Chapter 745: Iron Blood and Notes

Standing outside a relatively majestic theater, Qin Ge smiled and said to Emperor Frederick, "This is it."

"Theater, heh, it seems my child has already discovered the beauty of symphony and is preparing to listen attentively?" Emperor Frederick showed no surprise, still focusing his attention on Qin Ge as usual.

Qin Ge felt that even if he didn't bring her here, or went to any other place, it would be the same tone.

"You don't feel even a hint of surprise?" Qin Ge said helplessly.

Emperor Frederick chuckled, "Perhaps in other factions, if you brought me to a symphony theater, I might still feel surprised, but here is Iron Blood."

"My child, do you know what the essence of Iron Blood is?"

Qin Ge pondered a moment, "Being serious and responsible about matters, showing no mercy to enemies—isn't that it?"

Emperor Frederick laughed and shook his head, "It seems my child hasn't grasped the true essence of Iron Blood, or perhaps Bismarck's and the surrounding evaluations have influenced you too deeply."

Qin Ge was speechless, "Then can Your Majesty tell me what the essence of Iron Blood really is?"

"Although I could easily tell you the answer, this answer must be experienced personally to be understood. And today you brought me here—this is a perfect opportunity; after we watch a symphony performance together, you will probably know what Iron Blood is." Emperor Frederick said.

With a hint of doubt and a desire to explore the essence of Iron Blood, Qin Ge and Emperor Frederick entered the theater together.

Because Belfast had previously told him the performance time, he happened to arrive just in time.

As the symphony began, notes started to dance in every corner of the concert hall, and Qin Ge and Emperor Frederick gradually became immersed in it.

In the world of music, time seemed to lose its meaning; when Qin Ge came to, the symphony had ended, and thunderous applause rang out around him.

He glanced at Emperor Frederick seated beside him, seeing her also slowly clapping and nodding in approval.

Perhaps sensing Qin Ge's gaze, Emperor Frederick turned her head and smiled, "How do you feel?"

"An unforgettable symphony performance—the music of Iron Blood truly lives up to its reputation." Qin Ge replied with a smile.

"Heh, then my child, in your feeling, what is the essence of Iron Blood?" Emperor Frederick asked with a smile.

What is the essence of Iron Blood? Qin Ge had given an answer before, but it didn't meet Emperor Frederick's expectations; now, after watching the symphony, Qin Ge feels he has gained a new understanding.

A flash of inspiration struck him—he suddenly recalled the book the instructor had recommended when he studied the classic battles of Germany's two world wars in his own world.

Iron Blood and Notes

The renowned German Iron Blood chancellor Bismarck once said, "Music can arouse two utterly different desires in my heart—one is war, the other is a pastoral tranquility."

When it comes to Germany, people always perfectly blend these two utterly different fields—war and music—as if that were Germany's very nature.

Just as the Iron Blood chancellor Bismarck, before his attack on Austria, had Beethoven's Fifth Symphony playing in his home.

War and music, order and romance—perhaps this is the nature ingrained in the German people.

Because they lack confidence, they work diligently, enforce strict discipline, and seek greater power.

And precisely because of this lack of confidence and the desire to be respected, they conquer wealthier neighbors, enthusiastically establish superior-subordinate and master-servant relationships, teach their youth to be fearless, and regard obedience as a virtue and duty.

And precisely because of this lack of confidence, they become overly concerned with others' opinions, striving to appear as perfect as possible in others' eyes; this contradiction is vividly expressed in art.

In Beethoven's music, gentle adagios and victorious marches always flow seamlessly together; even Wagner, whose musical style is not entirely sincere, reveals in his works and life a dangerous fusion of these two elements.

Thinking of this, as he watched the diverse Iron Blood crowd disperse, Qin Ge seemed to somewhat understand.

"Order and romance, reason and madness—forever in an endless journey of exploration, wanting to rely on Iron Blood to find a place without Iron Blood." Qin Ge said with a smile, "It feels somewhat contradictory."

"Heh, truly worthy of being my child." Emperor Frederick's eyes flashed with delight; hearing Qin Ge's answer made her feel even happier than this date.

"The existence of Iron Blood is inherently contradictory, turning liking and envy into inner desires for conquest and destruction; this is her essence, and also the essence of all Iron Blood high-ranking members."

As Emperor Frederick spoke, the two walked out of the theater and aimlessly strolled forward along the side road.

"I feel today's date is more like your lesson to me, Emperor Frederick; even though I had prepared everything at the hotel, I never expected it to turn out like this." Qin Ge said with a wry smile.

"You are my child; wanting you to become more perfect is naturally also my wish. After all, I am also an Iron Blood shipgirl—order and romance, reason and madness likewise exist within me." Emperor Frederick laughed.

Qin Ge shook his head, "But my feeling toward you, Emperor Frederick, is more rational, just as it is now."

"That's because I've hidden my madness, my child. So you can freely act spoiled toward me, more and more..." A strange feeling emanated from Emperor Frederick's body, and this feeling was none other than greed and desire.

Qin Ge instantly realized, "Perhaps this is the complete Emperor Frederick—possessing extraordinary rationality, yet also sufficient desire. Earlier, having Qin Ge seek the essence of Iron Blood was perhaps less about Iron Blood and more about seeking her own essence."

"Indeed, in your presence I always seem like a child." Qin Ge couldn't help but laugh, and casually produced the Oath Ring he had prepared.

"Actually, not only you, Your Majesty, I also have desires—I hope you will be happier, I hope you will accept this ring, I hope you will become my Marriage Ship, I hope you will accompany me for life."

"Although now is not the best time, I hope you will agree to my request."

Looking at the Oath Ring before her, Emperor Frederick did not immediately take it, but instead directly embraced Qin Ge in her arms.

"Ah… this is like a dream unfolding… then let us forever, forever continue this beautiful movement, my child."