The above happened half a month ago, shortly after William's return to Frisia. Pen, fun, pavilion www. biquge。 infoAfter the negotiations, both sides took what they wanted, and the atmosphere became relaxed and pleasant. Then the two sides pushed the cup and changed the glass, and they became more and more intimate. At the banquet, the two sides exchanged a lot of views on the future and the empire. And successively confirmed that the future of the empire should be in the hands of the empire itself, and the empire will never accept the dictates of a "foreigner".

The princes of the empire, the brothers need to unite to defend against the enemies of the empire. Or centaurs, or dark elves. Or the Visigoths, the betrayers of the Empire...... Or the current temporary ally Briton.

More than two hours passed like this. Prince Henry left satisfied. After this, William's eyes, which had previously appeared to be half-drunk, returned to their clarity. He stood up, his steps powerful, and he had no intention of getting drunk at all. In one breath, he walked out to the balcony and watched the poor prince leave. By the way, he also waved to him.

After that, Elise's voice came from behind him, "So, does that guy believe what you say, William?"

"Maybe I believe it, maybe I don't. But I believe that the most crucial part he believed. ”

"The most critical part?"

"It's that the Hereford family has no interest in getting involved in the position of Emperor for the time being. ”

"So, are you lying to him? In fact, in the next race, we will participate in the Emperor's race?"

"Not really. William shook his head: "This is the truth. ”

“...... Tell me the truth?"

"We're too weak. As I said, we are not enough to face two strong opponents at the same time. ”

"But you know, centaurs, the Tartalia Khanate is a joke now. Elise was a little dissatisfied: "Our eastern border is safe. ”

"I thought that was the case, too. William said calmly, "But not actually." He was a little emotional, but also a little distressed: "You heard the news before, right?"

"Is it news that Tartaglia has united with the Dark Elves?" Elise was slightly surprised: "Is this news true?

“...... Ah, yes, but ...... Who knows" William shook his head, "In all fairness, I don't think Sarida Khan would be so. But...... Who knows. The Sultan was not an idle person. If the other party had used some means, I would have believed it. ”

“...... Is that so? So what should we do in the next Imperial Civil War?" Elise was a little worried: "This is a very good opportunity. Are we really not going to be involved in the next election for the emperor?"

"We'll do both. William said, "But...... I also need to know what the other forces think about this......"

"Hmm. ”

In this way, Elise somewhat understood what William meant—if the situation allowed, then she would not hesitate to run for the emperor. But if the situation does not allow it, or even if the gain of the emperor's throne is not worth the loss, then he will give up this opportunity and use this vote to get something more practical and useful from others.

Under these circumstances, Wilhelm rested in Frisia's Rotterdam for another week. During this week, the troops were regrouped, supplies were purchased, and the fleet was contacted to prepare for the return to Russia.

It was in this situation that William's villa welcomed an uninvited guest.

Of course, William was not at all surprised by his arrival.

The very mysterious-looking guy covered in his robes took off his hood as soon as he was brought to William. A scarred, gray-haired face was revealed.

"I know you, Mr. Franz. William gestured to him: "Hero of the Empire, the Emperor's most trusted general, Commander of the Praetorian Guard." He was also a knight and swordsman of the finest...... Well, this time, it's the Emperor's representative? Is Kalman IV really relieved to send you to me? Isn't he afraid that I'll kill you by accident?"

"It wasn't His Majesty's order. The old knight, known as Franz, calmly replied: "This task was requested by me personally. ”

"Why?"

"Because he's important. Franz continued to speak calmly: "The situation is now clear, the Bretons want to form an alliance against the Empire. They have colluded with traitors to the Empire and want to attack the Emperor—"

"-Wait a minute," interrupted William, "I know where you stand. But I hope you can be calm, don't mix any personal emotions when you tell about it, and try to use neutral words, okay?"

"Yes. The other party's face was still calm: "But I think I don't need to say this." Now the situation will develop like this, you naturally understand. So ......"

"Wait a minute, I have one more question. William interrupted him again: "You say, this is the most important task?" asked William.

"Yes. ”

"It's really important to be able to win Russia to join. William continued, "But don't you think it is easier to convince my father than to convince me?"

"Yes. He replied, "Your father was a true knight." His character was so good that even I was ashamed of myself...... But I also know that even convincing him will not save the situation. Now you are the only one who can decide where Russia will go...... In other words, from the beginning to the present, you are the only one who can decide where Russia is going. ”

"Is that a compliment?"

"If you think so, then yes. The old knight's countenance was calm throughout.

“...... I need a reason, and I need an explanation. William replied.

"The reason is, we're all goths. As he said this, the old knight leaned forward and made a more intimate look: "Goths are Goths, and Bretons are Bretons." How could the Goths ally themselves with the Britons against the Goths? It betrayed not only the empire, but also the nation. ”

"Well said, but it doesn't make sense. William shrugged: "This kind of talk may be able to deceive those hot-blooded young knights." But...... With all due respect, I'm not going to eat this. ”

"I think so. The old knight straightened up again: "So, what do you think will happen to us as Goths in a world where the Bretons are dominant?"

“...... That's a bit interesting. ”

"Yes. The old knight said, "No matter how much you do, you will not be able to become a Briton." They don't even fully trust the highlanders who live on the same island as them. How could I trust you, and in a world where the Bretons were dominant, we Goths could only be second-class people. You want that? You want the Bretons to ride on your head for the rest of your life. ”

"Good. William nodded: "But it's not enough." ”

"The Emperor supported the Hereford family in obtaining the title of King of Wende. The old knight said calmly.

"Hah...... This is the third time I've heard this in a while. William said casually.

"Yes, the Britons can promise you all of this, and perhaps so do the self-proclaimed traitors to the Empire. The old knight continued: "But what they say does not count - it is the territory of the Empire, and it is only the Emperor who can decide the territory of the Empire. De jure, the orthodox emperor. With just one word, Kalman IV can clear the biggest obstacle for the Hereford family to enter the Wende Kingdom!"

“...... Go on. William said with interest, "To tell you the truth, you have a little ...... Well, reason. Not quite, though. To be honest, if it had been before that happened, maybe I would have thought about it. But...... If you want me to trust a bastard who sent out a killer and wants to kill me? ”

"By my personality, the Lord of Light is above, and my Emperor has never done this. He did not order, did not assign, did not imply, did not employ or bribe any of the Assassins to deal with you. The old knight said solemnly.

"There's enough evidence to—"

All the evidence of this is all false and false! You know, there are many villains in this world. They always want to undermine the unity within the empire. And framing the Emperor for sending assassins was the least egregious of the plots they had planned.

The dignity of the emperor made it impossible for him to do such a thing, and the dignity of the emperor also made him never admit it after doing such a thing. William, think about it. If we meet each other, who will benefit in the end? Maybe what you think of as your so-called 'allies' is the real culprit! Have you considered this possibility?"

"It's all on your side. William said.

The so-called evidence they talk about is also one-sided. ”

"I saw those guys with my own eyes. ”

"It's okay to fake. My William, poor boy. If you haven't seen it, you won't believe it. There is terrible technology in this world that can change people's faces, appearances, heights, and even thoughts. This technique is stealthy and expensive. But if it can cause war between the Emperor and his most important princes, then it will be of sufficient value. ”

Wilhelm looked at Franz, the emperor's emissary. Just stared at him intently. Then I finally couldn't help laughing: "I never thought that you were so eloquent...... To be honest, I was really shocked at first when I found out that the Emperor's envoy was you. But it's clear that you're up to the task. ”

"Well, your opinion is ......" Franz was somewhat relieved to hear William say this.