Fairy Tail Space Mage

“I didn’t expect the King of ‘Tang’ to be so easy to get along with. Hearing about your deeds in the land of martial artists, I originally thought you were a very formidable person… I understand. Well then, please come to the pavilion and have some tea while we talk.”

The king resumed his solemn expression, befitting his status, and extended the invitation.

Kong nodded and followed with the three girls.

……

"There are two main reasons for inviting the King from afar. One is related to the 'Council,' and the other is related to ourselves," the King said as soon as Sora and Ya'er sat down. It seemed he had figured out how to get along with Sora.

"'The Council'?" Kong didn't expect to hear it here.

But Ya'er, who was beside him, didn't seem surprised. She nodded slightly. Seeing this, Kong realized that she was prepared and leisurely took a sip of his black tea.

There were no maids present, so the black tea was naturally brewed by Princess Emerald. "Not as good as Mira's, but the taste is still quite good," she thought to herself after tasting it.

“Yes. The ‘Council’ commissioned us to contact you. They seem to want to find out through us your purpose in traveling all the way to the Kingdom of Fiore,” the short-statured king asked directly. He seemed particularly concerned about this matter, hence his serious expression.

Chapter 117 A Stunning Declaration

Perhaps the implications of the short king's question were too intriguing, for the three girls beside Kong all turned their gazes toward them.

They all scrutinized Sora with the same look they had when they first met, which made Sora unhappy.

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about. My home is in the Kingdom of Fiore, and going home is a matter of course for me!” Kong found the short king’s question strange.

"Our country...excuse my bluntness, but are you really from this country? The council and we have already investigated. Your identity is a complete mystery...it's as if you appeared out of thin air in this country. We don't know where you come from, but there's no doubt that you didn't belong here before. After all, although the management isn't very strict, every citizen of our country is registered. You and your family are not on that list."

The king's speculation was reasonable and well-founded. Indeed, the empty household registration was only re-entered after joining "Fairy Tail." Not only him, but Natsu was the same.

“I don’t remember the past. But since I first appeared in this country, it’s more likely that I was originally a citizen of this country. I know about the household registration system, but that doesn’t mean there are no omissions… Beggars, orphans, and slaves—there are many people in this country who are not registered! Besides, I was just a child back then.”

Kong's reply was calm and unhurried. He had personally investigated his own background, so he was quite familiar with the Fiore Kingdom's household registration policy. The king's aggressive questioning could not intimidate him.

"Beggars, orphans, slaves... You've really dealt us a painful blow!" The short king suddenly changed his address, using an unequal honorific.

Everyone else noticed it except him.

The knight and the Minister of Defense wanted to remind him, but with no one around, they couldn't find an opportunity. The princess remained silent. The unfriendly atmosphere at the beginning of the conversation was too heavy for her, who was only eleven or twelve years old.

Kong's counterattack was indeed sharp. He not only found the flaws in the king's speculation, but also used the words "beggar, orphan, slave" to attack the short king.

The presence of beggars indicates a poor country; the presence of orphans indicates a chaotic country; the presence of slaves indicates a backward and ignorant country.

Of course, such an assessment is not entirely accurate. After all, looking at the entire world of Asland, the Kingdom of Fiore is arguably the best-performing nation.

As the connecting point between the Western Continent and the Ishgar Continent, and a permanently neutral country, it may not be worth mentioning in terms of military status, but its economic and technological development is absolutely remarkable.

However, it is precisely because of the strong economic and technological support that this country is still unable to change its status quo that is the real pain point for its leaders.

Thomas E. Fiore believed that Kong had seen through their country's predicament and launched a shrewd attack. That's why he couldn't help but use a respectful term for him.

Contrary to what he appears to be, this seemingly young king is not only incredibly powerful, but also possesses astonishing knowledge and insight!

That's what Thomas thought.

Of course, Kong wasn't what he imagined. What Kong had just expressed was only the surface meaning of his words; it had no other significance.

The king could never have known that when Sora was discovered, he was wearing tattered and filthy clothes. If he had known, he would have understood that the descriptions of him as a "beggar," "orphan," and "slave" were merely Sora's own assumptions about his identity, and had nothing to do with the "attack" on Thomas and his country.

"Although I don't know what you're talking about... in short, my identity is still under investigation. And I no longer care about it. Over the years, too many people and groups have become entangled with me. I have a new home and new family. Now, I can no longer abandon them and choose to go back to the past. What my previous identity was is not important to me!"

Empty's answer relieved Ya'er and "Black Feather" beside him. They returned to normal and calmed down.

For them, emptiness has become the most important thing in their lives. If this existence is unstable and could disappear at any moment, it would be a very unsettling thought for them.

In this conversation, Sora also changed his form of address, using the formal "you" to address Thomas E. Fiore. This wasn't to excuse the other's slip of the tongue; it was simply because he found unequal dialogue too troublesome.

"You...you have a truly remarkable magnanimity...Actually, the 'Council' and we all believe that you are a prince from a fallen kingdom who has been exiled to this country. You joined the Mage Guild in this country to learn magic in order to gain the power for revenge and the restoration of your kingdom..."

"Your statement is getting increasingly absurd. Even in a novel, such a plot is too exaggerated... No, it's not impossible (I thought of Mystogan, though different, his story is very similar). Although it's an interesting thing, I wouldn't do it. Because, essentially, I'm actually a very lazy person... Don't be fooled by the fact that I established a country; it was only to fulfill a girl's wish, and then achieved through various coincidences and favorable circumstances. If I had a choice, I'd rather give up the throne to become a free and unrestrained mage than the other way around... For me, being able to build a warm family and have close friends to drink with is my greatest happiness. In fact, I've completely handed over the management of both 'Tang' and 'Maple Leaf' to others. Once these two organizations are stable and mature, I'll immediately pack up and leave!"

Sora uttered words that left everyone present speechless. Indeed, not only those on the other side, but also Ya'er, Kagura, and even "Kuroba," who had never shown any expression before, stared at Sora in disbelief upon hearing these words!

The nameless creature at her empty waist let out an angry "humph," then opened a small, black vortex-like spatial passage, slipped inside, and disappeared. Before vanishing, it left behind the endearing curse, "Idiot!"

This is... a weapon running away from home?

After Kong realized what was happening, she was a little stunned.

"You...you must be joking." The King of Fiore was clearly too frightened.

"I'm sorry, I'm not joking... I'm just reminding you to be careful if you want anything from me. After all, I'll soon give up this position that doesn't suit me. I can be quite capricious, just like how everyone was capricious in insisting that I become the ruler of a country."

Kong still harbors resentment towards the "Ten Sword Saints" and "Nameless" for insisting on making him king. They simply don't understand how troublesome this is for someone who is naturally lazy, leisurely, averse to trouble, and unable to even handle his own affairs!

That's managing a country! And building it from scratch, brick by brick, step by step! Kong doesn't have that much time and energy to spend on it!

Therefore, he never interfered in the governance of "Tang." The decisions were all made by the "Ten Sword Saints." He would only intervene when the mood struck him, such as with "Red Leaf" and the "Sword Magic Martial Academy."

Fortunately, among the "Ten Sword Saints" were many talented individuals, including three skilled in governance. This allowed the Tang Dynasty to rise steadily and peacefully.

Chapter 118 The Deal with the Kingdom of Fiore

"Your Majesty Thomas E. Fiore, please disregard my king's words... Even though my king is devoted to martial arts and has no interest in worldly affairs, he still holds absolute authority in 'Tang', both now and in the future. The 'Ten Sword Saints' have already sworn an oath to be forever loyal to my king! My king's decisions are the decisions of the 'Ten Sword Saints,' and thus the policy of 'Tang'!"

Seeing that the meeting was about to fall apart due to Sora's "outrageous" remarks, Kuroba bowed and explained the "Ten Sword Saints'" stance. While this still couldn't calm everyone down from the series of shocks, at least it provided a way to temporarily ignore them.

Yes, no matter how strange this king is, or what he intends to do in the future, he is still the king of "Tang." In that case, the conversation can continue. And the second matter concerning the Kingdom of Fiore is not impossible to achieve.

"The King of 'Tang'... is indeed extraordinary. Although I just heard many unbelievable things, perhaps only such facts are worthy of your legend in the land of warriors!" Thomas E. Fiore, the King of the Kingdom of Fiore, was the first to calm down and couldn't help but sigh.

To be honest, when he first heard about Sora's heroic deeds in the land of warriors, he was very shocked and even hoped to meet this hero who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

When the ministers told him that the hero was actually a mage from a mage guild in their country, Thomas E. Fiore couldn't believe it at all!

Among Kong's words just now, his willingness to give up the throne to become a mage particularly impressed the king.

If he could have heard those words twenty years earlier… no, back then, he would probably still have made the same decision. He wasn't as remarkable as Sora. Nor did he have that many loyal and capable subordinates. Therefore, even with a one in ten thousand chance, he couldn't allow the country to fall into chaos due to political turmoil.

……

“Legendary stories are sometimes just that. I’ve never taken them too seriously… However, although it was troublesome, I feel honored to have contributed to changing the land of martial artists and making it as peaceful as it is now… People everywhere are people. I hope that children will no longer go hungry, husbands will no longer bleed, and wives will no longer cry.”

Kong shook his head. After all the unpleasantness that had occurred, this was the first time he had shown a gentle smile since the meeting began.

That smile was so warm that everyone present felt as if they were being captivated. This was the first time Sora had displayed his greatest skill: an approachable charm that worked on all types of people.

"You are truly remarkable!" The princess, who had only apologized once for her father's loss of composure since the beginning of the conversation, seemed to be the one most deeply captivated among everyone present. She couldn't help but excitedly exclaim to the sky.

"The Ten Sword Saints will never forget your kindness to the 'Hometown of Warriors.' That's why we all follow you."

Princess Emerald's somewhat presumptuous words seemed to have set a precedent, with "Black Feather" also seizing the opportunity to express the "Ten Sword Saints'" sentiments. She was genuinely afraid that one day the world would abandon them. If that happened, perhaps they would have to return to that hellish period they had endured before.

The Ten Sword Saints were all excellent, but due to their personalities and stances, without Sora's guidance and control, they simply couldn't coexist. Although Kuroba understood that dealing with those "problem children" was actually very difficult for Sora.

Compared to "Black Feather's" declaration of affection, Kagura simply looked at Sora with curiosity. Her feelings towards Sora were more of surprise, curiosity, and respect. She couldn't understand the affairs of that distant land. She was merely following Aya to learn skills and then search for her brother's whereabouts.

The knights and the Minister of Defense behind the King all agreed with Kong's last words. Their gazes towards Kong were different from before. Only the "Wolf Knights," meeting Kong for the first time today, looked at him curiously, without any reaction.

Empty words may sound nice, but the "Wolf Knights" do not easily trust anyone.

Of all the people, only Ya'er reacted the strangest. She stared at Kong, her expression complex and enigmatic. Princess Emerald noticed this reaction and became curious about her relationship with Kong.

……

“I know what I’ve done…whether it’s saving or slaughtering. But I really don’t want to talk about these things in this peaceful setting…I’ve already told you about my identity, the reasons for becoming ‘King,’ and my true aspirations. So, let’s leave this first matter here.”

Kong then brought the topic back.

"I understand." The king recalled that although Kong had said many things that shocked him, the content had not strayed from his initial question. He nodded.

"So, what's the second reason you wanted to see me?" Sora began to ask.

“This…” As the king explained the second reason, he glanced back at the knights and the Minister of Defense behind him, then looked at his daughter beside him. Seeing everyone nod in agreement, he finally made up his mind.

"The second reason is that I hope to make a deal with the president of 'Red Leaf'!" the king said solemnly.

"Oh? Not with the king of 'Tang,' but with the president of 'Red Leaf'?" Sora was a little surprised.

"Yes... I regret to inform you that I would very much like to establish diplomatic relations, and even deeper cooperation, with the emerging and infinitely promising 'Tang'. However, the two countries are too far apart, and the permanent neutrality of the Kingdom of Fiore cannot be shaken, so..."

The Kingdom of Fiore is a tempting target. If it were to relinquish its status as a permanently neutral nation, the surrounding wolves would likely swarm it. Therefore, it will not establish any military or political alliances with other countries.

"I understand. So, what are the terms of the deal?" Although the second reason was different from what Sora had imagined, and it had become quite complicated, Sora couldn't run away even for Ya'er's sake.

"The transaction involves many aspects. But basically, there is only one goal: to help the King's army improve its strength! If it is difficult, at least it can help the 'Cherry Blossom Knights' improve its strength!" The King turned around and glanced at Arcadios behind him, speaking earnestly to the air.

"So, what about the reward?" Kong nodded, then continued to ask.

“It could be direct compensation. Or it could be preferential tariffs or trade policies towards ‘Tang’,” the king replied.

"Ya'er...do we need these?" Sora didn't know much about these things, so he turned to Ya'er beside him and asked.

“Yes, I need it!” Ya’er was taken aback by the irresponsible guild master/king sitting next to her. She replied irritably.

“Alright then. Let’s begin the transaction… Princess Ya’er can discuss the details with you.” Kong immediately dumped the troublesome mess on Ya’er. He then lowered his head, focusing on sipping his tea and casually tasting the pastries.

(It's not particularly sweet, so it seems they did some research on my preferences.)

Meanwhile, Ya'er and the king began negotiating like businessmen, haggling over prices. Ya'er would occasionally exchange opinions with "Black Feather" beside her, and even use magic to contact the three political talents among the "Ten Sword Saints".

Despite being separated by vast distances, "Tang" has numerous shops and businesses in the Kingdom of Fiore, and its investments are substantial.

After all, the Kingdom of Fiola is one of the most important trading nations in the entire Aslant! Moreover, "Tang" has excellent conditions here. There are many refugees, craftsmen, and merchants who have come here to seek refuge from the "Land of Warriors." As long as they are promised to return to their country as a guarantee for their business, these people and their shops can easily be taken over by "Tang".

Today, the development of these shops is inextricably linked to the economic revival of "Tang". Therefore, this transaction is a major event for "Tang". Ya'er and the "Ten Sword Saints" are therefore taking it very seriously. The two sides engaged in a lively debate on the white round table where tea and snacks were laid out.

(These past few chapters have been so boring. Is it a side effect of skipping the "Hometown of Martial Artists" storyline? Or is it that these extra-plot parts are too difficult for the author, and their writing skills can't handle it? Never mind, I won't criticize myself anymore. Let's just say it's all foreshadowing for later plot developments. Spoiler alert: Kong won't be "sealed" on "Tianlang Island" with the main characters for many years. So, these people all have a lot of screen time. And, tomorrow we'll return to the main plot.)

Chapter 119 Lost Contact

Of course, this has nothing to do with Sora or Kagura.

The princess listened only intermittently. This wasn't her fault; the content was too complex. Being so young, she couldn't possibly listen attentively, even if she wanted to. Because she couldn't understand it.

So, she would steal glances at Sora from time to time. When Sora noticed, she would immediately turn her head away shyly.

Each time this happened, Kagura, who was standing next to Sora, would cast a piercing glance at him. And when Sora sensed this gaze and turned around, Kagura would look away.

The two of them seemed to be playing some kind of game of avoiding eye contact with Sora... Sora felt a little helpless.

In this atmosphere, the Defense Minister seemed to receive an urgent message. He left for a moment, then returned and whispered something in the King's ear, causing the King to frown.

"What's wrong?" Kong Zheng was bored, so he asked directly without any hesitation.

"It's the dark guild of 'Iron Forest'... For some reason, they've taken over the Oshibana train station?" The king answered Kong without hesitation.

"Oshibana train station, that's... no one stopped them?" Sora frowned and asked after hearing this.