Time goes back to one day ago.
"Knight Rakel, I frankly admit that I am a little nervous." Akuya licked her lower lips, "I didn't expect His Majesty to send me for an interview... I'm worried that I will make a mistake, so I'd better ask Knight Gaffrey to do it for me. ?”
"Relax, Knight Akuya, His Majesty wants to give you a chance to practice. The media is much easier to deal with than the eager beast. If you are fully prepared in advance, you can easily deal with it."
Raquel is telling lies with open eyes. In fact, no one except politicians likes to deal with reporters. Akuiya became even more nervous: "Then what should I prepare? I mean, if they ask me questions like loyalty or responsibility..."
"Use your literary skills! Come up with some beautiful metaphors." Raquel continued to persuade.
"You know very well that I rarely read dramas and classical Chinese." Akuiya said dissatisfiedly, "Let me think about it...how about the moon?"
"Very good, why not?"
The introverted knight Branagh flipped absentmindedly, thinking that Raquel was deliberately teasing the knight Akuya again. She really should have read more books, otherwise she wouldn't have fallen into such a prank... But Branagh had no intention of blocking it. He thought that the atmosphere was already so bad, why bother to break this little joke.
He looked at the TV in silence. The largest TV station in the United States was broadcasting the Queen's visit to the Blue Wave State. Today, His Majesty Gray visited the Bibo Trade Museum in the capital "Botou City" and expressed his praise for the long history of trade between the two countries. The knight Gavry accompanies the queen and helps her resolve the tricky questions of the journalists with grace and ease. At the end of this visit, Queen Gray visited the local Holy Water Thunder Cathedral and adopted a water-patterned giant salamander officially donated by Wave City as a symbol of friendship between the two countries. The church fathers treated each other harmoniously, and the local citizens shouted enthusiastically. It was a perfect piece of political propaganda.
But Branagh knew that it was all a lie. Not a word on the TV was true. There are no museums, no churches, and no cute pets. Her Majesty the Queen has been touring the city since she came to Wave City. The background music during her speech seems to be just pure music to enhance the atmosphere, but Branagh is most interested in art. Sensitive, he listened carefully and discovered that Ariel Kalash's singing voice was hidden in it.
Since when did Her Majesty Gray fall in love with Uzhong’s pop music? It was known to the upper echelons that her taste was the drama and symphony of the kingdom. Branagh could never think of the need to do this. If it was to negotiate terms with the top management of United, there would be no need for such covert "propaganda". What's even more incredible is the performance of the local citizens. Each of His Majesty's speeches received an extremely enthusiastic response from them. There was an unusual numbness hidden in that enthusiasm, like humanoid machines that only knew how to cheer and applaud.
"Knight Branagh, are you okay?"
A caring greeting came from behind Branagh, and the young knight tried his best to suppress his nervousness and prevent himself from showing any flaws. The secret agent supervisor, Sekri, was standing behind the sofa. This old man was old but still energetic. His gray hair was neatly combed, and he was wearing a straight tuxedo like an old butler.
"I'm a little worried, Lord Sekeri." Branagh said, "I always feel that something will go wrong with Knight Aquia..."
"Mr. Branagh, you should have confidence in me! I have received professional training and I know theoretically how to deal with the media!"
Akuya was furious after hearing this, and Branagh laughed silently. The new knight who took office with him loved socializing and was agile, but lacked artistic accomplishment. She always likes to tie her work jacket around her waist, and when no one is looking, she crosses her legs and takes selfies with her mobile phone.
Branagh occasionally watches animations with Knight Rakel. He feels that Akuya and Zero Island's so-called "hot girl" are very similar, but he dare not say this out loud, otherwise his colleagues will definitely be very angry.
Branagh pursed his lips: "I wish you good luck."
Akuiya complained to him a few more words, and then went out to prepare for the interview. It was Gaffrey on the first day, Raquel on the second day, him yesterday, and today we arrived at Akuya... Her Majesty the Queen seems to have deliberately arranged for each knight to appear in front of the media. What is the purpose of this? Inevitably, Branagh was reminded of symbolism.
There was a vague fear in the young knight's heart, and he immediately told himself to give up the idea. How ridiculous, how could he doubt His Majesty? Your Majesty is the Envoy of the Creation of the Realm, the supreme king of a country, leading the kingdom to recover from disaster. How could she target her loyal subordinates? It has always been a foolish king who attacks loyal ministers. His majesty is a man of great talent and is working hard to govern. He should be a wise king, so how could he...
But Branagh couldn't convince himself. He knew that he had doubts from the moment he had the idea. Raquel gave him a look, and he was sure that the Phantom Knight was telling him to calm down.
Calm down what? Why calm down? Knight Rakel also has an idea? Branagh decided to ask when he had an opportunity. He was not a mage and he was not an agent, so he couldn't do those tactful inquiries.
·
On the night of the second day, His Majesty dined with his loyal knights. The Dawn Knight stated in their report that they would take action today, but Her Majesty the Queen was still sitting on the previous matters step by step. During the meal, she did not forget to chat with the Seventh Knight who was far away in Cangdu. Knight Orianna expressed various concerns about the concert in a foreign country, and Queen Gray comforted her, asking her to believe in the plans of the Dawn Knight and the plans of her old friend. strength.
Branagh listened secretly. They chatted for nearly twenty minutes, and there were only a few words about the current situation in the Blue Wave State. Knight Orianna obviously thought that everything shown on TV was true. The young knight's patience was exhausted by his impatience, and he persisted until the end of the meal, making inquiries during the after-dinner wine.
"Your Majesty, I don't understand something."
Queen Gray sat at the head of the long table, shaking the red wine in the crystal glass in front of the light. Her profile looked majestic and charming in the light and shadow. Branagh once again realized that Her Majesty the Queen was not only a king but also a young lady. He couldn't help but look sideways.
"Don't be nervous, my knight." His Majesty Gray said in a light voice, "Why are you confused?"
"Excuse my ignorance, Your Majesty. It is difficult for me to understand the schedule of these days..."
Branagh had the courage to tell all his confusion, during which the two senior Star Knights did not say a word. The Queen waited patiently for him to finish, then put down the wine glass and leaned on the back of the red seat.
"How interesting, Knight Branagh. You remind me of the Supper."
Branagh was suddenly startled. He knelt down on one knee and said in fear: "Your Majesty, you never meant this!"
The Sage's Dinner is a familiar biblical story in the Northern Continent. It tells the story of the Sage and his apostles being entertained by local wealthy families for dinner. There was an apostle who was sold by a wealthy family for money. He deliberately questioned the saints about the doctrine at the dinner party and secretly poisoned the food. Such a clumsy plot was seen through by the saint, and he fell into a deep rage because the betrayer not only wanted to harm him but also the rest of his companions.
The saint knocked down the rebellious apostle on the spot and nailed him to the mithril cross with a spear. He then single-handedly destroyed the malicious wealthy families, which was the most violent punishment of a saint recorded in the holy scriptures. His anger burned the city, and he crucified nobles one by one, leaving the sinners in the fire. Wail.
Branagh has read the original text, and every time he reads it, he can feel the anger recorded thousands of years ago in the plain writing. Now that His Majesty Gray suddenly mentioned this matter, there is no need to elaborate on the implication. Branagh hastened to show his loyalty, filled with regret.
Knight Gaffrey stood up and stood beside him, and said calmly: "Your Majesty, I guarantee with my personality and honor that Knight Branagh has no other intentions. He is busy showing his thoughts, even though the way is slightly different. Hasty, but loyalty can be learned from the sun and the moon.”
"Knight Branagh, you don't have to blame yourself so much. I just mentioned it casually when I remembered that you love art and history, but I didn't expect you to think about it so deeply. It was me who failed to consider it."
Queen Gray helped Branagh stand up with her own hands and motioned for him to return to his seat. The two knights took their seats one after another, and a thin layer of cold sweat broke out on Branagh's back. Before he could offer any words to defend himself, he fell into deeper horror at the Queen's next words.
"As for your confusion, I naturally don't mind answering it. I'm busy brainwashing the common people in Hezhong."
"——"
The Queen spoke lightly, and Branagh was shocked as if struck by lightning. He noticed that the expressions of the two seniors tightened at the same time, and the most impulsive Akuiya stood up in fright.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty?" Akuiya said incoherently, "Are you..."
"I'm not joking, dear lady. Brainwashing, mind control, will manipulation, you can choose the words you like, it will not affect my actions in reality."
The Queen looked at her with a half-smile, and Akuya opened her mouth back and forth, not knowing what to say. Branagh knocked on the seat behind him to signal her to sit down, and Rakel, the Knight of Phantom Light, stood up immediately with a serious look on his face.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I don't see how this will help the Knights of the Dawn."
The Queen explained with great interest: "It seems that your thinking limits your intelligence. Do you know how many people there are in the Blue Wave State? This state alone has a permanent population of more than 70 million. If these 7,000 are If all ten thousand people are brought under control, it will be of great help in activating spells and solid defense.
This is the goal of our trip, dear knights. We want to attract the enemy's attention and combat power. What better way to use it as a bargaining chip than the citizens and land of the United States? "
The knights of justice were speechless. Queen Gray glanced at the faces of the knights one by one, and Branagh saw a look of satisfaction in her eyes. She leaned lazily on the back of the chair and took care of her nails.
"I can understand your thinking. This is not upright, this is not honorable, and this is against the right path... But before that, I hope all knights will think about it. The collapse of the kingdom four years ago was the death of the upright. It is not the case now. In the past era, if the enemy was immoral, we would have even less bottom line than the enemy. It is difficult for the knights to do this for me, so just let me control it."
Branagh's mind went blank, and he only felt that the king he had served for four years was so unfamiliar. He thought that he had nothing to say at this time, but the old knight Gavry had not yet sat down.
"Your Majesty, this matter is not only contrary to the creed of the knights, but also deviates from the way of being a king. Your Majesty, the late King Anne, has long been concerned. The 'Abolition of the King's Decree' issued 20 years ago was a warning to urge the royal family to stick to the right path. I hope your Majesty will bear in mind .”
The old man spoke loudly, and the young knights turned pale. Branagh asked, "What are you doing, sir?" I just want to ask you a question because I am young and act recklessly. You have been struggling in the workplace all your life. Why don't you just go down the steps and instead come out to pretend to be a loyal minister and speak out? ! But no matter how loyal the queen is, it’s hard for you to listen to it. Can such a thing as the abolition of the king’s decree be mentioned in front of the current majesty? If the king is angry, he will be beheaded!
But Branagh failed to say these words. The old knight's back was no longer as straight as when he was young. At this time, in his eyes, it looked extraordinarily tall, like a beam supporting a building.
The air in the hall was as tense as ice, and the Queen laughed wordlessly.
"You even come up with such an abandoned case to argue the case. Knight Gaffrey is commendable for his loyalty."
Branagh breathed a small sigh of relief. The Queen didn't seem to be really angry. The decree to abolish the king is actually an abolition bill. The prerequisite for its activation is the unanimous approval of the core members of the three factions: the wizard, the knight, and the royal family. But now that there is only one direct member of the royal family, Her Majesty Gray, this decree will never be of use.
Gray chuckled: "It doesn't matter, I planned to explain the reason to you during the operation. Now is the scheduled time, follow me, my knight."
Secret Service Chief Sekeri stood by the door, making an inviting gesture. Queen Gray stood up and went out first, and the anxious knights followed her silently. They walked out of the beachside villa where the Queen was temporarily staying and began their nightly outing on horseback.
This trip was extremely simple, with no guard of honor and no official reception. The queen and the knights just walked in the city like ordinary tourists. The City of Waves is very lively tonight, with live broadcasts from Sound Screen City playing on every screen, and the beautiful singing voice of Ariel Kalash is floating in the sea breeze. But the city was also eerily quiet. No one spoke in the entire city. The lights in every house were on but no one was home. Everyone gathered on both sides of the road, looking at the Queen riding a horse with admiration. Countless murmurs came from the crowded but orderly crowd.
"Albion Gray Morton... Albion Gray Morton..."
Repeated, repeated, like a believer calling the great name of a god. The crowd of gibbering people had no end in sight. The queen did not look at them, but spoke to her knights. She suddenly asked: "Knight Raquel, do you love your family?"
Raquel deadpanned: "I love them as much as they love me."
"Did you feel sad when your mother died 7 years ago?"
Akuya wanted to interrupt, but she felt that this was a bit too much. But Rakel's response remained calm: "Yes, Your Majesty, I still feel sad about that memory, just as I don't want to think about the past four years ago."
Queen Gray actually laughed, her words as empty as the sound of waves.
"You are such a good son and brother. But what a pity this is, I can't understand how you feel!
Fifteen years ago, when my father's coffin was brought back to the capital, I saw that his always smiling face had become stiff and cold. My brothers cried at the coffin, and my mother passed out from tears at the funeral. And although I had tears flowing down my face, I didn’t feel too sentimental. At that time, I didn't understand their behavior. After the death of Prince Aurelian, there was one less opponent to divide the royal power. My brothers should have toasted to celebrate, so why should they be sad? "
Queen Gray remained unmoved when she said this, as if she was talking about ridiculous rumors in other people's homes. Akuiya bit her lip tightly and said impulsively: "Your Majesty, I think that is because they have love for their relatives in their hearts."
"What a coincidence, my mother said the same thing. She asked me to study with a mage and did not give me territory or real power. She expected me to fill the hole in my heart with love." Gray said with great interest, "After many years of hard work, her fruitful……"
While talking, everyone came to the center of Wave City. Blind and sluggish citizens surrounded the circular square in circles. Their murmurs were mixed with an indescribable thick sound. People's faces could not be seen clearly in the dark night, as if a group of ghosts in human skins were imitating human voices. , just waiting for the right time, it will burst out and devour the flesh and blood.
The light of torches shone in the middle of the square, and many flames illuminated a crystal clear giant throne. The seat was built on a crystal foundation, majestic and huge, just like the throne of a mythical giant. No one knew when it was built or when it was transported. Gray Morton dismounted and walked towards the Crystal Throne, her laughter still clear among the murmurs of countless people.
"I understand the truth that she has not understood all her life. The way to be a king lies in strength and power, without useless emotions. The mediocre king stopped moving forward because of his emotions, and he also fell into ruin because of his emotions!"
"Albion Gray Morton! Albion Gray Morton!"
At this moment, everyone's murmurs turned into roars, just like the cheers of all people before he ascended the throne. The long sword was unsheathed with a clanging sound. Gaffrey and Raquel actually pulled out their weapons at the same time and pointed the sword blades at the king they served!
"Answer me, Albion Gray Morton!" Knight Gaffrey roared like thunder, "Four years ago, there was a drastic change in the capital. How much did you participate in it?"
"Since you already know it, why do you need to say it again?" Gray's lips curled up in a sarcastic arc, "Rebels and traitors should kneel down in fear of crime. You have already lost your loyalty to the king!"
Branagh felt turned upside down for a moment, and the development beyond imagination almost made him lose the ability to speak. loyalty? Who is disloyal? Is it Gavry or Gray?
The Queen's unbelievable speech echoed over and over again, and the tragic situation in the royal capital four years ago suddenly came to his mind. The ruins, the crystallization, the dead people, the enemy taking advantage of every step, the mysterious death of Queen Anne... He understood, he understood it all. Anger instantly dyed his eyes red, and Branagh let out a heart-rending roar: "You betrayed the kingdom!!!"
The knight Akuya had taken the lead and charged forward with her sword drawn, her magic spell turned into a wave of sea water and hit the sneering queen. Branagh tore open the scroll he carried with him and used the power of psionic magic to summon the thunder in the painting. The two Star Knights cooperated seamlessly, but their attacks were fruitless. Queen Anne defused the knights' attacks with just a few pointers. They were frozen in place for a moment, unable to move.
"A traitor dares to wield a sword at the king?"
Raquel and Gaffrey leaped out, the Shadow Hunter dragged their shadows to avoid the attack, and the Phantom Knight used a wax figure to resist the Queen's attack. He roared and ran out, swinging his sword, and the light of the sword flashed into the Queen's eyes with hatred.
He failed. Like all knights, he was frozen and fell to the ground stiffly. The gap between manifestation and creation is so hopeless that even knights wearing armor are unable to resist a king. Queen Gray laughed loudly, and four ferocious demon spirits walked out of the crowd and stood behind the Star Knights.
Their bodies dissolved like water, sinking into the bodies of the knights like moving shadows. Pain and confusion dominated the knights for a moment, and the queen's laughter was triumphant and arrogant.
"After today, you will always be loyal to the king!"
Branagh understood what was going to happen. Their existence would be replaced by those monsters, thus eliminating the queen's worries. All of this is a huge ceremony, and everyone is a cog in this ceremony. Gray came all the way from the royal capital not to help the Dawn Knight, her purpose was to use the power of everyone to gain greater power for herself.
And now no one can stop her. The Dawn Knight is far away in the State of Solid Sound, and the Seventh Knight and the hero are still in the Sky Capital. They could only watch helplessly, watching their own failure and watching the betrayers rampage.
Is this what it feels like to be powerless? It felt like death. She wanted to howl but couldn't make a sound. She could only watch the golden light rising from Queen Gray's feet, watching her fly up surrounded by power, once again relying on betrayal to gain new power... No. He prayed desperately in his heart. No, don't... It's okay for anyone to stop her...
"Stop her!!!"
At this moment Branagh heard the wind, as light as a blade grazing a person's neck. Suddenly he could move and make sounds. The golden beam of light that penetrated the sky and the earth trembled violently and shattered like a phantom in a dream. Gray's shocked face was reflected in the scattered light. Then the demon spirit was shattered into pieces, the crowd fell into silence, the majesty of the vast sea was suppressed, and there was no more sound in the city!
The world was as quiet as time had stopped, and a bloody chain passed through the corner of Branagh's eye. He slowly looked back and saw the cross-shaped sharp weapon being taken back by the man.
He wore a big-brimmed hat and black and red clothes. His red-gold eyes under his glasses contained deep anger, and his black cloak trembled in the wind like fire. The man silently took a step forward. His footsteps were as heavy as an army marching into battle, as if thousands of troops and horses were rushing to the battlefield with the king.
The knight remembered that there was another person. Another friend of the Knights, the hero who saved the capital four years ago. He really came, and his performance was as powerful as his predecessors boasted. The knights said that as long as this young man is here, the situation will always turn defeat into victory!
"Well done." The hero of the royal capital passed him by, "You have lived up to the name of a knight."
Gongsun Ce raised his head and looked at the astonished false king on the throne. His anger came out with a cry, lighting up the revenge that spanned four years in the night.
"Death to the traitor!"
There is a small and exquisite jade hanging on Gongsun Ce's chest. It is the relic left behind by Lord Yinlun when he was defeated in the Sky City a few months ago. It was used by the Lord of the Hidden Law to sneak attack on Mo Yuankai four years ago, and it was also used by Gray to play the role of Greedy Mammon. Now this piece of jade has fallen into Gongsun Ce's hands. It is the second piece of equipment he got when he set off from the Capital of the Sky, the support that can reverse the situation.
Tongxinyu!
(End of chapter)
