CH.21 A Stranger in a Strange Land (I)
The cloudless sky was clear, with the occasional seagull flying by, and the soft sea breeze held the sails bulging, like the tavernkeeper's beer belly. Pen | fun | pavilion www. biquge。 info But all this didn't cheer up Sogrande, and he was unknowingly put on a ship that was going nowhere, which was really a mistake.
Just as he was frowning, Sigrani walked up to him, "Is Lord Leuss admiring the view of the sea?" Today is a good day for sailing. ”
"That's true." Thorgrande replied as he leaned on the raft and propped his head in his hands.
"Your Excellency seems to have slept well last night."
"For the first time, I knew that I could sleep so comfortably under the influence of drugs."
"What a pleasant wind," said Sigrani, completely ignoring Saulgrande's sarcasm, "don't you like the sea?" ”
"No, very much. She is much larger than Nancy Val Lake, and is an extremely precious treasure for a country. ”
"I've heard this for the first time, so go on, I love hearing you talk about politics and strategy."
"I don't want to teach you, if you want to ask the reason, you can only say that you are a narrow-minded guy."
"I just want to know about you, I'm afraid that knowing nothing about you will cause me to lose you." Sigrani said affectionately.
"A clipper boat appeared in the rear, confirmed to be a royal ship. Slow down, collect the first and third sails, and prepare to catch the hyun. The captain commanded.
The two looked behind them, and a small boat did follow quickly. On the mast is a flag embroidered with red roses, the emblem of the Heine royal family.
After a while, the two ships were connected. A man jumped out of the other boat, and she was Atalante Gautier. Still wearing a ponytail and a lake-blue military uniform, Atalanta saluted the princess first.
"Any news?" The princess asked.
"Yes, the king of Pharansy has announced that all titles and fiefs of Sogredelius will be stripped away, but no one else will be obtained." Atalanta is colorful. Sigrani looked at Sogrande, but she couldn't detect what was going on in his mind, much to her disappointment.
"Alas, fortunately, my father's savings are enough to support his old age. Your Royal Highness, your country should prohibit intermarriage between commoners and nobles, this is really a good law. As a commoner, I really dare not disobey the patriarchal law of your country. "Sogrand found the good in the disaster.
"It's a pity that the rule is that 'nobles should intermarry with people of noble blood or surname, and so does the royal family.'" Therefore, with the noble bloodline of your Leusian family, it is indeed eligible. Sigrani retaliated against him.
"What the hell." Sogrend cursed in a low voice, and then said, "Rong Zai will take his leave first, it seems that the effects of yesterday's drug have not passed." Well, ah, I'm sleepy. Wake me up when you get to your destination. ”
The destination of the voyage was Tenance, a small island 35 nautical miles from Raughuna, with an area of 0.84 square kilometers (about 21 square kilometers). It was a gift from Hermes III on Higrani's sixteenth birthday, the royal collar that was almost bought last time. Such a gift was given casually only by a privileged monarch of the feudal era.
The island is full of greenery and beautiful scenery, and the characteristics of the southern islands are readily available. The gift of Sigrani's eighteenth birthday was a castle built especially for her on the island. Although it can be said to be a royal courtyard, there is still a town-sized fishing village on the pier, which is a special point. Thanks to this fishing village, Tenance Island has become a small transit point in the Iswana Sea.
By the time the ship arrived in Tenans, it was almost time for dinner, and although it was still very light, many of the kitchens were already cooking. Sogrede disembarked from the ship, completely free from the effects of yesterday's drugs, and spent an afternoon in his cabin reconciling the current situation. He has set a general goal, but a specific plan of action has yet to be developed.
The castle on the island is not large. A small waterfall is located right on the island from the only source of fresh water. A large and spacious sundeck faces the waterfall, and under the sundeck is a shallow pool, which is very cool in the summer. For non-military purposes, the castle was built more like a villa.
Thorgrande was taken to his room at the direction of Atalanta. There are not many furnishings in the house, but they are indeed of the highest quality. It seemed to Sigrani to be very simple, but Thorgrande was almost frightened by the luxury. One by one, Saugland estimated their value. This is a manifestation of the behavioral disorder of his merchant ancestry.
Soon, Atalanta knocked on the door and entered, "Your Excellency Leus, dinner is ready, please come with me." ”
"Okay, thank you very much." Thorgrande replied politely, and went out with Atalanta.
In the long hallway, the two walked one after the other. After walking for a short while, Atalanta in front of him suddenly slowed down, "Lord Luce, can I tell you something?" ”
"Please, I'm listening."
"How are you and Her Royal Highness the Princess? I see that Your Highness seems to be a little frustrated, you haven't accepted her yet, have you? Xiaguan gives you a piece of advice as a woman, it is impossible for a woman to be in love without asking for anything in return. Your Highness may still be foolish enough to think she can, but it won't be long before she gets impatient, and by that time your life will be in danger. So you still have something to please her, which can guarantee your life. You've been abandoned by the Farencians anyway, so why not? Atalanta said.
Atalanta grew up with Higrani and knew her highness all the best. Therefore, her words are indeed very reasonable. Based on the above understanding, Saulgrande replied as follows: "Thank you for your kindness, and I am sure that you have given this advice for the good of everyone, but you have your own measure in your actions, and your words will be taken to heart. Alright, now please move on. ”
Measured and carried out her duties, Atalanta took Saulgrande to the terrace next to the waterfall. Sigrani was already waiting there. Once Saugland was seated, Atalanta beckoned the waiter to begin serving.
"Would Your Highness want some wine? There is also some ice in the ice cellar. The chief attendant asked.
"Then some wine, I want a 320-year-old white wine from Falcou, what about you?" Sigrani consulted Saulgrande.
"Faltu's, I've been famous for a long time, let's have a little bit of it below."
After a while, the attendant brought wine and ice cubes, and filled two small glasses for the two of them. Atalanta then sent the rest of the men away, and retreated herself, covering the door for the two of them.
Sogrend took a sip of wine and immediately praised: "It is indeed a good wine, not inferior to Parello's." ”
"Thank you for the compliment, I'm glad you liked it."
After that, Sogrend deftly stopped the conversation on the wine, and Sigrani never found a chance to steer the conversation in the direction she wanted. Sogrerd barely noticed her darkened face.
After the two finished eating, the servants quickly cleaned up the mess, leaving the two of them alone.
"It's a beautiful view." Sigrani spoke first.
"Indeed, but only the emperors and nobles of Mastar can enjoy such a view."
"Thorgrandelius!" Sigrani finally got a little angry, "You've been going against me these days, don't be too fearless. ”
"So what do you want me to do? Crawling at your feet like a pet? Sorry, I can't please you below. Thorgrande replied coldly. His disdainful look infuriated Sigrani even more.
"You're on the land of Mastar, don't think I don't dare to do anything to you!" Sigrani threatened. But Thorgrande had no intention of dealing with such a threat.
"You can go down and cool me down." Sigrani was completely enraged, and took advantage of Sogrande's unpreparedness to push him off the balcony. With a loud sound, a white splash erupted on the surface of the water.
The servants heard the sound of water and wanted to see what was going on. But he was reprimanded by Atalanta: "It has nothing to do with you, go back and rest, and you are not allowed to leave your room without special instructions."
Except for a few blisters popping up on the surface of the water from time to time, there was no other movement. Sigrani was a little uneasy, Falunsi is a northern country, and the people there are not very accustomed to water, if Sogrend is a "landlubber", isn't it equivalent to killing him? Thinking of this, Sigrani shouted, "Atalanta, come!" He took off his high heels and jumped into the water.
The water is cool, and Higrani has good swimming and diving skills. But after groping for a long time in the deep water, he still couldn't find Sogrand. She surfaced, took a deep breath, and tried to plunge again, but was pulled back. She looked back and saw that it was Thorgrande.
"Alright, that's settled, let's go ashore." Saugland said with a solemn expression.
"You're okay, that's great. I'm sorry, it's all my fault, I ......," Higrani choked up, and she didn't know why she was shedding tears, guilt, or grievances. Her moist eyes and messy blonde hair made her look even more pitiful.
"Don't cry. It's like I'm bullying you. Thorgrande relented, "Come ashore." ”
"Please forgive me, don't hate me." Sigrani cried and threw herself into Sogrande's arms, and the grievances and uneasiness that had been pent up in her heart for a long time burst into tears. The summer clothes were soaked in water and turned into almost transparent fabrics, and Thorgrande could clearly feel the elastic breasts of the princess.
Sogrend hesitated for a moment before pushing her away, "Your feelings are just the impulse of a young girl, so let's restrain it before it hurts anyone." How much do you know about me? You don't know anything other than my pretty good looks, and my prominence at a young age. ”
"It's because you don't tell me anything, but my love and adoration for you is not as superficial as you think. I've been trying my best to get to know you with my eyes, my ears, all my senses. I love your wit and courage in your debates, admiration for your unwavering presence on the battlefield, and admiration for your unswerving loyalty to your country. This is what I know about Saulgrande, and it's not necessarily complete, but I'm still fascinated by it. In the future, I will learn more and am eager to know more about you. Regardless of the advantages and disadvantages, I will savor them until I become one with you in spirit. Trust me. ”
If Thorgrande hadn't made any more moves at this time, he might have been questioned if he was a man. Humans are creatures that are constantly swayed by instinct, even saints, but they do so less often.
Thorgrande lovingly cupped the princess's tear-dipped face, kissed the tears from the corners of her eyes, and kissed her lightly opened lips. Sigrani's body stiffened at first with a shudder, but soon became soft and hot.
Atalanta silently folded the curtains, placed the fresh dry towel in the doorway, and walked silently back to her room.
The sea breeze rustled the branches; The waves lap against the reef and the rhythm of crackling. A silver half-moon hung high in the sky, and the moonlight shone through the veils of tulle and sprinkled hazy mian all over the bedroom. There was a faint, seductive gasp in the room, as if it were the sound of a midsummer night playing in the evening breeze.
On 18 June, Cosette, who had arrived from Shurasa, brought not very good news: Hermez II had a recurrence of lung disease, and his current condition was critical. In addition, there is good news: the queen gave birth to a boy, but unfortunately there is no Henell's signature golden eyes, and the succession is ranked after Sigrani.
On the other hand, Sogrend advised Higrani: "Return to Shulazak and gather forces that are loyal to you." If the prince succeeds to the throne before you, the Rossi family will not act rashly. As long as the prince is an adult, you can only hand over power. If there is any accident, it can also be planted on you. Now that the succession of the prince is after you, and the emperor is critically ill, I am afraid that they will make a desperate gamble and take risks. ”
"Aren't you going with me?" Sigrani asked him uneasily.
"Fool, my appearance with you will only bring you a political disadvantage. Stay on this isolated island, you are still afraid that I will not be able to fly. When you have firmly grasped the real power, take me to Shurasa. Thorgrande replied earnestly.
"Why do I think something is wrong, the legend always says that the hero always picks up his favorite princess after his successful career, but now it's the other way around?" Cosette muttered to herself.
Half a day later, Sigrani reluctantly left Tenance Island.