Another bout of silence fell.
Du Ge faced Simon, sitting cross-legged.
His back was straight as an arrow.
If there were poetry in this world, he might have recited, "Since ancient times, who has not died? To leave or stay, my heart is as steadfast as Kunlun."
But the people around him suddenly stopped trying to dissuade him, which left Du Ge somewhat disappointed.
These barbarians, they completely don't understand the etiquette of thrice declining and thrice accepting!
He might have to guide them a bit.
Du Ge sighed, turned his head, and looked through the small window of the cell at the star-filled sky. He murmured, "My family has been implicated because of me. This is the last thing I can do for them. If there's anyone I've wronged in this life, it's only my father and my clansmen. They've borne so much infamy for me, and now they've been exiled...
I have no regrets in my heart, no regrets for those I've saved, but I do regret for them!
If I could say sorry to them before I die, I would have no regrets at all. Simon, you're an idealistic person. If one day you tire of being a jailer and go out to explore, and you happen to meet my father, please convey my apologies to him."
Simon looked at Du Ge, silent for a moment, then said, "As you wish."
Still not getting it!
"Thank you." Du Ge sighed again, closed his eyes, and said, "Finally free, no longer have to see this filthy world."
"Why don't you apologize to your father in person!" Leen's voice came again, filled with anger, as if hating Du Ge's lack of ambition.
"Leen, I've already explained my reasons." Du Ge said.
"You're just running away," Leen said. "You clearly have the ability to save this filthy world, yet you choose to run away, letting those dirty scum and swine continue to run rampant, causing more disasters. Is this what you call having a clear conscience? Coward."
"..." Du Ge fell silent, silently giving Leen a thumbs-up in his heart. As expected of someone who has awakened a martial soul, different from ordinary people. Come on, say a bit more, and I'll follow your lead.
"Nothing to say?" Leen sneered. "You just told Simon not to let this prison confine his steps, but what about you?"
You are right, death is an escape, a coward's act. Living on, facing all difficulties bravely, that is the act of a true warrior. No matter how difficult, no matter if I have to go against the whole world, I will live on..."
"..." Leen was stunned, looking blankly at the mottled walls of the cell. Did I say that much? I just hated his lack of ambition, hated that he had a chance to escape but didn't!
"Mr. Simon, I might implicate you." Du Ge looked at Simon, showing an apologetic expression, "Mr. Leen's words enlightened me, made me understand many truths. I must live on, to shine and heat for this world. This world needs me..."
"Holly, I was going to let you go." Simon stammered.
"Would you be willing to follow me?" Du Ge suddenly asked, looking at Simon.
"I..." Simon was stunned.
"I can indeed leave on my own. Before leaving, I could even knock you out to help you avoid blame." Du Ge said, "But Mr. Leen is right, I can't place my fate and hope on others.
After all, I am a wanted criminal of the empire. Even if I escape from prison using violence, you might still face Grand Duke Lynch's wrath, possibly losing your job, or even your life. I can't do that..."
He paused, looking at the flustered Simon, and continued, "So, following me, leaving with me, is the best choice..."
"Holly, I..." Simon's head was spinning, not knowing whether to agree or not.
"Mr. Simon, you were willing to listen to the last words of a dying man, even a notorious scum, and even willing to convey my message to my father. This proves you are a kind-hearted and upright person, just like me."
Du Ge smiled and continued, "So, you can follow your heart's choice. No matter what decision you make, I will support you. Even if you tell me you still want to stay here as a jailer and don't want me to leave, I can stay in this prison for you. Then, tomorrow at the execution ground, I will find a way to leave, so you won't have any burden."
A willingness to stay for him touched Simon's heart. His eyes instantly became firm, "No, Holly, I am willing to follow you."
"Simon, following me will make you lose your livelihood, become a fugitive of the Lucerne Kingdom, possibly facing thorns along the way and ending up with nothing. Are you still willing to follow me?" Du Ge looked at him intently, "I am not even a noble anymore."
The atmosphere had been built up, and Simon, filled with passion, had completely lost his reason. He looked at Du Ge and said loudly, "Yes, Holly, I am willing to follow you, even if you are no longer a noble. In my heart, you are more of a noble than those nobles."
"Good, Simon, I respect your choice." Du Ge smiled, "Rest assured, I will take you to explore a broader world, to experience a more exciting life. If possible, I will find a way to awaken your martial soul or teach you magic. I swear, today you gave up everything for me, I will never abandon you in the future, and I will protect your commitment to me with my life."
Perhaps never being valued so much, perhaps never making such a significant decision, Simon's face turned red, and he stammered, "Holly, thank you, I am also willing to give everything for you, I... I'll let you out now..."