"What are you talking about?" Rody smiled faintly.
Kikukawa Yukinari's eyes seemed to be very sharp, staring straight into Rody's eyes: "I believe my vision is not wrong. Among the three of you, you are the real leader!"
Rody smiled and was noncommittal.
Kikukawa Yukinari became more determined in his thoughts and said seriously: "Let me ask you first, is it my brother Kukawa Koichi who ordered you to kidnap me on the way this time? What is your purpose?"
Rody didn't answer, Nidis already smiled and said: "Why do you guess like this?"
Kikukawa Yukinari smiled coldly: "Only he would wish for me to die! After I die, no one will compete with him for the position of heir! Hum..."
Rody and Nidis looked at each other. Nidis smiled slightly, not denying it, but not confirming it either. She just said lightly: "What is your purpose of telling us this now?"
"I want to bribe you!" Kikukawa Yukinari's tone was very straightforward: "How much benefit can my brother give you? I can give you ten times as much! As long as you are willing to cooperate with me!"
Rody sighed secretly, this Kikukawa Yukinari seemed quite smart, but when he spoke, he inevitably looked like a bit of a fool. Even if he wanted to do this, it was very inappropriate to bribe others face to face like this.
Rody and the other three people. Although Rody is not a cunning person, he has seen a lot these days. Naturally, he is no longer the honest and amiable young man he was before, and the old magician is naturally an old fox, not to mention Nidis.
In front of these three people, Kikukawa Yukinari didn't have the slightest ability to resist. Nidis said something to the left and right without spending much effort. That was how Kikukawa Yukinari was fooled.
It turns out that Kikukawa Yukinari is the youngest son of the shogun of the Yaki Kingdom. He also has an older brother Kikukawa Koichi. They are three years apart.
Unfortunately, the two were not born from the same mother. This generation of shogun Kikukawa Ieyasu had two wives, among which Kikukawa Koichi's mother had died of illness in his early years.
Kikukawa Yukinari was handsome and fair since childhood, and was quite popular with the old general. Coupled with the fact that his mother blew pillow wind into the old general's ear every day, Kikukawa Ieyasu naturally became more and more attracted to this younger son.
And Kikukawa Yukinari's brother Kukawa Koichi is also an extraordinary character. If Kikukawa Yukinari inherited his mother's beauty. That Kikukawa Koichi inherited the martial prowess of the old General Kikukawa! Kikukawa Koichi, who is only twenty-five years old, is tall and burly, and is already a rare warrior among the dwarves. He is also resolute, decisive and extremely tough. Such a natural warrior was extremely supported by the old retainers under the old General Kikukawa. Therefore, the power of this eldest son is far more powerful than that of Kikukawa Yukinari, who only knows romance.
There were several battles between the two brothers for the position of heir. The old ministers of the shogunate basically all sided with Kikukawa Yasuichi. Even if the old general Kikukawa loved this well-behaved and sensible young son, it was hard to say anything.
Moreover, according to the guesses of Roddy and others, the old General Kikukawa probably knew it very well, even though he liked this younger son. But I understand. This younger son is definitely not the material to be a leader... Well... If I have to make a metaphor, this Kikukawa Yukinari is somewhat similar to Seth.
They are all playboys and romantic young masters. He is proficient in all kinds of poetry and music, but in terms of real ability, he is more than one level behind Kikukawa Yasuichi.
And the young Kikukawa Koichi has already begun to formally command the army. This time Kikukawa Yukinari came to Kawato and met Roddy and others. It was because his mother was worried about this precious son. Seeing that her elder brother had begun to take control of the military, she could only try her best to encourage her son to find something serious to do.
And Kikukawa Yukinari’s purpose of coming to Kawato this time. It was a nominal inspection and inspection of materials shipped to the front line from Kawado City. This job is quite simple, and the real work will naturally be done by the people below. The young master only needs to pretend to look around and go back. In name, it can increase his ability and experience in this area.
However, Roddy and others were not interested in these at all.
Their purpose was to find out what the "thing" in the dwarves' possession was that could threaten the temple. But no matter how much Nidis tried to insinuate things, Kikukawa Yukinari didn't seem to know about it.
The three of them looked at each other again, and they all saw a bit of helplessness in each other's eyes - this is normal, such an important secret, this Kikukawa Yukinari is just a young master with a distinguished status. Presumably he doesn't know anything about it.
Kikukawa Yukinari said it was done, but the three people in front of him still refused to express their opinions. He was a little anxious in his heart - although Kikukawa Yukinari didn't have many abilities, he grew up in the shogunate, the core institution of power of the dwarves, and had no other abilities. He still had a vicious look at people.
He could feel intuitively that the three people in front of him were definitely not ordinary characters. They were all absolute top-notch experts. That beautiful woman had cunning eyes, and she seemed to be a very smart person. Although the old man was taciturn, his words naturally contained a hint of aura, especially since he always had a wooden cane in his hand - he walked normally and didn't need a cane at all! This kind of thing is just for ordinary people, but who is Kikukawa Yukinari? Although there are no magicians in the Baqi Kingdom, he has seen magicians. What this old man has in his hand is not a crutch, but a staff used by magicians! !
And this young man felt even more mysterious to Kikukawa Yukinari.
Sitting next to him, I always felt a little uneasy in my heart. This kind of atmosphere Kikukawa Yukinari had only felt in his father, the old General Kikukawa - it was a kind of leadership temperament that commanded thousands of troops and horses, and was a real leader. The faint evil spirit exuding from the warrior! And the aura of this young man is even stronger than that of his father! Especially when he speaks with a stern face. Kikukawa Yukinachi, who was sitting next to him, felt cold air coming out of the sweat pores all over his body. The feeling of oppression is very real.
"You three, I wonder if you are interested in my proposal?" Kukawa Yukinari said cautiously.
"No." Roddy responded simply: "I'm not interested in your proposal at all."
Kikukawa Yukinari seemed a little anxious: "Are you not satisfied with the conditions I offered? What benefits does my brother give you? Just tell me, I can give you ten times..."
Nidis suddenly smiled and said: "Your brother promised us that once he becomes a general, he will give us the exclusive rights to operate Ironwood in the future! Can you do it?"
She said this. Kikukawa Yukinari was fine. Rody and the old magician were shocked at the same time. Rody said in a deep voice: "Nidis!"
Nidis ignored Roddy's reaction and said calmly: "Can you meet this condition?"
Kikukawa Yukinari didn't hesitate at all, and immediately said: "Of course! This is nothing! If I become a general in the future, I can agree to any conditions you have!"
Rody sighed in his heart. Although he didn't know what Nidis meant by saying this, his reaction to Kikukawa Yukinari made him smile bitterly. This guy really doesn't seem to be a leader. No wonder he can't compete with his brother Kikukawa Koichi.
Ironwood is the basis for survival for the dwarves! He said it so easily. I sold it without even thinking about it...
Nidis signaled Rody to be silent, and she continued in a low voice: "Let's do this, Master Kikukawa, the three of us are not actually from your country, we are from the Mercenary Association of Roland Continent! Our mercenaries in Roland Continent In the association. But the top master! My name is 'Blood Fox' Nidis, this old man's name is 'Sin Star' Sith, and he..." Nidis pointed at Rody and said in a calm tone. He said slowly: "He is the famous black mercenary leader 'Lone Wolf' Roddy!!"
Not to mention Kikukawa, even Roddy and Sis were left open-mouthed by what Nidis said.
This woman is terrible. He told so many lies without even batting an eyelid!
Nidis coughed slightly, and Roddy and Sis quickly closed their mouths, although they didn't understand what Nidis meant by these words. But there was no refutation in front of him, and he waited until behind his back to say anything.
Kikukawa Yukinari's face seemed a little complicated, but he still quickly pretended to be respectful and said several words such as "I have admired you for a long time."
There was no trace of panic on Nidis's face, and she continued calmly: "It was naturally your brother's instigation that we came to find you. You must have not guessed that your brother asked us to kidnap you without killing you. What’s the purpose?”
Kikukawa Yukinari shook his head: "I don't know."
Rody smiled helplessly in his heart: Stop talking about you. I don’t even know it myself!
Nidis's eyes flashed with wisdom, and she said slowly: "Your brother asked us to kidnap you, and then secretly coerce you to pretend to be your follower... and then... assassinate your father, the old General Kikukawa!"
"Ah?" Kikukawa Yukinari and the old magician exclaimed at the same time.
The old magician shouted in surprise and immediately covered his mouth subconsciously. Nidis secretly glared at Sith. Then he looked at Kikukawa Yukinari calmly.
Kikukawa Yukinari's face was filled with anger. He did not notice the old magician's gaffe, but said bitterly: "He! He actually did such a thing! Actually... Isn't he afraid that after the incident, he thinks he can escape the crime? !!"
Nidis showed an expression of pity on her face and sighed deliberately: "Oh, Master Kikukawa, you don't understand! We are your followers in name! After we kill the old general, we can naturally Once you run away, guess who will take the blame in the end... Your father will be dead by then, and you will be charged with killing your father, and you will no longer be able to compete with him for position... Hum..." After that, he deliberately used " He glanced at Kikukawa Yukinari with a playful look.
Cold sweat broke out on Kikukawa Yukinari's back. After being silent for a long time, he murmured: "It's so despicable, so shameless!"
Rody looked at Nidis sideways, his eyes seeming to say: "You are despicable enough."
Nidis quickly made a secret gesture of disdain towards Rody. Looking at Kikukawa Yukinari who was in a daze, he said calmly: "What do you decide to do now?"
Kikukawa stood up suddenly, but he didn't expect that he was in a car. His head hit the roof of the car. He screamed in pain and sat down holding his head. He said angrily: "I want to go back to Kyoto immediately to tell my father! I want to expose my brother's trick... Bah! He is not my brother! He is a bastard!"
Nidis shook her head, sighed, and said: "You think too simply. Kikukawa Koichi has been planning this matter for a long time. How can it be that your simple report on him will be useful? Think about it, when the time comes He simply dismissed it, you have no evidence!”
Kikukawa Yukinari looked at Nidis, and Nidis immediately said quickly: "It is impossible for us to testify for you in this matter! Even if we testify, he can deny it at all! Then he will bite back and say that you are the one who found it. Can you explain clearly when people come back to insult him?"
Looking at Kukawa Yukinari's disbelief. Nidis rolled her eyes and said coldly: "You don't believe it? Okay, then let me ask you, there is a war in the south, do you know?"
"I know." Kikukawa Yukinari said: "The reason why I went to Kawato this time is..."
Nidis waved her hand. She signaled that he didn't need to continue, but continued to ask coldly: "Roland Continent and your Baqi Kingdom haven't been at war for many years. Do you know why they suddenly invaded this time?"
Nidis deliberately stared at Kikukawa Yukinari, not waiting for his answer. He sped up his words and asked bitterly: "So, this time, Roland Continent's army was so strong in the early stage that it defeated your army in the south so quickly. Do you know why?"
Kikukawa Yukinari's expression changed a few times, and he finally came to his senses and said blankly: "But, does this have anything to do with my brother?"
With a cold snort, Nidis continued to ask: "Let me ask you again, what benefits did your brother get in this war? Was he entrusted with military power?"
"Yes." Kikukawa Yukinari nodded: "Father has appointed him..."
"Okay." Nidis. Once again, he stopped Kikukawa Yukinari and said quickly: "In peacetime, your father will naturally not hand over military power to others easily! But once a war breaks out, even if he wants to hand over military power, he will naturally give it to himself first. Son! That’s how you feel at ease! So, tell me, these things have nothing to do with your brother?”
Kikukawa Yukinari opened his mouth and took a deep breath: "Could it be that this war was caused by my brother's deliberate collusion..."
"Yes!" Nidis nodded firmly and glanced at Kikukawa Yukinari with sympathy: "I know you don't believe it, but the facts are right in front of you..." The woman looked like she had solid evidence: "You My brother got the biggest benefit! Not only did he take the opportunity to gain military power... Hey, the current war is ignoring you because your brother sold military intelligence to the enemy! I'll tell you, In a few days, your brother will ask to take the initiative to lead troops to the front line! At that time, according to the agreement he has made with the enemy, the other party will deliberately lose to your brother and then withdraw the troops! In this case, your brother will not only control the military power, but also But the reputation will be greatly increased! No matter what happens to your father, the position of the heir will not be lost!"
Kikukawa Yukinari's face was slumped, and he slumped on the chair. His face was full of frustration and despair, and he said feebly: "Then... is there nothing I can do?"
Nidis immediately showed a gentle smile - it was definitely the standard smile of a big bad wolf looking at a little white rabbit. She said warmly: "Master Kikukawa, since I said these words to you, I naturally decided to help you. ... I also think your brother is too ruthless in what he does, and I feel a little worried about cooperating with him... We do things just for profit. I think you are a very good person, so I am telling you this... Well , if you really want to fight with your brother, let's first think about where you have advantages and where you have disadvantages. "
Calmly, the word "we" has already aligned the position with Kikukawa Yukinari.
After all, Kikukawa Yukinari was not really a fool. He thought about it carefully and slowly said: "Well, my brother is superior to me in many aspects. He has the support of the old people in the shogunate! Hum, those generals who lead the troops Everyone likes him! With their support, my brother is naturally powerful in the military! Well... and his military strength is outstanding... much stronger than mine!"
Seeing that Kikukawa Yukinari became more and more frustrated as he talked, Nidis quickly waved her hand and said hurriedly: "We already know this, why not think about where else you have an advantage!"
Kikukawa Yukinari became more energetic and said quickly: "What about this? My mother is still alive. Because of her, my brother rarely shows up at home, so he is not very close to his father. After all, my father likes me more!" "
"Well, what else?" Nidis continued to induce.
"And... I..." Kikukawa Yukinari suddenly blushed and whispered: "I, I have a good relationship with the royal family. Although the shogunate can be independent from the royal family, it is also necessary to have a good relationship with the royal family. I My brother is too arrogant, so his relationship with the royal family is not harmonious. I am... the youngest daughter of the current emperor."
"Oh?" Nidis glanced at Roddy and immediately asked: "The royal family? This is a very advantageous condition! How much do you know about the royal family?"
Kikukawa Yukinari sighed, and he closed his eyes, but a look of tenderness and sweetness came over his face: "Your Highness the Princess and I have known each other since we were children, and we have always had a good relationship with each other. Alas. Actually, I think Half of inheriting the position of general is for her!"
Kikukawa Yukinari sighed heavily again, opened his eyes and smiled bitterly, and said: "I know my own abilities. I am definitely not a general material. My ability is far worse than that of my brother. I admit that if He is definitely much better than me as a general. But... I have to fight with him!" Kukawa Yukinari clenched his fists and said bitterly: "I heard that his father seemed to intend to marry the royal family. We have reached an agreement with His Majesty to let his heir marry His Majesty’s daughter in the future! If my brother becomes the heir, then... then she... "
Nidis's eyes showed a rare look of sincerity, and she couldn't bear to continue to lie to this guy at this moment. I couldn't help but sigh: "Do you have to fight with your brother just for this? But in your current situation, is the emperor willing to marry his daughter to you?"
Kikukawa Yukinari shook his head and said: "Originally, His Majesty seems to like me more. Because my brother is arrogant by nature and was once rude to the royal family at a cocktail party. Although he was scolded by his father later, his relationship with the royal family is not the same. It’s never been better. I believe that if there is a fight, His Majesty will definitely support me!”
Rody sighed in his heart - with the shogun here, the emperor is just an empty frame, how useful can his support be. Besides, people’s support also has a purpose. Compared with a powerful general, the royal family wants a weak and incompetent general to be in power in order to make their life easier!
"But..." Kikukawa Yukinari suddenly changed his words and frowned: "Yes, His Majesty's attitude is a bit strange. Originally, he acquiesced in my dealings with the princess until last month..."
Originally, Roddy and others had no interest in Kikukawa Yukinari's personal affairs at all, but unexpectedly, Kikukawa Yukinari's next words made the three people's ears perk up.
"Last month... I secretly met the princess in the palace. Well, the place where we had a private meeting was actually a very private place... Sigh... She has really suffered from following me all these years... In the palace There is a forbidden area that no one is allowed to go near... But no one knows, we hide near there and have a tryst! His Majesty's order is that no one is allowed to go near there, so there are very few people around there, so we can get along with each other. Meeting place…”
Nidis' heart was pounding and she couldn't help but said: "Forbidden area? You... went in?"
"Of course not!" Kikukawa Yukinari shook his head: "We couldn't get in even if we wanted to. It's a cave. There are many samurai holding hands at the entrance of the cave, as well as royal mages. No one else can get in. My meeting with the princess , I only dared to walk around the back mountain. There was a handle at the entrance of the cave, but because His Majesty’s order was that no one was allowed to go near there, no one even went around, which just gave us a place for a tryst... Sigh... "Kikukawa Yukinari sighed: "It's a pity that His Majesty discovered it last month. He scolded us bitterly and never allowed us to meet again."
The three of them could no longer listen to Kikukawa Yukinari's last words of regret and complaint. Nidis gave Roddy a proud look, which meant: How is it? I asked you out!