Throne Steps

Wiggins originally thought that Saenz and himself should be the only ones in the rehearsal process the day before Fuzhao Grace—of course the other guards and ladies are not counted—but the "Black Swan" still followed.Although Li Chen changed back to the daily uniform with a white background and black border this time, it does not mean that Wiggins can ignore him as an ordinary follower.

After one night, the news of the "Black Swan" coming down the mountain to greet people finally reached Wiggins' ears.Even if the reported content does not include the most appalling "head giving away" incident, the way of welcoming people like a black cloud is unheard of, which is enough to make Wiggins suspicious of the "black swan" behind Li Chen.

But even though Wiggins had more doubts and displeasure, these years of practice finally made him not show it on his face.Since the black swan followed the pure white color majestically, it meant that even the chief minister of the temple had no place to beak.Therefore, even if there is a gap between the two former classmates—maybe it was just Wiggins' one-way—there is no need to pursue too much now.

All the arrangements for the "rehearsal" were made according to the formal situation, so not only Saenz, Wiggins, Li Chen and Noah were present early in the morning, but also all the saints, ladies, waiters, guards, etc. were present.Regardless of the color of pure white, "Black Swan", or the Ainuma Temple lineage, each team has a special person to manage, the people are properly dressed, and the entry and exit are orderly and orderly.

There is only a small episode in it.Although the two saintesses who were in charge of delivering things to Saenz at the beginning of the ceremony were graceful and well-trained on weekdays, when they were actually enshrined as guests of honor for the trip of the saints of grace, they were unexpectedly nervous and their expressions froze.Even if it didn't make a big mistake until it led the way into the inner hall, it was still slightly uneven compared with the previous similar ones. After the "rehearsal", Saenz pointed out that Ye Lian, his second female official and the chief female official of the temple, would temporarily serve as the saint of grace, replacing the original two established saints.

In fact, the two young girls originally came from ordinary backgrounds, and it is really rare to be awarded the role of the Holy Maiden of Grace just because of their good looks and outstanding talents.It's just that he didn't see many scenes, he didn't perform well on the spot, and he was replaced at the end, which greatly missed the opportunity.

As for the two female officials who were temporarily "requisitioned", they have long been trained to show elegance in their gestures.Just let them determine what needs to be done, and no one will worry about whether the smiles of the two meet the standard of grace.

Of course, as usual, the fact that these two can be "saints" means that Saenz has never "touched" them before.But the chestnut-haired oval face who served tea all the year round was Saenz's closest first lady. She was listed outside the "Holy Maiden", and there was probably a reason for this.However, this kind of frivolous news was not very interesting, so Li Chen thought about it for a while, and then put it out of his mind.

It was not the first time for Saenz to go through this kind of cutscene, not to mention that the most important event "opening the teleportation array" could not be carried out until the day of the ceremony, so there was really nothing to delay in the "rehearsal".For a person like Li Chen who has been missing the ceremony all the time, it was even too fast to be satisfied.But Saenz quickly turned this "unfinished" into a "shock"... oh no, surprise.

"Following you!" Li Chen exclaimed in surprise, "Me!"

It was rare for Saenz to see the child so surprised, and he felt a little funny for a moment: "What?"

Li Chen thought that his family leader misunderstood that he was unwilling, so he quickly replied: "No, no. Of course I am willing a million times. To be able to experience the grace of Fuzhao by your side is a peerless honor that cannot be replaced by any amount of credit..."

Saenz raised his eyebrows: "Huh?"

"Uh..." Li Chen made a lot of preparations, and didn't think about how to organize his words to be the most appropriate, so he simply went straight to the ball, "There are so many people down the mountain watching me give you your head. If you still follow you to participate The ceremony of activating the magic circle, isn't this... huh?"

Saenz could naturally hear what he meant, and slowly picked up the teacup: "You are just a member of the crowd watching the ceremony."

"Oh..." I couldn't tell whether he was a little disappointed or relieved, Li Chen responded slowly, and then asked, "Then what should I wear?"

Saenz asked back, "What do you say?"

Know and ask you?Li Chen sighed silently.It is also said that the saints of Wiggins are not up to standard, and they are being tested now.Among the sorrows, whoever takes the test will know.

Right now, the two of them sat facing each other in the atrium corridor, with a delicate small table set up in the middle, on which the afternoon tea meals were placed.The summer sun is bright and the temperature is getting hotter.Fortunately, the mountain breeze is refreshing, accompanied by the water vapor of the fountain, which is quite comfortable.Every summer, Saenz still suffers from the old symptoms of restlessness.Even though the meditation and de-negative formations are everywhere in the temple, and the effect of approaching grace is even more remarkable, just in case, Saenz still drank the tranquilizing medicine specially suppressing the "Song of the Siren".

Li Chen personally got the prescription from Lone Wolf, so the chestnut-haired oval-face who served the tea also gave up his work and left the two of them alone in the corridor.

As for Wiggins, he has been attacked by "changing seats" and "changing the saint", which can be regarded as a taste of Saenz's displeasure with him, and he is consciously avoiding Saenz to see him Even more annoying.

However, Li Chen is not necessarily in a better situation than Wiggins.Because the leader was asking him—what happened to the head?

Li Chen stopped making excuses and foreshadowing, and said bluntly: "Buried under the mountain."

Saenz paused the hand that put the teacup, and without commenting on this approach, he just said, "You've got a bad temper recently."

Li Chen was stunned: "Huh?"

Saenz said: "There is still a lot of nonsense, and once interrupted, it will not be covered up. What about the three-step talk technique that you used to be most fond of?"

Li Chen replied: "At this time of year, I'm afraid you'll strangle me to death just at the second step."

"Hey, it's quite calm." Saenz glanced down at the cup of calming tea—it was made by Li Chen himself, and he didn't dare to put sugar indiscriminately this time—he didn't show any displeasure if he slightly offended the child, "Then Just be honest."

"Yes." Li Chen replied, "We buried the head not far from the main road on the side of the mountain, and planted a tree on it. The tree is only as tall as a person now, but we have arranged special caretakers, so we think it can be taken care of properly. In the early spring, the tree first blooms and then grows leaves. The flowers are bright red. When I look at it in the past few years, I only feel that it is lively. In the next few years, the crown of the tree will grow higher and expand, and the flowering season will definitely be beautiful..."

"Is this related to the head?"

"Yes." Li Chen replied, "That bully used to be bloody and brutal and oppressed the people, but now he can't live in peace after death, and he can grow a tree of spring flowers for people to enjoy, isn't it a worthy death?"

Saenz was taken aback by his trick, and then noticed the train of thought: "You want to use this as a symbolic move of 'Black Swan'?"

"I can't hide it from your discerning eyes." Li Chen smiled, "If possible, I hope this can become one of your temple landmarks."

Saenz's expression did not show dissatisfaction, but it was by no means a happy acceptance: "Do you know what you are talking about and what you are doing?"

Burying people's heads in front of the temple is tantamount to blood staining the holy garments.However, after all, Saenz is not only wearing the pure white color of the holy clothes, he also has a battle robe and a long sword, which enable him to defend and have the ability to defend his authority all the time.

At this time, he has not been pinned down by coercion, but Li Chen feels that the calming tea is really effective: "Of course I know. This move does not mean to offend you, but it only deepens our setting - to be crazy about you , but not at your command—of course, from this perspective, perhaps this move should be interpreted as 'we think it is for your own good, but you think it offends you' is more appropriate."

Although this will definitely deepen the world's impression of the "Black Swan", if the "Black Swan" is planted one by one, it may not weaken Saenz's bold and tough positioning.

"Then when your second tree is planted, I will raise serious objections, but the 'Black Swan' will not do anything. At that time, punishment will be imposed." Saenz said, "Under my proposal, all by me The donated temple will not welcome the arrival of the 'Black Swan', and all mercenary rewards issued in my name will reject the application of the 'Black Swan'."

When Li Chen heard this setting, he understood that Saenz had agreed to his proposal.He originally wanted to say that the disciplinary measures should include "all 'black swans' are not allowed to approach, pay respects to the pure white Saenz himself" so that it would be more fanatical and personal, but he felt that this was a bit motherly, so he put it aside: " In order to express my sincere sorrow for your anger, should I take people to the foot of the mountain to kneel?"

Saenz drank the warm calming tea, noncommittal: "The first item can be removed, but the task application of 'Black Swan' is still not accepted."

Li Chen curled his lips into a smile: "Oh...then 'Black Swan' will complete these tasks at that time, and then hand over the corresponding evidence to other mercenary groups."

This is... really crazy.Although he also participated in the design, this extreme performance still made Saenz speechless.He put the empty teacup into a small saucer on the table: "Be careful of 'self-defeating'."

Li Chen said with a smile: "I would like to 'destroy the ground' for you."

"Tch." Saenz didn't give Li Chen the chance to show his loyalty with disgust. He took out a piece of paper from his pocket and opened it, then turned to Li Chen, "Then explain this?"

Li Chen took a closer look, and it was the list of literary works carved on the decoration of the temple.From the handrails of the mountain road outside the hall to the inlaid buckles of the lampstands inside the hall, the sources of the texts are all available.In addition to the epic legends and other works that have been handed down for a long time by Retia, there are also many new writers of various genres.Ainuma's references to literature are more comprehensive than those of other shrines.

Faced with such questioning, Li Chen still answered as it should: "This is to show my loyalty to you."

Before Saenz could reply, Li Chen pointed to one of the columns—where it was stated which part of the epic the engraved content came from—and said: "'Your troubles are my pains, and your joys are my happiness. Your wish is my goal, without you I'll be alone all my life—'

"This is printed on the 'Road of Light' leading to the inner hall, Your Highness."

What used to be a joke at the beginning is now like an oath between two people.It was chanted by Li Chen in conjunction with the contract fluctuations, and even Saenz, who had a deep understanding of Li Chen's personality, couldn't help but be instantly moved by it.

However, Saenz will definitely not be stunned for a second on this matter: "This is not a reason."

Li Chen had no choice but to change the subject, and replied: "Your Highness, there is nothing wrong with this. Even the new works have definitely passed the strict review of all parties, and the diction is elegant and unique. Each work is a favorite of writers and readers. The works that have been handed down or created will never lose the style of the temple."

Saenz stares at him, looking unconvinced.

Li Chen leaned over to wash the cup and pour tea for him, and continued helplessly: "We have reached an agreement with the Writers Association not to publicize this matter. Why not a low-key temple with connotations? Of course, if one day, there are really classics in it. Handed down from generation to generation, isn’t it a beautiful thing that the temple has been excavated and the contents of the carvings?”

Saenz said, "The point is that last line, huh?"

Li Chen put the teapot away and said with a smile: "You are wise. This is just to prove your insight from the side."

Saenz's tone was a bit cold: "Are you trying to promote new writers and genres... in an attempt to control public opinion and treat everyone in Retia as fools?"

"Everything can't escape your scrutiny. But who didn't promote it like this, Your Highness?" Li Chen replied, "The Writers' Association and the temple of your line are just for mutual benefit. And it's still a stage where there is no sound at all. You don't need to worry about it."

In fact, Li Chen wanted to say that there is no need to overcorrect, but this remark is not in line with the current situation, so he worded it differently.

"If it succeeds, I don't need to say what the public opinion uses, but it's much more useful than other lace news." Li Chen continued, "Even if it fails, it's just some innocuous praise. wrong?"

Most of today's questions are established facts.Saenz knew that even if these things were ignored by him at the beginning, they must have gone through layers of review before they could be handled.Asking again now is just to fully grasp the idea on the one hand, and on the other hand beat the child not to be conceited, and it doesn't mean to be an afterthought.Now Li Chen explained one by one that there is indeed no major mistake for the time being.Although Saenz annoyed him a lot, he was really at ease with his thinking, so he temporarily acquiesced to these explanations and practices.

"By the way, Your Highness." Seeing that the alarm had been lifted, Li Chen stretched out his index finger and asked, "When your punishment comes, how long will I have to kneel down on the mountain? Uh... ten days?"

Saenz sipped his tea and said leisurely after a while, "... let's take a ride."

[The author has something to say]: Catch a bug~