Chapter 35 Please

“Lord Shenhong, if you would follow me.”

Guided by a servant, Xie Shenhong stepped into the Sima family’s grand estate.

Perhaps as a flamboyant display of patriotism, the Sima estate boasted a rather eclectic architectural style: roughly thirty percent retained the medieval aesthetic of the Vermillion Kingdom from a decade past, while the remaining seventy percent embraced the ancient Han style.

Within the Vermillion Kingdom, the ancient Han style was widely regarded as emblematic of Saintess Hai Zhu. Though the first generation Hai Zhu’s randomized attire after transformation transcended any single style, the world’s preconceived notions were a formidable force.

Xie Shenhong, of course, was far too astute to openly critique his host’s tastes within their own residence. He meticulously adhered to every facet of the Sima family’s etiquette, even humbly inquiring with the servants about any specific customs or points of consideration. In short order, he had thoroughly earned their deference and respect.

“Lord Xie Shenhong, if you would, please enter. The master awaits within.”

“Thank you.”

Yet, for Xie Shenhong, a man displaced from another world, extending respect and treating all individuals with equality was simply second nature.

Furthermore, even he could discern the subtle test Sima Le was presenting.

Indeed, the host’s choice not to personally greet him, but rather to await his entrance and formal obeisance, was an unmistakable declaration of their differing stations.

Xie Shenhong, however, harbored no offense at this subtle assertion.

Disregarding the favor he held with the Duanmu family, he was, at his core, an ordinary man, utterly devoid of magic. Sima Le, conversely, was a formidable Earl, his power rooted firmly in the initial stages of Martial Marquis cultivation.

This minor display of authority was, in his estimation, entirely appropriate.

Upon entering the reception hall, Xie Shenhong was swiftly introduced to the master of the Sima household.

Predictably, he was a robust, middle-aged man, radiating an imposing aura. His eyes were sharp and piercing, his frame burly, and his demeanor exuded raw, martial power.

Upon seeing Xie Shenhong, Sima Le’s lips stretched into a wide grin, and he spoke with a voice that was both resonant and deep:

“Esteemed Xie Shenhong, I bid you welcome.”

“My respects, General Sima.”

Given his current, more formal capacity as a knight’s squire, Xie Shenhong executed a crisp military salute.

Simultaneously, this gesture served as a subtle probe.

As anticipated, Sima Le erupted into a booming, mirthful laugh.

“Truly astonishing! I never would have imagined the illustrious ‘Crimson Hawk’ to be such a seemingly delicate ‘young lady’.”

Dispelling any lingering, unnecessary self-pity, Xie Shenhong was acutely aware that, of his entire being, only his mind, brimming with knowledge from Earth, held any true utility.

Yet, discounting his past life, throughout the five years Xie Shenhong had existed in this world, Sima Le had never once sought his presence.

In other words, this abrupt shift in circumstances was a very recent occurrence.

With the possibilities thus confined, Xie Shenhong found it almost impossible not to deduce the truth… Alas, he was not the true Crimson Hawk.

This particular truth, however, he intended to keep unspoken.

Following a few brief pleasantries, and once they had both settled into their seats, Xie Shenhong promptly posed his question:

“General Sima, if I may inquire, what is the purpose of your summons?”

“Excellent. I appreciate such forthrightness in a young person.”

Sima Le let out a hearty laugh, then his expression shifted, becoming grave and inherently commanding. “What is your assessment of the kingdom as it stands today?”

“…It is quite well.”

Xie Shenhong spoke nothing but the truth.

Had one ignored the calamitous events yet to unfold, the kingdom was undeniably thriving. In ten years… no, perhaps even in just five, it might no longer require the Empire’s aid, capable of repelling the demon race entirely on its own.

Regrettably, not even five years, nor even one, remained; in merely three months, the kingdom was destined to fall.

And then, that utterly decadent Empire would assume leadership, guiding humanity against the demon race… The mere thought of it filled him with utter despair.

This profound despair, manifesting as hesitation and a palpable sense of bewilderment, was not lost on Sima Le.

“From our current vantage point, it certainly appears prosperous, yet alas…” Sima Le turned his gaze towards the window, his eyes slowly darkening with a profound sadness. “All of it is nothing but a fleeting illusion.”

Xie Shenhong remained silent. He understood that, for now, he could serve as a living battery for Hai Zhu’s doll, granting the kingdom a temporary reprieve.

Yet, this was, at best, a mere stopgap. How long it could endure, and whether it could truly withstand the Empire’s impending invasion three months hence… these remained entirely unknown variables.

“My investigations have revealed that you are an adopted child of the Duanmu family, and for the past five years, you have served as the chief researcher, making invaluable contributions to the kingdom’s advancement.”

“My capabilities are confined to these, for I am merely a person devoid of magic.”

“There is no need to disparage yourself; you are, beyond a doubt, exceptionally brilliant… The true dilemma, however, is that this nation, as it stands, is utterly unworthy of possessing a talent such as yours.”

“General Sima… are you a member of the Society of Patriotic Rescuers?”

“No.”

Sima Le turned to face him, his gaze unwavering, and declared, “I am, in fact, the founder and leader of the Society of Patriotic Rescuers.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Xie Shenhong’s face, a reaction not entirely feigned. His initial conjecture had been that the Society of Patriotic Rescuers had approached Sima Le, only to discover the reality was quite the opposite.

Before Xie Shenhong could utter a word, a sudden clamor erupted from outside, immediately followed by a loud, clear shout:

“Shenhong, where are you?”

It was Lyte.

Combined with the intermittent clang of weapons clashing, Xie Shenhong instantly grasped the fellow’s current endeavor.

“It appears our meeting must, regrettably, be cut short.”

Sima Le sighed, a note of resignation in his voice.

“My apologies.”

Xie Shenhong, a mixture of surprise and indignation warring within him, rose and offered a bow, poised to depart. Yet, as if a sudden thought had seized him, he turned back to meet Sima Le’s gaze.

“Is there anything further you wish to discuss? Please, speak your mind.”

Sima Le met his scrutinizing gaze with an open, unyielding candor.

“General Sima, you are acting for the sake of this nation, are you not?”

“Naturally.”

In the middle-aged man’s eyes, there resided not a flicker of uncertainty or doubt.

“I see. In that case, I shall take my leave…”

Just as he reached the threshold, a voice drifted from behind him.

“In two days, I shall be hosting a banquet aboard the Lihuo.”

Two days from now?

Not four days from now?

Could this be a divergence wrought by his rebirth?

Yet, this aligned perfectly with Xie Shenhong’s intentions. He offered a faint smile:

“Thank you for the invitation. I shall certainly attend.”

****

Life, however, possessed an undeniable fairness.

For every joy it bestowed, it invariably presented its share of vexations.

For Xie Shenhong, the most utterly detestable occurrence at that moment was Lyte’s sudden appearance.

“Shenhong, are you alright?”

Particularly upon witnessing Lyte’s feigned concern, Xie Shenhong was almost tempted to draw a pistol and deliver a swift, sharp blow.

“Lyte, why would you engage in such an act?”

Naturally, expecting him to display the emotional gratitude of a rescued princess was utterly out of the question.

Instead, he found himself needing to admonish Lyte for having incapacitated numerous Sima family servants.

“I was… because…”

Lyte, too, struggled to articulate a coherent reason for his inexplicable act of subduing an entire group of individuals.

Xie Shenhong could only turn back, offering his sincerest apologies to the Sima household. Without hesitation, he instantly transferred a substantial sum from his electronic bank card as restitution.

“Let us depart.”

Apprehensive that Lyte might commit further needless acts, Xie Shenhong seized his hand and led him away from the estate.

“I’ll repay you the money.”

Once outside the Sima estate, Lyte hastily spoke.

“There’s no need to repay the sum. You acted out of concern for me, did you not? For that, I thank you.”

Xie Shenhong released Lyte’s hand, speaking with refined courtesy.

To Lyte, it appeared Xie Shenhong had once again fully immersed himself in his role.

Yet, immersion in a role was not akin to a fractured mind; what needed to be heard would still register. He quickly interjected:

“Shenhong, you must not return to the Sima estate. It is exceedingly perilous here!”

“Why do you assert that?”

“Because…”

Lyte found himself instantly at a loss for words.

“Is it related to a mission?”

The moment those words were uttered, Lyte’s understanding dawned.

Xie Shenhong was not merely playing a part.

Yet, he remained utterly speechless.

Missions pertaining to the Society of Patriotic Rescuers demanded the utmost secrecy.

Much like his true identity, such details could not be divulged to others.

Thus, on this occasion, he was once again incapable of offering any reply.

Xie Shenhong departed alone.

He could only watch him go.

Utterly powerless, he could do nothing.