Realm of Power

"How dare you speak to adults like this, who are you?"

Ty Triggs stood in front of Dale William from the side, holding the hilt of the sword on his waist with one hand. His tall and strong body was like a wall, and a strong pressure spread from his body, like a sudden burst of darkness. The sharp sword with its cold light exposed has a sharpness that people dare not look at.

No matter what the identity of the other party is, his duty is to protect the safety of Dale William. As the leader of the royal guard knights of the Ruidian family, he is absolutely sure that he can pierce the fat man's throat with a sword before he has any plans.

A dozen other knights also stood up and stared at the fat man with vigilant eyes. If it weren't for the guards behind the fat man and his mediocre hands, they would have rushed up and caught the suspicious fat man.

The atmosphere in the tavern suddenly became tense. The drinkers who had been noisy just now also noticed that something extremely unnatural was spreading in the tavern. It was the smell of blood, and they hid far away.

"Knight Commander Ty Triggs, don't be so nervous. I believe that your Excellency has no ill intentions toward us." Dale William walked out from behind Ty Triggs with a solemn expression and waved his hands to the vigilant knights around him. "Everyone, sit down." Come on, don’t forget that this is Wikiia, and it’s impolite to draw a sword on someone else’s territory.”

"Other people's territory? Could it be..."

Hearing Dale William's particularly aggravated tone, Ty Triggs's strong body trembled slightly, and his aura that was strong just now suddenly stagnated. His eyes were focused, and even the focus in his pupils was a little blurry.

No wonder even adults are so afraid of this man. In front of this powerful man who is as powerful as the God of War, such things as aura are simply asking for humiliation.

"Haha, I'm lucky that you still remember whose territory this is. Otherwise, I wouldn't mind letting you stay here for a while." The fat man sat at the table and looked at the nervous Dale William across from him with a relaxed expression. An old friend whom I haven't seen for many years, rather than a tense opponent.

"Forced by the situation, there are scenes of war everywhere. In the entire continent, only Weixia is still a little safe. Please forgive me for this matter." Dell William bowed apologetically before sitting down respectfully. , with his hands flat on his thighs, his body upright like a javelin,

"This guy is truly a character"

Seeing Dell William's respectful yet distant attitude, the fat man sighed slightly in his heart. He knew that at this moment, Dell William had returned from a stowaway to the position of Ruidian Minister of Military Affairs. The other party's sophistication was impressive. Surprised, he recovered from the unexpected blow so quickly. His plan to use this sudden attack to disrupt the opponent's inner defense failed.

"Forget it, people who can walk in the dark naturally don't care about the etiquette of the world." The fat man shrugged his shoulders and said with a leisurely expression.

"What do you mean by this?" Dell William looked solemn, and his eyebrows were twisted into the word "Sichuan" between his eyebrows. The other party's pun undoubtedly touched his heart.

Feeling the vibration in Dale William's heart, the fat man grinned slightly, knowing that the other person's state of mind had been disturbed by him, and continued calmly.

"Don't be nervous. I'm waiting for you here tonight. In addition to being entrusted by others, there is one more thing I want to tell you."

"Oh, being entrusted by someone?" Dell William's face was slightly stunned. His eyes swept over Bonnie Berlant behind the fat man. Just now, he had already recognized this cold and charming woman as his former companion Berlant. The Duke's only daughter, the grudges of the past have gone with the wind,

There are different opinions about the death of Duke Berlant in the country, and there are various versions of the content. However, in the eyes of a seasoned politician like Dale William, it is easy to get the truth of the matter from various channels. Berlant Te's death was completely a kind of self-salvation, for the family and for Rui Erdian.

Only Dale William can best understand the true meaning of Duke Bertrand's proposal before his death to use his body as bait.

Use yourself as bait

He attracted 30,000 Dongting cavalry, and also caught the eyes of all the forces in Ruidian. If Berlant did not die, those Southern Army generals who were temporarily transferred back from the south and suppressed by the Luds would be angry. , will not work as hard as now. Now I know how many coveted eyes are staring at the title of Kingdom Marshal hanging in the air, which represents the highest honor of the military. This invisible incentive is for the knights who regard honor as more important than life. Far more important than various tangible rewards

"Don't misunderstand that the person who entrusted me to me is the Dongting people." The fat man waved to Dale William, interrupting all the speculations in his mind. "I don't know where they got the news from. The Dongting people sent an envoy to tell us. , I was willing to pay 300,000 gold coins to keep your head, but I refused. I will not kill an upright person because of money, even if he is my opponent."

"300,000 gold coins, I didn't expect my head to be so valuable."

Dell William responded calmly. In fact, his hands under the table were clenched into fists. He had already put his life and death aside on this mission. However, the leakage of this news not only shocked him, but also made him feel heartbroken. pain,

Apart from His Majesty the King, there were only a few core ministers who knew about this twin plan. They first sent out fake smoke and avoided the eyes of most outsiders on the pretext of being injured, and then asked the Military Undersecretary Prais to leave from Palawan in an open and honest manner. Set off, and he took the shortcut to the border of Vikia, and rushed directly to the negotiation location, Amyra.

There are two lines of light and dark. No matter which side encounters an accident, one person will reach Amyra. This plan is perfect, but I am in this remote town, blocked by the Vekia Falcon. The route and time are just right. , to say that there is no traitor would be damning,

At this moment, I'm afraid that Plais, who is taking another route, will not fare much better, and all kinds of conspiracies will definitely follow him.

The two people moving forward in the darkness braved all kinds of obstacles to move forward, but the people in power in Palaven did not forget to compete with each other for their own interests. This kind of behavior did nothing and was holding back. , besides being hateful, it is even more pitiable

"With your Excellency here, I am safe. You should go outside and be on guard first." Dale William looked at the knights around him and waved his hands hesitantly. He waited until all the knights retreated outside the tavern before turning his head. Looking at the fat man, he said, "The Grand Duke is here in person. I'm afraid he didn't just come all the way to tell me how much my head is worth."

"Haha, just kidding." The fat man waved his hand boldly and whispered to a follower behind him, "The environment here is a bit messy. Please clean it up and wait outside."

"Yes, sir." The captain of the guards nodded and waved to several guards. Soon, the entire tavern was cleared, and the captain of the guards placed more than a dozen cups of hot ale on the long table between the two of them. Go up and gently close the wooden door of the tavern,

In the empty tavern, the sweet smell of ale is wafting,

Fatty and Dale William were sitting on opposite sides of a long table.

"This is the sweetest ale in Moorhausk, but I specially asked someone to transport it from Moorhausk city. As a landowner, this kind of hospitality is not rude." The fat man raised the hot rye in his hand and took a sip. Wiping the ale foam from the corner of his mouth with his hand, he continued

"I am waiting for you this time. In addition to being entrusted by others, there is another reason. I want to see if it is like your creed. Your loyalty only belongs to the country, not the so-called king."

"I don't understand what you mean?" There was no fluctuation on Dale William's face. In his gray pupils, his eyes were as bright as two sharp blades, which seemed to be able to penetrate people's hearts, but this was obviously useless to the fat man opposite.

Dipping his hand into the beer in the glass, the fat man drew a curve on the long table between the two of them, and at the end of the curve, he wrote the words "Emila".

"You are willing to brave such a heavy snowstorm and have to hurry. Your destination should be here, right?"

The fat man looked at the other party's shocked eyes, and after a while he continued, "If I told you that someone just purchased a large number of weapons in Wikiya and asked to be shipped to the three northern counties of Ruidian, I don't know what you would think. reaction?"

"What, you said that the three northern counties are purchasing weapons?" Dale William was shocked, punched the long table in front of him, and said with an angry voice almost coming out of his nose.

"These bastards, do they know what they are doing? What is the difference between privately expanding the army without authorization and treason?"

This news even made Dale William stand up from his seat and pace back and forth in front of the table. His face was ashen, and the calmness he had just lost was gone.

Obviously, the three northern counties had received the news in advance. In order to protect their own interests, the lords of the three northern counties privately expanded their troops on a large scale without the authorization of the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For the precarious Ruidian, this is no less than an ominous sign before the coming storm.

Although Ruidian is a feudal lord country, the restriction of the power of local lords has always been the most important policy of the royal family. In the past, they could rely on prestige and powerful knights to control these local lords who were ready to move, but now this With insufficient troops, once someone raises the flag of rebellion first, it will be disastrous for the entire Ruidian.

Floating ambition is far more terrifying than burning fire

Ruidian, who is suffering from external and internal troubles, can no longer withstand greater hardships. Once civil strife breaks out, it will inevitably lead to a complete collapse of the front line. By then, the brutal Kujit cavalry will probably completely wipe out the Ruidian Kingdom from the map. Just like the Ikadiva Empire back then, it became a victim under the hooves of the nomadic cavalry.

"You and I both know very well that the matter in the three northern counties is a foregone conclusion. In a month at most, this rebellion will destroy Rui Erdian," the fat man said in a dull voice beside him.

"If you still want to save it, there is only one way. Don't go to Amyra to sign the treaty that will ruin your reputation. Immediately return to Palaven and let Prais sign the treaty. Then you announce the general agreement in the name of the Minister of Military Affairs. Laois is a traitor and the treaty he signed is invalid."

The fat man paused, looked at Dale William, whose face was ashen, and then continued.

"You will become Rui Erdian's hero. You stopped a major incident of treason and glory in time. The three northern counties will think that you are their backer and treat you as their best friend. You only need an appointment. If you read the book, they will come to Kyoto with all their heart. When the time comes, it’s not up to you to say what you want to do with it.”

"You asked me to betray my partner"

Dale William turned around angrily, and looked at the fat man with bulging eyes for a long time. Then he sat back down in his seat like a deflated ball. Dale William, who had sworn not to drink anymore, picked up the rye wine on the table. , took a deep gulp, and the turbid eyeballs were ignited with red bloodshot eyes, as if they were on fire.

Although he was unwilling to admit it, Dale William knew that Fatty was right. When he was calculating the entire situation, he forgot about the reactions of the three northern counties. No one was willing to sit still and wait for death. As long as there was a chance, someone would fight for it.

The three northern counties have been important areas for producing iron ore throughout the ages, but they are also areas with the strictest weapons control.

In previous years, 90% of the iron ore had to be transported to Palavon. In this chaotic situation, Palavon no longer has the energy to take care of the arms control in the three northern counties. Rebellion is imminent, and it is very likely that he will regard himself as a party to the treaty. When signing your name At that time, this flag of rebellion will be set up in the three northern counties at the same time. Once this fire is ignited in the north, it will soon spread to the entire Ruidian with the force of a prairie fire. At that time, I am afraid there will be a return to heaven. Even with all his strength, he could only face the dilapidated Rui Erdian.

"Okay, let's not talk about this. Let everyone come in. Let's have a good drink tonight." The fat man stood up and patted the angry Dale William. He had to admit that there was a kind of humanity shining in this old nobleman of Ruidian. brilliance,

In the early morning, the heavy snow in the sky receded, and the golden morning light shined through from behind the dense clouds, illuminating the sky over Beit Town.

Dell William's slightly swaying body stepped onto the carriage with the support of Knight Captain Ty Triggs. At the moment the carriage started, Dell William opened the curtain of the carriage and glanced at the wooden door of the tavern with a complicated expression before letting go. The knight in front starts the carriage

"Sir, didn't you want to keep him? Why did you let him go so easily?"

In the tavern, Bonnie Berlant looked at the fat man with a puzzled look. This bitch drank more than a dozen glasses of rye last night, and her face was still crimson and she smelled of alcohol.

"I've already stayed, it's just that you don't know it." The fat man raised his head, looked at it with drunken eyes, and his nose twitched. The breath of the pretty female knight Rulan was more intoxicating than rye wine.

Feeling that she had been taken advantage of, Bertrand Bonnie looked at the fat man with a red face, suspecting that this guy was just talking drunken words. She couldn't help but chuckled and said, "I'm afraid you haven't woken up yet, but I saw it with my own eyes." Marquis William of Dale got on board"

"When people leave, it's the same as if their hearts stay here." The fat man answered the question with a smile, he just looked drunk.

"What do you mean?" Bonnie Berlant had a blank look on her face. She was talking nonsense early in the morning. This damn fat guy couldn't have become stupid after drinking, right?

"The wind is rustling and the water is cold. A strong man is gone and never comes back." The fat man shook his head, whispered something that no one could understand, turned around, and pushed open the small wooden door of the tavern.

The cold wind blew against my face. I raised my head and my eyes were filled with white.

Three days later, news came from Amyra that shocked the entire continent.

The Marquis of Dale William, the Minister of Military Affairs of Rendian, was on his way to sign a secret treaty with the Kugits. He was stabbed to death in his room by the Under-Secretary of Military Affairs, the Marquis of Plais, who came to stop him.

As the news that shocked the mainland came out, the content of the treaty that shocked the whole country even more came out from internal channels. Marquis Dell William, who was deeply loved by the nobles, actually wanted to fight with the bloody Kujit. They secretly signed an agreement to cede three northern counties.

For a time, the whole country in Ruidian was in an uproar. Countless Ruidian nobles rushed to the streets of Palaven, angrily demanding that the royal family deal with the Dell family. As for Plais, who was imprisoned for assassinating his boss, he became a nationally praised person. A hero, and unanimously recommended by many frontline generals, he succeeded Dale William as the new Minister of Military Affairs.

When this information was delivered to Berlant Bonnie,

Bonnie, who was making blue grass juice for the fat man, dropped the precious snow cup carved from ivory on the ground. The clear snow-like texture immediately shattered into pieces, making the fat man tremble in distress.

That was a precious gift that Nilay gave to Fatty before he left Salander.

It is said to come from a kingdom called Snow Island in a foreign continent. It is a vast glacier country that is rich in a huge beast. This animal is called a snow elephant by the local residents.

Their teeth are as bright as light and extremely strong. The residents of Snow Island collected the teeth of these beasts, took the smoothest and whitest tooth roots, and hollowed out and carved them into this kind of broken snow cup.

Strangely enough, once the originally strong teeth leave the body of the snow elephant, they become extremely brittle and will break into pieces with a little force. This also makes this kind of broken snow cup particularly precious.

According to Nilay, even in Salander, there are never more than three such broken snow cups. One is in the hands of the royal family, one is in the hands of her mentor, and the other is in the hands of his father, who later left it as a legacy. gave it to her

"Did you already know this result?"

Thinking of the fat man's incomprehensible words, Bonnie's eyes shone with admiration. Now she finally knew the meaning of the fat man's words "A strong man never comes back."

In response to Bonnie's questioning, the fat man had a rare serious look on his face and did not give any answer.

Although he had already guessed that this would be the result, when he actually heard it, Fatty felt a little guilty. If he hadn't pointed it out himself, maybe Dale William wouldn't have made this cruel choice.

"The nobleman walking in darkness"

The fat man sighed slightly in his heart. This nobleman who buried himself forever in darkness and ugly reputation was much brighter than those dirty powerful people in Palavon. On his back, he carried the noble elite of the kingdom. Real responsibility. ..

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