Austin Empire, the imperial capital Xi'o.
After several months of dry winter, the imperial capital located to the north of the Austin Empire ushered in a heavy snowfall.
A moderate amount of snowfall in winter is regarded as a good thing in most areas. The dry land is moisturized to facilitate the growth of crops in the coming year. This is extremely important for agriculture. However, for a city, snowfall can cause traffic problems. Chang, especially during this period of time.
Festivals, in an era when entertainment is still underdeveloped, there are rare days that can let people vent the boredom and sorrow of their daily lives, and they are also an indispensable means to relieve various pressures. Generally speaking, every country will set up a universal The festival is common in winter between autumn harvest and spring planting.
In the state of Saint Mestre, where almost all the people are Shiya believers, this day is the New Year, and thousands of people will gather to pray for blessings. In the country of scholars, this day is the birthday of the God of Wisdom, and all schools of thought will gather for exhibitions. The meeting of self, and in the Austin Empire, this day is the founding day, but it is not the founding day of the Austin Empire, but the birth day of the ancient empire of the Second Age.
The ancient Austin Empire, this is a glorious dream that people in the Austin Empire will never forget even after a thousand years. It was the most brilliant moment in the existing human history, even if everything has changed now. The Ding Empire still claims to be its successor, and inheriting this festival, which has been passed down for thousands of years, is the top priority.
On the Day of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, nobles from all over the country will travel far and wide to the center of the empire to offer their loyalty and blessings to the ancient people who have held the supreme power of mankind for thousands of years. The grand celebration will be held in the palace, and the guests will even Congestion occurs in this so-called most prosperous city.
Men proclaiming bravery brandished long swords in the arena of the festival, while ladies dressed in ancient Austin court dresses walked to and from the dance floor, cheerful singing and dancing were accompanied by successive spells, fireworks, and changing lights and shadows. The prosperity of this largest empire of mankind.
In the magnificent palace, the black-haired girl dressed up independently of the side of the venue, and the amethyst-like pupils reflected the scene of the prosperity of the world. The exquisite face remained cold, but even so, there were still countless young people in the audience. Talented eyes.
The young people at the table were chatting and laughing, raising their wine glasses and peeking at the girl’s side. The men with swords crossed each other's victory and defeat, but at the end of the game, they would involuntarily look in the same direction, hoping to be able to I saw slight emotional fluctuations on that ice-like beauty.
However, it is a pity that this year is the same as in previous years. The girl with a smile that touches everyone's nerves is still noble and cold. She has thrilling beauty like snowflakes, but she will also frostbit those who want to get close.
Lilian Aqiman, a wise and terrifying, but deadly temptation, her Royal Highness, whether it is strategy or strength, political skill or talent background, is as powerful as a monster. She does not need to please anyone, nor does she need it. Deliberately show something, let alone these young talents, even the great dukes of the Austin Empire dare not disrespect her.
No one knows what kind of person can come into her eyes, just like no one has ever danced with her. Liliane is considered to be the child most similar to his father, Emperor Lucas, and they seem to lack something. Feelings, but unlike Lucas, Lilian has an inexplicable magic that makes people eager to try to melt it even at the risk of death.
The men who could not control their sight paralyzed themselves with alcohol. However, where their sights converge, the black-haired girl did not put everything in front of her eyes. In fact, Lilian was thinking about a series of recent changes at this time. .
The Austin Empire, this prosperous empire is now in a dark battle. In front of Emperor Lucas, the three children attacked each other with their power and strength, fighting each other in a quagmire called politics. , The winner will get everything, and the loser will be slaughtered.
This is a war that cannot be lost, and it is also a hard fight that has lasted for many years. Wisdom, strength, patience, power, everything is turned into a hand of cards. In previous years, Lilian has always been the closest card game. The victorious one, but this year, some changes have caused the girl to get into a little trouble.
The defeat of the Challenger Cup made the black-haired girl lose a card that she should have. On the other hand, Lucis Aqiman and Aubrey Aqiman, the two emperors of Lilian The brother added a family of cards to himself, and the two temporarily reached an alliance.
Although this kind of alliance with completely inconsistent interests is a rabble in the eyes of the girl, it must be said that it is indeed a bit troublesome now that the one grows and the other grows, and what makes Lilian most alarmed is that a news on the border has made her keen on politics. The sense of smell smelled a hint of danger.
After the tragedy of the Tuck Fortress in the east, the civil war broke out in the Church of St. Mestre. This can be said to be the most concerned event of all countries. However, under the spotlight, at the edge of the unnoticeable, a The news attracted Lilian's attention, and that was the military transfer of the Duke of Nishizawa.
As one of the most powerful dukes in the Austin Empire, Duke Nishizawa has no intention of standing in line on the issue of heirs, but this time the military transfer did not reveal to the nobles who had good relations with Lilian’s forces. This caught the girl's attention almost immediately, and what made her even more alert was that one of the two armies that Eric now led was the Acate family.
When coincidences happened one after another, it was probably not a coincidence. This was the experience that the girl had summed up over the years. Today, Lilian's premonition seems to have been fulfilled.
"Your Majesty wants me to see him?"
"Yes, Your Royal Highness Lilian, please go there as soon as you finish handling your affairs."
"I see."
After a faint nod, the court noble who conveyed the will humbled away. Lilian looked into the depths of the court, her purple eyes slightly narrowed.
To meet the emperor, this is not uncommon for the princes and princes on the day of the founding of the country, but in any year in the past, Lucas summoned everyone at one time, for the emperor who values efficiency. In other words, it seemed too troublesome to meet with the children one by one, but today, Lilian actually received the order of the audience in advance.
For the girl who understands the Emperor, this is not a special treatment, but a warning sign. Lucas can't see her alone because of family affection, it can only be a reason.
The test, and whether or not to pass the test determines the girl's future.
In the noisy banquet hall, Lilian turned her head and glanced lightly at the two elder brothers in the distance, and turned her head towards the depths of the palace.
-------------------------------------------------- ---
In the quiet and quiet corridor, Lilian Aqiman wandered forward, the girl's complexion remained unmoved, but the brain was quickly thinking about various possible situations and preparing strategies to deal with it.
Emperor Lucas, as the emperor who has ruled the empire for decades, is by no means a person who can easily fool the past, but now Lilian clearly cannot make mistakes.
On the road leading to the inner court, guards along the way stood silently on both sides like armor sculptures. On the solemn gate, the ruby in the eyes of the Aqiman clan’s double-headed eagle gleamed. After the announcement, the black-haired girl walked in and opened it. Inside the gate, I also saw the only ruler of this huge empire.
Lucas Aqiman, sitting on the throne representing the emperor at this time, awaiting her arrival.
But the ruler of a powerful country is generally a powerful transcendent. Lucas Aqiman is no exception, but unlike other countries, Lucas did not show his old attitude. The man with purple pupils has fair and shiny skin, a well-proportioned body, a delicate face, and his slender eyes are bright and energetic, and he doesn't even have a beard on his mouth.
A well-maintained middle-aged man, this is probably the limit that people who see him can think of, but unlike this appearance, Lucas’s temperament is similar to Lilian’s, with a kind of from the bones. Indifferent, this special feeling is mixed with the majesty of the emperor, so that anyone standing in front of him dare not speak arrogantly.
After seeing Lucas, the black-haired girl leaned over to salute. There was no change in her attitude, and her expression on her face did not change at all, because Lilian understood that any kind of courtesy was wasted in front of the emperor of the empire. Concise and clear dialogue is more in line with Lucas' preferences.
"My father, I heard that you have something to summon?"
"Well, I have something to ask you a little bit."
After a little greeting, Lilian took the lead to ask questions, pointing to the core of the meeting tonight. The man who heard these did not feel uncomfortable, but calmly asked questions.
"I heard about the Challenger Cup this time. Your failure exceeded my expectations. It also caused some doubts among the nobles. You should know that this is not good for you."
"Yes, my father, the Challenger Cup matter is also my regret. I will solve the doubts of those nobles about me in the future."
"Your failure does need to be dealt with, but I don't care about it... Lilian, what do you think of the Acate boy who won the championship?"
Sure enough, is it there
Unexpected questions came to the girl's ears, causing Lilian to be alert for a moment. After thinking for a while, the girl asked:
"... Do you mean evaluation?"
"good."
Regarding Lilian's plain question, Lucas nodded in response, and the girl calmly said:
"I think he is a very talented person."
"Really? Very talented? It is indeed a pertinent evaluation, then Lilian, answer me one question... Why do you want Roya Acate to participate?"
"!"
When the emperor's majesty voice faintly spoke about this problem, the purple pupils of the black-haired girl who lowered her head suddenly shrank, and immediately discovered her flaws, while the man in front of him stared at it like needles. After touching the girl's body, she continued to speak:
"Although your failure of the Challenger Cup this time is not because of him, in fact a series of changes were caused by him. Let alone the daughter of the Cumbernett family, even if he himself is important to you. Threatening?"
"For you who are fighting in the army, the explosive power of that teenager's single-point breakthrough should be the most difficult thing. The same instructor should also know him. Although the first grade competition is unexpected, you can use it. It is completely possible for the forces of the Austin Empire to veto before the decision is issued."
"So I'm weird, Lilian, look up and tell me... Why are you defenseless against him?"
The black-haired man asked calmly but confidently, as if he was telling the truth, and under the emperor’s order, the black-haired girl slowly raised her head. Lilian’s face did not fluctuate at this time, but her heart The ups and downs are unprecedentedly intense.
Why did she not stop Roja from participating in advance? The answer to this question is very simple, because the girl did not regard Roja as an enemy at all, and even compared to herself, Lilian wanted the teenager to win the championship. However, this reason is It must not be known by Lucas.
Not being able to contact the people of the Acate family. This is the emperor’s prohibition. It represents Lucas’s vigilance and resistance to that clan. Violation is a blatant resistance. Lilian has a foreboding. If the next answer is no If Lucas is satisfied, then her situation will probably take a turn for the worse, and losing the support of the emperor in the political struggle will often have only one ending.
The blood seemed to be frozen in the cold, Lilian urgently thought about the appropriate answer.
Answers such as forgetting and carelessness are absolutely impossible. The reputation brought by the Challenger Cup champion is huge. Normally, Lilian will definitely make every effort to ensure the victory.
It doesn't work if you don't understand Luo Ya's true strength. After all, with the girl's style of acting, if you really treat Luo Ya as an enemy, you will never give any chance.
The girl's brain was running fast, and the sight of the black-haired man on the other side became sharper with time, and time passed, until Lucas was about to make a judgment, Lilian finally spoke.
"What happened this time was caused by my emotions."
"Emotional?"
When the majestic emperor heard this word, his face changed slightly, his gaze at the girl became colder, but the next moment, he heard an unexpected name.
"Paul Achman, he contributed to the proposal to compete in the first grade, so I didn't stop it, and it resulted in unexpected consequences."
"Paul?"
"Yes, although he is an illegitimate child, I think he is a rare and upright person with characteristics that are hard to see in our family. He has respect and affection for me, and I also recognize him. This time the Challenger Cup It was a rare opportunity for him, so I did not deny it."
"..."
The black-haired girl answered like this, Lucas fell silent when she heard the words, looking at His Majesty the Emperor, who was slightly surprised but did not relax at all. Lilian understood that her words had worked, but there was still something lacking.
After a moment of thinking, Lilian's hand gently stroked her chest, a figure of a young man with black hair and golden pupils appeared in her mind, and she spoke again:
"My father, I know this is not in line with my usual style, but I can't control it in my heart. The moment I learned his identity, a desire for protection emerged in my heart. I couldn't bear any harm from him, and it was difficult to refuse. I don’t know what’s wrong with his request. If you think I’m guilty, please punish me."
The black-haired girl said so, for the first time a daze appeared in the amethyst-like pupils, and the face with almost no extra expression also appeared distressed, and seeing Lilian like this, even Lucas couldn’t help but reveal it. The surprised expression and suspicious eyes slowly loosened.
After years of observation, Lucas knows every one of his children well, even no matter how clever acting skills are in front of him, it is futile, but now Lilian has revealed that there is no doubt that she has never had the true feelings before. But this was a bit beyond the emperor's expectation.
"There is indeed an element of paranoia in the blood of our family. It is not your fault."
Looking at such a girl, the black-haired man gradually calmed down and said what seemed to be an understanding. However, even so, Lucas's suspicion was still not completely dispelled. He stared at Lilian and suddenly said:
"The current civil war of the Church of St. Mestre, Roja Acate should also participate. His ability will bring a huge boost to the Church. In the future when the Holy War is coming and the influence of the Holy See is about to increase, he May become a threat to the empire."
"Lilian... how about you destroy him?"
"!"
When the black-haired man faintly said the order to kill, Lilian felt that the surrounding air seemed to be frozen, Lucas's question echoed in her ears, and the heartbeat of the girl who seemed unmoved suddenly accelerated.
Obviously, the emperor’s question is another temptation, but the answer to this question is so difficult to answer. It is the only thing that Lilian must avoid, but how to answer in order to avoid the emperor’s Suspicious, can you avoid meeting that person
promise? Don't agree? Or use other words
Inside the palace, unbearable silence spread over time. The black-haired girl seemed to fall into a static state. The emperor in front gradually changed his expression. Just as Lucas wanted to speak again, Lilian suddenly raised his head. .
"My father, if you want me to purge those overpowered people who are blocking the empire, then I accept this order, but I think it is inappropriate for me to do this."
"Inappropriate?"
Lilian's answer caused Lucas to narrow his eyes and ask a rhetorical question, and the girl calmly responded.
"Yes, in any case, we are still students in the same college. We are facing the lower-level students, or even killing them, which will greatly damage my reputation in the college. This effect is probably irreversible. ."
"..."
Looking at Lilian who said this calmly, His Majesty the Emperor stared at the girl’s eyes and remained silent for a long time, but the girl’s heart had been strained to the extreme, both agreed and refused, and left everything to the emperor’s decision. The answer that Lilian thought of, and faced with such an answer, the skeptical man finally nodded slowly after long thinking.
"You are right, you are really not right, but in fact, I didn't mean to kill him. It's just that the power of the religious nation must be attacked. This time their civil war is the only opportunity before the holy war begins. You What is your opinion?"
"I think it's an opportunity, but my father... The Tucker Fortress of the Holy Land has unexpectedly fallen. Is this time too sensitive?"
"Yes, the reaction from various countries must be very fierce. After all, aliens are also a problem... By the way, Lilian, the boy who followed my orders this year and stayed away from the Acate family, let your college life Quite hard, right?"
"No, this is what I should do, everything is still within the scope of what I can handle."
"Well, you did a good job, I'm very satisfied, but I don't have to work like this anymore."
Hearing Lucas's words, Lilian's heart suddenly felt an ominous premonition, and as if responding to her premonition, the majestic man stared at the girl below, and said a word of despair.
"Go to the East, don't see him again in the future."
The emperor's order fell, and in the hall, the girl's body instantly stiffened.