Imperial Crown

Locusts will not stay in one place.

On July 27, the locusts had nothing to eat and finally left Viscount John's Newsno Territory, leaving the land barren. On the same day, Viscount John's messenger set out on the journey to the capital.

On August 2, the locust swarms in the north of the Northwest Five Counties swept across the entire Savory County and flew into the coastal wasteland.

On August 5, the locust swarms in the south of the Northwest Five Counties moved north from Hampshire and approached Essex County.

On August 9, the refugee resettlement work in Raven Territory was basically completed.

On August 17, the locusts in Essex County split into two parts, one part went east into Hippoc County, and the other part swept west into Snow Maple County.

On August 19, locusts were everywhere in Raven Territory.

The time came to September 6.

Peter, who bought a house around Griffith Comprehensive College, was sitting on a chair in the living room of his home, holding his pet Bobby expressionlessly.

After the locusts arrived, he never went out.

This feeling of being shut in was terrible. He couldn't tell the difference between day and night, and he didn't know how long it had passed, let alone when this damn locust plague would end.

If Bobby hadn't been with him, he would have gone crazy.

Gurgle.

His stomach began to wriggle. Peter no longer felt hungry, but could only feel the acid in his stomach. He took a sip of water and suppressed the churning feeling.

There was still some food in the cupboard, but Peter still endured it. He didn't want to touch the last bit of food unless he had to.

Suddenly, there was a bang, and someone shouted outside: "The food is here!"

Peter immediately opened his eyes and covered Bobby's mouth before he started shouting: "Stay at home, don't move, don't shout, I'll be back soon!"

The golden retriever, whose ribs were protruding from hunger, shook his tail vigorously.

Finding his thickest leather coat, Peter opened the door and left home with gloves and a hat.

When he went down the stairs to the first floor, all the men in the building had gathered here.

The ground and walls were full of dead locusts, some of which had already rotted and stank, while others had mold spots.

There were nine people in total, and everyone looked similarly dressed, like a group of down-and-out robbers preparing to go out and rob.

They were indeed going out to rob.

An old man approached the window with a torch, and the heat smoked the locusts lying on it, allowing people to see the scene outside.

"Are you sure?" someone asked.

"It's about 8 feet outside the door, in a sack, no mistake."

"Then... prepare?"

Everyone looked at each other, and Peter and the other three young men stood behind the door.

"3, 2..."

Peter took off the bolt on the door.

"1!"

The door opened, and Peter and others rushed out immediately. Even though the locusts would react more slowly at night, some of them still crawled onto them.

Peter and his friends didn't care about these things. The four of them grabbed a corner of the sack and dragged it into the door desperately. The people waiting inside the door slammed the door shut and hung the bolt, squeezing to death many locusts that didn't have time to rush in.

Peter and the others put down the sacks and slapped the locusts that rushed in with the others. The sound of popping and bursting was endless.

"Thank Baron Raven." When the last locust was killed, the old man who held the torch at the beginning used scissors to tear open the sack, revealing the tightly compressed food inside.

They were all large pieces of black bread, a total of nearly 130 pounds. If they were eaten sparingly, they would be enough for more than 20 people from 8 households in the building to eat for 5 days.

Peter also got his share. Since he was a middle-aged man and one of the people who contributed the most, he got 8 pounds of black bread.

Back to his house, he piled the heavy clothes that smelled of locusts beside him. Peter broke off a piece of black bread and fed it to Bobby, but he was disgusted by the locusts and had no appetite. He sat in a chair in a daze.

He heard a low whimper and felt his feet were a little wet. He looked down and saw Bobby licking his ankle, and the piece of black bread was lying at his feet.

"Oh, good boy." Peter rubbed Bobby's head and put the bread to his mouth: "Eat it."

But Bobby refused to eat anything, his teeth were clenched tightly.

Peter had to tear off a piece of black bread himself, put it in his mouth and chewed it slowly. The food fell into his stomach, and there was a sour and painful taste.

Seeing Peter also started to eat, Bobby buried his head and swallowed the black bread in his mouth.

Peter smiled.

There was more than 1 pound of black bread in his cupboard. According to this supply efficiency, he would definitely not starve to death.

Grabbing Bobby's ear, Peter said: "Of course, you have to live with me."

...

At the same time, in Eagle City.

Soon after the locusts attacked, Raven sent all the Wind King Cavalry, a group of 5, to deliver food to the entire territory.

But Raven also knew that this method could only be used in an emergency. He currently had only more than 50 Wind King Cavalry, and it would take at least 10 days to supply the territory.

Although it is said that as long as there is water, healthy people will not be in trouble if they starve for three to five days.

But if it continues like this, sooner or later someone will starve to death.

Perhaps the vegetation in his territory is too well covered. Now that nearly 20 days have passed, the locusts still show no signs of evacuation - this is not a good sign.

He took a sip from the teacup at hand, and the cool and sweet feeling flowed into his throat, which made Raven feel much more relaxed and his brows relaxed:

"It's red mist fruit and thunder vine... This ratio is quite good."

Petit smiled and said, "As long as the master likes it."

Raven has been paying attention to the movement of locusts these days. Because he needs to keep abreast of the first-hand information, he has very little time to rest.

Petit wanted Raven to relax a little. She is an alchemist, so she naturally has to start with magic plants and magic potions.

Not only this cup of special medicinal tea, but also the spices burning in the copper furnace in the corner are also prepared by Petit, exuding a cool and fragrant fragrance, enough to dispel the anger in people's chests.

Footsteps sounded in the corridor, and Simon, wearing leather armor, came to the door.

Although the door was open, Simon still knocked on the door and walked in after getting Raven's permission: "Baron!"

"No need to be polite." Raven waved his hand: "How is the situation?"

"After He Yaz's report, the location of the insect king has been locked." Simon said, walked to Raven, picked up a wooden chess piece, and placed it on the map: "It's here."

It was an unknown village in the northwest of Xuefeng Territory.

"Well done."

Raven smiled: "He Yaz is really capable. He was the first to detect the movement of locusts and discovered the insect king."

As he said, he whistled, and now the little white duck, who was basically an adult, moved in from the door.

The black cat Xi Keruit showed a disgusted expression and glanced at the dense locusts outside the window:

"Hey, are you really going out?"

"Who else can it be?" Raven asked back.

Just as he was about to ask Petty to put on leather armor for him, a clear voice rang out: "And me!"

Nancy came to the study.

The ponytails on her head swayed playfully behind her as she walked. She was not wearing a long skirt, but a neutral outfit that had recently become popular.

A feather was inserted into the wide-brimmed soft hat on her head, and she wore a high-necked white shirt with a circle of lace on the neckline; the two straps on her shoulders were light yellow canvas suspender trousers.

These trousers not only highlighted her slender figure, but also outlined her slender waist that was less than a hand's width. The tightened waist and abdomen squeezed out her feminine characteristics to the fullest. Even though it was not large in size, it was quite attractive as it swayed with her steps.

"What are you doing...?" Raven asked.

"I'm here to replace you." Nancy blinked: "I can also help to deal with the Insect King."

Raven frowned slightly and shook his head: "I can still move, how can it be your turn to take risks."

"I should say this." Nancy said stubbornly: "You are a third-level magician, and I am also a third-level magician. What you can do, I can do."

"And you are the head of the Griffith family. Unless everyone else is dead, it will not be your turn to take risks."

"But..." Raven was speechless, but he turned his eyes and found another reason: "You don't have a Wind King, and you are not a wind magician, so you can't be competent for this task."

Each Wind King only recognizes one master for life, and cannot be loaned out at will like a war horse.

"I knew you would say that." Nancy's eyes flashed with cunning: "Doesn't your subordinate Julia also have a Wind King? Just let her take me."

"Dear, you don't mean to say that the Wind King can't carry me?"

This sentence really made Raven find no other excuses.

Eric weighed more than 400 pounds with his armor, and the Wind King couldn't fly fast with him on his back; but Nancy weighed less than 90 pounds, which was not a burden for the Wind King.

Looking at Nancy who was eager to try, Raven felt helpless. He had no doubt that if he didn't agree, Nancy would probably go out on her own initiative, which would be even more dangerous.

"Okay, okay." Raven was defeated and stared at Nancy's eyes and said seriously: "I can let you go, but you have to promise me that you must not risk your life. This is just an attempt."

Raven didn't lie.

At present, there is no precedent for killing the Insect King in the entire Nord Province - at least Raven has not received relevant news, so it is not certain whether killing the Insect King can really effectively curb the locust plague.

Nancy smiled and said, "I know."

Raven sighed helplessly and immediately summoned Julia and Hojaz.

Standardly, the Wind King Cavalry operates in groups of 5, but this operation is mainly based on Nancy, so not too many people are needed.

Julia was responsible for taking Nancy to the destination, while Hoyaz was responsible for reconnaissance and leading the way.

On the 5th floor of Eagle City, on the west terrace, Raven gave his final instructions: "You are the best Wind King Cavalry in this term, and you are also my most satisfied children. I won't say more."

"This time, it would be better if the mission goal can be completed. If it cannot be completed, then you must send Nancy back to me safely."

The two cavalrymen straightened their chests at the same time: "Swear to protect the lady's safety!"

"I am very strong, I don't need you to protect me." Nancy came swayingly.

While Raven gathered people together for a lecture, she had already changed into a new set of clothes.

Of course, it was basically just adding a set of leather armor that fits the body to the original clothes.

"Madam Nancy!" The two cavalrymen saluted together.

"Be careful." Raven solemnly instructed.

Although the location of the insect king has been determined, it is not clear what its abilities are and what level it is. No matter how careful you are, it is not too much.

"In any case, we have been to the bloody highlands together." Nancy blinked: "Believe me."

"Well, I'll wait until you come back." Raven nodded lightly.

Julia and Hoyaz rode on their respective wind kings. Nancy jumped behind Julia and hugged her waist:

"Set off!"

Amidst the creaking sound, the heavy iron door was slowly opened, and the two wind kings roared into the sky!

This was Nancy's first time flying in the sky on the Wind King. The airflow blowing against her face blew her ponytail high, and the cool wind blew over her face, making her feel brand new.

Eagle City was shrinking rapidly, and the sky was getting closer and closer. Nancy felt that her mood became more and more open, and she couldn't help but shout loudly: "Oh——"

After all, Nancy is still a girl who likes adventure and excitement, but her status as a baroness has made her suppress her nature. Now flying freely in the sky, she seems to have untied some kind of bondage and feels To the heartfelt happiness.

"Madam, please don't do this." Julia reminded respectfully, "This will attract the attention of locusts."

"What are you afraid of? The Wind King can fly much faster than those nasty bugs!" Although she said this, Nancy still lowered her voice and whispered in Julia's ear: "If I had known, I would also be asking for the wind. The king is here to support you. How about being a Wind King cavalry? It’s fun, right?”

This kind of intimate gesture and tone made Julia very uncomfortable. She swallowed and considered her words: "My official job is to guard the Eagle Eye, and riding the Wind King is also one of my responsibilities. It has nothing to do with my personal feelings."

Nancy could clearly see Julia's face blushing, which made her feel even more interesting. The arm originally wrapped around Julia's waist slowly moved up:

"Then, is it your responsibility to grow such an attractive figure?"

The Wind King has basically no natural enemies in the sky. In order to enhance mobility as much as possible, the cavalry do not wear heavy armor, but leather armor, so Julia did not wear the uniform of the Eagle Eye Guard this time.

This made her clearly feel the temperature from Nancy's palm, and it also made her face get hotter and hotter. She was a little overwhelmed for a moment:

"This, madam, I..."

"ah--"

Nancy's hand squeezed hard, causing Julia to scream.

"Haha..." Nancy laughed in a low voice and said in Julia's ear: "Don't worry, I'm not blaming you, but I want to ask, how did you get such a figure? You usually eat some What?"

Although she has always been confident about her appearance, one of Nancy's biggest pain points is that her figure is not outstanding enough.

Julia, on the other hand, was about the same height as herself, but she seemed to be carrying two bulging wine buns with her.

Julia felt like a boiling kettle, and her mind was in chaos.

She has been ridiculed by her peers because of her figure since she was a child. She has no best friends or same-sex friends, and naturally has no opportunity to discuss such topics. And Nancy is completely the master in her heart, so she doesn't know how to answer.

"If you don't say anything, I'm really going to take action, right?" Nancy said narrowly, while using her fingers to pry open the edge of the leather armor.

"I, I, I, I said." Julia spoke in panic, her body stiffening: "Madam, I really haven't eaten anything special. It's been like this since a long time ago."

"Really?" Nancy's fingers moved again.

"Really! I am willing to swear to the Lord of Light!" Julia said immediately, fearing that Nancy would make further moves.

"Okay, don't be so nervous." Nancy pulled out her finger: "It's still during the mission, so concentrate on it."

Julia nodded aggrievedly.

For a while, the three-person team was silent.

It was windy at high altitude, and Hoyaz had been leading the way, so he heard nothing except the scream. After turning back to confirm that Julia and Nancy were not in danger, he put the matter behind him. to the back of the head.

Julia is still confused. She doesn't know whether she is being "harassed" by Nancy.

At this time, Hoyaz stretched out his left arm, pressed his forearm down slightly once, and pointed forward with his thumb.

This is a special communication gesture used by the flying group in the air, which means that the flight altitude must be lowered for reconnaissance.

Several torches were lit, and one was thrown down at intervals. The kerosene wrapped on it and the charcoal hidden inside could ensure that the flame would not be extinguished by the strong wind.

Torches fell on the ground one after another, providing a relatively clear view for several people. The originally quiet locust swarms began to squirm like waves and gathered in the direction of the torches.

"That's disgusting." Nancy trembled.

"Find the target, repeat, find the target!" Hoyaz's voice came with a hint of trembling.

A torch fell right in front of the Insect King, illuminating the huge calf-like body and the half of the remains of the cattle that it monopolized.

What's really surprising is not its size, but its behavior.

As if it had wisdom, it raised its square head, its compound eyes firmly locked on the Wind King in the air, and then suddenly flapped its wings and flew high!

Flying together with it were the endless locusts, as if there were invisible giant hands lifting a thick blanket from the earth.

At this moment, a pure blue fireball suddenly flew out, and a trace of human disdain flashed in the insect king's eyes, and then locusts all over the sky crowded in front of his eyes, covering it firmly.

boom--

The fireball exploded, and hundreds of thousands of locusts were stained with green flames, falling like fireworks, but the insect king was not hurt at all!

More and more locusts have surrounded them from all directions. If you look from the outside, you can see a huge brown-black sphere.

The buzzing sound filled his ears, and He Yazi's face was solemn.

Ordinary locusts cannot get close to the wind king, but if you find the insect king in this swarm of locusts, it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Is the mission going to fail like this?

He Yazi bit his lips tightly and shook his head to himself: "No, absolutely not!"

Although his father said that this was just an attempt, no one knows the bad situation in the territory better than He Yazi who transports food all day long.

He was an orphan, an orphan among refugees, and he knew what devilish evil people would do when they were hungry.

If the locust plague doesn't go away, it won't just be a matter of starving some people to death...

As a member of the Eagle Army, Ho Yazi has an obligation to kill the Insect King. Even if there is a little help, it is better than doing nothing!

"If my father were here, what would he think?" Ho Yazi frowned and fell into thought.

From the current performance, the Insect King is not just an irrational insect. It has wisdom and knows how to enjoy, otherwise it would not monopolize a working ox.

"So, it must want to eat us when it mobilizes and commands the insect swarm. The meat of the Wind King contains more energy than ordinary livestock, and it will not allow other locusts to get involved."

"In that case..." Gently stroking the neck of the Wind King under him, Ho Yazi whispered: "Good brother, this time, I want you to go on an adventure with me."

After speaking, he raised his right hand, clenched his fist, pointed his thumb at himself, and then raised his index finger and stretched it forward.

Although Nancy's spell was whispering in her ear, Julia still understood what Hoyaz meant - he wanted to use himself as bait to lure out the insect king!

Julia was shocked, but she did not stop him, because if she was responsible for leading the way, she would do the same.

The wind in her ears began to intensify, Hoyaz lowered his body, his hands holding the reins became more and more stiff, his heart beat fast, and his palms began to moisten.

Although he had made up his mind, he still felt fear and tension.

As a member of the flying brigade, he had performed many reconnaissance missions and saw what it was like to die at the hands of locusts.

His thoughts began to become confused.

If I die here, Banks and Lennon will definitely remember me. Besides, who else?

Yes, there is also my father. He will definitely remember my contribution. Maybe he will posthumously confer me a knight. My name will be engraved on the monument and become a role model for everyone!

Wait, but if my judgment is wrong and I fail to lure out the Insect King, then, then...

Hojaz began to worry. He shook his head vigorously, threw away the messy thoughts in his mind, and stared at the swarm of insects that were getting closer and closer with wide eyes.

I'll die if I die! Why think so much!

Suddenly

A hot stream passed by, and Hojaz's pupils shrank to the size of a needle tip.

He saw a sea, a sea of ​​fire, a sea of ​​fire made of pure blue flames! ! !

Julia was more shocked than Hojaz, because she clearly saw how Nancy made her move.

When the spell was finished, Nancy suddenly jumped high from the back of the Wind King, her sleeves crackling in the wind, but she raised her hand and waved her staff, aiming at the swarm of insects in front of her.

The flame element turned into a streamer, undulating and dancing around her. The star-like light gathered at the top of the staff, getting brighter and brighter, and then turned into a pure blue fire wave that surged out, brushing past Hoyaz's figure and sinking into the locust swarm!

Then, it was like this now.

Wherever the fire wave passed, as long as the locusts were touched, they would immediately burn violently, and then pass it to every locust that was touched.

The night sky was illuminated brighter than the daytime. The locusts peeled off layer by layer and were burned to ashes before they fell to the ground. Hundreds of thousands of insect swarms were like exploding soap bubbles, collapsing at an unimaginable speed!

The dense crackling sound was endless.

"Insect King, it's there!"

As more and more locusts were burned to death, Julia finally saw where the Insect King was. It was flapping its wings and flying desperately to the distance.

"Madam, please sit tight." Julia stared at the direction of the insect king: "Let's catch up now."

"Haha, don't worry, it can't run away." Nancy's slightly lazy voice sounded.

"But..." Julia was a little anxious.

But before she finished her words, a little blue spark suddenly lit up on the insect king's hind legs.

Sizzle--

The spark suddenly burst out with dazzling light, almost instantly wrapping the insect king.

Its thin wings turned into ashes, its huge belly exploded, and then fell to the ground like a meteor.

Julia was stunned. She knew that Nancy was a third-level magician, but she didn't expect that her magic would have such a terrifying power!

"I said, I'm very strong." Nancy hugged Julia's slender waist, pointed her fingers upward, and pinched it hard again.

Hearing Julia's scream, Nancy smiled happily:

"This is a small punishment for your doubt."

"Okay, go back quickly, Raven is still waiting."

I don't know if it's a psychological effect, both Hoyaz and Julia felt that there were fewer locusts on the ground on the way back.

When they returned to Eagle Castle, Raven was already waiting here. He was relieved when he saw Nancy coming back: "How are you? You're not hurt?"

"Of course!" Nancy jumped off the Wind King's back and ran to Lei Wen: "And let me tell you some good news, the Insect King has been solved."

"Thank you for your hard work." Looking at Nancy's proud look, Raven did not hesitate to praise him and took her hand: "What reward do you want?"

"As a reward..." Nancy bit her lip, whispered a few words in Raven's ear, and then left with a giggle.

Raven's face became strange, and he realized that Hoyaz was looking at him. He coughed to hide his embarrassment: "Thank you for your hard work today. When the locust plague is over, this achievement will be recorded for you!"

Hoyaz immediately said seriously: "To be honest, we didn't help much. The fact that we were able to kill the Insect King is all thanks to Mrs. Nancy."

"Stop being modest." Raven said with a smile: "You are also tired today, so you should all have a good rest."

Although it was a little strange why Julia seemed a little dazed, Raven didn't pay much attention to it. After saying goodbye to the two people, he returned to his room.

As soon as he returned to the house, Raven smelled the scent of roses, and wet footprints extended from the bathroom to the bedroom.

Raven's lips were a little dry as he gently pushed open the bedroom door.

Nancy was sitting on the bed with her back to the door. Only her upper body was wearing a plain white loose top, and the scenery inside was vaguely visible.

Her legs were spread apart, her calves were turned out, and she was sitting in a standard duck sitting position, with her pink feet slightly wrinkled.

Hearing the sound of the door, Nancy turned her head, half of her red lips were delicate and dripping, and uttered the words she had said in Raven's ear before:

"This time, I'm going to be on top."

…