Milante mentioned the books he wanted to see.

He was very interested in the history of the Era of Gods.

No matter the rise and fall of kingdoms across the continent or what calendar they adopted, all scholars agree on one consensus.

That is, the world is divided into two eras.

One is the Era of Gods, and the other is the current Godless Era.

The Era of Gods mainly narrates how the first King of Wisdom, Leon, led people to establish the continent's first human kingdom, Uda.

The people living in Uda did not age or die.

They continued to reproduce, causing the human population to surge dramatically.

However, due to the struggle for the wisdom crown among the three sons of the King of Wisdom, a rebellion occurred.

The King of Wisdom, Leon, quelled the rebellion but grew weary.

Soon after, Leon fell into slumber.

The Supreme God was furious and banished all humans from His island, declaring that without His eldest son's awakening, He would not forgive them.

Humanity thus entered the Godless Era.

Milante and most scholars shared the same dream; he wanted to find the island where God dwelt through the history of the Era of Gods and meet God.

"Please follow me. I'm not boasting, but you won't find more detailed books on the Era of Gods throughout the Eastern Continent than here."

"Indeed, I've heard much about the City of Scholars."

Milante responded warmly, following the librarian to the section with books about the Era of Gods.

Animal skin scrolls were shelved there.

In front of the shelves, there was a display cabinet separated by crystal, showcasing the original books of the Era of Gods.

Dozens of scholars stood there watching.

Milante did not look at the explanations on the shelves but walked boldly towards the original edition, examining the records through the crystal in detail.

This was very ancient pre-God text.

Only someone deeply versed in history like him could discern what was recorded.

Yet he dared not claim he understood.

The biggest feature of the pre-God text is that a single word can represent many meanings.

Due to the limitations of stone tablets and the level of writing at the time, the records naturally were not lengthy; if a word could explain, they would never use a sentence.

As a result, later scholars translating books from the Era of Gods often had differing interpretations.

Milante scanned these precious originals until his stomach started growling, and then he realized the Royal Library had somehow already lit oil lamps.

Each oil lamp illuminated the entire library, making it impossible to sense the passage of day and night.

The City of Scholars was extremely accommodating to scholars.

Milante really enjoyed it here.

The nearby librarian kindly said, "Scholar Milante, if you'd like to dine, our library has a dedicated dining area.

Straight ahead from here, then turn right, then left, and the dining room is behind the door."

"Thank you."

Milante nodded, following the librarian's directions to a door.

Opening it, a rich aroma hit him, amplifying his hunger.

Someone smiled broadly and asked, "Scholar, what would you like to eat?"

"Just something simple."

Feeling it would be impolite to ask for a lavish dinner, Milante moved to an empty seat, hearing scholars nearby discussing.

"Saka has been defeated, and I hear Emperor Kusha plans to make his move on us."

"If he invades us, wouldn't all the books in the Royal Library be destroyed?"

"Indeed, Kusha are barbarians; they don't understand culture. It's said all Saka's books were burned, and opposing scholars were killed and hung outside the city."

Milante's expression darkened slightly.

As a scholar, he naturally loved the Royal Library, and the thought of Emperor Kusha burning the books here felt like a stab in the heart.

Not to mention, he hadn't yet thoroughly examined the analyses of the books from the Era of Gods.

"The king wants to send an envoy to talk to Emperor Kusha."

"But that Emperor Kusha is more brutal than any previous Kusha king, no minister is willing to serve as an envoy."

Milante thought for a moment, made up his mind, stood up, and walked to the neighboring table, saying, "Who can speak to His Majesty? If there's no envoy, I'm willing to represent the Tulip Kingdom and meet with Emperor Kusha, using my eloquence to persuade him to cease invasion."

There was one thing Milante didn't say; if Emperor Kusha didn't heed his words, Milante had some rudimentary martial skills.

The white-bearded scholar looked surprised and asked, "Do you have that ability?"

"Respected scholar, would I foolishly seek my own death?"

Milante chuckled in reply.

The white-bearded scholar nodded and said, "Since you have such intention, I'm willing to introduce you to His Majesty."

"Thank you, I'm Milante, from the Phalli Kingdom in the Eastern Continent."

He bowed to introduce himself.

...

The Palace in Tulip City was built on the western hill, overlooking from high ground, appearing majestic.

Tulip VI sat in his seat, looking at the listless officials below.

His gaunt cheeks were shrouded in gloom.

The Tulip Kingdom, over six generations, except the first generation, revered culture, always somewhat inept in military matters. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

They preferred spending money to hire neighboring countries for protection.

Due to the reputation of being a nation of scholars, neighboring nobles were unwilling to act disgracefully.

After all, without lifting a finger, they could receive a massive annual cultural aid fund, quite a bargain.

But Kusha was different from previous neighboring nations.

Through his subordinates' investigations, Tulip VI understood Emperor Kusha's policies towards royal families and nobles from enemy nations.

That one did not care about reputation, nor did he need anyone's praise, he could break down cities, massacre, plunder, and suppress any opposition.

Outside Saka's royal city, bodies were strung up like trophies.

This news alone was enough for Tulip VI to understand that merely handing over gold wouldn't guarantee peace.

"With things at this point, you have no solutions?"

He slapped the table, eyes sweeping over the duke and the military minister below, finally resting on the duke, saying, "You've always claimed to be shrewd, haven't you?"

"Ah, Your Majesty! I'd eagerly seek out Kusha for you, but lately I've been stricken with a severe illness, forcing myself out and perishing en route is a minor issue, it's stopping your grand affair I'm worried about."

Tulip VI coldly glared at him, seeing through the lame act, then swept his gaze downwards, saying, "Is it possible, that in the vast Tulip Kingdom, there's not one loyal and capable minister?"

"Calm down, Your Majesty."

As if trained in unison, those below responded collectively.

They had their belongings packed, ready to abandon Tulip King City and flee to neighboring countries to continue their enjoyment.

"Alas."

Tulip VI sighed deeply, also beginning to contemplate whether he should personally reach the border ahead of time.

But abandoning the throne, Tulip VI was indeed reluctant.

At this moment, a guard rushed in, saying, "Your Majesty, Scholar Maceo says a young man is willing to act as envoy to Kusha to negotiate no invasion."

Hearing this, Tulip VI was overjoyed, saying, "Quick, bring him in!"

He hadn't seen this young man yet, but he respected Maceo greatly.

He was his teacher, knowledgeable, and the person he recommended would surely not be ordinary.

Milante soon appeared in the palace hall, ceremoniously greeting.

Tulip VI asked impatiently, "I hear you're willing to go to Kusha, how do you plan to convince Emperor Kusha to refrain from attacking us?"

"One must adapt naturally to such matters."

Milante replied calmly.

The duke immediately clapped, praising, "Good, neither servile nor overbearing, with the demeanor of a great general.

Your Majesty, I believe this person is most suitable."

Usually disagreeing with the duke, the military minister quickly nodded, adding, "Indeed, Your Majesty, he appears to be a capable person."

Tulip VI was secretly suspicious but still maintained a trial attitude, saying, "Good, you shall be our envoy to Kusha."