As soon as she heard the news, Minna was first surprised, and then had some complicated feelings that she hadn't seen this Nuojia royal family that she once regarded as a friend for nearly three years, and she had grown up, and what had become of him

She has not been in contact with the Security Department for a long time, so all the information she can get about Nuojia is brought back by businessmen from Maicheng, she only knows that Nuojia has experienced several times in the country, and now the situation has stabilized, and the king's side has the upper hand Because of the stain of defeat, Jeda has not been able to become the official crown prince, but in terms of seniority and prestige, he is undoubtedly the leader of the younger generation of the Nuojia royal family, and it is only a matter of time before he becomes the next king

But Minna always remembers that when she escaped death and returned to Sico, she heard Jada say on that street corner: "No, he is not my friend, but my enemy" In order to help him, she was even suspected by Goodwin and other compatriots, originally thought that they were friends and should not mind, but they didn't expect that the other party never regarded herself as a friend from beginning to end, so the friendship she paid in the past was meaningless?

Alex carefully observed the change in Minna's expression and asked softly, "Are you glad he's here?" After all, you used to be friends."

Minna flattened her mouth: "Who is his friend?" I am his enemy! After a pause, he said: "Forget it, since our two countries are no longer hostile, he came to think that I was dead, and I don't need to recognize him, lest he be depressed."

Alex smiled slightly, and felt that there was no value in continuing to discuss the matter, so he threw it aside

But Minna thought of something else: "Strange, why did he suddenly come on a state visit?" Could it be that after he brought the domestic situation under control, he started to think about other countries? Minna suddenly became vigilant

The ambition of expanding the territory is engraved in the bones of the members of the Nuojia royal family, and it is impossible to give up easily because of a loss, not to mention that the current Nuojia still has the need for survival, even if there is food aid from East and Shaonan, Nuojia is still an agrarian underdeveloped country, if you want to develop national strength without constraints, you must get rid of the dependence on other countries' food, Nuojia will never stop expanding, the difference is only in the length of time

Alex also frowned slightly when he heard this, and before he could express his opinion, Minna had already put on a well-behaved and curious smile first, and asked the businessman who was talking at the table: "Uncle, why does the Duke of Noga want to visit our country?" Is it here to celebrate Mayday? ”

Several businessmen laughed: "Of course not!" It seems that the Nogar people are not used to the May Festival, and His Majesty the King, who came for our King's birthday, will turn 60 years old in June this year, which is a cause for celebration. Even the Prince of Wisha in the exile of Shaonan would come "Really?!" Minna's surprise was not feigned, "But didn't His Majesty say that there is no grand celebration planned for this year?" Because the war has only been a few years old, and the people need to recuperate, I heard that the king has also decreed that no large-scale celebrations should be carried out in all parts of the country, and that the lords should not increase taxes in their territories in the name of this, nor should they ask for any kind or money from civilians and merchants in the name of this.

"Your Majesty the Great and Merciful King!" One of the merchants raised his glass and shouted loudly before laughing, "The king does not intend to hold a grand celebration for our sake, but his sixtieth birthday cannot be passed casually!" There is only one 60th birthday in a person's life! Besides, we in East, who have made such a great contribution to the peace of the continent, that other countries have sent people to celebrate the day of our king, and it is not very appropriate to say, "The May Festival is coming soon, and in order that we merchants may have a chance to make a fortune, Your Majesty announced the day before yesterday that a large bazaar of ten days will be held after the May Festival, and merchants can get a stall in the bazaar to do business as long as they sign up. Ordinary civilians can also sell their family's production, and only need to pay one-tenth of their income as tax after the market is over! This is our chance! Think about how many people should come to the market on the occasion of the May Day and the King's Birthday celebrations! The man raised his glass, and his companions rose to their feet to toast into the void, and the diners around them all responded to Minna's answer, and with a smile and a smile, they hurriedly finished their lunch, and led their horses out of the tavern with Alex

When she arrived at the corner of the street in a quiet and quiet place, she said: "I thought that there would really be no king's birthday celebration this year, but I didn't expect that other countries have sent missions to congratulate me, I'm afraid it will be grander than in previous years!" ”

Alex smiled slightly: "Grand or not grand is secondary... For the sake of the market, the capital, the personnel, the arrangement of security, etc., are many and complicated, and they involve many forces in Ito Castle, and I am afraid that the next few meetings of the noble council will focus on discussing the arrangements for the two ceremonies, and even if some of the nobles are not interested in this kind of carnival with commoners as the protagonists, they will be attracted by the foreign missions in the visiting places."

Minna suddenly realized: "So that's it! As long as the attention of the noble council is diverted, His Majesty will have time to deal with the affairs of the crown prince, and it will take at least two and a half months from now on before and after the birthday celebrations of May and June! When the matter is over, His Royal Highness's injuries have healed, and then are you still afraid that the queen will play tricks?! ”

Alex nodded: "It seems that this is His Majesty's intention, I remember that at the beginning of the year, there was a ceremonial officer who asked the king whether to invite foreign royal family members to attend the birthday, and he was also present, at that time, the king vetoed this proposal on the grounds that he did not want to make a big deal this year, so the countries later decided to send only a few messengers to congratulate him, even if we didn't receive the news before, I didn't expect to see foreign messengers running on the streets of Wangcheng so flamboyantly today."

Minna Fold and Alex looked at each other and smiled

She stretched her waist and said, "It seems that His Majesty has already found a way to deal with the battle for the crown prince, and Jeda's visit is not for some insidious purpose, so we don't need so much, right!" She slapped her palms and celebrated for two months in a row! Is it possible that your father's marriage will be postponed? ”

Alex was stunned and smiled: "Do you remember this?" ”

"Of course I remember, don't you really care?" Minna nudged him, "Come on, is it possible to do something?" ”

Alex looked down and thought about it, then said, "Yes, but it doesn't work much, I think of another thing, maybe... The best way to solve the problem at the root is to solve the problem."

Minna was puzzled: "How do you call solving the problem fundamentally?" ”

"You don't care about this" Alex took the reins from her hand, "You'll know soon anyway" paused before adding: "It should be soon"

Minna stared at him and pulled back the reins: "If you don't say it, don't say it, I'm not interested."

They strolled the street for a while, and began to catch a glimpse of the white building not far ahead, which was shaded by trees, and realized what it was, so she slowed down, glanced at the house, and then looked down at the tip of her shoe, hesitating whether to go or not

"What's wrong?" Alex immediately noticed the change in her place, "What is that place?" ”

Minna pursed her lips, didn't answer, just pulled him up and walked closer to the house, only then coughed lightly, let go of her hand, with a bright smile on her face, ran up briskly, and smiled at the white-haired old man who was trimming the branches and leaves at the door: "Grandpa Marshall, I've come to Ito, I haven't seen you for so long, you're in good health."

The old man slowly turned his head and squinted at her for a while before he smiled, "Ah... It's Minna, when did you come? How are your mom and dad? ”

"They were all fine when they just arrived yesterday," Minna took the big scissors in his hand, "Shall I help you?" How is your body? I brought you a couple of bottles of Gills, you drink one bottle a day and it will be fine soon"

"Really? Then thank you" Marshall took back the scissors with a smile, "I don't need your help, I'm just cutting and cutting"

At this time, another young man came and greeted Marshall from afar: "Grandpa Marshall! Here I go again! How have you been doing? ”

"Ahh It's to enjoy... Henry, right? How's the work? It's going well

"Great, I just got a raise!" The young man took out a cane to see if it worked? ”

Marshall took it and took a closer look: "It's so beautiful, thank you" He walked a few steps on his hand, and nodded again and again: "It's good to use, it's good" He glanced at the candy box packaged in the young man's hand, and smiled: "It's all in the house, everyone is almost here, let's go in"

"Good!" The young man walked briskly into the house, "Come too!" ”

Minna was a little curious: "Grandpa Marshall, what are you going to do?" ”

Marshall smiled: "There are two children in the orphanage who have their birthdays today, and everyone has a celebration party for them, and many people have come to attend."

Without waiting for Minna to answer, someone came again, a young man in his twenties supported an old woman, stood in front with a smile, and greeted Marshall When Marshall saw them, his eyes became softer: "Coming?" Does your foot still hurt? ”

The old woman shook her head: "It's been fine for a long time, it's because these children are not at ease, so I am not allowed to go out" She turned to the young man and smiled: "I'm here, you can go to work with peace of mind" The young man hugged her gently, and said: "Then I'll go back to the office first, and I'll pick you up tonight, you must be careful" and handed the bag in his hand to her: "Don't drink, don't be tired, remember to walk less Uncle Marshall, please take care of her" Marshall nodded in response, and he left with confidence

The old woman sighed helplessly: "He's it, in fact, I'm physically tough" Marshall softly persuaded her: "They just care about you"

Minna smiled and greeted the old woman, "Granny Luna, do you remember me?" ”

The old woman looked at her suspiciously, a little uncertain: "You are... Bright... Minnie? ”

"My name is Minna," Minna jumped in front of her, "You don't remember?" I've been a guest at your house a lot."

"Really?" The old woman Luna was a little embarrassed, "I'm getting old, my memory is getting worse and worse, you're Vasily's friend, right?" That kid! I'm always busy with work, and I rarely go home anymore, so you can come over when you have time

Minna opened her mouth to catch a glimpse of Marshall's look at her, and she casually agreed, and the latter quickly distracted Luna, "What's in your bag?" Have you ever made ginger again? You're spoiling them too much, what if they have tooth decay? ”

Luna muttered, "It's just today, what's wrong with the kids making them something to eat for their birthdays?" You're just over-controlling! ”

Two little heads popped up in the room, and when they saw Luna, they cheered, turned around and called their friends to run out together, and pulled Marshall and Luna into the house, and someone had already taken the fragrant bag and entered the restaurant early, shouting that he wanted to share the delicious land, so anxious that Marshall stopped drinking again and again, but Luna stopped him from teaching the boys a lesson in the room and laughing, and looked a little lonely

Alex asked softly, "You... Isn't it sad? ”

Minna bit her lip and shook her head, "Although... Grandpa Marshall doesn't love me as much as he used to, but he's happy and happy now, and that's enough

She was really sad, but Grandpa Marshall, who had spent half his life for his grandmother Merry, was finally able to put the past aside and have his own life Looking at the happy smile on his face, what was her sadness?

They found Marshall's office, threw a bag of gold coins into the donation box, and left the two elderly people with the potion and instructions to take it, and quietly left the orphanage

Minna was a little depressed Alex was walking around aimlessly with her when it was almost evening, Minna realized that she had planned to help her friend find a place to live temporarily, but she wasted all her time, and she apologized to her friend in shame: "I'm sorry... You've lost time for my sake..."

Alex raised his chin arrogantly and said, "Stupid! Do you think it's so easy to find a place worthy of my identity? Young Master Ben didn't plan to find a house within today, no matter what, he had to go to the inn first to get together for the night, this has nothing to do with you at all! ”

Although he knew that he was comforting himself, why was this face so flat? Minna secretly rolled her eyes and said, "Got it! I'll look for it with you tomorrow, okay? Extravagantly, he snorted and grabbed her arm and walked forward, "Now help me find a good inn first, it should be clean and comfortable, easy to travel, and the location should not be too conspicuous, so as not to be discovered by my father too soon!" ”

"Hey, let go, I'll go myself!" Minna snorted and was half-pulled and half-dragged away by him

Before the sun went down, they finally found a medium-sized inn, located in a remote neighborhood near the downtown area, where the owner, who had more than thirty years of experience, was experienced and discerning, and Alex talked to him for a while, and then booked a room to his satisfaction

Minna rode back to the Kado mansion, and when she entered the door, she happened to meet her aunt Lilith sending a few ladies out, and she pretended to be a lady again, greeted them and slipped into the house, faintly heard the women whispering behind her, "the daughter of an illegitimate child", and so on, she pouted, and did not refute it, anyway, she had not heard such words

When she returned to the room, as soon as she entered the door, she saw Melissa standing there with a straight face, and her mood suddenly changed: "What are you doing here?" ”

"Always at your command," Melissa replied dryly, her eyes scurrying over Minna, and suddenly a little smug, "Miss Minna, Miss Noble must always be mindful of her words and deeds, how can you be so careless

Minna was puzzled when she heard this, looked down at herself, and suddenly realized, she hurriedly took out her wand and turned the grass green skirt back into red, and said, "Thank you for reminding me to forget."

Melissa's eyes widened, "This... How could your skirt be..."

"It's just a little magic," Minna smiled, "My mother once said that a noble lady must always pay attention to her dress, and sometimes in order to adapt to the environment, making a small change in her clothing is a skill that a noble lady should master!" After all, it is not the business of a noble lady to change her clothes when she goes to a place," she read the words "noble lady" with special emphasis, and Melissa's face turned pale when she heard it, and she whispered "You are right", and then hurriedly retreated, completely forgetting that she had come to "listen to orders".

Minna snorted coldly and closed the door, slandering in her heart that when she pretended to be a maid before, she would not be so blindless, this Melissa is really an experienced senior maid, and Beryl did not come back, only Lilith and Manda ate with Minna and consciously stirred the broth, but Lilith asked her expressionlessly what she did today, she casually dealt with two sentences, the former didn't say anything, just glanced at Minna a few times, and suddenly said: "I heard that you are not very satisfied with the maid I sent." What's going on? Melissa has served me for more than ten years and has never made me angry, is there something wrong with her etiquette? ”

Minna paused, and swept Melissa, who was standing behind Lilith for a while, didn't know much about the etiquette and customs of Ito, my habit is that without my permission, the servants are absolutely not allowed to touch my things, whether it is clothes, books, shoes and socks... Or jewelry."

Melissa immediately interjected: "I didn't touch your jewelry!" Miss Minna"

"That's because you don't know where I put them," Minna broke a piece of bread nonchalantly, "but you opened my drawer and turned it over and told me you were there to help me find my shoes, I thought you'd put your belt there!" ”

"Enough!" Lilith glared at Melissa sharply before she said coldly to Minna, "Since Melissa can't satisfy you, I'll send someone else to eliminate that you won't be driven back this time!" ”

Minna was noncommittal, as long as the maid sent was not arrogant, she was still very easy to get along with

But when she saw the new maid, she was still taken aback, that face, those eyes, were very familiar, and she couldn't hide the doubts in her heart: "You... you

The gray-haired maid smiled and saluted her, "Good night, Miss Minna, my name is Marcie, Marcie.