A Core Ship From The Start

Chapter 2681: Chapter 1812: Conversation (It’s Snowing Again Today) (2)

"Sorry for disturbing your long slumber, we’ll leave immediately."

Upon knowing the man’s identity, Mary suddenly understood why Duanmu Huai neither eliminated him nor took him away. Clearly, Duanmu Huai had no interest in The Emperor. Perhaps the two had a big argument, and then Duanmu Huai just turned around and left, leaving this Human Lord who for some mysterious reason was here, all alone.

"???"

It must be said, as Mary neatly prepared to withdraw with the others, The Emperor was utterly flabbergasted.

Even though he really didn’t like being worshipped as a Deity, as the Lord of the Human Empire, The Emperor was already used to being treated with respect. Even later, as he sat on the Golden Toilet suffering from constipation that lasted tens of thousands of years, those feeling his Willpower would still greet him with the utmost reverence and cheers.

Even a single word from him would be regarded by them as the truth of the Universe.

Although The Emperor didn’t like this much, seeing Mary’s cold attitude of "Sorry, we entered the wrong room," left him somewhat hurt.

Even if you don’t drop to your knees upon hearing my name, at least maintain some level of politeness, my heart too is made of flesh—oh, I have no heart now.

"It seems you have encountered some trouble."

The man had to change the topic, as the reactions of the girls were completely beyond his expectations. Of course, considering they were subordinates of that annoying guy, it’s imaginable why they didn’t have a good impression of him—or as it has always been with the Tribunal.

Not disliked, but not really respected either.

"I guess that rude fellow is in trouble."

"That’s why we’re here."

Mary did not deny, upon seeing the man, Mary understood that hiding wouldn’t be a good idea. Because if Duanmu Huai were here, he would definitely not let them meet The Emperor. Not that he was worried The Emperor would corrupt them or something, but because Duanmu thought it was purely a waste of time.

So it’s not surprising that The Emperor would realize this upon seeing them here without Duanmu Huai.

"Mr. Duanmu has encountered some minor problems, and we’re here to investigate."

"That’s quite normal."

Feeling the conversation’s direction seemingly returning to his control, the man resumed his calm and smug demeanor.

"After all, this is the inside of the Eye of Fear. Even for him, it’s difficult to be here and make no mistakes at all..."

"Sorry to excuse myself."

Upon hearing this, Mary knew there was no need to listen any further. The Tribunal’s final plan for the Eye of Fear was known by all. If Mary wasn’t sure previously what Duanmu Huai planned to do on this planet, now, apart from Mianmu Zuoniao, who showed no interest in their conversation, almost everyone else had understood exactly what Duanmu wanted to accomplish.

"...Leaving while someone is talking seems quite impolite."

Even The Emperor was a bit at a loss for words at this point.

"But...Sir Knight once said..."

Beside him, Lorena politely added.

"He said there’s no need to listen to an old salted...The Emperor’s speaking, since besides being a cryptic riddler and causing trouble, he basically does nothing else."

With this, Lorena paused.

"And your plans ultimately all failed."

"......"

If not for lacking a physical body, the man felt that he might actually have fainted from sheer affront.

"That’s just because we observe things from different perspectives."

The man gritted his teeth, wishing he could drag Duanmu Huai over for a beating; he’d never been this angry even when others called him old salted meat.

If Duanmu Huai were here he’d definitely state that lies won’t deceive people, but the truth cuts deep. Aren’t you at all aware of how many times your plans have failed?

"So you admit they all failed?"

One must admit, upon hearing the man’s answer, Mary and the other girls were a bit surprised. They had all heard Duanmu Huai’s sardonic recounting of The Emperor’s failings. However, Duanmu’s overtly partial attitude caused the girls to occasionally doubt if he exaggerated, like claiming The Emperor had never succeeded, and that all grand plans ended in failure...wouldn’t you at least succeed once or twice?

And yet he didn’t refute?

So they’re all actually failures?

"...The evils and deceptions of Subspace exceed your wildest imaginations; this is a game measured over thousands of years..."

The man gritted his teeth as he explained to the others—feeling as if an invisible Sharp Blade had pierced through his heart from their astonished gazes.

"But Mr. Duanmu believes that taking every step steadily is the key to victory."

Mary finally understood why Duanmu Huai and The Emperor didn’t see eye to eye. Compared to The Emperor, Duanmu Huai was "short-sighted," not caring about the state of affairs thousands of years later, only caring if the present issue was resolved. As for future problems, according to Duanmu, it’s a case of "cross the bridge when you come to it."

Clearly, The Emperor seemed to be planning to play a game of Go...yet Duanmu Huai only wanted to play Gomoku.

"Sorry, but I think Mr. Duanmu’s approach fits our actions better."

Looking far ahead isn’t necessarily bad, but when your foresight spans millennia, it’s beyond Mary’s comprehension. She once again politely nodded towards the man, planning to leave with the others. Seeing this, The Emperor couldn’t help but speak up.

"Fine, but before you go, I hope you listen to my one piece of advice."

Saying this, he pointed towards Alicia.

"She...is very important to humans, I hope you protect her well. Once those Subspace beings discover her existence, they will go to any lengths to obtain her. I hope you’re mentally prepared for that, she isn’t an ordinary girl..."

"Of course, I’m a cute little pink Fairy Girl after all."

However, before the man could finish, Alicia interrupted him cheerfully, blinking at The Emperor.

"I don’t see myself as so different from others, I have my story, and others have theirs. My story might end, or it might not. But even if it does, those who follow will write their stories too."

With that, Alicia waved at the man with a smile, then turned to leave with the others. The man could only helplessly watch their departing backs, and moments later, his figure dissipated and vanished again inside the great clock.