Scene 29 The Princess and the Princess III

Once war is on the agenda, the work of preparation is like a wild horse that has let go of its rein and gallops forward. Tonigel entered the state of combat readiness early, and the White Lion infantry began to enrich the establishment. Since Metisa returned to the territory, the training of the wind shooter has also been scheduled.

Under the instruction of the princess, the lords adjacent to Tonigel also began to recruit noble private troops. Most of these people were originally hostile to the fir collar. But ever since Earl Denell became the opposite of the kingdom, the number of followers has also increased day by day.

For these people, although Brando didn't like to see them, he didn't refuse them.

The hazy moon of Xia passed by in a flash, and before the moon of scrolls came, there was a breath of fire on the ground. The rising temperature burned the leaves, and the scorching sun licked the ground in the southern border day after day.

The troops of Flada and the Southern Legion finally arrived as scheduled, but before the last festival in midsummer, Brando still properly calmed his subjects from a sense of nervous restlessness. Before the final few weeks, he got the fir collar to hold the festival of fire championships as scheduled.

This kind of competition corresponds to the winter hunting ceremony, which is less formal, but because of the open supply of wine, it has attracted nearby lords and knights of all sizes.

The arena of the competition was set just outside Fir Castle, and the hustle and bustle of the arena for the past few days had almost set the entire territory on fire.

But for some quiet places, they still maintain relative independence.

The thin wooden wall separates the noisy ocean from the quietness of the bar, only the whistles of the mercenaries occasionally invade this relatively independent space, and the hall is filled with the unique smell of boiled meat and spices , although pungent, but there is a strong feeling of home.

There are several wooden tables with unique names written on maple cards: such as Brando, Roman, Antitina, etc., which are exclusive places for the owner or close friends. The sign outside the hotel seems to be brand new. There is a pattern of a three-masted sailing ship on it that reads 'Lord Roman's Smuggling Anchorage', such a vulgar name is naturally exclusive to someone.

However, the layout of the bar is relatively warm, and Qian is sitting at a wooden table in the southwest corner. I saw more and more people outside—mostly young people from the White Lions, or local leaders, farmers—since refugees began to pour into Tonigel. The re-expanded White Lions were far more than the mere thirty or forty people when Caglis joined. In addition, as the number of settlers in the territory increased, tenant farmers, merchants, and handicraftsmen also began to fill the countryside of the Fir Territory.

At this moment, the championship competition before the Summer Festival was being staged in the open space outside the bar. Now it was the turn of the archery competition. There were many beautiful tree elf girls on the field, so the crowd of onlookers also maintained an unprecedented scale.

she turned around

I saw the girl in silver armor put a bouquet of daisies beside the wooden plate, then folded her hands together, closed her eyes and prayed silently. Such a picture was reflected in Akane's eyes. She watched quietly, and then asked, "Is her name Beth?"

Freya opened her eyes, a sad expression appeared in her brown pupils. She nodded silently: "Beth likes excitement the most. This kind of archery competition must be her favorite, and she can compete with the legendary tree elves..."

"Please don't be sad. Miss Freya, the living have to move on. In the past... Veterans often tell us that death is just a stone monument without a name, but the living have to go beyond it and carry more things to continue. Trek, so we have to be strong." Qian comforted.

"I'm sorry, I understand, but I always think about the past unconsciously, especially at times like this." The girl from the countryside of Butcher blinked slightly, and she sighed: "Sometimes I really want to go back to that time , Let time start again, there is no war, it would be great..."

"I, can understand..." Akane replied a little cautiously.

"Um?"

Qian looked at Freya's appearance, thought for a while, and said, "Because I have experienced many battles since I was a child. In every battle, almost all my companions died. It is a close friend who gets along day and night. When I was a child, I would cry and cry every time because of this, which caused a lot of jokes. But gradually, I became familiar with life and death."

"How could it be...?" Freya was slightly taken aback, and turned her head to look at the girl beside her in disbelief - Qian looked younger than her, but her experience seemed much more mature.

"I'm a mercenary, working hard for money and survival. People like us will die in the next battle sooner or later. This seems like a natural ending to us. I never had any dissatisfaction. "Qi also seemed to think of her past. She held the wooden cup, shook the golden liquid inside, and said quietly: "But because of an accident, the lord will change me from this kind of life. There is another life."

"I... don't know if I should thank the lord, I can more or less understand the mind of the lord, what he wants me to pursue.... But, besides fighting, what else can I do?"

"So in comparison, I would rather be myself than someone else, and die with peace of mind."

"I'm sorry." Freya said suddenly.

"Huh?" Qian was taken aback.

"I'm sorry, Akane, I never knew your lives. I think I want to go back to the past, maybe it's too selfish, Brando is right, if you don't fight for it yourself, no one can give us what we want A peaceful and peaceful life." Freya replied quietly, "The Eruin people are far from the time when they can covet comfort."

The mercenary girl stared blankly at her.

Some things that Freya has gradually begun to understand are still a fog in front of her.

At this time, cheers like a mountain roar and a tsunami erupted outside the house, and the door of the bar was knocked open with a snap. Roman rushed in with a big bowl in his arms, and shouted, "Metisa won the first place again! The malt wine is sold out, come and help!"

"Be careful!" Freya hurriedly reminded.

"I know I know," and then a scream from the kitchen: "Ah, my roast!"

Brando shook his head helplessly and walked in from the outside, but he looked in a good mood, looked at Freya and Qian and smiled and said, "Two beautiful ladies, why don't you go out and celebrate with everyone. Our little Her Royal Highness has won the title of number one in archery."

The future Valkyrie stared at him wide-eyed. "Brando, you, what are you wearing!"

"Military uniform, Eruin's cavalry uniform. How is it, looks like it?" Brando raised his hand holding the barbecue, and there happened to be a few obvious oil stains on the dark blue uniform-at first glance, it looked like someone People wiped the traces of their hands on it.

"You... how can you wipe your hands on the military uniform. The military uniform represents the majesty of the kingdom and is the greatest glory of a soldier. Brando, you... you are too much!" Freya was about to get angry, and for a moment she forgot sad things before.

"Oh, this...it's just a matter of time." Brando replied innocently.

"Smooth, smooth!"

"Ha, Freya, you're busy first, I'll go out and have a look." Brando saw that the future Valkyrie was about to explode, and it was obvious that what the young lady had learned at the Royal Knight Academy gave her a little too much sense of honor Yes, I hurriedly called out haha, ready to get out of the way.

"Stop for me. Brando!"

At this time, whoever stands still is a fool, and Brando understands this deeply. He originally came to show off this cavalry uniform to Freya and Qian. Unexpectedly, the purpose of showing off was achieved. It's just that the final result was a bit beyond his expectations.

Fortunately, this little thing can't spoil his good mood at the moment.

The cavalry uniform on his body came from Fir collar's own cotton spinning and dyeing workshop. Apart from the fact that the cotton was shipped via Amperesel, this military uniform came almost entirely from Tonigel.

This was once a barren, barren territory that produced almost nothing but silver.

The root of the change comes from the increase in population, because in the previous wars, a large number of refugees flooded in or were transported into Tonigel, and the food reserves from Ampersel quickly converted the increased population into usable labor force .

Two months ago, under the auspices of Berlu, cotton spinning workshops, dye workshops, blacksmith workshops, copper shops, clay and pottery, and even weapons and armor bureaus were also established. After nearly half a year of careful management, Tonigel is no longer that remote wilderness place. On the contrary, it has gradually begun to self-sufficiently produce some necessary products.

The first is food and weapons, and a small amount of luxury goods.

After the season of storms, commerce with the north gradually increased. From Greywind Harbor, Ampersel's sailboat with snow-white sails is moored in the newly built deep-water pier in Gris Harbor. Merchants with a keen sense of smell have also begun to discover the potential of the local area. There are more and more merchants in the port.

A large number of handicraftsmen stopped here. Just a few days ago, Brando also met a group of dwarf enchanters from the Montenegro region. Most of these people were also refugees from the war. It is said that the war between the North and the Golden Mane Toquinine has begun to affect normal business activities. The eldest son of the king It seems that under the persecution of the temple, they had to choose to fight the Lion Man head-on.

And this happens to be an opportunity for the South to grow and develop.

Brando looked around, and the carriage carrying goods passed through the avenue near Fir Fort. The fields on the border of the forest were no longer barren, and farmers could be seen everywhere. As early as a year, or even half a year ago, this scene was undoubtedly impossible to see in Tonigel.

And all of this was brought about by him and everyone's joint efforts.

He raised his head and looked at the knights on tall horses holding up the pennant of the winner and galloping around the crowd in the distance. The silver flag with lilies embroidered on it was flying high in the wind. It was flying like this a thousand years ago, and after a thousand years, it was flying over this land again.

There was an avalanche of cheers from the people.

Brando saw the silver elf princess being held high by the tree elf girls. She also looked at the flag from a distance, and there seemed to be something sparkling in her eyes.

"Metisa!"

"Metisa!"

The citizens shouted and raised their wine glasses high. The thatched cottages from the Grudin era are no longer visible on both sides of the street. With the assistance of the red copper dragon mercenary group and the workers under Odum, a smooth street was built along the Fir Fort, with neat wooden houses on both sides. The masters and children by the house all had satisfied smiles on their faces.

As he passed the street, he was recognized, and a great mass of the people bowed to him with sincerity. Brando also responded casually. to be honest. He has gradually gotten used to this kind of life, and no longer feels embarrassed by being saluted.

Those understandings from modern times seem to be gradually fading. But the depths of the soul. The pride of advanced civilization still supports his every word and deed, at least he will never think that this respect and pride are innate.

He put a copper coin into the hand of a little girl beside him. This copper coin symbolized the blessing from the lord before midsummer. The little girl flushed with excitement, and ran to a woman with the copper coins in both hands. Perhaps it was her mother, the woman paying homage to him with the money in the little girl's hand.

"My lord!"

"My lord!"

The shouting was quickly changed to another voice, and the residents of Fir Neck paid respects from the bottom of their hearts to the new lord who brought them all this.

Brando narrowed his eyes. He understood that such satisfaction was illusory and temporary for everyone. Even earlier, people were still anxiously asking about the upcoming war.

In these turbulent times, everyone. They are all trying to keep the temporary stability around them.

There is nothing wrong with this, it's just that Aruin is far from being stable. Some people must shed blood and even give their lives to protect others. But at least. What he hopes to protect is such an Aruin.

He walked through the crowd and walked to Her Royal Highness. Griffin was watching all this silently. The female knight stood beside her, one hand resting on her sword. But Brando felt that the other party was looking at him vaguely. In fact, Nimesis gave him the feeling that every nerve in his body was far less tense than when he was in Ampersel.

Under such an atmosphere, how can people get nervous?

"They like you very much, Mr. Brando. If there is anyone in Eruin who can be called a model of the ancient nobles, then you must be able to find such qualities in you." Princess Griffin's eyes sparkled, Said with a little emotion.

"This is the ideal of Her Majesty the Princess. In the whole of Eruin, everyone can no longer be trapped by poverty, war, and disaster. Butch's tragedy will not repeat itself." Brando replied.

Princess Griffin blinked. "Mr. Brando, I understand that this is a bit too ideal, but at least I hope to change this kingdom from the current situation.... In the north, even in Jean De Neil, Viero and many other places , the war and the disasters caused by the nobles themselves are still continuing, but the descendants of the former king Eke have done nothing."

"Yes, so Tonigel will not settle down for a long time. Everyone must fight and sacrifice for their own future."

"Is Mr. Brando ready?"

"It's just waiting to convince Grand Duke Viero."

...

Metisa was tossed about by the enthusiastic elf girls for a while before letting go. The little silver elf princess had never experienced such a scene in this life and her previous life. Her clothes were disheveled, and her little face was so red that it was almost dripping blood.

As soon as she landed, probably because she was afraid of being retaliated, the tree elves blew a whistle and immediately dispersed. The winner of our archery contest was almost thrown to the ground. Fortunately, Antitina quickly helped her up, "Those damn girls." The staff lady shook her head, and handed over Metisa's silver bow.

"Thank you, Sister Antitina." Metisa said with lingering fear.

However, she raised her head and glanced at the banner belonging to the Silver Elf royal family fluttering high in the distance, her eyes were full of satisfaction again. I don't know how many years, this flag has not appeared in people's field of vision so brilliantly.

The moment she held the bow, her body and mind seemed to return to the past era. On the wilderness, silver war horses galloped, and the sound of horns sounded for a long time, as if resonating with the vast land.

Antitina saw that the little silver elf princess was in a daze for a while, guessed what she was thinking in her heart, sighed, and gently put a cloak on her. Although it was midsummer, it was easy to fall ill after the hot sweat and the cool wind. She had long been used to doing these details for Brando, and for a moment she forgot that Metisa was just a heroic spirit.

Medisa was slightly taken aback, and looked at Antitina with some emotion: "Thank you very much, Sister Antitina."

"This is the second time." Antitina shook her head, not paying attention.

"No, because I remembered my elder sister." Metisa replied seriously.

"Is it?"

"Well, maybe it's more gentle. It's the same as the sister I imagined, um. That's it..." The little silver elf princess smiled sweetly.

Antitina glanced at her carefully. She had also heard some stories about Metisa, and knew that the relationship between her and her older sister might not be so harmonious. She stretched out her hand to smooth the hair on the girl's forehead, and replied, "About the royal family. That's how it is..."

"Is it the royal family?" Metisa thought for a while, then looked at Antitina: "By the way, Sister Antitina. Has the lord still not found the reason?"

"Yeah." Miss Staff also thought of this incident and couldn't help shaking her head: "Miss Aloz also checked for me, but I am not of the blood of the people of gold. That time, it was probably Lord Martha's blessing." .”

"Master Martha's blessing?"

Medisa looked at Antitina and suddenly asked, "Sister Antitina, where is your necklace?"

"Necklace..." Antitina was slightly taken aback, and pressed her chest subconsciously, "Necklace?"

"That's right. I've been wearing that necklace before. Didn't I always wear it before I went to Amperesel? I remember seeing it once when I was in the Sea of ​​Glittering." Metisa whispered replied.

"That... I lost it before. What's the matter?"

"It's nothing." The silver elf princess smiled slightly: "I didn't expect the careful sister Antitina to lose things sometimes. If you tell the lord, he won't believe it."

"No need." Antitina replied hastily: "The lord is busy preparing for the war with Count Jean-Denel, so don't bother him with these trivial matters."

"Is it?"

The staff lady nodded slightly.

Metisa thought for a while, and seemed to want to say something more. But at this time, there was a sudden commotion from a corner of the arena. The crowd over there seemed to be in a commotion, and the attention of both of them was attracted for a moment.

But compared to Metisa, Antitina is just an ordinary person after all. The silver elf princess quickly discerned what was happening over there.

"Huh," she snorted softly.

"What's wrong?" Antitina looked back in that direction in vain and asked.

"There are some strange ones coming."

Metisa murmured.

...

For the Tosankad Forest, the rainy weather that has lasted for many days seems to have begun to patronize Majitan and nearby areas after a short period of clearing.

For the residents of the Misty Forest, it seems that there have not been a few days of good life since Grand Duke Alek's visit. The gloomy sky that brings the rain always lingers overhead, although it is said that April and May start to be the rainy season in the Tosankad area.

But since the beginning of this year, it has been too outrageous.

The wooden fence gate creaked and creaked in the torrential rain and was raised. A pair of cold eyes in the rain silently watched the rainwater slide down the fence gate like a broken pillar from the tip. Falling, and then mixed into the muddy water.

The two attendants held up a cloak to cover Earl Denell from the continuous rain. The privileged Earl of the Kingdom silently watched the carriage on the drawbridge drive out of the outer city under the leadership of the guards, and then he turned his head. , and soon disappeared above the top of the city.

Grand Duke Anleke held up the curtain of the car window with one hand, looked away from that direction, and sneered slightly. The carriage compartment was once again plunged into darkness: "This old fox is really cautious and greedy. Indecision and stubbornness are his greatest weaknesses."

"I'm afraid this is also a typical weakness of nobles, my lord." A woman's voice replied: "But I finally persuaded this guy, and it's not a waste of time."

"Sometimes he regrets it." The hoarse voice smiled coldly.

"He just has no choice, but he may not really board our boat. Then again, how can such a mediocre nobleman understand more profound truths." Grand Duke Alek shook his head.

"But Duke Cohen, this guy is really not trustworthy, you'd better make plans." He reminded again.

"It's been prepared." The hoarse voice replied sinisterly: "He's just a scapegoat."

Anleke nodded, and looked in that direction for the last time with an inexplicable gaze - Majitan's towering city wall had long been left with only a faint shadow in the rain. Then he lowered the curtain, and darkness returned to the carriage.

And in a direction he did not see, Earl Denell, accompanied by knights, walked down the winding staircase of the castle. The dim light in the winding corridor reflected his face with different shades. Every wrinkle of the earl now seemed to be filled with cold doubts.

"Father, you really plan to form an alliance with those things." A figure was already waiting below, and the noble youth raised his head and asked impatiently: "If we agree, we will have no way out."

Let Denell take a look at his second son: "Is there a way out for us now? It seems that you haven't figured out your situation yet."

"No, I mean..."

"Enough." Jean Denell interrupted him impatiently: "I know what you want to say, of course I will prepare early. Madara... at least Madara's side..."

He sighed: "Forget it, you go and contact the Cruz people."

"The Cruz people?"

"There are always things that need to be known to them."

The Earl was silent for a moment, then quietly replied.

...

(PS: The third day! I went out to do some errands today, so it’s a lot late! Woohoo, that’s it~)