Darkening Guardian Knight

Queen Ashe's study is not very large, it is placed in the library of the Academy of Sky, which is just a small book corner.

But the environment here is very good, the translucent windows can pass through just one meter of sunlight, making the light in the study very soft and comfortable.

In the center of the study is a large table with some stationery and seals on it.Obviously, this is where the Queen works.

The materials that Kate told Ryan to find earlier were neatly stacked in a corner of the desk.

It's just that due to the large amount of information in this part, the height of the stack is almost up to Kate's nose.

"Won't they be separated?"

Kate complained and sat down, picked up a stack of documents, looked at them, and gradually showed a wry smile.

"The Queen's work...is really tiring."

No.20 five-section visit to Hoinstein

By the time Kate finished reading all the information Ryan had collected, it was already the next morning.

"No wonder the old bishop said that the Ashe Empire basically has no chance of winning. This contrast is too strong, and there is basically no reason for Ashe to win."

In recent years, Ashe's domestic commodity economy has been very sluggish, and many local forces have withdrawn one after another, gradually shifting their focus to the Siscari Empire and the Central Empire.

Queen Ashe also thought about controlling this situation, but Ashe's national conditions really don't allow her much room for manipulation.

The withdrawal of a large amount of capital has caused panic among some politicians.

As a result, many people who saw the situation clearly transferred their assets, and some nobles even intensified their corruption.

Like thieves who just made a fortune and left, they ransacked the Ashe treasury without mercy.Then all the money was transferred out, causing a deficit in Ashe's treasury, which made the already dire situation even worse.

Affected by this, Ashe's military expenditure is also insufficient, and the four major legions that were originally the pillars of the empire.

Now only the First Legion and the Fourth Legion have some combat effectiveness, and the other two legions are facing the crisis of disbanding.

"The problem is too serious." The corrupt national conditions of the Ashe Empire made Kate feel overwhelmed. "Corruption, economic crisis, lack of military strength... No matter which one is a fatal problem for the Ashe Empire, it will be nothing if it is not solved. way out."

But these problems are not easy to solve, otherwise they would not be dragged until now.

"The most important thing right now is the issue of combat power." Kate knew that she couldn't save everything in one go, so she could only think about the top priority first. "To fight Solot, the highest-level combat power is essential. But as Bishop Ryan said, Ashe will definitely not be able to survive with just two ninth-level practitioners!"

In fact, it's not just level [-]. Ashe's combat power at level [-] and [-] is also a bit behind Solott, but if the top combat power loses, then this war is basically impossible to fight.

"It's really terrible, but fortunately it's not hopeless." Kate took out a stack of materials from the pile of papers, flipped through them slowly, browsed carefully, and calmed down, "No way, the situation is pressing. I have to contact other challengers... Whether the Ashe Empire can survive depends on their thoughts."

On the cover page of the document in her hand, there was a line of big characters clearly written: Hoinstein!

Hoinstein, one of the four major families, is settled in the territory of the Ashe Empire!

This is the only hope for the Ashe Empire!

"I hope everything goes well." She carefully put away the materials, looked at the gradually rising sun outside the window, and couldn't help blinking her sleepy eyes, "If everything goes well, come back and have a good sleep."

The black-haired girl who was Queen Ashe made a simple wish.

……

The city of Hoinstein, where Hoinstein's family is located, is quite a distance from Queen Ashe's castle.

To save trouble, after searching a world map from the study, Kate casually asked Ryan to stabilize the domestic situation, then ran away immediately and embarked on a journey alone.

"I hope Ryan can last until I come back." Kate thought silently in her heart.

Following the instructions on the map, she secretly boarded the teleportation array leading to Hoinstein City.

She must meet the leader of the Hoinstein family as soon as possible, and not let others take the opportunity.

If there are other challengers who also realize the importance and necessity of cooperation and convince the Hoinstein family before her, then things will be very troublesome.

Once the Hoinstein family reaches cooperation with other forces, the Ashe Empire will face a desperate situation of internal and external troubles.In that way, there really would be no possibility of a comeback for the Ashe Empire!

When we arrived in Hoinstein City, it was not difficult to find the location of Hoinstein's family.

Because the tall building engraved with the emblem of the Hoinstein family stands in the center of the city like a flag post!

The level of luxury of the building full of palaces and pavilions is even higher than the castle where Queen Ashe lives.

In a way, it is more like an imperial palace.

"It seems that the Ashe Empire is really not doing well..." Kate couldn't help sighing when she saw this, "Sure enough, compared with one of the four major families, Ashe's strength and background are far from enough."

She was more and more sure of the correctness of this trip. If the Ashe Empire could not share the same hatred with Hoinstein and fight against the enemy together, I am afraid that it would not be able to survive the subsequent war.

As soon as Kate set foot in the city, several guards surrounded her and saluted her respectfully: "Welcome Her Majesty the Queen to Hoinstein City!"

"..." Kate was a little speechless, she didn't have a way to disguise herself, and it didn't feel good to be recognized casually.

Especially now that she has a queen halo, almost a walking spotlight, and everyone in the world knows her.

"Excuse me." Kate waved her hand gracefully, causing the guards to stand up, and said sincerely, "I want to see the head of the Hornstein family."

"Understood, Her Majesty Queen. I will report this matter immediately and ask the Patriarch for his opinion. Please stay here for a while."

The silver-armored guard at the head knew the rules very well. He waved to his subordinates and signaled him to inform Hoinstein's family.

"Thank you," Kate responded politely, but she saw it in the incident.

For the Hoinstein family, the status of the "Queen" is not so lofty, just like an ordinary noble visitor.

The guards of the Hornstein house were very efficient and brought the owner's reply in just a few minutes.

"My lord has granted your visit, my lord queen." The guard in silver armor saluted Kate again, and made an invitation gesture to her, "My lord queen, this way please."

"Ah."

Under the leadership of the silver armor guards, Kate was able to step into the huge building that was as gorgeous as a palace.

The decoration in the hall is not inferior to its appearance. Many exquisite and flawless vases are neatly placed on the side of the corridor, like soldiers standing on their posts.

There are also many strange beasts carved on the bricks and stones on the ground, which are no less stunning than the murals Kate saw in Mrs. Cauchy's house.

After walking through several twists and turns, the guards leading the way finally stopped.

"Are you here?" Kate seemed to have a sense, and when she looked up, an ivory tower-like building came into view.

She has never seen such a hand-crafted building, and even the Temple of Light cannot give people such a terrifying shock.

The white steps are wide and extend upwards, leading to a cylindrical high platform. Above that is a garden full of gardenias in full bloom. In the garden are tables and chairs made of jade. From below, one can vaguely see a figure sitting in the center of the garden. .

"It's really rich..." Kate thought enviously, and missed the eyes of the guard next to her, then stepped on the stairs and went up step by step.

The figure of the man sitting in the middle of the garden slowly appeared in Kate's vision.

When the two met their eyes, they inexplicably smiled at each other knowingly.

"Here you come, Queen Ashe."

"Yes, I'm here. Patriarch Hoinstein."

No.20 Six-section visit to Hoinstein

Kate looked at the elegant middle-aged man in front of her, and said frankly, "You seem to have understood my reason for coming, Hoinstein."

"You can figure it out with a little brainstorming. Although it may be rude to be honest, you really can't find any other way to save the Ashe Empire except to ask me for help. Right, Queen Ashe?" Horinstein The owner of the family is not humble either, and directly pointed at Kate's vitals.

"That's right." Kate saw that he had seen through the current situation, so she didn't hide the embarrassment of the Ashe Empire, and said simply, "Without the help of the Hoinstein family, the Ashe Empire would definitely not be able to survive in the Solot Empire. Survived the war that was launched. So for the sake of the Ashe Empire, I must come to you for help."

"But help the Ashe Empire, can I get any benefits?" Patriarch Hoinstein cut the topic to the point, "It's a disadvantage to fight against a war power like Solot for no reason."

"Judging from the current situation in the mainland, if Solot annexed Ashe, it wouldn't be a good thing for your Hoinstein family, would it?"

Kate said, "When Solot occupies Ashe, they will have absolute say in this land, and their strength will be further enhanced.

At that time, Solot will have power on par with the Central Empire and the Siscari Empire. No matter how powerful your Hoinstein family is, it will be difficult to compete with it. "

"Well, what you said is right, it makes sense." Patriarch Hoinstein agreed, "But I can also choose to cooperate with Solot, and then as a reward for joining forces, I will get a share of the profit when they annex Ashe.

In this way, the Hoinstein family will also have the same status and power as Solot, and they can also gain the friendship of the Solot Empire.

Together, our two major powers can even overwhelm the Central Empire or Siscari. What do you think?Queen Ashe. "

"It's such a sharp hypothetical question. As expected of a strong man who has passed the screening, it's hard to fool him." Kate thought to herself, with cold sweat on her face.

She thought for a while, then said, "It's impossible for Solot to share with you equally, do you understand?"

"Even if equality is not enough, if our family makes a little concession, I believe Solott will be willing to accept it."

Patriarch Hoinstein replied very rationally, "If you can't come up with a realistic and constructive proposal, I think it will be difficult for us to cooperate together."

Kate came prepared, she said: "Well, I will give you a satisfactory answer, but it will take some time to explain."

Patriarch Hoinstein folded his hands, making a gesture of wishing to hear more about it.

So Kate said: "First of all, let me declare that your naive idea of ​​Hoinstein will not get good results. After cooperating with the Solot Empire, the Hoinstein family will not become stronger, but will only weaken."

Hearing this, Patriarch Hoinstein was still very calm, and there was even a faint smile on his plain face: "Well, continue talking."

"You should know that although the Hoinstein family has good strength, it is only a family after all, and it is far behind the orthodox empire in terms of management and government affairs.

Therefore, assuming that the Hoinstein family acquired land through war, they are inferior to Solot in terms of short-term governance capabilities—that is to say, it will take a lot of time and manpower for the Hoinstein family to digest the benefits gained from the war . "

"So what?" Patriarch Hoinstein said, "That's also earned, a real benefit."

"No, Mr. Hoinstein. The premise of turning that into profit is that the Hoinstein family will still survive by then."

Kate shook her head regretfully, "Since Solot has fired the first shot of the "war", how can it stop easily?After annexing Ashe and teaming up with Hoinstein, Solot's biggest enemies are the Central Empire and the Siscari Empire.Similarly, the two great empires will not just watch Solot grow into a thorn in their side that can threaten them. "

"Then, a war between empires will inevitably break out, and in this war, who will bear the brunt of the war, surely Mr. Hoinstein can figure it out?"

"It's our family." Patriarch Hoinstein sighed, and he seemed to have seen through the future, "For the other two empires that wanted to weaken the power of the Solot Empire, our family overthrew the original Ashe Empire, Losing righteousness, a little hype can promote us as evil forces and traitors. Coupled with the fact that forces like the other four major families are eyeing us, I am afraid it will be difficult for our family to escape."

"That's right, and the Solot Empire will not help at that time. Because after the Hoinstein family is destroyed, the land and resources originally swallowed by the Hoinstein family will be dispersed, and the dispersed resources will be distributed by the Solot Empire. , the Siscari Empire, and the Central Empire were divided among the three parties. Although Solot lost his allies, he once again expanded the country and gained the capital to compete with those front-line forces." Kate added.

"Well, as you said, our family cannot easily betray the position of members of the Ashe Empire and fall to Solot."

Patriarch Hoinstein said seriously, "But even if I help the current Ashe Empire, I still can't see hope."

"I can understand." The internal situation of the Ashe Empire is really bleak and fragmented. Kate feels that it is a miracle that the empire can operate to this day. It is reasonable for the Hoinstein family to doubt the ability. "However, the road to the future of the Ashe Empire and the Hoinstein family has not completely disappeared."

"You mean, the Ashe Empire can still be saved?" Patriarch Hoinstein, who had been keeping a poker face since just now, showed shock for the first time.

"Well, it's just a theoretical possibility." Kate said, "If no one has a hot head and everyone judges the situation according to the most normal thinking, the Ashe Empire can regain its strength."

"Normal thinking... Do you think that according to normal development, Hoinstein will inevitably stand on the same front as the Aish Empire?" Patriarch Hoinstein asked.

"Yeah, didn't you use your own thinking to calculate other dead ends?" Kate smiled confidently, "Don't forget, the essence of "us" is not "rulers" but "chess players" and "gamblers"! "

"..."

"For you, the best and most uncertain ending is to form an alliance with the Ashe Empire, right? After all, in that case, winning or losing depends entirely on the strategic level of the leader of the Ashe Empire—that is, me!" Kate stared into the eyes of Patriarch Hoinstein and asked bluntly, "Am I right?"

"You are right. I admit that I was really testing your ideas before." The head of Hoinstein sat up a little bit, and he said, "So far, the judgment and calculation skills you have shown are very good. Excellent. But if you don't tell me your specific plan and just paint me a picture, I won't be able to cooperate with the Ashe Empire with peace of mind after all."

"Well... I can't tell you everything, but I can tell you the implementation method and forecast results of the first half of the plan."

Kate hesitated for a while, then let go, "Sorry, this is the bottom line of the Ashe Empire. If I tell the whole story, but you betray me, the Ashe Empire will have no way to turn around."

"You are very honest, Queen Ashe." Patriarch Hoinstein praised, "Then tell me everything you can say in your plan, and I will judge whether to lend a helping hand based on what you said. of."

"Well, that's fine." Kate said with satisfaction, "I believe you will make the right choice."

No.20 Seven-section visit to Hoinstein

"Then, before I explain the plan, the first thing I need to clarify is the division of power among the different forces on this continent.

I think different people should recognize different positioning, here I only explain my own understanding of positioning. "

Kate proposed the concept of strength positioning at the very beginning, which made the Hoinstein owner feel reliable: "Please tell me."

"As far as the current situation is concerned, the strongest is undoubtedly the Illuminati. Although it has shown signs of weakening in recent years, its rich heritage cannot be easily erased."

Kate knew very well that with that method of creation, the Illuminati could not be weak.

And as the pioneers of the new era, no one knows how much the Illuminati have benefited from this land except their high-level leaders.

"Then next only to the Illuminati are the Central Empire and the Siscari Empire. In fact, if they are counted as the first-line forces, they probably have to independently assign a "beyond the first-line" level to the Illuminati.Because these two empires are a little bit worse than the Illuminati. "

Kate said, "Although these two are countries, and the Illuminati is just an association-like group, when it comes to strength, the size of the empire cannot surpass the majesty of the absolute king."

"Well, the strength of the Illuminati is bottomless, and it cannot be measured by the level of general forces." Patriarch Hoinstein also agreed with this division, "According to this order, the second line is probably the Solot Empire or something like that? "

"Exactly." Kate nodded, "The Solot Empire, the Prosidian Empire, the Craftsmen's Association, and the Magicians' Association are all second-tier forces."