Steampunk Era: Mad Abield
Chapter 524 - 356: Choice (Part 1)

Chapter 524: Chapter 356: Choice (Part 1)

As a guest, Malin shot the first arrow and gained double the spoils of war, which was a good start to the hunt. The remaining yellow deer were left for the old man’s grandchildren to handle, while Malin kept the old man company, admiring the scenery of the plains and waiting for him to speak.

The fact was, the old man did not disappoint Malin; he sent away his offspring, had the guards circle around from a distance, then he began to speak with Malin about... ideals.

"Mr. Malin, to tell the truth, I’ve read the intelligence department’s reports about you. They’re quite interesting, those things you’ve done."

Malin smiled, lifted his hand, and two stone chairs rose from the ground. Malin promptly sat in his own spot, with Spotty obediently sitting next to Malin’s feet, resting its head on his hand.

The old man also sat down with a smile, "You can tell, you want to change the world. My mother is old; she doesn’t understand it."

"You’re old too," Malin chuckled as he took out his cigarette case, opened it, and extended it to Fio, who passed it to the old man.

The old man smiled as he took one out, "Young people will live."

"Life should always be lived better, don’t you agree, Mr. Mario?" Malin took out a cigarette, lit it with holy flame, and then with a flick of his wrist, the holy flame wafted in front of the old man, dissipating automatically after he lit his cigarette.

"Indeed, all innocents in this world have the right to live better, sir," the old man watched Malin as he spoke, "What you’ve done...it’s enough to make you a Saint."

"Not at all, Mr. Mario, I merely did what I had to," said Malin, gazing at the old man, "After all, I’m sure you didn’t mention this just to praise me."

"Yes, because I think you resemble the late king," the old man revealed a sly smile at Malin, "It’s just too bad that the king passed away early and the child he left behind was unfortunately killed in battle. Now the royal family is left with only a young daughter. Ambitious people always have unrealistic dreams. If only they had even half of your practical spirit."

Malin first smiled lightly, then covered his mouth with his hand and laughed out loud.

The old man joined in the laughter as well.

After an elderly fox and a young fox had their fill of laughter, Malin threw his cigarette butt into the ashtray, "If they had half my practical spirit, I’m afraid you would have been losing sleep over it."

"Of course, we discussed earlier whether we need to eliminate you or not," said the old man, putting away his smile. He took a puff of his cigarette, then looked at Malin.

"Honestly, you and your family are not enough for me to kill; even if your mother were here, she would have to die here as well," Malin put away his smile too—you bring another melee Legendary, and Malin would still have an even fight with him, but as a battle mage, he truly wasn’t afraid of the old lady. With the World Tree Sapling, a snap of the anti-magic field, Malin had a hundred ways to kill her.

Indeed, she had experience, but Malin had the advantage of time and philosophy.

"So, this is why I’m willing to sit here and talk to you. You’re recognized by Nameless as a Saint, and the Farol Principality has been able to maintain its independence to this extent thanks to the grace of the Lord of Justice. We’ve always been looking for a way to defend our own land; the Sydney Union has indeed provided us with great help, but we’re not ready yet to become His Majesty of Sydney’s subjects."

Malin shook his head, glancing at Faye, who was chatting with her newly acquainted companions.

"Do you know what my father would think if I told him what you’ve said, Mr. Mario?"

"You won’t do that, Mr. Malin. You and us, we both dream of forging our own path. So, I have a better proposition here, one that’s far better than what that hoary old man came up with, more suited to you and me," said the old man, looking at Malin as if waiting for his reply.

Malin raised an eyebrow, "Speak, although I believe I already know what you’re going to say."

"Exactly, you’re a smart man, you should understand that our little princess is about to come of age. Her husband has always been the source of discord between the nobles of our Principality’s north and south. Previously, the northern nobles nominated my offspring, but this is not right. My youngest son is already 28 this year, has achieved nothing substantial, lacks the ability, and shouldn’t become the father of a future ruler of a country."

"Are you people from Farole so pragmatic?" asked Malin.

"Those who aren’t pragmatic have already been swallowed by history, Mr. Malin. Don’t you really understand?"

"I understand, but I feel that your little princess really can understand your struggle?" Malin said. "In my eyes, she is no different from a commodity."

Regarding this, the old man nodded his head, "You’re not wrong, Mister Malin. Every one of us Farolians is but a commodity in the eyes of Fate, our sacrifices, our efforts, everything we do, is to ensure that Farolians can live freely."

"I don’t agree with your way of life. In my eyes, you are nothing but mortals who covet power," Malin shook his head, preparing to stand up and leave.

"No, sir, we believe in His Majesty Mowish, but with the moon’s phases waning, how will his descendants regard us? And why did our young King die if not for his desire to make the Farol Principality a true kingdom?" At this point, the old man turned to Malin, "The southern nobles want to gain Miss Rewo solely as an additional measure of security because the royal family... has reached the brink of life and death. Mister Malin, if you are willing, you could be our King."

"I am not a Noble."

"But your power far exceeds that of a King, Farol Principality does not need so-called noble blood. We need someone with real strength. Here, you can implement everything you have done in Carterburg, and you can still continue your engagement with Princess Faye. You don’t even have to marry our princess; just let her bear a child."

"I refuse." Malin stood up—he felt for the first time that these Farolians must be insane, "I will not agree with your ideas. What I promoted in Carterburg is not suitable for you, even so to say, not suitable for you Nobles."

With those words, Malin turned and walked towards his girl, his raised hand wavering feebly as he waved, "I’ll take my leave first, do as you please."

"Sir! I believe once you get to the south and see everything there, you will change your mind," the old man said.

Malin smiled at that.

What in the south could possibly change his mind?

It’s not as if it could be a landscape from purgatory.

With such a reflective thought, Malin, along with Faye, left the hunt.

Of course, he could not possibly tell the girl about this matter. Although Mario from the Moriti family’s words sounded insane, there was no need for Malin to publicize his mad ravings.

So, some things are better left as they are.

What made Malin hesitate, was that when the train was leaving, the old man still came to see him off.

Malin asked himself—did he truly have such a reputation?

While he indeed had some, this was far too courteous.

With that thought, Malin had to contemplate—perhaps the south might be as the Moriti family described, requiring just one glance to understand and make a decision.

But Malin felt that, whether it was the south or the north, these nobles were not the partners he wished to collaborate with.

He simply pitied the girl, sympathetic to the fact that she was but a powerless puppet.

Carrying such reflections, the train Malin was on entered the Capital—Rongma.

A peculiar name.

But that didn’t matter, did it? It was not at all comparable to the Capital Sydney. After making an announcement with the girls and the royal family graciously declining Malin’s request for an audience, Malin naturally started to lead an idle life.

The stay in the Capital lasted for three days and was uneventful. However, on the night before leaving, an unexpected visitor boarded the train.