Chapter 22 Chapter 2 is expensive

Merilon is no longer spring. Coming to the city under the dome in winter is like coming to other parts of the city that are not covered by magic.This winter is not the natural winter that is destined to come that day, nor is it caused by Sihana's neglect of duty.Winter comes to Merilon because there are so few Sihanas left to change the seasons.Those who survived the arena battle were too weak, barely strong enough to fog up the icy air, let alone bring forth the blooming, breezy spring with their life force. It was snowing for the first time in the city now, the first time even the oldest citizen in the city could remember seeing snow.It started with rain, and the heat from the thousands of living bodies, together with the heat and moisture from the trees and plants in the woods and the flowers and plants in Merilon's garden, was enough to make the air that enveloped the city too heavy. .Without the Sihanas to keep it in check, the temperature inside the dome kept rising until the sky began to weep—for the dead, or so the legend said.As night fell, the rain turned into heavy snow, and the whole city was buried under a giant white blanket. "It's like a corpse." Lord Samuels said dejectedly, looking out the window.

Now, he looked at the snow-covered garden with a heavy heart. It was no longer the place where his Gwendelyn liked to walk, nor was it the place where her love for Joram sprouted and blossomed, and it was not the place where Saryon was careful. To guard its dark secrets, where the grass and trees were uprooted to protect the flowers.No, this one is far grander and nobler than the garden in which countless dreams are cultivated in its dark soil. The garden was much richer, and like the garden, so was the house built on a grand scale.Lord Samuels and Lady Rosamund have finally achieved their dream; they are nobles at last, and at a price no greater than they were prepared to pay: their daughters!But until they realized that they had exchanged a priceless pearl for a flashy thing, it was too late!Soon after his daughter disappeared, Lord Samuels often took to the deserted sands of the Far Lands in search of her.Every day after getting off work from the guild, he would walk through the teleportation corridor to the deserted beach, walking back and forth, calling his daughter's name as he walked, until it was so dark that he couldn't see his fingers.Then, exhausted and hopeless, he would go home.

He had a restless sleep and would sometimes wake up in the middle of the night insisting on going to the border, saying he heard Gwen calling him!He eats little or nothing, and his health is ruined.Then that Zeldalla--the same awkward woman who had nursed Saryon--told Lady Rosamund that her husband was in a dangerous state of incongruity, and that he might die. At this moment, Mrs. Rosamund was visited by Emperor Xavier. His attitude was very kind and kind, and he was very understanding. He had heard of Lord Samuels' strange behavior. I have come here to put it mildly - is drawing public attention back to a deeply regrettable event, no one empathizes more with the pain of a bereaved parent, but it is time for Lord Samuels to be right take this tragic event seriously.Once something has happened, it cannot be changed.God Emin has always done things in his unpredictable way, Lord Samuels should think so.

When he said the last sentence, his expression was very serious, and his hand patted Madame Rosamund's hand lightly.For some reason, this should strike Mrs. Rosamund with a twinge of terror, perhaps because of his cold, level eyes.So she withdrew her hand from Emperor Xavier's disturbing contact, pressed her beating heart, and murmured nervously, "Zeldalar has suggested a change of scene." good idea!said the emperor.Exactly what he had in mind.All he could do was to bestow upon the lucky man a fiefdom, and it would be a great service to the Emperor if Lord Samuels could accept this modest gift.The fief consisted of a small serf-mage village, a castle in the outskirts, and a house in the city, which had gradually fallen into disrepair since the death of the original owner, Earl Devon, without heirs.As a loyal subject of the emperor, Samuels should be obliged to take over and revitalize this fief, just a small matter of taxation, but in the position of Lord Samuels...

Lady Rosamund stammered, she was sure this was just what was needed to relieve her husband from his misery, she was very grateful to His Majesty for the gift, and Xavier accepted with a very graceful tilt of his head Thanks for her.Before he got up to leave, he said he believed her husband would be too busy to wander the Far Lands at midnight again.He added that he believed her husband's new duties would provide him with more and more pleasant subjects to talk about than anything he had seen or heard about the young man called Joram. Finally, Xavier gave Mrs. Rosamund a little advice: A person who is always going back and looking back is likely to fall and hurt himself.

Lord Samuels did not go to the Far Lands again that night.The next week he went to Devon Castle with his family, and only on vacation or in winter did he return to Merilon, as the rich people did, to live at the house in Devon.They get everything they ever wanted: wealth, status, and their status is accepted by those who were once above and are now equal. Nobody speaks of Gwendelyn anymore, her things are given to her cousins, but her innocent cousins ​​cry every time they see the beautiful clothes and jewels and put them away , younger siblings were taught not to mention their older sister Gwen.

Lord Samuels and Lady Rosamund attend all the great court ceremonies and banquets, and if anything, true joy seems to be out of their lives - and they often don't seem to really care where they are , what happened around them—it might be better to say that they just showed the indifference that nobles should have.They fit perfectly with their new peers. Lord Samuels and Lady Rosamund were compelled to leave Devon Castle after the Winged Messengers brought news of the war, and only returned to their house at Merilon last night.People praised him, saying that he didn't leave his farm until the peasants who worked for him were protected.He remembered what Joram had said about the lives of the serf mages, and had seen firsthand the appalling conditions they lived in the village when he had taken over the fiefdom.So, Lord Samuels used his own money and magical energy to do what he could to improve the living conditions of the people in his land.Now, one of the few joys in his barren, empty life was seeing gratitude and respect shine in the previously dull eyes of those people.

"Do you think what we're hearing is true?" Mrs. Rosamund asked him softly, looking around to make sure no house saints were eavesdropping. "About what, dear?" he asked, turning to look at her. "About... about the battle yesterday? His Majesty is really dead? You were locked in the study all morning, I heard you talking to someone, and then the winged messengers came, what did they bring News?" Lord Samuels sighed, took his wife's hand, and pulled her to his side. "This is bad news. Yes, the rumors are true. I intend to tell you. However, I want to wait until Mary, the children, and the servants are settled in the afternoon."

"What is the news?" Madam Rosamund's face turned pale, but she remained calm. "It was Rob who spoke to me this morning." "Rob?" Mrs. Rosamund looked at him in surprise. "Our steward? Have you returned to the castle? Didn't they warn us..." "No, dear. Rob is here now, in Merilon, all of us. The Dukes brought them here this morning, and not only our serf mages, but others in the neighboring villages of." "Emin!" Mrs. Rosamund pressed close to her husband, who embraced her reassuringly. "Since the 'Steel War', such a thing has never happened, what will happen next? Saraken has reached an agreement in the arena, how can they break that sacred oath..."

"Not Saraken, my dear," said Lord Samuels. "but--" "I know, that's what Bishop Fanya wants us to believe. However, too many people have already known the truth and come back to spread it. I heard that the enemy is from the 'land of the afterlife'. It is said that Saraken's Prince Jarod, fierce and trustworthy, stands side by side with Emperor Xavier against this new threat." "Then, why did Bishop Fanya lie to us?" "That's what most of us want to know, my dear," said Samuels sternly, frowning. "He didn't even publicly admit that Xavier was dead, even though the word had been spread by quite a few eyewitnesses. The bishop - may Emin forgive him - was old and decrepit, and I fear he's overwhelmed. That's what I think , but also the thoughts of others. Tonight, there will be a meeting in the palace to discuss what steps are to be taken, and I intend to attend."

Samuels looked at his wife without blinking as she spoke, and she gripped his hand even tighter. "Who chaired this meeting?" she asked, seeing a flicker of uneasiness in his eyes. "Prince Jarod, dear," Samuels replied calmly. Lady Rosamund gasped immediately and opened her mouth to retort, but her lord spoke first. "Yes, I know Vanya will think this is treason. But we have to do something! Now the whole city is getting more and more unrest, especially in the lower cities. The temporary living quarters for serf mages have been established in the sacred forest , but those poor people are crowded together like a kennel, and there was discontent and rebellion among them, and now they are like prisoners, taken from their homes and brought here. Among them There is also a word that they will be transfigured and sent to war, like the centaurs of old, plotting a rebellion..." "Good Emin!" murmured Mrs. Rosamund. "The lower classes of Merilon are in the same situation. Already rumors are flying among them! I hear they are gathering in front of the cathedral, asking the Bishop of Vanya to come out to them! Even among the nobles, bereaved families are outraged, demanding Please explain! However, Bishop Vanya locked himself in his own room in the cathedral and saw no one, not even the Duke of Chambre or other high-ranking nobles! By the way, Prince Jarod and their The entourage is with the Duke..." "With the Duke?" Madame Rosamund took a breath. "Here? At Merilon? As a guest?" "My dear," said Lord Samuels. "The situation is very critical. I can even say that there is no hope. I don't want to scare you, but you must be ready to face the reality. According to the information I got from the Duke, Merilon is also in a state of emergency!" "That's simply absurd!" said Mrs. Rosamund emphatically. "The city has never been taken, not even in 'War of Steel'! Nothing can pass through that magic..." Lord Samuels was still about to persuade his wife when the doorbell rang at the other end of the great house. "It's the front door." Mrs. Rosamund tilted her head and listened carefully. "Strange! Someone came out in such a storm! Did you date anyone?" "No!" Lord Samuels was also puzzled. "Even Wingbringers can't fly in this weather. They use the teleporter. I think..." They didn't say anything more, they just waited anxiously and a little irritably for the family saints to report. "My lord!" A servant with wide eyes and a flustered expression suddenly pushed open the door of the living room. "Sa... Prince Jarod of Saraken, and a catalyst saint named Saryon have something to see!" "You show them in!" said Mrs. Rosamund feebly.Prince Garrod!Here, in her house!She had plenty of time to look at her husband questioningly, but obviously he didn't know any more than she did!After a while, the guests were ushered in, and the prince was always followed by the dark shadows of the Dukes. "My dear Highness!" Madam Rosamund squatted down to salute, but she did not squat down as low and respectful as she did to Emperor Xavier.After all, Prince Jarod was an enemy.At least, not before forty-eight hours.It's all so confusing and shocking... "Dear Your Highness!" Lord Samuels bowed and said, "It's an honor..." "Thank you!" Jarod interrupted his master.He wasn't being rude or doing it on purpose, he was just tired. "May I introduce Father Saryon?" "Father," said Lord and Mrs. Samuels in a low voice. But when the priest threw back his hood, Lord Samuels drew back sharply, and stared at him in surprise and terror. "You!" he cried in horror. "My lord, I'm really sorry!" Saryon's face was full of emaciation and pain. "I forgot that you would recognize me from... the transformed stone statue. If I had known, I wouldn't be so presumptuous to come to see you—" Lady Rosamund turned deathly pale. "My God, who is this man?" She clutched her husband tightly. "Lord Samuels, Lady Rosamund." Prince Garrod said solemnly. "I think you should sit down! The news we bring to you will be hard to accept at once. Be strong! I am sorry that we have to come to you so suddenly, but time is limited." "I don't understand!" Lord Samuels looked back and forth between them, his face suddenly pale. "what news?" "It's about Gwendoline!" Mrs. Rosamund cried out suddenly, with a mother's intuition, and swayed back suddenly, about to fall.Prince Jarod hurried forward and helped her to the couch, but her husband stared at Father Saryon absently, unable to take care of his wife at all. "Call the saints of the family!" Garald said to Duke Xisi next to him.A few minutes later Mary came to her mistress with a bowl of fragrant revival potion.The prince ordered chairs to be placed by the fire, and persuaded Lord Samuels to sit down. After taking a sip or two of brandy, the host obviously calmed down, although he still stared at Saryon.At this time, the hostess also came back to her senses.Seeing the prince waiting for them, she blushed, and hurriedly asked His Royal Highness to sit by the fire to dry his wet robe. "Thank you, Mrs. Rosamund! We came here in a carriage." Garald said, seeing that the face of the host had returned to ruddy, but they thought it would be wise to talk about some household matters first. "I was soaked, though. The Duke's carriage wasn't equipped for the storm, and none of those present this morning had enough magic to change it. We arrived with an inch of snow on the bottom of the carriage." Thick." He glanced at his noble wine-colored velvet robe. "I'm afraid I'll wet your carpet." The mistress hurriedly begged the prince not to pay attention to such a small detail.The blizzard was indeed terrible, their garden was destroyed... and then she was speechless!She could no longer speak.So she lay on the sofa, looked at the prince, and held Mary's hand tightly. Garrod and Saryon looked at each other, and Saryon nodded, stood up, and walked in front of Lord Samuels.In his hand was a scroll case. "My lord." As soon as Saryon spoke, Mrs. Rosamund immediately screamed. "I know who you are now!" She pushed away Mary's gentle hand and almost half stood up. "You are Father Dunstable! But your face is different!" "Yes, I am the Father Dunstable you know. I was wearing makeup when I came to your house." Saryon lowered his head, slightly embarrassed. "Forgive me! I came to Marilone disguised as someone else. Because if I showed up in my real face, I would be recognized and the church would arrest me. About me, and... Joram's story, How much...how much do you know, my lord?" Saryon asked Lord Samuels hesitantly. "A lot," replied Samuels, his voice already smooth.He still looked at Saryon, but it was no longer fear, but hope with a tinge of awe. "Actually, as Xavier thought, I know too much. I know Joram and his true parentage. I even know the prophecy." Upon hearing this, Jarod's face immediately changed. very serious. "Do many people know?" he asked abruptly. "About that prophecy?" Samuels turned to look at the prince. "Yes, Your Highness. I believe so. Although people have never discussed it publicly, I can still hear several high-ranking nobles discussing it from time to time. You should remember that there were many catalyst saints present that day..." "The holy mountain also has ears, eyes and mouth!" Saryon murmured. "Deacon Doques knows. He was present at Vanya's unfair trial of Joram." He smiled feebly, and turned the scroll case upside down. "Docs can't hold his tongue." "Then it will be easier, my lord," said Prince Jarod. "At least for you. So many people know the prophecy, it's really hard to say what effect it will have on us." He looked at the stove thoughtfully.Instead of illuminating his face, the flickering flames darkened it, for it was engraved with the shadows of deep worry and anxiety.He gestured to the priest, and said: "Forgive me for interrupting. Go on, Father." "Lord Samuels?" Saryon said softly, took out a bundle of parchment from the box, and handed it to him, but the other party just stared at it, not daring to reach out to take it. "A rather astonishing test is before you. But be brave, my lord!" The priest laid his hand on Lord Samuels' trembling hand. "We have been thinking about how to prepare you mentally. After much discussion, Prince Garrod and I both agreed that you should take a look at this document in my hand. The author himself agreed .Will you read it, Lord Samuels?" Samuels held out his hand, but it shook so badly that he put it back on his lap. "No, I can't! You'd better read it to me, Father!" Saryon looked at the prince questioningly, and the latter nodded, so he carefully unfolded the bundle of parchment and began to read. I leave this record with Father Saryon, so that he may open it if I die in my first encounter with the enemy. When he read Joram's description of his entry into the afterlife, Saryon looked up from time to time to the lord and lady, to see their reactions.Their faces were confused at first, then gradually understanding, and finally, they accepted with reluctant fear. I can't tell you much about what I felt and what I thought as I walked into—or I thought I walked into—death, and into the afterlife... Hearing this, Mrs. Rosamund couldn't hold back a sob, followed by Mary's voice comforting her in a low voice, and Samuels said nothing, but his face was deeply sad, hurt The pain and confusion made Saryon's heart tighten. He glanced again at Jarod. The Prince was staring at the flames. He had read the account, and Joram had shown it to him just last night when they returned from the battle.He'd read it so many times that Saryon wondered if he'd get it all.The priest thought it was difficult for him to understand this thing, because there were so many things to experience!He knew that what was said above was true, after all, he had seen the evidence with his own eyes, but it was still hard to believe that everything was true. I was so lost in my own despair that I didn't know that Gwendelyn was right behind me.I remember just when I stepped into the mist, I heard her voice telling me to wait for her... Then Samuels groaned--a deep, suppressed whimper.With his head buried in his hands, Saryon stopped.Garrod stood up quickly, knelt beside Samuels, put his hand on his arm, and kept saying softly, "Be strong, my lord! Be strong!" Lord Samuels could not answer.He put his hand gratefully on Jarod's and nodded slightly, as if signaling the priest to continue.So the priest continued to read, but his voice was a little hoarse, so he had to stop and clear his throat... When I woke up, I found myself and Gwen transported to a new world - or you will think a very old world - to start a new life.I married poor Gwen - to give her a life of security and stability.I spent some time each day with her in a quiet and pleasant place where the doctors of the afterlife tried their best to heal her. Ten years passed... ten years in our new world... "My child!" cried Lady Rosamund. "My poor child!" Mary held her tightly, tears mingling with those of her mistress.Samuels sat very still, not looking up, not even moving.Saryon gave him a concerned look, and continued reading it without pausing. The game itself is meaningless, how to play is what matters. Saryon fell silent.He sighed and rolled up the parchment in his hand. Outside the window, the heavy snow covered all sounds, seeming to put the whole Merilon in a heavy, white silence.The rustling of the parchment in the priest's hands was so loud and harsh.The priest hastily stopped. Next, Prince Garrod said softly: "My lord, they are here, at your house." Samuels looked up sharply. "In my house? My Gwen..." Lady Rosamund clasped her hands and cried out eagerly. "They're waiting on the porch. I want to make sure you're brave enough to face this!" Garald said seriously, putting his hand on Samuels' arm and holding him , as he seemed about to fly out of his chair. "Remember! It's been ten years for them! She's not the girl you knew! She's changed a lot..." "She is my daughter, Your Highness!" said Samuels roughly, pushing the prince away. "And she's home now!" "Yes, my lord," said the prince sadly. "She's home! Father Saryon..." The Catalyst Saint walked out without a word.Lady Rosamund stood up against Mary, and she went to her husband.Her husband stretched out his arms to hug her, while she cuddled up to him, quickly wiped away the tears on her face, and straightened her hair.Then she took hold of Mary's arm with one hand and her husband's with the other. Saryon turned back, followed by Joram and Gwen, who had just been waiting in the doorway.Both wore heavy leather cloaks and hoods to hide their identities from servants.Once inside, Joram pulled down his hood to reveal a face—at first glance it was cold and expressionless, like a stone statue.However, seeing the tears in the eyes of Lord and Mrs. Samuels, cracks appeared in the stern stone statue.Tears welled up in his brown eyes, and he seemed about to say something, but nothing came out.Then he turned and gently helped his wife, Gwen, remove the hood. Gwen's golden hair shone beautifully under the light of the fire.In her pale, sweet face, a pair of bright blue eyes surveyed the room curiously. "My child!" Mrs. Rosamund wanted to fly to her daughter, but she didn't have enough vitality.With no life force left, she fell to the floor. "My child! My Gwendelyn!" She stretched out her hand, and finally she held her daughter tightly in her arms, crying and laughing. However, Ge Wen gently pushed her mother away and looked at her in surprise.Then there was a flash of recognition in her beautiful blue eyes, but unfortunately not the one her parents had hoped for. "Oh, Count Devon!" Gwendolin turned away from the lady and spoke to what appeared to be an empty chair. "These must be the people you mentioned to me!"