Chapter 11: The Hague Castle (Part II)
Standing on the gravel road leading to Fort Hague, Edward's mood was also relaxed by the smoother and smoother road under his feet, and the humid moisture in the air and the cloudless blue sky in the distance were refreshing.
The Hague Fort stood at the end of the road, a neat path beside the steep cliff, winding its way to the castle's gates, the banner of the castle and its towers, like knights with spears in their hands, watching over the warm and fertile land.
In the same way, Fort Hague also controls the only port in the vicinity, the Port of The Hague, where ships of all sizes can only stay or buy and sell goods, and the storage of this castle will also allow those merchants to be well protected, and it will be much more reassuring to have a strong fortress standing there anyway.
Thanks to the existence of the port, countless winding roads converge here from unknown distances, and at the foot of the castle, large and small houses surround a building that looks like a clock tower, forming a small village and town, with the smoke of cooking and the noisy shouting of shouting, full of life.
Although it looks very shabby, it is still full of life, walking along the road and watching the loud street vendors around you, wearing plain short shirts, washed white dresses or crowds of dust......
Edward, who saw this world for the first time after crossing over, had the feeling of returning to his hometown in the countryside, and those exotic houses and clothes made him really feel that he was already in another world.
After stepping into the town, the excited expressions on the faces of the Turin soldiers seemed to grow stronger, urging each other to go home with joy.
"That's the church at Fort The Hague, and look at the bell tower above, which rings every day at noon and in the evening. Webb pointed to the clock tower with his right hand and introduced Edward in an almost worshipful tone, as if there was a look of nostalgia in his eyes: "Everyone in the town, including Lord Kwyn, was baptized here, and the bishop here is also a very devout saint. β
"Maybe one day, you too can become a saint. Edward quipped, "Or...... Become a bishop here?"
"Be cautious in your words and deeds, my friend!" you just said something ......" Although he pretended to be strict, Weber's face was faintly flushed, indicating that he was very useful for this compliment: "In short, it is not right to do so!"
"I'm sorry to say that, but I'm afraid we're going to say goodbye here - I must now go back and see the Bishop. The little priest's face showed a little apology, and he folded his hands and bowed slightly: "I will continue to pray to the Radiant Cross for you!"
Edward, who was disappreciative in his heart, still showed a smile of understanding and nodded slightly. Just as he was about to turn to leave, a weak but very firm hand rested on his shoulder, causing the black-haired boy to stop.
"Edward, my friend...... Although until now, I don't know if I have the qualifications to be your friend. Webber's smile looked reluctant, and he looked a little inferior with his chin in his mouth, but he still stubbornly raised his eyes: "You have a glorious cross on you, a very great glory! β
"You must have the great mission of the Cross of Radiance, but ...... Maybe someone misinterprets this. Webb's eyes kept trembling: "You will go through a lot of trials...... There will be people who say that you are a liar, a sinner, a heretic, or even a ...... These will be your tests. β
"This is also ...... It will also be a test for me, and I will always be on your side, because I have witnessed this miracle with my own eyes, and I have the obligation that the Radiant Cross is with you!"
Obviously, it took great courage for the little priest to say these things, and almost as soon as he finished speaking, he turned away immediately, and without even half a step of hesitation, hurriedly lowered his head and ran quickly in the direction of the church.
The brunette shrugged his shoulders - religion has always been the most incomprehensible power of goodness, mercy and forgiveness, and the most fanatical, stupid and cruel devil. Edward, who knew this, had no choice for himself, and since he had chosen this path, it was the only thing he could do to keep going.
Following old William into the gate of the castle, the old soldier hugged Edward's shoulders and showed off to him with great energy: "Believe me, child, you will not regret coming here, Fort Hague is definitely the most beautiful and comfortable place you can see in your life, look at this solid blue brick and stone wall, and those towers, it will definitely make your trip worthwhile!"
The cold stone doorway opened the doorway, and two guards in rudimentary armor stood on either side with guns and shields. Sir Rollas, who had changed into a dark blue robe, stood at the door with a stern expression, and glanced at Sergeant William coldly, and the veteran quickly put away the smile on his face and bent down humbly: "Sir Rollas!"
"Why did you come back so late?" Sir Rollas glared at him, his deep voice as if he was asking, but had no intention of continuing, "Forget it, Lord Kwyn is no longer going to hold you accountable, you can go back!"
"Thank you, thank you, merciful Sir Rollasβoh, and the just Lord Kwyn!" said old William's face with a look of overjoy, but Edward could still see a slight arc of smugness in the corners of his mouth, a sense of self-satisfaction that he had often shown before.
Looking at the flattering and humble smile on the face of the departing old William, Sir Rollas glared, sighed and shook his head: "Damn old slippery head!"
"What do you think, kid? He turned his gaze to Edward, who was standing there smiling without saying a word, "Tell me, what do you think of this guy?"
"He's a good guy, a qualified sergeant major. Edward smiled and bowed his head, he knew exactly what the other party wanted him to say, and replied without leaking: "And it's hard to find someone more qualified than him." β
"That's why he was able to keep his head. Sir Rollas blew his beard and glanced meaningfully at Edward, "Come with me, Lord Kwyn wants to see you." β
With that, Sir Loras did not look at him more, and turned and strode towards the castle. Edward could only follow closely behind, while looking around at the so-called "Hague Castle".
Although from the outside it looks like a military fortress for garrisons and border guards, the inside is still very spacious and comfortable, and there is a paved road made of large and small stone blocks at the foot. Following in the footsteps of Sir Rollas, Edward saw not only the tall tower, the carved cloisters, but also the small garden.
The gardener, who tended the garden carefully, was busy with the work at hand, and looked at the ragged Edward with disdain with a faint gaze that was very imperceptible, as if he were a wandering wanderer, a noxious countryman like a ranger.
Sir Rollas, who was walking in front, did not stop a step as if he was unaware of this qiΔ. The black-haired boy followed him, the smile on his face as if it had never changed.
Sir Rollas' footsteps stopped in front of the gates of the Inner Castle, the residence of the lords, and behind the gates was the castle hall, where the feasts, ceremonies, and lords ruled the realm in poetry.
"You're a clever squire, Edward Witwood. I'm sure you'll see Mistress Kwyn a little later, and you know exactly what you should and shouldn't say. Sir Rollas turned, stood on the steps with his hands behind his back, and looked down at the black-haired boy, his pupils seemed to contain something he wanted to say but did not dare to say: "So...... Just say you know, understand?"
"Thank you for your teachings, Sir Rollas. The corners of Edward's mouth curled slightly, and his expression was very sincere, and he looked like he understood: "I will definitely answer all the things that Lord Kwyn wants to know." β
Edward had already realized when he met this Sir Loras - he seemed to be caught in the whirlpool of the Kwyn family, and it was even very likely that he was very closely involved in the death of the wizard Aiden, although it was only his speculation until now, and there was nothing to prove for sure.
"You are arrogant, squire. Looking down at Edward in front of him, Sir Rollas asserted in a tone of utmost affirmation: "You may have made some deeds to be proud of, but that does not mean that you are qualified to ignore the dignity of your status in front of those who are higher than you!"
"I've heard that you're still an acolyte of the Knights of the Sacred Tree, and that's a proud status indeed. Not to mention the favor of the Radiant Cross, you have so much grace in you. But if you don't want to suffer, it's better to learn how to be humble, and when you really become a knight, it's not too late to show this arrogance. β
For a moment, Edward felt anger burning somewhere inside him. But then he pressed this feeling.
The other party is right...... It's not the world you used to live in, but at least there's one difference - if you want to live completely, playing your role is the most important thing for you!
It seems that after the resurrection, I was indeed a little too confident...... Edward, who was silently reading, couldn't help but laugh at himself in his heart, and the smile on his face looked even more humble.
As he spoke, Sir Rollas looked contemptuously at the black-haired boy standing there, turned around and knocked respectfully on the door behind him. With the sound of a creaking doorway, the hall of Fort Hague opened.