Half a month later, there was a major personnel transfer in the Bacchus Empire.

Governor Livius was sent to Shield Fortress, and Emperor Marius demanded that he capture White Hart within a year to prove his innocence.

This was already a heavy punishment for a governor - both a demotion and a demotion.

The Shieldwind Fortress is a purely military fortress with few inhabitants, and all supplies are dependent on the Empire, with little chance of scraping the ground.

In order to achieve the goal of capturing White Hart Fort within a year, it is impossible for Livius to drink the blood of his soldiers and eat empty wages, but must find a way to raise more soldiers and horses by himself.

Governor Kairos will remain the Imperial Marshal, but his current military direction is to purge the rebels 'Demosis Augustus' from the country.

The governor of Justes was unaffected and continued to preside over the reform policies of Emperor Marius.

Sarah has been inquiring about the Bacchus territory lately, and she has brought it back to the lord.

Clearly, Keros got the result he wanted, or rather, the result of the lord's plan.

Since the Bacchus Empire would only face the enemy of Governor Livius, Leon was not worried at all.

White Deer Fort is enough to hold on.

And Sarah brought back at the same time, there was also a strange news - the Bacchus Empire was actually praising Leon's so-called great achievements, and it was very ......

For example, some people say that he is an invincible general, with three heads and six arms, and he eats five children in one meal......

It is also said that the soldiers he led were all demons up to two meters high, powerful and ferocious, and could kill eight horses with a single punch......

There are also people who say that he is extremely skilled, he is the number one sword master in the world, and he can use six giant swords at the same time, and he can basically kill whoever he wants......

Anyway, it's basically getting closer to the monster's head, and the name 'Leon' can already stop children's night cries in the territory of Bacchus.

When Sarah brought back these rumors, she also congratulated the lord - in her opinion, the lord's reputation was recognized by a hostile country......

Although I don't understand why the Bacchus Empire is spreading these rumors, the lord doesn't care too much - demonizing the generals of hostile countries is a normal behavior, and it is inevitable that they will become monsters under false rumors.

Count Auden used to be a monster in the eyes of the enemy, and even Leon thought it should be a rough man before he saw Auden, who knew that he was a thin old man.

Although I don't know why such a small character can be treated like this, it is not surprising, probably because he impressed the three governors of Bacchus.

But just when the lord thought that he could live a rare time of peace, an unexpected change came from within the Lion Kingdom.

During the hottest time of mid-July, a large group of lion knights came to White Hart Fort and surrounded the main building of White Hart Castle.

Leading the way was Lord Malbert, Acting Administrator of Long River.

Lord Malbert is the eldest son of the Duke of Brennus, who is the current Grand Master of the Order of the Lion.

He brought a letter to Leon.

The letter came with a large chest full of dinars.

The letter read: "Lord Leon Griffin, thank you for your contribution to the Empire. The supplies you have provided to the Empire have now been applied to all the battlefields of the Empire. You deserve to be commended for your efforts to help the Knights of the Radiant Cross and for your heroic fight for the safety of the Empire. For this reason, on behalf of the Empire, I confer upon you the position of 'General of Changhe Town' and present you with 10,000 dinars as a token of appreciation for your outstanding service to the Empire. Wish you all the best in the Lion Realm, my friend. ”

Small kiosk

The inscription is "Handwritten by the Emperor of the Bacchus Empire, Gaius Marius".

This is a handwritten letter from Emperor Marius.

Even the whole text does not use condescending words such as 'order' and 'edict', but is very egalitarian language.

This is rare......

What's even rarer is that position, the general of Changhe Town, this is completely doing things!

"Sir Leon, I came across a carriage on my journey, but when I saw my flag, the owner of the carriage fled...... I saw the letter and this box in the wagon. I'm sorry, but out of vigilance and curiosity, I read this letter. So now, you should probably explain why Emperor Marius of the Bacchus Empire would give you such a high reward? ”

Lord Malbert was quite polite and polite, and he did not force his way in, but entered the hall of the lord of Bailu Fort in the same way as a normal visit.

But the lion knights beside him were fully armed.

Moreover, these lion knights came from the direction of Mai Xiangling, but Leon and Amy were not summoned by Mai Xiangling.

Obviously, Malbert did not stop at all in the Mai Xiang Ling, and did not even reveal any purpose to the people of the Mai Xiang Ling, but directly led the lion knights into the White Hart Castle in a rushing manner.

The emperor of the enemy country wrote a letter in his own hand, privately rewarding Li Ang as a general, and the meaning of the letter was clear: Li Ang had 'made an outstanding contribution to the empire'......

Reading the letter alone, it was probably Marius expressing his gratitude to Leon, and Leon could understand that the 10,000 dinars were to thank him for providing those truckloads of leather in time.

But the problem is that the content is just too misleading.

And being a volunteer overnight, and then providing a few truckloads of goods, is not as serious as sealing a 'general'......

Besides, there was a problem with the place where it was delivered - the letter was not delivered to Mai Xiangling or White Deer Fort at all.

This was clearly deliberate on the part of Emperor Marius.

If the letter was delivered directly to White Deer Fort or Mai Xiangling, and was not seen by the other lords, then there would be no problem, after all, what the letter said was actually the truth.

But the letter was deliberately left in the hands of Lord Malbert.

This is obviously a discordant ploy of Emperor Marius, and it is the kind that has not been written in a single lie......

I'm afraid that anyone who sees this letter will think that Leon has committed treason!

After all, an emperor usually does not write a letter to frame him in order to separate a small lord, and for an emperor, this kind of handwritten letter rarely appears, and if he really wants to write it, he will write it to important ministers and friends like Justers.

Although Lord Malbert is only traveling in the mountains and rivers on weekdays and having fun, he basically does not care about things, but when it comes to treason, he will still pay attention to it......

As a result, he now personally visited White Deer Fort to deliver the letter to Leon.

He was accompanied by most of the Lion Knights......

He didn't even detain the box of dinars.

"If I say it's Emperor Marius's divisive ploy, do you believe it?"

Leon reacted at the first glance when he saw the letter, and the previous demonization of himself in the Bacchus Empire was probably in preparation for this letter.

But this is a strategy that has both yin and yang, and it is very difficult to explain......

"I'd like to believe it...... But I don't understand why the Emperor of Bacchus would deliberately target a baron like you—if it were against my father, I would understand. ”

Malbert shook his head, a sneer in his eyes.

Truly.

The Grand Master of the Lion Knights, the Lord of Cragy Rock, and the Duke of Brenus, who is currently the most powerful in the entire Lion Kingdom, has not received this kind of treatment, a little baron, why?

Why would Emperor Bacchus frame a little baron with his own hands?

Leon sighed: "Well, I know it's not easy to explain, so Lord Malbert, what do you need me to do?" ”

"Your Excellency Leon, I don't want to believe that you will commit treason. But you were made a general by Emperor Marius...... This is not a low-level position! I think you should at least go to the Lion City and explain it to His Majesty in person—that's why I'm here with the Lion Knights, and I've always been courteous to you, and I hope you won't embarrass me. ”

Marbert really didn't seem to intend to embarrass Leon, and he did treat him politely all the time, talking about things without any other emotions.

But the people of the Lion Knights seem to be very vigilant.

Leon even saw the two knights in the lead wearing shackles - the order they received was probably not to justify Leon, but to arrest the rebels......

It's just that the lion knights all know Leon's skill and courage, and Lord Malbert must know Leon's actual position in the eastern region, and probably don't want to have a head-on conflict easily.

But Lord Rao is lord has the ability to speak lotus, and he really can't defend himself at the moment......

"This is really slander! This letter is a conspiracy by Bacchus! Malbert, you should understand that Leon is innocent! ”

Amy was already sweating profusely and explained desperately to Malbert.

Lord Malbert shook his head: "Miss Amy, you have helped Baron Leon deal with government affairs in Ayrshire for so long, and you should also understand that it is impossible for me, as the administrative officer of Long River Town, to turn a blind eye to this kind of thing. I would also like to believe Baron Leon, but my duty is so, please do not obstruct official business......"

To put it mildly, Malbert did not seem to be hostile.

Then, Malbert looked at the lord again: "Baron Leon, as far as I know, you did go to the territory of Bacchus a few days ago, right?" ”

Li Ang's eyes froze, this kid doesn't travel all day long, but has been observing the movements in the eastern region?

"Lord Malbert is very well informed, and I did go to Bacchus once...... Okay, I know I can't explain, can you wait outside for me for a while, I'll explain my business to Amy and I'll go with you......"

Leon made a gesture of please towards the door.

Marbert nodded: "Baron Leon better hurry up, we'll wait for you outside." ”

He then left the main building with the lion knights.

"Leon, are you really going to go with them? It's a trap for the Empire, and they just want you to leave the territory......"

Amy frowned tightly, she didn't call her teacher anymore, she could realize the danger that Leon was facing.

For she knew that it was not a slander, that the letter was genuine—that Emperor Marius had done it on purpose.

This is in line with the way Leon used two IOUs to arouse the suspicion of the two governors of the Bacchus, so to speak, in return to the rule of others.

"I have to go, or I'll really be rebellious...... The Lion Knights don't come to White Hart Castle casually, and the King's order is certainly not for him to speak to me politely. ”

"So, you...... Alas...... What should I do? ”

Amy didn't argue anymore, but asked Leon directly about his plan, she knew that it was useless to say anything else at this time, and it was only right to solve the problem first.

"Amy, let Anson move everything that Mai Xiang led to Castle Whitedeer, let Sir Roland guard Castle Whitedeer, and let Lesri gather the elite of the convoy to Lion City. If...... I mean, if you hear the news of my treason, then immediately light the beacon of White Hart Castle. Whether you see the enemy or not, you must be sure that the Bacchus Empire is attacking White Deer Castle! ”

Leon frowned and quickly explained.

"I see. However, if you go to the Lion City alone with them, if you are framed......"

Amy nodded, but was quite anxious about Leon's safety.

"Risa Dilan will follow me...... He wouldn't put my life at risk. But remember, don't trust anyone but Lord Godric! If Lord Godric isn't there, don't let any other troops enter the city! ”

Leon handed his saber to Amy, "Take care of it for me, I'll be back." ”

Amy took the sword a little helplessly: "Don't you bring a weapon?" ”

"It's useless to bring it, it can only cause trouble...... Give me a bag of gunpowder, that might be a little more useful. ”

Leon hung the leather bag containing the musket-de-ignited powder on his body, took out a small sealed clay pot from the drawer and put it in his arms, and walked out.

"Will King Ulrique take the opportunity to deal with you?"

Amy asked suddenly, looking a little sad and her voice low.

Li Ang smiled: "Maybe, there will probably be those dukes." My Maixiang company is very valuable...... Who doesn't want wealth. ”

Amy nodded, and her voice was lowered: "The king has a son named Aranrique, who lives in the House of Lords of Lion City. ”

"Leon ......"

Amy screamed pitifully behind her back.

Leon looked back.

Amy gave him a gentle hug and kissed him on his helmet.

"A kiss from a goddess will bring good luck."

Leon smiled and nodded, turned and opened the door.

"Baron Leon, can I go? Do you want to bring some retinues? ”

Lord Malbert waited outside the door with a smile on his face.

"Let's go, I don't have an entourage, I don't need to bring anyone else."

The lord glanced back at the main building of White Deer Castle, took a Gatu horse from the stable, and followed the lion knights out of the city.

In the shadow of the main building, a black-clothed man with a bow and arrow on his back quickly flashed out, left the White Deer Fort through the secret door on the side, and followed the lord in the forest next to the road, across a wheat field nearly 100 meters wide.

This is Risadilan.

……

Fort Talon.

This is a border castle located on the east back of Lion Lake City, and further east is the Gatu grassland.

This is the domain of Baron Kedron.

The baron's family marriages were extensive, and he had a slight relationship with many of the great nobles in the kingdom.

For example, the Duke of Alma was his brother-in-law—their wives were cousins;

The Duke of Brennus was his cousin-in-law;

Lady Bella, wife of the Duke of Elfwan, was his cousin;

and the dead Baron Eldred, his brother-in-law, whose mother was his cousin.

This network covers most of the high-ranking nobles of the Lion Kingdom.

This situation was very helpful to Baron Kedren most of the time, and also allowed him to gain the territory of Fort Talon.

But in the eventful season of the Lion Kingdom, this kind of large-scale marriage may not be a good thing.

The Duke of Alma was caught in a heretical lawsuit over Lady Bella, and Baron Eldred was killed for treason, and Baron Kedren, as their relative, would also have a lot of trouble.

For example, they are often called as witnesses......

Since he was related to both Lady Bella and Duke Alma, he must have been called by the king for questioning from time to time.

Baron Kedren had been traveling back and forth for Duke Alma during this time.

Now, Duke Alma has finally been allowed to leave Lion City, and Kedren has finally returned to his own territory.

"Kedren, thanks to your help during this time, I will thank you."

Duke Alma looked a little vicissitudes, but his eyes were still bright.

Instead of wearing custom armor with a golden lion on it, he wore a Ranger outfit, the Ranger armor of the Horn-Summoning Ranger Regiment.

He was deprived of the privilege of using the Golden Lion as a decoration - he was no longer the First Duke of the Lion Kingdom.

This was the reason why he was able to get out of the lawsuit quickly, and he paid the price of promising not to try to get involved in the Lion Knights again in exchange for a quick conclusion from Duke Brenus, who was in charge of investigating heresy.

Today's Alma will have no say in the selection of the Grand Master of the Lion Knights. And Duke Brennus will probably be able to sit in the position of Grand Master of the Lion Knights until he dies.

And the one who ran between the two dukes to witness was Baron Kedren.

"Don't be too polite, sir, you have to take care...... Looking at it, it's not a bad thing for the child to have his own ideas when he is older, at least Forsette has shown the ability to inherit the family business. ”

Kedren spoke earnestly to Alma.

Duke Alma shook his head slightly, his eyes a little lonely.

In the past few months, he has been caught up in a heresy storm and lost the town of Long River, encountered the betrayal of his own son Forsette, and heard the death of his illegitimate son Forscher......

He was also blackmailed by Duke Brennus and lost his influence in the Lion Knights.

For an old man over sixty years old, if he does not collapse to the point of losing his mind, he is already extremely strong.

"I'm not going to let someone who framed my own father inherit the family business...... Kedren, I hope you can support me, I want to get back everything that belongs to me! ”

Alma gritted her teeth, and a cold light appeared in her eyes: "I don't know what it means to admit defeat in my life!" ”

Kedron shook his head: "My lord, the garrison of Lion Lake City, as well as the garrison of White Deer Fort before, are currently in the hands of Forsette, and the heavy cavalry of Lion Lake City are also under his control, which adds up to two thousand five hundred troops. And you only have these dozens of followers now......"

"Hmph, do you think that a grand duke only has such a little strength? The Red Brotherhood of several large cities in the Lion Realm will help me - that's at least a hundred rogue knights and countless men. And, as long as I can show up in Lion Lake City, who do you think would dare to do it to me? ”

Alma still seemed to have the fighting spirit and might of a lion.

But Kedren still shook his head: "My lord, it's easy for the Red Brotherhood people to find out the news or make some money, but it will be counterproductive in this kind of thing, you should understand......"

"Kedren, I don't expect the Brotherhood to show up directly in Lion Lake City. You should know that after I quit the Lion Knights, I joined the Horn Summoning Rangers...... And now, the Ranger Regiment does not have a Grand Master. ”

Alma looked down at the Ranger Armor on her body, then turned her head in the direction of the Gatu Grassland.

Kedren frowned and thought for a moment, "My lord, you want to summon the Ranger Regiment with the help of the horn?" But now Alf and Hereward don't trust you very much......"

"I don't need their trust, Heriward is old, and he can't interfere with me from the Swamp Castle, as long as he can get Ralph to obey. If you want Ralph to be obedient, the Red Brotherhood will have a way! I'm qualified enough to be the Grand Master of the Clarion Call Ranger Regiment! ”

Alma rolled over and looked at Kedren, "You're going to support me, right?" ”