Apocalypse Forecast

Chapter 1244: Chapter 950: Terms

After teasing Huai Shi a little, Titus did not say anything else, but rather shifted the topic, chatting with Luo Su about other matters.

About flowers, the moon, cutting-edge technology, and even fine wine and cuisine...

He didn’t even neglect the insignificant Huai Shi beside them.

It felt like a gentle breeze in spring.

Just as he promised before, there was no distinction of status in the bath, and he didn’t bore himself by demonstrating the Emperor’s supreme authority with the two of them.

It was evident that His Majesty had a profound knowledge and insight into both music and food, and he even seemed to have paid attention to small places like Tanbo.

He was even aware of Anna’s situation.

”I see, it has been completed once again? Then the path of transformation can also be inherited, ensuring the efforts of the former Guide Association do not go to waste, which truly is a good thing.”

Titus gazed at the swimming pool below, watching the teenage girl who leaped off the diving board with admiration: ”You’ve planted another new seed, Luo Su, I suppose the harvest season will come soon enough?”

”How could that be my credit?” Luo Su smiled and said: ”It’s the achievements of my student, it should be his results.”

”Isn’t humanity meant to be passed down this way?”

Titus shook his head: ”Blood, knowledge, spirit, pain, and ideals, the inheritance of these has no distinction of status; I would say, it’s precisely because they chose this path with free will, beyond the shackles of bloodline, that it’s most admirable.

The glow of the Utopia continues on you all, this is something I have witnessed with my own eyes, Luo Su, do not be modest, accept it with pride.”

He slowly got up from the bath, took the towel from the guard’s hand, casually wiped himself, and then looked back at the two of them: ”It’s lunchtime, care to join me?”

”An invitation from the Emperor and the cuisine of the Golden Palace, who could refuse these two reasons?”

Luo Su nodded with pleasure.

.

.

Truly, this was the most luxurious and exquisite meal Huai Shi had ever experienced, the deliciousness need not be mentioned, the guests were enthusiastic, and the atmosphere was congenial.

However, noticing the subtle weight that gradually emerged during the feast, Huai Shi felt a bit of difficulty swallowing.

Instead, Luo Su, this guy would eat and drink, cheerfully chatting away, seemingly like he was attending some charity buffet.

And after a harmonious luncheon was enjoyed, the unrelated attendees had the good sense to excuse themselves politely.

When the attendants took away all the plates and replaced them with drinks for the guests.

Before Luo Su could start, Titus, twirling the glass in his hand, straightforwardly spoke out: ”There’s no need to waste time on unnecessary words, Luo Su, I ask you—are you planning to restructure the Heavenly Kingdom Genealogy?”

So abrupt and direct, he placed the most important issue at the forefront.

In front of the Supreme Emperor, fancy lies and insincere promises would be of no use.

This is the dialogue between the Emperor and the Professor, the Owner of the Genealogy of Rome, and the remnant descendants of the Utopia, enough to determine whether a helping hand would be extended or measures taken.

Luo Su did not avoid the question, calmly answered:

”I am indeed working towards that.”

”Very well.”

Titus nodded in approval, ”Since that featherless old Snake and the monks who only know how to chant have all placed their bets, then I shall not be stingy either.”

Without any conditions, the Emperor generously promised: ”State your requirements, and Rome will fulfill them. Financial resources, material supplies, new bloodlines, and assistance, as long as they are not excessive, I can provide them.”

”Grateful for Rome’s generosity, but I do not seek anything from Rome.”

After a moment of pondering, Luo Su looked up and said: ”However, could I request Your Majesty to release my former companion? If Your Majesty is willing to show mercy, then I will spare no effort to repay Rome’s generosity.”

It’s unclear what Luo Su actually said.

In that instant, Huai Shi keenly felt the atmosphere in the room change.

Not only did the nearby secretary and attendants visibly change color, but also the Guards at the front of the door, as well as the unconcealed coldness and displeasure from Titus.

”Such a request is too presumptuous, Luo Su.” He shook his head slowly: ”You should know, Rome is never merciful, even its generosity has limits!”

”I am fully aware.”

Luo Su shook his head: ”But his existence is an indispensable support for us. Just a single person, compared to the vast wealth and immense resources, it should be negligible, right?”

”If it were merely a trivial person, there would be no need to talk more, but the matter involves the royal face.”

In the deathly silence, Titus’s expression was indifferent, fingers lightly tapping on the table before him, coldly staring at Luo Su’s face, but from start to finish, the old man’s serene expression never wavered.

”You’ve presented me with a problem, Luo Su.”

The Emperor said: ”You’ve even made me question if you’re trying to insult me.”

Luo Su did not look shocked, just shook his head: ”I have no such intention, except, since the purpose is just like this, I dare not come rashly.”

”If it weren’t my uncle, letting you take him away wouldn’t actually matter, but since any mishap might tarnish the royal dignity.”

Titus paused slightly, then solemnly asked: ”Do you understand my meaning?”

”Naturally!”

Luo Su lifted his head, solemnly promised: ”I will bear all the consequences.”

”As it should be.” Titus sternly warned, ”Luo Su. If anything happens to my uncle, you’ll face the wrath of Rome.”

Luo Su smiled, ”If it really comes to that, I will offer my head in atonement.”

”Atonement? Haha, Mimir’s head might be worth collecting, but unfortunately, I have no interest.”

Titus asked again, ”Luo Su, although you have no demands on Rome, Rome has demands of you. Since the Heavenly Kingdom Genealogy is prepared to be rebuilt, how do you plan to deal with the Golden Dawn?”

”Weren’t we enemies from the start? There’s no other option to discuss, is there?” Luo Su replied, ”It’s only you die, I live.”

”Very well.”

Titus finally raised the wine glass in his hand, ”Then drink to this cup, hoping you can achieve something!”

The cold wine slid down the throat, yet it burned like a blazing fire.

Embedding the spasmodic pain and oath into one’s bones.

”Since matters have concluded, it is time for you to leave.” Titus stood up and departed, ”Rome will uphold its promise, and hopefully, so will you.”

As if an illusion, in the moment the supreme emperor looked back, Huai Shi seemed to glimpse a trace of wistfulness in his eyes.

Soon, an attendant stepped forward.

After receiving orders, he led Luo Su away to the depths of the Aerial Courtyard.

In the ravishing courtyard full of birdsong and fragrant flowers, Huai Shi followed the attendant through twists and turns, eventually entering a courtyard hidden behind layers of beautiful scenery.

From the outside, it looked like a library brimming with books, exuding an air of scholarly knowledge.

But the attendant did not proceed further; after bringing them there, he left.

Leaving only Huai Shi and Luo Su standing before the door.

”So, you refused the emperor’s aid to have him release your friend?” Huai Shi asked puzzled, ”The emperor’s uncle?”

”Yes, he’s one of Titus’s grandfather Aulus’s adopted sons, and the most accomplished one at that. If not for his refusal, Aulus even considered him for the inheritance list.

Just him alone is worth a thousand troops, Huai Shi.”

Recalling his old friend in Utopia, Luo Su couldn’t help but smile, ”Marcus Sisinnius Front Aulus Anus.

He was once an indispensable member of Utopia. Erudite, elegant in demeanor, handsome beyond words, and most importantly, reliable and reassuring.

Truly a bona fide Lord Prince—frankly, there was a time when young girls would blush upon seeing him. Unfortunately, he married young, and after his wife’s death, he never remarried, devoting all his energy to work and remaining single to this day, admirable in his fidelity.”

”What does he do?” Huai Shi asked, ”A Sublimator? Alchemist or Scholar?”

”None of them; he’s the best diplomat, Utopia’s former spokesperson—” Luo Su said solemnly, ”No one could be more suited for that role.

Thanks to his presence and maintenance, Heavenly Kingdom Genealogy’s interests in the Current Circumstances and Hell have been recognized and protected—the frictions, negotiations, and visits between genealogies were all his domain.

Even the wars between rulers like Ifrit and Leviathan were mediated by him.

Unlike talkative fellows like me, he’s someone who genuinely earns the trust and respect of his opponents, no matter where he goes, even in the Withered King’s domain, he’s the most honored guest...”

Huai Shi’s face fell with self-reproach before he finished listening.

Is this the difference in realms...?

At best, he’s just selling his looks, while the other has maximized his reputation, maneuvering seamlessly between the Current Circumstances and Hell, leveraging alliances and coalitions.

”Isn’t that a combination of Ban Chao and Wang Xuance?” Huai Shi asked.

Luo Su thought for a moment and nodded, ”That would also include Richelieu and Talleyrand...”

Huai Shi had never seen Luo Su hold someone in such esteem before, but because of that, he was even more puzzled, ”Then why is someone so incredible hidden away here? Did he know too much?”

Luo Su paused, stopped short of speaking.

The sound of a door opening resounded.

As the two conversed, the elderly man arranging books inside the library heard the sound outside, pushed the door open, and upon seeing the two, he was taken aback.

”Luo Su?”

That slightly weathered face didn’t look as old as Luo Su’s, appearing only in his forties, his dark eyes glowing with a gentle light, fluid and unhesitant, only his waist-length silvery hair revealed his many years.

Even in a simple faded robe, he appeared indescribably noble.

It was a grace Huai Shi could never possess, yet his demeanor wasn’t arrogant, but elegant and warm, inspiring goodwill.

Seeing the guests standing in the courtyard, the reclusive old man did not exhibit disgust and displeasure like others but instead openly displayed his surprise and delight.

Conversely, Luo Su’s expression was complex as he sighed lightly, ”It’s been a long time, Marcus.”

Marcus didn’t bother with the ancient scrolls in his hands, casually tossing them aside, laughing as he walked over, throwing his arms wide open, and embraced tightly:

”Long time no see, Luo Su, how have you been!”

Luo Su: ”...”

Huai Shi: ”...”

There was no response, only an awkward silence.

The scene of the reunion of old friends was indeed touching, but the problem was...Huai Shi couldn’t understand why the old man was hugging him?