After the seven-day festival, people began to return to normal life. The crops in the land have been harvested.
The vast land is vast and high, and only the eagle in the sky still flies so high.
Grein temporarily gave up the idea of leaving the Guards Corps. Anyway, he hadn't told Trinville yet. He thought that it would not be too late to tell him until the day he actually left.
Althea slowly returned to her usual peace. She refused to leave the small courtyard, only watering the flowers, silently watching the clouds flowing away in the blue sky, and caressing the green trees.
Glenn decided not to force Althea to do anything she didn't like. As long as he saw Althea with a smile on her face, Grayn felt very comforted and satisfied.
In his spare time, Trinville would take him to the pub to drink beer. He can now receive a salary on time, which is not a huge salary, but it is enough for him to drink to his heart's content. And he is a happy bachelor with no wife or children to take care of. What he was most happy about was having a drink by himself and inviting other people to drink with him. This also made the welcome he received at the Blueberry Tavern so special.
While drinking, someone asked him: "Trinville, what have you done with the twenty small gold coins you received from defeating Tourlai last time? Are you planning to use some of them as some people said?" Leave it to doctor Abi to marry his daughter. Is this the case?"
Amid everyone's laughter, Trinville defended himself with a red face as always. This is a scene that can often be seen in the Blueberry Tavern, and everyone has long been accustomed to it. Glenn slowly tasted the wine in his glass, still amused by his friend's embarrassment. Trinville was always fooled by the same excuses.
Seeing everyone's kind and warm smiles, Green knew that this was the day Trinville really liked.
They heard the sound of the trumpet and everyone stopped laughing. This was coming from the tower of the palace, indicating that something important was about to be announced to the whole city.
Glenn guessed it. Perhaps this was the news that Queen Elenoa had mentioned to him about the engagement between the prince of the Black Forest and the princess of Apodoli. Others pricked up their ears and listened quietly.
Sure enough, the king's herald rode around the city in his carriage, reading the king's decree to the people. The kingdom will choose a day to send Princess Imaya to marry into the Black Forest Kingdom. For this reason, the whole country will be amnesty and celebrate for three days.
The people in the pub were excited again, and Blueberry Daddy lost no time in offering his most popular dark beer. The atmosphere of joy reached a climax.
Glenn sat aside, thinking. The glass of wine was placed in his hand.
He didn't know why, but he felt very uneasy. Everything in front of him was so peaceful. He wasn't sure if he really wanted to stay away from it all. He missed the days full of passion and wandering under the teacher's guidance, which were so fulfilling and powerful. Although dangers are everywhere, people are nervously guessing every moment, but it is impossible to predict what will happen next.
The days of sword fighting have been with him for more than ten years. Now, lying in a warm and comfortable bed, he was always alert.
Mr. Astral's words still ring in his ears: "Grain, remember, your mission has not begun yet. It is destined and cannot be escaped. You must always be awake and vigilant."
He still didn't understand what the teacher meant, but he firmly believed in everything the teacher said. In order to fulfill his mission, he is always ready.
He promised the teacher that he would always be by his side to protect Alsia and bring her to the Holy City when the time was right. He has always regarded Althea as his sister, and even if there is no teacher, he will not hesitate to sacrifice his own life for her consideration. He misses the days before, and the dangers that are hidden under the quiet surface of the kingdom are like huge waves that are about to be set off under a strong wind, but not many people see it. In addition to him, perhaps, there is also Queen Elenoa.
He promised the queen that he could only bid farewell to the Guards after sending the princess away to marry in the country of the Black Forest. Then he took Althea to the distant holy city - the White Dragon City, the Free City. He hasn't thought that much about what will happen next.
If it weren't for his mother, he might have left the army long ago. Poor dear mother, her son left her when he was an ignorant boy. She was so sad. He really couldn't bear to let his mother go back to the days when her eyes were filled with tears. However, this is all he can do.
The whole kingdom is overjoyed at the marriage between Princess Imaya and the Prince of Black Forest. The kingdom has not had such happy events for many, many years.
It was nearly thirty years ago that King Orzin married the noble Queen Elenoa. The kingdom shouldn't be so depressed, but it is.
Prince Qadir, the king's younger brother, left the kingdom more than ten years ago, and no one knows where he went. And there's no sign of coming back.
Prince Mars is handsome, but he never thinks about his own affairs. This undoubtedly made Queen Elenoa quite anxious.
Now it's all right - Apodoli's gem, the pearl of the kingdom, Princess Imaya is getting married. People sincerely hope that the marriage between the two countries will bring long-lost noisy joy to the noblest family in the dull kingdom.
Ever since he announced the news of the princess's engagement, Glenn has been making careful preparations. Once the order is given, he will lead the two hundred warriors of the first squadron to escort Princess Imaya on her journey.
A month later, the news came quickly. The emissary from the Black Forest Kingdom will arrive in the royal city in a few days, which also indicates that Grein's mission of protecting the bride from the queen will begin.
The kingdom welcomed the envoy from the Black Forest Country with great grandeur. The messenger brought countless treasures and rich products of the country as betrothal gifts for the princess. For this reason, the king ordered the kingdom to pray for the princess for three days. In three days, Princess Imaya will set off for the Black Forest Kingdom.
The night before departure, Glenn had just issued an order to his men in the military camp to prepare for departure. Many soldiers were very excited. After all, a long-distance march brought not only fatigue to these soldiers who grew up in Apodoli, but also novelty and knowledge.
Glenn has always believed that only by going out can he see a broader world. He did that and wanted his soldiers to do the same.
The herald brought the king's order to summon Grain, captain of the 1st squadron of the Guards. Glenn wasn't surprised at all. Princess Imaya is the king's most cherished daughter. Before departure, the king will definitely explain something to her. The soldiers also guessed that they were really going to set off.
When Glenn arrived at the palace, the royal meeting had not yet ended. But he didn't have to wait long. The king saw Grain as they were accustomed to do, and he saw nothing strange in the king's face. On the contrary, I felt that he was calmer than usual.
The king screened away the others and received Grayne alone in his small study. He asked Grayne in detail about the roads, mountains, rivers, cities, customs, etc. of the Black Forest Country.
When Grayn returned to Apodoli from the Eastern Kingdom, he had passed through the Black Forest Country, and that was not the first time he had set foot on the Black Forest Country. Seventeen years ago, he went to the mysterious East through there. It just comes and goes every time.
But that doesn't mean he doesn't know enough about the country of the Black Forest.
He has not yet set foot in many countries on the Palinkabakama continent. However, Mr. Astral taught him many useful things. The various lore of the known parts of the continent seemed familiar to him. Even in areas that were far from being known, he was not completely ignorant.
There are also many ancient maps and documents in Mr.'s collection. My husband cherishes these documents very much, and some of the countries marked on the map have long since ceased to exist. There are also some newly emerging countries that are also not listed above.
However, the country has disappeared, but those forests, rivers, mountains and barbaric ruined castles left over from ancient times still remain on this continent, guarding the era that once belonged to them.
Glenn knew what valuable knowledge Mr. Astral had left him. Even with his eyes closed, he could clearly understand the topography of the Black Forest, as well as the large and small roads. He explained the situation of the Black Forest Country to the king in detail. The king nodded frequently and looked at him approvingly.
"Grain, I knew I was right about you. You are completely qualified for this mission. You won't let me down."
"I will definitely live up to the great trust you and Her Majesty the Queen place on me and deliver Her Royal Highness the Princess safely to the Kingdom of the Black Forest."
The king stood up and came to him. "Yes, yes, you will do it. I completely believe it. But Glenn, I have a more important task to give you. I am sure that only you can complete it. This is God who sent you to Apodoli. No one is more qualified for this task than you." Grayn looked at the king in confusion. "You lead your squadron and set off early tomorrow morning."
"Yes, Your Majesty. The First Squadron is fully prepared and ready to go at any time."
The king waved his hand, "You still don't understand your mission. I will send Dalvi's squadron to protect the safety of the princess."
The king's words were not exactly what he heard from the queen. Although Glenn was a little surprised, he was quickly relieved.
Although Glenn was not very familiar with Dalvi, he also knew that Dalvi was also a brave and capable warrior, and the princess would certainly be infallible if entrusted to him. Moreover, it is a long way to go, so it is not an exaggeration to send two elite squadrons for protection. You know, how much the king and queen love their daughter.
But then, Greene felt a hint of uneasiness from the king's excited tone. He had rarely seen the king so excited.
"What I want to say now is your real mission. I think when you hear it, you will be as excited as me. The brave soldiers of Apodoli have long been looking forward to such a day coming soon. Now is the time. ! Because of you, no one can stop us. Listen carefully, Glenn.
Dalvi will lead his soldiers to escort the princess to the country of the Black Forest. I have informed the wedding envoy in the Black Forest about this matter to show that we attach great importance to the princess's distant marriage and to ensure the princess's safety. They have agreed and will cooperate and protect along the way. And you, Captain Glenn. "
He looked at Glenn, his face flushed with excitement, adding some vitality to his pale face. Glenn instinctively sensed that his task would be difficult and contrary to his intentions. His face gradually became serious.
The king did not notice his expression, for he was not looking at Grain at all, but was walking up and down the room waving his long, thin arms. He continued: "It's easy, Grain. You will lead your team and sneak across the border from the path, and no one will notice you. Their minds will be on how to welcome and protect the princess. Dalvi will also try to Confuse their sight and cooperate with your actions."
"But Your Majesty, why is this?" Glenn had already had an ominous omen in his heart, but what he heard seemed to be more serious than he imagined.
"So I say that you are the best gift God has given to Apodoli. Our noble and great cause will become simpler because of you. You are familiar with the mountain roads, cities and villages of the Black Forest. Even in the most remote places, you are like I just came back from the path there. You are familiar with everything there, aren't you? What you have to do now is to rush to the Black Forest as quickly as possible from the safest and remote path that you think will be least noticed by others. The capital city of Irina, and then quietly ambush there.”
The more Glenn listened, the more frightened he became. The king did not notice the change in his expression. He was completely immersed in the far-reaching prospects he was describing to Grayne and could not extricate himself, so much that he was a little hysterical.
"After Dalvi arrives, Prince Dolanhell will lead the ministers of the Black Forest Country, and perhaps many of his people, to welcome the princess outside the city. Dalvi will wait for an opportunity to attack and detain Dolanhe You and his entourage of ministers. For Dalvi, this task is a little difficult. Needless to say, he is brave, but he is not as witty as you. In terms of calmness, courage and astuteness, he is far better than you. Not you. So your mission is more important." The king became more and more excited as he spoke. His face turned pale and his eyes became blood red due to his enthusiasm.
"If Dalvi's successful attack can capture Dolan Hull, it will definitely bring great chaos to the country of the Black Forest. At this time, you will lead the most powerful and invincible Guards trained by you personally, A sudden attack on the Irina Palace captured King Jussehir in one fell swoop.
In this way, even if Dalvi fails to succeed, as long as you can capture the king of the Black Forest, they will be in panic and fall into a leaderless situation. The kingdom's army has already received orders and is secretly lurking in the border areas. As long as you can successfully launch an attack, each legion will occupy the entire territory of the Black Forest Country with lightning speed. "After the king finished speaking, he seemed to be still immersed in the majestic scene of the army marching and conquering the heroes.
"No. I can't do this!" Glenn shouted. Only now did he realize that this matter had been planned in the king's mind for a long time. The kingdom's army has already set off, and perhaps no one can change it. Glenn knew that all his wild guesses had turned out to be true.
The kingdom is frantically expanding its armaments, and the king will not let his elite army do nothing. However, Grein would never have imagined that he would use force against a neighboring country barbarically. And what he is about to attack is Apodoli's brotherly country.
He can't do that! He must refuse the mission assigned to him by the king and urge the king to change his mind.
King Orzin looked pale and terrifying. Grain once again flatly refused to accept the commission, just as he had unhesitatingly refused his commission into the Guards.
But his expression immediately softened. Since he convinced Gray En last time, he will also make Gray En change his mind and obey his orders this time.
He walked up to Glenn, looked him straight in the eyes and said: "Why? Why can't you accept this glorious mission? As a soldier, isn't it natural to fight for the country on the battlefield? If you can succeed this time , which will establish immortal merits. From now on, Apodoli will have a new legend - the greatest and most fearless warrior, Glenn. As a soldier, do you refuse to serve your country?"
"On the contrary, Your Majesty. I am eager to achieve meritorious service for my country. Even if I die in battle, I will have no regrets."
"Then why did you refuse the task I gave you just now? Is there any better opportunity for you to display your ambitions than killing enemies on the battlefield and opening up territory for our great Apodoli?"
"No! Your Majesty! The mission of a soldier is to protect the country and the people. However, you want us to attack the country of the Black Forest."
"So what?" The king's voice was cold and ruthless. But he made up his mind that if the king insisted on having his own way, he would rather die than obey the king's orders.
He loudly said: "This is naked aggression! Your Majesty, under the guise of protecting the princess's wedding, you secretly sent troops to capture the king, princes and ministers of the Black Forest, occupy their country, and rule their people. Do you really want to do this? Do you want to do it? Moreover, you took advantage of the young princess's good reputation by taking advantage of others' unpreparedness. Even if you succeed for a while, you will only be ridiculed by everyone in the world. "
The king's face became paler and paler, almost irritated by him. Glenn knew he was in danger. He no longer understood the king in front of him at all. But he also knew that contradicting the king and refusing the tasks assigned to him had in itself brought him great disaster.
But the king was not angry yet. It seemed that he still didn't want to give up the last chance to convince him. After all, Grein's knowledge of the Black Forest Country made him the most suitable candidate for this operation. In the battle with the pirates, he also fully demonstrated his great strategy and courage. The king had chosen him from the beginning, only to be met with the most thoroughgoing resistance.
"The master is unknown?" The king sneered, "You can't see how powerful we are! Everyone should surrender to us! But we can only live in a corner of this vast continent. Is this fair? Yes It’s time to change all this! I want to lead my people, expand our territory, and let Apodoli’s flag spread all over the continent.”
"Your Majesty, I have seen swords and swords fighting and bloodshed. Isn't the purpose of a country's prosperity to bring happiness and health to its people and keep them away from war? Why do we still attack peaceful and friendly neighboring countries?"
"Peaceful and friendly? Maybe. However, I don't just want to occupy and rule there. My pursuit of territory and power is not as greedy as you imagine. Everything I do is in line with our times. Listen to the voice of the people, everything is for the kingdom. Soldiers are also eager to establish military exploits on the battlefield. Their blood is boiling because they are willing to serve their country and king, and they yearn for such a life. I don’t think they are like you. The same rejection of the divine mission.”
"You say you are doing this for your country and your people, but you are leading them to war and death."
The king said impatiently: "I am not just launching this war for the future of Apodoli. The people of the Black Forest also need our help. Why should the old and fatuous King Jussehel sit guarding the vast and rich land? , but he squandered the people's trust in him. His people also have the right to a better life. And we will bring them freedom. We will liberate them from the hands of the tyrants, and they will be grateful to us. Think about this , do you still want to continue to insist on your point of view and refuse to accept this task? "
The king's brazen defense shocked and devastated Grain. He tried to calm himself down, and used his last bit of hope to try to awaken the king's conscience that was seized by ambition.
He said sincerely: "Your Majesty, you are wrong. The Black Forest may not be as rich as us, but the people there are free and happy. That is the life they choose. Any excuse for the happiness and freedom of others, Trying to use violence to interfere with their lives is ridiculous, shameful and ridiculous.
If you insist on using despicable means to attack their country, even if you are lucky enough to achieve a temporary victory, it will never last long. It is undeniable that we have a much stronger army and more skilled soldiers than they do, but," he felt particularly sad,
"We are attacking a country that is full of goodwill towards us and has been friendly to us for generations, and your reason is just to let them live a prosperous and happy life like us. Sooner or later, people will see through all this, and we will lose love and affection on this continent. support."
The king finally lost his calm. He would never tolerate a junior officer daring to accuse him to his face. He shouted angrily: "We are stronger than anyone else, and they should all gather under our banner and accept everything we bring to them. I believe that I will use the methods that have worked well in our country, too. to govern other countries well.”
"Your Majesty," Grein refused to give in, "please consider it carefully again and again. The exchanges between countries are not just about interests, but also fairness and justice. War provocations must not be started lightly, and the war between the two countries is by no means like a palace dance. Elegant and romantic. When the time comes, corpses will litter the fields and rivers of blood will flow, and more than tens of millions of lives will be sacrificed. Not only the people of the Black Forest Kingdom will bleed to death, but also our descendants of Apodoli. In this way, life will not be lost. How can we talk about a happy life if we no longer exist? Can't you really think about them? Your Majesty, this is taking a risk! Those who start a war will lose everything in the end."
The king was furious and his eyes flashed with evil. Glenn knew that he was in danger, but he insisted on finishing his words: "Your Majesty, please think about the princess. If Dalvi's sneak attack fails, their entire army will be annihilated. Princess Imaya will also be a prisoner of the enemy and suffer a lot." Humiliation. Her life will not be guaranteed. If something like that really happens, Queen Elenoa will definitely be heartbroken."
"Are you done?" The king looked at him, his face livid, "Okay, you can go down."
Glenn stepped forward and tried to dissuade him again. The king was unmoved. He turned haughtily and walked out.
The look on the king's face when he turned around told Green that things wouldn't end like this. As soon as he walked into the hall, several guards came up to him: "Captain Grein, we are ordered to arrest you for attempting to endanger the safety of the country. Please hand over your sword and follow us."
Glenn looked back at the light from the window of the king's small living room upstairs, his face expressionless.
