A Tale of Strategies For the Throne

Kanal, is a blessed country.

Its land is located on the plains, the terrain is single, the land is fertile, countless rivers are like a net covering the land, and the cultivated land never lacks water sources for irrigation.

The country has a mild climate and natural disasters such as droughts and floods are rare.Most of the grain crops are harvested twice a year, and a good harvest can be obtained every year.Moreover, due to the abundance of water resources and the well-developed fishery, famines rarely occur.

Moreover, the location of Kanal is also very good.

It faces the sea in the south, the great country of Aaron Landis with a long history in the east, and the country of Tasda in the northeast.

Although one of these two countries is famous for its cavalry and the other for its infantry, because Aaron Landis has always had good relations with Kanal, the country of Tasda, which has a close relationship with Aaron Landis, also followed suit. Kanal has a good relationship, so the three countries have a close relationship and there has never been a war.

Its southwest is a wide strait, the climate of this strait is changeable, there are violent storms at any time, and sailing is extremely dangerous, so it forms a natural barrier.

In the northeast of Kanal, although there are several countries bordering it, they are all small countries and pose little threat to Kanal.Moreover, with the powerful militarily powerful Aaron Landis and Tasda as friendly countries, those small countries dare not act rashly.

Therefore, Kanal has not experienced war for more than 200 years.

The Karnal kings of all dynasties are actually very fortunate that the neighboring country of Karnal is Aaron Landis, not Is and Gashu.

These two countries, which are not weak in military strength, are extremely aggressive towards other countries and like to plunder others, were blocked by Aaron Landis, which allowed the country of Kanal to be stable.

It can even be said that if Aaron Landis did not separate Yisi and Geshu, Kanal would have been in constant wars and frequent wars.

The current king of Kanal has been on the throne for more than ten years. Although he is not said to be wise and powerful, he is also a king with a clear mind.

He knows very well that Aaron Landis is an extremely important protective wall for his country.Therefore, more than ten years ago, when the tragic war that threatened life and death broke out in Aaron Landis, he resisted all opinions and generously sold countless food, grass and armaments like running water at an ultra-low price that was almost free. It was transported to Aaron Landis, and people contributed their efforts to provide all kinds of support to the army of King Kamos at that time in terms of logistics.

Aaron Landis survived, and King Feinoa also heaved a sigh of relief.

He knew in his heart that if Aaron Landis was really wiped out by Yisi and Geshu, it would be difficult for Kanal's weak military power to resist those two aggressive countries.

However, no matter what his purpose was, he did give Aaron Landis great help during the most difficult period of time for Aaron Landis, and thus made the relationship between the two countries even closer.

King Phinoa himself also admired the lion king who was much younger than himself. He always regretted that he did not have a queen sister, otherwise he would be able to marry her to King Kamos.

……

It was another sunny day, the sun was shining all over the earth, just because it had entered winter, even if there was plenty of sunshine, the weather would inevitably turn cooler.

The royal city of Kanal is located in the middle of the country, and the climate change is more obvious. At this moment, the people in the royal city have already put on thick clothes.

The white palace stands in the royal city, and it is formed by the gathering of hemispherical towers.

The snow-white and flawless beautiful building is shining in the sun, and it is a grand sight in the royal city.

Influenced by Kanal's culture, most of Kanal's buildings tend to be refined and elegant. This royal palace gathered all the skillful craftsmen of Kanal at the beginning, and it was built beautifully, like a large-scale artwork.

In a garden deep in the palace, there is a white pavilion surrounded by streams, reflecting the sun, making it a beautiful place.

A young boy was running around on the grass, jumping up and down, and waving the short sword in his hand vigorously.

He had obviously been tossing and tossing for a while, and a layer of sweat was dripping from his forehead in such a cool weather.

He swung the sword happily, but suffered from those servants who ran around with him, they had to watch him carefully all the time, for fear that he would fall or get injured, and they were already sweating profusely from exhaustion.

"Sia."

A clear voice sounded from the side, the little boy turned his head, his eyes lit up, and he ran towards the person who called him with a smile.

The servants breathed a sigh of relief when they saw the person coming.

"Sister Wang!"

The little prince of Kanal shouted happily.

The girl in a thick long skirt knelt down and gently wiped the sweat off the boy's forehead with a white towel. She looked at her brother with a gentle smile on her face.

She asked softly, "Xia, are you tired?"

"Not tired! This is nothing, I will be a great hero in the future!"

The little prince waved the dagger in his hand and shouted,

"I want to become a very powerful general. Together with Wami, I will fight for the king's brother. Whoever refuses to admit that I am a hero, and whoever is not convinced, I will beat him up—"

As if to prove his words, he turned his head to ask his friend at the side for advice.

"Wami, do you think so?"

"Yes, Prince West Asia and I will both be generals in the future."

Next to him, a thick-headed boy who was about the same age as the little prince nodded vigorously.

The girl smiled, and she patted her brother's head.

"A person who bullies others is not a hero."

she says,

"A real hero exists to protect important people."

The little prince tilted his head, his big blue eyes flickering like his sister's, with a half-understanding look on his face.

"So, if I can protect you, Sister Wang, can I become a great hero?"

Before the girl could answer, a burst of laughter came from behind.

"That's right, as long as you protect your sister Wang well, you can become a hero."

King Phinoa, who was laughing loudly, walked over quickly and hugged his youngest son.

He turned around and sat down on the bench next to him, letting his beloved little son sit on his lap, then smiled and looked up at his beloved daughter.

"Olya, did you hear what your brother said about that?"

The long eyelashes moved, and a bit of shyness appeared on the girl's gentle face, and then she quickly returned to her previous look, and nodded meekly.

"Olia, although this is a marriage to make Kanal and Aaron Landis closer, but you are also my beloved daughter, and I will not wrong you."

King Phenoa said earnestly,

"Before I proposed marriage, I sent people to investigate carefully. Although Aaron Landis' crown prince Gallan is two years younger than you, he is extremely handsome and intelligent since he was a child. He is known as a wise man and is very popular. Supported and loved by the people, he is a very good person. Moreover, he has a gentle temperament and will definitely treat you very well."

Olya shook her head.

"Father, I don't feel wronged."

As the princess of Kanal, since she has enjoyed the honor, she should naturally shoulder the responsibility of being a member of the royal family.

Although she has a quiet personality and doesn't like to talk much, she has a smart mind and knows that the marriage with the Aaron Landis royal family will be of great help to Kanal.

King Phinoa patted his beloved daughter's hand in relief. He knew that his daughter was always sensible.

However, King Phinoa and Olia had no objection, but the little prince who was sitting on his father's lap suddenly jumped down.

"No! I don't agree! Sister Wang can't marry that far!"

Because the princess died young, the little prince Xia was brought up by Aurea. For Xia, Aurea is both a sister and a mother. King Finoia also knew that Xia would be reluctant to marry Aurea far away, so he didn't say anything. He just patted Sia on the head with a smile, telling him to be quiet.

"Olya, this is the portrait of the crown prince sent by an envoy sent by King Kamos."

Passing the picture scroll he brought to his daughter, King Phinoa sat beside him, looking at Olia with a smile.

Before Olia took the scroll and opened it, she was snatched away by the angry Xia.

"Sister Wang, I disagree. I heard that Prince Aaron Landis has never even been on the battlefield. He is limp and may be ugly. Otherwise, Sister Wang, you should marry Prince Heymos?"

The child pursed his lips, opened the picture scroll, and chattered endlessly to smear the crown prince who made him dislike him.

If Miss Wang must marry Aaron Landis, she might as well marry the black knight whom he especially admires.

One must know that his greatest wish now is to become a powerful knight who will be feared in bloody battles like the Black Knight.

"Prince Heymos is a great hero on the battlefield. He is very powerful. He must be much more handsome than that ugly prince—"

The words came to an abrupt end here, and the beautiful blond boy on the picture scroll that Xia casually unfolded made Xia feel as if her throat had been choked, and she could no longer utter any slanderous words.

If this Prince Garlan is ugly, then there will probably be no good-looking people in this world.

In any case, Xi Ya couldn't do anything like open his eyes and talk nonsense.

Even the indifferent Olya's eyes lit up slightly when she saw the portrait.

She will take on her responsibilities as Princess Kanal, and no matter who the other party is, she will marry her according to her father's will.

However, it is human nature to like beautiful things, so now that she saw the portrait of the crown prince, she couldn't help but take a second look.

Olya has always been praised by everyone for her gentle beauty, but now she feels that in terms of beauty, she may not be as good as the crown prince.

Xi'an's abrupt yelling made King Phinoa, who was waiting to watch the show, laugh again.

"Just... what's the use of being good-looking! It's not as good as Prince Heymos, Miss Wang, why don't you marry Prince Heymos—"

Then that formidable black knight would be his brother-in-law.

Sia couldn't help thinking.

Maybe he can teach him martial arts and make himself so powerful that he is invincible on the battlefield.

"Enough, Sia!"

King Phenoa's face darkened.

"Prince Garlan is useless? Do you know that when he was the same age as you, he dared to break into the enemy's camp to save his own people and quelled a riot. So big, what have you done so far? How dare you say that he is useless?"

"..."

Xiya was stunned for a moment, and then secretly looked at Sister Wang Olia.

He asked in a low voice: "Did he really do such a powerful thing? Was he really the same age as me?"

Olya nodded with a smile.

Ever since Brother Wang revealed her father's thoughts to her, she secretly asked people to collect information about Crown Prince Garlan.

She thought about it, Crown Prince Garlan would be coming in half a month, if Xia got into trouble because she didn't like him at that time, she might be in trouble, and she had to think of a way.

So, she beckoned, let Xia come over, stretched out her arms to hug him, and told the things she knew about Prince Garlan one by one in a soft voice.

The more Olia talked, the more surprised Xiia became, with an incredulous look on her face.

But even though he was surprised, the more he listened, the more interested he became, and the more he listened, the happier he became, especially when he heard about the bloody battle in Tozes City that happened not long ago, and heard that Garlan was trying his best to save the people of the entire Tozes City. At that moment, the child's little face flushed slightly with excitement.

"This is what you just said, Miss Wang. Only those who can protect everyone can be called heroes?"

"Yes."

Olia smiled and straightened her brother's temple hair.

She said, "Sia, you have to remember that you are the prince of Kanal, and it is also your responsibility to protect Kanal and the people of Kanal."

"I see, Sister Wang, I will practice martial arts well, and when I grow up, I will protect you and everyone!"

Xiao Xiya opened her eyes and solemnly made a promise to his sister Wang.

That cute little appearance made Olia couldn't help but smiled and kissed her little brother's little face, and rubbed his arms against him.

"Then... when will the crown prince of Aaron Landis come to us?"

Having completely forgotten what she said not long ago, Xi Ya asked eagerly.

After hearing the deeds that Sister Wang said, he couldn't wait to meet that powerful crown prince.

Olia burst out laughing and tapped her little brother on the head.

King Phinoa sat aside, drinking wine comfortably, while watching the interaction between the siblings, the rough face with beards seemed to soften.

The sun shone on everyone in the garden, like a warm halo shrouded this harmonious family.

A gentle and beautiful girl, a lovely child, and a father with loving eyes.

At this moment, the time is quiet, and the warm picture in the courtyard seems to be frozen for eternity at this moment.

However, this beauty was broken by the messy footsteps in the next second.

"His Majesty!"

The guards who came hastily knelt down and knelt down in front of King Feinoa.

"Urgent military situation! The Gastadians have invaded the northeastern border of our country!"

"what!"

King Phinoa stood up abruptly.

He asked in astonishment: "Gastadians? How could they invade? What about the country of Xida?"

Gastard is a country in the far north.

What shocked King Phinoa was that there were several small countries, including the country of Hida, between Kanal and Gastard.

"Your Majesty, the Kingdom of Xida has been destroyed, and King Xida..."

The kneeling guard lowered his head and paused.

"King Xida was personally killed by Prince Tyr of Gastard on the battlefield."

King Phinoa was taken aback.

"Gastard's...prince... how can Gastard have a prince?"

Repeating this sentence in a low voice, a very serious look appeared on his face.

In the sky, the clouds thickened at some point, hiding the sun under the clouds.

The wind blowing from the far north swept over the silent courtyard at the moment, bringing the chill of winter.

…………

The Garstad Snowfield is located in the extreme north, covered with ice and snow for most of the year, the climate is extremely cold, and the environment is extremely harsh, making it difficult for ordinary people to survive.

Dozens of tribes, large and small, are distributed on the Gasdad snowfield, and other countries generally refer to them as the Gasdad people.

The harsh living environment has created the strong physique, strong will and ferocious temperament of the Gastadians. The Gastadians are extremely brave in battle, like monsters that don't know pain, even if they are seriously injured. Fight tenaciously until the last bit of blood is left.

Facing such terrifying Gastad people, the soldiers of those small countries in the south of the Gastad snow field couldn't fight against them at all.

But fortunately, the people of Gastad are brave and aggressive not only externally, but internally as well.The regime in Gasta Germany is divided severely. The dozens of tribes are basically doing their own thing, and no one obeys the other. They have been fighting endlessly and have no spare power for foreign aggression.

Therefore, countries do not pay much attention to this country with a harsh environment, chaotic regime, and no threat to the outside world.

This has been the case for hundreds of years.

However, when no one knew about it, someone in Gasta Germany quietly ended the internal strife and established a unified regime.

Countries accustomed to ignoring this chaotic country are not aware of it.

No one noticed that a huge ice and snow beast had woken up from its deep sleep.

The terrible monster called War roared, and opened its ferocious mouth to all the kingdoms.

…………

The fighting power of the Gastard army is more terrifying than the rumors, and the Kanal army, which has not experienced war for a long time, is almost collapsed.

In just two days, the army on the northern border of Kanal collapsed across the board, morale collapsed, and countless soldiers fled the battlefield.

The Gastadians quickly captured several cities along the border.

To terrorize the Kanals, they massacred one of the cities that had put up fierce resistance.

Except for the young woman who was plundered as a resource, the entire city was slaughtered by the Gastadians regardless of gender.

On this day, cries and screams resounded through the sky, and the once peaceful and peaceful city became a city of blood.

Countless corpses with broken arms lay in disorder on the blood-stained ground, and the dead looked at the sky in despair with their frightened eyes open.

On this day, the name of the brutality of the Gastad people spread throughout the northern part of Kanal, making the Kanals frightened.

The Kanals have been at ease for too long, and have not seen blood for too long.Frightened by the atrocities of Gastard's army, they could no longer afford to resist.

From then on, wherever Gastard's army went, those city lords either fled or opened the door to surrender.

Gastard's army was unimpeded all the way, quickly occupied the northern part of Kanal, and rushed towards the royal city of Kanal.

All the troops sent by King Feinoa were defeated by them. According to their marching speed, the Gastads would probably be able to reach the royal city of Kanal within four to five days.

Even if King Phenoa had already sent a letter of appeal to Aaron Landis and Tasta, it might be too late.

The news could no longer be concealed, and the people in the royal city panicked.

After receiving the military report that Gastad's army was approaching the king's city, King Phenoa on the throne fell into a long silence.

There was silence in the palace hall, and everyone was silent.

After a long time, King Feinoa closed his eyes, as if he had made up his mind.

Two days later, on the high tower of the snow-white palace, Princess Olya took Xia's hand and watched her father lead the army away.

The cold wind lifted the cloak behind King Feinoa who was riding away, and it seemed as if he could hear the rustling sound of the cloak as it fluttered.

She watched the figure of King Feinoa disappearing on the horizon, and held her brother's hand tightly.

For some reason, a strong sense of unease filled her chest, almost making her unable to breathe.

She closed her eyes and prayed silently in her heart.

Gods of Kanal, bless my father.

Please be sure to bless his return in victory.

"do not be afraid."

Suddenly feeling her hand being clenched, she opened her eyes and looked down to her side.

The young child held her hand vigorously, his eyes full of determination.

"Sister Wang, don't be afraid, I will definitely protect you!"

A sense of sourness rose to the tip of her nose, and Olia felt the corners of her eyes were slightly hot. She resisted it, leaned down, and hugged her younger brother.

O gods of Kanal, protect us.

…………

........................

The gods of Kanal did not hear Olya's prayer.

Three days later, the news came.

King Phenoa died in battle.

His great army was defeated by the Gastadians.

The moment the news came, Olia almost fainted, but she just looked at her younger brother beside her, and she held on tightly.

The king is dead, killed by the Gastadians.

Although the crown prince is still in the city, Gastard's army is already approaching.

Panic broke out completely in the royal city, and countless people tried to escape the city in panic.

But it was too late.

After a day and night, Gastad's army approached the city.

The flames of war ignited in the royal city of Kanal.

The tranquility of the past was like a fragile glazed lamp, which shattered into powder all over the ground in an instant, and could never be put together again.

The iron hooves of the Gastadians stomped on the land of Kanal, and raised their butcher knives at the Kanals.

Everything was so unexpected.

The royal city of Kanal is like a lone boat that has been ravaged by the storm and its sails have broken, and it is crumbling under the fierce impact of Gasdard's army.

The people of Wangcheng hid at home, trembling and crying.

They listened to the sound of fighting resounding through the city, their eyes filled with despair.

Blood stained the once white snow-white walls of Kanal's royal city.

The gods of Kanal seem to have forgotten their people.

Suddenly, among Gasdard's army, a flagpole was raised high, and a head was stuck on the top of the flagpole.

It was the head of a man, with a thick beard covering the lower half of his face.

The Dauphin, who was standing on the wall, drenched in blood, uttered a cry of grief when he saw the head.

Propelled from the flagpole is the head of King Phenoa.

On the tall white tower in the palace, a girl in a light blue dress knelt on the ground, tears streaming down her face.

She covered her mouth with her hands, her long blond hair messily scattered around her tear-stained cheeks.

She seemed to be trying her best not to cry out loud.

Xia, who was standing beside her, hugged her tightly, as if she wanted to support her with her own strength, even though the child's own hands were trembling.

The child's azure blue eyes stared fixedly at the army of Gastadians outside the city, and there was a monstrous anger in his eyes.

The ignorant children used to have their visions and fantasies about the battlefield shattered by reality. Only after experiencing the war firsthand can they know how cruel and terrifying it is.

War brings not only glory, but also tears and pain.

The child finally understood this, but the price was too tragic.

In the next second, West Asia's pupils suddenly shrank into a pinhole.

"Brother Wang!!!"

He yelled, madly, heart-piercingly.

A thrown silver spear pierced through the chest of the crown prince standing on the city wall, his body swayed, and he turned his head to look at the direction of the White Tower for the last time.

The direction of his relatives.

Then, the crown prince of Kanal fell down under the despairing eyes of all the Kanals with an expression of unwillingness.

And almost at the same moment, with a bang, the city gate collapsed, and Gastad's army rushed in like a flood that broke its embankment.

The Kanals, who had collapsed across the board, retreated steadily.

Gastard's army poured into the royal city and rushed towards the palace.

All is said and done.

On the tall white tower, Olia, who witnessed her brother's death and the destruction of the city, stopped crying.

At this moment, the weak girl revealed a resolute look.

She stood up, dragging Xia who was already in a daze, and left this high platform overlooking the whole city.

The Gastadians are approaching the palace.

The Kanal soldiers who were forced to retreat were still trying their best to resist.

In a secret room deep in the palace, a dozen loyal knights who had been selected a few days ago knelt in front of Olia just in case.

"Prince West Asia, please."

The girl said calmly,

"Send the prince to Aaron Landis and go to King Kamos."

The leading knight bowed his head deeply, then stood up and extended his hand to the Prince of West Asia.

"No! Sister Wang! If you don't leave, I won't either!"

"Xia, be obedient, if the two of us leave, the goal is too big to escape."

"I don't care! I said I would protect you, Sister Wang, how could I just run away without you!"

"Sia—"

"I won't go! Even if I die, I will die with Sister Wang!"

"Sia!"

The gentle girl in the past suddenly let out a stern voice, which startled Xiia.

Olia leaned over, squatted in front of Xia, and grabbed Xia's shoulders with both hands.

"Siya, remember, you are the prince of Kanal."

She said, looking at West Asia's azure blue eyes covered with a light layer of water vapor.

"You are the last descendant of the Kanal royal family."

She looked at Xia with a serious look that she had never had before.

"You must survive."

"From now on, the glory of the Kanal royal family will be borne by you alone."

"Xia, escape, survive, and then restore the country and restore the glory of the Kanal royal family."

"This is the responsibility you have to bear, so you must not die here."

Olya reached out and hugged Xia in her arms.

She knew that waiting for this young child in her arms was an extremely painful and difficult future.

She put an extremely heavy burden on Xi Ya's immature shoulders.

But she still gritted her teeth, speaking word by word, tears blurred her eyes.

"So, West Asia, escape, go to Aaron Landis, find King Kamos, and... Crown Prince Garlan, only they can help Kanal drive away those invaders and restore Kanal glory."

"Everything is left to you."

………………

The young prince of Kanal was guarded by the knights and left through the secret passage in the castle.

Olia, who stayed behind, held the prince's costume that Xiya had replaced, took a deep breath, held back the tears in her eyes, and turned her head to look at the little boy who had been standing quietly by the side.

Wami is her younger brother's companion. She grew up with Siya and they are the closest friends.

"Sorry, Wami."

"Please don't apologize, Your Royal Highness, it is my duty to protect the prince."

Wami said while changing into the prince's clothes.

He said, "The prince of West Asia is our last hope."

………………

There was chaos in the royal city, and the people fled in all directions.

The Gastadians were attacking the palace with all their strength, and they had no time to deal with the civilians and let them escape.

The white palace fell into a sea of ​​enemy troops, and the Kanal soldiers guarding the palace were still struggling to resist, making the last struggle.

The whip slammed heavily on the horse's back, and the crazily galloping carriage was shaking violently.

Siah sat in the carriage, listening to the chaotic shouts from outside the carriage, clenched her hands tightly, her nails digging deeply into her palms.

It hurts a lot.

The smile Olya smiled at him with tears in his eyes when he was sent away appeared in his mind. Even though he was on the way to escape, the young boy finally couldn't help it, and lay down on the window and looked back.

The gorgeous white palace was quickly moving away from him.

The child looked at the place where he grew up and let out a low sob.

Suddenly, Xi Ya's eyes widened.

There was a lot of noise, and countless people looked up.

In the middle of the palace, at the top of the tallest white tower, Princess Kanal stood on the high platform, holding a boy in her hand.

Olia stood on the top of the tall tower, overlooking everything below.

Gastard's army was like a black colony of ants, swarming in and devouring this beautiful palace bit by bit.

The sun was still bright, and the golden light shone on the blood-stained white city wall, on the corpses of countless Kanals lying in a pool of blood, and on the calm face of Olia on the tower. .

The north wind was howling, stirring the long skirt on the girl's body and the long golden hair behind her.

At this moment, she seemed to be weak, but with a different kind of tenacity.

The noisy palace suddenly fell silent, and everyone looked up at Olya standing on the tower.

Her gaze fell to a dilapidated carriage running wildly.

She opened her lips and made a soundless sound.

She said, don't forget, Sia, you are the last blood of the Kanal royal family.

"Do not……"

In the speeding carriage, the child's hand holding the window rail was trembling.

He shook his head, his lips quivered, and he made an out of tune sound.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, the Princess of Kanal leaped forward, and brought the 'Prince' she was leading together.

The girl's light blue dress spread out in the air, like flowers blooming high in the sky.

The moment it blooms, it will wither.

Olya fell heavily from the sky.

Miss Wang——! ! !

The child in the carriage bit the back of his hand, and swallowed that heart-piercing cry like a knife into his throat.

Blood oozed from the tips of his teeth little by little.

Under the high tower, the two corpses, one big and one small, had been smashed to pieces, and their original appearance could no longer be seen clearly.

Blood stained the snow-white ground red.

…………

O gods of Kanal.

I sacrifice this flesh and blood to you.

Please protect the last bloodline of the Kanal royal family.

Please protect my brother...

………………

Xia, who was biting the back of his hand fiercely, was trembling all over, and he stared at the tall figure surrounded by everyone in the Gastard army.

Silver-white hair was deeply imprinted in his pupils.

The child's eyes no longer had the innocence and brightness of a few days ago, only the unforgettable pain and the cold flame of hatred remained.

revenge.

To avenge the Gastads who ruined his country.

He wants to survive and kill all those intruders!

Olya's words sounded in West Asia's mind again.

Go to Aaron Landis.

Only Aaron Landis can help us restore our country.

Go to King Kamos, and Crown Prince Garlan——

…………

The wind howled, blowing far to the southeast.

In the royal city of Aaron Landis, Garlan, who was stroking the head of the big lion, was inexplicably moved.

He raised his head and looked in the direction of the wind.

The wind blows the boy's long golden hair away in the air.

The wind blowing from nowhere seemed to faintly bring a bloody aura from far away...