeze blowing between them with her eyes closed. “Sometimes, the cat doesn’t reveal its claws just to capture its prey. Instead, it serves as a warning: to threaten the mice harboring evil thoughts. I haven’t fallen to such a weak position yet.”
“… Understood, Your Highness,” Amund said and vanished along with the gentle breeze, leaving Lydia sitting on the boulder by the lakeside.
She displayed a playful smile and gazed at the long line connecting the azure lake and the sky. Suddenly, the fishing rod shook violently which attracted Lydia’s attention. She turned around curiously and lifted the fishing rod to pull a big, fat fish out of the lake. Lydia cupped her hand over her mouth cheekily and narrowed her eyes.
“The fish has taken the bait… And now, it’s time to cook it.”