Holding a large bouquet of wildflowers, Uliu briskly walked through the muddy and filthy streets, and although there were shallow gutters dug along the side of the road, and the streets were slightly higher in the middle and lower on the sides to drain as quickly as possible, the potholed pavement was still full of muddy water and stinking droppings from the previous night's rain.

Barriaridud was not a very large city, and Isabella and Isabella had apparently known this, so they had been planning to choose another capital for a long time, but it was still difficult to achieve this, at least in the eyes of many, in the unlikely case of Isabella and his wife.

Uliu walked cautiously through the filthy places, he didn't care if there was feces under his feet, but thinking about the people he wanted to see, he thought it would be better to keep himself clean and decent.

The Conqueror's Square in Valaridot is famous, built in honor of the Castilian general Basiten who drove the Moors from the city, and the Conqueror's Square is wide in the south and narrow in the north, looking like a long sword set up by a cake, and the Castilian treasurer Don Makrosbein lived in a house on the north side of the square.

The building, with its distinctly early Gothic style, looks solemn and slightly eerie, with several sky-high spires that give the illusion that something might fly out of it at any moment.

Don Macrosbyne is in his 50s, he was the treasurer of Isabella's side in the early years, and as the princess's financial manager, he was quite loyal, and he played an important role in Isabella's most embarrassing experience when she had to go into exile because she was forced to marry in Portugal by Enrique.

The treasurer did everything he could to solve the princess's urgent needs, and in order to keep those men who might break up at any time because of Isabella's predicament, he racked his brains and used limited money to ensure that Isabella's exile party could live a decent life.

Don Makrosbein's efforts did pay off, and after Isabelle Rocky, she was among the first to reward and promote her former treasurer, and Don Makrosbyne, who became the treasurer of the kingdom, did not live up to the queen's trust.

When Ferdinand refused to fund Columbus due to financial constraints just after the Reconquista, Isabella insisted on spending a lot of money for the adventurer to explore possible new routes, while Don Macrosbein raised a lot of money for the queen's "wayward" move, which ensured that Columbus could successfully achieve the feat of exploring the Atlantic.

Ulius was to visit the house of the treasurer, but he was not going to see Don Macrosbein himself, but his cook.

Passing through the small servant's door on the side of the house, Ulliu stopped in a corner of the garden and looked at it, and when he saw the gardener and groom waving his hand, Ulliu took out a small bag from his bosom and threw it over, which contained a few pieces of honey, which was enough to bribe the man to let him go, so he kept passing through the garden, and then followed the two maids who smiled at him and slipped into the kitchen.

The Treasurer's Cook, a young woman of Moorish descent, had been annulled a few years earlier after her husband had made another payment according to the arrangements of the Church in his homeland, and then he happily married the daughter of the landlord's family, and she and her children were not only expelled from the house, but had to flee from their hometown to Barriariddod.

Fortunately, this woman has a good cooking skill, and after several twists and turns, she became the cook of the treasurer's family, and now she is in charge of the dining table of the treasurer's family, and because of her exquisite craftsmanship, many owners like it.

Uliu met her "accidentally" at the market, and he helped her retrieve the money bag that had been stolen by the thieves, which was the money to buy vegetables for the treasurer's owner, and it would be troublesome for the young cook to be stolen like this.

The "kind Moor" thus became a friend of the young cook, and his cheerful and pleasant personality also made the cook have a great impression of him, in fact, not only the cook, but also the other servants of the treasury officer's family liked this young man, and he often brought them all kinds of fresh gadgets, sometimes some chic small jewelry, sometimes some strange food, which made Ulliu soon in the treasury official's house as if no one was in the land.

The cook laughed when she saw Ulliu, holding a flower, struggling to pass through between the two servants who were deliberately standing in her way.

She was still very young, although he was younger, not even much older than her children, but the cook thought it was nothing, at least he didn't seem to dislike the family, and if she could be his wife, the cook believed that Ulliu must be a very good stepfather.

"You look beautiful today."

Uliu put the flowers in a clay pot of beans beside him, and then he began to help the cook with his hands and feet, which is why the servants of the treasury officer's family liked him, although he came to find the cook, but this young man was not stingy with his own strength at all, he was willing to help everyone work, and always while working, he laughed and chatted with everyone.

Moreover, Ulliu is not only talkative, but also likable, and it is difficult for anyone to hate such a clever and good-talking young man.

After a long time, even the owner's family thought that there was a young Moorish man with a part-time job in his family.

"It's a little late to cook today," Uliu, glancing at the case, said casually, "and today's dish is the same as yesterday's?" ”

"Yesterday the master never came home, this morning I arrived at home, after coming back is said to be stuffy and sleepy, and then at this time began to call for lunch." As she spoke, the cook quickly removed the guts of the pigeon that had been dissected on the case, as if to show off, and she deliberately played a knife in front of Uliu, and then looked at Uliuu with a look of praise.

"Then you guys are really hard enough," this time Ulliu obviously failed to understand the cook's mind quickly, and he continued to ask while his men were washing the dishes, "It seems that the master has been outside these days, oh, it can't be a lover, right?" ”

"How is it possible," said a servant next to him, and immediately leaned over and said excitedly, "The master is a very careful man, and the groom knows best where the master has gone, and he didn't say where the master went to have a tryst with a woman." ”

"But the groom may have taken the master's bounty, he is a money fan."

Another servant came over, and the secrets of the master's house were naturally the subject of the servants' ream, and in a joyous atmosphere people began to speculate about the appearance of the treasurer's lover, whether he was tall or short, fat or thin, or simply a Moorish woman.

Uliuu sat on the sidelines and listened with a smile, of course there were other people at his disposal in Barriadot, and Thiegor had done a good job in the past two years, but he would personally go out to "take care of the business of the treasurer" because Don Maklosbein was one of Isabella's most loyal ministers.

If Isabella had any problems, she would always think of Don Macrosbyne, and if she did fall ill and Ferdinand kept it a secret for various reasons, then Don Macrosbyne would certainly be one of the few people who knew the truth.

"I can swear my lord has been doing his business all these days," said one of the servants, who was arguing with the others with a blushing face, and as the others booed mockingly, he said stiffly, "I see that Moore with him." ”

There was an instant silence in the kitchen, and the servants looked at each other as if they didn't want to talk about it anymore.

And Uliu, who was washing the vegetables next to him, couldn't help but squint his eyes slightly.

If someone mentions "that Moor" in a rather peculiar tone in Rome, or even in the city of Rome, people will know that they are talking about the prefect of the Duchy of Rome and the governor of the court of Pisa, while in Castile, when people mention "that Moor" like this, everyone knows that they are talking about the Moorish chief of guard next to Isabella.

The relationship between the Moors and Isabella had always been a topic of private conversation among the Castilians, and even with an unusually reverent heart for the Queen, it was hard to resist their curiosity.

It's just that in the past year or two, no one dares to talk about the queen in such a public way, and the Inquisition of Thomas Tongomada has become an invisible noose hanging over everyone's heads, and even the closest relatives often dare not tell the truth for fear of being informed, and Thomas Tongomada takes advantage of this terrible mentality that everyone is at risk, and almost plays the whole of Castile in his hands.

But for Uliou, the news was enough.

It is clear that Don Makrosbeine did not go out early and return late or even late during this time not to meet any young lover, but to have a close relationship with the Queen's Moorish attendants, and considering that Isabella had not been seen in public for some days, Ulliu was even more certain that the Queen might really be ill.

Of course, there is an easier way to prove this suspicion, and that is to go directly to Thomas Tongomada, who claims to be accompanying the queen to make a silent vow, but considering that this man has always been erratic, and because he is surrounded by more clerics, he thinks it is better to be careful.

Perhaps because he had harmed too many people, Thomas Tongomada was always suspicious of the people around him, which made him difficult to get along with and even less trustable, and Ulliu even felt that perhaps it was because of his eccentric personality that he became one of the most difficult enemies to deal with, because he couldn't imagine what he would do next.

Ulliu was also vehemently opposed to Alexander's direct contact with Thomas Tongomada, believing that it was too dangerous, because even if he didn't show his flaws, he couldn't guess what he was thinking or what he would do in the face of such a paranoid and crazy person, which made him extremely dangerous.

"The queen must be ill," reported Ulliu, who was dressed as a merchant at Alexander's lodgings, "Don Makrosbein had remained in the palace for several days, and yesterday he had not returned all night, and his groom saw him with the Moorish attendants beside the queen. ”

Alexander nodded silently as he listened, he had also heard of the Moorish squire, and the man's relationship with Isabella was a very sensitive subject in Barriadotus.

At first, many people secretly thought that maybe one day Ferdinand would kill the Moor, because whenever he appeared, it was actually a silent satire on Ferdinand.

Eventually, however, the Moorish man survived, but rumors of the Queen and her Moorish attendants faded as the Inquisition's business flourished.

"Sick?"

Although he had thought of this possibility before, when it did happen, Alexander realized that many things seemed to be unprepared.

Or rather, he wasn't too sure about facing Ferdinand directly.

After Isabella's death, Ferdinand in history was able to resist the obstruction and destruction of the old forces from the two countries, and turned the tide to firmly unite the two countries that seemed to be bound to be completely divided, until he bought precious time for Charles V to establish a unified Spanish kingdom many years later.

It could even be said that Ferdinand was more dangerous than Isabella in the long run.

"If Isabella really falls ill," Alexander's eyes flashed, and his eyes glanced at Ulliu, "who is the most important person at this time?" ”

"Princess Juana," Uli's dark face froze for a moment, and he scratched his curly short hair vigorously, his eyes showing excitement, "Princess and Philip are now at the castle in the Highlands on the other side of the Taloi, and if we get hold of Princess Juana, things may be even more interesting." ”

"Maybe it's going to get worse." Alexander muttered to himself, knowing very well what would happen to Juana after Isabella's death.

Speaking of which, although Isabella was very strict with Juana, at least while she was alive, she was loving and tolerant of this daughter, but with Isabella's death, Juana's tragic fate also came.

"Go and inquire about Juana," Alexander instructed Ulliu, "she is now a key person, and if Isabella really falls ill, she may be made regent at any time." ”

"Sir, why didn't Ferdinand rule Castile in place of the Queen?" Uliu, a little puzzled, asked, "We all know the princess, she has some ......," Uliuu thought for a while, and turned two circles with a finger on his forehead, "Anyway, she doesn't look normal." ”

"Have you already met Juana?" Alexander asked the Moors with a smirk.

"Not yet, but I've heard too much about her, sir, this princess has a problem here." Ulliu pointed to his head again and said, "Would the Castilians make such a woman their queen?" ”

"But they don't want to see Ferdinand on a throne, and the Castilians would rather have a madman take the crown than an Aragonese."

Alexander knew that Ullius probably thought his words were alarmist, but he knew that perhaps it was not accurate enough.

In fact, many Castilians hated the Aragonese even more than the Portuguese.

"Believe me, Ferdinand wouldn't be stupid enough to carry the Castilian crown on his head, if that awaits him then is a civil war."

Uliuu thought for a moment and shrugged, he didn't want to think about things that shouldn't be his own business, now he had to think about how to find a way to get close to Juana.

But before that, he needed to know what Alexander had in mind.

"Sir, what if we can see the princess alone or simply get her out of the castle?"

"It depends on how far Isabella's condition has become," Alexander said, standing up and pacing slowly, his brows slightly condensed, and there was a hint of anxiety in his expression, "Uliu, if you can really hold Juana in your hands, how sure are you that you can take her out of Valaridot without being detected?" ”

Uliu was startled, and although he had already thought of this possibility, he was still a little nervous when Alexander really asked.

But more than that, it's the excitement.

The risks and possible terrible consequences of kidnapping a princess and an heir to the throne can be chilling just to think about, but the huge opportunities and rewards behind it are really exciting to tremble even just thinking about it.

"We, no, it should be said that Tiego has been preparing here for a long time," Ulliu replied very seriously, he knew that at this time he had to let his master understand everything clearly, only then would Alexander not make wrong judgments and decisions because of the unclear situation, "According to my opinion in Barriaridud during this time, I think we are sure that we can do it, but that princess is always crazy, I don't know if she will do something stupid when the time comes, you must know that a normal person may be afraid of a knife, but crazy...... ”

Uliuu shrugged his shoulders helplessly.

In order to inquire about Juana, Uliu had put a lot of thought into it, but the more he heard it, the more he felt that maybe the old man's intention to attack that woman might not be a good idea.

"Isabella," Alexander clenched his fists hard, and at the same time his brow furrowed even tighter, "It would be nice to know how she is now, if Isabella's illness is not to the point where she needs to be regent, a rash move may make Ferdinand wary in advance, and it will not be easy to control Lord Juana again." ”

"So it's better to find out about the queen as soon as possible."

Ulius muttered to himself, and seeing Alexander nod slowly, the Moors silently packed up the crates on the table.

"Be careful, Uliou," Alexander said to the Moors who were about to walk out the door, "I do want to know about Isabella, but I don't want you to be surprised by this." ”

Uliu grinned back, his snow-white teeth standing out under his thick lips.

"Don't worry, sir, I know what to do," he said with another smile, and said in a low voice, "I would like to see you sitting on a throne with your crown, I think it must be very imposing, maybe only Leonardo da Vinci or that Raphael master can paint you such a portrait." ”

"If there is a day, you will be on my left," Alexander laughed at Uliu's words, and then he said with a grim expression, "Remember your words today, Uliu, just to be able to leave a mark in my portrait, and you should be careful with yourself." ”

Ulliu bowed to Alexander, walked out of the room with the crate on his back, and when he saw Schell guarding the corridor outside, he bowed again as if he were a common vendor, and then walked away cautiously and quickly.

When Sher entered the room, he saw Alexander looking out the window, so he walked over and stood not far from Alexander, waiting.

After a long time, Alexander seemed to come to his senses, he turned to look at Schell and asked, "Tell me Schell, why are you following me?" ”

The Balkan looked at Alexander in surprise, as if he didn't know where to start, and after thinking for a moment he asked, "Do you want to hear the truth, sir?" ”

"Of course." Alexander encouraged him: "Tell me, what do you think? ”

"At first, it was because I could earn more, you know that I have fought for many noble lords, and they are not as generous as you," Schell said as if embarrassed, and then he moved his eyebrows, "But then it was not just money, I made enough money to go home and live a prosperous life, but then I was just a landlord, but with you it is different, I am still thinking about earning a knighthood for my children in the future." ”

Seeing that Hill's expression became enthusiastic when he said this, Alexander smiled.

He knew that Schell was telling the truth, not only him, but Gompati and Tiego, but also Nomelo and Skop, and the Kulash brothers from the Balkans, who followed him for one reason or another.

And for what?

Ulliu seems to have been more loyal than the others, but Alexander did not see loyalty as the only reason he wanted to follow him all the time.

However, he knew that he had come this far, so he had to go no matter how difficult the future was.

This is no longer his own business, except for these followers, and his women are waiting for him to take off a noble crown for them.

Two days later, while Alexander was strolling around the palace, a maid suddenly hurried towards him, and then slipped a note into his hand as if in a hurry, but not as if afraid.

Alexander immediately looked around, and seeing that no one was paying attention, he found a corner and opened the note.

A small poem that doesn't rhyme very smoothly appears on it.

It was a love poem, and the content of it was like the admiration of a noble lady for him.

However, Alexander saw the secret mark left by Ulliu in an inconspicuous place in this love letter.

He didn't care if it was the Moors who instigated which Castilian noblewoman to attack him, and the point was that Uliu had finally heard the exact news about Isabella.

"Seriously ill, bloodletting, priest, pray."

When Alexander saw such news, his heart tensed for a moment.