If there is one of the most prestigious of the northern towns, it has to be Laria. The castle was originally built entirely at the level of a royal palace, and it is completely a three-thirds smaller holy palace, with seven crimson towers reaching into the sky, bringing a strong visual impact. The towns formed around the castle were filled with craftsmen of all kinds, and the dense population brought prosperity to them.

Compared with Mistema, who fought against the barbarians of the Misty Mountains, Salion, a famous military town, and Marions, who was known as the "pastoral city", Larria, which has always been peaceful and peaceful, has the largest permanent market in the north, and the "entertainment" industry was once prosperous. The only impression that the southern aristocracy of the empire had of the north was the geothermal hot springs and the street of the Oriole in Laria, and the lion and war horses of Salion.

The unique geographical location, even if the Elfwan family did not manage their territory very seriously in the past (they valued their prestige in the imperial capital more seriously), turned Laria into the pearl of the north, and provided extremely considerable tax revenues and could support a sizable army.

However, after nearly four years of turmoil, Laria is not as good as it used to be. The fall of the South has fading the flowers of prosperity that had been a flower of prosperity, and the caravans that were once laden with goods have become scarcer, and the war has caused so much damage that not only the grain of the Kwyn River cannot be transported, but the estates near the territory have also been looted. After Bran Elfwan inherited the title and the domain, he got a precarious city facing famine, and the population that had brought great wealth suddenly became a heavy burden.

Today, although the broken Laria is still not fully recovered, at least it can maintain normal operation, the recaptured two surrounding castles have ensured the safety of the surrounding area, the manor has resumed operation, providing various food and raw materials for the territory, and the trade routes established by Sir Ludwig have greatly reduced the famine on the cheap grain of the Kwyn River. Duke Bran also recruited a large number of young and strong laborers into the army, increasing the strength of the army and at the same time allowing these poor people at the bottom to have something to eat. It will not be unmasked and want to rebel.

"Those idiots who thought they could take advantage of my absence to take Laria haven't come yet? Hehehe, it seems that our 'Human Emperor Bixia' really came as promised, I'm really anxious. ”

Duke Bran Avvan, dressed in a dark blue piping, stood on the tower and watched, the rapid strong wind made his black hair hanging down to his sideburns a little messy, and the same aqua blue eyes as Helena with a little playful look: "He probably noticed it too, right?"

"But he got nothing, and no matter how many castles he took it was in vain. Ludwig behind Bran bowed his head slightly: "Laria is too far away from Rome, and it is impossible for Lord Julian to place his precious military forces in such a distant place." ”

"But he has the Radiant Cross, and it is only a matter of time before he unifies the North. Bran sighed softly, "He didn't come for the castle, he was proclaiming his will to the whole of the North - when the Radiant Cross accompanied him through the North." Who else would refuse to offer him loyalty?"

"Your fate is in your own hands, my duke. Ludwig's voice was very slight, and a smile appeared on his face: "And I am the sword in your hand." ”

"Someone is coming. Blue gemstone eyes fixed on the distant horizon, Bran whispered, "And there are so many of them - the army." ”

At the farthest end of his line of sight, on the avenue leading to the gates of Laria, a red ripple slowly floated, and on the banner raised high was the symbol of the glorious cross and the golden laurel wreath.

"The herald of Laria did not come back to report it. Ludwig looked at the fiery red Roman army in shock, and the incredible emotion could still be heard in his flat voice: "An army of thousands of people." How the hell did you get here without a sound?!"

"It seems that 'Human Emperor Bixia' is quite annoyed, and he didn't even notify him. Bran laughed instead: "Let the knights prepare, try to be presentable." ”

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At the sound of the trumpet, the gates of Laria slowly opened. The Knights of the Dawn, with their Glorious Cross, and the Knights of the Imperial Guard, with their golden laurel banners, followed Theodore and Helena into the city first. The Roman legionnaires, lined up in phalanx, stepped neatly on the stone pavement of Laria, to the rhythm of the trumpeter.

The lively citizens were blocked by the soldiers standing guard on both sides of the road. He stretched out his head to look over, his face was full of curious expressions, and he could hear a few shouts from time to time: "Long live Her Royal Highness the Princess", "Long live the Human Emperor", "Long live the Radiant Cross" and so on.

Theodore's gaze scanned back and forth on both sides of the road from time to time. Although the city looks much more imposing than Haringos. But I still can't hide the slightly bleak corners of my stay. It can be seen that the city used to be quite lively, and the wide streets were twice as wide as Haringos, compared to the traffic that used to be.

Although the soldiers on the side of the road stood tall and raised their heads, Theodor, who had some military experience, could also tell that these people had just put down their hoes, and their posture of holding weapons was not even comparable to that of Roman conscripts, who were also new recruits, at least they still looked very decent.

Bran Elfwan and the knights of Laria knelt down on one knee outside the castle gates and greeted Theodore and Helena in a very low posture. But Theodore still didn't give the "little duke" much of a good look, just a procedural appearance.

All the captives he captured, especially the self-righteous lords, Theodore was handed over to Bran. Theodore's first purpose in visiting Laria was to urge the Duke not to forget about sending troops, and Rome was not yet able to reach here.

Bran, who was concerned about the stability of the Laria region, did not exterminate them all—although deep down he wanted to do so. But in any case, the families of these people are more or less connected to the Elfwan family, and their vast network of connections is also the key to maintaining countless castle villages.

Several of the leading lords were beheaded, the main responders were ordered to hand over their castles (as their castles were also close to Larria), and all that remained was a lesson with no real punishment. Although for them, being scolded by a twelve-year-old child in front of a large group of knights was already a great humiliation in itself.

Presumably sensing that Theodore was not very pleased. Bran made a gesture in front of the knights and lords. As if loyal to Theodore and Helena, he swore to follow the great Cross of Radiance, and said that he would personally lead the army, and that the banner of Laria would follow behind the Cross of Radiance and the Golden Laurel Crown, and restore the barrier of humanity - the castle of Severcro under the Broken Mountain.

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"Shouldn't I congratulate you now, Duke Bran Elfvan. Brilliant set-up, effortless to get Laria back under your wing. ”

In the deserted room, Theodore sat in a chair, looking at Bran as if nothing had happened, and leisurely arrived at a full glass of wine. Quite a pleasant sip.

"I've said many times that Laria has the power to restore everything in Laria on her own, Lord Julian. Bran took the cup and smiled at Theodore and bowed his head: "Of course, the people of Laria are deeply grateful for your kindness!"

"Of course, if you will deliberately be cold to me because of this matter, it only means that you did not really rely on your own Liliang to get the Radiant Cross. Bran gently placed the cup on the table and looked at Theodore, "But I don't think that's the reason. ”

"You're too cunning. Theodore's face was calm, his eyes narrowing slightly, "I'm not even sure if you're really telling me the truth right now. Although it sounds ridiculous. ”

"Who's not pretending in this world? It's just that some people are serious, some people just take it as a game, and some people choose to use it. Bran looked calm, with a little bit of beauty and affection, and said, "Except... She... Helena. ”

"Of course. Theodore nodded approvingly: "Only she will not deliberately deceive others." Bury the pain and live strong on this shijie. ”

"You may not believe me when I say this, but I will never break my oath, Laria will send troops. Follow you to reclaim the Fortress of Severcro. Bran's expression became serious: "The Elfwan family will fight for Julian and Pendragon." ”

"I hope so. Theodore replied casually, a somewhat rigid smile on his face.

"Can you ask more?" Bran said, looking up, "You...... When I pull up the cross of glory. What exactly do you see?"

Theodore was stunned for a moment, blinked his eyes, and looked at the serious Bran with a somewhat amused face: "If I say that I saw a god, do you believe it?"

"Is there really one?!" Bran stood up abruptly and his eyes widened: "This shijie, there really used to be a god?!, so the Radiant Cross, what is it?!"

"There is a god in every human heart. The corners of Theodore's mouth twitched, and as he spoke, he stood up and walked out the door: "But not every god will answer the pious prayer. ”

"What do you mean?"

"Who knows?" Theodore walked out with a smile: "Perhaps, the so-called god is yourself, maybe it's just your dream, everything is just a fantasy!" (To be continued......)

PS: Hmm...... This chapter is a bit foggy, mainly because there are some things I want to explain clearly, but I don't really want to tell you directly, so I ...... Please realize for yourself.

Thank you for the reward of sevenleft (seven left?), as well as cheap cats, Frankenstein's works (obviously have a connotation but I don't know how to complain!), the god of the line of fire, save me, the monthly ticket of several readers, ah~ I'm so happy

Therefore, zuihou still asked for a monthly pass and asked for a reward~