Chapter Ninety-Nine

"Don't look so glum; this fire won't reach you." Now that there were more people around, David had reverted to his usual playful, grinning self.

He was the one who had fanned the flames, and yet he was also the one telling everyone not to worry. Li Daoran glanced at him, sighed, and stood up. Not knowing what else to say, he chose to leave.

"Don't be in such a hurry. Our focus and priority must remain on you and the Daoran World. The disputes on Aquamarine are easily resolved," Charles said, his voice weak.

Li Daoran, not wanting to engage with Charles, acted as if he hadn't heard him and continued walking.

A heavy thud echoed through the room. Li Daoran turned his head to see Charles kneeling on the ground, leaving him momentarily at a loss for words.

"It was my issue, my mistake. Please, forgive me," Charles said, his head bowed.

Li Daoran looked around, only to find that everyone else avoided his gaze. His heart grew heavier; he hadn't intended for things to escalate this far—he had simply been unable to stand by and watch David and Charles treat a woman in such a manner. It could only be said that Li Daoran was still too naive. To David and Charles, Natasha had undoubtedly committed the most grievous of errors, but Li Daoran did not see it that way at all.

Charles had made an even more severe mistake: he had momentarily forgotten Li Daoran’s true status. This act of kneeling, while shocking to Li Daoran, also served to clarify the immense weight of his own importance.

If Li Daoran did not forgive him, Charles would surely face death. As the representative of Europe, failing to secure Li Daoran's approval meant he could no longer remain here, which was a blow worse than death itself. It would signify that Europe had no place in the New World. He could well imagine that upon returning home, he would become a stepping stone for those desperate to carve out their own positions in the new order. When a wall is crumbling, everyone gives it a push; he would have no way out. Having been jolted into clarity by David’s kick, Charles was now desperate to salvage his future.

A mere lack of respect in his words had led to such dire consequences. Charles felt a profound sense of regret, while David, by contrast, had been much wiser. Who was right or wrong did not matter, nor did the rules; what mattered was how Li Daoran perceived the situation. If Li Daoran believed Natasha was innocent, then they could not convict her; they had to grant him this face. Charles had simply failed to grasp this in the moment, or perhaps he had underestimated Li Daoran.

In truth, the matter was neither large nor small; it all hinged on Li Daoran’s perspective. His attitude would dictate the remainder of Charles’s life. As he knelt, Charles grew increasingly terrified, eventually arriving at a startling decision. He dropped to one knee and performed the most solemn knightly salute before Li Daoran, reciting an oath of eternal loyalty.