August 5, 348 Gregorian Calendar, Mastar, Campeña. Pen? Interesting? Pavilion wWw. ｂiquge。 ｉｎfo

Campeña, the garrison of the Northern Army, is a famous city with a long history. As early as the time of the Yartikat Empire, it was an important military fortress in the northern part of the empire and a distribution center for materials. At the end of the empire, it was once the base of Henry Nasser, and he quickly rose to prominence in the melee of the local warlords at the end of the empire, becoming one of the three legions with the Henell family and the Griffith family.

On this day, the mayor of Campeña and the members of the city's senate, in the scorching sun of early August, lined up outside the city to greet an important man, Archduke Leon, of Fieldes.

This group of aristocratic lords waited there early in the morning, waiting for a big man whom they might not see once in their lives, hoping that such hospitality would attract the attention of the other party and win his favor. Although the patriarchs had a firm belief, it was clear that such a battle was not something their pampered bodies could withstand. Soon someone had to call in servants to bring in parasols and deck chairs, and to prepare cool honey water to help them hold out until the arrival of visitors.

When the commander of the Northern Army, Thorde Reims, arrived at the scene, he witnessed the tragic situation of two-thirds of the members of the city senate. Thankfully, however, this situation did not continue. Just half an hour after Soder came over, Leon and the others appeared in people's sight.

"Welcome to Campeña, Your Highness." The mayor humbly greeted the servant after letting his servant quickly wipe the sweat from his face.

"You've done a great job." Leon grinned and shook the mayor's hands.

"Ah, ah, His Royal Highness...... "Many of the senators, who were already "dying", jumped up from their chaise longues and surrounded Leon vigorously.

"Ah, I'm so flattered that Lord Lance has come to greet me." When Leon saw Saud, he immediately left the senators he didn't even know, and opened his arms to embrace his teacher in the art of war.

"I'm glad you can come, Your Highness." Thord bowed to the emperor's agent.

"Please be polite, my dear Lord Lance." Leon hurriedly held the other party.

After observing the Grand Duke's entourage, Thord asked, "Didn't Lord Bavar Hayes come with you?" ”

"Oh, that's right." Leon took Sodra a few steps forward so that no one could overhear their conversation, "Your Majesty was assassinated by the remnants of the Rossi family in Rorsbuna, and Lady Hayes was wounded to protect Her Majesty, and Lord Hayes has taken leave to go south because he is worried about her injuries. ”

"So that's the case, then now the daily affairs of the Praetorian Guard and the Central Army will have to worry about His Highness again."

"Yes, so I have temporarily appointed Mistress Cizer Bertrand to take the place of Mistress Hayes."

"That's so......," Thord felt a little uneasy, "Lord Bertrand is indeed a meritorious man who has won the trust of His Majesty. ”

Under the Mastar system, the Janissaries were directly loyal to the Emperor. Although there was a position of commander of the Praetorian Guard, in fact, only two people in the history of Mastar held this position: Titus the Great, who captured Parello, and Constantine I, who married the daughter of the Leusian family. Both of them held this position after being confirmed as crown princes, which had a lot to do with the political situation at the time. The vacancy was largely due to Emperor Mastar's taboo against the irregularities that emerged in the later part of the Yartikat Empire, in which the Praetorian Guard frequently supported, deposed, and killed the Emperor.

According to the general practice, the commander-in-chief of the five front armies will receive the post of "deputy commander of the Praetorian Guard", and some important ministers or ministers favored by the emperor will also be given this position. However, except for the commander of the Central Army, this position is just a fictitious title for others to symbolize honor, because only the commander of the Central Army needs to handle some of the daily affairs of the Praetorian Guard for the emperor. For example, such trivial things as paying salaries and arranging shifts.

And now, Bavar Hayes, who has been in charge of this job, has left his post temporarily. Thord also knew that the acting Cizer had played a crucial role in quelling the rebellion of the Rossi family, but was this candidate also approved by Her Majesty the Empress? Even if he was aware of these problems, as it was in the habit of Todd, he would not ask any more questions about it. He was a pure military man who didn't want to get too involved in troublesome politics.

"What is the purpose of His Highness's visit to Campeña this time?" Thord changed the subject.

"I'm here mainly to inspect the defense of the northern border," Leon paused, "and you should know that our contract with the Pharians is about to expire. ”

"What does Your Highness mean?"

"You should also know that during this time, Your Majesty should be able to take care of your body with peace of mind, and try not to make extraneous branches."

"I understand that...... The Northern Army also needed enough time to adapt after being reorganized. ”

"But......" Leon paused again.

"But?"

"But we can't be too wishful thinking, do you say, Count Reims?"

"I understand what you mean, but I think it's very unlikely that the Pharansis will want to make trouble. You should also know that according to the information we have received, the four regiments of the rebellion have not been restored since the suppression of the rebellion in Falunsi three years ago. Although they had newly formed the Thirteenth Legion, commanded by Admiral Chyna Lanfonte, it seemed to be only half a legion. Personally, I do not think there is any indication that the Falencians have any intentions against our country. Sood analyzed.

"My dear Earl, so it seems so at the moment. But is the prime minister of Farency the kind of honest and loyal man? We all know how cunning and deceitful he is. If there are only 10 kinds of tricks in the world, then at least 8 are what Sogreand Lues is good at. Therefore, it is better for us to be careful in everything. ”

"You have a point...... "Although Todd felt that His Highness the Grand Duke was exaggerating a little, it was inconvenient to accuse him for well-known reasons.

"Your Highness," said the chief of the guard of Leon, "the senators ask you to move to the town hall, where they have prepared a lunchtime feast for you. ”

"Oh, so be it, the senators, please go first, and Count Reims and I will be there later."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"So, dear Earl, will you walk with me in the light?" Leon extended an invitation to the commander-in-chief of the Northern Army.

"Not an honor, Your Highness." Thord owes himself and boards the carriage with Leon.

The noon banquet was as boring as usual, and Sod had always been quite uncomfortable with this kind of social occasion, but this time, because of Leon's face, he did not plan to leave early as usual.

About the end of the meal, when it was time to taste the refreshment, Soder felt that it was too early and that he had fulfilled his duty in terms of etiquette, so he took his leave to Leon.

"Is the Earl leaving so early? I'd like to keep you a little longer. ”

"I have to rush back to rectify military affairs, and I really can't stay any longer."

"That's the right thing, tomorrow I'm going to the army to reward the three armies, and I'm going to have to bother the Earl to do the work for me."

"That's the next duty."

Thord took his leave and walked towards the door, when a waiter came up with a bottle of freshly opened wine.

Seeing this, the mayor hurriedly greeted him and said, "Lord Earl, the road to the barracks here is far away, and the weather is so hot, you might as well drink this cup again, so as not to feel thirsty in the place where there is no shop in front of the village on the way, and you will find trouble again." ”

"You've got a point." Thord didn't refuse such a well-intentioned courtesy, "Then I'll take the liberty of asking for another cup to quench my thirst." ”

"You're so polite," said the mayor, "and pour the Earl a drink." ”

Thord took the glass from the waiter's hand, drank it with his head up, then put it down, thanked his master, and prepared to leave. However, as soon as he stepped out of the door, he didn't take a few steps when he immediately felt a cramping pain in his abdomen. At first, he thought that his stomach might not be suitable for such a high-end meal, but then the pain intensified. Thord clutched his abdomen tightly, and in a matter of seconds, beads of sweat were already on his forehead.

He stretched out his right hand to find a wall to support it, but by this time his senses had begun to paralyze, and his outstretched right hand fell into the air. The body that lost its center of gravity immediately fell like a wall.

"Lord Lance!" The two guards who were about to come forward to greet him screamed and pounced in surprise.

Of course, this uproar attracted the attention of everyone at the banquet, when they just turned their heads to the door to find out what was going on. With a "bang", one of the patriarchs stood up tremblingly, his movements so twisted that he knocked his chair to the ground.

"This wine...... This wine ...... Ah......h

Then another senator let out a short, low voice and slowly tilted from his chair to the side.

"That freshly opened bottle of wine is poisonous! Guards, call the doctor at once, and cordon off the kitchen, no one at today's banquet is allowed to leave without my orders, go! Leon seemed to be the first to react, and quickly gave the order.

Half an hour later, martial law and curfew were declared throughout Campenia. A brigade of the Northern Army marched into the city and blocked all access to the city.

In the evening of the same day, the entire Northern Army received this order: "On August 5, 348 in the continental calendar, the commander of the Northern Army, Count Soder Reims, was poisoned by unknown elements, and although he was out of danger of life, he was still in a coma. At this moment, he will be temporarily represented by His Majesty's sole agent, Archduke Leon Fieldes. I hope that all colleagues will stick to their respective posts, and we will never give up until the murderer is thoroughly investigated and liquidated. – Leon Fieldes"

August 4, 348 Continental Gregorian Calendar, Iberia, Debans.

"What you say is true, can your country really launch an attack on Farensi in the middle of this month?"

"I dare not deceive you, honorable King of Iberia."

"So, what does your country need us to do?" Overwhelm said, spreading her hands.

"Of course, my country hopes that your country can help us to launch a flanking attack on France."

"Together? Your Majesty the Empress was a man of great peace in the first place, Your Excellency Bertrand. "Overwrit.

"But now His Highness the Grand Duke has extended an invitation to you, hasn't he?" Cizer replied, "Our Grand Duke's Highness only wishes to be able to destroy Sogre Julius of Falency head-on, and as for the barren lands to the north, that is not what he is considering. Or could a single Phalencian Third Army, led by Sogrend Luus, hold the whole of Iberia to a standstill? ”

"Interesting assumption, Lord Bertrand."

"Well, Your Majesty Overwrit, we have no expectation of reaching any agreement with your country. It's just that, as a friendly country, I should inform your country in advance before taking some big moves. As for what your country is willing to do, that is no longer up to us. ”

"Well, then, I'm going to take my leave." Cizer owed a debt to the King of Iberia and left without hesitation.

After the Mastars left, the Prime Minister spoke up: "My Majesty, what do you think? ”

Ofriet sneered, "What a magnificent fantasy to destroy Thorgrande Leus from the front. ”

"So we're on the sidelines?"

"No, I don't want to load wheat and olive oil on the ships of Zigner and Hertz in vain, and my lovely lords will not pass up an opportunity to fight for profit and honor."

"So, your majesty wants to?"

"Go and ask General Garcia."

August 9, 348 Continental Gregorian Calendar, Farensi, Caiunescu.

Saugland was once again invited by Captain Jayne Beta to discuss with the Queen in the afternoon. When he walked into the darkroom of the soundproof study, he saw Margaret's beautiful forehead wrinkled with troubled folds.

"Your Majesty, Marshal Henry." Old Henry nodded to him.

"You're here, Lyus." Seeing him, the queen smiled a little relieved.

"Officer Beta, let's start briefing."

"On 5 August, Count Thorde Reims, commander of the Northern Army of Marstar, was poisoned while attending a banquet welcoming the Grand Duke of Leon Field, and two other members of the Municipal Senate were killed, eleven of whom were poisoned to varying degrees. The Count of Reims is out of danger, but according to official news from Marstar, he is still unconscious for the time being, and the Northern Army is temporarily under the command of Archduke Field. On the night of 5 August, martial law was imposed throughout the city. In the early morning of August 6, a city-wide manhunt began, and our team in Campeña was destroyed, 12 of the 15 personnel were exposed, 11 were killed, and 1 was wounded and then sneaked back to Iva. According to the report of the Shurasa working group, the Mastar side was not aware of the infiltration of our Ninth Legion, but they did detect the activities of the Campeña working group. ”

"Officer Beta, a report on the mistakes of the Campeña task force will be compiled and given to me as soon as possible." The queen commanded.

"Yes, Your Majesty, regarding this omission, Wechen applies for punishment."

"Ryushyun?"

"A fine of half a year, a demote to one rank, and a temporary substitute for the original position." Sogrend immediately voiced his opinion.

"That's it."

So, what's going on here? First of all, I haven't heard of any plans to assassinate the Count of Reims. Secondly, the Mastarians reacted too quickly. Is it ......?"

"Mistress Henry guessed correctly, this is a play directed and acted by the Mastar, and the purpose is very clear - I am afraid that the teacher will be unknown, so I just find an excuse." Saugland said.

"This plan to find excuses is really ruthless, haven't they thought about the consequences of possibly killing their important generals?" Margaret said it was hard for her to imagine such an end-for-all approach.

"No, Your Majesty, this operation is a two-bird plan. But at the same time, we know that some of the upper echelons of Mastar are on a very big adventure. ”

"How?"

"If the upper echelons of Mastar agree on a war against our country, then why make such a big fuss, as long as Count Reims hides himself for a while, and then just pull a few death row prisoners to do it. But this time the Mastarians did a real trick, and it was planned for a long time. They, of course, first of all, want to wage war on our country with dignity; On the other hand, I am afraid that they want to eliminate the potential obstacle Count Reims first. Count Reims was in a coma and was seriously ill for a period of time, and if he died, the man behind him would only lament that he was unlucky. Thorgrande analyzed.

"So ......"

"Marshal Henry, please gather the 1st and 2nd Army Corps and go to Parello, this is an absolutely necessary move." The queen commanded decisively.

"Yes, Your Majesty, the Thirteenth Legion, as a reserve, must also be ready as soon as possible." Old Henry said, "Lord Leus, I am going to sign the mobilization order for the mobilization of the original members of the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Legions, do you have anything to add?" ”

"Not at all, Lord Henry."

"The Mastarians will regret provoking war so easily." So declared the old marshal.