Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Showdown
At midnight on May 11th, the city of Onogur, the imperial capital of the Marfar Empire, fell into the hands of Munchell, the Duke of the Golden Crow.The next day, Emperor Karman II received the news eighty stadia (about sixteen kilometers) away from the city.Although it is only one day slower than Munchell, if it is slower by this day, it is almost equivalent to losing everything.
"The military flag of the Duke of the Golden Crow is flying above the city of the imperial capital, and the gate of the city has been closed and locked."
The knights of the Bronze Sparrow Principality under the command of La Costa brought this news to the camp of the Emperor's Army.After they reached an agreement with Munchell, the Duke of the Golden Crow, they left the city with weapons.From Munchell's point of view, doing so seems to allow more than 20,000 troops to join the enemy's camp, but in fact, if these 20,000 soldiers are entrenched in the city and continue to resist fiercely, it will inevitably force them to join the enemy camp. It is impossible to calmly fight against the emperor's army approaching the outside of the city, so it is better for Munchell to let them retreat out of the city smoothly.The Bronze Sparrow Knight, who only found out about the inside story after meeting up with the Emperor's army outside the city, couldn't help gnashing his teeth with regret, "If I had known this, I would have continued to fight in the city no matter what, so that I could open the city gates and welcome the Emperor." Your Majesty."After Calman learned the news of La Costa's death through their report, he couldn't help feeling sad for the loss of a loyal hero, but at this moment he was not even allowed to grieve blindly.He issued a proclamation to the whole land of the Empire:
"The emperor's army will never fail. I not only defeated Kurland, but also Yerudi. Today, there are still 300,000 elite soldiers under my command. I will repel the illegal challenge raised by the Duke of the Golden Crow, and Restoring peace in the country within a few days."
Although he knew it was just a bluff, Kallman had to.In fact, at this time, under his command, there are only 33,000 soldiers from the Army of the Black Sheep Principality and 20,000 soldiers from the Army of the Principality of the Bronze Sparrow, plus the troops directly under him, the total number is only 65,000 soldiers.What's more, the Onogur city wall has always been praised for being difficult to attack and never fall. Karman is obviously facing the dilemma of insufficient troops.
"As soon as I heard that my whereabouts were unknown, some ignorant rats seemed to start to move around. Well, since the dead body is easy to find, it is also a good opportunity to kill the beast. This is really ridiculous!"
Despite the bitterness in his heart, Kallman still had to admit, wasn't he the one who really made people laugh and cry?Yu Jia returned from a foreign land after his personal conquest, but the capital was captured by the courtiers. As the king of a country, he was forced to attack his own city, otherwise he would face the dilemma of having nowhere to return.In the history of the mainland countries, have there ever been emperors and kings who were forced to be in such a situation?Although he has the reputation of "Mafar Thunder King", when thinking of this, Kalman can't help but feel stupid.
For Kallman, the more than 20,000 soldiers of the Bronze Sparrow Principality are rather thankful.But to give full play to the strength of these soldiers, there must be enough food to supply them.Although this point can be guaranteed after the opening of state-owned granaries in various places in the country, the problem is that the opening of these granaries and the delivery of grain must have a person in charge with strong ability to complete these tasks in a short time. deal with.In the end, this task was in charge of the Duke of Longya, Oda, because although Oda only drank a little poisonous water, his body has not fully recovered, and he is still unable to engage in other military affairs that require wearing armor.
Lidvan was beside the emperor, and he couldn't help wondering if Munchell had fallen into a talent trap.From the boyhood, when they studied together at Royal College, Munchell's talent has always been overwhelming.Whether in politics, history, poetics, music, logic, or military science, his gorgeous and sharp light even surpassed Kalman.Although Kalman praised Munchell's talent, he was often on par with Munchell in terms of politics and tactics.
Ridvan had never been jealous of either of them.In terms of intelligence and knowledge, I am not as good as Munchell; in terms of talent, I am not as good as Kalman.Lidwan only had such simple thoughts in his heart, and he never even thought of confronting the two of them.Lidwan used to be the Prime Minister of the Tiger Wing Principality in the past, and now he is the heir of the Black Sheep Principality. These positions are something that Lidvan never imagined in his youth. Lidwan always believes that his situation is far beyond One's own talent, so far in life, there is nothing else to ask for.
However, Lidwan felt that there was one thing that must be reported to the emperor first.Because the knights of the Bronze Sparrow Kingdom, whose hearts were burning with the flames of vengeance, have begun to spread words like this: "Princess Angelina is the younger sister of the traitor, the Duke of the Golden Crow, and she should be punished together!" Lidwan stood up for this. In front of the emperor, he expressed his opinion:
"Princess Angelina is no longer the younger sister of the Duke of the Golden Crow, but the fiancée of the heir of the Duke of Black Sheep. Although the Duke of Munchell has committed the crime of treason, if the princess is to be held together for questioning, Forgive Lidwan for being difficult to accept."
While expressing his opinion, Lidvan felt a tremor running through his body.The reason is not fear, but a painful awareness.At last came the sad moment when Ridvan and Princess Angelina were drawn into the struggle for the throne between Karman and Munchell, despite their own predictions. The facts have been fulfilled, but Lidwan is not at all happy.Kallman stared at Ridwan's face, and nodded in agreement.The emperor's slightly tired eyes gently caressed the face of his old friend:
"I understand. The princess was once my life-saving benefactor, and I have no intention of holding her on trial. Don't worry."
Lidvan bowed and thanked the emperor, but when he thought of Princess Angelina's pain, he couldn't really feel at ease.
"...At this momentous moment, we must tell the people of the world a great secret. Karman, who claims to be the emperor, is a sinner who only wore the crown after killing his father, His Majesty King Boguda II!"
The proclamation issued by the Duke of the Golden Crow has begun to spread throughout the country of Mafar, and Munchell has already resorted to tricks before he entered the city.
"Kingslayers are not qualified to inherit the throne! This is not only in the country of Mafar, but also the iron rule of all countries. The orthodox emperor of Mafar, except for the eldest grandson of His Majesty Boguda II , no one else. And Karman, who forcibly forced His Royal Highness to leave his mother's side and imprisoned him, is actually a traitor. The Golden Crow King Munchell's crusade was to bring Mafal's politics back to the right path. It is a helpless action that has to be taken. Mafar people who understand the facts, please make a choice for your own actions after careful consideration, whether to follow the kingslayer, or to swear loyalty to the orthodox king."
There is also this paragraph in the announcement.King Jebrem III of Urukal, who was forced to travel with the Duke of the Golden Crow, also recognized that Prince Ruschet was the orthodox Mafar Emperor, and expressed the meaning of the two countries' repair.
The reckless and ignorant king of Ulukal seems to be giving a living demonstration of the phrase "he deserves to be unlucky".Instigated indirectly by Munchell, he raised his troops to invade the territory of the old Zrunagra, was captured and became a hostage, and was dragged around by Munchell along the way.Once upon a time, he and Munchell jointly crusade against "Paricide Sinner Kalman", as if he was an ally of Munchell.If the whole stage play centered on him, any intense killing and bloodshed would seem as insignificant as a farce.To him, of course, all this was of the utmost importance, for he was struggling to preserve his own life and his authority as king of a country.The princesses and princes in Ulukal's own country are also worried about his life and safety, and are shrouded in restless condemnation all day long.But for Kalman, the situations Munchell directs are laughable and pathetic.His capital was seized by courtiers, and the empress was taken hostage. Such an emperor would have a bad reputation in history.And the only way for him to erase this trace of infamy and get out of the immediate predicament is to win a perfect victory.But what about the actual situation?He did not receive a good response to the mobilization order issued by the country, and the anxious look could not be hidden on Kallman's face.If the situation continues to drag on, those carnivorous beasts that are always gearing up and showing their teeth and claws outside the borders of the country may take unpredictable and rash actions at any time.When ambition and desire override each other's mutual distrust, even Yerudi and Kurland will not guarantee that they will hold each other's dirty hands and invade the borders of the country together.
No, in fact, the Courland army, which has not changed its bad nature, has crossed the border at this time and marched towards the imperial capital Mafar. It can be said that it has suffered and does not know how to behave.However, no one knows this unpleasant fact yet.
"People are really not omnipotent. When I was a child, I never imagined that I would have such a day."
At this time, Karman, who was in the base camp, shrugged his shoulders and smiled in a low voice but full of self-deprecation. The armor wrapped around his body was shining with metal light.Li Dewan had no answer, but just quietly looked at the slightly pale face of the emperor.
"At that time, I always believed that as long as I could live for a long time, it would be a good thing. But now I am facing such a situation. No matter how long and how long I live, it will probably just add some unhappy memories."
"Your Majesty is not old at all, is he? Please express such sentiments after fifty years!"
Lidvan briefly encouraged Karman.Although Lidwan was full of sincerity, he was not good at words after all, so he could only say some superficial words.In addition, Munchell, the Duke of the Golden Crow, condemned Kallman as a "sinner who killed his father". Although Lidwan did not mention this point, he had to feel that there was an invisible barrier blocking him. and the emperor.
On May 14th, the battle had not yet begun, but the tension was rising inside and outside the towering walls of the imperial capital. At this time, a force from the northwest came to the imperial army's camp and brought new weather.In front of the troops, a rider on a young horse was calling out loudly, "Lied! Angelina!" The man and woman who heard the call almost fell down in shock. It turned out to be Lidwan's. His son Paal arrived with Almosio, the prince of the Black Sheep.
In the strange situation of coma and stalemate at this time, the actions of Almoxiu, the Duke of the Black Sheep, showed that his banner was on the same front as Emperor Karman.Although Elder Almoxiu was a veteran general who had experienced many battles, he was already old at this time, and besides, he was blind in both eyes.It is completely impossible to go to the battlefield to fight the enemy, and he arrived at this time, not even on a horse, but in a carriage shaking all the way.Nevertheless, he brought 2,000 cavalry, 6,000 infantry, and provisions for the imperial army.The army was directly under the command of Ridwan, and food was even more precious at this moment.Lidwan personally greeted him before going into battle, and the first sentence the elder said to Lidvan was about an old subordinate:
"Jiga is dead, isn't he?"
"Yes, we unfortunately lost a rare knight due to the night attack of the Yerudi army. Fortunately, we also beheaded the general of the Yerudi army, and we were able to comfort Jijia's spirit in heaven."
This is of course a lie, but in this case the truth only hurts the living as well as the dead all the more.Ridwan hugged Paar and said as calmly as possible.Elder Amoxiu nodded, and did not mention Jijia's death after that.
"Let's not talk about that, alas, ah, ah, although it is a carriage, but the long journey is really too much for my old bones. It seems that it is time to retire."
What Elder Almoxiu said felt a bit like what Kallman said when he was expressing his gratitude.Li Dewan couldn't help but said with a wry smile: "Boss, no matter what, you must be healthy and live a long life! Whether it is the Black Sheep Principality or the Marfar Empire, you still need your usefulness. Body, please don’t say anything about retiring.”
"Oh, if young people are allowed to say this and become self-righteous, they will only end up being disgusting in the end!"
Almoxiu just prevaricated in such an understatement.With the support of Lidvan and Princess Angelina, Elder Almoxiu came to the emperor to greet the emperor, and then Almoxiu said:
"Your Majesty, I hope that on this occasion today, I can officially pass on the status of Duke of the Black Sheep to Lidvan. I implore Your Majesty's permission. I am very grateful."
Kallman agreed to Elder Almoxiu's request on the spot.So Lidwan took over the position of the Duke of the Black Sheep with Kallman's personal approval.And this also means that the Principality of Black Sheep will recognize Kallman's emperor authority from beginning to end, and will be loyal to Kallman.This has considerable political implications.Of course, even from an emotional point of view, Kallman has no reason to be taboo.In addition to the appointment ceremony of Duke Black Sheep, Kallman also proposed to hold the wedding of Ridvan and Princess Angelina at the same time.The wedding banquet can be grandly held later, but at this time the legal marriage ceremony can be completed first.
The two parties were at a loss for the emperor's sudden proposal. On the contrary, Elder Almoxiu applauded and urged them to get ready.So all these happy events went on in a hurry and panic.
Although it is rare to hold the induction ceremony of knights and nobles on the battlefield, it is not unique. The process is simple and plain, but the whole form is established.What is really amazing is the wedding held on the battlefield. The bride and groom are not wearing wedding dresses, but wearing battle armor with swords around their waists. What's more, the groom brings his own children .On May 14th, when the lower edge of the sun touched the upper end of the horizon, two ceremonies were being held successively in the main camp of the Emperor's Army.Just after the groom has kissed the bride, and the bride has kissed the groom and the groom's children, the whole process is over.
After these two ceremonies, Lidwan officially obtained the status of the Duke of the Black Sheep and an enviable wife.
Maybe it wasn't a very long dream, but when a few scenes burst like bubbles, there seemed to be a low sound.Lidwan woke up when his body was gently shaken.At this time, it was the short summer in the northern country of Mafar, and it was still dark outside the camp.He was lying on a field bed with another person lying beside him.It was this man's hand that shook his shoulder just now and let him escape from the dream.
"Princess Angelina..."
"Don't call me princess anymore, I'm already your wife."
Angelina used her fingers to comb and curl her hair, the color of which was like a winter sunset.The sadness emanating from this action seemed quite out of proportion to her original self.The princess could intuitively feel her brother's ambition, and even though she worried about her final situation from time to time, she still couldn't change her brother's course.The brave, smart, and straightforward princess seems to be helplessly worried about her brother.In fact, Lidwan also had the same sense of powerlessness, and even felt sorry for the woman who became his wife last night.And this feeling is completely different from how effective he has been in resolving the confrontation between Kalman and Munchell.
Munchell denounced "Karman as a patricide". About this point, Lidvan once talked with Elder Almosio after his wedding ceremony with Princess Angelina.
Whether Kallman is a patricide or not, even if this doubt is clarified, it is actually meaningless.Even a figure like the Golden Crow King Munchell made mistakes at the most important moment.After launching the rebel army, even if the crime of patricide committed by the emperor was punished, it sounded like an excuse, an excuse used to rationalize his personal rebellion.In other words, once there is a coup or mutiny, justice and human relations are just weapons used by rebels to fight for power.Whether this weapon will be lethal or useless depends on how the opponent responds.
This is Elder Almoxiu's opinion.Since there is no clear evidence to prove that Kallman did commit the crime of patricide, as long as Kallman denies it, all Lidvan can do is to choose between believing or not believing.Whether Kallman is telling the truth or lying is a question of Kallman's conscience. Lidwan should not go beyond this inner realm of Kallman, and can only act like a secular mortal.
"However, there is one thing that is certain. No matter who wins or loses between the emperor and the Duke of the Golden Crow, it will be the killing of relatives and friends!"
When Lidwan thought of this, he couldn't help but feel lost. This may be because Lidwan is not a mature politician yet.Since his status as Duke of the Black Sheep was bestowed by Kallman himself, in order to maintain the rationality of his own status and authority, he should assist Kallman to consolidate his imperial power.Crack down on Munchell, who vetoed Karman's imperial power, and take back the imperial capital, Onogur, to resist the aggression of various countries and prevent possible rebellions from various forces in the country.Since Lidwan was already in the middle of the river, he naturally couldn't cross the river halfway and turn back halfway.Lidwan himself fully understands these principles, but there is an emotion in his heart that is hard to let go no matter what.It would be great if one could find a heinous person and attribute all these crimes to him...
Suddenly, Ridvan's breathing was blocked, and his heart was pulled back to reality.It turned out that it was Princess Angelina who stretched out her slender white hand to cover the nose of the man in front of her, who had now become her husband.
"Princess, what are you doing?"
"Oh, it looks like my husband is still alive. I saw you were in a daze for a while, and thought you were possessed by some ghost or ghost, but luckily you weren't."
Amethyst-like pupils stared at Ridvan from the front.This twenty-one-year-old woman is a rare beauty, but what is even more superior to her beauty is her free and easy personality, which makes it impossible for people to take their eyes off her. Yes, Lidvan thought so at the moment.And this is what attracted him the most.That's right, a person's gaze must never deviate from reality.If he escaped from reality, it would be tantamount to admitting that he was not worthy to be Angelina's husband at all.
Although it is not to save thousands of people, it is time to fight with Emperor Karman.When he met Munchell on the battlefield, he persuaded him to surrender, and if he refused, he had no choice but to behead him.Of course, Lidwan might not necessarily be able to win in a swordsmanship contest with Munchell, but after making up his mind, Lidvan seemed to be able to free himself from the useless confusion.
On May 15th, after obtaining the emperor's permission, the Duke of the Black Sheep Lidwan and his wife Angelina came to the gate of the imperial capital together and asked to meet the Duke of the Golden Crow Munchell.Between the emperor's base camp and the city gate, there is an empty military zone of nearly fifty stadia (about ten kilometers), a mixed area formed by grassland and woodland, and the movement of personnel has been completely cut off.When a man and a woman rode two horses and slowly passed through this area, they could clearly see it from the city wall of the imperial capital Onogur.The city gate was opened in response to the voices of the two of them, but only the Duke of the Black Sheep was allowed to enter the city. As for his wife, the Duke of the Golden Crow sent a message: "Angelina, you are no longer the Duke of the Golden Crow. People are not allowed to enter the city without permission." After being so coldly rejected, Angelina's eyes flashed a look of frustration, but she didn't raise any protest.He only exchanged glances with Lidwan, then nodded, and jumped off the horse outside the city gate alone, watching her husband's back riding into the city alone.General Matthias, who was in charge of guarding the city gate, was an older comrade in arms than Angelina. He said sympathetically to the princess: "Princess, please go to the city. If your brother is angry, I, Matthias, will bear it!" "Let's see your brother Wang for the last time!" But Matthias didn't say it, but just advised the princess to go to the city.But the princess just shook her head, thanking him for his kindness: "Thank you, General Matthias. But forget it. Even if I see my brother, I don't know what to say." The brave, open-minded, and straightforward princess seemed to have returned to her childhood in an instant, and General Matthias couldn't help feeling a tightness in his chest.He had known the princess when she was still in the cradle. "Well, princess, it has evolved into today's situation, it is really..." "You don't need to say anything, Matthias. Each has his own position." The princess's voice was not at all tough, but seemed to be comforting someone.Because of this, the general was deeply moved, so he bowed deeply to the princess. After handing over the sword, Li Dewan entered the city and met Munchell again in the audience hall.At this time, the expression of the Duke of the Golden Crow seemed to be armed with an invisible film, and he said sarcastically to Lidwan: "Lidwan, are you determined to support the man who killed his father? Change your mind and join me!" "Do you mean that I support a man who betrayed his lord, Munchell?" After attacking each other with harsh and ruthless words, they suddenly fell silent.After all, they were good friends in the past, even if they tried to belittle each other, it would not do them any good.Since Kalman's wedding, this was the first time the two of them met after two and a half months apart. Even if there were no warm and touching scenes, there was no need to disturb each other's psychology and the current situation. Munchell then began to talk about the past more than two years ago, that is, the day the late emperor Boguda II passed away.On that gray day when the ice was frozen, the then Grand Duke Karman returned to the imperial capital from the battlefield urgently.Before he arrived, although the court announced that Boguda II had swallowed his last breath, but from the tooth marks left on the pillow that was thrown out of the hospital bed, and from the observation of Kalman's expression at that time, Monchel Only then was it determined that Karman had killed his father.After listening to Lidwan without saying a word, he asked in a low voice: "Even if this is really a fact, if you expose it now, who will be happy about it? Only those with ambitions The nations will applaud, won't they?" "The bards of later generations will be very happy. They love blood and tears. If the greatest emperor in the history of Marfar walks on the path of glory and misery at the same time, these people will surely use gorgeous words to praise him!" Munchell smiled viciously.However, when the smile was put away, the Duke of the Golden Crow changed the subject, and his tone seemed to be expressing his heart: "What I did was only for the purpose of obtaining the throne. I don't have the slightest resentment or hatred towards Karman." .In this history, how many emperors who are far more incompetent and immoral than Kallman were able to secure the throne and eat and eat until the end. I hate these people, not Kallman. " "Hmph, what is this!" Munchell sneered at himself: "How can you say these words that seem to be justifying yourself? No one should be able to understand these words!" At this time, Lidwan Correcting his posture, he was about to say something, but Munchell raised a hand to stop Lidvan. "Your reputation comes from swordsmanship and military use. If you also have eloquence, it is because I am ignorant and ignorant." This is Monchel's bad habit.He often sees what the other party wants to say in advance before the other party speaks, and then preemptively strikes.And Lidwan was indeed stopped first, and fell silent.Originally, he was not a person who was good at words, even if he spoke, it might not be able to change Munchell's mind.Instead, Munchell spoke again, trying to persuade the other party to change his original intention: "Lidwan, in addition to the ten states of the Principality of Black Sheep, how about adding the ten states of the Principality of Tiger Wings? Whether it is a general or a prime minister, you can choose the title you like, so you are willing to accept it?" Lidvan's answer to this condition was somewhat beyond Munchell's expectations: "Didn't you also get the five-state territory bestowed by His Majesty Kalman in addition to the original territory?" "That's right. What do you want to say?" "By yourself, haven't you already proved that territories can't buy people's hearts? After giving me a large territory of twenty states, can you feel at ease? Doing so will only increase your inner anxiety. Always worry about whether I will rebel. I also don't want myself to be in anxiety at any time, worrying that sooner or later I will be alienated by you. Is it a thing to be happy to take all the glory and wealth on yourself? " If Lidwan and Angelina had a child, the child would become "Emperor Munchell's nephew".If Lidvan was an ambitious man, he might find a way to expel Munchell from the throne so that his child could become emperor.If the attempt succeeds, a splendid theater garnished with blood and intrigue, a drama known as "The Chain of Usurped Thrones," can be produced. "That's right, it seems that you are more insightful. I'm deceiving my heart, but you are unquestionably sincere. If that's the case, there's no need for us to talk any further." Munchell then clapped his hands vigorously and summoned the soldiers in.After ordering them to send the Duke of Black Sheep out of the city, Munchell seemed to suddenly remember something: "You can take Queen Yadelhodo away together. It's a pity to kill her, but if she is allowed to stay in the city, it's hard to guarantee that she won't resort to any conspiracy. Maybe one day she will put a knife on me while I'm sleeping. On the neck, it's really disturbing!" Because of Munchell's words, Lidwan thought of Grand Princess Ai Shebet.What is the status of the mother of the prince Luchette, who is also Karman's brother and sister-in-law, in this imperial capital?To Munchell, Prince Rouchette is just a puppet, and this woman, who is the mother of the prince and also possesses ambition and a habit of intrigue, should be a hindrance! "How is Grand Princess Ai Shebet now?" Lidwan deliberately probed, and Munchell answered calmly as if this question had been expected by him: "I'm sick in bed at the moment. There are doctors and maids taking care of me." After Munchell replied, he added: "Prince Rouchette has visited his mother's bedside twice." As for whether this is a lie , Lidwan has no basis to criticize.At this moment, she should be satisfied to be able to release Queen Yadelhodo back.But in fact, for Munchell, this move is just to get rid of a burden, because he clearly realizes that Queen Yadelhodo has no value as a hostage at all, and all she can do is serve as a hostage Props, so that Munchell can bring down the Bronze Sparrow King Lacusta from a distance, and then open the gate of the imperial capital.Now her task is complete. When face to face with Li Dewan, Yadelhodo looked like a statue under the half-moon light, still beautiful, obviously not being abused, but it was a resolute rejection of others.Even so, she thanked Ridvan first, and then added: "Now I have nowhere to go but Mafar. If my husband Karman is Zrunagra's uninvited son-in-law, then I am the daughter-in-law who insisted on staying in Mafar. Since Already homeless, no matter how much you are disliked, you can only continue to live in this country." Yadel Hodo should be two years younger than Angelina, but her expression of completely closing her heart at this time seems to be older than Angelina.Listening to her cold voice, it seemed that some people present were already bowing their heads sadly, but Ridvan didn't see clearly.In short, the Queen has now been released from house arrest. When the emperor and empress reunited in the base camp, the scene was not very touching. "Are you OK?" Kalman didn't seem to be overjoyed, but when he asked Yadelhodo, he hugged his wife in a formal way. Between his words and deeds, he couldn't tell that they were a couple at the beginning of their marriage. The bride and groom who were forced to part.Seeing this scene, Li Dewan felt an inexplicable feeling of discomfort in his heart.Of course, Lidwan doesn't need to take any responsibility at all, but the couple of Karman and Yadelhodo are completely different from the couple of Lidwan and Angelina.Of course, outsiders are not allowed to intervene in this situation.Perhaps it is when people feel lonely that they will have the emotion of longing.In short, Lidvan would not use the situation of the emperor and empress as a model between himself and Princess Angelina. "This is all due to the Duke of the Black Sheep. Before the queen returned safely, I once considered burning down the entire imperial capital with military fire!" "This is because the Duke of the Golden Crow abides by the spirit of knighthood. It is not due to me." After answering the emperor in this way, Lidvan and Princess Angelina withdrew from the emperor's presence.On the way back to the camp of the Black Sheep Principality Army, although there was no special reason, the two of them kept silent all the time, they just led the horse and walked slowly, letting the early summer wind caress them.Munchell didn't say a single word about his sister.Lidwan had to think about the meaning contained in this silence. "Lead! Who will become the ruler of this vast empire?" Angelina asked.Ridwan put an arm around his wife's shoulders, pulling her body, still wrapped in battle armor, closer to him.The early summer sun was reflecting on the battle armor of the two of them, and it seemed that the unseasonal frost was shining brightly. "Princess, the one who thinks that the country needs rulers may be the rulers themselves. And the existence of rulers may only harm the people..." This is what Lidwan cares about. What exactly is Munchell waiting for?When surrounded by enemy troops outside the city, what you should expect is only external rescue and even echo.If we just rely on the strong city walls of the imperial capital and waste time blindly, we will not be able to obtain any solution and victory at all.As far back as 120 years ago, a nobleman in the neighboring country Yerudi once launched a rebellion. After the city was surrounded by hostile soldiers, he defended it for eight years and four months. Finally, he ran out of food and his entire family died. end.Munchell is certainly not a character who sees death as a good thing.At this time, he should be confident. In fact, Lidvan didn't need to hold on to this question for a long time.Because on the next day, that is, on May 16th, the envoy from the northeast border brought an urgent report. The Kingdom of Kurland, which has not changed its bad roots, "has suffered a lot and still doesn't know how to behave", and at this time it launched an army again and invaded the border of Mafar. It was at this time that the Mafar know the news.Seeing that Mafar's country is in chaos at this time, and Yerudi has lost two of the nine-pillar generals, Kurland's palace, driven by ambition and revenge, began to move again. Is this what Munchell was waiting for?Lideyuan finally understood, and after understanding this, he seemed to be able to grasp the entire strategic concept of Munchell in a trance.First, King Jigmorton VII of Yerudi was ordered to contain General Lasalle and order him to withdraw his army, and then he controlled the Kurland army to invade the old territory of Zrunagra.On the surface, it seems that there is no context to follow, but there are huge clues running through it underneath.First, Munchell managed to keep the nations from moving in unison, so that if one country invaded, the other retreated.In this way, any country is only acting for its own self-interested purposes, and they all hold mutual distrust.Therefore, the alliance of nations against Mafar will lose its effectiveness and collapse naturally.再则，各国都各自采取行动的话，皇帝卡尔曼的军事负担自然无法减轻，面对列国呈波状的攻击行动，必得要一一应战。如果应战的话，以黑羊军与铜雀军为核心的皇帝军，势必会不断有死伤，既有死伤则兵力自然会受到损耗。皇帝军的损耗，当然是对垫伏在帝都城中的金鸦军有利。待皇帝军已疲于作战，而且损伤到一定程度的时候，金鸦军就会开启城门出来应战。 更有甚于此的是，即便能够看穿蒙契尔的军略构想，对皇帝军而言，情况也不会因此而变得有利。因为卡尔曼此时已是草木皆兵、四面受敌，而这一点对利德宛与安洁莉娜公主来说也是一样的。只要根源不斩除，外敌入寇就会像浪涛一样地不断涌来。就算皇帝与黑羊国公夫妇再怎么晓勇善战，也不能够永远持续战胜。到那时，就是金鸦国公蒙契尔高奏凯歌之日了。 “其实有方法可以对抗哥哥的战略构想。” 安洁莉娜这么一说，利德宛不禁惊讶地注视着妻子。在银色战甲的裹藏下，其实有着优美肢体的安洁莉娜，以她那更胜于紫水晶的闪亮眼眸，回视着丈夫。看样子并不是在吹牛说大话的。 “你不明白吗？以我军全部兵力，攻击金鸦公国的领地。此时哥哥的领地已是一片空城，要占领并不会有什么困难。” 安洁莉娜轻描淡写地说明着： “在这期间，就让库尔兰特军去围攻帝都好了。哥哥一定会竭尽全智全能守护帝都，以免落入库尔兰特军手中吧？对陛下而言，大概再没有其他比哥哥更值得信赖的留守将领了。” 利德宛这一次真不禁惊讶地感到前所未有的新鲜，他定睛地注视着眼前这位已经成为他妻子的武勇公主！ “哇，我真没想到公主竟是如此的一位战略家！” 真不愧是蒙契尔的妹妹，不过利德宛并没有说出口来。因为有些话是绝对说不得的。无论如何，这个策谋非常地毒辣，不过或许也正因为如此，才能够有效地发挥功用也说不定。一旦安洁莉娜立于阵前的话，那固守金鸦公国本领的少数留守部队，可能会被削弱部份的抵抗意志。这么一来，蒙契尔失去原有的领地之后，就算盘踞着坚固无比的城墙，也会如同一朵失去根部的花，总有一天会凋零的。原本所谓的帝都，就是指皇帝所在的都城，如果卡尔曼宣布将皇帝宝座迁移到其他都城的话，也就等于是迁都而已。虽然原帝都为臣下所夺确实是有失体面，但如果说是迁都的话，至少在形式上会好些。 可惜的是，在皇帝军还没有动身以前，另一则恶耗又传到了皇帝的本营。原来为统筹兵员与粮食而离开本营的龙牙国公渥达不幸遭人暗杀了。继铜雀国公拉库斯塔之后，卡尔曼又失去了一名忠实的心腹部下。 暗杀的过程经查明之后，原来是这样的。 龙牙国公渥达不论就他的阅历、或者人格的稳重干练来看，都是一名值得倚重的宿将，本应该要随侍在皇帝卡尔曼的身边。而他之所以离开皇帝身旁，而转往地方负责兵员与粮食调配的工作，原因之一是他也饮用了有毒的水，身体的健康状况不容许他担任最前线的任务。不过，披战甲上战场的任务虽然不适合他的病体，但是他的头脑仍然清晰而未衰竭。前往地方赴任之后，可以在当地一面静养，一面统筹兵员与粮食，送往卡尔曼所需要的地方，这样的任务应该是渥达所能够胜任的。所以卡尔曼拨给他三千名护卫兵之后，便将他送回龙牙公国的领地。 然而，就在返回本领的半途中，渥达见到了意想不到的客人，而且并不只一个，而是两个。这两人在一年前还是与渥达同起同坐马法尔帝国的重臣，亦即宰相宋尔坦、与虎翼公国实质上的领主西米恩。宋尔坦由于毒杀皇帝卡尔曼的情人艾菲米雅而犯下大罪，西米恩则因为对黑羊公国继承人利德宛挑起私战而违反军律，两个都是不得返回马法尔的罪人。这同为政治犯的两个人，此时王对渥达施展他们的三寸不烂之舌：“如今列国巧弄阴谋，重大的危机正逐步逼近皇帝陛下。此时不再是计较过往之小小宿怨的时候。我等此时有精确的情报告知，所以想请您居中向陛下斡旋。而这也是渥达国公您立下大功的好机会。” 渥达当然不是一个毫无戒心的人，怎可能把这番花言巧语当真。于是他不容分说地，即刻命士兵将两人加以逮捕，并关进押解囚犯的牢车之中。渥达此举是想把这两人带到皇帝的面前，请皇帝加以处断，这正是渥达谨守为人臣之礼节的表现，不过，渥达此刻所必须做的，应该是当场将两人加以处决。因为利用渥达谨严的为人，正是这计谋开始的第一步。宋尔坦与西米恩于是拿出事先藏在鞋滕的引火炸药，投入阵营中放火。而潜伏在四周的库尔兰特军一见到这个预先约定好的信号，便开始发动夜袭。在混乱之中，西米恩夺取马法尔士兵的长枪，将渥达刺杀身亡。如果不是因为卧病在床，像渥达这般武勇的骑士怎可能如此轻易地被击败？不过既已如此，再多说也是无济于事。渥达为皇帝所招集的兵员自此四散而去，而统筹的粮食也全部付之一炬。库尔兰特军在这两人的向导之下，得以更深入马法尔国土，此时已经位在距离帝都东北方五百斯塔迪亚（约一百公里）的地方。 “宋尔坦再加上西米恩。这两个鼠辈在作为马法尔朝臣之时，便已离经叛道，此时竟联合脏污的手，企图卖国。好，朕一定要叫你们知道罪有恶报的这个道理！” 皇帝在激怒与憎恶之下全身颤抖着，正要命全军出击之时，长老级的阿尔摩修赶忙加以制止：“陛下，请等一等。如果您由于此时的盛怒，而无益地动用大军的话，势必将造成莫大的灾噩。无论如何，请您先静下心来。” 阿尔摩修大老所担心的，是因为此时宋尔坦的名字已经被突显出来。宋尔坦毒杀了卡尔曼的情人艾菲米雅，就算他再如何有利于皇帝军，也是绝不可饶恕的鼠辈。再加上他杀害了心腹渥达，卡尔曼无论如何也要亲手将他扼杀的心理是理所当然，而且也可以理解的。但是如果由于一味地愤怒，以致鲁莽地动用大军的话，那机敏又富于谋略的金鸦国公，不知会趁机施展什么策略。 而且蒙契尔先前所发布的宣告，也获得了一定程度的效果。诸侯们此时多避免摆明自己的旗帜，只是摒气凝神地静待这场动乱的结局。真正明确地靠在皇帝旗帜之下的，只有黑羊公国军与钢雀公国军。龙牙公国失去了领主，此时正群龙无首、束手无策。而虎翼、银狼两公国，自前年以来便已形同半独立的公国，虽然还存着国号，但已几乎不受管辖。所以就战力而言，卡尔曼与蒙契尔几乎是对等状态，孰胜孰败尚且是未可预测。 而安洁莉娜公主便是在这个时刻，向皇帝献上袭击金鸦公国本领的作战计划。获得这个提案之后，卡尔曼惊愕的表情并不在利德宛之下，不过他随即笑了笑，然后转头对年轻的黑羊国公说话——那爽朗的声音已经是近日以来所不曾听闻的了： “利德宛，你的夫人可真是难得的军师哪！表面上虽然轻率无谋，但是，但是，却是破解眼前之胶着状态最有效的策略。这么一来，应该可以将一切纠缠不清的谋网给一刀两断了。” 皇帝的双眼闪耀着霸气的光彩，他气势凛凛地站起身来，开始下达命令。也正因为如此，利德宛才得以了解，原来皇帝从很早以前，就已经有了如此的军略构想，先前只是一直在等待时机而已。既然如此，蒙契尔应该也早已想到这一点，而且也已经有所防备才是。想到这一点，利德宛不禁感到不寒而栗。
在帝都的这一方，当听到皇帝军正朝金鸦公国的本领进军的消息时，年轻的国公仅稍稍蹙眉：“要来真的是吗？这一招可学得漂亮！” 蒙契尔不禁苦笑起来。一旦皇帝军袭击金鸦公国的话，蒙契尔如果还继续在城内袖手旁观，那么他也真是太愚蠢了。事实上，蒙契尔的脑海里，早就已经描绘好专门用来应付如此状况的战略构图，就这一点，利德宛的洞察确是正确的。 “命全军做好出战准备。只要皇帝军一后退，立刻就攻击其后背。届时将可一决胜负。” 蒙契尔对马提亚修将军下令之后，一面也备妥自己的战备武装，然后命士兵将被软禁的乌鲁喀尔国王，耶布雷姆三世带到他面前。乌鲁喀尔国王原以为自己即将被杀，正唇齿抖动不已的时候，蒙契尔对他宣告，他将与金鸦军一同出战，说罢之后，又再补充一句： “一个国王的性命，应该可以抵得上国境周围的十州领土吧。现在就要看看你的朝臣，是否认为你的性命有如此的价值，这不倒也挺有趣的吗？” 蒙契尔有些不怀好意地笑着，而不幸的乌鲁喀尔国王也与他抗衡似地陪笑，不过真正出现在他脸上的，却只是丧气可怜的肌肉痉挛而已。他真的不能理解，为什么自己会在这样的地方，为什么非得要被卷入异国王位争夺战的漩涡之中。他所能够理解的，只是金鸦国公所说的一部份话而已。十州，只要割让乌鲁喀尔的一部份领地，就可以将国王释回是吗？十州的领地并没有什么大不了，对一个国家来说，再没有其他事物比国王的性命来得重要且贵重的了。如果真是如此的话，那么在自己被救出之前，可得要好好地活着。当获得这个结论之后，乌鲁喀尔国王原先被取走的胄甲又被物归原主了。不过，他原有的配剑却没有能够取回。乌鲁喀尔国王虽然提出异议，但是仍然只能身裹着胄甲，叹气地想着：“好歹也有了盔甲，至少可以保护自己不至于死于刀枪之下了。”金鸦国公一面对乌鲁喀尔国王投以冷漠的视线，一面在以中低声自语： “如果没有人能够活着留下来的话，也就没有人能够为死者凭吊了。利德宛是不是能够扮演这个角色呢？” 蒙契尔脸上露出了苦涩的表情。他应该是比任何人都更有资格活下来的。因为他必须要打倒卡尔曼，打倒所有逼近他的人，平定国内，以威势平服列国，然后在适当的时机正式登上皇帝的宝座，建立金鸦王朝。直到事成之时，或许需要长达十年的时间，但是只有当这一切都全部达成的时候，他才能够将自己从少年时代便开始迷恋的梦幻美女——那名叫野心的妖精化成现实。化成现实以后呢？就等到实现以后再说吧，此刻不应是忧虑这个问题的时候。 在这天晚上，有一名男子从帝都的城墙上投身自杀。他就是曾在兹鲁纳格拉王国担任宫廷书记官的裘拉杰。不过他的死几乎没有引起任何人的关心，而他胸中的苦闷也没人有闲暇去思索。
On May 15th, after obtaining the emperor's permission, the Duke of the Black Sheep Lidwan and his wife Angelina came to the gate of the imperial capital together and asked to meet the Duke of the Golden Crow Munchell.Between the emperor's base camp and the city gate, there is an empty military zone of nearly fifty stadia (about ten kilometers), a mixed area formed by grassland and woodland, and the movement of personnel has been completely cut off.When a man and a woman rode two horses and slowly passed through this area, they could clearly see it from the city wall of the imperial capital Onogur.The city gate was opened in response to the voices of the two of them, but only the Duke of the Black Sheep was allowed to enter the city. As for his wife, the Duke of the Golden Crow sent a message: "Angelina, you are no longer the Duke of the Golden Crow. People are not allowed to enter the city without permission." After being so coldly rejected, Angelina's eyes flashed a look of frustration, but she didn't raise any protest.He only exchanged glances with Lidwan, then nodded, and jumped off the horse outside the city gate alone, watching her husband's back riding into the city alone.General Matthias, who was in charge of guarding the city gate, was an older comrade in arms than Angelina. He said sympathetically to the princess: "Princess, please go to the city. If your brother is angry, I, Matthias, will bear it!" "Let's see your brother Wang for the last time!" But Matthias didn't say it, but just advised the princess to go to the city.But the princess just shook her head, thanking him for his kindness: "Thank you, General Matthias. But forget it. Even if I see my brother, I don't know what to say." The brave, open-minded, and straightforward princess seemed to have returned to her childhood in an instant, and General Matthias couldn't help feeling a tightness in his chest.He had known the princess when she was still in the cradle. "Well, princess, it has evolved into today's situation, it is really..." "You don't need to say anything, Matthias. Each has his own position." The princess's voice was not at all tough, but seemed to be comforting someone.Because of this, the general was deeply moved, so he bowed deeply to the princess. After handing over the sword, Li Dewan entered the city and met Munchell again in the audience hall.At this time, the expression of the Duke of the Golden Crow seemed to be armed with an invisible film, and he said sarcastically to Lidwan: "Lidwan, are you determined to support the man who killed his father? Change your mind and join me!" "Do you mean that I support a man who betrayed his lord, Munchell?" After attacking each other with harsh and ruthless words, they suddenly fell silent.After all, they were good friends in the past, even if they tried to belittle each other, it would not do them any good.Since Kalman's wedding, this was the first time the two of them met after two and a half months apart. Even if there were no warm and touching scenes, there was no need to disturb each other's psychology and the current situation. Munchell then began to talk about the past more than two years ago, that is, the day the late emperor Boguda II passed away.On that gray day when the ice was frozen, the then Grand Duke Karman returned to the imperial capital from the battlefield urgently.Before he arrived, although the court announced that Boguda II had swallowed his last breath, but from the tooth marks left on the pillow that was thrown out of the hospital bed, and from the observation of Kalman's expression at that time, Monchel Only then was it determined that Karman had killed his father.After listening to Lidwan without saying a word, he asked in a low voice: "Even if this is really a fact, if you expose it now, who will be happy about it? Only those with ambitions The nations will applaud, won't they?" "The bards of later generations will be very happy. They love blood and tears. If the greatest emperor in the history of Marfar walks on the path of glory and misery at the same time, these people will surely use gorgeous words to praise him!" Munchell smiled viciously.However, when the smile was put away, the Duke of the Golden Crow changed the subject, and his tone seemed to be expressing his heart: "What I did was only for the purpose of obtaining the throne. I don't have the slightest resentment or hatred towards Karman." .In this history, how many emperors who are far more incompetent and immoral than Kallman were able to secure the throne and eat and eat until the end. I hate these people, not Kallman. " "Hmph, what is this!" Munchell sneered at himself: "How can you say these words that seem to be justifying yourself? No one should be able to understand these words!" At this time, Lidwan Correcting his posture, he was about to say something, but Munchell raised a hand to stop Lidvan. "Your reputation comes from swordsmanship and military use. If you also have eloquence, it is because I am ignorant and ignorant." This is Monchel's bad habit.He often sees what the other party wants to say in advance before the other party speaks, and then preemptively strikes.And Lidwan was indeed stopped first, and fell silent.Originally, he was not a person who was good at words, even if he spoke, it might not be able to change Munchell's mind.Instead, Munchell spoke again, trying to persuade the other party to change his original intention: "Lidwan, in addition to the ten states of the Principality of Black Sheep, how about adding the ten states of the Principality of Tiger Wings? Whether it is a general or a prime minister, you can choose the title you like, so you are willing to accept it?" Lidvan's answer to this condition was somewhat beyond Munchell's expectations: "Didn't you also get the five-state territory bestowed by His Majesty Kalman in addition to the original territory?" "That's right. What do you want to say?" "By yourself, haven't you already proved that territories can't buy people's hearts? After giving me a large territory of twenty states, can you feel at ease? Doing so will only increase your inner anxiety. Always worry about whether I will rebel. I also don't want myself to be in anxiety at any time, worrying that sooner or later I will be alienated by you. Is it a thing to be happy to take all the glory and wealth on yourself? " If Lidwan and Angelina had a child, the child would become "Emperor Munchell's nephew".If Lidvan was an ambitious man, he might find a way to expel Munchell from the throne so that his child could become emperor.If the attempt succeeds, a splendid theater garnished with blood and intrigue, a drama known as "The Chain of Usurped Thrones," can be produced. "That's right, it seems that you are more insightful. I'm deceiving my heart, but you are unquestionably sincere. If that's the case, there's no need for us to talk any further." Munchell then clapped his hands vigorously and summoned the soldiers in.After ordering them to send the Duke of Black Sheep out of the city, Munchell seemed to suddenly remember something: "You can take Queen Yadelhodo away together. It's a pity to kill her, but if she is allowed to stay in the city, it's hard to guarantee that she won't resort to any conspiracy. Maybe one day she will put a knife on me while I'm sleeping. On the neck, it's really disturbing!" Because of Munchell's words, Lidwan thought of Grand Princess Ai Shebet.What is the status of the mother of the prince Luchette, who is also Karman's brother and sister-in-law, in this imperial capital?To Munchell, Prince Rouchette is just a puppet, and this woman, who is the mother of the prince and also possesses ambition and a habit of intrigue, should be a hindrance! "How is Grand Princess Ai Shebet now?" Lidwan deliberately probed, and Munchell answered calmly as if this question had been expected by him: "I'm sick in bed at the moment. There are doctors and maids taking care of me." After Munchell replied, he added: "Prince Rouchette has visited his mother's bedside twice." As for whether this is a lie , Lidwan has no basis to criticize.At this moment, she should be satisfied to be able to release Queen Yadelhodo back.But in fact, for Munchell, this move is just to get rid of a burden, because he clearly realizes that Queen Yadelhodo has no value as a hostage at all, and all she can do is serve as a hostage Props, so that Munchell can bring down the Bronze Sparrow King Lacusta from a distance, and then open the gate of the imperial capital.Now her task is complete. When face to face with Li Dewan, Yadelhodo looked like a statue under the half-moon light, still beautiful, obviously not being abused, but it was a resolute rejection of others.Even so, she thanked Ridvan first, and then added: "Now I have nowhere to go but Mafar. If my husband Karman is Zrunagra's uninvited son-in-law, then I am the daughter-in-law who insisted on staying in Mafar. Since Already homeless, no matter how much you are disliked, you can only continue to live in this country." Yadel Hodo should be two years younger than Angelina, but her expression of completely closing her heart at this time seems to be older than Angelina.Listening to her cold voice, it seemed that some people present were already bowing their heads sadly, but Ridvan didn't see clearly.In short, the Queen has now been released from house arrest. When the emperor and empress reunited in the base camp, the scene was not very touching. "Are you OK?" Kalman didn't seem to be overjoyed, but when he asked Yadelhodo, he hugged his wife in a formal way. Between his words and deeds, he couldn't tell that they were a couple at the beginning of their marriage. The bride and groom who were forced to part.Seeing this scene, Li Dewan felt an inexplicable feeling of discomfort in his heart.Of course, Lidwan doesn't need to take any responsibility at all, but the couple of Karman and Yadelhodo are completely different from the couple of Lidwan and Angelina.Of course, outsiders are not allowed to intervene in this situation.Perhaps it is when people feel lonely that they will have the emotion of longing.In short, Lidvan would not use the situation of the emperor and empress as a model between himself and Princess Angelina. "This is all due to the Duke of the Black Sheep. Before the queen returned safely, I once considered burning down the entire imperial capital with military fire!" "This is because the Duke of the Golden Crow abides by the spirit of knighthood. It is not due to me." After answering the emperor in this way, Lidvan and Princess Angelina withdrew from the emperor's presence.On the way back to the camp of the Black Sheep Principality Army, although there was no special reason, the two of them kept silent all the time, they just led the horse and walked slowly, letting the early summer wind caress them.Munchell didn't say a single word about his sister.Lidwan had to think about the meaning contained in this silence. "Lead! Who will become the ruler of this vast empire?" Angelina asked.Ridwan put an arm around his wife's shoulders, pulling her body, still wrapped in battle armor, closer to him.The early summer sun was reflecting on the battle armor of the two of them, and it seemed that the unseasonal frost was shining brightly. "Princess, the one who thinks that the country needs rulers may be the rulers themselves. And the existence of rulers may only harm the people..." This is what Lidwan cares about. What exactly is Munchell waiting for?When surrounded by enemy troops outside the city, what you should expect is only external rescue and even echo.If we just rely on the strong city walls of the imperial capital and waste time blindly, we will not be able to obtain any solution and victory at all.As far back as 120 years ago, a nobleman in the neighboring country Yerudi once launched a rebellion. After the city was surrounded by hostile soldiers, he defended it for eight years and four months. Finally, he ran out of food and his entire family died. end.Munchell is certainly not a character who sees death as a good thing.At this time, he should be confident. In fact, Lidvan didn't need to hold on to this question for a long time.Because on the next day, that is, on May 16th, the envoy from the northeast border brought an urgent report. The Kingdom of Kurland, which has not changed its bad roots, "has suffered a lot and still doesn't know how to behave", and at this time it launched an army again and invaded the border of Mafar. It was at this time that the Mafar know the news.Seeing that Mafar's country is in chaos at this time, and Yerudi has lost two of the nine-pillar generals, Kurland's palace, driven by ambition and revenge, began to move again. Is this what Munchell was waiting for?Lideyuan finally understood, and after understanding this, he seemed to be able to grasp the entire strategic concept of Munchell in a trance.First, King Jigmorton VII of Yerudi was ordered to contain General Lasalle and order him to withdraw his army, and then he controlled the Kurland army to invade the old territory of Zrunagra.On the surface, it seems that there is no context to follow, but there are huge clues running through it underneath.First, Munchell managed to keep the nations from moving in unison, so that if one country invaded, the other retreated.In this way, any country is only acting for its own self-interested purposes, and they all hold mutual distrust.Therefore, the alliance of nations against Mafar will lose its effectiveness and collapse naturally.再则，各国都各自采取行动的话，皇帝卡尔曼的军事负担自然无法减轻，面对列国呈波状的攻击行动，必得要一一应战。如果应战的话，以黑羊军与铜雀军为核心的皇帝军，势必会不断有死伤，既有死伤则兵力自然会受到损耗。皇帝军的损耗，当然是对垫伏在帝都城中的金鸦军有利。待皇帝军已疲于作战，而且损伤到一定程度的时候，金鸦军就会开启城门出来应战。 更有甚于此的是，即便能够看穿蒙契尔的军略构想，对皇帝军而言，情况也不会因此而变得有利。因为卡尔曼此时已是草木皆兵、四面受敌，而这一点对利德宛与安洁莉娜公主来说也是一样的。只要根源不斩除，外敌入寇就会像浪涛一样地不断涌来。就算皇帝与黑羊国公夫妇再怎么晓勇善战，也不能够永远持续战胜。到那时，就是金鸦国公蒙契尔高奏凯歌之日了。 “其实有方法可以对抗哥哥的战略构想。” 安洁莉娜这么一说，利德宛不禁惊讶地注视着妻子。在银色战甲的裹藏下，其实有着优美肢体的安洁莉娜，以她那更胜于紫水晶的闪亮眼眸，回视着丈夫。看样子并不是在吹牛说大话的。 “你不明白吗？以我军全部兵力，攻击金鸦公国的领地。此时哥哥的领地已是一片空城，要占领并不会有什么困难。” 安洁莉娜轻描淡写地说明着： “在这期间，就让库尔兰特军去围攻帝都好了。哥哥一定会竭尽全智全能守护帝都，以免落入库尔兰特军手中吧？对陛下而言，大概再没有其他比哥哥更值得信赖的留守将领了。” 利德宛这一次真不禁惊讶地感到前所未有的新鲜，他定睛地注视着眼前这位已经成为他妻子的武勇公主！ “哇，我真没想到公主竟是如此的一位战略家！” 真不愧是蒙契尔的妹妹，不过利德宛并没有说出口来。因为有些话是绝对说不得的。无论如何，这个策谋非常地毒辣，不过或许也正因为如此，才能够有效地发挥功用也说不定。一旦安洁莉娜立于阵前的话，那固守金鸦公国本领的少数留守部队，可能会被削弱部份的抵抗意志。这么一来，蒙契尔失去原有的领地之后，就算盘踞着坚固无比的城墙，也会如同一朵失去根部的花，总有一天会凋零的。原本所谓的帝都，就是指皇帝所在的都城，如果卡尔曼宣布将皇帝宝座迁移到其他都城的话，也就等于是迁都而已。虽然原帝都为臣下所夺确实是有失体面，但如果说是迁都的话，至少在形式上会好些。 可惜的是，在皇帝军还没有动身以前，另一则恶耗又传到了皇帝的本营。原来为统筹兵员与粮食而离开本营的龙牙国公渥达不幸遭人暗杀了。继铜雀国公拉库斯塔之后，卡尔曼又失去了一名忠实的心腹部下。 暗杀的过程经查明之后，原来是这样的。 龙牙国公渥达不论就他的阅历、或者人格的稳重干练来看，都是一名值得倚重的宿将，本应该要随侍在皇帝卡尔曼的身边。而他之所以离开皇帝身旁，而转往地方负责兵员与粮食调配的工作，原因之一是他也饮用了有毒的水，身体的健康状况不容许他担任最前线的任务。不过，披战甲上战场的任务虽然不适合他的病体，但是他的头脑仍然清晰而未衰竭。前往地方赴任之后，可以在当地一面静养，一面统筹兵员与粮食，送往卡尔曼所需要的地方，这样的任务应该是渥达所能够胜任的。所以卡尔曼拨给他三千名护卫兵之后，便将他送回龙牙公国的领地。 然而，就在返回本领的半途中，渥达见到了意想不到的客人，而且并不只一个，而是两个。这两人在一年前还是与渥达同起同坐马法尔帝国的重臣，亦即宰相宋尔坦、与虎翼公国实质上的领主西米恩。宋尔坦由于毒杀皇帝卡尔曼的情人艾菲米雅而犯下大罪，西米恩则因为对黑羊公国继承人利德宛挑起私战而违反军律，两个都是不得返回马法尔的罪人。这同为政治犯的两个人，此时王对渥达施展他们的三寸不烂之舌：“如今列国巧弄阴谋，重大的危机正逐步逼近皇帝陛下。此时不再是计较过往之小小宿怨的时候。我等此时有精确的情报告知，所以想请您居中向陛下斡旋。而这也是渥达国公您立下大功的好机会。” 渥达当然不是一个毫无戒心的人，怎可能把这番花言巧语当真。于是他不容分说地，即刻命士兵将两人加以逮捕，并关进押解囚犯的牢车之中。渥达此举是想把这两人带到皇帝的面前，请皇帝加以处断，这正是渥达谨守为人臣之礼节的表现，不过，渥达此刻所必须做的，应该是当场将两人加以处决。因为利用渥达谨严的为人，正是这计谋开始的第一步。宋尔坦与西米恩于是拿出事先藏在鞋滕的引火炸药，投入阵营中放火。而潜伏在四周的库尔兰特军一见到这个预先约定好的信号，便开始发动夜袭。在混乱之中，西米恩夺取马法尔士兵的长枪，将渥达刺杀身亡。如果不是因为卧病在床，像渥达这般武勇的骑士怎可能如此轻易地被击败？不过既已如此，再多说也是无济于事。渥达为皇帝所招集的兵员自此四散而去，而统筹的粮食也全部付之一炬。库尔兰特军在这两人的向导之下，得以更深入马法尔国土，此时已经位在距离帝都东北方五百斯塔迪亚（约一百公里）的地方。 “宋尔坦再加上西米恩。这两个鼠辈在作为马法尔朝臣之时，便已离经叛道，此时竟联合脏污的手，企图卖国。好，朕一定要叫你们知道罪有恶报的这个道理！” 皇帝在激怒与憎恶之下全身颤抖着，正要命全军出击之时，长老级的阿尔摩修赶忙加以制止：“陛下，请等一等。如果您由于此时的盛怒，而无益地动用大军的话，势必将造成莫大的灾噩。无论如何，请您先静下心来。” 阿尔摩修大老所担心的，是因为此时宋尔坦的名字已经被突显出来。宋尔坦毒杀了卡尔曼的情人艾菲米雅，就算他再如何有利于皇帝军，也是绝不可饶恕的鼠辈。再加上他杀害了心腹渥达，卡尔曼无论如何也要亲手将他扼杀的心理是理所当然，而且也可以理解的。但是如果由于一味地愤怒，以致鲁莽地动用大军的话，那机敏又富于谋略的金鸦国公，不知会趁机施展什么策略。 而且蒙契尔先前所发布的宣告，也获得了一定程度的效果。诸侯们此时多避免摆明自己的旗帜，只是摒气凝神地静待这场动乱的结局。真正明确地靠在皇帝旗帜之下的，只有黑羊公国军与钢雀公国军。龙牙公国失去了领主，此时正群龙无首、束手无策。而虎翼、银狼两公国，自前年以来便已形同半独立的公国，虽然还存着国号，但已几乎不受管辖。所以就战力而言，卡尔曼与蒙契尔几乎是对等状态，孰胜孰败尚且是未可预测。 而安洁莉娜公主便是在这个时刻，向皇帝献上袭击金鸦公国本领的作战计划。获得这个提案之后，卡尔曼惊愕的表情并不在利德宛之下，不过他随即笑了笑，然后转头对年轻的黑羊国公说话——那爽朗的声音已经是近日以来所不曾听闻的了： “利德宛，你的夫人可真是难得的军师哪！表面上虽然轻率无谋，但是，但是，却是破解眼前之胶着状态最有效的策略。这么一来，应该可以将一切纠缠不清的谋网给一刀两断了。” 皇帝的双眼闪耀着霸气的光彩，他气势凛凛地站起身来，开始下达命令。也正因为如此，利德宛才得以了解，原来皇帝从很早以前，就已经有了如此的军略构想，先前只是一直在等待时机而已。既然如此，蒙契尔应该也早已想到这一点，而且也已经有所防备才是。想到这一点，利德宛不禁感到不寒而栗。
在帝都的这一方，当听到皇帝军正朝金鸦公国的本领进军的消息时，年轻的国公仅稍稍蹙眉：“要来真的是吗？这一招可学得漂亮！” 蒙契尔不禁苦笑起来。一旦皇帝军袭击金鸦公国的话，蒙契尔如果还继续在城内袖手旁观，那么他也真是太愚蠢了。事实上，蒙契尔的脑海里，早就已经描绘好专门用来应付如此状况的战略构图，就这一点，利德宛的洞察确是正确的。 “命全军做好出战准备。只要皇帝军一后退，立刻就攻击其后背。届时将可一决胜负。” 蒙契尔对马提亚修将军下令之后，一面也备妥自己的战备武装，然后命士兵将被软禁的乌鲁喀尔国王，耶布雷姆三世带到他面前。乌鲁喀尔国王原以为自己即将被杀，正唇齿抖动不已的时候，蒙契尔对他宣告，他将与金鸦军一同出战，说罢之后，又再补充一句： “一个国王的性命，应该可以抵得上国境周围的十州领土吧。现在就要看看你的朝臣，是否认为你的性命有如此的价值，这不倒也挺有趣的吗？” 蒙契尔有些不怀好意地笑着，而不幸的乌鲁喀尔国王也与他抗衡似地陪笑，不过真正出现在他脸上的，却只是丧气可怜的肌肉痉挛而已。他真的不能理解，为什么自己会在这样的地方，为什么非得要被卷入异国王位争夺战的漩涡之中。他所能够理解的，只是金鸦国公所说的一部份话而已。十州，只要割让乌鲁喀尔的一部份领地，就可以将国王释回是吗？十州的领地并没有什么大不了，对一个国家来说，再没有其他事物比国王的性命来得重要且贵重的了。如果真是如此的话，那么在自己被救出之前，可得要好好地活着。当获得这个结论之后，乌鲁喀尔国王原先被取走的胄甲又被物归原主了。不过，他原有的配剑却没有能够取回。乌鲁喀尔国王虽然提出异议，但是仍然只能身裹着胄甲，叹气地想着：“好歹也有了盔甲，至少可以保护自己不至于死于刀枪之下了。”金鸦国公一面对乌鲁喀尔国王投以冷漠的视线，一面在以中低声自语： “如果没有人能够活着留下来的话，也就没有人能够为死者凭吊了。利德宛是不是能够扮演这个角色呢？” 蒙契尔脸上露出了苦涩的表情。他应该是比任何人都更有资格活下来的。因为他必须要打倒卡尔曼，打倒所有逼近他的人，平定国内，以威势平服列国，然后在适当的时机正式登上皇帝的宝座，建立金鸦王朝。直到事成之时，或许需要长达十年的时间，但是只有当这一切都全部达成的时候，他才能够将自己从少年时代便开始迷恋的梦幻美女——那名叫野心的妖精化成现实。化成现实以后呢？就等到实现以后再说吧，此刻不应是忧虑这个问题的时候。 在这天晚上，有一名男子从帝都的城墙上投身自杀。他就是曾在兹鲁纳格拉王国担任宫廷书记官的裘拉杰。不过他的死几乎没有引起任何人的关心，而他胸中的苦闷也没人有闲暇去思索。