Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Turbulence

The battle armors on Ridwan and Princess Angelina shone like a rainbow.The clouds quickly dispersed, and the brilliance of the rising sun began to cast on the ground.Around the same time that General Obrahit, a model figure of a Yerudi knight, was shot to death with a sword by his fellow countrymen, the heir of the Mafar Black Sheep Principality finally saw the emperor again.When Lidvan was approaching, Karman also jumped off the horse himself, and helped Lidvan and Princess Angelina who were kneeling on the ground to meet the emperor with their own hands.Kalman told the two people in front of him with sincerity:

"You are really my saviors. As the emperor, you have to be more specific in repaying your favor. Lidwan, when you officially become the Duke of the Black Sheep Kingdom, I will draw five states from the land of the old Zrunagra , join the territory of your Black Sheep Principality." The reason why Lidvan risked his life to complete the important task of guarding the entire army was of course not to obtain the emperor's favor.But when the emperor has a reward, he should accept it with gratitude. This is the way to be a minister. Besides, the heroic performance of Lidwan, Princess Angelina, and all the soldiers of the Black Sheep Principality is indeed worthy. Reward from the emperor.When the incomparably capable Mafal army suffered major setbacks and was on the verge of disintegration, the only one that could maintain the organization and function of the army was the Army of the Black Sheep Principality.Without the existence of the Black Sheep Army, Lasalle, the nine-pillar general of the Yerudi Kingdom, has achieved his personal ambition brilliantly at this moment.Thinking of this, Kalman's hatred for La Salle reheated and began to burn:

"La Salle is really a despicable villain. In any case, his dog's life should be taken first, even if it will be ridiculed as an atrocity!" "A confidant of the subject, Holdy, once said that the poison of the era is enough to make people intoxicated, and now I can finally understand it." Lidwan didn't mean to show off some warning words.But in the surrounding area of ​​Ridvan, there may not be a few people who feel harsh when they hear this sentence.Because of ambition and desire, there are many people in this world who end up lost, or who never reflect on themselves.If the power of these increases, disorder will follow in the world.

"That is to say, the chaos in this world is entirely caused by me, Kalman, right? No, I don't mean you are condemning me..." "Your Majesty has absolutely no such intention. It is an absolutely true fact that His Majesty leads the era, and no one can deny it." "Hmph, maybe people in future generations will call this era the Kalman era, ha! Such fantasy is quite interesting." Kallman said with a smile, but his smile at this time was actually a bit forced.Undoubtedly, he was indeed poisoned by the poison of the times. If he hadn't been eroded by the poison, he wouldn't even have the status of emperor.Although he harbored extremely strong public indignation and personal hatred in his heart at the time, the act of killing his father and usurping his position was definitely not something that anyone who followed the usual routine could do.In order to make up for the sins of human nature, Kallman strives to make himself a great and wise monarch.Since annexing the Kingdom of Zrunagra, he has achieved unprecedented territory and reduced the tax burden of the people. Whether at home or abroad, his reputation as a young British lord can almost be established.However, once his achievements as an emperor were damaged, his major unknown crimes could no longer gain a foothold.Karman, who had been defeated by the Yeludi army's treacherous tricks and led to the collapse of the entire army, managed to maintain his mental balance at this time, barely maintaining the edge of the dangerous cliff.

Lidwan focused his eyes on Kallman's face while thinking about the conversation he had with Holdy a few days ago.That's what Holdy said. "...The so-called peace can only be maintained when everyone is extremely self-restraining. If you think you are better than others, have more and better talents, you should get a better situation, as long as you have This way of thinking, one's own desires become more important than peace." "I didn't know you were a philosopher!" Lidwan tried to divert the topic with a joke, but there was bitterness in his voice.And Princess Angelina, who was riding with Ridvan at that time, also silently turned her amethyst-colored eyes straight ahead.What Holdy said not only made Ridvan feel uncomfortable, but also deeply hurt Princess Angelina's heart.

At this time, what appeared in the hearts of Princess Angelina and Li Dewan was the same face, the delicate and pale face of Munchell, the Duke of the Golden Crow.Cracks appeared on the white skin, like a pottery from the far east, which suddenly broke into thin pieces in a blink of an eye.And what appeared under the debris was a small dragon, as if it had just hatched from an egg, its whole body was dull gray-brown, it didn't look very eye-catching.But this little dragon's body swelled a lot every second, and its color became more and more bright red.When the entire chest cavity expanded to the extreme, it finally exploded and shattered.The flying flames burned their pupils from inside their bodies.

The dragon's name is ambition.What a bitter realization.Although Princess Angelina and Ridvan did not speak to each other, they understood Munchell's ambitions, which may be a kind of induction.The dragon lurking in Munchell's heart grows and thrives year after year, but the suffocation that accompanies him in the growth process often makes him breathless in pain, almost breaking the apparent stability and harmony. .Mafar is now suffering from internal and external troubles, and is completely in a predicament of chaos and disorder. It is the best environment to make the dragon in Munchell's body even bigger.

Despite such worries, the emperor's army was able to march smoothly during the two days from May 7th to 8th.Karman, Lidwan, and Princess Angelina certainly couldn't see through the situation thousands of miles away, and naturally they couldn't know all the things that happened inside and outside Emperor Mafal.Including the death of the one-armed general Obrahit, Lasalle still in hot pursuit after losing an arm, the house arrest of Queen Yadelhodo, and the swift passage of the old Zrunagra by Munchell, the Duke of the Golden Raven. At this time, they are marching towards the imperial capital Onogur.Although these big and small storms are gradually converging towards Onogul, with the wisdom of human beings, it is naturally impossible to grasp the overall situation.Even Munchell had no way of knowing that Obrahit had died.

Emperor Kalman, and the Black Sheep Duke's army responsible for protecting him, have passed through countless forests, across endless fields, and passed through countless villages.Generally speaking, if the army itself is led by the emperor himself, it should show its grandeur and grandeur in a mighty manner, but under the constraints of many conditions and concerns, the emperor's army cannot show its due majesty at this time .Because the most urgent thing right now is to get rid of the Yarudi army that is chasing after them, and enter the imperial capital Onogur City as quickly as possible.As for other policies and strategies, they are all topics for the future.

Lidwan, the heir of the Black Sheep Principality, still served as the last guard of the army, in case the enemy launched a surprise attack.In order to learn about the movements of the Yerudi army, Lidwan even approached the enemy's striker single-handedly for scouting.In the eyes of others, such a move is extremely daring, but for Lidwan, he must fulfill the responsibility of the last defender no matter what, and find a way to solve his own predicament. "We should really find a suitable place to ambush the army, and let those Yerudi people taste the power of our Mafar army!"

Although Princess Angelina felt a little regretful, it was not very deep, because even if she won a little victory in the battle, it would not have much impact on the overall situation.And she also deeply understands that although she has to rush back to the imperial capital immediately, it is the best policy to take a detour on the route.Because the emperor Karman is still alive, it is the most powerful weapon to overwhelm the two countries of Yerudi and Ulukal.Although it is a bit ironic to say it, if Lidwan and Princess Angelina recklessly launch an attack on the Yeludi army at this time, they should be able to win a considerable degree of victory in turn.Because General Lasalle was wounded and had a fever at this time, and he commanded the army on horseback with a persistent force. However, Li Dewan was attacked by a reckless surprise.On the night of May 8th, the journey back to the imperial capital had already gone more than halfway. Lidwan was on his way back to his camp after investigating the movement of the Yerudi army alone. At the tavern, Lidvan stopped to let the horse rest, and he himself had a glass of wine by the way.The shopkeeper in the store was an old woman. She asked Lidwan attentively, the sword looked so heavy, should she put it down and rest for a while, Lidwan nodded without doubting him, put down the sword and handed it over to him. to the old woman.When the wine bottle and wine glass were delivered, Lidwan found that the bottle had been opened, and there was only half of the wine left in it, so he asked the old woman to change to a new bottle of wine.Just as the old woman was staggering there for some reason, there was a sound of hoofbeats outside the door, and a group of men jumped off the horses.As soon as the door opened, the group of men who were not wearing armor but held swords rushed in violently.Lidvan immediately felt the murderous intent coming towards him, so he stood up slowly, only to hear one of the nine men, who seemed to be in the dominant position, laughing in a low voice. "You old woman, didn't I tell you to bring out a new bottle of wine, why are you so stingy!" This person is a very powerful knight in the Black Sheep Principality - Ji Jia. "Jijia, what are you doing?" Lidwan is asking too much, because Jijia's eyes are revealing a strange light that has completely escaped the normal track. This light has already explained everything in front of him more clearly and fully than any vocal answer. .The old woman wanted Ridvan to drink the poisoned wine.Lidwan couldn't help but think of what Holdy said: "The poison of the times is enough to make people intoxicated."This sentence best interprets Jijia's appearance at this time.The poison of the times has fascinated Jijia's mind, just like alcohol teaching people to tear off the skin and reveal their true nature.Knowing this, what Lidvan should do at this time is of course to use the sword to protect himself.But the old woman who had just kept the sword for Ridvan jumped out from another window and ran across the street as if she had been pushed down by an invisible demon.The old lady probably accepted a few silver coins from Jijia to do this for them, and now she took Ridwan's sword by the way, so she could sell it for a few gold coins.In order for the old woman to have an easier and more prosperous old age, Lidvan was forced into this dangerous situation that was not at all worth celebrating.One person was surrounded by nine swordsmen empty-handed, and Ji Jia was one of the few knights in the Black Sheep Principality. Ridiculous laughter poured into Ridvan from all sides: "Lord Lidwan's swordsmanship is the best in Mafal, but this is when there is a sword. If you can use swordsmanship without a sword, please open our eyes. !" Hearing the other party say such unpleasant words, Lidwan couldn't think of any vicious words to retaliate, so he remained silent.He looked straight at Jijia and stretched out his right hand. What Lidwan reached out to pick up was a candlestick on the table.A heavy and practical candlestick made of wrought iron.After pulling out the candle, an iron needle about the length of an adult's middle finger with a sharp tip was revealed.Jijia's sneer immediately flinched, replaced by a look of fear.Even the command "Go!" sounded alarmed.Under his order, an assassin kicked hard on the ground with his foot, and charged at Lidwan with his sword.Lidvan blocked his sword from top to bottom with a candlestick, and then kicked the assassin in the stomach.Howling in pain, the assassin staggered and rolled to the ground.At the same time, another assassin attacked Lidvan from the left, and Lidvan dodged. While avoiding the assassin's attack, he also stabbed the candlestick in his hand, and the iron needle just pierced the assassin's left eye.The assassin wailed in pain, and while leaning back, the sword in his hand dropped.At this moment, Lidvan picked up the sword dropped by the assassin. After getting the sword, Lidvan swung it in the air, then pointed the tip of the sword at Jijia, and said with a very cold laugh: "How about it, I already have a sword. Do you want to try this sword's strength?" Provocation is a very powerful weapon in the current situation.When one is engaged with many enemies, it is quite disadvantageous to calm the opponent down.It is best to let the other party be madly angry and disturb the movements of the man and the sword, so as to increase the chances of winning. "Well, you wretches, are you so frightened by a mere enemy with a sword?" "Shut up, what right do you have to talk big here!" The assassin swung his knife at the same time and slashed at Lidwan.After fending off the first attack with his sword, Lidwan turned around and stabbed the second assassin in the shoulder.Lidwan ignored the opponent's painful wailing, and after pulling out the tip of the sword, he turned his body and squatted down, letting the assassin's attack from behind miss him, and then slashed the opponent's thigh.In a burst of continuous wailing, Lidwan jumped up with his whole body, throwing his slender body out of the door.After flying out of the house, the opponent also followed closely. Lidwan dodged the opponent's white blade, spun around on the ground and jumped up again. In the blink of an eye, he knocked down another assassin.Although Lidwan didn't intend to "shut up" obediently, he did not say a word during the fight.After four people were knocked down in a row, the assassins began to get timid. At this moment, a sound of horseshoes came from the other side of the night, getting closer and closer to them. "Lidwan! Lid!" For Lidwan, it was impossible for him to hear this voice wrongly.And presumably the same goes for the Assassins.Ridvan and Princess Angelina are "the bravest couple in the whole Mafal Empire". As soon as they thought of fighting against these two, the assassins seemed to lose their determination to do it in the first place.So they put away their swords one after another, stepped on frightened and chaotic steps, and fled into the darkness.But Jijia seemed unable to give up like them, and was still hesitating between whether to stay or not; after a while, a military horse appeared in front of him with a loud neighing, and then a figure jumped off the horse and stood in front of him. In front of Jijia, she moved so lightly that it was hard to believe that she was wearing a battle armor.And she is Ridwan's fiancée, Princess Angelina.Jijia's behavior at this time is completely beyond the imagination of others.After Jijia turned his eyes away from the princess' accusing face, he began to severely reprimand Lidvan: "I have something to say. Lidwan, you are a person who has nothing to do with the Black Sheep Principality. Why should you inherit the status of the Duke? I can't accept it. It is because I can't accept it that I will take this action. You want You know, I didn't do it for nothing." Hearing what Jijia said, Princess Angelina took a step forward, and slapped the knight of the Black Sheep Principality fiercely with her fierce gaze: "If you are not convinced, you should investigate the rights and wrongs in a proper way. If you still refuse to accept after the investigation, you will use force to insist on your will. But you are not like this at all, and you even suddenly attack others from behind, and only argue after you fail I have a reason, who do you think will sympathize with you? Why don't you speak before you reflect on yourself!" Princess Angelina's words were almost as sharp as a sword.Jijia was left speechless, and his shame turned into fierce anger. As a result of the anger, Jijia's face looked like he drank bad wine, and it turned dirty red and black after a hangover. roared vigorously: "Okay, since that's the case, Lidwan, you and I might as well use the swords in our hands to compete dignifiedly, to prove that you are indeed qualified to sit on the throne of the Duke of Black Sheep!" "What's that?" In fact, Lidwan only needs to spit out so much.But, strangely, Lidwan didn't intend to blame Jijia at all.Jijia has a strong concept of inheritance from generation to generation. It is not unreasonable for him to relegate Lidvan to a foreigner with no origin and not have the slightest loyalty to Lidwan.If one day, a foreigner came out of nowhere to occupy the throne of the Marfar Empire and required the courtiers to serve him with the same loyalty and obedience as serving the emperor, Lidvan would probably feel the same displeasure.Therefore, at this moment, Lidwan did not intend to criticize Jiji with a superior attitude.Even so, the domination of the Black Sheep Principality cannot be handed over to Jijia because of this, because it will be tantamount to ignoring the expectations and instructions of Elder Almoxiu. After making various considerations, Lidwan couldn't help feeling bored again, and even had the idea again, to abandon all status and power, and take Princess Angelina and Parr together to set off on a wandering journey journey of.The shortcoming of Lidwan as an official is his habit of evasion. According to Princess Angelina, "Lidwan has begun to begrudge his talents again. When will he be able to accept it calmly?" My own destiny!" However, no matter what, Jijia didn't understand Lidvan's desire to escape, and the mission that Lidwan had to shoulder as an official.At this time, Ji Jia may be a bit self-defeating, but at this time, he can only entrust his fate to one-on-one sword strikes.Lidvan had no choice but to hold the blood-stained sword in his hand again, and face Jijia face to face, just as the two of them were about to kick their feet—— "The Yerudi army is attacking!" The sound of the report mixed with mourning shredded the night air, and the two swords that were about to collide seemed to be covered by an invisible wall at this moment.On this thick canvas intertwined with night, there are several places where golden spots are scattered.Just when these dots seemed to line up, a red line appeared, and in a blink of an eye, the dark sky and the dark earth were clearly distinguished.The voices of soldiers announcing the fire to their comrades flew around one after another.The Yarudi army, which had been clinging to the back of the Mafar army, fired rockets and launched a fire attack.It can be seen that Lassalle is not only enduring physical pain, but is also devising countermeasures. He ordered a group of soldiers to hurry along another route, so as to implement his plan. Now is no longer the time to compare personal prowess with Ji Jia.Lidwan immediately put away the sword in his hand, and walked towards his mount without saying a word, and Angelina also followed Lidvan briskly as if riding the wind.Jijia was alone, left alone by the enemy he wanted to defeat, Jijia just stood there blankly in the dark with the sword in his hand.Never in his life had he experienced such a humiliating and stupid moment.Not long after, the anger and humiliation that had nowhere to vent twisted his entire face, and Ji Jia stepped forward and walked towards his horse.He has already decided to take advantage of the good opportunity of Yerudi's assault and kill Lidvan in the scuffle. When Lidwan and Princess Angelina hurried back, the camp of the Mafar army was already full of clashes of swords and guns, and people and horses, wind and fire seemed to be dancing a frantic dance.Roaring and mourning sounded one after another, black shadows ran around, and the smell of blood and fire ash had been blown into people's sense of smell by the wind.Amidst the mournful neighing of the army horses and the ferocious barking of dogs, the waves of sound gradually approached Ridvan and Princess Angelina, and the princess tightened the reins in her hand. "Halty, is that you?" "Ah, you are here, princess, it is really great to see you safe and sound!" Holdy was riding a horse, with four bulldogs on his left and right sides, and came to greet the princess cheerfully! "Ah, the princess' husband-in-law is also safe and sound." At this time, there is no time to pay attention to the ridicule of others.Lidwan only felt that he had to be responsible for failing to detect that the Yarudi army was approaching his side early.He only nodded to Holdy, and then galloped quickly towards the emperor's base camp.Holdy originally wanted to follow Lidwan, but when he looked back suddenly, he saw Jijia coming from the depths of the night, following Lidwan on a flying horse.Just from his bloodshot and terrifying expression, Holdy understood it immediately. The battle that followed was later called the "Night Battle of Pulitzer", and was not given a high evaluation in the history of war.Because the entire combat process did not have any rigorous combat concept, it was a battle based entirely on one party's deep persistence and a certain degree of sporadic nature. However, this does not mean that this battle is not harsh and fierce, nor Sad and miserable.The mastermind of this battle, that is, General Lasalle of the Yerudi Kingdom, has completely ignored the loss of soldiers at this time, and is pouring out all the troops under his command to launch the most violent attack on the enemy. At this time, Mafar's total strength is 45,000, while the Yerudi army has 28,000. All these troops have been fully invested in this fierce death battle.The so-called "Pritzlian" does not refer to the name of the place that became the battlefield at this time, but a Mafar word that means "bloody".Soldiers on both sides cut open the enemy's helmet with their swords, pierced the enemy's battle armor with their spears, and the severed arm flew into the night sky, with a spring of blood trailing behind the arm like a tail.The fighting soldiers rolled off their horses, and their sternums were crushed by the falling horseshoes.People and horses fell to the ground one after another, refilling the old blood stains with fresh blood stains.The demon in charge of death and pain laughed wildly while dancing wildly on the soldiers' corpses, and kept raising the invisible sickle to slash down on the victims.Although it was a melee and chaotic battle, when Kallman stood in front of the battle and Lidvan and Angelina also rushed to command, the general situation of the battle began to turn.Yerudi repeatedly attacked fiercely, and broke into the camp of the Mafar army six times, but was repelled six times, and each time caused more than 500 to 1,000 victims. "Where is Karman? Where is the emperor of Mafar? If you cherish your reputation, stand up now!" Someone yelled loudly in Yerudi.Amidst the blazing flames, there was only a black riding shadow with an empty sleeve, fluttering like an ominous banner in the night wind. "This man seems to be the 'One-Armed General' Obrahit who commanded the Yerudi army." A voice full of fear circulated in the Mafar army.At this time, Li Dewan, the heir of the Black Sheep Principality, spoke to the emperor. "Your Majesty, the one-armed general is a difficult opponent to deal with. But I have an idea, please give him to me, Your Majesty." "Okay, I'll leave it to you!" Karman nodded in agreement. A short time later, LaSalle heard a cry nearby. Someone shouted loudly in Yerudi, "The emperor, it is the emperor, the emperor is going to escape!" Through the darkness and smog in front of him, Lasalle saw a galloping figure riding in the chaos.The cloak inlaid with the emblem that only the emperor can wear, in Lasalle's bloodshot sight, seems to be blooming gorgeous flowers.Lassalle then turned his horse's head without a word, and single-handedly chased after him.At this time, he had put reason aside, and under his arrogance and obsession, he let go of the responsibility of commanding the entire army and chose his personal desires.However, if Emperor Kalman can be killed, it will actually mean the victory of the whole army, so Lasalle's choice cannot be said to be wrong.Lassalle rushed forward quickly and beheaded three Marfar knights who tried to block him.Using only two feet to steer the mount beneath him, Lasalle swung his sword with his left hand in a combat stance so deft that it was hard to believe that he had only lost an arm a few days earlier. Lassalle pursued closely, and after nearly a thousand steps, he finally caught up with the emperor. "Surrender, Your Majesty!" The young brave man of the Yerudi Kingdom shouted with a flickering voice, but still barely obeyed the etiquette for treating the king! "I promise you will be treated with honor! Please don't run away in such embarrassment again!" The so-called honorable treatment is to let La Salle cut off his head with his own hands.The moment the emperor dismounted slightly, Lasalle caught up.He uttered a cry of victory, and at the same time raised his sword high and slashed down.The emperor sank, deftly avoiding the fatal blow.After the killing blow, Lasalle rode across the emperor's left side, then turned his horse's head and faced the emperor. "Ah, you are not the emperor...!" LaSalle gasped.Disappointment and anger tightly strangled his heart, so that he could no longer make any sound of pursuit.Ignoring the Yerudi's wrath, the knight who had seduced Lasalle simply took off his cloak and drew his sword.This knight was of course Ridvan. "Who are you?" Lasalle finally asked another question. Lidwan was equally surprised by the situation in front of him.Although he didn't know Lassalle's appearance very well, but from the figure with one sleeve fluttering in the wind, he was still convinced that this person could not be other than "One-armed General" Obrahit.But when he thought about it carefully, what Obrahit had broken was his right arm, while the man in front of him was missing his left arm. "I should be the one to ask this question. Who are you? I am Lidvan, the heir of the Black Sheep Principality, and I am serving His Majesty the Emperor at this time." "Oh, after you reported your name, it is indeed correct." Flames of regret and remorse burned in Lassalle's eyes, and the scar on his cheek began to show red lines. At this time, Lidwan knew the other party's true identity.He is a member of General Nine Pillars. As of March this year, he was still the imperial capital Onogur, General Lasalle who served as the ambassador.Although he was a formidable enemy no less than Obrahit, how could he become one-armed?Lidwan couldn't help feeling puzzled, but when his opponent slashed furiously, the doubt was dispelled.Lidwan barely caught the opponent's first sword, and then began a fierce one-on-one fight. If we talk about the most ferocious opponent Lidwan encountered in the first half of his life, it should be Dragoonsun, who had seized the Principality of Dragon Tooth in the past.But in terms of danger, La Salle is no less than Dragonson.The sharpness and ferocity of the slash really shocked Lidwan, but of course it couldn't make him timid. The slashing between the two on the horse has reached thirty rounds.Sparks danced with the striking sword, and scattered again.Lassalle's armor had been knocked off, and Ridvan's plaster had cracked.The one-armed Lassalle lost control of his mount for a moment, and as he swayed in the saddle, Ridvan's sword slashed at him.Unable to dodge, Lassalle rolled off the saddle, but the moment he fell, he turned around and cut the rein in Ridwan's hand.Lidvan also lost his balance and fell to the ground with a thud.This time it was Lassalle's turn to approach Lidwan with his sword. Just as the murderous sword was about to be cut, Lidvan blocked the sword back close to his forehead, then stabbed forward, and pushed the sword away. Then cut it again.The clashing sound of swords and the sound of breathing were mixed together in disorder, and the positions of the two were constantly changing, which was almost dizzying and dizzying, so that Princess Angelina, who came to assist Ridvan, could only do so. Putting the arrow feathers on the bowstring, it was too late to find an opportunity to launch. However, the time for a showdown has finally arrived.When the swords in the hands of both sides were biting each other fiercely, Lasalle raised one foot, trying to kick Li Dewan down.After Lidvan avoided the kick in a thrilling manner, he switched the sword to his left hand in the next moment, and grabbed the opponent's empty sleeve with his right hand and pulled it hard.Lassalle's body lost his balance, leaned to the side, and then staggered and fell to the ground.Ridwan's sword swung sideways and pierced the formidable enemy's right armpit.It is a fatal wound.Silent screams and blood gushed out of Lasalle's mouth, and he leaned back a little, then fell powerlessly on the ground, like a puppet made of clay.A final gasp scrambles across the grass: "...If I still have two hands, it is impossible to lose to you..." Ridvan felt Lassalle's remorse deeply.Although Ridwan had no way of knowing the reason why this formidable enemy lost an arm, something serious must have happened.The heir of the Black Sheep Principality flicked the sword in his hand, and after swaying the blood of the enemy, he knelt down beside the loser on one knee and asked him in a low voice: "Who do you want to know of your death? Lord Lasalle?" There has been no answer.The Nine-Pillar General Lasalle of the Yerudi Kingdom, with his intrigue and bravery, severely hit the cornerstone of the Mafar Empire, but he has never opened his closed eyelids since then.At the age of twenty-six. Lassalle's death is tantamount to the end of the whole war. The "Night Battle of Pulitzer" was actually a private battle. After Lassalle's death, the Yeludi army immediately lost the center of the commander and the purpose of the battle.A group of soldiers who lost their will to fight and were in a state of embarrassment began to turn from disorderly fighting to disorderly fleeing.The emperor issued an order that "you should completely put an end to your worries at this time", and the Mafar soldiers turned to pursue the Yerudi army. Until dawn, they captured a total of 6,000 heads.During this chaotic battle, General Ji Jia of the Black Sheep Army was also included in the list of dead, but almost no one noticed that his injuries were not caused by swords or spears, but by It was caused by the sharp teeth of a beast that gnawed his throat. By the next day, May 9th, several reports came from home and abroad to the emperor's headquarters, which was on the march. "Muchel, Duke of the Golden Crow, has captured King Jebram III of Uruqal." "The Duke of Moncher, who urged Jebram III to go with him, is heading north from the old Zrunagra, heading towards the imperial capital Onogur." "Jigmorton VII, the king of Yerudi, announced the deprivation of Lord Lasalle's official rank. The crime is to kill Lord Obrahit, the envoy." "During Jebrem III's absence from the country, chaos arose in the kingdom of Ulukal, and the whole country was at a loss." "The area of ​​the imperial capital Onogul is also slightly chaotic. Among the nobles and courtiers, there are even those who left the imperial capital to escape the persecution of the war..." Some of the above-mentioned reports are true, and of course some are misrepresentations.There is no way to make a correct judgment immediately.But there is one thing that is beyond doubt, that is, Munchell, the Duke of the Golden Crow, has no intention of continuing to lie down.At this time, he was leading the army under his command, marching towards the imperial capital.Of course, this move is not allowed by the Imperial Order.The act of the princes arbitrarily raising their troops to march towards the capital is strictly prohibited by military law not only in Mafar, but in any country.Once this prohibition is blatantly broken, Munchell's behavior is regarded as rebellion. "What is the Duke of the Golden Crow thinking?" Reasonable civil and military officials couldn't help frowning, but for a very small number of people, the overall situation couldn't be more clear.Munchell, the Duke of the Golden Crow, was simply rebelling. He took advantage of the emperor's absence to occupy the imperial capital, Onogur, and then raised a member of the royal family as a puppet to achieve his ambition to control the entire political power.However, even if a character like Munchell wants to take advantage of the chaos in front of him to usurp state power, how can he justify his actions and make his actions reasonable?Wouldn't such an approach only make oneself notorious?This question confuses everyone. At this time, the only person who can understand Munchell's intentions is probably the emperor Karman.Because Kalman does know.Munchell also knew the secret that he killed his father first, and then lifted the Supreme Crown.Once Lassalle tries to take power in person, he will publicize the fact that Karman is a patricide sinner before the world, and he will argue that he drove Karman out of the throne to maintain justice.After the death of General Lasalle, the Yerudi army behind him was no longer to be feared, but there was a stronger and more feared enemy waiting in front of Karman.However, it is also the last enemy.As long as Munchell is killed, the enemy that can make Kallman fear may not exist. 无论如何，现在最要紧的，就是要比蒙契尔更早返回帝都，即使只快一天。 五月九日，金鸦国公蒙契尔已经来到帝都奥诺古尔南方，大约只有一百斯塔迪亚（约二十公里）的位置。他暂时将阵营设置在此，整顿全军的秩序。一方面是他已经确认自己可以比卡尔曼先行到达帝都，一方面是要在这个地方，等待他另一个策谋的成果。在这同一天，他将帕萨罗威兹侯爵从帝都逃脱出来的一家人，迎进自己阵营之中。蒙契尔对着年幼的依德莉达公主笑着说： “让我准备一个帝国，送给公主当礼物吧！” 这是蒙契尔的不良嗜好。虽然不是全然不管对方是什么人，不过他经常会忍不住要吐出一些把自己充作奸臣或恶棍之类的话。对这个充满智略与野心的青年来说，这似乎是他的一种宣泄方法。侯爵虽然默不出声，不过他从帝都逃脱的行为，也已经表示出他内心所作的制断，他除了把自己一家的命运托付给蒙契尔之外，已经别无选择了。依德莉达公主问着蒙契尔说： “蒙契尔先生会当皇帝吗？” “……虽然不是现在，不过迟早会的。” “那么现在的皇帝先生怎么办呢？” 这个企图要篡夺皇位的年轻人，并没有立刻回答小女孩这个天真无邪、率直的问题。事实上，蒙契尔从来未曾憎恶过卡尔曼个人。他之所以要打倒卡尔曼，并不是因为憎恶，而是由于野心的缘故。在他人的眼里，蒙契尔的居心或许是令人畏怯且厌恶的，但是蒙契尔不得不如此，因为有一股连他自己都无法抑制的火焰，在胸中熊熊地燃烧着。 “公主，马法尔是一个大帝国。但是无论在大国家或是在小国家，皇位都是一样的，宽度只能够容得下一个人坐。” 如果想要获得这唯一的席位，而这个席位已经被其他人所占据的话，就只好用武力来夺取。而使用武力的方法，应该是比利用奸谋要值得赞赏。不过，蒙契尔并不需要什么赞赏。虽然他希望自己在如何行使权力方面能够获得赞赏，但在获得权力的手段方面，却不想执着于他人的评价。当然尽可能的话，最好能够让流的血减低到最少，不过如此的想法倒也像是猫哭耗子假慈悲，因为篡夺皇位的企图原本就是他个人自私的野心。反正所有的过去与传统，除了靠流血全部洗刷掉之外，也没有什么其他方法了。
在帝都奥诺古尔城中，钢雀国公拉库斯塔的双肩所背负的责任是最重大的。他率领二万五千名士兵，严密守护帝都的城墙与城门，并且不时派出侦查队，随时调查国内外的状况。特别是在皇帝卡尔曼行踪不明的时候，更是竭尽全力为寻找皇帝下落而努力。好不容易到了五月十日，终于得到皇帝依然健在的报告。 “金鸦国公企图成为马法尔帝国的支配者，这无异是用胡桃想要把巨象给击倒。很快地，他就会知道自己的失策了。” 拉库斯塔如此肯定地断言。他身负守护帝都的重责大任，如果自己先动摇的话，那么城内的治安也就难保了。金鸦国公蒙契尔虽然是一个十足令人恐惧的敌人，但是皇帝即将返回帝都，自己只要再支撑几天就可以了，凭帝都坚固的城墙，应该是可以坚守到底的。如果皇帝军在攻防战当中及时赶回的话，甚至可以从前后两端夹击金鸦公国军。 拉库斯塔原本也希望能够赶去救援皇帝卡尔曼二世，但是金鸦国公蒙契尔的军队已逐渐在逼近之中，此时又不宜让帝都空虚。况且真让帝都呈真空状态的话，又恐怕软禁中的皇后亚德尔荷朵会进行什么阴谋。惟一能说是不幸中之大幸的，是安然无损的黑羊公国军此时正守护在皇帝的身边，获得此报告时，拉库斯塔才算是安心了。只要有利德宛在皇帝身边，暂时皇帝应该是没有危险了。 奥诺古尔城内，由于物资不足，粮食与衣物的价格开始急遽上升。拉库斯塔当然也发布了严格的管制令，但是光靠武力的管制，仍无法控制如此的事态。况且拉库斯塔的权限，原本就局限在军事方面，有关商业与民政的管理，另有其他职掌的官员。在这些官员的眼中，拉库斯塔不仅太年轻，而且又是个道地的军人，根本就不懂得商业和民政的管理。再说他也不是宰相，凭什么对所有的官僚发布管制令？朝臣之中便有人发出如此的不平之鸣。再加上有部份商人携带了些许谢礼来向他们哭诉，这么一来就更加不能坐视不理。这些朝臣于是集体涌到拉库斯塔面前，一而再、再而三地不断请愿、抗议，要求他放宽管制令的限制。这么一来，令拉库斯塔感到怒不可抑。守护帝都是皇帝所亲自赋予他的职责，他一面背负着自负与使命感，一面又担心皇帝的安全，忧虑金鸦公国军的来袭，而且他本身也已经许久未曾回到铜雀公国的领地，需要担心的事情像山一样高，奈何这些官僚竟然收受商人的贿赂，不但为眼前一小部份的利益而斤斤计较，甚至还企图在城内散布动乱的谣传。真是不可原谅。拉库斯塔于是一律拒绝这些官僚的所有要求，并且公开宣言，若再有人提出要求，将判处下狱之罪。这么一来，官员们尽管一面破口辱骂拉库斯塔，暂时也只能退散而去。就在这之后不久，宫廷顾问官裘拉杰发了一封致拉库斯塔的邀请帖。 拉库斯塔忍不住啐舌，这邀请帖什么时候不好来，偏偏挑在这诸事繁忙之际，但是此时又不宜贸然谢绝，拉库斯塔只得接受了裘拉杰的邀请，而他前往赴约的时间已经是入夜之后了。 “不知您有何贵干呢？顾问官大人。” 虽然拉库斯塔对于裘拉杰个人并没有什么特殊的恶意，可是却不知不觉摆出了一副冷漠的态度。拉库斯塔已经打定主意，裘拉杰若是提出释放皇后亚德尔荷朵的要求，一定马上就加以拒绝。不过裘拉杰只是圆滑地扮着笑脸，这人原本就生得一副丑恶的相貌，即便是扮出笑脸也无法讨人喜欢，不过他倒是一副很诚实的样子，一面慰问拉库斯塔的辛劳，批评朝中官员不合作的态度，并且表明自己的立场，说自己绝对支持拉库斯塔的作法，说着说着，便奉劝拉库斯塔品尝兹鲁纳格拉最有名的红葡萄酒。裘拉杰原本就是个着名的品酒专家，对兹鲁纳格拉所酿造之葡萄酒的品质，更具有无与伦比的监赏功力。拉库斯塔此时正对自己的职务与人际关系而感到疲惫，当有人向他展现友好时，自然是不会感到嫌恶，所以拉库斯塔接受了。说拉库斯塔大意或许是残酷了些。不过基于公务上的考量，拉库斯塔仅仅喝了一杯。即使裘拉杰很是殷勤地劝说，拉库斯塔还是郑重地谢绝。他原本就无意久留，不过当他想开口告辞的时候，喉咙深处竟突然感到一阵刺痛，郁闷、灼热的物体迅速地向外推挤。 发出一个异样的怪声之后，拉库斯塔吐出了血块，并且开始剧烈地咳嗽，拉库斯塔用手捂住自己的嘴巴，却有一条条红色的小蛇从他的指缝间爬窜出来。痛苦的感觉灼烧着胃部，视野逐渐地暗去，但是拉库斯塔仍刚毅地支撑着自己，踉踉跄跄地站起来： “奸人、奸诈小人。你好大的胆子……” 拉库斯塔伸手按住自己的剑柄，手里已经沾满了从他口中所吐出来的鲜血。拉库斯塔年纪虽轻，但是深受皇帝的重用，即便是在崇尚武勇的马法尔帝国中，不但是屈指可数的将军，也是一名通晓剑术的剑士。尽管已经吞服下远超过致命量的茸毒，他还是把剑拔出了一半，奈祭在剑还没有完全拔出以前，整个视野已经转为一片黑暗。拉库斯塔用另一只手抓住窗帘以支撑自己的身体，失明的眼睛仍瞪视着宫廷顾问官，然后一步一步地靠近他。 裘拉杰似乎是吓得魂飞魄散，好不容易才勒住自己即将滚落恐慌深渊的精神，将之维持在均衡的断崖上。他于是快步地跑向墙边，抱起了一只约有幼儿的头那般大小的青钢制花瓶，然后高举过头，对准目标掷了过去。沉重的花瓶于是击中了拉库斯塔的头部，发出一声令人不悦的浑浊响声之后，便滚落到地面上。铜雀国公拉库斯塔，就这样被一名原本连他的一只手指都无法伤害的软弱文官夺去了他年轻的生命。 当确认拉库斯塔确实已经一动都不动的时候，裘拉杰这才一面调整自己的呼吸，然后向死者的躯体靠近。血腥的浓烈气息令他不堪地皱起了自己的五官，但是手里边还是继续忙碌地搜索着死者的衣服。不久，他那沾满血迹的指尖终于捏到一串光度黯淡的钥匙，这就是裘拉杰的目的所在。为了取得这串钥匙，他甚至牺牲了过去所辛苦建立起来的政治家名声。裘拉杰从不曾毒杀任何与他毫无冤仇的人，但这也是到昨天为止。在今后的人生当中，他将永远背负着“卑劣的毒杀者”这样的坏名声。不过，裘拉杰是在对这一切早有了充份的觉悟之后，才为自己的前途作出这样的选择。 自从接获皇帝行踪不明的报告之后，便一直被软禁在宫廷内院的皇后亚德尔荷朵，这时听见门外传来一阵粗暴的响声，不禁紧张地紧绷了全身。难道是铜雀国公拉库斯塔，企图要侵入内院加害于她吗？ 她的预料当然是落空了，因为此时出现在门口的，竟然是追随亡父多年，同时也是她所熟悉的旧臣。 “内亲王殿下，微臣来救您了。” “这到底怎么回事？裘拉杰？” 亚德尔荷朵的声音与表情，竟然是不信任的神色更甚于喜悦之情。如果是正式的释放，那拉库斯塔大人应该会亲自来到皇后的面前，为他的所作所为谢罪不是吗？裘拉杰不应该有这样的权限。不过亚德尔荷朵的疑问，在裘拉杰难得兴奋的说明中得到了解答。原来他已经与金鸦国公蒙契尔连手，企图将皇帝卡尔曼逐出皇位，在他们的秘密协定之中，有一项就是毒杀担任帝都守护之职务的铜雀国公拉库斯塔。这一切对亚德尔荷朵来说，简直是太出乎意料外了，但是她并没有将自己的惊愕形之于色，只是一动也不动地，静静听着裘拉杰所说的话。她感觉到自己的自尊心受到了严重的伤害。年龄还不满二十岁的她，此时已成为征服者的皇后正室，原本意欲以丈夫与列国作为发挥权谋的对象，却在尚未有任何作为之前便遭到软禁，而此时被人释放，却又是因为一个自己所不曾参预、也完全不知情的策谋。 “那么，内亲王殿下，现在就请您离开这个令人郁闷的地方，和金鸦国公见面吧。蒙契尔国公已经有承诺，愿意在事成之后，将旧兹鲁纳格拉领内的二十州归还给我们。届时，内亲王陛下就能够重回祖国的怀抱了。现在就请您离开这里……” "No." “啊……您说什么？” “我不是兹鲁纳格拉的内亲王，而是马法尔的皇后，马法尔皇帝卡尔曼二世的妻子，此时此刻的身份，已经不宜再谈论过去的悲痛。” 当亚德尔荷朵如此冷峻且严酷地回答时，裘拉杰那丑恶的脸不禁因狼狈而怪异地扭曲起来： “卡尔曼是夺取我兹鲁纳格拉祖国的侵略者，对于这样的人，您还要假装尽什么忠义吗？您难道忘了祖国的恩泽？” “你如今能拥有宫廷顾问官的地位，可是卡尔曼二世所赐给你的。真正忘恩的人不就是你吗？” 亚德尔荷朵的指责仿佛利刃般刨剜着裘拉杰的内心深处，这个兹鲁纳格拉的旧臣满脸冒出油光的汗水，一时竟无言以对。不过这郁闷浑浊的沉默并没有持续太久，因为从室外传来了一阵充满恐怖与疑惑的叫声。 “金鸦军，是金鸦军攻进来了，有人打开城门，把金鸦军引进来了。” 原来裘拉杰事先早已揣测好时机，命旧兹鲁纳格拉王国的部下打开帝都的城门，将趁黑逼近的金鸦公国军给引进了城内。亚德尔荷朵明白了眼前的事态，于是对裘拉杰投以冷漠的一瞥，然后就转身走回自己的卧室，把房门关上，让裘拉杰碰了一鼻子灰。当门内传出上门栓的声音时，这个兹鲁纳格拉的旧朝臣丧气地垂下了肩膀。 蒙契尔先是促使耶鲁迪国王吉古摩顿七世，将拉萨尔将军赶进绝路，现在又操纵裘拉杰这个傀儡，害死了拉库斯塔国公。他在这两年内所布下的谋略网都一一奏效，此时更让金鸦公国的军旗，得以飘扬在帝都奥诺古尔的城头上。只要再一步，就可以达成他所有的野心了。 “这一步可是相当大的一步，万一踩进了无底的泥沼，后果可就惨不忍睹了。” 蒙契尔独自伫立在空无一人的谒见厅，喃喃地对着自己说道。他还没有脱下身上那件表面上到处装饰着人血彩绘的战甲。驻守帝都的铜雀公国军虽然已经失去了主将拉库斯塔，但仍然不愿意把城无条件地交出来。 “拉库斯塔大人已经死了，既然如此，你们是为谁而战？为什么要把帝都变成杀戮的血海呢？” 经由米克罗逊传达了蒙契尔的宣告之后，铜雀公国军终于放弃抵抗，并且同意退出城外。这一点或许可以证明拉库斯塔的确深得部下的人心，不过不管怎么说，到五月十一日早上的时候，帝都奥诺古尔已经完全在蒙契尔的掌握之中。蒙契尔先安排一个小队的步兵，对自行关闭在内院的皇后亚德尔荷朵加以监视，然后就前去寻访另一名被软禁的人，那就是铜雀国公拉库斯塔的公邸内所禁锢的鲁谢特皇子。 “亲王陛下，不，马法尔帝国第二十六代皇帝鲁谢特陛下。” 金鸦国公恭谨有礼地叩跪在幼儿面前： “臣下来迎接您了。恭请陛下返回您正当的居所皇宫。臣蒙契尔将保护陛下您的圣体。” 至于另一名被幽禁在龙牙国公渥达之公邸内的爱谢蓓特大公妃，蒙契尔不认为有见她的必要。 对蒙契尔来说，他所需要的只是鲁谢特皇子一个人，而皇子的母亲爱谢蓓特大公妃，则不过是蒙契尔成就霸道的一个累赘、障碍。如果这女人在作为幼帝母亲的同时，只是以奢侈挥霍为满足的话，倒可以把她摆在皇帝的宝座旁当装饰，但是爱谢蓓特无论如何都不可能以此为满足，她时时刻刻都会寻找机会，取代自己的儿子以独揽大权。正因为她内心具有根深蒂固的权力欲、怨恨、和耍弄阴谋的癖好，所以卡尔曼才会把她和她的孩子分开。对蒙契尔来说，当然也没有任何理由会促使他给予爱谢蓓特更宽大于卡尔曼的待遇。 “米克罗逊，你在那里吗？” “是的，阁下。” 心腹的部下一鞠躬之后，蒙契尔便低声对他下令，一个非常简短的命令，照旧处理。米克罗逊的表情有些僵硬，不过他还是又行了一鞠躬。蒙契尔则神情泰然地附加了一句： “不得不如此哪，尽量让她痛快一点就是了。” 米克罗逊退下之后，蒙契尔便走到外面的大理石阳台上，眺望着初夏的月亮，只是眼中并无深切的欣赏之意。 “就算活着，反正也见不到自己的亲生孩子。暂时就请你带着阴谋和不满，远离这个浮生尘世吧！” 弯细的月亮没有理会蒙契尔的低语，只是把仿佛褪色金币般柔柔的亮光，投照在年轻野心家的身上。