A Tale of Strategies For the Throne

The author has something to say: Long wait, happy New Year~

【wait me back. 】

Garlan sat on the ground in a trance. More than ten days had passed and Heimos had been gone for a long time, but the man's whisper that night seemed to still be echoing in his ears.

If that person had said such words with a strong attitude and a strong tone, Garlan would have definitely thrown it away unceremoniously, but the tone in which Heimos said this 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, with a sense of powerlessness, and even a trace of pain. The last word could not suppress a little vibrato, making the heart of the listener seem to tremble. one time.

No matter what, you can't say no.

And that voice has been echoing in my head for the past few days, lingering.

Garlan raised his hand and pressed it on his chest, which seemed to still have the uncomfortable feeling of being squeezed tightly by something.

…………

A huge maned head stretched out and humped 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 Nerga was lying on his stomach, with his big head resting on his knees, squinting and enjoying his caressing.

As soon as he stopped stroking and combing the long mane, Nerga arched him dissatisfiedly and motioned for him to continue.

Burying the matter of Heimos in his heart for the time being, Garlan smiled, put his arms around Nega's big shaking head, and rubbed it hard twice.

Nerga didn't care about being rubbed and pressed the tip of her wet nose against Garlan's cheek.

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

The lunch break has come, and he has to complete his tasks for this afternoon.

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

Garlan said, standing up.

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

Garlan smiled and patted its head.

"Nega, be good, I still have things to do. If you obey, I will play with you tomorrow, okay?"

As if he understood what Garlan said, Nerga hesitated for a moment and then let go. Garlan kissed it as a reward and had people take it back to the lion park. He went back to his room, changed out of his simple and comfortable loose clothes, and put on a new set of clothes under the service of the maid.

Although the clothes are also light-colored, the pure gold embroidery patterns on the corners and cuffs sparkle in the sun, and the upright collar on the neck is dotted with tiny gems.

A few strands of her long golden hair were combed, and a golden malachite crown of laurel branches and leaves was tied on her head.

The cloak as pure white as snow is fastened to the shoulders with pure gold chains, and white gold tassels hang down from the chest.

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

Tapti looked at the prince who was carefully dressed by her, nodded with satisfaction, then stood at the door and watched her little prince leave with a smile.

"Lord Kehos, please protect the prince."

She said to the blond knight passing by her.

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

If it had been anyone else, he would have been bored, but Caihos continued to do so for ten years, nodding seriously to Tapti in reply, and then quickly followed the prince's footsteps.

As soon as I walked out of the door, someone came to greet me.

"Brother!"

As soon as he saw Garlan, his eyes lit up, and Xinyas ran quickly to Garlan, showing a bright smile.

"Brother, where are you going?"

Xinyas' name for Gallan had already been changed. The reason was that Shermer overheard Xinyas calling him "brother". His face turned dark immediately and he grabbed Xinyas without any courtesy and beat him hard. The reprimand lasted for half an hour, which made the young man wilt. He looked at Garlan with a pitiful expression and asked for help.

Garlan looked away and pretended not to see it. You know, he himself was scolded by Shemuer from time to time, so he had no ability to save others.

After that time, Xinyas's name for Garlan changed. In public places with many people, he would call him "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince" like everyone else. When there were few people and they were getting along in private, he would call him "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 man slumped down and had a look of loss on his face.

However, in the next second, Xinyas seemed to have thought of something, and his eyes lit up.

"Brother, let me go with you, okay?"

He said, looking at Garlan expectantly, and as he spoke, he raised one of his arms to signal.

"Look, I am very strong and very strong. I can be your bodyguard to protect you."

The arms raised by the sturdy young man were as thick as Garlan's two arms, and they were all covered with strong muscles. They bulged with force, and Garlan couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his eyes. .

It stands to reason that Heimos also trains to the extreme every day and has developed a body of tight muscles, but his arms are not so thick... How did his younger brother develop such a bear-like physique?

But this boy with a bear-like figure was looking at him pleadingly with a pair of bright eyes like Bambi.

This sense of dissonance really made the back of Gallan's neck tingle slightly.

"Brother?"

"I know, you can follow me, but you have to be obedient."

"good!"

So, with Garlan's permission, Xinyas followed happily.

…………

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

Temple of Thorga, the 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 in addition to providing worship for believers, the temple of Solga, the God of Wisdom, also has another most important function: teaching knowledge. The priests of the God of Wisdom will teach in the temple every week. At that time, all the people of Aaron Landis with civilian status or above can go to the temple's school to study.

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

When Garlan and his party arrived, the officials in charge of this construction site were waiting outside early to welcome their arrival. Behind the officials were the captain of the guard who was responsible for public security here, the supervisor who was in charge of the progress of the entire project, the chief craftsman who was in charge of the craftsmen, and the officials who were in charge of the slaves.

When they saw the figures galloping towards them on horseback, the officials overseeing 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 horse let out a long neigh, raised its front hooves, and stopped.

The young man turned over and dismounted neatly, his snow-white cloak flying behind him like outstretched wings.

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

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

The young crown prince stood on the earth.

Obviously, he was bathed in the sun like everyone else, and there was no difference. For some reason, perhaps because of his bright blond hair, the young man's figure seemed to be surrounded by the sun, like a luminous body, which made 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 rumors that the crown prince is doted on by the sun god Shamash.

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

Garlan nodded slightly and walked inside.

Naturally, everyone swarmed up and followed him closely, and Caihos naturally led the guards around Garlan.

In the crowd, someone's eyes darkened and he followed them calmly.

The temple has been under construction for some time and has begun to take shape.

Countless columns with lotus leaf patterns rise from the ground, standing above the earth.

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

At the top of the stone platform, a platform stood high, overlooking the earth.

That's where the altar is.

When he first entered the construction site, Xinyas followed Gallan happily, following every step and sticking closely to him.

He was so strong that he blocked most of the people around Garlan alone, and separated everyone else. Some people who wanted to squeeze in around the Crown Prince stared at him, but he was completely unaware and only focused on talking to him. Garlan spoke.

Seeing Xinyas's naive appearance, Garlan couldn't help but laugh. However, if this continued, the officials at the construction site would not be able to get through and would not be able to speak. So, he winked at Kehos.

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

He followed behind and stared longingly at Garlan who was surrounded by people. Later, he felt bored and turned around to look around.

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

It was just a casual sweep, and Xinyas didn't pay much attention. Seeing Gallan walking away surrounded by people, he quickly chased after him.

Garlan walked slowly forward in the construction site of the temple. The official in charge followed him and reported to him the progress of the temple's construction. From time to time, someone would also say a few words.

Wherever they passed, busy people put down their work, knelt on the ground, and looked at Garlan who walked in front of them with bright eyes.

It was a great honor for them to have the Dauphin himself present at the temple which was under construction.

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

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

On the right side, the rhythmic shouts of the slaves spread loudly in the sunshine. Dozens of slaves with thick muscles and round waists carried thick ropes on their backs. In the sun, their skin was rough and dark, and they bent deeply and moved forward step by step. walking.

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

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

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

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

Garlan walked around and got a rough idea of ​​the temple's construction progress, which was a little faster than expected.

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

After receiving the crown prince's recognition of his achievements, the local official in charge was naturally in a good mood. He had just said a few words of humility and was about to send the crown prince off when an official behind him suddenly spoke.

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

The official suggested with a flattering smile.

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

The altar is built against the mountain and is the highest point of the entire temple. It is also the first place where construction was completed.

Standing there, you can overlook the entire temple grounds.

"No need, I..."

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

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

"Yes, Your Highness, the time is just right now. It would be good to go up and watch the sunset."

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

Everyone started persuading me with a smile.

After all, going up to the altar at the highest point would allow the Crown Prince to overlook the entire temple construction 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 can be the first person to ascend this altar."

"Yes, everyone here also hopes that the Crown Prince can see with your own eyes the temple we have built little by little."

Everyone was trying to persuade them, but Garlan thought about it. He could only see part of the temple construction site no matter what, and he really wanted to see the whole temple, so he nodded and agreed.

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

The altar is indeed very high. The steps leading up to the altar are all horizontal and diagonal, tightly leaning against the mountain wall, forming a zigzag shape. The steps up to the last altar are the steps forward.

When they reached the final inclined staircase, everyone stopped on the platform.

Even though the temple has not yet been built, the altar has been built, and not everyone is qualified to step onto the altar.

Everyone stopped, and only Garlan walked up with Kehos.

Standing on the high altar, Garlan looked down at the huge temple that had begun to take 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 in the construction site still busy in the sunset. He turned his head and saw the clusters of burning clouds on the horizon.

Garlan was lost for a moment.

The fiery red color dyed with golden light inexplicably reminded him of Heimos' eyes looking into him that night.

He was unconscious for only a moment, and he quickly woke up, shook his head, and shook away the golden-red eyes that appeared in his mind.

He turned back and planned to walk down the steps and leave the altar.

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

The night wind blew up, lifting the blond hair on Garlan's cheeks. The moment his feet stepped down the stone steps——

Boom!

There was a loud bang.

He saw the horrified faces of everyone on the platform below.

Boom boom boom——

The huge roar seemed to be right next to his ears, deafening, and even the altar under his feet shook from the huge roar.

"Your Highness Garlan!"

"The Crown Prince——"

The screams of the people with frightened faces were all drowned in the huge roar, and they were crushed to pieces.

Garlan turned his head.

His pupils suddenly dilated.

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

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

Wherever it goes, trees break, vines and grass turn into paste, and everything is crushed into powder by it.

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

There is nowhere to hide on the altar.

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 Cayjos.

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

There was only one staircase directly in front of them, and only when they reached the next platform could they turn to the staircase in the other direction to avoid the rolling rocks.

But Garlan knew it was too late.

The steps leading to the altar were too long, and the huge rolling stone was already behind him. He could even feel the steps under his feet vibrating wildly.

The roar follows you like a shadow, like the footsteps of the god of death chasing after you——

He turned his head, his golden eyes reflecting the huge rolling stone roaring down the hillside like a monster.

The rolling stone has fallen on the altar.

After a few seconds, it will rush in ferociously, crushing everything in front of it to pieces——

Suddenly, someone rushed past him.

Garlan opened his eyes wide.

He watched as the man who rushed forward raised his hands and pressed them against the rolling stone, actually holding back the rolling stone that was rushing down.

Even though his figure was less than half the height of the huge rolling stone, he still used both hands to support the huge stone rolling down from the top of the mountain.

The man's arms supporting the boulder had bulging muscles and were as tight as steel.

The huge impact of the rolling stone caused the man's feet to drag out two deep marks on the bluestone platform.

Even where the man's feet stepped on, the stones were cracked, shattered and sunken.

The altar was completely silent for a moment, with only countless gravel still rolling down.

Everyone opened their mouths for a long time and couldn't come to their senses.

What kind of divine power was it to withstand a boulder as big as a house that rolled down from the top of the mountain?

Even Kehos was stunned when he saw this scene.

Ask yourself, he absolutely cannot do it.

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

This is something that only those who are protected by God and endowed with natural divine power can do.

And this person...

He used all his strength to hold on to the huge rolling stone, and after confirming that it had stopped rolling, Xinyas breathed a sigh of relief.

He turned his head and smiled brightly.

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

The boy who supported the falling boulder by himself had a bright smile on his face. There seemed to be a vague tail behind him, wagging vigorously at his brother.

If you want to praise, praise, or have your elder brother pat your head~~