November 13, 1336 in the valley calendar, the moon celebration.

This is the last big festival before the end of the year, and it also marks the arrival of winter.

In normal times, this would have been the day when the Cormiers honored their ancestors and the dead.

Graves are blessed, ceremonies are held, and people talk about the deeds of those who have died until late at night.

But it is a pity that since the outbreak of the undead plague on the shores of the Falling Star Sea more than ten years ago, the Moon Celebration has basically been put on hold.

The reason is simple, in order to prepare for the worsening disaster, King Ahsan III took the lead in digging out the graves of his ancestor Ondas and the founding emperor Vershan, and cremating them...

At this time, holding a moon celebration again is not pouring salt on people's hearts...

Even Levi had to praise this Altaïs father for being a ruthless man when he first heard about it.

However, I am afraid that only such a resolute king can lead the people to persist all the way to the present before this natural disaster that affected half of the continent.

In such a bad era, this is already very rare.

But a 'good' king means that he must also be a difficult and greedy opponent at the negotiating table.

A king who does not fight for the maximum interests of the country is not a qualified king.

More than a month ago, when Levi and his party first set foot in Susar, they were warmly and ceremoniously received by this ancient country.

After learning from the meeting that Levi was coming for the sake of the half-elf, the old king shamelessly started the sky-high asking mode.

Zeellandia's export tax credits, cheap metal ingots, the production line of the 'talisman' to protect the undead, the Extreme Battle Armor, the Steel Golem and even the Sabot Trap Launcher, he dared to ask for anything good, and he almost didn't make Levi laugh on the spot.

However, there was only one thing that made Li Wei nod secretly, the other party wanted finished products, and the old king never mentioned the various military production technologies.

Because even if Yasan III is shameless, he knows that even if these things are opened with a shy old face, the other party will not give them.

And even if Levi gave it, Cormier, who was still at the foundation of an agricultural society, would not have the ability to build it at all.

This is a gap in the social process, and it cannot be solved overnight in a short period of time.

But the finished product is not necessarily, and the Northland and Cormier are separated by a large desert of Ainook, which means that there is no possibility of border conflict between the two for at least a hundred years.

And Zelandia's military equipment has a qualitative leap almost every twenty years, so those outdated armaments should be exchanged for something real than putting them in warehouses and rusting.

The arms trade has always been a huge profit.

At the same time, the longer Cormier held out in the middle of the continent, the longer it could be like a barrier, delaying the invasion of the undead to the northlands.

Perhaps it was with this in mind, for the sake of the possibility of a future transformation of the social process, and in order to strengthen the trust between the two, the old king tried to 'sell' his granddaughter to Zeelandia on behalf of Altaïs, in the name of admiring the cultural knowledge of the Northlands and exchanging learning.

That is, the only son of Altaïs and his wife Liana, the 9-year-old iron princess Lusail Tynarata Yasan Obiszil.

That day, Levi looked at this shameless old puppet almost dumbfounded, and pushed the ignorant Iron Princess in front of everyone... and jokingly instigated her to recognize Levi's silver dragon as the 'godfather', Levi was defeated on the spot.

An Alley has already tossed him a lot, if he recognizes a bear child again, it is estimated that one day the old nest will be demolished by them, I am afraid that Levi will not feel strange at all.

Negotiation has never been Levi's strong point, and in order not to suffer in this regard, Levi simply 'shakes' a legal officer and clerk represented by Fischer from Zeelandia to come over and do this task that is destined to take a long time for him.

And this negotiation also lasted for more than a month before it came to an end.

In the end, under the applause and witness of the participants, Levi shook hands with Yasan III and handed each other a small gift, as a symbol of Zeellandia's alliance with this thousand-year-old country on the other side of the Ainook Desert.

Under this paper agreement, in addition to reaching a consensus on the original half-elf, the two sides also reached a cooperative relationship in economic, trade, academic and other aspects.

So there is today's celebration.

Levi could see that this ancient kingdom, which had suffered from natural disasters, really needed such a holy ceremony for the whole country in every sense of the word, so as to inspire the confidence of the people at the bottom in this country... with hope.

The celebration begins in the morning.

The only pity is that Altais, as the prince of the kingdom, still failed to come back on time after all, so that the original celebration lacked a sense of ceremony.

Another strange thing for the public is that if it is placed in the usual moon festival, in order to prevent the unknown risk of riots, half-elf slaves are not allowed to appear in public.

However, since early in the morning, many half-elf slaves have been gathered together by some old nobles, specially groomed and brought to Stormhorn Square.

Under the herd effect, more and more half-elves, who were not slaves, gathered more and more boldly towards the square after discovering that the guards did not drive them away.

When Asan III stood at the head of the royal capital and read the covenant with the northland city-states in his old voice with a smile on his face, the city was filled with the sounds of celebration.

For more than a month, with the Cormier official also deliberately fueling the trouble, it was enough for every Cormier in the royal capital to know about the demonic invasion war that took place in the northern city of Tivanton and almost put Cormier in danger of losing his country.

It also allowed the fame of Levi, the 'Shining Dragon', to spread to the streets and alleys.

The world knows that in the far north, there is also Zelandia, such a new and powerful city-state, there is such a righteous and benevolent silver dragon lord.

Since with the help of this ally, even the demonic invasion that is in danger of overturning can be repelled, then the undead natural disaster that has plagued Cormier for many years must be... There is hope for a solution.

This is a very simple popular thought, and it is what Ahsan III wanted to see.

At the end of the declaration, the old king, in a solemn and solemn voice, officially announced the abolition of Cormier's half-elf slavery and the freedom of all half-elves to choose to move north.

It's just that what is somewhat unexpected and reasonable is that after this decree was read out, what was gained was a blank and brief silence.

The human civilians wondered why the half-elven slaves, which had lasted for nearly a thousand years, were abolished.

The half-elves, who were slaves, were a little nervous.

Especially in today's increasingly undead natural disasters, the continuous reduction of arable land, and the worsening food crisis, they are very worried about whether they will lose everything they have because of the loss of their master.

It wasn't until some of the old aristocrats took the lead in applauding that the atmosphere of the celebration gradually returned to the right track.

The abolition of half-elf slavery was in the interest of too many people, and the Cormier nobles were naturally unwilling to accept it.

But the temptation of the potentially huge benefits of an alliance with the Northland is debatable.

After more than a month, it is enough for these veteran nobles who can receive the message in advance to digest and distribute benefits.

As for the voices and opposition of the small merchants and the little nobles...

Who cares?

Xu had expected this scene a long time ago, and the old kingdom looked around at the panicked half-elves under the city, and slowly spoke:

"You don't have to be afraid, and you shouldn't be afraid.

"I have always sincerely believed that today's move is a righteous move.

It is in accordance with the provisions of Cormier's law, in line with the needs of the kingdom's military strategy, and it is also a choice that conforms to the trend of history.

"I hereby pray for the prudent judgment of the people and the grace of the gods. ”

Speaking of this, Yasan III raised the "Declaration of the Emancipation of Half-Elf Slaves" in his hand to the public:

"As proof, I, Teredas Yasan Obiszir, have signed hereby and have been stamped with the seal of the Kingdom of Cormyr.

"All the princes and nobles of Cormier, you and I who are present, are witnesses. ”

The old king paused, and suddenly exclaimed with a gentle smile:

"Thousands of years have passed, and you have done so much for this great kingdom.

"You deserve to be entrusted with all that is better.

"And I wish you...

"No matter where you are, you can have a...

"A happy future full of flowers. ”

After the old king's declaration, either sincere or pre-arranged, the entire Stormhorn Square fell silent again.

At this moment, there was a sudden burst of crying in the square, and then suddenly a half-elf suddenly shouted in a loud voice:

"ALL High Azoun III.!"

As a result, the originally chaotic sound of celebration gradually became louder and louder, and in the end, the whole square was drowned in such a sea of celebration and frenzy.

"ALL High Cormyr (Long live the Kingdom of Cormyr)" !!"

"ALL High Cormyr (Long live the Kingdom of Cormyr)" !!"

Li Wei, who was sitting in the guest seat at the head of the city, couldn't help but smile and shook his head when he saw this scene:

"This bad old man has a good way of winning people's hearts, and compared with his treacherous and cunning father, Altais's upright boy is still far behind. ”

The heart said that Nima, obviously I brought it up first, but when this old man said this, it was as if it was all the grace of their Cormier kingdom.

Sure enough, those who can be kings have so many brushes in the shameless matter.

However, complaining and complaining, Li Wei has long been disdainful of this name.

At the same time, it is also very clear that the cohesion brought by this political show is too important for the devastated kingdom of Cormier.

Erlene, who was already in tears on the side, slapped Levi's shoulder like a coquettish, and choked up:

"What he said is very sincere, how can you come here to win people's hearts, you can't let us poor people who have experienced hardships in the past be touched for a while. ”

Even Wen Reina, who is a high elf, echoed with a reddish eye:

"Although my sister and I have cursed the king of Cormier countless times, but... At least today, I think the king is doing a good job. ”

Levi, who was wearing the blue arcanist's robes, raised his hands as if surrendering, smiled bitterly, and stood up and said:

"Okay, okay, what you said makes sense, it's me who spends the belly of the virtuous monarch with the heart of a young dragon, okay!"

Behind him, Holtz, Fischer and others from the north laughed heartlessly.

Then Levi walked slowly to the castle wall at the signal of Yasan III, and said with a smile to everyone:

"What I want to say, our Majesty the King has already said pretty much, and I will not repeat it further. ”

The city burst into good-natured laughter.

Then Levi's face became serious:

"As Lord of Zelandia, I congratulate and welcome you who have been freed.

"Welcome, come to the Northlands, to our Zeelandia, to Minas Stirris, and to settle at any time. ”

As a result, as soon as Levi finished this shortest celebration speech, an excited half-elf below held his hands into a loudspeaker and shouted:

"Your Majesty Levi, I heard that all the half-elves in Zeellandia can volunteer to join your battle nun sequence, and all the battle nuns are your brides?

Fischer and the other heartless subordinates laughed stupidly on the spot, and the Jackal Commander slapped a gap in the corner of the table without paying attention, and after noticing the murderous gaze of the four metal constructs, he quickly lowered his head in unison to save the dog's life.

Before Levi, who was covering his face with his hands, could reply, a group of half-elves coaxed with shy faces:

"Levi's crown, we're going to give you dragon eggs!!!"

The whole square was plunged into a sea of joyful laughter.

Even Ahsan III, who was an old man on the side, couldn't help but laugh and said:

"Your Excellency Levi is really popular with girls, and he has half the demeanor of my youth. ”

Levi wanted to kill this shameless old man on the spot, but when he thought about the appearance of the Cormier prince Altais, the old king in front of him may have been a miserable handsome man when he was young...

And with Cormier's population of tens of millions, this old king who has half his feet in the coffin board is modest...

Seeing that he was powerless to refute, Levi had no choice but to laugh and boast to each other:

"How can I compare with you, Your Majesty is loved by the people, I can't compare. ”

But hearing this, Yasan IV said with some regret:

"If only Altaïs's kid were here, this great gift from Your Excellency should have been the best opportunity I could have left him before he abdicated.

"It's... It's a pity. ”

Levi denied it:

"No, I always believe that what others give is not as good as what you strive for.

"When the Altais kid returns triumphantly, I don't think the fame and cohesion he will gain at that time will be any lower than today. ”

Moreover, in Levi's opinion, with Altaïs's combat power and a full army of 30,000, it should be within easy reach to exterminate an orc tribe that had fled from their northern lands.

For more than half a century, it had been a long, long time since Droru's windpled orc dependents defended the spine of the world, and the Northlands had not been subjected to a large-scale infestation from orcs.

The existence of being able to be pressed by Deloru and his sons on the snowy mountain should not be too threatening.

Only then did the old king smile with satisfaction:

"Yes, I received a reply from him yesterday.

"In his letter, he is grateful for all the things and changes you have brought to us Cormier.

"The liberation of the half-elf slaves in the whole territory is also the long-cherished wish of that kind-hearted child.

"By the way, he said that their consultation with the orc tribe on the Stormhorn Mountains went well, and it was already in the end.

"Maybe tonight, maybe tomorrow, we'll wait until he returns in triumph.

"At that time, I will also be able to entrust this throne and this kingdom to him with peace of mind.

"I just don't know, will we have the honor to invite you to come and watch the ceremony?"

Levi thought about his recent itinerary and said:

"According to the original plan of the Territorial Mage Order, the portal connecting the first batch of Komanso refugees will be opened on the outskirts of the city to start the first batch of migrants.

"When the time comes, I'll have to go back to the territory first to deal with the things that have accumulated this month. ”

Then this guy changed his style:

"But after confirming the specific time, you can be notified of the good news through that half-elf, and it is quite convenient for me to come to Cormier. ”

Ahsan III immediately smiled and said:

"Then I'll wait for you to come... Ahem. ”

But halfway through speaking, the old king coughed in pain.

"Definitely. Levi nodded, then patted the old king on the back.

It was only then that the old king, who had taken care of everything, had the leisure to glance towards the Storm Horn Mountains in the north.

He didn't say anything, but Levi knew that this old father, who was dying, had begun...

Missing his son...

He's already taken care of everything for the other party.

Just wait for Altaïs' triumphant return.

At that time, it will be like what the pride of heaven said thirty years ago when he was just born, when he was a new father:

"Someday, my life... will reach the finish line. ”

"And you, will be crowned king!"

......

Storm Horn Inside the Mountains.

"Ahem... Ahem, here... Why did such a powerful demon appear...

"I... Be sure to get out and take this important information... Tell my father..."

The long-awaited Prince Cormier was knocked away by a claw in a battle with a huge demon, and the whole person was blasted into the ice-covered rock wall, falling down, coughing up a pool of clotted blood in pain.

His luck was just too bad.

Originally, according to his regular correspondence with the king of Yamashita, their early progress went well.

But just when they thought they had wiped out the main force of the orc tribe and were about to return to the royal capital, they were ambushed by another orc tribe.

Even more desperate is the appearance of a powerful demon resembling a frost giant among these orcs.

The huge demon was so terrifying that a single blow caused a large avalanche on both sides of the valley, and the army of 30,000 led by him suffered heavy casualties in an instant.

In order to give the troops time to regroup, he resolutely lured the demon away alone, and fought all the way to the depths of the snowy mountains.

But even if he was as strong as him, he was still no match for that demon.

What's even more troublesome is that the thousand-year-old sword of their Obeszir royal family was actually broken with a 'ding' under the continuous confrontation with the demons.

But even so, he did not despair, but led the demon all the way to flee towards the source of the Ashaba River.

He still remembered what his best friend had said:

"Demons are afraid of 'water', and out of fear of the River Styx, they do not wade into any of the rivers and lakes. ”

It was the only hope that guided him to survive.

But the previous blow really hurt him so badly that even the energy of the Holy Light could not be restored.

He tried to pray for a response from the 'Three Gods of Light', but as always, there was no response.

In particular, the god of justice and suffering, who has not answered his prayers since thirty years ago.

Artaeus had heard of the catastrophe that had taken place in the Moon-Sea War, and knew that these two venerable gods might no longer be able to answer the prayers of their faithful.

And the last remaining god of guardians, Heim, has been responding to the Scourge ever since the outbreak of the Scourge of the Dead.

Altais could also understand Heim's troubles.

He's so busy...

"I'm on my own..."

Altaïs thought so.

Just as the Frost Giant Demon slammed its claws at him again with a roaring footstep, the cold wind of the valley blew the Frost Giant's hair up, revealing a runic broadsword hidden under his ribs and only stabbed into it.

At that moment, Altaïs only felt as if he had received the grace and guidance of the gods.

"This must be the one who did not finish in the previous battle!

"This is my chance!"

At the moment when the demon swung it, the prince threw away the broken blade in his hand, leaped up with all his might, and landed on the arm of the frost giant, sprinting all the way through the cold wind and snowflakes!

He jumped up again at the moment when the demon's other claw slapped, grasped the rune broadsword, and with all his strength, he stabbed it deep into the demon's chest.

The frost giant demon finally collapsed.

"I succeeded!" Altais stood on the demon's corpse in disbelief as he held his rune broadsword.

But at this moment, it was as if another voice came to mind.

"Ahh Yes... I did it. ”

That voice... It's so dark and so evil.

Altaïs's pupils shrank suddenly, and just as he was about to throw down the rune sword, a deep hell-like flame erupted in his pupils and mind, and scenes of memories that he had forcibly forgotten resurfaced.

"Ahh What did I do..."

At that moment, he finally remembered.

When he, Liana, and their teacher rushed to the southern city of Rydanhill, they were shocked to find that it was too late.

Plague-infected grain has been distributed to the citizens, and they have all been infected.

In order to prevent these infected citizens from becoming the minions of the natural disaster, he resolutely ordered the soldiers of the Holy Knights and the Purple Dragon Guard to kill the infected citizens.

Only in this way can we prevent Rydanhil from becoming another source of natural disasters.

In Altais's view, this is not just a strategic decision, but also a kind of benevolence.

If he had contracted the plague himself, he would rather die a clean death as a human with free will than let the plague pull him up from his grave and turn him into a walking corpse.

But one of his teachers, Luther, refused to carry out this order, and left angrily with most of the paladins under his command.

What made him even more desperate was that his wife Liana was disappointed and left him.

He could only stretch out his hand to Liana's back, and whispered almost pleadingly:

"Liana..."

But Liana stopped, but still didn't look back:

"I'm sorry, Altais, I can't watch you do this. ”

So in front of his eyes, he was gradually surrounded by boundless darkness and endless fire...

devoured.

"No... Holy Light... Please purify my sinful soul..."

It was Altaïs' last plea before he lost consciousness.

He knew he had made the right choice...

But he still can't forgive...

Everything I've done.

It's his spiritual...

A flaw that can never be bridged.

......

A few hours later, the Cormier soldiers, who had repelled the orcs in the valley, finally waited for the return of their prince.

Even though they had suffered heavy casualties, they persistently waited in place until the scouts brought back news.

"Your Highness, God of Justice blesses, you're fine..."

The adjutant, who had been arraigning Altes, greeted him with a happy face.

But what was waiting for him was not the prince's usual relief and patting on the shoulder, but an incomparably cold blade.

Poof.

The adjutant looked at the blade of the sword that stabbed him in the abdomen in disbelief, but he still couldn't bear to fight back, but stretched out his weak hand and wanted to touch the prince's shoulder, but only touched a piece of hair as pale as snow... and fell.

"Uh... What happened to you... Your Highness..."

Storm Horn Snow Mountain Camp, soon there were one terrible howl after another.

No one was spared.

......

In the evening, the eastern gate of Susar, the capital of the Cormiers, outside the snow-white city walls.

Levi and the others, with the only 30,000 elves and 60,000 half-elven rangers and civilians left after the Battle of Tifanton, were encamped a kilometer outside the city walls.

First, the place outside the city is large enough to open the teleportation array and move to the north in an orderly manner.

Second, in order to avoid suspicion, although Yasan III agreed to them to open a large portal in the country, he was not willing to let Levi and them carry out it in the royal capital.

That would be the equivalent of putting his own neck on the opponent's side knife, as long as Levi had an evil idea, maybe Cormier didn't fall into the hands of natural disasters and demons, but was destroyed by their group of northerners...

As for the Seven Thousand Valley humans, most of them were willing to stay in Cormier to live, and Levi naturally respected their choice and did not force it.

Just as the setting sun was about to dim, the king of Susar suddenly rang loudly.

Levi and his group looked up at the north gate in unison, and Holtzle said:

"It seems that the little prince of Cormier has returned in triumph. ”

Sure enough, I vaguely saw a black stream of people entering the city through Susar's north gate.

Levi looked at the sky and said with a smile:

"It's too late for him to come over to see him off, so I'll go and say goodbye to that kid. ”

......

Susar North Gate.

The drawbridge fell.

Altaïs, with his scarred army of 30,000 bells, slowly walked into the royal capital full of joy because of the celebration amid the greeting of all the people.

In normal times, Altaïs would have smiled shyly and waved to the crowd in response to their enthusiasm and support.

But today's prince is a little too silent.

He walked silently across the Purple Dragon Avenue in the face of the petals scattered in the sky, and the silent way was still immersed in the atmosphere of the Storm Horn Square.

Only in front of the castle of the royal city, his footsteps paused abruptly, and slowly looked in the direction of the royal city.

A bright tulip petal fell, and Altais slowly raised his hand to catch it, seeing that the petals quickly decayed and withered in his hand.

He then crushed the withered petals and threw them as if he was disgusted.

Under the respectful etiquette and longing gaze of the guards, Altaïs came all the way to the throne without hindrance.

"Ahh My baby. After today's celebration, Yasan III seemed a little too excited, and he stood up to greet him with his sick body.

He believes that after today, Cormier, who has suffered a lot of suffering and calamity, will be able to usher in a new birth.

Altaïs, on the other hand, slowly knelt down on one knee with the rune sword under the relieved gaze of the old man of Yasan IV, and said in a deep voice:

"Father, you don't have to sacrifice for your people anymore...

"You don't have to bear the weight of the crown anymore...

"I've taken care of everything. ”

With that, the Cormier prince got up and took off his hood, revealing long snow-like hair and a corpse-like pale complexion, and then slowly approached him under the incredulous gaze of Yasan III.

It was only at this moment that Ahsan III noticed that something was wrong, and the heirloom sword that never left his son's hand was gone, replaced by a cold rune broadsword:

"What's going on? What are you doing? kid?"

"Inherit you, Father!"

Altaïs grabbed his father's old face expressionlessly, then plunged his frosty sword into his throat.

Altais, splattered with scorching blood, had his head all over his face, but he still couldn't feel the slightest bit of temperature.

And until the moment before his death, Yasan III still seemed to be in disbelief that his proud child, that day, would do such a thing to him.

When it was long.

The blood-stained crown fell from the head of Ahsan III and rolled down the steps.

As if it was just what Altaïs had said earlier.

This king, who has dedicated his life to the stormy Cormier,

Finally, I don't have to bear the weight of this crown anymore...

......

Storm Horn Square.

Even as the sun fell, the square was immersed in the festivities, and people were still unaware of the danger.

According to the custom of the moon festival, when the night comes, when the moon is angry and the bonfire is lit, it is the beginning of this celebration and carnival.

Therefore, except for Levi, who had already planned the teleportation time in advance, there were hardly too many people who were willing to leave.

And Ahsan III also prepared a lot of wine and food for them to eat for the celebrations of all the people, including the half-elves.

It is destined to be a day to remember.

All the people, especially the half-elves, were grateful for the benevolence and freedom promulgated by the old king.

Therefore, when Altais appeared at the head of the city, where Asan III had stood, everyone stopped their movements in unison and sincerely welcomed the triumph of His Royal Highness the prince.

"His Highness Altaïs!"

"It's His Highness Altais who has returned in triumph!"

"Let's raise a glass to His Highness together!"

"ALL High Altes!"

"ALL High Cormyr!"

"ALL High Cormyr!"

I saw Altais slowly raise his hand and signal silence.

Just when everyone was expecting what the prince they had embraced would say.

Altaïs turned his head and said to the guards exactly as he had said in Rydanschel:

"They have been infected by the Scourge of the Dead.

"Kill them all. ”

This is this time.

On his face...

Without a hint of hesitation,

Without a hint of hesitation,

There was no trace of sadness.

"What are you talking about... Your Highness. The guard staggered back in disbelief.

Poof.

Artaeus drew his runic sword, stabbed the guard to death, and took his bow and arrow from his back and shot it at the people of Stormhorn Square.

A half-elf holding a child collapsed in agony, clutching his chest.

"Mom... Mom, what's wrong with you... Tell me something..."

The whole square fell into a deathly silence, except for the little girl's cry that seemed so real.

The prince again gave the order:

"I say, kill everyone, including you. ”

So the 'army of 30,000', which had followed Altais in triumph, brandished a butcher's knife and strode towards the civilians like sheep waiting to be slaughtered.

A wail fills the wilderness...

Slaughter... Here we go.

Originally a celebration of the Covenant and the liberation of half-elf slaves...

Only a patch of blood remained.

"His Highness Altais is crazy! Run!"

"Demons!

"He... How can this be..."

"Mom, if you say something, I'm afraid..."

Just when everyone was running in despair.

Levi, who was a step too late, walked backwards from the crowd.

He stared in disbelief at the prince whom he had once admired, and his eyes were filled with anger that almost set the whole city on fire:

"Altais, what have you done...

"No... Who the hell are you!"

The two who fought side by side against the demonic invasion in Tifanton.

Under the erosion of the abyss...

After all, it came to the end of drawing swords against each other.

PS: This chapter is changed from the plot of Alsace of the Frozen Throne, and the last dialogue between the father and son is also directly quoted, paying tribute to the regrets of childhood.