When I stood in front of this door, I still had some fear and expectation in my heart.
The fresh breath unique to the northern frozen soil in summer blows through the streets with the long wind. The light in the pyroxene lamps does not tremble at all due to the bustling crowds. The special carriage that leads directly from the airship landing site to the lord's palace glows in the evening sun. I disappeared around the corner, and I had reached my destination.
Northland, the gate of the Moldavia Lord's Mansion. I said the name silently in my mind: the door of Earl Radcliffe's residence.
He should have noticed my arrival already. For a legendary powerhouse, this is not difficult.
In fact, I have met Earl Radcliffe a long time ago. I met him in the Royal Library the day I just returned to the imperial capital from the battlefield. He is not very old, but his strength is But he is far beyond me, and his attitude is more like my elders, rather than my peers. He even showed me the source of his power, Potestas of pugna, the power of fighting.
I always have an inexplicable emotion towards this generous and young legendary strongman... fear? Awe? disgust? No, this illusory feeling is difficult to explain in words, but it definitely includes respect because of his ethics. Earl Radcliffe is a powerful warrior, and his morality is as impeccable as his strength. You know, I have seen countless morally corrupt nobles and warriors who took pleasure in killing the women and children of their enemies on the battlefield and in private areas. , although every orc deserves to die, the sinful act of killing has nothing to do with who the other person is.
"Your Highness Demoore, please come in. Your Excellency is waiting for you."
The guard bowed and opened the door respectfully. I followed a maid who had been waiting here for a long time and walked into the courtyard of the Lord's Mansion. I looked around. There were no extravagant plants or furnishings here. A small artificial lake that seemed to be very deep was probably The most labor intensive facility here. Not to mention a legendary powerhouse, even for an ordinary field earl, he seemed too shabby. Although I knew he was a pure person who didn't care about anything except fighting, this scene still made me a little disappointed.
Strong people shouldn't be like this.
Maybe, I have probably found the truth of that inexplicable emotion, with respect and some disappointment.
I thought so as I walked through the courtyard and walked into the gate of the Lord's Mansion under the guidance of the maid. Joshua did not do his job.
It is not the responsibility and obligation of humans or nobles. In this regard, Earl Radcliffe made no mistakes. He protects his people, drives away the beast tide, kills the mad dragon, and runs for the whole world. He is willing to protect the weak and kill the evil. This is what the great heroes in the legends will do. I have no doubt that hundreds of years Finally, the story of the hero Joshua will spread across this land.
But it is precisely because of this that I feel illusory.
In the lord's mansion, the ancient and solemn designs cast hazy shadows in the dim light of the fluorite lamp, but this scene was surprisingly calming. I tried my best to hide my emotions, but my thoughts continued in the darkness. spread.
Yes, that's it, too perfect and too unreal. On the battlefield, I have seen how many combat heroes who were shown to be brave and fearless in publicity turned out to be alcoholic and violent bastards who beat their subordinates in private. I also understood how indecisive those generals who were brilliant and mighty in battle reports were after losing their staff. So incompetent that nothing can be done. I have long known that behind many eulogizing stories, there are many sordid truths. The greater Earl Radcliffe's achievements, the more I can't help but wonder what kind of secrets he has behind him... No one is perfect, This is the truth I believe in.
But here's the important thing: he really doesn't have any negative news. This makes me respect and feel extremely unreal.
In the dim light, following the maid's guidance through the narrow corridor, I walked towards the reception hall. I have seen the half-open door, and I also feel a strong pressure that makes me kneel down. This pressure is not directed at ordinary people who just serve here, but only at people like me. For such an extraordinary person, the pressure is just as powerful and irresistible as when he met his father in the palace.
When I think about meeting a familiar yet unfamiliar legendary strongman, darkness swells in my heart.
Why? It was as if sharp teeth were gnawing at my heart, and an unbearable itching feeling spread from the depths of my soul. I stopped and took a deep breath for a moment. The maid in front of me smiled understandingly. She probably thought I was a little nervous. This was indeed the case, but the details were very different. I was just confused.
A legendary strongman! It can be called the top of the top in the whole world! How can they live in peace
Why is Joshua Van Radcliffe willing to stay in a small place like Northland? And how could my father, the Emperor, who was known for his iron-bloodedness and ruthlessness and who did not put much love into even his own son, endure the appearance of another legend that diluted his authority? Why can these two people cooperate so firmly? Even the many rumors widely circulated in the palace and among the people cannot add much doubt to them
They should be like those rumors - at war with each other, wary of each other, or even fighting each other - they should have a duel to determine who is better, otherwise who will lead the future of this empire? Who has the highest say? I don't mean to plunge the entire empire into war, I just feel that... this world shouldn't be so beautiful. It should be a little worse, so that although it will cause suffering to all sentient beings and I may die from it, that is normal.
This is also the correct relationship between strong people - friendship, family affection, trust, these are false and meaningless things. People must clearly distinguish between superior and inferior. In this dark world, this is to maintain order. the only way.
This is disease. A demon lurking in my heart due to years of darkness, the scene of my mother's death was the source of this nightmare. I know this is wrong, but I can't help but think too much. I don’t want to be the disciple of a legendary strong man, but I want to know how that man whom I have met before but has become extremely strange views the world, and how he gradually makes this world full of war and strife. , the world that was rotten from the core gradually became as vibrant and full of hope as it is now.
That's why I, Dimore Diamond, am here.
======
As the door opened quietly, I couldn't help but sit up nervously from the big cashmere-padded chair, but then I immediately realized my gaffe, and then calmed down in the calm eyes of the legendary strongman beside me. He sat down slowly and then looked at the silent visitor.
It was Dimore Diamond. It was him, my brother.
This young man, who has always looked a bit gloomy, has a calm expression, but I can see that the corners of his mouth are slightly pulled down, which proves that he is not in a good mood, or rather nervous, just like me now.
Who says it's not? Except for those who have been familiar with Earl Radcliffe for a long time, everyone will feel nervous when facing a legend. This is a helpless thing, just like an ordinary person encountering a dragon.
Sitting quietly on the chair, my thoughts couldn't help but drift away.
The queen mother was very happy about her father's decision. Although he was a little dissatisfied with the fact that the second emperor brother was also going, he later sneered and said it didn't matter. "Alva, he can't be your competitor." The Queen Mother said casually while bending down to cut her new potted plants: "I know his character. I have always known it. Just like his unwillingness to be inferior to others. , like an arrogant and rude mother."
Of course, I don’t know what kind of person the Second Emperor’s mother is, and I don’t know what kind of person the Second Emperor is, but I know that compared to the other person, I am weak. So I shouldn't take any chances or be arrogant, but try to be myself as much as possible.
Speaking of the weak, I couldn't help but look at the man beside me who was slowly closing the book in his hand. In front of people like Earl Radcliffe and my father, except for gods, who else dares to claim to be strong? Woolen cloth? But that book... "The Dragon of Time"? The latest best-selling dark suspense novel? I didn't expect that Mr. Earl would also like to watch it. It was really unexpected.
I thought that besides being mysterious all day long, the only thing a strong person can do is practice.
"very good."
A concise and powerful voice came from the side. The pressure spread slightly, but it was controlled by the legendary strong man. I could sense the emotion of Earl Radcliffe who was slowly getting serious: "It's a good habit to not be late. Since people Now that it’s all together, it’s time to start.”
As he spoke, he waved his hand, and a stool appeared behind my brother. The brother sat down at a loss, and then the count continued: "Your father, the emperor of the empire, Israel You have entrusted me to teach you, the two sons he favors. He wants you to become my disciples, and you should also understand what this means."
Of course I understand. I curled my lips slightly. As a disciple of a legendary strongman, this can be said to be a ghost card for the upcoming battle for the crown prince, not to mention that it also means a rapid increase in strength and a death certificate. This is also the reason why my mother must let me strive to become a disciple, even if I actually have no intention of becoming the emperor.
To be honest, the only attraction of the throne to me is probably that it can make the world a better place as much as possible. After all, if I am just a prince, there are many things that I cannot do.
As if sensing my absent-mindedness, Earl Radcliffe glanced at me. I was so frightened that I immediately sat upright and took a good posture, while his voice continued: "But don't think that I will directly accept you as my disciples. , my requirements are very high, I don’t mean talent, I mean your mind. But you don’t need to guess about this, because today I will take you out to teach my first class.”
But it's already evening now. What can we see when we go out? I opened my mouth to speak, but I didn't say it, not just because I was in awe of this man, but because I also had some expectations in my heart.
He is a completely different person from his father.
Thinking of this, I couldn't help but feel a little excited.
======
As the sun sets, the dim orange light disappears from the tall iron pine crown halfway up the mountain. A winter bird is going back and forth in the tree hole behind the branches, making the gradually falling brown needles become part of its warm nest - but Soon after, the hard-working bird stopped its movements because it keenly noticed that something huge was passing by.
As he led the two princes through the mountains and forests, Joshua could feel the doubts rising in the hearts of Dimol and Alva, but he remained silent and allowed this emotion to spread.
"Where are we going?"
Walking among the mountain roads, Dimoore was the first to speak. He felt that all this had a familiar smell. A similar scene seemed to have happened not long ago, which made him confused: "Sir, if we are on our way, we You can definitely fly over.”
But Alva rolled his eyes and sighed: He hasn't reached the golden realm yet, and flying is a bit far for him.
"Actually, it's already here."
Not paying attention to the secret interaction between the two brothers, the warrior crossed a small hillside, and his vision suddenly became clear. Standing on the ridge of the Great Ajax Mountains, Joshua looked around the small half of the southern part of the Northland. Night had fallen, and the forests everywhere The lights in the village were dotted with light, and he said somewhat casually: "Actually, just as you think, this is not much different from the time Israel took you throughout the entire empire. My purpose is actually the same as his , I want you princes to see what this world is really like."
"I've seen it." Dimol frowned. Thinking of what he had been going through, he shook his head dissatisfied and said, "I'm not the kind of person who was born with a golden key and was raised by a noble lady. When I was young, I followed military operations, so I certainly know what the world is really like."
"Father took us to see it once." Alva also muttered: "I don't think there is any use in seeing it again. Anyway, we can't do anything now."
Joshua didn't pay attention to the complaints from the two princes. He looked at the villages with a faint smile on his face and said to himself: "In the past, you may have seen a lot of hidden things. The darkness under the bright appearance of this world - the fish bosses who exploit the fishermen, the landlords who annex the land, the merchants who hoard food commodities leading to riots, and all kinds of darkness in people's hearts, but that is something that the emperor needs to consider cutting off, and What I’m going to say today has nothing to do with it.”
When he spoke, his tone was calm. Joshua did not deliberately ask Dimol and Alva to listen to his words, but they both listened involuntarily: "Do you know what courage is?"
courage? Familiar vocabulary. Dimol closed his eyes. Even if he let his mind go, his instinct would make him casually report seven or eight definitions of this word and inflammatory speeches about it. It was one of the most emphasized things by the army during the war. It was closely related to Discipline is juxtaposed and is engraved in the first article of military training of the Royal Legion. He was so familiar with it that he grew tired of it.
Courage... Alva was thoughtful. He also knew this word very well. Whether it was myths, legends or legends, this word was emphasized repeatedly. Although the second prince had never had the opportunity to experience courage personally, he still felt it in his heart. There is an inexplicable intimacy.
"My disciple may not have talent or strength. He may long for a peaceful life like a plant, or he may long for power and strive to become a master."
Without looking back at the expressions of the two princes, Joshua knew the different attitudes of the two of them. His tone was still calm and not ups and downs, but every word was very clear: "But absolutely not, without courage."
"You missed the Mist of God's Calamity, which is the best way to test your courage. Several of my registered students have passed that test, but it doesn't matter. We have plenty of opportunities."
Withdrawing his sight from the distant mountain village, the soldier who seemed to have found his target finally turned his head to look at Dimol and Alva: "Israel promised me that you are all good boys with courage, but in my opinion, But that’s not the case.”
"Why do you say that?" Regarding Joshua's almost belittling speech, Demoore was not as anxious as before. He calmed down and asked: "You should know that I have fought against orcs and faced the Stone Rhinoceros Cavalry head-on. I don't think that's something a coward without courage can do."
Alva shrugged. He indeed had no examples to prove himself, but he didn't think he was a weak guy either.
At this, Joshua smiled, waved his hand, and a screen of light reflecting the distant mountain village appeared in front of everyone.
This is an ordinary village located around the forest, probably because it is close to a small river. There are three waterwheel mills built near the village. A rocky road leads from the distance to the center of the village. In the light curtain, the gray sky above the village is reflected. There was an orange-red firelight, and the moist mist at night was reflected by this light, retreating into the corners of several abandoned houses.
Obviously, this is a small hunter village common in the North. They make a living by hunting game in the mountains and cultivating winter wheat. This kind of village rarely changes once in more than ten years. The hunters rarely leave their homes except to sell furs. In their homeland, they even reject the entry of outsiders unless those outsiders can bring benefits to them.
Neither Dimoor nor Alva are unfamiliar with such villages. Not long ago, they and Israel traveled through most of the empire in three days and nights. They had seen more than a dozen similar villages. They originally wanted to He asked Joshua in confusion why he wanted them to watch this ordinary scene, but the changes that followed made the two of them watch with bated breath.
In the center of the light curtain, in a semi-abandoned house, a seemingly ordinary young hunter tossed and turned holding his bow. A few salted fish and dried rabbit meat were drying in the sun by the broken window, and his His eyes reflected the firelight outside the house, and he stared blankly at the empty room except for him. Obviously, his parents left him forever due to some accidents. This kind of thing is not uncommon, especially in recent years, there have been black tides and dragon disasters. Many of them are far away from the main city, and reinforcements are relatively rare. Chi's villages have lost a lot of adult labor as a result, and many underage children can only struggle to survive alone, because other people in the village live equally hard lives and cannot help them. Some vicious people even make a living by exploiting these children. .
Such days have been going on for a long time. This can be seen from the boy's skinny arms and deeply sunken cheeks. Anyone can see that such a poor life is a chronic suicide for an adolescent boy. If he cannot get enough food to grow, he will not be able to hunt prey alone even as an adult, and will eventually become a useless person.
In this regard, Dimol looked at this scene indifferently, unable to tell what he was thinking, while Alva frowned. He wanted to speak for a moment, but closed his mouth again.
—This can’t go on like this.
Unable to sleep peacefully because of hunger, the unknown hunter boy suddenly sat up from the wooden bed with only hemp grass. The shape of his mouth was so clear under the light screen, and the light revealed in his eyes made everyone Everyone understood what he meant - and in the next moment, he neatly picked up the dried meat and salted fish by the window, his only remaining food reserves, and then lurked in the dark and walked along the rocky avenue toward the Walk into the distance.
"Since the construction of these rocky roads, dozens of these mountain people who originally lived in mountain villages have traveled to the main city of Moldavia almost every day. He is not the first, nor the last."
Joshua calmly narrated at this time: "What I must tell you is that the mountain people are extremely attached to their homeland. They are so cute and ignorant that they almost never leave their hometown. As far as this village is concerned, No one has come out of it in almost thirty years, and he's the first."
"What's the point of this?" Dimore was a little confused: "Even if he leaves the village and comes to the main city, he may not be able to live comfortably, let alone the dangers he may encounter on the roadside."
"And that's exactly the point." The soldier replied, "This is courage."
"He knows what he has to face - unfamiliar environments, dangerous roads and various accidents, but even so, he still wants to go out and see, and he is willing to bear the consequences of these dangers. This alone is as important as Those guys who have been staying in mountain villages as hunters are different."
Facing Demoore's still disapproving gaze, Joshua chuckled. He lowered his head and stared at the young man who was moving along the stone path towards the main city of Moldavia: "You may have only seen an ignorant young man. And it was a reckless move, but I saw a man make the most important choice in his life. Di Moore, you think too much. Anyone can become anyone, it’s just the odds. As long as you have the courage, an orphan He can also become a true warrior, and an unknown little man can also become the emperor of the empire."
"I want to help him."
On the side, Alva, who had been hesitating for a long time, suddenly spoke. His tone was a little hesitant, but he still said it: "I think..."
"Go ahead, your choice is your freedom."
Without waiting for the other party to explain, Joshua waved his hand, indicating that Alva could move freely. After receiving permission, the seventh prince happily followed the instructions of the light screen and ran in the direction of the hunter boy.
After that, the warrior turned his head and looked at Demoore, who was still frowning and unable to understand. He looked at the former emperor: "I can see that you are doubting... You said you have courage, but in fact you just follow the rules. , when the general orders you to move forward, you move forward, when Israel asks you to come back, you come back, Dimoore, this is not courage, this is just going with the flow, you have not made any decision about your life at all. "
"Israel told me that he has told you what the way of the king is, and he wants me to teach you what the way of the strong is. It is actually very simple, that is, make the choice you want, and then bear the consequences All consequences arising from it.”
Facing such serious words from a legendary strongman, even Dimol couldn't help but take a step back, but then he stopped. The second prince was silent for a while, and then said with twinkling eyes: "But there are always some choices that have unbearable consequences... This is true for many wars, and the same is true for many killings."
There was something in his words, but the warrior knew what he meant.
"That's just something they didn't want to think about before."
Without replying to Dimore, Joshua withdrew his gaze. He turned his head and looked at the scattered lights in the north, feeling very calm in his heart.
The great evil tide is coming, the world is changing, and in such an environment, many stubborn people and collectives have made changes, and countless heroes have stood out from the ordinary. Most of those future strong men and heroes have nothing at the beginning, but they What is different from other ordinary people is that they think they can do more and they dare to make choices.
Recalling the names that popped up during the Abyss invasion, Joshua was a little lost in thought, but then he put his thoughts back and noticed that Alva was returning from the foot of the mountain with the confused young hunter. The soldier said softly : "If you want to help, just help. Although Alva knows nothing about this, he knows what he wants to do. When he sees someone encountering difficulties, he wants to help, and he knows that he has to take the subsequent responsibilities. , which is also a kind of courage.”
"I will not teach you how to become a ruler, I will only let you understand what courage is and what choice is. A strong man does not need majesty, kindness or cruelty, he only needs to be firm in his goals, and then that's it Keep going, I hope you can become such a strong person, and then one day you can stand side by side with me and your father to fight against the disasters in the future."
Demoore and Joshua looked at each other. He stared into the warrior's red eyes, but could only see indifference. There was no desire for power, majesty, or dominance in those eyes. He could only see the reflected starlight, which was the entire world.
I see. He suddenly thought of this in his mind. This man never cared about those, rights, majesty, and the right to speak. He and his emperor father had never cared about these things. What they cared about was higher, about the future and safety of the world. They don't fight among themselves because they don't bother to fight for meaningless things. They selflessly teach themselves and others because, as pioneers, they have expectations for everyone.
But those are all I have.
Dimoore suddenly laughed. He also turned his head and looked at the dotted villages in the north. The second prince's eyes were burning with flames that could melt steel. He understood the difference between himself and his father, but He is not ashamed of it, because it is his choice.
My life is destined not to be so noble, fighting for order, the world and everything in the world. Even if the destined day comes, my reasons must be more realistic: to fight for my authority and desires.
This is true no matter who the opponent is, whether they are corrupt nobles, aliens, other countries or even demons from other worlds.
"I kind of understand what my options are."
He said this, and then bowed slightly to Joshua: "Thank you for your teaching." Behind Dimore, Alva, who didn't understand what was going on, came to the warrior with the already panting hunter boy.
A few days later.
The news that the seventh prince Alva became the registered disciple of the Earl of Northland spread throughout the imperial capital.
===No money====
Created a book subscription group: 606962637
I will talk about settings and the like here, without spoilers. I will occasionally post extras. You need to subscribe and take screenshots to prove it. If you are interested, you can check it out.
As expected, I still don’t like to post a short chapter... 2 chapters mixed, please vote at the end of the month.
(End of chapter)