The Guards gradually returned to the enthusiastic and dull days before. As Prince Mars said, as a warrior, one victory is not enough to boast about for a lifetime. Whether or not Grein's views on military life had changed, he was simply looking for the right opportunity to fulfill his promise to Mr. Astral.
Of course, he loved the time he spent traveling on the Palinkabakama continent and missed the hard but persistent and fulfilling life. When he truly joined and learned about the Guards, he truly yearned for it. However, he never forgot Mr. Astral’s instruction to bring Althea to the Holy City. Some recent events made him feel that only by fulfilling his husband's wish as soon as possible can he feel completely at ease.
But, it's not the time yet. He had not forgotten that he agreed to the king's appointment in order to save Trinville from six months of hard labor. That appointment is now less than three months away. Moreover, he had just experienced a battle with pirates, and the bond between him and the soldiers that had been baptized by fire made him feel unbearable.
He decided not to bring up ideas that would displease the king for the time being. But in this case, he could only calm down and continue to be a Guards squadron leader.
Mrs. Lei Sirui has heard about it all. Although Glenn reminded him tactfully, the big man Vika still accidentally let it slip. Although he immediately covered his mouth, it was already too late. After Mrs. Lei Sirui learned what happened, she breathed a sigh of relief.
She comforted Glenn: "This little grievance is nothing compared to the grace His Majesty the King has given us. My son, don't resent our King for this, but always be grateful. . Without the grace of His Majesty the King and Queen, we, mother and son, would not be where we are today. Without Your Majesty, you would not be the captain of the Guards. Let alone accomplish this great feat."
Glenn smiled and replied: "Of course, mother. I will."
Not so long ago, Mrs. Lei Sirui had only prayed that if her son could come back to her and never leave her again, she would ask for nothing more. Now, her son was not only by her side, but also repaid the king's love with his unparalleled military exploits. She was so happy that she didn't know who to thank.
So, she decided to love everyone.
She looked at Miss Althea. She was still as silent as the first day I saw her. But her gentleness and quietness are her most beautiful qualities. Mrs. Lei Sirui could not see her origin, because her beauty and temperament were comparable to the noblest princess, but she could not do any job. Go to the well to fetch water to irrigate the garden. She watched everything from cooking to washing clothes.
She liked Althea very much, and she also had many doubts in her heart. When Miss Althea was not around, she also secretly asked Glenn in private. But he always smiled slightly and changed the subject. She had no choice but to stop asking.
Besides, no matter how much she knew about the girl, it didn't stop her from loving Althea as always. The girl's pure eyes always made her feel calm. Moreover, the relationship between Glenn and Althea also made her feel strange.
There is an indescribable feeling between them that is close yet easy-going, indifferent yet respectful. The son left home for seventeen years, and the beautiful and tender woman he brought back was not his lover - this was obvious. Although she could see Althea's emotional dependence on Glenn. And that's what felt strange to her.
Mrs. Lei Sirui was puzzled. When she met Queen Elenoa, she couldn't help but mention Miss Althea. "Really, I've never seen a lady as beautiful and elegant as her - like a fairy." she went on.
When the queen heard that she praised the girl to the sky, she smiled and said: "I have never heard you praise her like this since Imeiya was a child. This young lady is really as good as you said. Beautiful?"
Mrs. Lei Sirui hurriedly smiled and said: "If we were to talk about beauty alone, Princess Imaya would not lose to Miss Althea. But," she couldn't help but cover her chest with her hands and laugh. "I watched Princess Imaya grow up, so of course I know how cute she is. However, our little princess is a bit too naughty."
When it came to this, even Queen Elenoa had to admit, "Oh, Mrs. Lei Sirui, you must be saying this to give me some face as a mother. She is more than a little naughty! A person who is not Be careful, she will bring down the kingdom."
The two mothers couldn't help but laugh when they thought about Imaya's cute little face and pouting little mouth. The queen continued: "I am also very curious about this young lady. As you said, is she really not Gray's lover? If she is not offended, I would like to meet her."
Mrs. Lei Si Rui sighed and said: "Your Majesty the Queen, what a pity. Miss Althea has a gentle and virtuous temperament, a gentle and dignified temperament, and those who don't know think she is also a princess. Alas, what a pity. What a pity. Such a lovely young lady cannot speak."
The queen was greatly surprised. After sighing, she asked: "Yes, what a pity. Was Miss Althea born unable to speak? Where did Gray En meet her? Doesn't she have other family members? Have you heard Glenn talk about it?"
Mrs. Lei Sirui shook her head repeatedly: "I asked too. However, Glenn always smiled and told me not to ask anymore. Anyway, Miss Althea never said a word in front of Glenn."
The queen nodded and said thoughtfully: "Listen to what you said, this young lady is a little weird, and she must be a little proud, and she may not be willing to meet outsiders. In this case, there is no need to force her. Maybe, these big houses of ours may not be suitable. I can't get enough of her." She smiled, "But to be honest, I am becoming more and more curious about this young lady."
Turning her head, she frowned and said: "However, you did remind me. I wonder where our little princess is now? I feel uneasy if I can't see her for a moment. Maybe at this moment, again Where did you get into trouble?"
Glenn didn't come home often. He and Trinville spent more time living in Guards Camp. Trinville had fully adapted to the life of the army, and then devoted all his enthusiasm to the Guards. Moreover, he also regarded promotion to squadron leader as his next goal.
Sometimes, he would secretly think in his mind that the pirates had been wiped out and there would be no chance for them to make military exploits again. If he wanted to be promoted to squadron leader like Glenn, he was afraid that it would be a long way off. He even missed the pirates a little bit, and often sighed in his heart: "Oh, why did you kill them all! If I had known, I would have left a few more."
Of course, he would never dare to let Glenn know about his little selfishness.
Apart from intense training, they would occasionally go to Daddy Blueberry's pub for a drink. Just like today, seeing Trinville's face flushed with excitement in anticipation of meeting his good friends, Grayne couldn't refuse. Besides, after the battle on the beach, Trinville had not been there even once. His friends don't know why they are looking forward to his arrival.
At times like this, Green always lets Trinville take the lead.
Although Trinville respects Glenn immensely, he never refuses at the Blueberry Tavern. Trinville's unyielding and majestic look, in terms of momentum alone, you can't even think of finding another one in the Blueberry Tavern, or in the entire King of Babcole.
However, his friends just liked to see Trinville's swagger and arrogance as compared to that of a prince.
In their eyes, Trinville was originally the king of hunters.
Moreover, although Trinville has been complaining about the sky blue military uniform, he is handsome enough. However, her beauty was a bit effeminate and lacking in masculinity, which was not to his taste.
But today, he was too excited and too busy. Therefore, he forgot to change out of the uniform that he had always criticized. What's even more rare is that Glenn actually forgot to remind him. Adhering to the idea of advancing and retreating with the same breath, he did not change out of his military uniform.
So, when two tall, handsome and powerful officers in Guards uniforms walked into the tavern, they immediately caused a sensation. Trinville was grinning from ear to ear.
Friends gathered around them, and before they could toast, they discovered that their big man Vika had been promoted.
"Trinville, you are really good! You have already become the captain of the squad. It has only been a few days! If no one stops you, I am afraid you will become the captain of the knights soon. Maybe one day, you I don’t think it’s impossible to wear the uniform of the commander of the Guards and come to the tavern.” Hatsev’s exclamation aroused great resonance.
"That's right." They all said, "This captain's uniform is indeed very beautiful and fits well. However, it is not worthy of our big man Vika." They laughed.
Trinville looked extremely annoyed, and he pretended to take off the military uniform that everyone envied. He kept saying: "Damn it! I even forgot to change my clothes. Glenn, why didn't you remind me. With these clothes on, my friends thought I meant to show off. It's all your fault, Glenn. You You should have reminded me! But you didn't."
Everyone looked at Glenn with a smile. He held a wine glass in his hand and sat on the chair contentedly. "Oh, I'm sorry, my old friend. Like you, I only thought about daddy's wine and forgot everything else. Please forgive me."
Trinville suddenly realized, he stamped his feet and said: "That's it! Well, forget it this time. Next time, Glenn, you must remember to remind me."
"Who cares about your next time!" Daddy Blueberry smiled and filled up the wine glasses for him and Glenn. "You must drink enough this time. I am an old man who is very happy to be praised by Captain Glenn. You will always be welcome in the Blueberry Tavern, Captain Glenn." He turned his head to Trinville , he has already had several drinks. "If you pay back your money quickly, you will be welcomed as Captain Green - Captain Trinville!"
Trinville wiped the wine from his beard and laughed heartily.
They all gathered around Trinville, and they all said the same thing: "Trinville, I don't know how boring it is without you here. We miss you so much and want to hear your own stories about your fight against pirates."
Trinville curled his lips and said: "It's a trivial matter, what's there to say? Let's talk about other things. Besides, Captain Green can tell you much better than me. You'd better ask him to tell you."
But they obviously didn't agree and insisted on hearing his story about fighting pirates. "Hurry up, Trinville. We can't wait, we just want to hear your stories." They were laughing and joking as usual, which made Grayen sitting aside laugh.
Seeing that everyone was expecting him, Trinville reluctantly agreed. He looked around first, feeling relieved. "Where's Bendik? Why didn't you see him?"
The blacksmith laughed and said: "I can't believe, Trinville, you would miss Bendik. We thought you hated him the most."
Before everyone had time to laugh, Trinville was busy defending himself: "What are you talking about? You all know that my big man Vika has no biological brothers. After all, Bendik and we have fed on the milk of the same mother, so he is still mine. Brother. How could I hate him."
Everyone said: "In that case, that's fine. Let's go find him and let him listen to your story."
Trinville repeatedly waved his hand to stop: "Forget it, forget it. Next time I see him, I will tell him alone."
Amid everyone's laughter, Trinville drank the wine in high spirits. He laughed loudly: "Another big drink!"
Glenn sat aside and looked at his friend with great joy in his heart. This was the first time that he could easily and completely listen to his friends telling their common stories.
To be fair, Trinville's story-telling skills put Grein to shame. He is eloquent and eloquent, and at critical moments he adds fuel and excitement to the story, making it exciting. At the critical moment, he was not only lively, he almost started dancing. The audience was also enraptured by him and praised him for a moment. For a moment, I felt terrified and trembling, fearful for him and the Guards. Even Glenn listened with interest.
As he tasted the wine in his glass, he felt as if he had returned to the beach where the flames were rising. The pirates fled in all directions amid the raging fire, but ultimately could not escape the night of their ignominious destruction. I also thought of the soldiers who died heroically for Apodoli, and I couldn't calm down for a moment. Although he was fearless in battle, now that he heard the thrilling things, he couldn't help but feel a little scared.
He thought of the wrinkles and gray hair on his long-lost mother's face. I thought of the gentle eyes of the weak Miss Althea again. If it weren't for the blessing of God and Trinville's loyalty, I'm afraid he would have died for his country like those soldiers on the beach. That would only make them heartbroken and shed tears for him. And it is even more impossible to fulfill Mr. Astral’s instructions.
Fortunately, he is safe and sound now and can drink wine peacefully and listen to his friends tell stories.
He shook his head and stopped thinking about it. He just lowered his head and looked at the glass of blood-red wine in front of him.
Glenn had also been hesitating whether he should tell his friends that he would leave the Guards and Apodoli at any time. He could imagine that Trinville would be sad and disappointed after hearing this.
When he saw Trinville laughing happily in the company of his friends. He thought: "Let's wait until that day and then talk about it."
Anyway, he has made up his mind to leave the Guards after the Harvest Festival.
※
No one knows his decision. The harvest festival is coming soon.
Although the grand carnival festival in Glenn's childhood memory is somewhat blurry, even those who have only experienced the joyful scene once will never forget it. It has been too long since he left his hometown, and the first harvest festival is coming soon. For him, it is like experiencing it for the first time, and it is still a little fresh.
Grein isn't a particularly fun-loving person, but he still wanted to be a part of it.
The Harvest Festival brings a rare few days of carnival to the busy Apodoli people. In these days, everyone can squander away a year's hard work. Men can go to the pub to have a few drinks as much as they want, and no matter how aggressive a woman is, she will not dare to stop her man at this time. That is to be laughed at.
Men are not the only ones who can drink to their heart's content on days like this. As usual, women can stop doing housework these days.
Of course, when the men sober up, they will do all the work that the women left behind.
On the last day of the crazy and noisy festival, after worshiping the gods, Apodoli's fields will be harvested. A year of hard work for farmers has passed like this, and the harvest of crops is related to the stability of the entire kingdom, and has always been valued by the king. The best manifestation of this emphasis is the annual Harvest Festival. The royal family will also send representatives to symbolically participate in the harvest of the land.
The King will also personally attend the parade to enjoy the parade with the people. That will also be the climax of the entire Harvest Festival carnival.
Grein can't imagine this harvest festival being any different from the past. For him, whether he was in the parade, among the crowds of onlookers, or even among the drunken drunkards in the tavern, this harvest festival was, after all, his first carnival after returning to his hometown.
He was also happy from the bottom of his heart when he learned that the king had given the Guards the task of serving as a guard of honor during the Harvest Festival parade. There are three knights in the Guards Corps, and their captains are all outstanding veterans. So, whose knighthood can have this honor?
There are more than nine thousand people in the Guards Corps, and everyone is vying to be the vanguard. The warriors wore snow-white cloaks, Apodoli's most powerful blue armor, and a bright red flower on their blue helmets. They rode white horses with silver saddles, showing their might and power. So handsome.
As each soldier of the honor guard walked past on the street, the men who were watching were ashamed of themselves. Women will compare every soldier in the honor guard with the husband next to them on this day.
When families have daughters to be married, mothers will take their daughters with red flowers in their hands to cheer for the athletes. At the same time, they will also say to the girls: "Daughter, you will not be treated badly if you marry such a majestic man in the future." Don't marry your father like your mother, who spends the whole day either smelling of alcohol in the pub or sweating from exhaustion in the fields..."
Usually it is unclear whether the daughters can hear it or not. I only saw the red flowers in the hands of the girls and the red clouds flying on their faces that were more beautiful than the flowers.
It was not King Apodoli's grace that the Royal Cavalry Guards Corps where Grayn belonged was able to win the right to be at the forefront of the parade.
The other legion commanders only complained behind their backs, and no one dared to accuse the king of partiality to his face. The illustrious military exploits of the Guards, past and present, dwarf those of any other regiment.
This is why it can become the vanguard every year and always shut up those who want to replace it.
However, serious internal strife occurred among the Guards over the matter of being a guard of honor. Only now did Grenn know that this had become a tradition of the Guards.
Glenn would rather stand in the crowd of onlookers, or climb to those tall buildings like he did when he was a child, find a window, or simply ride on the railing of the balcony. If you do these things normally, you will be scolded by the owner, and you may even get a slap on the butt if caught.
Poor mothers would also pray with sallow faces, and just make random promises to naughty children that they would never agree to on weekdays, while twisting their ears and wandering away, ignoring the children. A real or fake howl.
But on a day like Harvest Festival there would be no trouble. There are many more crazy things than these troublemakers climbing walls and riding on railings. Who cares about them!
Glenn thought about things from his childhood, feeling both happy and sad. At that time, his father, Bodie Gennall Sr., was still alive. His father would never hit him for being naughty at the Harvest Festival. Sometimes he would not even reprimand him, but would just look at him with a smile.
He thought of the fading harvest festivals he spent with his father, and felt infinite emotion and sadness in his heart.
Glenn didn't think it was a big deal to be at the front of a grand procession. In his opinion, it may not be so pleasing to see those mighty and majestic good men with a huge and delicate red flower on the top of their helmets and being pointed at by the mountains of people on the road.
However, it seems that others in his squadron don't think so. Their expectant looks gave Greene a new understanding of the soldiers' enthusiasm. Even Trinville is eager to earn the honor of standard bearer. That is the supreme glory in peacetime!
Glenn would occasionally do inappropriate things. At one point he tried to stop soldiers from the 1st Squadron from provoking other squadrons. When he was still hesitating, he saw Captain Philo shaking his head at him with a smile.
"Captain Grayne, my experience as the leader of the Knights of the Storm for nearly twenty years tells me that the energy of the boys now is like fish jumping into the rapids, they can't help but run in one direction. Stop or stop. I can't help it. If I were as young as you, I would have jumped into the ocean and charged forward together."
Unexpectedly, even the most calm and virtuous veteran in the Guards did not agree with his idea, and even suggested that he and his soldiers should fight for the honor of the Guards together.
At this point, Grain was dumbfounded by this solemn and comical ceremony, and he could no longer dissuade Trinville and his soldiers. After all, there's actually nothing wrong with this.
