Edward paused before speaking. "...Because the New Continent is far enough away."
"What do you mean?" Tang Feiliu asked blankly.
"Recently, tensions between His Majesty and the Templars have escalated. If the Templars wish to weaken His Majesty's support, I am the most obvious target." Edward's words instantly filled Tang Feiliu with worry. He hurriedly asked, "Will you be in danger?"
Edward's eyes widened in surprise before breaking into a sudden smile. He looked at Tang Feiliu and said, "I'm worried you might be in danger... Besides, for me, there's nothing left to hold me back on this land."
He stood at the seashore, gazing intently into the distance, his eyes filled with yearning for the horizon. He wasn't lying. Tang Feiliu saw it clearly and understood Edward's meaning all too well—this continent ruled by religion might have gentle, kind-hearted people, but those who rose to the highest positions were mostly ruthless and cruel.
Those burned alive each year, those brilliant minds of their time strangled to death, the countless like Alan who had no choice, and the innumerable Charlemagnes who died unjustly... The Templars might have brought faith and peace to most, but they also brought more ignorance and brutality.
Humanity stumbles through the tides of time, always thus: those at the forefront seek progress, striving to bring goodness to all mankind. Yet precisely at such moments, the ignorant spare no effort to obstruct or even eliminate these pioneers—for the more people blindly believe in them, the more ceaselessly they supply the devout with sustenance and wealth.
It is like those who raise pigs and cattle, who do not wish for them to gain the wisdom to break free from their chains and escape their pens.
Tang Feiliu understood this profoundly. A mere glance into the future revealed that this continent would soon be shaken by turmoil. It was an inevitable clash between the secular world and the Temple. History itself bore witness: only by breaking free from these shackles of ignorance could humanity forge a formidable civilization within a mere few centuries.
Modern medicine and the Industrial Revolution would flourish only after the collapse of the Holy Temple, just as Europe had done in its time.
"...Me too." Tang Feiliu, having come to terms with this, no longer dwelled on the matter. He smiled and said, "Anyway, wherever we go is fine, as long as we're together... Ah, and my brother, Doctor Charlemagne, and Lily—she'd be willing to come with us too, right?"
As he spoke, more people gathered around. Edward couldn't help but smile. "Nate should be safe, and so should Black Swan... We're different, so..."
Because their staying behind would become ammunition for criticism. After all, their love and desire to stay together, coupled with their inability to bear children, appeared profoundly abnormal to the public eye. Having served as Her Majesty Josephine’s blade for half his life, Edward wouldn’t have minded continuing to work for her if he were alone.
But... now he refused. He wouldn't allow the one he loved most to suffer even the slightest harm because of him.
Thus, Edward had no desire to wade into this murky situation. His longstanding troop buildup stemmed from a vague suspicion of Her Majesty's intentions. Now, Allen's proposal offered him broader horizons. After pondering for a while, Edward began considering the New World as an option.
Tang Feiliu wholeheartedly agreed with his reasoning. Compared to Europe's harsh environment, heading to the Americas now—sunshine, beaches, the ocean! Lush coconut palms and tropical fruit trees, untapped chocolate resources... It was practically paradise compared to Nat, where winter lasted half the year!
Of course, based on Jace and the others' reports on the landing port, their estimated landing spot wasn't quite tropical yet, but subtropical was still excellent!
Tang Feiliu rambled on, his eyes sparkling with excitement, as if he could set sail tomorrow. Seeing him so at ease, Edward couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
In this era, most people wouldn't willingly leave their homelands. It was an instinct ingrained deep within them—survival chances were higher in familiar surroundings, and life was better there. Thus, even driven by instinct, people usually wouldn't abandon their familiar places unless backed into a corner.
This was perfectly understandable. It was like parents always telling their graduating children, "Choose your career carefully," because once you entered a field, changing paths later would require many times more effort and hardship than graduating.
Tang Feiliu, however, didn't share this concern. Having watched modern American documentaries, he was passionate about cuisine, tableware, and furniture. These subjects captivated him most in films and documentaries, while also giving him an indirect understanding of that era's realities. For him, this place was a familiar destination he'd never visited. Tang Feiliu felt as excited as if he were going on an overseas trip. His only worry was his older brother's thoughts on the matter.
If they were to be gone for a long time, Tang Feiliu hoped Alexander would accompany him. Yet he worried that unlike himself, Alexander had grown up in Nat—a true local. If Alexander didn't go, Tang Feiliu would inevitably fret over him... Communication was difficult in this era. If anything happened to Alexander, he might not even learn of it in time.
But such matters would have to wait until they returned and discussed it with his brother. So Tang Feiliu stopped dwelling on it. They strolled for a while, observing ships both departing and arriving at the harbor.
Tang Feiliu watched the unloading with curiosity before pulling Edward into a small tavern by the docks for a while—they dared not eat outside, knowing how rustic everyone's cooking style was.
They ordered anyway, setting their drinks aside as they watched the bustle outside through the glass. The scene resembled a frame from an old movie. Tang Feiliu and Edward chatted for a while, savoring the novelty, before drifting toward a small, naturally formed gathering resembling a market.
Tang Feiliu lacked nothing, so he remained calm throughout, nothing particularly catching his eye—until he spotted a pile of familiar items in a display window.
"...What...what is this?" Tang Feiliu stared at the items carefully arranged inside the glass case, his heart skipping a beat. They were small red sachets embroidered with a double-fish pattern, stitched with such precision they seemed to shimmer with a subtle glow.
"These are floral-scented ornaments crafted from embroidery and brocade from the mysterious East..." The merchant's assistant, noticing Tang Feiliu's noble attire, eagerly invited them inside, smiling as he explained, "Sir, you have truly excellent taste. These were brought back from the East by my master..."
"Is there anything else besides this?" Tang Feiliu was thrilled beyond words. He tried to contain his excitement, but a hint of it slipped through. The clerk quickly nodded. "Yes, we also have some Eastern silk fabrics and handkerchiefs..."
"...What else?" Tang Feiliu inquired for a while before realizing this merchant was likely new to coastal trade, bringing only items favored by the nobility: pearls, embroidery, brocade, and porcelain.
"Bring it all out for me to see." Edward noticed Tang Feiliu staring blankly at the silk pouch before him. He understood that Tang Feiliu was actually yearning for his life in the modern era—which was only natural. His most formative years had been spent growing up with those gentle parents. Tang Feiliu could recall his identity, but how could one simply forget the emotions tied to it?
Compared to the mother he'd barely known since birth, Tang Feiliu missed her and the gentle yet authoritative Old Doug. Yet he still felt that the modern parents—tender, accepting, occasionally petty and funny—were his parents too. He missed them deeply, so much so that even glimpsing a distant reminder of them filled his blue eyes with tears.
"...Take all these things to the house halfway up the mountain." Edward sighed when he saw Tang Feiliu start crying as he looked at the items. He gently wiped away his tears and said, "I'll have them brought back for you to look at later, okay?"
"Mhm." Tang Feiliu nodded gloomily, unable to bear looking any longer. Unable to control his tears, he let Edward lead him outside.
Longing for things that could never be retrieved, a future beyond reach... these were terrifying, heartbreaking realities. Though Tang Feiliu understood this, he still wept bitterly.
That day of shopping had left him profoundly sorrowful. After returning home, Edward dared not let him touch those ancient, mysterious Eastern artifacts. Instead, he took him out for several days in a row to distract him, hoping to divert his attention.
Tang Feiliu understood Edward's intentions, yet he couldn't control his emotions. He didn't want to cause Edward such worry, but the thought that he hadn't even had time to say goodbye to them, that he would never see them again in this lifetime, made his sorrow so overwhelming that his tears flowed unceasingly.
Fortunately, after several days of walking and hiking, and with Edward constantly seeking out novel experiences, Tang Feiliu did discover things he enjoyed.
Edward knew exactly what Tang Feiliu cherished. Delicious food... well, that was a given—Tang Feiliu's cooking suited his own taste perfectly. Precious jewels and fine garments appealed to Rogers, but Tang Feiliu wasn't particularly interested in them. Instead, Tang Feiliu loved bone china tableware with unique patterns and handcrafted items. So Edward simply took him to browse through shops selling all kinds of stylish utensils.
Every sea merchant had their own familiar routes, and their sourcing partners differed. When displayed together, the variety was truly dazzling. After riding in a carriage for half a day, Tang Feiliu arrived at a small town where sea merchants gathered—a transit point for their goods. He spent the entire afternoon browsing there, and gradually, his attention began to wander.
Mainly, there were simply too many beautiful things!
In this era, exquisite utensils were mostly handmade, unlike the identical mass-produced items of later times. Handcrafted pieces always bore the artisan's unique thoughts and character. Tang Feiliu acquired a large wooden chest filled with neatly arranged gold tableware inlaid with precious stones.
Yes, gold tableware!
Inlaid with colorful gemstones, one might expect such a combination to be garish and difficult to harmonize. Yet this set, steeped in Indian flair, dazzled with mesmerizing hues. The brilliance of the gold and the sparkle of the jewels complemented each other perfectly, radiating a joyful aura that felt almost blissful to behold.
In his previous life, Tang Feiliu had also collected tableware. He'd even tightened his belt to buy bone china plates priced at over three hundred each, not to mention pumpkin-shaped pots and heart-shaped pans—he adored any colorful items that could decorate his kitchen!
But he never imagined he'd collect such luxurious pieces in this lifetime! And especially something so exotically foreign. Tang Feiliu was thrilled, but what excited him even more was this merchant returning from the Indian subcontinent. Rumor had it he'd brought back a local paste spice called Kali, said to be pungently aromatic and delicious when added to anything.
Unfortunately, the merchant's asking price was steep. Some who sampled it found the flavor peculiar, and the seafaring merchant seemed unclear on proper cooking techniques. Now it sat unsold.
To Tang Feiliu, it sounded exactly like curry!
His excitement surged as he had the precious spice brought forth, then decisively bought the entire stock!
Shopping truly lifted his spirits, regardless of the era. After browsing, Tang Feiliu purchased several sets of tableware sufficient for twelve guests, bone china for afternoon tea, small cups adorned with floral patterns, and an exceptionally precious crystal serving set.
"Finally, I can replace all the tableware at home!" Tang Feiliu exclaimed happily.
For the first time, Edward realized his beloved was so dissatisfied with the kitchen setup at home.
"You could have them replace it," Edward murmured apologetically. "Or perhaps I could build you another kitchen, one you truly love?"
Edward had his reasons for saying this. Tang Feiliu loved cooking, but since being with Edward, he had enjoyed fewer moments of pure culinary joy. It was because his status had changed. The kitchen was tucked away in a corner of the house, typically reserved for servants. Masters were not meant to frequent such places, so the decor was naturally rather plain. Tang Feiliu loved spending time in the kitchen preparing delicious meals; it was his way of relaxing. Yet whenever he went there, everyone felt uncomfortable, especially within the imperial palace... He could barely do more than stand and give instructions, as the servants dared not let him lift a finger.
Thinking of this, Edward suddenly felt a pang of guilt. He had been preoccupied with other matters and hadn't noticed these details.
Tang Feiliu pondered for a moment, then shook his head and chuckled softly. "...Better not. But if it comes to it later, I'd like a kitchen with exceptional natural light. I'll decorate it myself, and no one is allowed in!"
"Your wish is my command, Your Excellency," Edward replied with a soft chuckle, guiding him toward the carriage.
Author's Note:
Thanks to the brothers for the bombs:
Tangyuan Nuonuo dropped 1 landmine Time: 2018-02-10 18:53:48
Wusan threw 1 landmine Time: 2018-02-11 10:34:40
WY dropped 1 landmine Throw time: 2018-02-11 14:15:12
WY threw 1 landmine Throw time: 2018-02-11 14:15:16
WY threw 1 landmine Throw time: 2018-02-11 14:15:29
And I'm finally heading back to the countryside—so excited!
Big cities are convenient and exciting, like dazzling beauties, while small towns and villages are like lovely, unassuming girls. Ah, it's so hard for me to treat them equally (sigh).