Chapter 1493: Petty

Khan and Mister Cirvags had quite the public fallout after the news of the Thilku military planet was leaked, and the following fight against Brigadier General Meadrey had ultimately pushed the former to leave humankind.

Afterward, Khan had met the Thilku Emperor, returning to Baoway as a Thilku Lord. By then, he was already far beyond Mister Cirvags’ authority, and the breakup with Monica had made him disregard that part of his life entirely, leaving everything in his uncle’s hands.

Therefore, Khan and Mister Cirvags never had the chance to patch up their relationship. They didn’t need to, either. At least, Khan could completely dismiss that matter since his version of politics existed in a realm the old soldier couldn’t hope to reach.

Because of that, that unnecessary taunt had sounded genuinely petty, especially since Mister Cirvags couldn’t possibly respond accordingly. Khan was the topmost authority at that massive gathering, and if he wanted to bully underlings, he would.

Of course, Khan had no interest in petty revenges. He didn’t care about reinforcing that I-told-you-so moment, either. His statement was no different from how he spoke inside his inner circle for the simple reason that he deeply respected Mister Cirvags.

Despite the differences in opinions and the fallout, Mister Cirvags remained a soldier who had served for longer than Khan had been alive.

The old soldier had also accomplished the remarkable feat of earning the Thilku Empire’s respect and receiving that species’ capes. It was an achievement Khan couldn’t even think of disrespecting, especially since he knew where Mister Cirvags’ concerns had come from.

Mister Cirvags was deeply loyal to the Global Army, while Khan was an eternal outsider. The two would never see eye to eye, and Mister Cirvags couldn’t possibly accept that the entirety of the link between humankind and the Thilku Empire was now in Khan’s hands.

It was simply too dangerous for a single man, a noble on top of that, to wield so much power.

The meeting among evolved representatives had already demonstrated the significant influence the Thilku Empire had on other species. Khan could end the Global Army by wielding that as a weapon.

However, it was now clear that Khan never cared about that. His political achievements’ actual targets had also revealed themselves.

Mister Cirvags could finally understand Khan, too, and what he had brought to Aynor was simply priceless from a political standpoint.

“Treason is treason, Prince Khan,” Mister Cirvags sternly exclaimed, earning himself concerned and wide-eyed looks from the nearby troops.

Most humans had no heightened senses, but it was clear Khan outclassed them all, both in sheer battle prowess and political might.

That was why those human troops couldn’t believe their ears and internally cursed Mister Cirvags’ stubbornness while hoping it wouldn’t lead to a violent retaliation. Yet, they were surprised to spot a faint smile when they looked up at the source of their fears.

And the reason for that unexpected gesture soon became clear.

“But,” Mister Cirvags continued. “I admit I was wrong.”

Khan’s faint smile turned into a smirk, knowing the old soldier wasn’t done.

“You played a dangerous game, Prince Khan,” Mister Cirvags stated, “And I continue to disagree with much concerning your methods and current situation. Yet, I was wrong.”

Mister Cirvags outranked the surrounding human troops out of mere virtue of his Thilku colors. However, occasional glares still fell in his direction.

The human soldiers wanted nothing more than Mister Cirvags to play ball and please Khan, but the former didn’t mind or seem to notice their concerns.

“Perhaps I have been in this field for too long,” Mister Cirvags sighed, “So long that I can only see danger. Maybe it’s time I retire and leave room for the new generation.”

“Please, I replaced you years ago,” Khan finally spoke again, only to throw another apparent insult. “You are basically working for me nowadays.”

“I’m sure you could remove me if you wished that, Prince Khan,” Mister Cirvags voiced.

“That’s too much of a hassle,” Khan scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. “Your experience is also needed, now more than ever. Let’s just avoid playing sides while the war is ongoing.”

Khan meant what he said, even if he had made it sound like a joke. He was the best spokesperson for and from the Thilku Empire, but couldn’t possibly manage that entire species on his own.

It didn’t help that Khan now only dealt with fellow evolved existences. Meanwhile, the allied front needed mortal Ambassadors, and no one could replace Mister Cirvags when it came to that specific role.

“I can do that, Prince Khan,” Mister Cirvags said before changing his statement into a proper promise. “I will do that, Prince Khan.”

“Good,” Khan exclaimed. “At least humankind will have someone to speak some sense into it.”

That statement completely disregarded the fact that Khan had killed one of the Global Army’s Generals and had forced it to instate martial law. However, no one mentioned the matter. The current gathering had already made it old history.

“So, Mister Cirvags, sir,” Khan called, slowly descending to give time to the human troops to make room for his landing.

That care was unnecessary since the soldiers rushed away, allowing Khan to land right in front of Mister Cirvags. He exchanged a look with Headmistress Holwen, but the old man soon became the target of his teasing again.

“What do you say?” Khan wondered. “Do you want to meet the Emperor?”

The usually stern Mister Cirvags couldn’t help but show signs of life at that question. A tremor he couldn’t entirely suppress ran through him, and even his eyelids opened slightly more, seemingly on the verge of going wide.

Mister Cirvags’ gaze moved past Khan, trying to pierce the sea of people and the short dunes that separated him from the true center of that gathering.

Meeting the Thilku Emperor would be the perfect culmination of a long political career. It would fulfill Mister Cirvags’ duties in ways he had never dreamed of.

Nevertheless, the violent shockwaves that occasionally spread through the party spoke for an undeniable truth.

Mister Cirvags had no place near the Thilku Emperor. He was unfit to stand in his presence and wouldn’t bring himself, humankind, and the Empire disrespect in requesting that.

“I’m grateful for the offer, Prince Khan,” Mister Cirvags responded, “But I must refuse. However, I’ll share one of your wife’s species’ drinks with you.”

“Look at you,” Khan gasped. “Already trying to win me over by mentioning my wife. Maybe I’ll get that politician out of you if I get you drunk enough.”