A Tale of Strategies For the Throne

【wait me back. 】

Garlan sat on the ground in a daze. Over ten days had passed, and Heymos had been gone for a long time, but the man's whispers that night still seemed to be echoing in his ears.

If that person had said such words with a strong attitude and a strong tone, Garlan would definitely have thrown them out of his mind unceremoniously, but the tone in which Heymos said these words was really... …

It is really……

Garlan didn't even know how to describe it.

【……I beg you. 】

The tone seemed to be begging for his mercy, showing a sense of powerlessness, and even mixed with a little trace of pain. The last word could not suppress the trembling sound that oozes out, making the heart of the listener tremble. one time.

No matter what, people can't say no to it.

And that voice has been echoing in my mind for the past few days, and I can't get rid of it.

Garlan raised his hand and pressed it on his chest, as if the uncomfortable feeling of being pinched tightly by something still remained here.

…………

A huge mane-covered head reached out and arched him. Garlan came back to his senses, looked at the big lion rubbing against him, and couldn't help but smile.

He was sitting on the ground, and the big lion Nega was lying on his stomach, his big head resting on his knees, squinting his eyes and enjoying his stroking.

As soon as he stopped stroking the hand that was combing the long mane just now, Nega arched him dissatisfiedly, motioning him to continue.

Temporarily burying the matter of Heymos in his heart, Garlan smiled, put his arms around Nirgana's dangling head, and rubbed it vigorously twice.

Nega didn't care about being rubbed, and pressed the tip of his wet nose against Garlan's cheek.

Garlan's eyes were bent, he buried his face in the fluffy mane, rubbed it, and then he looked up at the sky.

It's time for the noon break, and he has to finish the task for this afternoon.

"Okay, Nega, it's time for you to go back."

Garlan said, standing up.

The big lion then stood up, biting the hem of his clothes and refusing to let go, staring at him, obviously not having enough fun with him.

Garlan smiled and patted its head.

"Nega, I still have things to do. If you are obedient, I will play with you tomorrow, okay?"

As if he understood Garlan's words, Nega hesitated for a moment, then let go, and Garlan kissed it as a reward, and asked someone to take it back to the lion garden.He went back to his room, changed his simple and comfortable loose clothes, and changed into a brand new one under the service of the maid.

Although it is also a light-colored dress, the pure golden gold thread embroidery on the corners and cuffs of the clothes glistens in the sunlight, and the erect neckline on the neck is dotted with fine gemstones.

The golden-like long hair was combed into a few strands, and the crown of golden malachite with laurel branches and leaves was tied on the head.

The snow-white cloak was clasped around the shoulders with pure gold chains, and platinum tassels hung from the chest.

Sunlight fell into the room from the skylight, and fell on the crown prince who raised his hand casually to throw back his cloak. He walked out, with several hollow or smooth gold rings on his snow-white wrists and calves. , When moving, occasionally those golden rings collided, making a little crisp golden sound.

Taputi looked at the prince she had carefully dressed, nodded in satisfaction, then stood at the door smiling and watched her little prince leave.

"Lord Kehoes, please protect the prince."

She said to the blond knight passing by her.

That was a sentence she would say to Kehoes every time she sent her prince out, and she had repeated it countless times.

If it were someone else, they would definitely be bored, but Kaihos, who has been earnestly nodding to Taputi as a reply for ten years, then quickly followed the prince's footsteps.

As soon as he walked out the door, someone greeted him.

"Brother!"

His eyes lit up as soon as he saw Garlan, Xin Yas ran to Garlan quickly, showing a bright smile.

"Brother, where are you going?"

Xinyasi's name for Garlan has been changed long ago. The reason is that Shemuer overheard Xinyasi calling each brother, and his face turned dark immediately, and he grabbed Xinyasi fiercely. The scolding lasted for half an hour, until the young man became listless, looking pitifully at Garlan and begging for help.

Garlan looked away and pretended not to see it. You know, he himself was scolded by Ximuer from time to time, so he couldn't save people.

After that time, Xinyas changed his address to Garlan. In public places where there are many people, he will call "Your Highness the Crown Prince" like everyone else, and when there are few people and get along in private, he will call "Master Brother." '.

"I can't accompany you today, Xinyas. I have to inspect a project outside the city in the afternoon."

Like a big black dog with both ears loosened, the big guy was languid, with a look of disappointment on his face.

However, in the next second, Xin Yas seemed to think of something, and his eyes lit up.

"Brother, I will go with you, okay?"

He said, looking at Garlan expectantly, while speaking, he raised one of his arms as a sign.

"Look, I'm very strong, and I have great strength. I can be your bodyguard to protect you."

The arms raised by the burly young man were as thick as Garlan's two arms, and they were covered with strong muscles. They bulged up as soon as he exerted force, and the corners of Garlan's eyes couldn't help but twitch. .

It stands to reason that Heymos also trains almost to the limit every day, and he has also developed a tight muscle, but his arms are not so thick... How did his younger brother develop such a bear-like physique?

But this boy with a figure like a bear was looking at him with a pair of bright eyes like Bambi at this moment, begging him.

This sense of disobedience really made the back of Garlan's neck slightly numb.

"Brother?"

"Understood, you can follow along, but you must be obedient."

"it is good!"

So Xinyas, who got Garlan's permission, happily followed.

…………

Garlan's itinerary this afternoon was to inspect a temple under construction.

Temple of Sorga, god of wisdom.

Located outside the city, it is the intersection of three towns.It can be said that this Temple of Wisdom was built for these three towns.

Because the temple of Solga, the God of Wisdom, is not only for believers to worship, but another most important function is to teach knowledge.The priest of the God of Wisdom will give lectures in the temple every week. At that time, the people of Aaron Landis who have the status of common people or above can go to the school of the temple to study.

This Temple of Wisdom was built next to a mountain, close to a short mountain, and the stones used to build the temple were mined directly from the short mountain.

When Garlan and his party came here, the officials in charge of this construction site were waiting outside early to welcome them.Behind the officials are the captain of the guard who is in charge of public security, the supervisor who oversees the progress of the entire project, the chief craftsman who manages the craftsmen, and the officials who control the slaves.

When they saw the figures coming galloping on horseback, the officials who supervised the temple took the lead and led the people behind them to kneel on the ground and salute the crown prince.

The reins were pulled up, and the white steed let out a long neigh, raised its front hooves, and stopped.

The young man turned over and dismounted neatly, and the snow-white cloak flew up behind him like spreading wings.

He stood, raised his hand, and asked everyone to stand up.

After getting permission, everyone who got up stood up and looked up at Garlan. Most of them's eyes lit up.

The young Dauphin stands on the ground.

He is obviously bathed in the sun like everyone else, there is no difference, but for some reason, perhaps because of that bright blond hair, only the figure of the young man seems to be surrounded by the sun, like a luminous body, which makes people Can't look away.

It was as if the crown prince was loved by the brilliance of the sun.

People can't help but think of the rumor that the crown prince is favored by the sun god Shamash.

The leading official walked up to Garlan, bowed slightly, stretched out a hand, and asked Garlan to enter the construction site with a smile.

Garlan nodded slightly, and walked inside.

The crowd naturally rushed up and followed closely behind him, and Kaihos naturally led the guards around Garlan's body at every step.

In the crowd, someone's eyes darkened, and they followed him calmly.

The temple has been built for some time, and it has begun to take shape.

Numerous columns with lotus leaf patterns rise from the ground and stand on the ground.

On the side of the cliff, smooth stone platforms have risen up against the cliff, one level after another.

On the top of the stone platform, a platform is condescending, overlooking the earth.

That's where the altar is.

When he first entered the construction site, Xin Yasi had been happily following Garlan's side, following every step, sticking very tightly.

He is so strong that he blocked most of Garlan's side by himself, separated everyone else, and made some people who wanted to squeeze into the crown prince's side stare blankly, but he didn't realize it, and only cared about talking to the prince. Gallan spoke.

Seeing Xin Yasi's silly appearance, Garlan couldn't help laughing, but if this continues, the officials on the construction site won't be able to get through, and they won't be able to speak, so he winked at Kaihos

Kaihos stepped forward, pulled Xinyas away from Garlan's side, whispered a few words to him, Xinyas touched his head, and nodded honestly.

He followed behind, looking helplessly at Garlan who was surrounded by people, and then he got really bored, so he turned his head and looked around.

Inadvertently, he turned his head, and happened to see the cliff on the side where the altar was built, and there seemed to be a figure swaying above it.

It was just a random sweep, and Xin Yas didn't pay much attention to it. Seeing that Garlan was surrounded by people and walked away, he quickly chased after him.

Garlan walked slowly forward in the construction site of the temple, and the officials in charge followed him, reporting to him the progress of the temple's construction, and some people answered a few words from time to time.

Wherever they passed, the busy people put down their work one after another, knelt down on the ground, and looked at Garlan who passed by them with bright eyes.

It was a great honor for the Dauphin to visit the temple under construction.

Garlan looked around and saw that the construction site was full of people.

On the left side, in the place where the dust is flying, there are countless craftsmen who are carefully carving stone pillars, bricks, or small statues of gods. Lifelike stone statues, large or small, are born in their hands.

On the right side, the rhythmic shouts of the slaves spread resoundingly in the sun. Dozens of slaves with big arms and round waists were carrying thick ropes. walking.

The rope was tightly strangled into the flesh, leaving heavy marks.

Behind these slaves who were desperately moving forward, a huge stone of tens of square meters moved forward a little bit on the circular log spread out on the ground, and was dragged inside along the log.

On the other side, another group of people chanted slogans and worked together to pull a huge column up with a rope.

The entire construction site was full of noisy sounds, and the shouts, shouts, and voices of countless people gathered together, making it very lively.

Garlan turned around and got a general idea of ​​the construction progress of the temple, which was a little faster than expected.

So he didn't say anything, just smiled and praised, seeing that it was getting late, he planned to leave and return to the palace.

With the affirmation of his merits by the crown prince, the local official in charge was naturally in a good mood. He had just said a few words of modesty, and when he was about to send the crown prince away, an official behind him suddenly spoke.

"Your Highness, why don't you go to the altar to have a look before you leave?"

The official suggested with a flattering smile.

"If you can go to the altar, everyone can see your noble figure there."

The altar is built on the mountain, it is the highest point of the whole temple, and it is also the place where it was first built.

Standing there, you can overlook the entire temple grounds.

"No need, I..."

Garlan shook his head, and was about to refuse, but several officials who accompanied him thought it was a good idea and tried to persuade him.

"Your Highness, the altar has been built. It is very strong and it is the highest point here."

"Yes, Your Highness, the time is just right now, and it would be good to go up and see the afterglow of the sunset."

"If everyone can see your appearance, it will definitely bring great encouragement to everyone."

Everyone smiled and persuaded me every word.

After all, going to the altar at the highest point will allow the crown prince to overlook the entire temple site and clearly see the results of their hard work.

"Standing on the altar, you can overlook the entire temple. Your Royal Highness, the God of Wisdom, Solga, must also hope that you will be the first person to climb this altar."

"Yes, everyone here also hopes to let you, the crown prince, see with your own eyes the temple we built little by little."

Everyone was persuading, Garlan thought for a while, walking inside the temple construction site, he could only see part of it, and he really wanted to see the whole picture of the temple, so he nodded and agreed.

Surrounded by everyone, he climbed up to the altar built against the mountain.

The altar is indeed very high, and the steps to the altar are all horizontal and slanted, closely leaning against the mountain wall, showing a zigzag shape, until the last step of the altar is the forward step.

When they reached the last inclined ladder, everyone stopped on the platform of this level.

Even if the temple has not yet been built, but the altar has been built, not everyone is eligible to set foot on the altar.

Everyone stopped, only Garlan walked up with Kaihos.

Standing on a high altar, Garlan looked down at this huge temple that had already taken shape. The sun had slowly sunk into the horizon, and the fiery red sunset shrouded the earth.

When he stood on the altar and looked down, he could see countless people on the construction site still busy in the setting sun. He turned his head and saw the clusters of burning clouds in the sky.

Garlan lost his mind for a moment.

The fiery red color dyed with golden light inexplicably reminded him of the eyes Heymos stared at him that night.

He was absent-minded for only a moment, and he quickly came to his senses, shaking his head, and shook off the pair of golden-red eyes that appeared in his mind.

He turned his head, intending to walk down the steps and leave the altar.

It was a little late, and it was time for him to return to the palace.

The night wind picked up and lifted Garlan's blond hair. The moment he stepped on a stone step——

Boom!

A loud bang.

He saw the terrified faces of the people on the platform below.

boom boom --

The huge roar seemed to be right next to his ears, it was deafening, and even the altar under his feet vibrated under the huge roar.

"His Royal Highness Garlan!"

"The crown prince—"

The screams of the terrified crowd were all drowned in the huge roar, and they were crushed to pieces.

Garlan turned his head.

His pupils suddenly dilated.

A rolling stone as huge as a small house rolled down the sloping hillside with a rumbling sound.

It crushed countless protruding rocks along the way, entraining countless gravel, and swooped down towards the altar with a majestic momentum like a mountain torrent and a tsunami.

Wherever it goes, trees are broken, vines and grass are turned into paste, and everything is crushed into powder by it.

Just a moment later, it will crush Garlan on the altar abruptly——

On the altar, there is nowhere to hide.

Both sides are suspended in the air, and the height of tens of meters is daunting.

"prince!"

A hand reached out and grabbed his hand.

It's Keyhors.

His guardian knight led him quickly to the stone steps ahead.

There is only one ladder directly in front of them, and only when they reach the next platform can they turn to the stairs in the other direction and avoid the rolling stones.

But Garlan knew it was too late.

This section of stairs leading to the altar was too long, and the huge rolling stone was behind him, he could even feel the steps under his feet vibrating crazily.

The roar followed like a shadow, like the footsteps of death chasing after him——

He turned his head, and his golden pupils reflected the huge rolling stone roaring down from the hillside like a monster.

The rolling stone has fallen on the altar.

After a few seconds, it will charge fiercely, crushing everything in front of it——

Suddenly, someone rushed past him.

Garlan opened his eyes wide.

He watched as the person who rushed up raised his hands and pressed on the rolling stone, unexpectedly he forcibly resisted the rolling stone that rushed down.

Even though his figure was not even half the height of the huge rolling stone, he insisted on supporting the boulder rolling from the top of the mountain with both hands.

The man's arms supporting the boulder were already muscled up, tense as hard as steel.

The huge impact force of the rolling stone made the man's feet drag two deep marks on the bluestone platform.

Even, where the man's feet stepped, the stones had been cracked, crushed and dented.

The area of ​​the altar was silent for a moment, only countless gravels were still rolling down.

Everyone opened their mouths for a long while but couldn't come back to their senses.

What a divine power it is to forcibly withstand a boulder the size of a house rolling down from the top of the mountain.

Even Keyhos, who saw this scene, was dumbfounded.

Ask yourself, he absolutely can't do it.

There are not many people in this world who can do it.

This is something that only those who are protected by the gods and endowed with natural supernatural powers can do.

And this person...

Xin Yas breathed a sigh of relief after using all his strength to support the huge rolling stone and confirming that it stopped rolling.

He turned his head, showing a bright smile.

"Brother, let me block the stone for you~~"

The young man who supported the falling boulder with his own strength had a bright smile on his face, and there was a vague tail behind him, shaking vigorously at his elder brother.

To praise, to praise, to be patted by the elder brother~~