A Tale of Strategies For the Throne

The author has something to say: Today’s big chapter is equivalent to a double update.

Am I trying too hard?

Praise me quickly (ˉ(∞)ˉ) chirp

Karnal, is a country blessed by nature.

Its land is located on the plains, with a single terrain and fertile land. Countless rivers cover the earth like a net, and the cultivated land never lacks water for irrigation.

The country has a mild climate and natural disasters such as droughts and floods are rare. Most food crops are harvested twice a year, and a bumper harvest can be obtained every year. And because water resources are abundant and fisheries are also very developed, famines rarely occur.

Moreover, the geographical location of Karnal is also very good.

It faces the sea to the south, the great historical nation of Aaronlandis to the east, and the kingdom of Tastar to the northeast.

Although one of the two countries is famous for its cavalry and the other is famous for its infantry, because Aaron Landis has been on good terms with Kanal for generations, the Tastar Kingdom, which has a close relationship with Aaron Landis, also gradually Kanal has good relations, so the three countries have close relations and have never had a war.

To its southwest is a wide strait. The climate of this strait is unpredictable, there are violent storms at any time, and it is extremely dangerous to sail, thus forming 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 military forces of Aaron Landis and Tasda as friendly countries, those small countries did not dare to act rashly.

Therefore, the country of Karnar has not experienced war for more than two hundred years.

The kings of Karnar throughout the ages were actually very fortunate that Karnar's neighbor was Aaron Landis, not Yis and Geshur.

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

It can even be said that if Aaron Landis had not separated Yis and Gesu, Kanal would have been in constant war and war.

The current King of Karnar has been in power for more than ten years. Although he is not a wise and mighty king, he is also a clear-minded king.

He knew very well that Aaron Landis was an extremely important defensive 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 defied all opinions and sold countless grain, grass and armaments like running water at an ultra-low price that was almost free. It was transported to Aaron Landis, and people were used to provide logistical support to the army of King Camos at that time.

Aaron Landis held on, and King Phenoa also breathed a sigh of relief.

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

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

King Fenoa himself also admired the Lion King who was much younger than him. He had always regretted that he did not have a royal sister, otherwise he could have married her to King Camos.

…

It is another sunny day, the sun is shining all over the earth, but because it has entered winter, even if there is enough sunshine, the weather will inevitably turn cooler.

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

The white palace stands in the royal city and is made up of a collection of hemispherical towers.

The flawless and beautiful building sparkles in the sun, which is a grand scene in the royal city.

Influenced by the culture of Karnal, most of Karnal's buildings tend to be refined and elegant. This palace originally gathered all the skilled craftsmen of Karnal and was built beautifully, like a large-scale work of art.

In a garden deep in the palace, there is a white pavilion with hooked railings, surrounded by streams and reflecting the sunlight, making it a beautiful sight.

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

He had obviously been struggling for a while, and there was a layer of sweat on his forehead in the cool weather.

He swung his sword happily, but the servants who ran around after him had to keep an eye on him cautiously, for fear that he would fall or get injured, and they were 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.

When the servants saw the visitor, they immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

"Sister Wang!"

The little prince of Canal shouted happily.

The girl in a slightly thick dress knelt down and gently wiped the sweat from 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?"

"I'm not tired! It doesn't matter, 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 Brother Wang everywhere. Whoever doesn't admit that I am a hero or who is not convinced, I will beat him into submission——"

As if to prove what he said, he turned to his friend beside him for advice.

"Wami, do you think so?"

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

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

The girl smiled and touched her brother's head.

"Bullying others is not a hero."

she says,

"A true hero exists to protect the people who matter."

The little prince tilted his head, his big blue eyes flashing like his sister's, with a look of confusion 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.

"Yes, as long as you protect your sister Wang, you can become a hero."

King Feinoa, who was laughing loudly, walked over quickly and picked up his little son.

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

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

The long eyelashes fluttered, and a shy look appeared on the girl's gentle face. Then she quickly returned to her previous expression and nodded meekly.

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

King Phenoa said earnestly,

"Before proposing the marriage, I sent someone to inquire carefully. Although Aaron Landis's crown prince, Gallan, is two years younger than you, he is extremely handsome, and he has been smart since he was a child. He has a reputation as a wise man and is very popular. He is a very good person who has the support and love of the people. And he has a gentle temperament, so he will be very good to you."

Olya shook her head.

"Father, I don't feel wronged."

As the princess of Kanal, since she enjoys the honor, she should naturally shoulder the responsibilities of being a member of the royal family.

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

King Phenoa patted his beloved daughter's hand happily. He knew that his daughter had always been sensible.

However, King Fenoa and Olia had no objection. 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 away!"

Because the princess died young, the little prince Sia was brought up by Olia. To Sia, Olia is her sister and mother. King Fenoa also knew that Sia would be reluctant to let Olia marry far away. He didn't say anything. He just smiled and patted Xia's head to tell him to be quiet.

"Olia, this is the portrait of the crown prince that King Camos asked the envoy to send."

After handing the scroll he brought to his daughter, King Fenoa sat aside and looked at Olya with a smile.

Before Olia could open the scroll after taking it, she was snatched away by an angry Siya.

"Sister Wang, I don't agree. I heard that Crown Prince Aaron Landis has never even been on the battlefield once. He is weak and might even be ugly. Otherwise, Sister Wang, you should marry Prince Heimos, right?”

The child curled his lips and opened the scroll while chattering away at the prince who displeased him.

If Sister Wang must marry Aaron Landis, she might as well marry the black knight he particularly admires.

You know, his biggest wish now is to become a powerful knight like the Black Knight who fights bloody battles on the battlefield and makes everyone in the world fear him.

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

The words suddenly stopped here. The beautiful blond boy in the scroll that was unfolded by Xia made Xia feel as if his throat was being strangled, and she could no longer say any slanderous words.

If this Crown Prince of Garlan is ugly, then there may not be any good-looking people in this world.

No matter what, Siya can't do anything like telling lies.

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

She will shoulder her responsibilities as the princess of Kanal, and no matter who the other party is, she will marry according to her father's wishes.

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 gentleness and beauty, but now she feels that in terms of beauty, she may not be as good as the crown prince.

The sudden end of Siya's shout made King Feinoa, who was waiting to watch the show, burst into laughter again.

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

In that case, that powerful black knight would be his brother-in-law.

Sia couldn't help but think about it.

Maybe he can also teach him martial arts, so that he can become so powerful and invincible on the battlefield.

"That's enough, Sia!"

King Phenoa's face darkened.

"Crown Prince Garlan is of no use? Do you know that when he was the same age as you, he dared to use himself as bait to break into the enemy camp to save his people, and also quelled a riot? Think about how long you have grown. It's so big, what have you done so far? How dare you say so brazenly that it's useless?"

"..."

Sia was stunned for a moment, then secretly looked at Princess Olia.

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

Olya smiled and nodded.

Ever since the king's brother revealed her father's thoughts to her, she secretly sent people to collect information about Crown Prince Garlan.

She thought about it. Crown Prince Garlan was coming in more than half a month. If Sia got into trouble because she didn't like him at that time, she might be in trouble. She had to find a way.

So, she beckoned for Xia to come over, put her arms around him, and whispered everything she knew about Crown Prince Gallan one by one.

The more Olya spoke, the more surprised Siya became, with an incredible look on her face.

But even though he was surprised, the more he listened, the more interested and happy he became, especially when he heard about the bloody battle in Tozes City that happened not long ago, and when he heard about Garlan's efforts to save the entire people of Tozes City. At this time, the child's little face turned slightly red with excitement.

"Is this what you just said, Sister Wang, that only those who can protect everyone can be called heroes?"

"Yes."

Olya smiled and smoothed her brother's hair.

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

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

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

That cute little appearance made Olia couldn't help but smile and kiss her little brother's little face, then hug him and rub him.

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

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

After listening to the stories Sister Wang said, he couldn't wait to see the powerful Crown Prince.

Olya burst out laughing and knocked her brother on the head.

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

The sun shines on everyone in the garden, as if casting a warm halo over this harmonious family.

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

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

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

"His Majesty!"

The guards who came in a hurry knelt down in front of King Feinoa.

"Emergency military information! The Gastards invaded our country's northeastern border!"

"What!"

King Phenoa stood up suddenly.

He asked in astonishment: "Gastard people? How could they invade? Where is Hida?"

Gastad is a far north country.

What shocked King Phenoa was that there were several small countries, including the Kingdom of Hida, between Canal and Gastad.

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

The kneeling guard lowered his head and paused.

"King Theda was killed on the battlefield by Tyr, prince of Gastad."

King Phenoa was startled.

"The... prince of the Gastad people... How can there be a prince in Gastad?"

He repeated this sentence in a low voice, with an extremely solemn look on his face.

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

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

…………

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

In the Gastad Snowfield, there are dozens of tribes, large and small, and other countries generally refer to them as the Gastad people.

The harsh living environment has created the strong physique, strong will and ferocious temperament of the Gastard people. When fighting, the Gastard people are extremely brave, like monsters who do not know pain. Even if they are seriously injured, they will Fight tenaciously until the last bit of blood is left.

Facing such terrifying Gastard people, the soldiers of the small countries in the south of the Gastad Snowfield were simply unable to fight against them.

But fortunately, the Gastard people are brave and aggressive not only externally, but also internally. The political power of Gasda Germany is severely divided. The dozens of tribes basically work on their own and refuse to obey anyone. They have been fighting among themselves and have no energy left to invade foreign countries.

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

This has been true for hundreds of years.

However, when no one knew it, someone in Gasda Germany quietly ended the internal strife and established a unified political power.

Countries that are accustomed to ignoring this chaotic country have not noticed this.

No one noticed that a giant beast of ice and snow had woken up from its slumber.

The terrifying monster named War roared and opened its ferocious mouth to all countries.

…………

The combat effectiveness of Gastad's army was more terrifying than rumored, and the Karnar army, which had not experienced war for a long time, was almost defeated.

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

The Gastards quickly captured several cities on the border.

In order to intimidate the Kanar people, they carried out a brutal massacre of one of the cities that had put up fierce resistance.

Except for the young women who were plundered as resources, everyone in the entire city, regardless of gender, old or young, was slaughtered by the Gastards.

On this day, cries and screams filled the sky, and the once peaceful and peaceful city turned into a city of blood.

Countless corpses with broken arms lay scattered on the blood-stained ground. The dead people opened their frightened eyes and looked at the sky in despair.

On this day, the reputation of the Gastad people for their ferocity spread throughout the northern part of Kanal, making the people of Kanal frightened.

The people of Kanar have been comfortable for too long and haven't seen blood for too long. They were so frightened by the atrocities committed by Gastad's army that they could no longer resist.

From then on, wherever Gastad's army went, the city lords either fled or surrendered.

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

All the troops sent by King Fenoa were defeated by them. According to their marching speed, I am afraid that within four or five days, the Gastad people will be able to reach the royal city of Canal.

Even if King Feinoa had sent a letter asking for help to Aaron Landis and Tastar, it might be too late.

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

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

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

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

Two days later, on top of the snow-white palace tower, Princess Olia held Siya's hand and watched her father lead the army to leave.

The cold wind lifted the cloak behind King Phenoa as he rode away, and it was as if he could hear the rustling sound of the cloak fluttering.

She watched King Phenoa disappear on the horizon and squeezed her brother's hand.

For some reason, a strong sense of uneasiness filled her chest, almost making it impossible for her to breathe.

She closed her eyes and prayed silently in her heart.

O gods of Karnar, please protect my father.

Please be sure to bless him for his triumphant return.

"do not be afraid."

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

The young child held her hand hard, with determination in his eyes.

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

A sense of sadness rose to the tip of her nose, and Olia felt the corners of her eyes heat up slightly. She resisted it, leaned down, and hugged her royal brother.

O gods of Karnar, please protect us.

…………

……………………

The gods of Karnar did not hear Olia's prayers.

Three days later, the news came.

King Phenoa died in battle.

The army he led was defeated by the Gastards.

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

The king was dead, slain by the Gastards.

Although the Crown Prince was still in the city, Gastard's army was approaching.

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

But it was too late.

One day and night later, Gastard's army came to the city.

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

The tranquility of the past was like a fragile glass lamp, which instantly shattered into powder on the ground and could no longer be put back together.

The Garstard's iron hooves trampled on the land of Karnar, and they raised their butcher's knives towards the Karnar people.

Everything was so unexpected.

The royal city of Kanal was like a lonely boat that had been ravaged by the violent storm and had its sails broken, and was crumbling under the fierce impact of Gastad's army one after another.

The people of the royal city hid in their homes, trembling and crying.

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

Blood stained the once white walls of Karnar's royal city.

The gods of Karnar seem to have forgotten their people.

Suddenly, among Gastad'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 crown prince, who was standing on the city wall covered in blood, let out a cry of grief when he saw the head.

What is lifted up from the flagpole is the head of King Phenoa.

On the high white tower in the palace, a girl in a light blue dress was kneeling on the ground, with tears streaming down her face.

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

She seemed to be trying her best not to cry loudly.

Sia, who was standing next to her, hugged her tightly, as if he wanted to use his own strength to support her, even if the child's own hands were trembling.

The child's blue eyes stared intently at the Garstard army outside the city, with monstrous anger in his eyes.

The ignorant children's longings and fantasies about the battlefield were shattered by reality. Only by experiencing war personally can we know how cruel and terrible it is.

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

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

The next second, Xia's pupils suddenly shrank into pinholes.

"Brother Wang!!!"

He yelled, wildly, heart-wrenchingly.

A thrown silver spear pierced the chest of the crown prince standing on the city wall. His body swayed, and he turned back to take one last look in the direction of the White Tower.

The direction of his relatives.

Then, the crown prince of Kanal looked unwilling and fell down under the desperate eyes of all the Kanal people.

And almost at the same moment, with a bang, the city gate collapsed, and Gastad's army surged in like a flood that burst a dam.

The Karnar people, whose entire front line collapsed, were retreating steadily.

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

Everything is settled.

On the high white tower, Olya, who witnessed the death of her brother and the destruction of the city, no longer cried.

At this moment, the weak girl showed a determined look.

She stood up, dragged Xia, who was completely stunned, away from this high platform where she could overlook the entire city.

The Gastards 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 just in case were kneeling in front of Olya.

"The Prince of West Asia will leave it to you."

The girl said calmly,

"Send the prince to Aaron Landis to find King Camos."

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

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

"Siya, be obedient. If both of us leave, the target will be too big to escape."

"I don't care! I said I would protect you, Sister Wang. How could I leave you and run away!"

"Xia——"

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

"Sia!"

The usually gentle girl suddenly shouted harshly, startling Xia.

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

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

She said, looking at Xia's blue eyes covered with a light layer of moisture.

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

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

"You must survive."

"From now on, the glory of the Karnar 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 a responsibility you must bear, so you must not die here."

Olya stretched out her hand and held Sia in her arms.

She knew that what awaited the young child in her arms was an extremely painful and difficult future.

She placed an extremely heavy responsibility on Xia's young shoulders.

But she still gritted her teeth and spoke word by word, tears blurring her eyes.

"So, Siya, escape and go to Aaron Landis to find King Camos and... Crown Prince Gallan. Only they can help Kanal drive away the invaders and restore Kanal. of glory."

"Everything is left to you."

………………

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

Olya, who stayed behind, held the prince's clothes that Siya had changed into in her hands. She took a deep breath, held back the tears in her eyes, and turned to look at the little boy who had been standing quietly aside.

Wami, her brother's companion, grew up with Siya, and the two were the closest friends.

"I'm sorry, Wami."

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

Wami said as he changed into the prince's clothes.

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

………………

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

The Gastards were attacking the palace with all their strength and had no time to pay attention to the civilians, allowing them to escape.

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

The whip was thrown heavily on the horse's back, and the madly speeding carriage was shaking violently.

Sisia sat in the carriage, listening to the chaotic shouts coming from outside the carriage, clenching her hands tightly and digging her nails into her palms.

It hurts a lot.

The memory of Olya's tearful smile at him when she sent him away came to mind. Even though he was on the way to escape, the young boy finally couldn't help himself and lay down at 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, Xia's eyes suddenly opened wide.

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

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

Olya stood on the top of the tall tower, looking down at everything below.

Gastad's army was like a black ant colony, swarming in and gnawing away at this beautiful palace bit by bit.

The sun was still bright, and the golden light shone on the white city wall stained red with blood, on the corpses of countless Kanar people lying in a pool of blood, and on the calm face of Olya on the tower. .

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

She seemed weak at this moment, but also had a different kind of tenacity.

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

She lowered her eyes and looked at a dilapidated carriage running wildly.

She opened her lips and made a silent sound.

She said, don’t forget, Sia, you are the last bloodline of the Karnal royal family.

"No……"

In the speeding carriage, the child's hands holding on to the window rails were shaking.

He shook his head, his lips trembled, and he made a discordant sound.

Under the gaze of everyone, the princess of Kanal jumped up, taking the 'prince' she was holding with her.

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.

Sister Wang——! ! !

The child in the carriage bit down on the back of his hand, swallowing the heart-rending cry into his throat like a knife.

Blood seeped out bit by bit from the tips of his teeth.

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

Blood dyed the snow-white earth red.

…………

O gods of Karnar.

I sacrifice this flesh and blood to you.

Please protect the last bloodline of the Karnar royal family.

Please protect my brother...

………………

Sia, who was biting the back of his hand fiercely, was trembling all over. He stared at the tall figure surrounded by everyone in Gastad's army.

Silver-white hair was deeply imprinted in his pupils.

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

revenge.

To take revenge on the Gastadians for destroying his country.

He wants to live and kill all those intruders!

Olya's words echoed in Siya's mind again.

Go Aaron Landis.

Only Aaron Landis can help us restore our country.

Go to King Camos, and Crown Prince Garlan——

…………

The wind howled past, blowing far to the southeast.

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

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

The wind blew the young man's long golden hair in the air.

The wind blowing from nowhere seemed to bring a faint scent of blood from afar...