Heart of the Castle

Chapter 482
Li Wei did not respond to Grand Duke Raul's proposal on the spot, but said that he should consider it carefully.Grand Duke Raul seemed to be quite satisfied with the Griffin Lord's excuse, and kindly invited him to dinner, and even planned to turn this dinner into a celebration party for the Griffin Lord's return, but Li Wei resolutely rejected it. up.

After bidding farewell to Grand Duke Raul, Li Wei walked heavily on the streets of Xicheng District, the night was dark, only the light of the torch in his hand resisted the haze from the surroundings, the cold wind full of cold water vapor was as heavy as a rock, and it was overwhelming angry.Grand Duke Raul's proposal sounded very enthusiastic, but after careful consideration, it was not fundamentally different from the proposals of Holy Light Knight Titos and Palace Chief Bamilian.

"Believe in the Lord of Radiance, and you will become the uncrowned king of the Kingdom of Arthur!" A voice was sonorous and powerful, and it contained fanaticism as hot as the scorching sun.

"Make an alliance with me and help each other, and you will be able to control the court and become a player who holds your own destiny tightly." A voice was as soft as a whisper, with the sweet fragrance of roses.

"The real burden is up to you, and you will become the guardian of the entire Kingdom of Arthur!" A sincere and resolute voice showed the clear attitude of Arthur's royal family.

Li Wei shook his head vigorously, trying to get rid of these voices, but the voice did not stop there, but became clearer and louder, and finally turned into a raging sea roaring in Li Wei's ears.

"Be careful, Levi Stone! The road ahead is gone!" a voice reminded, the Griffon Lord couldn't help but stop, and suddenly found that he had become alone at some point, and was walking in the dark, narrow and rugged place. On the mountain road, there is a mixture of thin snow and gravel under the feet. If you are not careful, you will slip and fall. The strong wind is howling on both sides, and there is a bottomless dark abyss.

"Come, go here!" "Come, here is a smooth road!" "Come, come, come, Levi Stone, come here, you will be crowned king!"

Three different voices called out, and three tall figures stood in front of them. One was holding a golden sunburst scepter, the other was wearing a large and flowing silk robe, and the third was wearing a silver crown inlaid with rubies and obsidian.There is a road beside them, all of which look bright and flat, leading to the top of a towering mountain, which Li Wei knows is the pinnacle of power.A brilliant golden throne was placed on the top of the mountain, and there was no one on it.

"Climb up, climb up, and you will gain glory and authority. You only need to stretch out your hand to hold the kingdom in your hands!" The devil's whispering voice echoed from Li Wei's ears again, making the Griffon Lord I felt a moment of hesitation in my heart.

"What are you hesitating about? Levi Stone, you are a born king, you can do better than the Dragon King. You will expel the undead, end the disaster, turn the tide, and go to glory!" the voice persuaded.

"...No, no, I can't..." Li Wei groaned and said in a low voice, as if answering the voice in his ear, but also as if he was torturing his heart.

"Why not? There are no obstacles on the road ahead, and your feet don't need to step on anyone's bones!" The voice shouted loudly, resounding through the sky like thunder. "Alliance with Chief Bamilian and accept the proposals of the Holy Light Knight Titos and the mighty Grand Duke Raul Adams, this is not in conflict with each other... Oh, if you can't pass the barrier of faith, then you can get rid of the Temple of Glory Nothing, although it will make your steps a little harder. Go over, help the child sit up, and then stand behind him! The whole kingdom will make your voice, and the whole kingdom will surrender under your feet."

A small figure appeared next to the golden throne. He looked only eleven or twelve years old. Li Wei couldn't see his face clearly... Maybe he didn't have a face at all. After all, it was just a puppet, an Arthurian royal family sitting on the golden throne symbol of.

"I……"

"What are you still hesitating about?"

"I can't! I can't do this!" Li Wei's voice suddenly became resolute, and the knight's sword slid out of the scabbard with a clang, and then the silver-white flame of fighting spirit burned on the blade. "I made an oath to my heart in front of the Dragon King. I swore to take over the responsibility of the important ministers of the kingdom, and I swore to be loyal to the royal family of Arthur. I will obey the king's orders and do my best to calm the turmoil in the city of glory, even if a new king must be established. , but also to obtain the decree of Arthur XII himself."

"Stupid!" the voice screamed, "Stupid, the throne is close at hand, power is at your fingertips, but you choose to let go! You have made a fatal mistake, Levi Stone, the price of loyalty is too high, and you will regret it for the rest of your life Think about those people around you, they will all lose their lives because of your stupidity, Sir Grace, Donna, Wilps, Babrupa, Sir Rodriguez, Butler Frederick..."

"Who are you?" Li Wei suddenly asked in a cold tone.

"I am you, Leviston, I am the desire in your heart." The voice replied, every word seemed to have the power to penetrate the heart, "Justice, duty, loyalty, uncover these things that hide your heart Let’s see what’s going on in your heart? Li Wei…”

"No, you are not, you are a shameless snooper, you are a despicable swindler, you are a demon who wants to lure me into the abyss!" Li Wei slowly raised the knight sword in his hand, the blade was as sharp as a razor, silver The white battle qi flames surround the sword body, forming a sharp contrast with the surrounding dense darkness, just like the difference between right and wrong, truth and lies, life and death.

"You don't believe it? Then I want to ask you, if I am not you, why can I talk to your heart directly? What evidence do you have to prove that I am not you?"

"Because you revealed a fatal flaw at the last moment!" Li Wei replied softly, and then swung the sharp sword in his hand without hesitation!

The silver-white sword light sliced ​​through the surrounding haze like lightning, "No, gods should die, this is impossible!" The voice wailed piercingly, and the sharp sound stung Li Wei's eardrums.Then there was a crisp sound like a crystal cracking, and the Griffin Lord found himself still standing on the streets of Fermeyer West City, his hands were empty, and the knight's sword was hanging by his waist, as if it had never been unsheathed.

Sir Rodriguez was at his side with an uneasy face, his right hand tightly grasping the hilt of the giant iron star sword. "Master Li Wei, what happened just now? You stopped suddenly, with a terrifying expression on your face." There was a trace of anxiety hidden in his calm voice.

"No, it's nothing, Sir Rodriguez, let's go on." Levi explained in a low voice, and then he felt the darkness around him gradually receding. A large black and blue sky, and a silver moon and thousands of stars flickering on the sky.

This seemed to indicate a good omen. However, on this night, accompanied by Sir Rodriguez, Levi visited Cardinal Enoch Sebasta and Star Mentor Sats Enhell successively. The ministers of government gave different answers to Li Wei's proposal, but they all showed a polite refusal attitude.The cardinal repeated to Li Wei the proposal of the Holy Light Knight Titos in the Holy White Stone Castle. Although the wording seemed more relaxed, the content was the same; At this moment, any mistakes cannot be tolerated. It is best to wait until His Majesty the King has a clearer decree before discussing major plans.

Regarding this passive avoidance attitude, Li Wei felt that he could not even vent his anger.He could only rush back to the Mermaid Hotel exhausted and full of bitterness. Although this was not an unexpected result, it still made him feel heavy.Now the Griffon Lord just wants to have a good sleep and leave all his troubles and responsibilities behind. Whether it is the king or the kingdom, we can wait until tomorrow morning to talk about it.

However, even this plan became an extravagant wish. When Li Wei returned to the Mermaid Hotel, the fireplace was burning, and the orange-toned light filled the room, which made people feel warm. However, the figure sitting at the table was waiting. It gave him exactly the opposite feeling.

Bamilian, the head of the court, dressed as a down-and-out adventurer, was sitting there, opposite Mr. Dish, who was wearing a decent butler costume. It was obvious that the old magician had just said some warnings or threats, regardless of whether Bamilian came. What thought he was thinking, was now dispelled by a cold sweat.

"Lord Li Wei, there are so many talented people around you." Seeing Li Wei walking in, Bamili Yang hurriedly stood up from his seat, with a lingering smile on his face. "If the Sleepless Eye could be presided over by someone like Steward Frederick, then this time the traitor hidden inside the organization would have been found out, and all the plans of the devil and the murderer would have been uncovered."

"Your praise makes me feel deeply terrified." Mr. Dish said in an old-fashioned aristocratic tone, "I am just a butler next to Master Li Wei, and I cannot bear such praise from the Lord Chancellor of the Palace."

"Not at all, you really deserve such a high evaluation." Manager Bamili Yang nodded to Mr. Dish, then turned to Li Wei, and asked him in a low and hasty voice, "Master Li Wei, what are you doing today?" Did you go to the mansion of Grand Duke Qiangzhong late? You also visited the cardinal and the star teacher?" Before Li Wei could answer, the palace steward spread his hands and put on a deeply sad expression, "You really are a little You don’t even trust me, Lord Griffin. If you forget, let me remind you, do you remember where the crow disappeared?”

Li Wei frowned and looked at the eunuch. His frustration and anxiety had made him unable to entangle with others in terms of politeness, "Of course I remember, my lord, but that doesn't mean that Grand Duke Raul is behind the current unstable situation. Clever Zui may not have gone to the Grand Duke's residence at all, or he may have been attacked on the way back."

"If the facts are as you think, that would be great." Bamilian pulled Levi's sleeve with his hand, "But things often develop in the worst direction, I know, I can see it all the time Sighing, he let go of his hands, and put on the hood that covered half of his face, "But since the incident has already happened, it is useless to blame others. Lord Griffon Lord, I am here to inform you that the king's army was defeated. The news of the news has reached the capital, earlier than we imagined, but fortunately, it has not spread yet. Her Majesty the Queen Regent, Lilaya, has decided to hold a court meeting tomorrow morning to discuss ways to deal with it, and I hope you can attend then."

Li Wei took a step back, feeling an inexplicable chill piercing his bones, making him feel like he was in icy water. "The news of the defeat reached the capital?" He repeated in disbelief. "It's impossible. Earl Ansair has already ordered the Holy White Rock Castle to be under martial law. It can be delayed for at least ten days."

"What if it's a sword-wielding earl who wants to leave?" Bamilian smiled as sharply as a knife, "No one in the Holy White Stone Castle can stop him, unless His Excellency the Sword Dancer personally stops him. Unfortunately, he is involved in military affairs. By the time we got the news, it was too late."

"The Earl with the Sword...Is it Earl Leonard Stilwell?" Li Wei gritted his teeth and said the man's name.

"That's right, it's Lord Thunder Knight." Bamilian nodded to confirm Li Wei's guess, and then walked towards the door. His footsteps were so soft that they were almost inaudible at first, and then turned into a series of rude steps.

When his figure was about to disappear at the end of the corridor, Li Wei suddenly said, "Director Bamili Yang, at the meeting tomorrow... which side will you be on?"

The eunuch turned his head, the smile on his face was as confusing as his position, "Of course I'm on your side, Lord Griffin Lord, don't forget the covenant we made."

"This man is untrustworthy." After the eunuch disappeared completely, Sir Rodriguez commented word by word, his tone as hard as ice. "Master Li Wei, I will accompany you tomorrow."

"More than that, we have to call other Griffin Knights together, ride on horses and hold banners, and re-enter the capital through the Green Lion Gate." Mr. Dish added.

"That's right, Dish... No, Steward Frederick is right," Levi said after thinking, "I have to show that I have just returned to the capital, so as to cover up the fact that His Majesty the King has already entered the capital." fact."

There was a smile on the corner of Sir Rodriguez's mouth, and there was a hint of doubt in it, but a bit of teasing, "Hey, Master Levi, don't you think this is a bit strange? We have already called on several important ministers of the kingdom tonight. , almost all the wealthy nobles in the capital of Fermeyer already know that we are here."

"We are still on the southern front in name, aren't we?" Li Wei replied with a wry smile, then raised his head to look at the sky, "Sir Rodriguez, butler Frederick, it's almost midnight, let's leave the city immediately. "

The third court meeting, presided over by His Majesty Queen Regent Lilaya, was held two days before God the Father's Creation Day. If it were held in previous years, the entire Glory City would have been filled with a warm and joyous festive atmosphere at this time. Whether it is the wealthy nobles with luxurious clothes and servants, or the poor residents who only have a place to stand and cover their bodies, they are all preparing for this annual festival. You can see everywhere in the streets and alleys. Shop assistants with wine barrels, bread and bacon carts, or peddlers peddling the streets with large baskets full of assorted treats.

However, this year is different. There are no hawkers with baskets on the street, and there are very few food stalls in the market. The quality of their products is not outstanding. The meat has been blown by the wind for too long, and the color does not look fresh. However, the price is several percent higher than in previous years, and the housewives who came to buy it cursed dissatisfied.

However, this cannot be blamed on the merchants. The disaster in the north has just ended, and the war in the south has not subsided. There are very few caravans coming to Firmeyer from Guangyao Avenue, and very few supplies are brought in.If it weren't for the fact that the port still welcomed several merchant ships from Yahan and other countries, the situation would have been even more serious.It's a pity that most of the merchant ships brought luxuries beyond the reach of ordinary people. Fine wine was almost equivalent to gold, and fresh fruits and candied fruit were more expensive than silver.As for things such as jewelry and porcelain, they can neither be eaten nor kept out of the cold. In this surprisingly cold winter, even the wealthy nobles in the royal capital have a lot less desire to buy, which adds a bit of bitterness to the faces of those sea merchants.

The rare clear sky last night was once again covered by dark clouds, the north wind was blowing strongly, and the fine snow mixed with dust was flying around, the color was like the cold and dead ashes after the embers were extinguished.The nobles who came to participate in the court meeting couldn't help shrinking their necks, while walking around restlessly, while wrapping their fur cloaks tightly.

This court meeting was held under this ominous haze, and the trumpet blew a mournful tone. Under the huge shadow of the Ash Fortress, the two gates of the palace slowly opened, and the nobles who were qualified to enter the palace hall filed in a row. And enter, to avoid the wind and snow in the warm palace hall.Then Bamilian, the head of the court who did not attend the previous two court meetings, appeared in front of the door and announced loudly in his sharp and soft voice, "Welcome to the Queen Regent, on behalf of His Majesty King Arthur XII to act as the guardian of the whole land , His Majesty Lila Yathanilar Rebak. Welcome His Royal Highness Crown Prince Ken Adams, the sole heir of the Dragon King, the Shining Star!"

Twelve ashen knights wearing heavy armor stepped into the palace hall in two rows. The heavy halberds gleamed sharply, the shield with the royal emblem painted on it was tied to the left arm, and the long gray cloak was blown by the cold wind. Hunting and dancing.Since the Seven Iron Guards had all followed Arthur XII to the south, they were replaced by these high-ranking Ash Knights, escorting the Queen Regent and the Crown Prince to the Golden Throne.

Her Majesty Lilaya, the queen regent, wore a mithril chain mail shirt that fit her body like silver silk, with the famous Sword of Oath and Victory hanging on her waist, and the royal seal representing royal authority on her right hand. , on her head was a golden queen's tiara that perfectly matched her blue eyes, but the bright smile that was always on her face in the past disappeared completely.Crown Prince Ken Adams followed closely behind him, wearing a white cavalier suit embroidered with silver thread and a high-necked cloak inlaid with countless gold pieces on his shoulders. The crisp and pleasant sound followed his footsteps. The curly hair with the golden shawl is more dazzling than the golden crown on the head, and both of them seem to have stepped out of a beautiful painting.

The two climbed the steps leading up to the Golden Throne in tandem, and then the Prince Regent sat on it, while the Dauphin stood aside.The twelve ashen knights stood still at the foot of the stairs, and turned to face the nobles attending the court meeting in the hall.Hearing the whispers gradually stop, Queen Lilaya slowly turned her head on the throne to look around the hall, and then spoke in a soft and silky tone.

"Rewarding loyalty and punishing betrayal is the duty of His Majesty the King! I assume power on behalf of my husband and the monarch, and I dare not be slighted for a moment. Today, I am shocked to learn that the unfavorable situation in the battle ahead is caused by the betrayal of traitors. I am deeply shocked—— The Queen Regent's voice sounded like thunder through the hall, and many nobles showed surprised expressions, "Earl Leonard Stilwell has returned to the capital, please come out, in front of all the important officials and nobles of the kingdom, Tell the truth as you know it!"

(End of this chapter)