Alibuda Chronicles Part 2: Volume 4, Chapter 4

Chapter Four: Seeing the Moon Through the Mist

. Zhizhi left before dawn, arriving and departing secretly, promising to deliver the two custom-made outfits before heading to Solancia.

I hesitated for a moment about whether to stop her from going to Solancia, but ultimately decided to let her go. Firstly, I wanted to know information about Solancia, and secondly… if I wanted to change my initial strategy, I shouldn't let Zhizhi and Leng Linglan become too close now. Watching the elven girl depart

, looking into her affectionate eyes, I felt a deep, indescribable sigh.

Narcissus kept her word. When I left at noon, summoned to the palace for an audience, I heard from the thunderous cheers in the streets that Ishtar, following the trend of the times, had announced Narcissus's joining of the International Alliance. From this moment on, the history of the entire land would enter a new milestone, because before this, no inter-species international organization had ever been established on the land during peacetime… although this organization would immediately go to war with the Black Dragon Society.

The news was incredibly shocking, especially considering that a bunch of scholars and experts had previously vowed that Ishtar would resist to the bitter end, and might even join forces with the Black Dragon Society. However, having known this news for a while, I wasn't surprised at all.

Narcissa became the focus of media attention in many countries, but the gates of the Ishtar Inn remained locked, and Narcissa avoided meeting with any of the various factions. Rumors spread like wildfire; some speculated she was planning something; others heard that Narcissa had secluded herself after issuing her statement, perhaps practicing evil magic; but based on my guess, this enchantress was likely bewitched by that Jade Spirit Cat, hence her erratic behavior.

Ishtar, Solancia, Rosetta, Alibuda, and the Golden Flower Federation—the five most powerful nations on the land—had all passed the resolution; only detailed discussions remained. Suddenly, I felt carefree, but I never expected that when I, a nobody, went out into the streets, I would be surrounded by a large crowd.

The masses are forgetful, and... to adapt to tomorrow's situation, people naturally ignore yesterday. So, the First Lady scandal, which was once a hot topic, was tacitly ignored by the major media outlets after the international situation suddenly changed, and people on the streets kept quiet. Just like now, these same people who drove me out of the capital like a plague just a few years ago are now cheering loudly for me, treating me like a national hero.

Hey, what right does a country that only knows how to curry favor with the Plantagenet Federation have to produce a national hero? It's just because the President of the Plantagenet Federation praised me highly, saying that I risked my life and was the number one contributor to this alliance, and that I would be remembered in history, that I was once again elevated to the throne of hero overnight, and even His Majesty the King repeatedly issued decrees, summoning me to an audience to receive commendation.

However, the ups and downs of officialdom are just like that. Since Ryan has done me such a huge favor, I have no reason to waste it. After all, I'm not so high and mighty as to refuse flattery and fawning. Anyway, these people will kick me out sooner or later, so I'll just try to get as much benefit from them as possible before that happens.

"General Farrell, you are as remarkable as your father. My son will also join your ranks in the future and kill those Ishtar dogs."

"Madam, Ishtar has already formed an international alliance with us. Your son can engage in things more beneficial to the country and society, such as writing books or drawing comics, instead of sending him to the battlefield."

"Lord John, you are truly commendable. You have greatly boosted our morale this time. If my daughter hadn't married last year, I would have insisted that she come to the Marquis's mansion to serve you."

"Serve me? That would be truly unfortunate for her."

Squeezed by the crowd, I answered intermittently, initially patiently putting on a smile. However, after walking for a quarter of an hour and realizing I had only advanced about three steps, my patience quickly vanished, and I unconsciously revealed my true feelings. Although I was aware of this, I simply couldn't hold back.

"General Farrell."

Just as I was seriously considering whether to draw my sword and clear a path, my savior appeared. A pair of armored guards pushed their way in, and the captain at the head bowed to me.

"President Ryan requests your immediate presence at the inn."

"Oh? But I am on my way to the royal palace to see His Majesty, this is probably..."

"You need not worry about that, we will take care of it for you."

One can glean the thoughts of a superior from the attitude of one's subordinates, but having never been loyal to the monarch, I naturally didn't care whether our King was looked down upon. Every time I was summoned, I was either reprimanded or had to face an old man weeping for his daughter; such scenes were best avoided.

I boarded their carriage, and under the escort of the Golden Flower Federation guards, I successfully escaped the crowd.

Looking down from the carriage, the crowd remained jubilant, though I had no idea what they were so happy about.

The convoy arrived at the inn safely and quickly. I inquired at the entrance and learned that the unruly middle-aged man had just left. It seemed that because the alliance had finally been established, a grand banquet would be held at the inn the following night, and Mao Yan'an, who had been planning for some time, had gone to find people to begin the arrangements.

Not meeting Mao Yan'an didn't bother me much, and I went straight to see Ryan, a little puzzled as to why he wanted to see me.

I was received in the garden behind the inn. When I entered, I saw no servants, only Ryan sitting alone at a white jade table, with Hui Xiuchu standing behind him like a guard, waiting for me.

It seemed like a small, ordinary banquet. The lack of other guests was a bit strange, but Ryan always maintained a humble demeanor, so it wasn't too surprising.

"Please sit, John. You have no idea how happy I am today. My dream of twenty years has finally come true."

Ryan raised his glass to me, the amber wine in the jade cup reflecting his slightly tipsy tiger eyes.

"Thank you for your help in establishing the International Alliance. From now on, wars on Earth can be gradually reduced, no one will die for trivial reasons, no more families will be torn apart, and relations between different races will enter a new chapter. We have finally taken a step towards a world of great harmony... If this ideal can come true, Ryan Buffett can die without regret."

The President of the Golden Flower Federation raised his glass to me, praising my contributions. I naturally drank with him, feeling quite humbled. As the fragrant wine flowed down my throat, I heard him let out a slow sigh.

"But the price we paid to establish the International Alliance was far too high..."

"President, you don't need to be so polite. I was just doing my duty, doing my part for the people of the land. I really can't bear such a burden from you..."

I said a few polite words against my will, as usual, but Ryan glanced at the jade cup and smiled faintly: "You can bear it. General Farrell is a young hero. He is not only ambitious but also audacious. He even dared to tarnish the innocence of the First Lady of the Golden Flower Federation. What else can't he bear?"

"Ah?"

His words were like a bolt from the blue. My hair stood on end, and I was so shocked that I crushed the jade cup with my hand. I heard Ryan's cold laughter and words at the same time.

"That day, you two were making love upstairs, and I was sitting right here. From beginning to end, nothing escaped my notice. If I had given the order, you shameless lecher would have been torn to pieces. That old bastard Leng Qiji would never have said a good word for you... Do you know how humiliating this is for a man? To hear your wife committing adultery with your lover, what does that feel like? I've endured it all this time as if nothing happened, do you even know why?"

Every word resonated deeply within me. I had always underestimated this formidable lion, thinking that my actions with Mao Yan'an that day would fool him. I forgot that his ability to remain steadfast in the power struggles, holding the supreme position of the Golden Flower Federation for twelve years, was no ordinary character. He had known about my affair with Yueying all along, using me to do his bidding, only revealing his true colors after everything was accomplished.

Even with a thousand and one excuses, I couldn't find a reason for him not to kill me, especially since Ryan's trap was so meticulously prepared; I had no hope of escape. Facing Ryan's murderous, icy gaze, I felt a cold sweat run down my back, my limbs went numb, and a thousand thoughts raced through my mind. In my desperation, I blurted out,

"N-no, it's not her fault… I orchestrated it all, she… she was forced by me…"

Even I was surprised by the words that came out, a wave of desolation washing over me. Even though I had already given up on this woman, even though my most beautiful dream had been shattered, even though I already had a better Xue by my side, I still unconsciously protected her at this moment. Did this mean I was a complete fool?

But just as I was wallowing in self-pity and oblivious to everything else, Ryan suddenly smiled slightly, and the chilling murderous aura from before vanished without a trace.

"Heh, I didn't expect you to say that, but this only makes things more helpless, because it just confirms that you and I... although we accomplished something great, in the end we are still just losers."

"Uh! What did you say?"

Ryan's attitude changed drastically, quickly bringing me back to my senses from my desolate mood. After a moment of calm reflection, I suddenly realized that Ryan didn't seem to have any intention of killing me; his previous performance was mostly just a show of force. Since that's the case, I won't beat around the bush anymore and will ask him directly what he plans to do.

“Hehe, don’t worry, I just wanted to have a drink with you today and chat about the stories behind the heroes, nothing more.”

Ryan poured me a glass of wine and said, “The alliance is now formed. Yueying and I will be heading back to the Golden Flower Federation the day after tomorrow. I heard she won’t be seeing you again. I don’t know what to say about that, but that’s life. Parting amicably isn’t necessarily a bad thing.”

Hearing this, I was filled with mixed emotions. Ryan asked me a few questions, and I blamed Mao Yan’an for how I learned about his sexual fetish. Once that big problem was solved, things would be much easier to discuss later.

Ryan explained that he had great ambitions since childhood, hoping to seize power and accomplish a great and glorious undertaking that would benefit millions of people. He practiced martial arts and literature to become an exceptionally outstanding person, all for the sake of obtaining the presidency. Twelve years ago, he finally achieved his ambition, but his political enemies dug up his sexual fetish scandal and used it to attack him. To clear the rumors, he had no choice but to marry the most beautiful woman in the land to prove his innocence.

"For twelve years, I have never loved her... Actually, when we first met, I was indeed moved by Yueying. It was the first time I had ever felt affection for a woman. But I soon discovered that Yueying already had a man in her heart, and I would never fight a battle I couldn't win, so I immediately severed my feelings for her."

Ryan said slowly, "Over the years, we have been partners. You could say I was completely using Yueying, but I don't regret it because I had the opportunity to fulfill my dream and reform my homeland. In these twelve years, whether it's the Golden Flower Federation or Alibuda, the people are living better than before, and the wars between the nations have decreased. Our efforts have been meaningful."

"So you're going to let your sister become a sacrifice for your dream?"

"There's one thing you need to understand first. When I proposed to Yueying, your king strongly opposed it. Although I offered her marriage in exchange for the revival of Alibuda, I never coerced her. Yueying herself agreed to the deal."

Hearing this, I felt a surge of indignation, and my fists clenched tightly. Could it be that Ryan orchestrated Yueying's orgy for political gain, forcing her to sell her body as a bargaining chip?

"Heh, you seem to have misunderstood something. It's not what you're thinking. Orgy parties do exist, but there are many kinds, and no one says the party host has to participate,"

Ryan said with a laugh. The Buffett family in the Golden Flower Federation transitioned from business to politics, but some traditions were preserved during their collusion. The most representative and profitable of these was the decadent and lavish banquet held every full moon.

Participants included political and business elites, and even religious figures. Everyone wore blindfolds or half-masks to enter, enjoying fine wine and food, and then engaging in a carnal revelry with the handsome servants and beautiful maids hired by the Buffett family until midnight, before secretly dispersing. These dignitaries and wealthy businessmen who accepted the hospitality were naturally much more agreeable the next day. Any business deals or bills they were involved in often passed smoothly, and over time, this built a vast network of political and business connections for the Buffett family.

"Yueying wanted to make a contribution, so she requested to host the Moon Banquet. But guests only kissed the back of her hand and fingers at most; beyond that, even I never got to touch her, let alone other men."

Hearing this felt like a bolt from the blue. My mind went blank for a moment. I only heard Ryan continue laughing, saying that Yueying's stunning beauty was captivating even in the Golden Flower Federation. Whenever she entered in a flowing white gown, her celestial beauty, whether wearing an eye mask or a veil, would leave all the men in the room mesmerized. Many normally imposing officials and nobles would only wish to kneel down, gently lift the queen's jade feet, and kiss the tips of her shoes—that would be enough for them.

“Yueying at the banquet was different from usual. There was always a hint of daze in her eyes. She was there, but her heart seemed elsewhere. I think Yueying must have gone through something emotionally, but after so many years of marriage, she never told me anything. All I know is that Yueying had a lover in Sara City.”

Ryan looked at me and said slowly, “In the past, Yueying would be very happy whenever she received news about you. I used to think it was you. Before coming to Sara, I was very jealous of you, but the truth is that it wasn’t. You, like me, were both losers in front of the Autumn Moon Goddess…”

I was still not out of the heavy shock, but hearing Ryan’s bitter sigh, I couldn’t help but ask, “Then… do you know who that man was…”

"I don't know. This isn't the Golden Flower Federation, after all. Our spies have limited capabilities, and it's been too long to investigate. If the wizarding corps of Ishtar had worked together to use magic to reveal the truth, perhaps they could have found out. But... I personally think the most likely person is your father, Gendo Farrell." A

perverted father?

This answer is bizarre, but I can't deny that it's the most probable one. Back then, Yueying's life was simple. Besides the palace, her most frequent place was my family's mansion. She did meet my perverted father a few times, so if something happened because of that, it would be plausible. Even I had previously considered this answer as one of my backup plans.

“Once we leave Sarah, all of this will be irrelevant. Although I have no feelings for Yueying, she has silently supported me behind the scenes all these years, playing the role of First Lady well and giving me a lot of help, both known and unknown. I do feel guilty towards her and hope to make up for it. So if she chooses someone, I won't stop her and would be happy to see it happen.”

Ryan patted my shoulder and said, “It is a man's nature to bravely choose what he loves. I admire your persistence towards Yueying; more importantly, she also has feelings for you. So I once thought that entrusting Yueying to you would be a good choice. I didn't expect... that you still couldn't hold on in the end. Perhaps her feelings for you weren't deep enough.”

From Ryan's words, I vaguely heard a hint that he thought Yueying's feelings for me were just a transference, and that the person she truly loved was my perverted father. Therefore, Yueying ultimately chose to give me up and leave.

But I still don't understand. My devotion to Yueying is undeniable, but how can I claim that Yueying also has feelings for me?

"Do you think the gentlemen of the Golden Flower Federation are all incompetent good-for-nothings? Yueying has a magic bead chain that can…"

"As long as she uses the chain to send out an emergency message, you'll sense it and come to her rescue, right?"

I know about such things; they're magical artifacts from the Palace of Light, specially given to noblewomen. In case of danger, they chant a spell, and the artifact naturally notifies people to come to their aid. On the night Yueying and I first made love, I was especially careful to guard against this.

"Your information is outdated. That's a seven-year-old product, already obsolete. The new generation of magic bead chains will automatically send a signal if the owner is in danger, to prevent the owner from suffering misfortune while unconscious. In the past seven years, not counting those who have had their limbs crippled and are barely clinging to life, Hui Xiuchu has killed a total of twenty-seven lecherous men with malicious intentions."

"Then I..."

"It was Yueying who broke the bead chain before that, saving your life. You didn't notice that, did you?"

I was stunned by those words. Ryan smiled and said, "Yueying has been very cold to men all these years. I don't really know her very well, but since she wanted to protect you, you are indeed a special person in her heart."

Ryan laughed and said that when he finally learned about Yueying and my affair, he felt a little jealous on one hand, and on the other hand, he was worried about the scandal shaking his political position. So he wanted to kill me several times to silence me, but considering Yueying's feelings, he ultimately did not do it. Unexpectedly, his moment of mercy ended up with me fulfilling his dream.

"What's past is past. You're still young, with a bright future ahead of you. This time you've made a name for yourself internationally; from now on, you'll rise to great heights, enjoying wealth, fame, and beautiful women—all within your grasp. Let bygones be bygones."

As it turned out, Ryan met with me specifically to offer some advice before leaving, hoping I wouldn't be misled by love and would get back on the right path instead of sinking into despair.

My mind was still a mess, and I didn't know how to respond to Ryan. However, since he seemed to value me so highly, I had no reason to be rude. So I forced a smile and thanked him with rather odd words.

"President Ryan is indeed a hero, capable of what others cannot. I admire him greatly."

"Even political leaders have different tastes; I am somewhat different from your king. I dislike flattery and only appreciate the truth. Speak your mind freely."

"Since you've said so, I'll ask, because this is a question I truly want to know."

I asked, "Being cuckolded is a man's greatest shame. I don't believe any man in the world can remain calm while being cuckolded. That day, Yueying and I were making love upstairs, why were you sitting here quietly drinking tea?"

The question was extremely impolite and provocative, but Ryan didn't get angry at all; instead, he laughed heartily.

"Hahaha, I did sit here that day, but I wasn't as calm as you say. On the contrary, I was very agitated."

A very agitated lion, instead of rushing to kill the adulterer, what was he doing sitting here?

Ryan extended his large hand, and the hand he clasped belonged to another person… a burly man who had remained silent throughout our conversation.

Hui Xiuchu's expression finally returned, a smile of immense happiness mirroring that of Ryan, who held his hand.

Now it was clear why Hui Xiuchu was grateful for my help to Ryan and Yueying, and why he had given me the sword manual. And what Ryan had done here that day... for a moment, I truly regretted asking that question...

"...President Ryan is indeed a hero, capable of what others cannot. I admire him greatly."

After the conversation ended, I asked Ryan if I could see Yueying, but he politely declined, believing it inappropriate for the two of us to meet now.

I didn't press the matter and left the inn. My main reason was that I agreed with Ryan's assessment; a meeting now was unsuitable, and I needed time to clarify some things.

If the lavish banquet was completely different from what I had imagined, then what were Yueying

's feelings when I questioned her? Or perhaps we should extend the question further: how did Yueying feel when she decided to return to Alibuda? This might be the real key question. Was the man who made a lifelong promise with Yueying really her perverted father?

Was Yueying's care and love for me all a result of transference?

Suddenly, I realized this was a question I could no longer escape. If I couldn't find that man's true identity, everything would be stuck in a dead end.

But this was no easy task. Even setting aside my own isolation, even with the backing of a nation, Ryan's investigation using the Golden Flower Federation's intelligence agency had yielded nothing. Unless, as he suggested, Ishtar could help, mobilizing their wizards to perform divination and shadow reading, there was no hope of uncovering this long-hidden secret.

But… Narcissus was treacherous and ruthless. Making a deal with her was less safe than dealing with demons.

In that sense, the solution was clear: it was a matter of dealing with a tiger, but at least I could choose the one who wouldn't bite so hard.

Upon returning to the manor, I immediately declared that I would not allow any disturbances. Then, I went to my room, took out the silver ring that connected me to Phoenix, and rubbed it slightly. As if Phoenix had been waiting there all along, she instantly appeared before me.

Whether she had deliberately dressed up or not, the Phoenix I summoned was as radiant as ever. She wore a black, tight-fitting, thin sweater, her ample breasts prominently displayed, over which was a black leather jacket, and below, an exquisite, glossy black leather mini-skirt. On her feet were black high-heeled boots, and black stockings were faintly visible. Her all-black attire, combined with her fair skin and elegantly styled red hair, exuded a sensual and alluring charm amidst her refined and graceful demeanor.

"What's up? Handsome, you're free today? Why don't you patronize my business while you're at it?"

"Sure, let's do it."

"Uh...why are you being so agreeable today..."

When I, contrary to my usual frown and annoyance, nodded and agreed directly, this quick and decisive approach surprised Phoenix, leaving her speechless for a moment.

"Handsome, you mean...you want to make a third wish today?"

"That's right, aren't you hoping someone will patronize your business? Let's get on with the paperwork."

Although I was a little impulsive, I had already thought it through. Yueying's importance to me is no less than that of Xue. Since I could make two wishes for Xue, it's reasonable to use one of the remaining three for Yueying.

Furthermore, with Phoenix's help, I managed to deal with the leaders of Solancia and Ishtar, greatly venting my anger. Considering the difficulty and scope of the incident, even using two wishes would be justified, but Phoenix gave me a huge advantage, so I should repay her with some benefits.

“You’re really strange. You seem so selfish when you act, yet you’re always making wishes for others.”

As if reading my mind, Phoenix shook her head, her eyes full of regret, and said, “If you really want it that much, why not just make the wish directly?”

“Even if I made the wish directly, could you do it? Could you change her mind, change her resolve?”

“This…”

I don't think that will work. When I made my first wish, Phoenix didn't change Xue's mind; instead, she used a vicious scheme to succeed, which greatly hurt Xue. I don't want it to happen again.

"Even if you could change her, I wouldn't want to. I don't want to end up like those male protagonists in romance novels, making the wrong wish and then wasting another wish to change it back—it's such a waste."

Perhaps out of remorse, I don't want to use any tricks on Yueying now, so my third wish is very simple.

"I wish I could know what happened twelve years ago, and who Yueying's lover really was."

As I spoke my wish, Phoenix bent down, her red hair falling beside her fair face. Her sea-blue eyes held a deep regret and a touch of sadness, but in the moment I was bewildered, she brushed the hair from my forehead and gently kissed it.

“John Farrell, I wish you all the best.”

Phoenix kissed my forehead, and I felt dizzy for a moment, but when I opened my eyes again, she was no longer in front of me, she had vanished without a trace.

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