Steampunk Era: Mad Abield
Chapter 1202: Section 734: Choice (2)

Chapter 1202: Section 734: Choice (2)

Malin shaved the beard off his face and looked at himself in the mirror, with his youthful life smiling back at him.

According to intelligence from the North, news of Malin’s return had already spread along the battlefront from north to south. Soldiers from both sides began to openly defy their commanders’ orders — in fact, even the lower-ranking officers in the Northernist army had faith in Malin’s coming.

Only in the noble army, fearing rebellion, the officers didn’t have the courage to suppress it.

There were nobles who entertained illusions about Malin’s arrival, especially among the smaller nations between Sydney and the Northern Kingdom. Many nobles were eager for action, believing that as a prince, Malin would surely defend the nobility’s honor, and some nobles couldn’t wait to join Malin and set the North right again.

To this, in larger countries like the Farol Principality, not a single noble dared to make a sound — after all, they were afraid of Malin’s killing spree. In their memories, those hapless individuals hung on city gates weren’t unheard of, so in today’s unclear situation, it’s best not to come forward and seek death — after all, their prince always loved his people like his children. If such a thing happened in Farol... the nobles there might have already dug their own graves to lie in.

In the Sydney Union, both nobles and commoners were watching the spectacle — you see, in such an emerging nation, there were no serfs, and the nobility hadn’t yet solidified into the enduring burdensome tumors of the old kingdoms. Instead, feelings on both sides became much more harmonious due to the emergence of political rising stars like Malin. For a commoner legend, who was once an orphan, to marry the princess, such an inspirational story, even if impossible to replicate, still proved to everyone that in this nation, commoners could live a better life through their own power. This is why in recent years, Northern refugees flocked to Sydney and joined Malin’s group.

Faced with death and suffering in the North, why not come to Sydney and become a worker in Malin’s group.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Kingdom, whether serfs, freemen, or nobles, they all faced a tide of chaos. No one had the heart to play political games at such a time, especially when they faced the grave threat of annihilation.

Before leaving, Malin took the time to see Old Ferrero, this old elf who had aged a bit. Time, after all, left some marks on this half-blood’s face.

"Child, I still remember when you made a pinky promise with me, I told you I would teach you to make a fortune, but now the entire Westland is eagerly awaiting your decision." Old Ferrero embraced Malin as soon as he saw him.

Malin returned the embrace with a smile: "Who are you lobbying for today?"

"I told those people that you wouldn’t be easily coerced, but the nobles of those small northern nations had old ties with my family. They came to plead at midnight yesterday, so I had to make a run for it. I’ll convey your original words to them." Old Ferrero looked at Malin and sincerely sighed: "So, should I continue to call you Lord of Legend, or should I call you Your Highness?"

"I am still your little apprentice, just as I am still Old Hoffman’s little apprentice. I will never forget the care you both gave me in my childhood." Malin shook his head: "Old Ferrero, as you said, I am someone who will not be coerced. I may now be a noble, a prince, but I still remember that winter when Old Gaiate took me, an orphan, from the street corner. One can forget hardship, but one cannot forget one’s origins. Betraying one’s roots might bring oneself and one’s family a better life... but that’s not the life I want."

At this point, Malin reached out his hand with a smile: "Old Ferrero, the life I desire, your friends cannot give me."

"I understand." Old Ferrero shook hands with Malin and then laughed: "Old Hoffman is really an enviable fellow. In future history, everyone will know that the esteemed mentor of Malin Gaiate is him."

The elf took his leave after speaking.

But Malin knew he was mistaken — if the future were truly as Malin envisioned, Old Hoffman and his sect would eventually become an unknown page of history, ultimately disappearing into the dust of history.

This made Malin feel somewhat disoriented — you see, history is so cruel, and who can know how many people have sacrificed, how many have contributed, and how many have been swallowed by history, from the great destruction to the present era.

No one would know, but if Malin were fortunate enough to ask these people if they regret it, he would think... they certainly wouldn’t.

Because what they saved was the hope-filled future in their hearts.

I too am going to save the future.

Snapping out of his daze, Malin walked towards the teleportation portal he had opened.

Once again, Matilda draped the marshal’s cloak on Malin. This time she stood on a little stool, wrapping her five long bushy tails around Malin’s neck.

"I’m so delighted, Mr. Malin, that you stand with the people." Since Malin made his stance clear yesterday, Fox Girl has been in a state of excitement. In her perspective, it was a miracle that Malin, having achieved such accomplishments and status, still chose to stand with the people. She hadn’t even dared to urge Malin before because she knew making someone give up such high stature wasn’t easy. She even prepared herself to flee far away with their child after Malin decided to help the nobles.