(Happy National Day!) ）

March 22, 363 Gregorian Calendar, Hitaros, Haiswa. Pen "Fun" Pavilion www.biquge.info

Racoxiu had risen early on this day, for she had been informed that today the diplomatic corps of the Renosque side had officially met with King Hitaros. As the king's main chamber, she was naturally required to attend a series of diplomatic occasions. The female officials who were waiting for Rakoxiu had been waiting outside the door for a long time, waiting for her call.

King Hitarus's concubine is also 39 years old this year, and if it were a commoner woman at this age, her youth and beauty would have already said goodbye to that face. However, for a royal nobleman like Rakoxiu, this age is just the advent of the third era of women's charm. Although youth has begun to fade gradually, the charm of maturity comes faster, enough to cover up the regret of Shaohua's passing for a period of time.

When Rakoxiu looked at herself in the bronze mirror, she didn't feel any special thoughts. Canites was not a good husband by the standards of most of the countries of Articut, but in the eyes of the Hitaros he was a king who knew how to juggle his private life. His affection for beautiful women often changes objects, but his respect for his wife is unswerving. Therefore, Lacoxiu understood early on what she should stand for, and she had nothing to complain about. Similarly, the Landner royal family has nothing to blame for her.

"Has the crown prince had breakfast?" Rakoxiu asked.

"His Highness Theseus has already had breakfast."

"What class is he supposed to take today?"

"Today, I will arrange for His Highness to practice driving in the morning, and in the afternoon it will be rhetoric and logic."

"Very well, tell her that if nothing else, I'll come back after dinner to check on his homework."

"Yes, Your Highness the Princess."

An hour later, Canites met his wife.

"My dear Racoxiu, you're still so glamorous." King Cetarus smiled and complimented his wife.

"Yes, it's a pity that it's not enough to attract His Majesty's attention." The princess laughed at herself.

Canitez coughed dryly and chuckled, he hadn't seen Racoxiu for about two months, since the spring royal festival in January. The King is currently indulging in his fifteenth wing, and he is not even forty years old, and is in the prime of his energy.

"Today, the people of Renosque are coming to visit us, and the leader of the mission is Princess Nastasya, so you can help me greet her well." Kanites said, putting his arm around the princess's shoulders.

"Your Majesty seems to attach great importance to that Highness."

"Haha, how can I say it, I also think that if possible, I can consider marrying the new master of Reynolds." Canites picked up the question in his wife's tone.

"That princess must be a beauty too, as can be seen from her nickname." Rakoxiu continued to say nonchalantly.

Nastaxia. Romanovna, the first princess of the Romanov dynasty in Reynolds, was affectionately called the "Black Swan Princess" by her lovers in the country. Therefore, in many chronicles and other works, "Black Swan" has become her code name. One of the important reasons for being called this is that the princess likes black in her clothes. The princess became active on the battlefield at the end of her father's war to overthrow the Turansky dynasty. Because of her extraordinary talent in both military and administrative matters, and the fact that the princess had a childhood that was quite a legend among the commoners, she was highly regarded among the people of Reynoske.

When the prince of Hitarus saw this princess in the main hall, he could not help but express his admiration, and in the words of one of the later parties: "I think it is only fitting that the swan can be used as a metaphor for this princess." "The princess had long golden millet hair, emerald green eyes set in slender and upper-raised sockets, a straight but soft nose, red lips and white teeth. The skin is fair and delicate, and the neck is curvy, like an elegant swan.

After that, the Lenolsk side stated their opinions to Hitaros: first, Renolsk did not recognize Hitaros' right to rule over certain areas of the border, so they believed that they had the right to enter some areas and search. Second, it is hoped that the Hitaros side will be able to restrain its own army and cooperate with the search of the Renosk side.

Kanitez's reply was also clear, and Hitaros was willing to search for the missing person on his behalf, but it would be better for Renols to stay on his current territory and wait for good news.

"We have no intention of amplifying the impact of this matter at this time, but I hope that His Majesty Canitez and you will carefully consider our opinions." The princess summed it up this way.

"We will think about it, and please don't make any rash moves until then." Canites replied that King Hitarus felt that the beauty in front of him, even if she was slightly angry, must have something else to offer.

"I'm afraid that's not something I can guarantee." Nastasya didn't pay attention to the other party's warning.

"Hehe, doesn't your father have to worry about your safety?" Canitez asked with interest.

"On the one hand, my father was in the prime of life, and he had plenty of time to give birth to a prince; On the other hand, I've heard that the people of Hitaros, especially the royal family, have always treated women favorably. So, I don't think I need to worry about that. The black swan of Renosk replied unfurlishedly.

"Hahaha," Canitez chuckled heartily, "Her Highness the Princess said that this is the end of the tiresome politics. In the evening, I will prepare a little wine in the palace, and I hope you will enjoy it. Besides, many people in our country admire your reputation and want to see you. ”

"Thanks to Your Majesty's hospitality, we will naturally not be absent."

The dinner party was of course lively, and almost no one of the high nobles of Haiswa was absent. It's just a day's work, and rumors about the beauty of this princess of Renosk are already boiling. What could be more interesting to the people of Hitarus than to admire a peerless beauty?

Princess Nastasya did not disappoint the hosts, she still wore her favorite black evening dress, which set off her figure and style well. The people of Hitarus generally felt that what they had heard was true, and even inadequate. They had completely forgotten that their country might be facing the teeth of a powerful enemy from the north, and they surrounded the beautiful princess and tried their best to pay her respects.

"I think the title of 'the first beauty in the mainland' will change hands soon." Prince Fels said.

"That's a natural thing, but it's hard to say what will happen in the end." Nathaniels apparently didn't agree with his brother's subtext.

"Brother Siwang, have you ever seen another beauty?"

"Don't you know?" Nathaniels grimaced in surprise.

"Just tell me about it."

Nathaniels lowered his voice and said, "Don't you know that there have always been such rumors? His Royal Highness Seodora of Mastar is actually Sogland. The illegitimate daughter of Lord Leus. Think about it, we don't have to doubt the beauty of His Majesty Sigrani, and His Excellency Luce is also a recognized beautiful man, and the crystallization of the two is probably not different. By the way, I heard from our majesty before that the late Lady Leus was also a rare beauty, and they had two daughters. ”

"Why are all the candidates related to that Lord Luce? This makes us wonder if he was premeditated. Firth sighed.

"What do you say?"

"According to Her Highness Nastasya just now, Her Excellency Leus is a great benefactor to her and her mother."

"Was that man sent to the world by the gods to make our family feel sorry?"

As the hostess of the dinner, Racoxiu naturally has certain obligations. What's more, if she misses the slightest, there are fifteen pairs of fierce eyes staring at her behind her, ready to replace her at any time. Seeing that Princess Reynosk was surrounded by wolves from her country, the princess felt the need to go and relieve herself.

Seeing the princess coming to relieve the siege, although everyone was a little unwilling, they had no choice but to disperse.

"I hope you don't feel any discomfort here." Rakoxiu said apologetically.

"The enthusiasm of the people really overwhelmed me." Nastasya didn't mean to complain, and smiled kindly.

"Her Royal Highness the Princess's homeland is Farensi, right?" Then the princess asked.

"Yes, has Her Highness been there?"

"I had the privilege of living there for a while, and I came into contact with the Falensi before the country."

"I heard it's Lord Leus." Racoxiu remembered those amethyst-like eyes.

"He is the person I respect and appreciate the most, and in a way, he is even more important to my life than my father. Would Her Royal Highness the Princess want to hear my story? Nastasya said suddenly.

"If you'll tell me, I'm asking for it." Racoxiu was a little curious, what kind of story would this be?

March 20, 363 Continental Gregorian Calendar, Hitaros, 40 fari north of Corinth.

Mazik and Dick were formed into a small team, and they were sent to the border posts to guard and patrol. Minox had set up hundreds of such posts on the northern border. Each outpost had a wolf's smoke, a 1.5 m high ram wall, open warehouses and cisterns. The fighters all slept in reinforced tents.

At the junction of Hitaros and Lenosk is a plateau called Adriatic, where the Tarberry River, which originates in the Silves Mountains, crosses the traditional border between the two countries, runs through the western border of Lenolsk, and finally joins the Yunvit Sea. Her tributaries feed the entire Adriatic steppe. At this time of year, the entire plateau begins to be covered with a new layer of green, and wildflowers are blooming everywhere. On a clear afternoon, the sun felt very comfortable on people, and the wind was a little stronger, but it had become softer.

As a result, the mercenaries' patrols became a bit lazy, and they either hooked up or walked and stopped. Leading the patrol was Dick, who was a little unhappy with the laxity of his men. However, he didn't find anything along the way, so he just took a blind eye. The only thing that satisfied him was that Mazik, a novice, seemed to be very serious, always constantly observing his surroundings, and he always took the initiative to participate in patrol missions for the past half a month. Relatively speaking, the mercenaries would rather stay and sleep in that not very comfortable outpost than wander around the grassland.

Dick didn't think there was anything to worry about, but a few small tribes of people had been grazing here lately, and they could occasionally ask these herders to buy a sheep for a tooth sacrifice.

"Hey, Mazik, what are you worried about? If you look at the situation now, it doesn't look like there is an enemy at all. A mercenary said to the young Pharian.

Mazik just smiled at him, and then went on to focus on his own business.

"Hey, Mazik, is your Rhine sister pretty?" Dick interjected as well.

"Pretty, very pretty." Mazik said casually, "She will be the first beauty in the mainland in the future." ”

The mercenaries immediately coaxed: "Cut-bragging." ”

"Hehe, I don't expect you to believe it either."

"Since it is so beautiful, and the fat and water do not flow into the fields of outsiders, after this work, I will go with you to meet your sister in Farensi. You see, I'm still single. I won't miss you as a dowry. Dick went up and hooked Mazik's neck and said.

"You think beautifully, my sister is already engaged, you should die."

"Engaged, with whom? It shouldn't be you, is it really a sister who is not related by blood? Dick jumped away and feigned surprise.

"Hmph, whatever you want." Mazik shook off Dick and strode forward.

April in the Adriatic Plateau still doesn't have a long period of daylight, and by the time the patrol returns from the scheduled route, it is getting late. The mercenaries were hungry, so the whole team focused on discussing the two goats they had just bought yesterday. The beautiful sunset on the horizon reflects their figures, and it looks like a silhouette painting from a distance.

As the crowd walked carelessly, Mazik and Dick, who were at the front, stopped.

"Oh my God!" The straw stick in Dick's mouth fell.

The mercenaries looked straight ahead, less than a mile away from their camp. And it was in that direction that a thick smoke was rising into the sky, and the sunset on the horizon seemed to be reflected red by the firelight.

"Everyone get down and go on alert, quick!" Dick commanded. The mercenaries immediately bent down, found a hollow dirt pit, and jumped in.

"The Heilman cavalry may be near us." Mazik leaned over to Dick and said.

"I know, I know, damn it!" Dick hatefully ripped off a handful of weeds.

"What shall we do, Dick?" One of the mercenaries asked.

"I don't know." Dick replied to him with some irritability.

"At least we'll have to get dark to get a chance, Dick, I'll touch it and see what happens."

"Be careful, rookie." Mazik smiled and didn't say anything more.

The Pharians had not been there for long, but everyone was in a state of living like a year, so anxiety permeated the small procession. When the Falencians returned to the pit, they were warmly welcomed by everyone.

"How's it going, what's going on?" Dikla asked Mazik.

"They're all dead." Mazik replied in a low voice.

Dickmore rubbed the stubble on his chin and fell backwards, all of whom were mercenaries he knew. Although it is not a friend of life and death, but they have fought side by side many times, and they will feel some sadness and anger at this moment.

"We'll wait until it's dark before we move, everyone be ready to fight, the Heylemans could spot us at any time." Dick commanded.

"However, we have neither water nor food on us now, so even if we get rid of the Heilman cavalry, it is impossible to get to the next outpost." Such a problem was mentioned. Moreover, most of the nearby posts had also been attacked, and they might have to travel 100 miles to get provisions.

"What you say makes sense, wait until it's dark, let's touch it back when it's dark and see if we can find some food and water." Dick thought for a moment and said.

"It's too risky." Mazik objected.

"We don't have any other way." Dick replied.

"That little bit of water and food isn't worth the trade." Mazik continued to persuade.

"I've got to keep everyone alive."

"Dick, you're going to give your life, you're all going to die." Mazik shook his head and moved back.

"Coward, don't go then, and we won't give you anything." One of the mercenaries laughed at the Pharians.

Dick glared at the guy, then put his arm around Mazik and whispered, "Listen, rookie, it's just a bunch of mercenaries here, do you know what happens without food and water?" This isn't the glorious Janissary of France, you know? If you don't have food and water, these guys will slaughter you and make you into a suckling pig halfway through, you know? Wait a while and we'll be fine, okay, let's go rest. Dick gave him a thrust on the head.

It was getting darker, and it was a first quarter moon, which was good for night action. The mercenaries cautiously crawled to the ruins of the outpost, and in the meantime they encountered no obstacles. They peeked outside for a long time, but they didn't notice the slightest enemy movement. Finally, one of the mercenaries couldn't take it anymore and jumped up and rushed into the camp. Dick saw him so reckless, and secretly cursed. Everyone didn't dare to breathe, and they lay on the ground nervously. After a while, the man who ran into the camp first waved to them for safety. At this moment, all the mercenaries relieved themselves and rushed over.

Dick followed the group into the camp, and he glanced at the camp, which was a mess and the smell of burnt was not yet cleared. However, Dick always felt that something was wrong, but just as he was about to think of something wrong, a scream interrupted his thoughts. Dick hurriedly ran with the others, only to see one of his companions in the right hand caught in an iron beast, where the victim kept screaming. The trap was apparently carefully arranged, and the trap was hidden in a bag of flour, and the white flour was stained red with blood.

"We've been tricked!" Dick exclaimed, and he suddenly realized why something didn't feel right in front of him. Mazik said that all the guards at the post were dead, but not a single body was found. If the enemy had gone to another place carelessly, it would have been impossible to clean such a small place.

At this moment, the mercenaries heard the sound of horses' hooves in the distance, and they were now like a group of trapped beasts, and they became dazed and overwhelmed for a while.

Dick called out Mazik's name, but received no response.

"That kid probably didn't follow up at all." A mercenary said to Dick.

"Now, we're all bait for that kid to lure the enemy away." Another said.

By this time, the victim's screams had stopped, as he had gone into shock due to blood loss, and he had already been counted on the death list under the conditions at the time.

"At least pull a cushion." Dick said this to the crowd, and the mercenaries drew their weapons, and the iron hooves of the Heilman cavalry drew closer and closer to them.