139: Give Me a Love Triangle

Qin Yue’s thoughts raced, and without a word, he turned to leave.

Kan Miluo had been waiting in the palace with nervous anticipation for half the day, unsure if the beautiful young man would actually keep the appointment. Fortunately, he finally arrived.

He gazed with joy at the youth who had set his heart racing. The way his long hair had whipped in the wind as he fought with his blade had pierced through his defenses like a sharp, resolute edge, leaving him intoxicated with a rush of palpitations. Ever since returning to the palace, he had longed to see him again, to pour out his feelings and beg for the youth’s gaze to linger upon him.

He knew well that such a beautiful and powerful youth would not be easily won. Yet, his inner impatience was so difficult to endure that he had rushed to arrange this first meeting. Although it was a bit clumsy—he simply couldn't think of a better "program" in such a short time—why was he suddenly turning around to leave?

Kan Miluo panicked. He dropped the flowers in his hand and hurried to catch up. "Please wait... I am sorry, have I offended you?" He had already guessed that the youth would be haughty—every move the boy had made on the battlefield showed his temper was not exactly gentle. But what did that matter? He was still young, and as an older suitor, he should be tolerant of the other's impulsive behavior.

Qin Yue kept walking, ignoring him completely—there was nothing to say to someone who had designs on him.

Kan Miluo did not take offense, his face filled with a doting smile. "Please tell me... are you angry?" Looking at him from this close was even more beautiful; even when he was giving him a cold shoulder, there was an indescribable cuteness to it.

Qin Yue remained deaf to his words. He strode out of the palace gates, his eyes scanning the lawn, and his face darkened further: Where were they? Where had the carriage that was just there gone?

Qin Yue felt annoyed, his brows knitting tightly together. He hadn't paid attention to the path when he came in; how was he supposed to get back now?

Seeing the youth’s troubled expression, Kan Miluo couldn't help but chuckle softly. "What’s the matter? Is there a problem?"

Qin Yue suppressed his repulsion and irritation, saying coldly, "I want to go back."

The smile on Kan Miluo's face was unstoppable; this straightforward personality was truly adorable! However, now that he had him here, how could he possibly just let him go?

Kan Miluo switched to a pitiful tone, coaxing, "Although I have angered you, please believe that I did not mean to offend you. The maids have already prepared a sumptuous dinner in the palace. If I let a guest go home on an empty stomach, I would surely be mocked by them. Please, take pity on a host about to face such a fate, and stay for this dinner, will you?"

Qin Yue felt incredibly uncomfortable with this attitude, and his own temper began to flare. A candlelit dinner for two? If Xiao Yu were having dinner with another man, he would definitely rush over and beat the guy to a pulp. This fool before him deserved the same treatment—he should take Xiao Yu's place and teach him a lesson!

Qin Yue glared at Kan Miluo with murderous intent, but he forced down the urge to strike. Now was not the time for a confrontation. He had lost his magical powers, and the other party held supreme status; hitting him would likely make it impossible to leave this godforsaken place. If the other party turned hostile and used force, he would truly be powerless to stop him, and it might even implicate Xiao Yu and his family.

After weighing the consequences, Qin Yue said coldly, "I assumed that when Your Majesty hosted guests, the hall would be filled with distinguished company. Why is it that I am the only one here?" He made up his mind that if this delusional fellow dared to confess, he would reject him immediately, sever his hopes, and then demand to leave.

As an emperor, Kan Miluo possessed decent emotional intelligence. Seeing that the other party had no affection for him, he dared not push too hard. He quickly withdrew his soulful gaze and said sincerely, "Please believe I have no intention of deception! I only intended to invite you from the start. Perhaps the person who delivered the invitation made a mistake?"

He paused, and seeing that Qin Yue’s expression had not improved, he added, "Please forgive me. I noticed that your combat style differs from many Eastern god-races. Aside from magic, your offensive movements are incredibly efficient. I thought that Kara soldiers might also be able to learn this style—that is why I specifically invited you here, hoping my soldiers could receive your guidance."

Although Qin Yue didn't quite believe this explanation, his expression softened slightly. The man had a good eye; he had actually recognized that his footwork incorporated the essence of Chinese martial arts. These techniques were not the amateur tricks used by street performers to swindle a meal; they included moves he had pondered from various ancient sect manuals, as well as new, lethal techniques he had stolen from the military. Compared to the Kara people’s crude habit of just hacking with heavy blades, his knowledge was undoubtedly a treasure trove.

Observing the change in his expression, Kan Miluo realized that mentioning combat improved the youth’s mood. He immediately struck while the iron was hot and called out, "Someone, go find Leiteyin and tell him to bring the guard squad here immediately."

Qin Yue felt a headache coming on. This guy was far too quick to take advantage of an opening, but even if the man had a good eye, why should he teach them anything?

He was furious, but unable to flip the table, he remained silent with a cold face, determined not to cooperate. The man could do whatever he wanted; surely a ruler of a nation wouldn't force a man to stay overnight, right? After all, he wasn't one of his subjects!

Seeing Qin Yue’s face grow cold again, Kan Miluo realized his approach had been too aggressive and feared he had caused resentment. He quickly remedied, "I am sorry, I was too impatient. My country has many forests and mountains, and there are countless magical beasts within them that often run near towns and cause chaos. To protect the safety of the citizens, many young soldiers die every year."

As he spoke, Kan Miluo’s face showed sorrow. These issues were indeed the reality of the Kara Empire. Although the Kara people possessed some psychic power and were physically stronger than humans on the mainland, they were still a very weak race on the Mu Continent. While the Creator had taught them how to refine "Magic Magnetic Silver" to suppress mana and how to set up "Geomagnetic Barriers" for powerful defense, and even taught them how to grow medicinal herbs for wealth, these measures only ensured safety within the towns. If a beast felt like taking a stroll, it would inevitably paralyze transport routes, and any Kara people caught on the road would run into the tiger's maw. In such situations, Kara people would hire guards, yet casualties remained high, not to mention the soldiers who went to clear out the road-blocking beasts—many never returned. Yet, they could not stop clearing them, or the beasts would only multiply and eventually besiege the towns to death.

Kan Miluo was silent for a while before continuing, "As a ruler, my ancestors made many efforts. They called upon all Kara people to study magic and energy, provided the best learning environment, encouraged academic discussion and research, and suggested they make bold conjectures and realize them... After many years, the Kara people finally stepped out from the protection of the barriers."

At this point, Kan Miluo’s face carried a hint of pride: "The great Kara people developed magic weapons. We could finally fight against the magical beasts like other races."

"But... our abilities are still limited... because of our race, our physical reactions are far slower than the beasts'. I thought this was unchangeable... until I saw your fighting." He gazed at Qin Yue, his intense eyes filled with pleading. "I know this request is difficult, but as the master of this country, I also want to do something for my people, just like my ancestors did."

Kan Miluo stopped speaking and looked quietly at Qin Yue, awaiting his reply.

Qin Yue frowned tightly, saying nothing.

He was well aware of the situation in the Kara Empire. Having lived in Rumadra for several months, he often heard people talking about how many people had been bitten to death here or there; the frequency was as casual as people in the hot south saying, "Oh, it's raining again today."

Although it had nothing to do with him, when he truly heard and saw it, and when he could actually do something to change it... Qin Yue was a bit shaken. Even though he didn't consider himself a "good person" or some selfless hero, and had even been dubbed a "demon lord," he had never really practiced "ignoring those in need."

Under different circumstances, he might have generously "given some pointers." The problem was this guy next to him; he really didn't want to spend even a moment longer with him.

Just as they reached an impasse, a squad of guards walked down the main road.

Qin Yue cast a faint glance at them: the man in the lead wore red battle robes and was very tall; Qin Yue estimated he only reached his chest. The man was handsome, but he wore the same stiff face, his lips pursed into a downward-curving line. He stared fiercely at Qin Yue from a distance, unblinking, his gaze dark and unreadable.

Qin Yue had a good memory; one glance and he remembered seeing this man on the golden viewing platform. He must be the Emperor’s personal guard. However, the man seemed to have some hostility toward him; could it be that he had noticed he wanted to do his Majesty harm?

Qin Yue was unbothered by the man’s hostility; in fact, he rather appreciated it. It would be best if he quickly dragged his Majesty away to protect him, or kicked him out entirely.

But the man's performance disappointed him: he walked up to the Emperor, lifted his battle robe, knelt on one knee, kissed the Emperor’s hand, and then stood aside, silent.

The squad of guards stepped forward to pay their respects to the Emperor, but they skipped the hand-kissing—they were likely of lower status and lacked the qualification.

Kan Miluo waved at the guards and turned to whisper to the man, "What is the matter? Did you encounter something unpleasant? Why are you so rude in front of my guest?"

The man replied with a stiff tone, "Your Majesty is overthinking. My apologies, I will watch my attitude."

Kan Miluo nodded with satisfaction and said with a beaming smile, "This gentleman is my honored guest, Lord Qin Yue of the... Northern Eastern God-race." Turning to Qin Yue, he added, "This is Leiteyin, my guard captain... and a friend who grew up with me. He has a bit of a stubborn temper; please forgive his rudeness."

After saying this, he patted Leiteyin on the shoulder and secretly winked at him.

Leiteyin stepped forward with extreme reluctance, bowed to Qin Yue, and said, "Welcome."

Qin Yue nodded at him coolly.

Kan Miluo felt Qin Yue’s attitude had improved and said happily to Leiteyin, "You have seen Lord Qin Yue’s skills. I wanted to request his guidance for you all, but unfortunately, I haven't succeeded yet." He looked at Qin Yue with an earnest, sorrowful gaze.

Qin Yue felt a bit conflicted. He actually quite enjoyed activities like fighting, but he couldn't let go of his pride, so he stood there in silence.

Leiteyin glanced at the expression on the Emperor's face, feeling deeply indignant. He immediately stepped forward, bowed to Qin Yue again, and said proudly, "I challenge you! I hope you will accept!"