in the name of the queen.

Chapter 318 Going Home
The luxurious carriage galloped leisurely along the forest avenue.

Roland and Lisa in the carriage were not in a hurry to travel.

They had walked this road more than once, but each time they passed by in a hurry and had no mood to appreciate the scenery along the road.

"I want to hear the nightingales singing in the Black Forest and watch the sunset over the Rodinia River."

Roland would naturally not refuse Lisa's request.

He sent someone to deliver a letter to Sif to report his safety, and he accompanied Lisa on the carriage of the last Queen of Golden Kite on their journey home.

This carriage is of top quality in terms of both artistic taste and materials, and it is out of print and in short supply. Even if someone offers tens of thousands of livres, there is no way to buy it.

The old royal carriage could only be kept in a museum in Jinyuan Country, but it was not wasted if it was given to Roland and he could still use it for transportation.

Alina gave the carriage to Roland and Sif as a wedding gift. She also wrote a letter to Sif, implicitly explaining how the letter was hijacked.

The union of the two countries is the inevitable trend. Sif may not be able to forgive it, but she will definitely not pursue it.

After careful consideration, Alina deprived Elaine of all her positions, made her retire early, and placed her under house arrest in the manor where her father lived during his lifetime, and she was not allowed to leave without permission.

No matter how many reasons Elaine had, she committed a cardinal sin for intelligence agents.

Make your own decisions.

Once an intelligence chief has ideas of his own, he is no longer fit for the job.

Based on Alina's understanding of Sylph, if Elaine is not punished, Sylph will definitely bear a grudge.

Rather than arguing about it in the future, it would be better for her to deal with it in advance.

This might save Elaine.

After seeing Roland and Lisa off, Alina devoted herself to her work and began preparing for the final battle.

Although Roland had already laid out the framework, there were still many complicated matters that required her to make decisions. She had no time to feel sad about the chaotic night and had to get down to work immediately.

Roland left her a trump card, which was said to come from the revised version of the Civil Code of the Protoss Emperor.

When domestic conflicts are about to break out, the introduction of this code can temporarily ease the conflicts and shift them abroad.

It is up to her to decide when to play the trump card.

While Alina was busy and nervous, Roland was enjoying the quiet before the storm.

He rarely had the opportunity to travel alone with Lisa.

I had time before but no money; now I have money but no time.

On the way home, slow down your pace, relax, and watch the sunset, which is quite an experience.

He just used this short journey to calm down his emotions and forget what happened in the Kingdom of Jinyuan.

On February 1795, 2, the snow around the Hanseatic city was gradually melting in the early spring, and the water levels of rivers across the northern plains began to rise.

Queen Sylph was not enjoying a luxurious and comfortable life in the palace. She was wearing a noble military uniform and sitting at her desk reviewing documents.

After finally reviewing the last document, she could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Looking up at the red clouds in the sky and the setting sun, she realized that it was almost dark.

Walking to the window, leaning on the windowsill with both hands, Sif looked towards the distant west.

This is the main road leading to the Kingdom of Jinyuan. Although it is evening, there are still many carriages busy on the road.

Among the bustling carriages, there were several huge and bulky iron machines that emitted black smoke and made harsh noises.

These iron lumps were equipped with three or four wheels. They did not travel very fast, but they could carry more cargo than horse-drawn carriages and ox-drawn carts.

Their name is cars.

This is the name given by Roland. The reason is very simple. Because the working principle of the car is to use coal to burn hot water to generate steam to drive the wheels, it is called a car.

Very interesting naming, Sif totally agrees.

Even if Roland called them cars, Sif would definitely agree.

Come back soon, my dear, I'm really tired without you.

Sif muttered silently in her heart.

She is really tired these days.

When Roland was around, he looked like he was slacking off, and only when he left did we realize his role.

His existence is like fresh water, you can’t feel it, but you will know how important it is only when you lose it.

When she was most desperate, Sif almost thought of asking her father to come back for help. Fortunately, this stupid idea only flashed through her mind.

My father may be a qualified politician, but he is not suitable to come back.

At least not now.

Fortunately, there are still people who are willing to sympathize with her. Teacher Wald couldn't bear to see her suffer, so he took the initiative to give up his leisurely retirement life and come overseas to help her.

The teacher found many reasons, such as wanting to come overseas to enjoy the sunshine and wanting to come and see her.

But she knew very well that the teacher was not restless, but just didn't want to stay out of the decisive battle and let her bear it alone.

Mr. Wald did not interfere in specific matters, but only provided guidance from a high-level perspective.

His decades of experience in the imperial political arena made up for Sif's immaturity.

Time seemed to go back to a few years ago, Sif was still that well-behaved student, and Walder was still that strict yet gentle teacher.

But people have changed.

Sif is no longer the fool who often makes Walder so angry that he is bedridden, and Walder is no longer the spirited old man who can charge into battle.

She has grown up.

He's getting older.

Now that Sif has grown up, Walder doesn't have to work too hard.

He did not play the role of overseas prime minister, but served as a senior adviser. The burden of overseas prime minister was given to Athos.

This new member of the imperial cabinet not only had a deep understanding of the four overseas provinces, but was also a rare Golden Kite Pass, and soon became an important official that Sif relied on.

Sif could sense that Athos was a man with secrets, but she didn't want to ask.

Everyone has secrets, as long as there is no malicious intent, let them be.

The other two of the three overseas heroes were also entrusted with important tasks.

Aramis now serves as the Queen's special assistant, helping her deal with various affairs. He and Athos are the left and right ministers overseas.

Although Porthos liked to brag and had not received formal military education, his military talent was quite impressive.

Sif boldly appointed him as the commander of the overseas legion to cooperate with Christine in commanding the army.

Porthos never dreamed that he, who had not had a smooth career, would become a rising star in the military.

If it weren't for the Queen and Governor Roland's orders, he would probably have been a high-ranking official in Serin Province all his life until retirement.

The money is definitely good, but the prospects are limited.

In just a few years, he went from being an official who was always trying to find ways to make money to a Lieutenant General of the Imperial Army, and was even expected to become the future Minister of the Army.

Thinking of the bright future, Porthos trembled with excitement.

Although there was a high mountain called the Vladimir Empire between him and his bright future, he was fearless and only wanted to climb over it.

This is also an important reason why Sif chose him.

There are many generals who understand military affairs, but there are not many generals who are both knowledgeable and loyal and who are not afraid of powerful enemies.

The local generals turned pale with fear when they heard Sophia's name, and no matter how outstanding her abilities were, they could not use her.

Roland didn't know that in the more than two months since he left, Sif had already assembled a team that seemed strange but was actually very efficient.

If he knew, he would definitely smile with relief.

The best gift for a teacher is growth.

After all, he is half of Sif's teacher, so of course he hopes that she can grow up as soon as possible.

Just as Sif was staring at the setting sun in a daze, a dull bell rang from the square. She turned her head sharply and looked towards the center of the square.

A signalman, covered in blood, climbed up the bell stand and rang the alarm bell in the center of the square.

This bell cannot be rung casually.

It can only be called in major events such as the unexpected death of the head of state or the invasion of foreign enemies.

Sounding the alarm without a valid reason is a capital offense.

Sif stroked her cheek and confirmed that she was not dead, so it could only be the latter.

The signalman who sounded the alarm seemed to have unloaded a huge burden, and fainted in the square with relief.

The patrolling soldiers came quickly and hurriedly carried the signalman away.

Although she was praying silently in her heart, Sif knew that the life of this respectable soldier was most likely coming to an end.

He came here at the risk of his life.

If he still had the strength to speak, he would definitely not hastily sound the alarm and cause panic, but would report the information to the higher authorities step by step.

There is only one explanation.

The situation was very urgent and he knew he could not hold on any longer, so he was forced to ring the bell.

Sif sighed. Although she knew that the chances of saving the person were slim, she still called the royal doctor and asked him to help save the person.

After assigning the task to the royal doctor, Sif had no more information and was not in a position to issue orders, so she sat at her desk waiting for further news.

Although Raikkonen is young, he is a veteran who has followed Roland for many years and has experienced many battles. He knows how to deal with such things.

Sif did not hurriedly ring the bell to call the minister.

Decisions made without accurate intelligence are likely to go wrong, and a wrong first order will only shake the morale of the troops.

You must stay calm at this time.

The more unclear the situation is, the calmer you need to be as a leader.

As she expected, Athos arrived not long after.

With a serious look on his face, he reported the situation to Sif.

"The signalman has gone into shock, and the doctors are trying to save him. We found an ID card on him and determined that he is a squadron leader of the Seventh Army stationed in Franks, with the rank of second lieutenant. Based on his personal equipment and the pattern of his horseshoe, the ID card is genuine."

Sif nodded in satisfaction.

Athos has outstanding observation skills and can always discover the truth of the problem from the details.

"Have Raikkonen gather intelligence as quickly as possible, and notify Christine, Bordeaux, and other senior officers above the rank of major general in non-frontline combat zones to report to Hansa City."

"Be prepared for full mobilization and the conversion of factories to military production."

Sif issued several orders in succession. Although there was not much information, she was well prepared and did not panic.

Athos secretly admired her calmness.

As expected of Her Majesty the Queen, she remains calm and composed in times of crisis. Only by following such a lord can you have a promising future.

Athos thought about it again and again before leaving, but couldn't help asking, "Should we notify Governor Roland immediately?"

"He will be back in a few days, no need to notify him specifically." Sif said lightly.

Athos said nothing and left.

It is early spring now, which is not suitable for launching large-scale military operations. Even if we do, it will most likely be an exploratory attack involving tens of thousands of people, or more likely harassment.

Her Majesty the Queen is not panicking, so there is no need for him to panic.

Sif's calmness was passed on to every panicked minister, allowing their hearts to gradually calm down.

In order to calm the people, she changed into casual clothes and went to the square to comfort the masses, even though she wanted to rest early.

Just as she worried, the alarm bells did cause panic among many people.

With the implementation of the low-tariff trade policy, the four overseas provinces gradually became the overseas trade hub of the Sussex Empire, and the Port of Emre was showing a trend of replacing the Port of Sussex as the largest trade center.

Businessmen fear war the most.

War will make the investment environment worse, resulting in a total loss of investment capital and even the loss of one’s life.

If not handled properly, this unexpected wake-up call could be the death knell for overseas trade.

This is absolutely not okay.

Sussex has absolute control over the seas, and overseas trade is an important channel for her to make ends meet.

If they lose the steady supply of materials from overseas, it will be difficult for the Sussex Empire and the Golden Kite Kingdom to compete with the Holy Alliance alone.

Seeing Her Majesty the Queen come out in person, the square, which had been in chaos, finally returned to order.

But these people's confused and helpless eyes still betrayed their true thoughts.

They were willing to be loyal to the Queen, but they wanted to stay alive more.

Their loyalty has a price.

The four overseas provinces do not have enough strategic depth. Once the war starts, Hansa City will soon become the front line. Who will dare to do business there?

Sif sang the siren's song, gradually calming the people's restless hearts.

Many people who had originally planned to retreat calmed down and found that they had no way to retreat.

Hansa City seems unsafe, but with the Queen here, it is the safest place.

The Empire will never allow the Queen to fall into the hands of the enemy.

Sif's singing soothed most people, but there were still discordant noises.

The four overseas provinces are not the mainland, and the people here do not have much sense of belonging to the Sussex Empire and the House of York.

They respect facts more.

"Your Majesty, what was that bell ringing just now? I heard that the alarm bell was rung, is that true?"

Sif's eyes turned to the questioner.

Although the questioner was not tall, his attitude was neither humble nor arrogant. He did not avoid her gaze out of guilt, but looked at her calmly.

This guy is
Sif didn't remember his name, but she had some impression that he seemed to be an important member of the Talia Merchants' Association.

Seeing that Sif did not recognize him, the businessman who asked the question did not feel embarrassed, but instead introduced himself.

"Your Majesty, I am Nonis, a merchant from Talia. My question just now was just out of curiosity, not meant to question you."

Sif narrowed her eyes slightly, and her voice was sonorous yet gentle.

"Yes, that was indeed the alarm bell. The identity of the signalman has been confirmed. He came from the Franks front, which is the border between our country and the Kingdom of Pruden. According to speculation, there should be a military conflict with the Kingdom of Pruden."

"Everyone, don't worry. Our country has signed an alliance with the Golden Kite Kingdom, and a free coalition army of more than one million has been formed. Whether it is the Pruden Kingdom or other countries, any invasion of our country will fail."

"We have the famous general Christine from the Holy Temple of Light, and the invincible Caesar Roland. I will also be with you and we will overcome the difficulties together!"

Sif never intended to hide it.

There are so many people in the square, and at least hundreds of pairs of eyes saw the bell ringing just now. To deny it would only expose one's guilt.

Roland once said that you should not tell lies that are bound to be exposed, as they will sooner or later destroy your credibility.

What she said was basically true, except for Roland's infinitely exaggerated military capabilities.

Sif's words made the originally hesitant merchants feel a little relieved.

Although they were still a little hesitant, at least they would not run away on the spot.

"Your Majesty is wise, our army will surely win!"

Sif turned around suddenly and looked towards the entrance to the square.

The curtains of the gorgeous carriage were raised, and a noble and elegant person slowly stepped out of the carriage with a somewhat unruly smile on his lips. It was Roland.

He finally came back when I needed him the most.

(End of this chapter)