Chapter 7 Chapter 7 The Field of Fireflies
On July 20th, the principality armies of the Golden Crow, Black Sheep, and Tiger Wings in Mafar's army set off from Karroza, the former capital of Zrunagra, and embarked on the journey back to the country. .After deducting the soldiers who died in the bloody battle on the Qilia River, there were still a huge army of more than 100,000 at this time.The Principality Army of the Three Principalities, under the leadership of each chief general, embarked on their way home separately. Since this was not a unified operation, the supervision of the entire army was temporarily under the jurisdiction of the accompanying Prime Minister Song Ertan.
Therefore, the armies of each principality had to send envoys to report to Song Ertan every day, explaining the itinerary, passing places, and camping sites of the day.Although there are some troubles in the method, since it is still within the territory of Zrunagra, it must not be taken lightly.And if there is any abnormality in Karroza, the army of the Three Principalities will also have to return to support, so a little trouble is inevitable.
The marching directions of the Three Principalities are respectively, the Golden Crow Army is heading to the East Street, the Black Sheep Army is heading to the West Street, and the Tiger Wing Army is marching towards the Central Street. The whole army is expected to cross the border and arrive at the mainland of Mafar before the end of July.
During this expedition, the Army of the Tiger Wing Principality did not perform brilliantly at all.In the battle on the Chilia River, there was a loophole because of the fierce counterattack of the Zrunagra Army. If it weren't for the brave fighting of the Golden Crow and Black Sheep Principalities, they might have been chased to the water's edge and died. The army may be wiped out.As a result, the generals and knights also began to express their dissatisfaction and slander against the general Simeon who had lost his military honor.
"After all, he is not a real duke of the country, at best, he is just a character who wins over widows and occupies a country without an owner."
"Ah, in fact, if you think about it carefully, when our former Lord Imre was alive, although he was an important minister, he was not a prime minister. Speaking of which, Lord Imre really has a good eye for people." !"
"Look at the Black Sheep Army. Since Elder Almosun abdicated and lived in seclusion, although there have been almost no stories of bravery, this expedition seems to have turned around. It's really amazing."
"All of this is due to Master Lidvan. There is a saying that is good, if you want to change the whole body, you must change the people above."
If it was just the private criticism and slander of the generals, Simeon would still be able to bear it.Because Simeon was also quite dissatisfied with his commanding achievements in the battle on the Chilia River.Therefore, he tried his best to let these words flow from his ears, and tried not to care about them, but when he heard the following slanders, his whole nerves almost collapsed.
"It's strange to say, so what is it that Lord Simeon is relying on to put on the face of a prince. First of all, he is not like Lord Ridwan, and he was appointed by the emperor as the heir and won the favor of everyone. It is generally accepted that, unlike Oda-sama and Lacusta-sama, he was officially granted the status of Duke. To put it bluntly, he is just the third husband of the widow of Gertrude."
"No, it's not really a husband at all, it's just a lover. They're not even officially married."
"If we want to talk about the earliest times, there is another more fundamental problem, which is the death of the Duke of Im. Although he was officially married to Mrs. Gertrude, did he really die of illness? ?”
"Well, we can't talk nonsense if there is no basis, but obviously, everything is actually going according to Lord Simeon's plan. Didn't the Duke of Im want to attack Lord Simien once? , but the whole situation took a turn for the worse, Lord Simeon took the initiative to give Mrs. Gertrude to the Duke..."
"Hush, don't talk nonsense. Maybe we will follow in the footsteps of Duke Im!"
Simeon couldn't bear it anymore, because all these unfounded suspicions were 100% true.Although these facts have been easily concealed by him in the past, paper cannot contain fire after all, and once the heavy boulder becomes lighter, water can still flow through it.
While Simeon was feeling extremely sad, a visitor secretly came to Simeon's wild camp at night.
"Oh, isn't this your Excellency the Prime Minister? Dare I ask what's your business?"
Judging from the fact that the visitor has the status of prime minister, Simeon can't be neglected, and this is a time when Simeon feels extremely isolated. It is indeed very gratifying to have a visitor, even if it is This Song Ertan that everyone hates.When Simeon reflected on his psychology at this time, he indeed mocked himself as a "down and out person".
Simeon welcomed Song Ertan into his tent, and then took out Zrunagra's famous white wine, dry cheese, and sausage mixed with lamb's blood to entertain the guests.After exchanging some conversations formally between the two sides:
"Duke Simien, what do you think about His Majesty's domestic and foreign conquests from last year to this year?"
Judging from the point that Song Ertan called Simien a prince rather than an adult, it shows that Song Ertan's attitude towards Simien is difficult to grasp.Because of this, Simeon was on guard in his heart, so he chose the rhetoric that would never go wrong.
"Whether it is the high degree of completion in quelling internal troubles or the great achievements of conquering the outside world, His Majesty the Emperor can be regarded as the most heroic monarch since the founding of the country. Being able to accompany Ming Jun as a subject, I think there is nothing more important than this." It's something to be happy about."
Listening to these words of Simeon who was so nervous that his head was sweating coldly, Song Ertan smiled as if nothing had happened and nodded at the same time.Although Simeon's remarks were based on flattery, they did not distort the facts.
"The imperial government does not have the authority to interfere excessively in the internal affairs of the principalities. However, what is the current situation of the Tigerwing Principality? Is it governed well?"
"Of course, under the leadership of Mrs. Gertrude, the widow of the Duke, the civil and military officials are all of one mind to govern the Principality with one heart."
As soon as he finished speaking, Song Ertan showed a slightly evil smile on his squirrel-like face.
"The Principality of the Silver Wolf, the Principality of the Dragon Tooth, and the Principality of the Bronze Sparrow. There is one thing in common among these three names. I wonder if Duke Simeon knows about it?"
"common point……"
Simeon couldn't help being stunned upon hearing this.Although Song Ertan's words were oblique, but the hidden meaning was very explicit.The monarchs of these three duchies were all opposed to Kalman's accession to the throne, and in the end not only died tragically, but also lost their territories.Uncontrollable excitement began to appear in Simeon's voice:
"His Majesty the Emperor intends to revoke or confiscate my Tiger Wing Principality? Is that what you mean?"
"This..."
"Your Excellency, Prime Minister, please tell me clearly. If His Majesty really has such imperial intentions, then what can be done to change His Majesty's imperial intentions?"
"If Your Majesty intends to do this, does Duke Simeon have any clues in his mind as to why he was treated like this?"
Now Simeon has been completely manipulated by Song Ertan.
"En, there is no clue at all. I, the Tiger Wing Principality, served His Majesty Karman, and I have never had any dissatisfaction or dissatisfaction. This time, my Tiger Wing Principality has also done its best to prepare the army to assist the emperor in his own conquest. Wouldn't it be too harsh if it were to be cut and sealed?"
Just when Simeon was wavering, Song Ertan calmly turned his thin and fleshless palm over to signal Simien not to speak any more.
"No, Duke Simeon, I'm sorry that I said a lot of unpleasant words, please forgive me for that. I already know your loyalty and enthusiasm for serving the emperor very well, so the real problem probably lies with His Majesty. .”
"This, this..."
"The Duke knows about Lord Ridwan's engagement with Princess Angelina, right?"
"Knowing is knowing..."
Simeon licked his chapped lips with his tongue, remembering what happened when he set off from Karroza that day.In front of the 100,000 soldiers of the Three Principalities who were about to set off, Emperor Karman announced the marriage contract between Lidvan, the heir of the Black Sheep Principality, and Angelina, the princess of the Golden Crow Principality.
"It's not bad to have such a happy couple in Mafar. Bless you both. Remember to treat each other as the people you need; only this, I hope you don't forget."
Karman sincerely wished Princess Angelina and Lidwan, but in what he said, there seemed to be some sense of self-mockery, as if sea water was mixed with fresh water, making Angelina and Lidwan Feeling a slight sense of incongruity.But Song Ertan's problem is not the focus here.
"Your Majesty is a great monarch. Unfortunately, he has very strong views on people's likes and dislikes. Personal friendship is even more important than the public's position. Lord Ridwan is a classmate of His Majesty. When he was young, he used to study with him and travel together. Everywhere, even the first confrontation with the enemy is simultaneous."
"Then, then..."
"Lord Lidwan's former wife was the younger sister of Im, the former Duke of Tiger Wings. Logically speaking, Ridwan does have the qualifications to claim the status of Duke of Tiger Wings."
These words are completely consistent with Simeon's suspicion since last year.So Simeon believed it.Song Ertan leaned out further and poured poison into Simeon's ear with a low voice.
"Next, this is His Majesty's idea. For the old friend of the past, get the Tiger Wing Principality back for him. If this is the case, the Duke of Simeon and the widow of Gertrude will definitely be expelled. "
After it was achieved, Emperor Karman granted Lidwan the title of Duke of Tiger Wings, and the title of Duke of Black Sheep was granted to Angelina, a woman of the generation.The son of Ridwan's ex-wife, Pal, was originally the nephew of Tiger Wing Duke Im, so he was named the next Tiger Wing Duke.As for the child born between Lidwan and Angelina, it will probably be the next Duke of the Black Sheep Kingdom.Song Ertan spread out this vision of the future in front of Simien's vision of personal delusion, and then dropped the last sentence:
"For Princess Angelina and Lord Ridvan, this is really a happy and wonderful reunion! Ah, Duke Simeon..."
If it was two years ago, Simeon would not have been deceived by Song Ertan's flattery.But in exchange for the beautiful Gertrude, Simeon sold some of the advantages and virtues he did have in the past.Fearing that Geltrut would be taken away, Simeon designed and poisoned his lord, the Duke of Im. Since then, his spirit has obviously deviated from the broad and bright road, and got lost in the land full of forests and swamps. in the dark alleys.
In fact, Simeon and Emperor Kalman have similarities, that is, they both use guilt as the starting point to reconstruct the structure of life.However, Simeon's size seems to be much narrower than Kalman's.And on the other hand, Karman's crime of killing his father is not known to others, and Simeon's crime of killing the monarch is almost known to everyone. He must bear more cold eyes from others, so his The mental burden may be much heavier.
The wine that Simeon chewed just now was the local wine produced in Zrunagra, which Song Ertan said was a small gift.Song Ertan never drank, but frequently and subtly persuaded Simien to drink.So Simeon got drunk, drunk like bean soup made by a bad cook, thick and muddy, and this drunkenness held him firmly, and even after Song Ertan left secretly, it still clung to him. put.
Simeon lay face down among the scattered cups, plates and wine bottles, and fell asleep unknowingly.Immediately after the thick drunkenness, he fell into a thick and muddy sleep.Although the lungs and stomach hurt like needles, the chief general of the Tiger Wing Army turned slightly uncomfortable, still insisting on temporarily entrusting his body and mind to the god of sleep.
"Simeon, Simeon..."
The deep voice crawled deep into the eardrums, tearing apart Simeon's sleep with ruthless claws.
"Get up, Simeon, your former lord has come back from the underworld to see you!"
Simeon screamed and jumped up, but he didn't really do it, an invisible rock was pressing on his chest, making him unable to play.His eyes and mouth were wide open, and Simeon's whole body was crushed by superstitious terror under this solidified darkness.
"It's been a long time, Simeon, is the mattress you're sleeping with Gertrude still warm? Is the throne of power you got after killing the lord still comfortable?"
The wave of ridicule tickled Simeon's skin. Simeon was by no means a timid person, but at this moment he couldn't help but shudder.
"However, you can't be the Duke. Only my nephew, Ridwan's son, can be the Duke. Although you have committed the crime of killing the lord, what you are doing now is only opening the way for him. What a stupid act."
The voice suddenly changed into sharp laughter:
"Wow, ha ha ha ha... the great sinner who killed the lord, the fool who was deceived by women and violated his conscience! You will be expelled from the country, deprived of your status, and the end of dying in a foreign land will be waiting for you. As long as you don't knock down Lidwan, you will end up like this, you will end up like this..."
The mocking voice rose again, and at the moment when Simeon's patience was about to burst and he let out a scream, Im's voice stopped suddenly, like a broken string.The rock that had been pressing on his chest disappeared at the same time, and Simeon sat up covered in cold sweat, with a low moan:
"Hmph, this Lidwan, don't think that I will let you succeed..."
Simeon's eyes gleamed sinisterly.
"Lord Ridvan, Lord Ridvan!" There was a sound like an ax splitting the sleeping forest, which made Ridwan wake up and propped up his upper body.When the focus of the pupils converged, there was a round face in the dark, which turned out to be Holdy's face, reminiscent of the full moon in the night sky, Li Dewan couldn't help laughing, but this hearty "traveler" "Scholar" abnormally, whispered in a very serious tone: "There are footsteps of people and horses coming from the east. A considerable number of soldiers and horses are approaching here." Ridvan pricked up his ears, wanting to confirm what Holdy said. "I didn't hear anything..." But Lidwan felt the ice blade's touch with a soldier's intuition.He poked his head outside the tent and felt the floating night air.At this moment he had to agree with what Holdy said.Lidwan then nodded to Holdy, and quickly took off his pajamas, concentrating on contingency strategies. "In the east, there should be the campsite of the Tiger Wing Principality. Could it be Simien..." Lidwan didn't have time to think about it, he picked up his battle armor and asked Holdy to recruit all the main army generals.Hall ran away without saying a word, and at this moment he could vaguely hear the neighing of soldiers and horses because they noticed the change. After putting on the battle armor and wearing the long sword, the whole night has been shrouded in a strong fighting spirit.Almost all the Black Sheep Army camp has stood up. This should be the training effect of punishing the soldiers on a daily basis, right?But once one's own troops are dispatched, the worries of the enemy's troops will disappear, but this is also a last resort.After all, our own side has no spare preparations at all, so as to wait for a good opportunity to kill the enemy.Soon, the generals of the army gathered in front of Lidwan nervously under Holdy's call, waiting for the general to explain the reason for the late night call: "Our Black Sheep Principality won't attract the envy of the Tigerwing Principality. Simeon's hatred should be aimed at Lord Ridwan personally?" Although Jijia's speech was based on his aversion to Lidwan's narrow-mindedness, it cannot be said to be contrary to the facts. "Perhaps it is what Ji Jia said, but since Simeon has led the army to attack, everyone will not be spared. At this time, it is fighting or fleeing, which one do you choose?" Under such circumstances, Lidwan had no intention of doing more testing.So there was a knight Wei Le who had a good impression of Ridwanduo and spoke first: "In any case, if the Tiger Wing Army ravages our camp, there is no way to report to Elder Almoxiu. Now we should give these rude visitors a head-on blow and teach them the correct manners. " Then there was a warm voice of approval, followed by a metallic sound of armor, and the knights stood up one after another, and scattered in all directions to direct their subordinates.Even Ji Jia couldn't pretend to be ignorant, turned around and ran in the direction where his subordinates gathered.Lidwan only led Holdy and walked quickly towards the mount.
Princess Angelina also woke up in the night.She put the battle armor she took off beside her, put on her pajamas and still held the sword in front of her chest. She had fallen asleep just now, but now she opened her eyes again and turned her head to look at the scene outside the tent. At that time, she tilted her head slightly and made a surprised voice: "What is that! Look at the countless light spots dancing all over the sky." The maid named Charlotta replied, "Princess, it's called a firefly, and it's not uncommon in Zrunagra." Charrota was born in the frontier region and had been to Zrunagra. Because of this valuable experience, she accompanied Angelina on this expedition. "Oh, it turned out to be a firefly. This is the first time I've seen it." There are no fireflies in Mafar, which is located in the northern country, and this scene is only found in the warm Zrunagra.Thousands of dots of light adorn the deep blue night sky.This luminosity is neither starlight nor gemstone brilliance.The living light clusters are like a group of graceful dancers fluttering their hems to the music, dancing gently and rhythmically, which made the princess of the northern kingdom feel amazed.But Angelina soon asked suspiciously: "Charlotta, do fireflies also emit red light?" "No, the light of fireflies is white with a touch of green." Hearing what the maid said, Angelina looked forward again through the night, and suddenly she stood up. "It's not a firefly, it's a torch! Immediately tell Brother Wang, the whole army is ready for night battle!" Angelina's heart was already armed.The speed at which she puts on her battle armor and wields her sword is no less than that of the heir of the Black Sheep Principality.She is not only one of the few brave warriors in the Golden Crow Principality, but even in the entire Marfar Empire; when she is ready, she immediately sets up a distance of about half a stadia (about one hundred meters) camp.At this time, my brother had already got up, and he was wearing a robe over his pajamas. "Brother! A donkey egg actually sent troops to disrupt this rare and beautiful night. Who is it based on and what is the intention to destroy this tranquility?" Munchell stepped out of the tent, staring at the heavy canvas hanging at night. "It looks like that fellow Simeon launched a night war against Ridvan." "It's possible that they have a long history of grudges, but why did they choose this time?" "Well, it's hard to understand the psychology of a patient with cerebral congestion. By the way, what are you going to do? The royal family will severely punish the private fights between the duchies, but even stopping it won't help." After Munchell finished speaking, he smiled.The younger sister in the battle armor looked at her brother who didn't even intend to put on the battle armor, and announced as if she understood: "If it's a private fight, let's fight it to the end. To defeat Simeon, all I need is a sword. Ridvan may think I'm meddling, but a husband's enemy is a wife's enemy." Princess Angelina nonchalantly announced that she was psychologically married to Ridvan, and after she finished speaking, she mounted her white horse and galloped alone in the night field. "Sorry, I really didn't mean to interrupt your dance party." Angelina apologized to the dancing fireflies.As if accepting her sincerity, the fireflies automatically leaned to the left and right sides as the horse advanced, building a bright avenue for this beautiful and brave knight. "Princess!" The galloping sound of a large horse's hooves came from behind Angelina.In the moonlight, about twenty well-known knights of the Principality of the Golden Crow emerged, and among them, the face of General Matthias was even seen. "Princess, please let us go with you." "I really want to say, it's a good time for you to come, but everyone has heard it, this matter should not borrow your strength." "Where is it, as long as it is a battle for the princess, it is a battle that everyone should participate in. Even if you think it is in the way, please let us accompany the princess." "What a bunch of hopeless fighters, then come with me. But be careful not to trample these fireflies to death!" Then there was a burst of cheerful laughter, and the group of fearless knights rode briskly across the field of dancing fireflies, followed by more and more shadows. "Ah, those people are really trustworthy soldiers, but in case, in case Angelina and I are hostile on the battlefield, who will they follow?" While watching his sister's back, Munchell murmured to himself in a serious manner. After turning his head, he walked into the tent and began to change the pajamas he was wearing. Under a flurry of knives, sparks and metallic sounds flew everywhere, taking away the original tranquility of the wilderness at night.Roaring, shouting, and wailing sounded one after another, and the smell of blood polluted the aroma of the summer night. This was a scuffle without any tactics or art of war. Our own people attacked our own people at night.Without a battle plan, the general rushed out of the camp suddenly, his eyes bloodshot, and ordered the soldiers to launch a night attack.The generals of the Tiger Wing Principality followed behind the general at a loss, crossed the night field, and broke into the camp of the Black Sheep Principality Army. Although Simeon wanted to order his subordinates to load their guns neatly, but because the command was not unified, the action was too hasty, and it was in the middle of the night, so the night attack did not have any effect, but this was for Simeon .Before the Black Sheep Duke's Army had fully established its attacking stance, it not only lost a hundred soldiers, but also the camp was set on fire, and the soldiers were shot down from their horses, and suffered a severe blow.It is so sad for the soldiers who survived the previous battle with the enemy, but were killed by their own side at this time.However, in less than 500 seconds, the lineup of the Black Sheep Army had become solid, completely stopping the Tiger Wing Army's offensive.Just as Simeon was roaring anxiously and ordered the soldiers to break through indiscriminately, the ranks of the Black Sheep Army were cut neatly, and the fully armed Lidvan Prancing Horse appeared in front of Simeon.Simeon was taken aback for an instant. "Simien, what are you doing, are you crazy?" "shut up!" This loud noise no longer reminds people of Simeon in the past.In the broken roar, the madness of the speaker was revealed: "You are not qualified to comment on my lifestyle. What is the difference in lifestyle between you and me?" "what do you mean?" Simeon laughed wildly at the surprised Lidwan.Under the illumination from the side of the fire, Simeon's face was half white and half black, exuding an aura that did not belong to this world.The wild laughter was not over yet, Simeon began to state his opinion: "That's right, I'm having an affair with Gertrude, and now I'm leading the Duchy of Tiger Wings as her husband. But isn't that the same as you?" "What's the same?" "Use women to climb! Your dead wife was the princess of the Tiger Wing Principality, and your next new wife is the princess of the Golden Crow Principality. You are really good at getting powerful and famous princesses one after another. An ordinary and poor Knight bastard, you can actually become the prime minister of the state, even the prince of the state, just because of your ingenious skills in picking women, your skill in dealing with the world is really unmatched in the whole empire!" A burst of sword energy blew up.The angry Lidwan kicked the horse's belly violently, and slashed towards Simeon.The knife wind pried away the night air, and sparks poured down to the ground like a waterfall.Although Lidwan's slash was extremely fierce, his anger prevented Lidvan from displaying his calm sword skills, so Simeon could barely resist it; but after five or six rounds of fighting between the two sides, his reserves of luck had dried up. up.Ridvan's sword was like a storm, making Simeon's hands numb from the shock, and cracks appeared on the chest of the battle armor.The knife swung horizontally and knocked off the helmet on top. Simeon's entire hair was exposed in the night sky, and his courage disappeared without a trace. Simeon suddenly turned his horse's head and fled.Lidvan, who was in hot pursuit, let the prey escape with only a distance of one hand.Lidvan readjusted his horse's head and shouted angrily: "You are too dirty, Simeon! If you and I belong to the same category, then fight me openly and defend your woman's reputation!" But Simeon had completely forgotten that tonight's battle was of his own design.He ordered to the group of knights who were catching up with him: "Defend!" Leaving only this almost whining order, Simeon rode away on his own.Knowing that the man on the horse in front of them was Lidvan, the knights of the Tiger Wing Principality began to shrink back.Although holding a white blade and adopting a half-surrounded posture, he didn't cut forward immediately. "Don't make unnecessary sacrifices. This battle was entirely caused by Simeon's personal grievances. Is it necessary for you to participate in private fights, so that you will be punished by His Majesty the Emperor in the future?" After Lidwan's scolding, the knights took a few steps back and looked at each other face to face.One of the older ones said as if in defense: "We have no intention of participating in a private fight. We just heard from Lord Simeon that you, Lord Ridwan, colluded with King Zrunagra's faction in an attempt to kill His Majesty in exchange for the status of the country's consort." "Do you believe it?" Lidwan couldn't help a wry smile. These words reminded him of Simeon's angry curses. It turns out that there is no other way for a man to make a fortune faster than becoming the queen's son-in-law. "No, we didn't believe it was true, but no matter what, this is always what the general said, and as subordinates, we can only follow it." "It's all right now, isn't it? You have also fulfilled your duties as subjects of the Tiger Wing Principality. Shouldn't the next step be to abide by the law and order of the Marfar Empire?" The knights nodded and put away their swords as if coaxing each other. Of course, Simeon didn't know that after he left, his subordinates made peace with the enemy without permission.After finally getting some distance away from Lidvan, Simeon dared to stop to catch his breath, but his subordinates panicked and brought bad news: "To the east, the Golden Crow Army is approaching, and there is Princess Angelina in front of the formation..." "Do you feel terrified when you see a woman's figure?" Although he reprimanded his subordinates, Simeon himself had no intention of going head-to-head with Princess Angelina one-on-one.Besides Ridwan, if Princess Angelina also came to the battlefield, there would be no chance of winning. After a while, the formation of the Tiger Wing Principality's army began to be chaotic, and the front and rear were attacked by the Black Sheep and Golden Crow Principalities respectively.The fierce sounds of swords and guns colliding with battle armor alternated, and the voice of giving orders swiftly and neatly belonged to Princess Angelina.Simeon's wishful thinking was on the verge of being completely shattered.At this time, a sharp shout reached his ears: "Simeon, where are you going to escape to soothe your grief?" Simeon was taken aback, and turned his head quickly, only to see Lidwan chasing up from behind.Among the knights of the Tiger Wing Principality, everyone knows Ridwan's bravery.Just as he was shrinking, someone began to appeal to his companions to put away their swords and not to make unnecessary sacrifices. Simeon's popularity had already tumbled down the steep slope, and at this moment, no general was willing to sacrifice his life to be loyal to him.All the generals began to disperse from his surroundings, feeling lucky that it was completely dark at this time.Shouts of "surrender" and "don't resist" came from everywhere, and soldiers threw their swords and spears onto the grass.Because there is no need for anyone to sacrifice their courage and life on such an occasion. Simeon was abandoned.At this moment, what guarded his surroundings was only a thick darkness.The previous frenzy disappeared to nowhere, and Simeon didn't know how he was driven into such a dead end. Under the double blow of confusion and confusion, Simeon started to gallop on the grass. The voice of shouting followed closely from behind.Simeon looked back over his shoulder, and his whole body trembled suddenly.Lidvan held a long sword, and under the reflection of the blue moonlight, he desperately chased after him.Panicked and confused, Simeon kicked the horse's belly indiscriminately, but his efforts still couldn't restrain the furious and powerful enemy behind him from shortening the distance between them, seeing that the fugitive was about to be chased. Suddenly, Lidwan's mount let out a miserable neighing sound, and the horse's hooves lost its balance and staggered up. The speed made the horse unable to regain its footing, and the whole body lay down, throwing Lidvan to the ground. to the ground. After rolling two or three times, Lidvan jumped up, a pain in his right wrist, and the long sword slipped from his hand to the ground.The wrist seems to be sprained.Almost at the same time that Lidwan picked up the sword with his left hand, the crowing of the horse stopped.A dagger piercing the horse's throat was shining faintly in the moonlight.Who threw that dagger?Despite this doubt, Lidwan had no time to think, because the sound of horseshoes that had already gone away turned back again at this time.At this time, Simeon had recovered his composure, and he was completely different from just now. He smiled viciously, looking down at the fallen knight from his horse: "Lidwan, why did you suddenly become a one-armed general? Do you think you can save your life with just one left hand?" With the certainty that he would turn defeat into victory seething in his eyes, Simeon swung his sword while Ridvan re-grid it with his left hand. "You only need one left hand to deal with you. The bones of your whole body were removed two years ago, and now you are nothing more than an earthworm with a human body. Where is your past backbone? Where is your reserve? You used to be a noble knight Where is Simeon? Tell me!" Simeon drove his horse and killed him.A gust of sword wind fell head-on, Lidwan managed to bounce back the fatal blow, and at the same time avoided the horse's hooves that were slamming on the ground.Lidvan rolled around and jumped up again, but Simeon had already turned his horse's head around quickly and charged towards him with a ferocious face, but he stopped suddenly, reining in the horse's head and standing still.A riding shadow that looked like a bird and a whirlwind jumped between them. When Lidvan confirmed who it was, he only asked pantingly: "An, Princess Angelina, why are you here...?" "Oh, don't you know? In the bard's story, there will always be a beautiful woman who appears at this time to save the beautiful man. If not, then the readers will not like it. A bard without talent, always It's a big headache for this wonderful segment." Angelina's battle armor shone like gems. It turned out that there were a few fireflies tightly attached to the battle armor.The long sword in her hand swept across the night horizontally, and the sharp sword aura struck Simeon's cheek, drawing a thin line of blood. Simeon's vain courage collapsed, and he turned his horse's head again. , desperately fled forward. Simeon fled, throwing down his sword, and buried his face in the horse's mane, fleeing from the victor's side and his own disgrace.Princess Angelina didn't go after her because she was more concerned about her lover who might have been injured, and she leaped from the saddle. "Little, are you okay?" "Thanks to you, I owe you once." "owe?" Princess Angelina's beautiful brows frowned, she gently supported Ridvan's right wrist, and confirmed Ridwan's injury.After she confirmed that there was no fracture, she deliberately hid her peace of mind and said coldly: "You really don't know words at all. It's not debt, but gratitude. I'm not very patient. You should find an opportunity to repay the favor as soon as possible!" In the dark depths of the night, a figure was shaking.On the boundary line between the grassland and the forest, a low voice can be heard: "Simien is really useless. Even if he only kills Ridvan, he will probably be able to leave a small name in history!" The light of the moon is shining down on Prime Minister Song Ertan's squirrel-like face.The little sorcerer was lamenting that his incitement and suggestion had come to nothing.If Lidvan died, then Kallman would lose a powerful assistant, and the situation of the Mafar Empire would be more likely to fall into transformation and confusion and could not extricate itself.The Principality of Black Sheep lost its ruler, and the Principality of Tiger Wings could not protect itself without incident. The only one that could maintain its original power was the Principality of Golden Crow.虽然就表面上看起来，皇帝的势力似乎更相对地强化且安定，但是这只会使皇帝与金鸦国公之间的关系更加剑拔弩张，前进不得，后退不能。到了那一天，就是宋尔坦真正出头的时候了。 “如果这世上有人能在不费一兵一卒的情况下坐拥天下大权的话，倒也是挺不错的哪。光想靠剑来控制历史根本就是那些身为武人的自傲。可惜啊，卡尔曼好不容易才把家畜都给养肥了……” “宋尔坦！” 这个突如其来，而且蕴含冷笑意味的叫声，将宰相沾沾自喜的独白给打断了。宰相虽然被叫声给吓了一跳，但是让人给直呼名讳更叫他感到愤怒，于是他透过眼前的黑暗放眼望去。 “啊、蒙契尔国公……” 宋尔坦将唾液咽下喉咙的声音真是难听。年轻的金鸦国公身穿便装，腰际间却佩带着剑，而且脸部表情与友好之间相距千里远。蒙契尔刻意在宋尔坦面前把剑拔出，让剑发出尖锐的响声。宋尔坦用力地嚼动冻结的舌头。 “为，为什么你想杀我呢，我有什么罪？” “煽动西米恩、挑起私战之罪。” 蒙契尔以平淡无味的平静口吻回答道，宋尔坦却吓得双唇张开，怎么也无法启齿辩答。 “你玩弄诡计，扰乱治安的种种奸佞行为，我全部知道。甚至连你煽动随从武官菲连兹弑杀皇帝陛下之事，我也都知道。你这种不入流的话剧我看不下去了。” 或许是术士的层次之差吧。宋尔坦浑身动弹不得，在蒙契尔平静的指责之下，抹煞了所有的表情与气息。 突然“唰！”地一声，有个东西被扔到草地上。在清冷的月光之下，那原来是个血淋淋的首级。宋尔坦这时才注意到蒙契尔的左手一直若无其事地放在背后，而且剑的上头早已抹上了人血。他不自禁地闪了开来，蒙契尔更乘势前进一步。 “看来这是一个相当精通邪门医术、毒药、催眠术、腹语术的人，只可惜欠缺选择主人的能力哪。这就是他的报应。不单是这个人，对于主人的选择应该谨慎些。” 蒙契尔对准宋尔坦，把人头像是踢皮球似地踢过去。宋尔坦发出怪鸟似的惨叫，他手下的首级正中了他的腹部，整个人都翻滚了过去，而手里也正好抱着那人的首级，这时，他又再一次发出惊叫声，把那首级给抛了出去，在草地上爬着企图逃走。他双手拼命将草给拨开，也顾不得自己难看的样子，只一心一意想要从这个外表优雅纤弱的可怕杀人者身旁逃开。 宋尔坦对于自己的头脑与辩才一直着绝大的自信，但是在蒙契尔面前，不过是太阳面前的月亮。对方有着明显的杀意，舌头在恐怖与失败盛的冻结之下，根本无法保护自己的性命。当背脊上感觉到一股剑气，身上的衣服发出被撕裂的声音时，宋尔坦的身体整个漂浮在夜气之中。他无声无息地落下，落在厚厚的草地上，害怕地摒住了呼吸。原来草地上有个断层，宋尔坦拼命压抑自己的喘气声，将自身的安全托付给地形与黑暗。摒气经过几十瞬间之后，宋尔坦相信自己已经成功脱逃，安心之余竟陷入轻微的失神状态之中。但是，事实并非如此。 “现在饶你一命。不过你最好相信自己的命是由于我的力量才捡回来的。等你的脑袋冷静下来之后，你将会是我手中的一只棋子，好好等着吧！” 蒙契尔在胸中低语着，然后把剑收回剑鞘，缓缓地往回走去。事实上，他的杀意根本不是真的，只是作作样子罢了，不过在技巧上却远比宋尔坦的三流话剧来得巧妙。 蒙契尔是在前些天才计划将宋尔坦给一口气排除掉的。蒙契尔经常观察着在外的拉萨尔、与在内的宋尔坦这两名阴谋家。虽然他对于自己有着极为自然的自负心，根本无所畏惧于这两个小人，但是如果因此而大意，让人在背后给捅上毒刃的话，那可就惨不忍睹了。自古以来，多少英雄、名将就是被远不如他们的一些小人所陷害，而最后惨遭破灭的下场。当蒙契尔在国内国外布置纵横的谋略之时，当然也对如此的可能性作过细密的考虑。即便如此，还是难免会有些遗漏，当利德宛和安洁莉娜遭遇刺客袭击时，就是他未曾预料到的。 促使蒙契尔下决心排除宋尔坦的理由并不只有一个。第一个理由是为了自卫。蒙契尔已经察觉到宋尔坦企图将毒杀女官艾菲米雅的罪名转嫁给自己，这种背黑锅的冤枉罪岂是蒙契尔所能忍受。第二是嫌恶感。各自的阴谋虽各有不同，但是毒杀一个并未滥用权势，而且已经怀孕的女子，这种行径完全与蒙契尔大异其趣。第三，如果再放任宋尔坦恣意玩弄阴谋，往往会使得蒙契尔的计谋落空。如果艾菲米雅生下男孩的话，将会与迟早成为正式皇妃的亚德尔荷朵之间发生纷争，甚且蒙契尔还有可能掌握该男孩的监护权。但是这种种的可能性都被宋尔坦给抹煞了。 就像对宋尔坦本人所说的，蒙契尔再也无法坐视他那粗杂的阴谋一再上演。 尽管如此，蒙契尔为什么还任由宋尔坦逃亡呢，这其中也有着不少的理由。第一，当场杀死宋尔坦，将会令猜疑心重的人以为“这是消灭共犯好灭口”。第二，不管他逃到哪个国家，都将会给予卡尔曼侵略该国的借口，而这也将使得卡尔曼的内政欠缺安定的要素，蒙契尔将会更有机可乘。第三，宋尔坦如果在国外蠢动的话，将可能使拉萨尔所构筑、企图用来陷害马法尔的陷阱出现漏洞。第四，卡尔曼绝对不可能原谅宋尔坦毒杀艾菲米雅的行为，宋尔坦为了让自己能够生存，惟一的方法就是消灭卡尔曼，蒙契尔便可以藉此将宋尔坦当作是手中的棋子来利用。 当然，这些推想不见得会言中，宋尔坦的首级或许很快就会被送回马法尔，不过即便是如此的话，就这么让他死了也无所谓。至于他如果想和西米恩这类人同类相残的话，尽管去也无妨。如果他们活着，蒙契尔就有利用他们的方法，如果死了的话，根本无关蒙契尔的痛痒。 “二百州……很好，这更具有夺取的价值了。” 蒙契尔一面将这些背叛的低语全部封在自己的嘴里面，一面将视线投向夜晚的原野。曾几何时，萤火虫又再度开始群飞乱舞，活像是晶莹的真珠被洒在纯黑的天鹅绒上。白中带绿的光波晃动着，聚合之后弹开，散了又围拢过来，将一曲无声的旋律投注到人的心中。 蒙契尔伸手把一颗活生生的真珠禁锢在两手中间。悄悄将合拢的手微微打开之后，那小小的萤火虫正在狭小黑暗的空间中闪闪发亮。 “如果带回去给依德莉达公主的话，她应该会很高兴；可是这虫子的性命保不住吧？” 将萤火虫朝族群方向放走之后，蒙契尔展露出一个笑容，然后举起了右手，因为他的妹妹正骑着马，一面高喊着：“哥哥！”，一面走向自己。与她同骑在一匹马上的旧友，似乎正露出难为情的表情，金鸦国公确认之后，便出声笑了起来。 关于在“萤火虫原野”上所发生的奇怪夜战，身在喀尔罗札城内的皇帝卡尔曼，也从金鸦国公蒙契尔所派遣的使者口中获得了详细的报告。对于虎翼军主将西米恩的荒谬行为，卡尔曼虽然恨恨地淬着舌，却没有极度深刻的愤怒。因为这么一来的话，虎翼公国的十州就可以依照卡尔曼的意思来安排了。对于另一个逃亡者，卡尔曼心中的愤怒与憎恶已是无法用深刻的这个字眼来形容。他将龙牙国公渥达传唤到自己面前，严厉地下达以下的命令： “把宋尔坦这个东西追回来，一定要活擒，不可取他的命，朕要亲自处决他，以人类所能够想出的最残酷手段来惩治他所犯下的罪行！” 对卡尔曼来说，这是理所当然的，因为宋尔坦毒杀了他的“妻子”。如果不让他这凶恶的罪行得到相对程度的残酷惩罚，卡尔曼怎么也难消这心头之恨。这股激烈的憎恶与卡尔曼追究自身过失的念头是一致的，自己老早该杀了宋尔坦，全因自己一味地想着如何巧妙地“使用”这个人，放着他活命，才会害死了艾菲米雅。如果不将宋尔坦残缺不全的尸体抛撤在艾菲米雅的墓前，卡尔豪觉得自己怎么也无法对她致歉。 除了发布命令，逮捕宋尔坦之外，卡尔曼还有一些该要处理的事务。首先，有关黑羊公国继承人利德宛与西米恩白刃相向一事，视为正当防卫，与以不追究处分。金鸦公主安洁莉娜的行为比照此处分。虎翼公国军的武将们与以谴责处分。至于逃亡的西米恩则给予放逐国外的判处，褫夺该人于马法尔国内所拥有的一切权力与地位。虎翼国公未亡人格尔特露特必须前往寺院隐居，虎翼公国的一切事务暂时由皇帝指派代理人前往处理，但有关于该公国的版图将于明年中正式重新裁定，并选定新任国公。以半天的时间作好上述裁决之后，卡尔曼在预定表当中写下自己与亚德尔荷朵公主举行结婚仪式的日期，是在明年的三月一日。 ……大陆历一○九二年，皇帝卡尔曼、金鸦国公蒙契尔、与黑羊公国继承人利德宛，三人同样是二十七岁。在这一年里面，兹鲁纳格拉王国灭亡了。在明年的历史激流当中，谁能预言有哪个国家将要被灭掉？在这世上恐怕是没有这样的人。
"Lord Ridvan, Lord Ridvan!" There was a sound like an ax splitting the sleeping forest, which made Ridwan wake up and propped up his upper body.When the focus of the pupils converged, there was a round face in the dark, which turned out to be Holdy's face, reminiscent of the full moon in the night sky, Li Dewan couldn't help laughing, but this hearty "traveler" "Scholar" abnormally, whispered in a very serious tone: "There are footsteps of people and horses coming from the east. A considerable number of soldiers and horses are approaching here." Ridvan pricked up his ears, wanting to confirm what Holdy said. "I didn't hear anything..." But Lidwan felt the ice blade's touch with a soldier's intuition.He poked his head outside the tent and felt the floating night air.At this moment he had to agree with what Holdy said.Lidwan then nodded to Holdy, and quickly took off his pajamas, concentrating on contingency strategies. "In the east, there should be the campsite of the Tiger Wing Principality. Could it be Simien..." Lidwan didn't have time to think about it, he picked up his battle armor and asked Holdy to recruit all the main army generals.Hall ran away without saying a word, and at this moment he could vaguely hear the neighing of soldiers and horses because they noticed the change. After putting on the battle armor and wearing the long sword, the whole night has been shrouded in a strong fighting spirit.Almost all the Black Sheep Army camp has stood up. This should be the training effect of punishing the soldiers on a daily basis, right?But once one's own troops are dispatched, the worries of the enemy's troops will disappear, but this is also a last resort.After all, our own side has no spare preparations at all, so as to wait for a good opportunity to kill the enemy.Soon, the generals of the army gathered in front of Lidwan nervously under Holdy's call, waiting for the general to explain the reason for the late night call: "Our Black Sheep Principality won't attract the envy of the Tigerwing Principality. Simeon's hatred should be aimed at Lord Ridwan personally?" Although Jijia's speech was based on his aversion to Lidwan's narrow-mindedness, it cannot be said to be contrary to the facts. "Perhaps it is what Ji Jia said, but since Simeon has led the army to attack, everyone will not be spared. At this time, it is fighting or fleeing, which one do you choose?" Under such circumstances, Lidwan had no intention of doing more testing.So there was a knight Wei Le who had a good impression of Ridwanduo and spoke first: "In any case, if the Tiger Wing Army ravages our camp, there is no way to report to Elder Almoxiu. Now we should give these rude visitors a head-on blow and teach them the correct manners. " Then there was a warm voice of approval, followed by a metallic sound of armor, and the knights stood up one after another, and scattered in all directions to direct their subordinates.Even Ji Jia couldn't pretend to be ignorant, turned around and ran in the direction where his subordinates gathered.Lidwan only led Holdy and walked quickly towards the mount.
Princess Angelina also woke up in the night.She put the battle armor she took off beside her, put on her pajamas and still held the sword in front of her chest. She had fallen asleep just now, but now she opened her eyes again and turned her head to look at the scene outside the tent. At that time, she tilted her head slightly and made a surprised voice: "What is that! Look at the countless light spots dancing all over the sky." The maid named Charlotta replied, "Princess, it's called a firefly, and it's not uncommon in Zrunagra." Charrota was born in the frontier region and had been to Zrunagra. Because of this valuable experience, she accompanied Angelina on this expedition. "Oh, it turned out to be a firefly. This is the first time I've seen it." There are no fireflies in Mafar, which is located in the northern country, and this scene is only found in the warm Zrunagra.Thousands of dots of light adorn the deep blue night sky.This luminosity is neither starlight nor gemstone brilliance.The living light clusters are like a group of graceful dancers fluttering their hems to the music, dancing gently and rhythmically, which made the princess of the northern kingdom feel amazed.But Angelina soon asked suspiciously: "Charlotta, do fireflies also emit red light?" "No, the light of fireflies is white with a touch of green." Hearing what the maid said, Angelina looked forward again through the night, and suddenly she stood up. "It's not a firefly, it's a torch! Immediately tell Brother Wang, the whole army is ready for night battle!" Angelina's heart was already armed.The speed at which she puts on her battle armor and wields her sword is no less than that of the heir of the Black Sheep Principality.She is not only one of the few brave warriors in the Golden Crow Principality, but even in the entire Marfar Empire; when she is ready, she immediately sets up a distance of about half a stadia (about one hundred meters) camp.At this time, my brother had already got up, and he was wearing a robe over his pajamas. "Brother! A donkey egg actually sent troops to disrupt this rare and beautiful night. Who is it based on and what is the intention to destroy this tranquility?" Munchell stepped out of the tent, staring at the heavy canvas hanging at night. "It looks like that fellow Simeon launched a night war against Ridvan." "It's possible that they have a long history of grudges, but why did they choose this time?" "Well, it's hard to understand the psychology of a patient with cerebral congestion. By the way, what are you going to do? The royal family will severely punish the private fights between the duchies, but even stopping it won't help." After Munchell finished speaking, he smiled.The younger sister in the battle armor looked at her brother who didn't even intend to put on the battle armor, and announced as if she understood: "If it's a private fight, let's fight it to the end. To defeat Simeon, all I need is a sword. Ridvan may think I'm meddling, but a husband's enemy is a wife's enemy." Princess Angelina nonchalantly announced that she was psychologically married to Ridvan, and after she finished speaking, she mounted her white horse and galloped alone in the night field. "Sorry, I really didn't mean to interrupt your dance party." Angelina apologized to the dancing fireflies.As if accepting her sincerity, the fireflies automatically leaned to the left and right sides as the horse advanced, building a bright avenue for this beautiful and brave knight. "Princess!" The galloping sound of a large horse's hooves came from behind Angelina.In the moonlight, about twenty well-known knights of the Principality of the Golden Crow emerged, and among them, the face of General Matthias was even seen. "Princess, please let us go with you." "I really want to say, it's a good time for you to come, but everyone has heard it, this matter should not borrow your strength." "Where is it, as long as it is a battle for the princess, it is a battle that everyone should participate in. Even if you think it is in the way, please let us accompany the princess." "What a bunch of hopeless fighters, then come with me. But be careful not to trample these fireflies to death!" Then there was a burst of cheerful laughter, and the group of fearless knights rode briskly across the field of dancing fireflies, followed by more and more shadows. "Ah, those people are really trustworthy soldiers, but in case, in case Angelina and I are hostile on the battlefield, who will they follow?" While watching his sister's back, Munchell murmured to himself in a serious manner. After turning his head, he walked into the tent and began to change the pajamas he was wearing. Under a flurry of knives, sparks and metallic sounds flew everywhere, taking away the original tranquility of the wilderness at night.Roaring, shouting, and wailing sounded one after another, and the smell of blood polluted the aroma of the summer night. This was a scuffle without any tactics or art of war. Our own people attacked our own people at night.Without a battle plan, the general rushed out of the camp suddenly, his eyes bloodshot, and ordered the soldiers to launch a night attack.The generals of the Tiger Wing Principality followed behind the general at a loss, crossed the night field, and broke into the camp of the Black Sheep Principality Army. Although Simeon wanted to order his subordinates to load their guns neatly, but because the command was not unified, the action was too hasty, and it was in the middle of the night, so the night attack did not have any effect, but this was for Simeon .Before the Black Sheep Duke's Army had fully established its attacking stance, it not only lost a hundred soldiers, but also the camp was set on fire, and the soldiers were shot down from their horses, and suffered a severe blow.It is so sad for the soldiers who survived the previous battle with the enemy, but were killed by their own side at this time.However, in less than 500 seconds, the lineup of the Black Sheep Army had become solid, completely stopping the Tiger Wing Army's offensive.Just as Simeon was roaring anxiously and ordered the soldiers to break through indiscriminately, the ranks of the Black Sheep Army were cut neatly, and the fully armed Lidvan Prancing Horse appeared in front of Simeon.Simeon was taken aback for an instant. "Simien, what are you doing, are you crazy?" "shut up!" This loud noise no longer reminds people of Simeon in the past.In the broken roar, the madness of the speaker was revealed: "You are not qualified to comment on my lifestyle. What is the difference in lifestyle between you and me?" "what do you mean?" Simeon laughed wildly at the surprised Lidwan.Under the illumination from the side of the fire, Simeon's face was half white and half black, exuding an aura that did not belong to this world.The wild laughter was not over yet, Simeon began to state his opinion: "That's right, I'm having an affair with Gertrude, and now I'm leading the Duchy of Tiger Wings as her husband. But isn't that the same as you?" "What's the same?" "Use women to climb! Your dead wife was the princess of the Tiger Wing Principality, and your next new wife is the princess of the Golden Crow Principality. You are really good at getting powerful and famous princesses one after another. An ordinary and poor Knight bastard, you can actually become the prime minister of the state, even the prince of the state, just because of your ingenious skills in picking women, your skill in dealing with the world is really unmatched in the whole empire!" A burst of sword energy blew up.The angry Lidwan kicked the horse's belly violently, and slashed towards Simeon.The knife wind pried away the night air, and sparks poured down to the ground like a waterfall.Although Lidwan's slash was extremely fierce, his anger prevented Lidvan from displaying his calm sword skills, so Simeon could barely resist it; but after five or six rounds of fighting between the two sides, his reserves of luck had dried up. up.Ridvan's sword was like a storm, making Simeon's hands numb from the shock, and cracks appeared on the chest of the battle armor.The knife swung horizontally and knocked off the helmet on top. Simeon's entire hair was exposed in the night sky, and his courage disappeared without a trace. Simeon suddenly turned his horse's head and fled.Lidvan, who was in hot pursuit, let the prey escape with only a distance of one hand.Lidvan readjusted his horse's head and shouted angrily: "You are too dirty, Simeon! If you and I belong to the same category, then fight me openly and defend your woman's reputation!" But Simeon had completely forgotten that tonight's battle was of his own design.He ordered to the group of knights who were catching up with him: "Defend!" Leaving only this almost whining order, Simeon rode away on his own.Knowing that the man on the horse in front of them was Lidvan, the knights of the Tiger Wing Principality began to shrink back.Although holding a white blade and adopting a half-surrounded posture, he didn't cut forward immediately. "Don't make unnecessary sacrifices. This battle was entirely caused by Simeon's personal grievances. Is it necessary for you to participate in private fights, so that you will be punished by His Majesty the Emperor in the future?" After Lidwan's scolding, the knights took a few steps back and looked at each other face to face.One of the older ones said as if in defense: "We have no intention of participating in a private fight. We just heard from Lord Simeon that you, Lord Ridwan, colluded with King Zrunagra's faction in an attempt to kill His Majesty in exchange for the status of the country's consort." "Do you believe it?" Lidwan couldn't help a wry smile. These words reminded him of Simeon's angry curses. It turns out that there is no other way for a man to make a fortune faster than becoming the queen's son-in-law. "No, we didn't believe it was true, but no matter what, this is always what the general said, and as subordinates, we can only follow it." "It's all right now, isn't it? You have also fulfilled your duties as subjects of the Tiger Wing Principality. Shouldn't the next step be to abide by the law and order of the Marfar Empire?" The knights nodded and put away their swords as if coaxing each other. Of course, Simeon didn't know that after he left, his subordinates made peace with the enemy without permission.After finally getting some distance away from Lidvan, Simeon dared to stop to catch his breath, but his subordinates panicked and brought bad news: "To the east, the Golden Crow Army is approaching, and there is Princess Angelina in front of the formation..." "Do you feel terrified when you see a woman's figure?" Although he reprimanded his subordinates, Simeon himself had no intention of going head-to-head with Princess Angelina one-on-one.Besides Ridwan, if Princess Angelina also came to the battlefield, there would be no chance of winning. After a while, the formation of the Tiger Wing Principality's army began to be chaotic, and the front and rear were attacked by the Black Sheep and Golden Crow Principalities respectively.The fierce sounds of swords and guns colliding with battle armor alternated, and the voice of giving orders swiftly and neatly belonged to Princess Angelina.Simeon's wishful thinking was on the verge of being completely shattered.At this time, a sharp shout reached his ears: "Simeon, where are you going to escape to soothe your grief?" Simeon was taken aback, and turned his head quickly, only to see Lidwan chasing up from behind.Among the knights of the Tiger Wing Principality, everyone knows Ridwan's bravery.Just as he was shrinking, someone began to appeal to his companions to put away their swords and not to make unnecessary sacrifices. Simeon's popularity had already tumbled down the steep slope, and at this moment, no general was willing to sacrifice his life to be loyal to him.All the generals began to disperse from his surroundings, feeling lucky that it was completely dark at this time.Shouts of "surrender" and "don't resist" came from everywhere, and soldiers threw their swords and spears onto the grass.Because there is no need for anyone to sacrifice their courage and life on such an occasion. Simeon was abandoned.At this moment, what guarded his surroundings was only a thick darkness.The previous frenzy disappeared to nowhere, and Simeon didn't know how he was driven into such a dead end. Under the double blow of confusion and confusion, Simeon started to gallop on the grass. The voice of shouting followed closely from behind.Simeon looked back over his shoulder, and his whole body trembled suddenly.Lidvan held a long sword, and under the reflection of the blue moonlight, he desperately chased after him.Panicked and confused, Simeon kicked the horse's belly indiscriminately, but his efforts still couldn't restrain the furious and powerful enemy behind him from shortening the distance between them, seeing that the fugitive was about to be chased. Suddenly, Lidwan's mount let out a miserable neighing sound, and the horse's hooves lost its balance and staggered up. The speed made the horse unable to regain its footing, and the whole body lay down, throwing Lidvan to the ground. to the ground. After rolling two or three times, Lidvan jumped up, a pain in his right wrist, and the long sword slipped from his hand to the ground.The wrist seems to be sprained.Almost at the same time that Lidwan picked up the sword with his left hand, the crowing of the horse stopped.A dagger piercing the horse's throat was shining faintly in the moonlight.Who threw that dagger?Despite this doubt, Lidwan had no time to think, because the sound of horseshoes that had already gone away turned back again at this time.At this time, Simeon had recovered his composure, and he was completely different from just now. He smiled viciously, looking down at the fallen knight from his horse: "Lidwan, why did you suddenly become a one-armed general? Do you think you can save your life with just one left hand?" With the certainty that he would turn defeat into victory seething in his eyes, Simeon swung his sword while Ridvan re-grid it with his left hand. "You only need one left hand to deal with you. The bones of your whole body were removed two years ago, and now you are nothing more than an earthworm with a human body. Where is your past backbone? Where is your reserve? You used to be a noble knight Where is Simeon? Tell me!" Simeon drove his horse and killed him.A gust of sword wind fell head-on, Lidwan managed to bounce back the fatal blow, and at the same time avoided the horse's hooves that were slamming on the ground.Lidvan rolled around and jumped up again, but Simeon had already turned his horse's head around quickly and charged towards him with a ferocious face, but he stopped suddenly, reining in the horse's head and standing still.A riding shadow that looked like a bird and a whirlwind jumped between them. When Lidvan confirmed who it was, he only asked pantingly: "An, Princess Angelina, why are you here...?" "Oh, don't you know? In the bard's story, there will always be a beautiful woman who appears at this time to save the beautiful man. If not, then the readers will not like it. A bard without talent, always It's a big headache for this wonderful segment." Angelina's battle armor shone like gems. It turned out that there were a few fireflies tightly attached to the battle armor.The long sword in her hand swept across the night horizontally, and the sharp sword aura struck Simeon's cheek, drawing a thin line of blood. Simeon's vain courage collapsed, and he turned his horse's head again. , desperately fled forward. Simeon fled, throwing down his sword, and buried his face in the horse's mane, fleeing from the victor's side and his own disgrace.Princess Angelina didn't go after her because she was more concerned about her lover who might have been injured, and she leaped from the saddle. "Little, are you okay?" "Thanks to you, I owe you once." "owe?" Princess Angelina's beautiful brows frowned, she gently supported Ridvan's right wrist, and confirmed Ridwan's injury.After she confirmed that there was no fracture, she deliberately hid her peace of mind and said coldly: "You really don't know words at all. It's not debt, but gratitude. I'm not very patient. You should find an opportunity to repay the favor as soon as possible!" In the dark depths of the night, a figure was shaking.On the boundary line between the grassland and the forest, a low voice can be heard: "Simien is really useless. Even if he only kills Ridvan, he will probably be able to leave a small name in history!" The light of the moon is shining down on Prime Minister Song Ertan's squirrel-like face.The little sorcerer was lamenting that his incitement and suggestion had come to nothing.If Lidvan died, then Kallman would lose a powerful assistant, and the situation of the Mafar Empire would be more likely to fall into transformation and confusion and could not extricate itself.The Principality of Black Sheep lost its ruler, and the Principality of Tiger Wings could not protect itself without incident. The only one that could maintain its original power was the Principality of Golden Crow.虽然就表面上看起来，皇帝的势力似乎更相对地强化且安定，但是这只会使皇帝与金鸦国公之间的关系更加剑拔弩张，前进不得，后退不能。到了那一天，就是宋尔坦真正出头的时候了。 “如果这世上有人能在不费一兵一卒的情况下坐拥天下大权的话，倒也是挺不错的哪。光想靠剑来控制历史根本就是那些身为武人的自傲。可惜啊，卡尔曼好不容易才把家畜都给养肥了……” “宋尔坦！” 这个突如其来，而且蕴含冷笑意味的叫声，将宰相沾沾自喜的独白给打断了。宰相虽然被叫声给吓了一跳，但是让人给直呼名讳更叫他感到愤怒，于是他透过眼前的黑暗放眼望去。 “啊、蒙契尔国公……” 宋尔坦将唾液咽下喉咙的声音真是难听。年轻的金鸦国公身穿便装，腰际间却佩带着剑，而且脸部表情与友好之间相距千里远。蒙契尔刻意在宋尔坦面前把剑拔出，让剑发出尖锐的响声。宋尔坦用力地嚼动冻结的舌头。 “为，为什么你想杀我呢，我有什么罪？” “煽动西米恩、挑起私战之罪。” 蒙契尔以平淡无味的平静口吻回答道，宋尔坦却吓得双唇张开，怎么也无法启齿辩答。 “你玩弄诡计，扰乱治安的种种奸佞行为，我全部知道。甚至连你煽动随从武官菲连兹弑杀皇帝陛下之事，我也都知道。你这种不入流的话剧我看不下去了。” 或许是术士的层次之差吧。宋尔坦浑身动弹不得，在蒙契尔平静的指责之下，抹煞了所有的表情与气息。 突然“唰！”地一声，有个东西被扔到草地上。在清冷的月光之下，那原来是个血淋淋的首级。宋尔坦这时才注意到蒙契尔的左手一直若无其事地放在背后，而且剑的上头早已抹上了人血。他不自禁地闪了开来，蒙契尔更乘势前进一步。 “看来这是一个相当精通邪门医术、毒药、催眠术、腹语术的人，只可惜欠缺选择主人的能力哪。这就是他的报应。不单是这个人，对于主人的选择应该谨慎些。” 蒙契尔对准宋尔坦，把人头像是踢皮球似地踢过去。宋尔坦发出怪鸟似的惨叫，他手下的首级正中了他的腹部，整个人都翻滚了过去，而手里也正好抱着那人的首级，这时，他又再一次发出惊叫声，把那首级给抛了出去，在草地上爬着企图逃走。他双手拼命将草给拨开，也顾不得自己难看的样子，只一心一意想要从这个外表优雅纤弱的可怕杀人者身旁逃开。 宋尔坦对于自己的头脑与辩才一直着绝大的自信，但是在蒙契尔面前，不过是太阳面前的月亮。对方有着明显的杀意，舌头在恐怖与失败盛的冻结之下，根本无法保护自己的性命。当背脊上感觉到一股剑气，身上的衣服发出被撕裂的声音时，宋尔坦的身体整个漂浮在夜气之中。他无声无息地落下，落在厚厚的草地上，害怕地摒住了呼吸。原来草地上有个断层，宋尔坦拼命压抑自己的喘气声，将自身的安全托付给地形与黑暗。摒气经过几十瞬间之后，宋尔坦相信自己已经成功脱逃，安心之余竟陷入轻微的失神状态之中。但是，事实并非如此。 “现在饶你一命。不过你最好相信自己的命是由于我的力量才捡回来的。等你的脑袋冷静下来之后，你将会是我手中的一只棋子，好好等着吧！” 蒙契尔在胸中低语着，然后把剑收回剑鞘，缓缓地往回走去。事实上，他的杀意根本不是真的，只是作作样子罢了，不过在技巧上却远比宋尔坦的三流话剧来得巧妙。 蒙契尔是在前些天才计划将宋尔坦给一口气排除掉的。蒙契尔经常观察着在外的拉萨尔、与在内的宋尔坦这两名阴谋家。虽然他对于自己有着极为自然的自负心，根本无所畏惧于这两个小人，但是如果因此而大意，让人在背后给捅上毒刃的话，那可就惨不忍睹了。自古以来，多少英雄、名将就是被远不如他们的一些小人所陷害，而最后惨遭破灭的下场。当蒙契尔在国内国外布置纵横的谋略之时，当然也对如此的可能性作过细密的考虑。即便如此，还是难免会有些遗漏，当利德宛和安洁莉娜遭遇刺客袭击时，就是他未曾预料到的。 促使蒙契尔下决心排除宋尔坦的理由并不只有一个。第一个理由是为了自卫。蒙契尔已经察觉到宋尔坦企图将毒杀女官艾菲米雅的罪名转嫁给自己，这种背黑锅的冤枉罪岂是蒙契尔所能忍受。第二是嫌恶感。各自的阴谋虽各有不同，但是毒杀一个并未滥用权势，而且已经怀孕的女子，这种行径完全与蒙契尔大异其趣。第三，如果再放任宋尔坦恣意玩弄阴谋，往往会使得蒙契尔的计谋落空。如果艾菲米雅生下男孩的话，将会与迟早成为正式皇妃的亚德尔荷朵之间发生纷争，甚且蒙契尔还有可能掌握该男孩的监护权。但是这种种的可能性都被宋尔坦给抹煞了。 就像对宋尔坦本人所说的，蒙契尔再也无法坐视他那粗杂的阴谋一再上演。 尽管如此，蒙契尔为什么还任由宋尔坦逃亡呢，这其中也有着不少的理由。第一，当场杀死宋尔坦，将会令猜疑心重的人以为“这是消灭共犯好灭口”。第二，不管他逃到哪个国家，都将会给予卡尔曼侵略该国的借口，而这也将使得卡尔曼的内政欠缺安定的要素，蒙契尔将会更有机可乘。第三，宋尔坦如果在国外蠢动的话，将可能使拉萨尔所构筑、企图用来陷害马法尔的陷阱出现漏洞。第四，卡尔曼绝对不可能原谅宋尔坦毒杀艾菲米雅的行为，宋尔坦为了让自己能够生存，惟一的方法就是消灭卡尔曼，蒙契尔便可以藉此将宋尔坦当作是手中的棋子来利用。 当然，这些推想不见得会言中，宋尔坦的首级或许很快就会被送回马法尔，不过即便是如此的话，就这么让他死了也无所谓。至于他如果想和西米恩这类人同类相残的话，尽管去也无妨。如果他们活着，蒙契尔就有利用他们的方法，如果死了的话，根本无关蒙契尔的痛痒。 “二百州……很好，这更具有夺取的价值了。” 蒙契尔一面将这些背叛的低语全部封在自己的嘴里面，一面将视线投向夜晚的原野。曾几何时，萤火虫又再度开始群飞乱舞，活像是晶莹的真珠被洒在纯黑的天鹅绒上。白中带绿的光波晃动着，聚合之后弹开，散了又围拢过来，将一曲无声的旋律投注到人的心中。 蒙契尔伸手把一颗活生生的真珠禁锢在两手中间。悄悄将合拢的手微微打开之后，那小小的萤火虫正在狭小黑暗的空间中闪闪发亮。 “如果带回去给依德莉达公主的话，她应该会很高兴；可是这虫子的性命保不住吧？” 将萤火虫朝族群方向放走之后，蒙契尔展露出一个笑容，然后举起了右手，因为他的妹妹正骑着马，一面高喊着：“哥哥！”，一面走向自己。与她同骑在一匹马上的旧友，似乎正露出难为情的表情，金鸦国公确认之后，便出声笑了起来。 关于在“萤火虫原野”上所发生的奇怪夜战，身在喀尔罗札城内的皇帝卡尔曼，也从金鸦国公蒙契尔所派遣的使者口中获得了详细的报告。对于虎翼军主将西米恩的荒谬行为，卡尔曼虽然恨恨地淬着舌，却没有极度深刻的愤怒。因为这么一来的话，虎翼公国的十州就可以依照卡尔曼的意思来安排了。对于另一个逃亡者，卡尔曼心中的愤怒与憎恶已是无法用深刻的这个字眼来形容。他将龙牙国公渥达传唤到自己面前，严厉地下达以下的命令： “把宋尔坦这个东西追回来，一定要活擒，不可取他的命，朕要亲自处决他，以人类所能够想出的最残酷手段来惩治他所犯下的罪行！” 对卡尔曼来说，这是理所当然的，因为宋尔坦毒杀了他的“妻子”。如果不让他这凶恶的罪行得到相对程度的残酷惩罚，卡尔曼怎么也难消这心头之恨。这股激烈的憎恶与卡尔曼追究自身过失的念头是一致的，自己老早该杀了宋尔坦，全因自己一味地想着如何巧妙地“使用”这个人，放着他活命，才会害死了艾菲米雅。如果不将宋尔坦残缺不全的尸体抛撤在艾菲米雅的墓前，卡尔豪觉得自己怎么也无法对她致歉。 除了发布命令，逮捕宋尔坦之外，卡尔曼还有一些该要处理的事务。首先，有关黑羊公国继承人利德宛与西米恩白刃相向一事，视为正当防卫，与以不追究处分。金鸦公主安洁莉娜的行为比照此处分。虎翼公国军的武将们与以谴责处分。至于逃亡的西米恩则给予放逐国外的判处，褫夺该人于马法尔国内所拥有的一切权力与地位。虎翼国公未亡人格尔特露特必须前往寺院隐居，虎翼公国的一切事务暂时由皇帝指派代理人前往处理，但有关于该公国的版图将于明年中正式重新裁定，并选定新任国公。以半天的时间作好上述裁决之后，卡尔曼在预定表当中写下自己与亚德尔荷朵公主举行结婚仪式的日期，是在明年的三月一日。 ……大陆历一○九二年，皇帝卡尔曼、金鸦国公蒙契尔、与黑羊公国继承人利德宛，三人同样是二十七岁。在这一年里面，兹鲁纳格拉王国灭亡了。在明年的历史激流当中，谁能预言有哪个国家将要被灭掉？在这世上恐怕是没有这样的人。