Knight and Wand

Chapter 277 Blood of Vengeance
"Like you said, this is not easy, but if you are willing to seize the opportunity, I have a way to push you." Ines smiled brightly: "To be honest, I don't think your feudal lord, or even my father, can give you a reward that matches your current achievements after everything is over, but I may give you a chance to rise."

To be honest, Leon was a little moved.

If he and Laura could really quell this disaster, then the eastern part of Kantadar would undoubtedly be in a state of supreme power vacuum.

In Sobornitz and even more places, large tracts of territory have become ownerless lands. How many changes and opportunities are there in this?
Although he didn't know what method Ines could use to allow him to have the legal basis to still stand firm in Sobornitz after the war, it would definitely be a good thing if he could get the support of the third princess who had both an army and a territory.

However, Leon was still cautious about this gift without a stated price, and asked: "Your Highness, why are you so generous to help?"

"Is this unexpected? You have an extraordinary reputation, a character that I admire, and outstanding abilities. As I mentioned at the banquet, I need someone like you." Ines turned around and shook her head gently: "But now I have changed my mind. Compared to an officer or a general under my command, I hope you can become my solid ally, a friend who is strong enough for me to rely on when I am in trouble."

Leon stared at the smiling girl in front of him, his heart still unshaken: "I believe that your help will not be free."

Gently shaking the handle of the fan, Ines tapped her palms: "I use this help in exchange for your friendship and promise. When I face difficulties, I only hope that you can stand firmly by my side."

She had understood the other person's personality and style of doing things well enough through several observations, and believed that even if it was just a promise, it would carry enough weight in the other person's eyes.

Leon stared thoughtfully at the blonde girl in front of him, whose personality was completely different from Olivia's. He couldn't help but frowned and asked:

"Your kindness is too heavy. I am just making a wild guess. Could it be that Your Highness wants to fight for the right to inherit the throne from the Crown Prince?"

These sudden words made Agatha behind Ines open her eyes wide in surprise.

The little princess opened her mouth slightly, and after a long while she covered her lips with the fan: "...Even I was shocked by your frankness."

Leon bowed slightly nonchalantly to show his apology.

Ines' eyes flashed with a trace of thought, and then she shook her head: "Your joke is indeed quite attractive. But unfortunately, as far as I know, there has never been a precedent of a woman sitting on the throne, whether in Orland or in other kingdoms.

My brother has not committed any serious faults, and I have many brothers. In any case, the nobles of the kingdom will not support a woman wearing the crown unless someone has ill intentions. I am curious, why do you have such bold speculations? "

Leon was a little stunned when he heard this, and then he thought that it seemed to be true.

As far as he knew, in the history of the Feru nations, female knights and baroness lords were not uncommon, but he had never heard of the existence of a "queen".

"Please forgive my commoner background. I just know that in the Serian legend, the holy prophet who ruled the continent thousands of years ago was a woman. I thought it was not unacceptable for a woman to become a king." Leon answered in a different way.

Thinking that the other party was born as a hunter of Serian, it was understandable that there was such a misunderstanding. Recalling the records of ancient stories in the royal files, Ines smiled helplessly: "That's right...Okay, I will write down the ancient precedent you mentioned, but I'm afraid I will disappoint you. Even if people can accept a female monarch, my father will never allow it.

After all, I will not commit the subversive crime of ethics like the previous tyrant. If I have a husband in the future, it will be almost equivalent to handing over the throne my father obtained to other families.

If women were allowed to be kings, this loophole would inevitably become the source of trouble for the kingdom, and this would be something my father would never accept."

Leon nodded, realizing that he had misunderstood because of overthinking the examples on Earth in his previous life. The current succession system of the Feru people was very conservative in its tendency.

It seemed that Princess Ines had no ambition to usurp the throne. No matter what she said on the surface, at least from her words, Leon understood that the political environment in Orlando was not very receptive to a female king.

Although Leon knew very well that if he only sought the supreme position in the world and did not care whether the next heir to the throne was his own child, the problem that Ines was worried about was not unsolvable.

For example, designating the heir to the throne as the offspring of a brother is a compromise.

Of course, as Ines said, unless the queen remains unmarried for life or practices incestuous marriage within the family, those ambitious people who want to get their hands on the royal power will inevitably take advantage of the opportunity.

"You know what? Your words just now were almost trying to sow discord among the royal family." Ines's eyes seemed to be filled with anger, and she asked jokingly, "Do you want to make me the first queen of Orland?"

She clenched the fan, a strange emotion passing through her heart. Was she moved by the delusion of getting her hands on the throne?
"It all depends on whether Your Highness has this intention and why he has this intention. Please forgive my previous slip of the tongue." Leon tactfully clarified his position:
"We are exhausted by the disaster we are facing. I am deeply grateful for your kindness, but I really don't want to get involved in the struggle for the throne. However, since I am not well-educated and do not understand the laws of succession, I apologize for my suspicion."

Leon felt a little relieved. He was just afraid of being dragged into the fight for the throne.

Ines gradually regained her composure and continued to ask, "Now that you have made a judgment, what is your answer?"

Leon then touched his chest and nodded: "You have helped me before, and even led the army to the front line to help me fight against the undead. We have been friends for a long time.

Whether you can help me get anything in Sobornitz, I will always be there to help you if you need it.”

Although it seemed to be just a standard polite talk, Ines could feel that the other party's promise was not empty words.

The girl put on her smile again: "So, it's a deal?"

"It's a word."

Night falls.

Ines returned to the room, took off her armor for show with the help of Agatha, and soaked her tired body in the hot water in the wooden barrel.

Lying on the edge, untying her braided hair, the girl lazily enjoyed the close-fitting female knight scrubbing her long hair on the back of her head, her eyes couldn't help but look at the breastplate on the table.

In the reflected light of the candle, his blurry image was reflected on the smooth surface.

"Queen." Muttering the unfamiliar word, Ines bit her fingers lightly.

Seems like he wants to sober himself up.

But is there any power that can control everything more than that position?
But is this possible?

The little head couldn't help but deduce various different possibilities.
With complicated thoughts surging in her mind, she suddenly mistook Agatha behind her in the reflection as another figure.
"Agatha~." The girl murmured, as if she was in a trance.

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"What do you think of my blonde hair? Does it look good?"

"Your Highness's golden hair is soft and smooth, very beautiful." Agatha nodded.

".How does it compare to Miss Olivia's?"

"Well, they seem to be about the same."

Agatha was stunned for a moment and answered truthfully.

Ines frowned slightly without leaving any trace.

"Can't you flatter me at this time?"

"I'm sorry, your Highness's blonde hair is much more beautiful than Miss Olivia's." Agatha immediately changed her words.

But holding the little princess's wet hair, the female knight thought for a moment and then gave a cautious advice:
"Your Highness, I can't beat Miss Olivia. She is even stronger than the last time I saw her."

Ines seemed to be choked and could not help but scold:

".What nonsense? I'm not planning on doing anything."

Pushing the edge of the bucket, her petite body fell on its back into the water, completely losing the elegant demeanor that seemed so elegant to outsiders.

The girl buried half of her face in the water and blew bubbles.

Why.
The first person you meet is not yourself.
Dead of Night
Anderville County.

In the streets and alleys of the big city, ghostly and invisible figures shuttled among the broken walls.

The shrill screams in the city gradually subsided.

Death and fear also spread to the depths of the towering fortress. In the castle hall, the firelight flickered, and the light and shadows twisted and jumped on the walls, like a vengeful ghost with bared fangs and claws.

The old people in gorgeous clothes huddled in fear, the children trembled and cried, the men, women, old and young who ruled this land could no longer maintain composure, and their desperate cries echoed between the pillars.

A shadow that seemed to be there and not there was moving in the darkness. The young head of the family held a long knife in his hand, cursing and roaring at the terrifying thing that could not be seen.

But the roar could not cover up the despair and terror. One after another, the family knights disappeared silently, and soon, there was no other guard in the hall.

The flames trembled in the wood and almost went out.

"Face me! You damned monsters without honor! Fight me fair and square!"

The young lord looked around at the empty darkness, gripped the blade tightly, and roared loudly.

He tried hard to find the enemy, but then he heard bursts of low laughter.

The strange laughter did not come from just one person, as if it was made up of countless voices.

".upright and upright"

The laughter grew louder and more shrill. There were men, women, old people, and children. The voices shook the flags in the hall and made them dance wildly.

".glory"

Hearing a hoarse voice coming from behind him, Lord Kantadar turned around abruptly.

I don't know when, a crimson figure appeared on the throne that was empty just now.

His handsome face was as pale as paper, and his eyes were like red stones in the abyss, flashing with a light that was both elegant and cruel.

A strange creature wearing blood-red armor, holding a long sword in his right hand and pinching the neck of a Kantadar knight with his left hand.

The slender five fingers that were deeply clamped under the skin slowly loosened their strength and pulled out the already shriveled corpse.

The knight Kantadar, who looked like a dried corpse, tumbled down the steps of the lord's throne with a loud thump.

The masked helmet with a human face and beard fell off the head, revealing a horrible, painful and shriveled corpse underneath, which frightened the noble women and children to scream and cry.

".Your Glory"

The bright red blood disappeared on those sharp five fingers and merged into the body.

".Does it include the fear and suffering that my loved ones and people have endured?"

Feeling the shudder echoing in the soul of the living, the anger in Charleman's mind leaped with joy.

Just hearing that horrifying sound, the blood in people's bodies almost froze. No one dared to answer. Only heavy breathing and suppressed sobs still echoed in the hall.

Stroking the hilt of the sword, picking up the magic sword surrounded by blood, Shaleman stood up from the throne and stepped down the steps.

The soles of the boots made no sound, but every step seemed to oppress the hearts of the living.

“Die, monster!!”

Lord Kantadar's anger overwhelmed his fear, and he stomped the ground and rushed forward.

However, after taking only two steps, his vision suddenly became shorter, and his body covered in plate armor fell down uncontrollably.

The pain seemed to hit his brain half a beat late, and he fell to the ground powerlessly. Lord Kantadar looked back in astonishment.

His own legs, in a strange running posture, still stayed behind him.

A smooth cut appeared on the upper part of the thigh, which was originally connected to the body. Blood gushed out from the broken surface, flowing down the leg armor like wine in a full glass. The two human legs, having lost their support, finally fell down.

“——Ahhhh!!”

That painful sound once again stirred up happy laughter from those around.

The young lord screamed miserably, holding up his body, trying in vain to resist in despair.

In the blink of an eye, an arm with the long sword left its owner's body.

He slapped the young man's face with his left hand, and the sharp claws dug into his eye socket and pierced his eyeball. Shaleman dragged the still struggling one-armed body in his hand and threw it back to his horrified family.

The blood-red baron finally smiled, a smile colder than the chill of the night.

He would not grant these people an easy death.

Between the pillars of the hall, countless eerie and slender figures flickered in the shadows.

The beautiful faces of young girls and women no longer showed the pain and despair before death, and their scarlet eyes flashed with eager smiles.

The sound of footsteps approached from the darkness, and the firelight gradually illuminated the naked beauties and the knights in blood-red armor.

The knights took off their twisted, demonized helmets, and with their pale faces, they stared at the living who were gathered together and shivering.

Their eyes were as if they were looking at a sumptuous meal.

"Enjoy the blood of revenge we deserve."

Charleman's thin lips revealed his sharp fangs as he whispered.

The women and men who came back from the dead curled their lips, and inhuman fangs grew wildly in their open mouths.

The light in the brazier was extinguished in the horrible smell of eating.
His face was covered in blood, which gradually seeped into his pale skin.

Enjoying a moment of peace from the countless resentments and hatreds in his soul, Shaleman's body turned into an invisible blood mist, passed through layers of ceilings, and flew up to the spire of the fortress.

The figure solidified again, and his battle robe fluttered in the cold wind.

Corpses were hovering under the dark clouds filled with dim light, and ghosts were wandering in the streets where no living creatures could be seen.

The blood-red eyes looked towards the west, gazing at the towering Usato Mountains in the distance.

Anger rose in my heart.

far from over
The chaotic hatred had not yet extended further, but the magic sword in his hand made him unable to resist and turned his gaze to the northeast.

".That.That's not it." His fuzzy thoughts tried to make his murderous intent continue to spread towards the royal court of Kantadar.

But the voice that cannot be disobeyed conveys the supreme will.

".That is where the enemy is. Go and calm your anger. The Kantardars are still advancing towards Rolandar. Tear their souls apart and devour their flesh."

Endless pain came, and the blood in the pupils spread, instantly filling the eyeballs completely.

The scarlet body suddenly turned into a cloud of blood mist that filled the sky and flew across the sea of ​​corpses into the distance.

(End of this chapter)