I, The Janitor! Chapter 726: The Beginning and the End - Novel Cool

Chapter 726: The Beginning and the End

Chapter 726: The Beginning and the End

Uncle Grandpa?

After hearing the conversation from the other side of the pillar, Lyon, who had intended to leave quietly, couldn't help but pause.

He remembered that the female cleaner had mentioned her uncle grandpa before, so the person on the other end of this "call" must be the current Director of the Aquarius Bureau?

"Hehe, if you miss home, just come back~"

Unaware that someone was "eavesdropping" beside him, the Director of the Aquarius Bureau, Barto, smiled at his unhappy granddaughter on the other side of the Celestial Orb Mirror and comforted her gently:

"You weren't originally from 'that side.' Although you have the title of Princess, you've spent more time with me than in the palace. You've barely been involved in any state affairs, so it's normal that you find it difficult to handle them."

Hearing her uncle grandpa's comfort, the female cleaner, who looked dejected, felt somewhat better.

However, when she recalled seeing Lyon, who was standing beside the smiling Queen Veronica, chatting happily with envoys from various countries before she hid, the female cleaner couldn't help but say enviously:

"But he hasn't been involved in state affairs much either, yet he does it very well..."

He?

The Director on the other side of the small mirror was slightly taken aback and asked curiously:

"Who is this 'he' you're talking about? Is it the future Aquarius Director?"

"Yes, it's him."

Nodding slightly, the female cleaner sniffed and said dejectedly:

"Lyon is about my age. I haven't heard that he's been involved in state affairs either, but he does it very well, much better than me.

Just now, I was surrounded by a group of envoys who were yelling at me... it wasn't exactly yelling, but they were shouting loudly. But Lyon was doing great. The envoys around him seemed to like him a lot, all surrounding him and smiling warmly. Everyone was praising him.

Sob... I wish I could be like him."

"..."

After hearing the female cleaner's envious hum, Lyon, who had stayed a bit longer out of curiosity upon hearing his name, couldn't help but scratch the back of his head awkwardly.

Although the envoys here are indeed praising me and everything seems harmonious, the situation on my side isn't quite what you imagine.

They are praising me because they have something to gain from Veronica. In the face of such immense benefits, even if I were to fart in public, someone would probably analyze the sound and rhythm and conclude that it was a heavenly fart.

It's not that they are satisfied with my "performance," but rather that they are using me as a breakthrough to gain favor, hoping to secure a larger share of the Corlock Kingdom's legacy.

"Is that so? He must be quite impressive."

Unaware of the actual situation at the banquet, the Director of the Aquarius Bureau, who had only received one-sided information from the female cleaner, couldn't help but say admiringly:

"I've seen the investigation report on the future Aquarius Director. I remember that four months ago, he was just a struggling ordinary person, completely uninvolved in state affairs.

I didn't expect that after just a few months of training, he not only gained the strength comparable to a True Deity but also handled diplomatic occasions with ease... Perhaps there really are such geniuses who know everything from birth!"

"..."

Please stop praising him, it's not like that. If you keep praising him, I won't be able to take it.

...

"Uncle Grandpa!"

When Lyon felt extremely embarrassed, the female cleaner on the other side of the pillar couldn't hold back her tears and complained:

"Aren't you supposed to comfort me, saying that I'm just younger and that I can be as strong as Lyon in the future? You... sob..."

"Ahaha, sorry, sorry."

Seeing his granddaughter pouting, the Director in the mirror couldn't help but apologize with a smile and then gently consoled her:

"Melis, there aren't that many all-around geniuses in the world. Someone as outstanding as him is likely to be the only one. You don't need to compare yourself to him in everything. Just being yourself is already great."

"I... I just feel a bit resentful..."

The female cleaner's posture slumped as she laid on the table, holding the small mirror and muttered with a hint of resentment:

"I'm about his age, we were both Level Three Cleaners before, and our talents don't seem to differ much. We were both selected from the Five Palaces, and in the future... we should both be able to become directors, but he seems to be better at everything..."

"Oh, it's not that different!"

Hearing this, the Director in the mirror waved his hand and said:

"He's just a bit stronger than you, takes on a bit more difficult tasks, has killed a few more True Deities, is a bit more mature in character, more experienced in state affairs, has a bit higher talent in secret arts, and will achieve a bit more in the future... Well, in short, it's just a bit different.

"Looking at her niece's red-rimmed eyes in the mirror, the Aquarius Director hurriedly stopped his critical assessment and began to console her.

'Your differences may indeed be significant, but not everything here is meaningful. Your identity is ultimately that of a Cleaner, whether you're skilled at handling political affairs or interacting with people, these are minor matters for you.

What's most important for you is whether you can stand at the forefront during times of crisis, shielding all of humanity, ensuring the stable continuation of our entire race.'"

As he spoke, the blue-haired elder in the mirror hesitated slightly, then looked at his niece, whose eyes were filled with bewilderment, and said gently:

'Melis, your 'battlefield' isn't at a banquet, nor at a negotiation table or in a conference room. Like your mother, the forefront of humanity is where you should be.'

Like Mother?

After murmuring to herself, the female cleaner slightly opened her mouth, then pursed her lips again, speaking so softly it was barely audible:

'But Mother also...'

'Melis, although your mother couldn't return, her sacrifice allowed many others to come back alive. Her sacrifice was worth it.'

The Aquarius Director in the mirror sighed, his expression slightly desolate, and said:

'I know, you and Havie have always held some resentment towards our decision. Havie didn't speak to me for seven or eight years. But Melis, many things in this world have to be done by someone.

Additionally, you're not the only ones who lost family. That future Aquarius Director also lost her family at a young age.

At least you still have me and your father to care for you. He didn't even have the right to grieve; he had to work hard to support his younger siblings. The reason she joined the Cleaning Bureau was because her sister was critically ill, and she had to volunteer...'

'What?'

After hearing about Leon's past from her grand-uncle, the female cleaner couldn't help but widen her eyes, sighing with sympathy:

'Leon... has he been through such hardships? He always seems so happy!'

'True pain is never worn on the sleeve.'

The blue-haired elder in the mirror sighed, and said:

'In any case, he is more mature than you because he had to be. Although you've had some difficult experiences, you still have the right to be innocent and even willful. If he had a choice, he'd probably want a complete family more than the admiration and talent you envy him for... By the way.'

At this point, the Aquarius Director seemed to remember something, his expression turning solemn as he instructed:

'Melis, just keep what I told you to yourself. Don't casually mention it to others, especially not in front of that future Aquarius Director.'

'I won't.'

The female cleaner shook her head, then said sympathetically:

'Leon must have barely escaped his pain. If I bring this up in front of him, he'll definitely feel hurt.'

'It's not just hurt...'

The Aquarius Director sighed, a bit helplessly:

'I don't want you to mention this because his parents' death... The investigation report stated that his parents were mechanics who died in the war six years ago.'

After hearing the Aquarius Director's words, the female cleaner paused slightly, then her eyes widened.

'Six years ago? Isn't that... the last war your father personally commanded before he became bedridden?'

'...'

'So, strictly speaking, his loss of parents is somewhat related to what your father did back then.'

Seeing the female cleaner suddenly fall silent, her expression becoming incredibly complex, the Aquarius Director in the mirror sighed again, offering gentle reassurance:

'Melis, you don't need to feel guilty. Your father isn't a bad person, especially for the entire Northern Kingdom. He might be the best king in the last three hundred years.

However, just like your brother Havie, his goodness only benefits the citizens of the Northern Kingdom. In the eyes of the citizens of other nations, your father is the most ambitious and ruthless king of the Northern Kingdom.'

Hearing this, the female cleaner clenched her palms, then bit her lip and asked:

'So, is my father... right or wrong?'

'It's hard to say.'

The blue-haired elder shook his head, then asked in return:

'Melis, what do you think is right? What is wrong?'

'I...'

After some thought, the female cleaner's expression turned slightly dejected as she said:

'The war six years ago was an invasion of others, resulting in many deaths on both sides, including Leon's parents. So... so, my father...'

'You think your father is wrong?'

'Hmm...'

'Do you know that in that war six years ago, although he was the aggressor, the Northern Kingdom had been subjected to disguised extortion before that?'

After recalling the situation back then, the Aquarius Bureau Chief spoke up:

"Before your father fought that battle, the other side would leverage their control over the Guan Pass and Unfrozen Port to restrict the flow of coal and vegetables to the Northland every few years. These are vital resources for the Kingdom of the North.

I remember the worst year when even the coal prices in Hetian City soared almost twentyfold. Countless tribesmen froze and starved to death. Do you still think that battle shouldn't have no idea how many people from the tribes froze and starved to death. Do you still think that battle shouldn't have been fought?"

"I..."

"In your father's words, the security of any nation cannot be built upon the insecurity of another. As the King of the Kingdom of the North, facing such a golden opportunity, he had to resolve this major threat for his kingdom no matter what."

After relaying the words of the female cleaner, the blue-haired elder in the mirror continued:

"At that time, your father was overworked and fell ill, to the point where he could hardly eat anything. As a member of the Glutton Bloodline, you should understand what this means for you.

Although your father didn't die on the battlefield that time, he chose to personally lead the campaign when he needed rest the most, which was almost like preparing to die on the border.

Even later, when he was bedridden, it was still related to the war six years ago. To ensure the Kingdom of the North wouldn't be strangled again, he nearly sacrificed his life."

After listening to the situation six years ago, the female cleaner, with a panicked expression, muttered:

"So... was it not my father's fault? He was also forced into it, and the real fault lies with those who strangled us?"

"I've said it before; it's really hard to say who was right or wrong in the war six years ago."

The Aquarius Bureau Chief shook his head:

"Your father's goal was only the Guan Pass and Unfrozen Port, but the war escalated. The tribes that benefited increased their investment, and eventually, they almost destroyed two of the other side's counties.

Have you ever thought about why they would risk starting a war and repeatedly restrict our Kingdom of the North's resources?"

"Is it because of... interests?"

"Interests are just one aspect. Initially, the other side blocked the Guan Pass to sanction the border tribes for their atrocities."

The blue-haired elder in the mirror recalled:

"I remember that before the other side severely restricted the Guan Pass and halted normal winter shipping, several large border tribes, dissatisfied with the material prices, colluded with the privateering ships of the Seao Kingdom several times, plundering on both land and sea.

Strictly speaking, the Kingdom of the North is just a tribal alliance, with a looser structure than the other side. The king has less control over the large tribes, and after several fruitless warnings, they had no choice but to block the pass and port, especially during the winter when chaos was more likely. They strictly restricted the flow of all kinds of materials.

However, as the blockade's duration and frequency increased, a stable chain of interests gradually formed. Driven by huge profits, this defensive blockade turned into conscious exploitation and extortion, sowing the seeds of war."

"So... it started with us?"

After listening to her great-uncle's memories, the female cleaner, her mind overloaded, looked lost.

"So, were we in the wrong? But... if we hadn't fought that battle, wouldn't many more people have frozen and starved to death?"

"Yes, that's why I say it's hard to say who was right or wrong in that war six years ago.

Your father's decision to wage war was indeed unjust to the war's casualties and people like Lyon's parents, but he did it for the Kingdom of the North. Even a hundred years later, the people of the Kingdom of the North will remember him."

After providing a balanced summary, the Aquarius Bureau Chief looked at his niece in the mirror, her eyes a mix of confusion and understanding. He smiled and gently advised:

"We've strayed quite far from the topic... Hehe, your great-uncle is getting old and loves to talk about the past. Anyway, remember this: never mention the future Aquarius Director in front of him, especially regarding the war six years ago.

The future Aquarius Director is incredibly talented, but he has always been ruthless in his actions. If he holds a grudge, he might just tear down Hetian City on one of his missions."

What?

Hearing this, the female cleaner was startled and spoke anxiously:

"Would Lyon... do that?"

"Haha, of course not."

Looking at his niece in the mirror, no longer sad, the Aquarius Bureau Chief, swimming in the underground Hetian River, smiled.

"Don't worry, the future Aquarius Director is actually quite stable. As long as you don't bring it up to his face, he's unlikely to seek revenge...

Um... Meli, look to your left. Is there someone behind the pillar next to you? I thought I saw a piece of clothing flutter."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end

Report