I will be crowned king

Northport City Council, Banquet Hall.

By the time the carriage that Anson and the little clerk were riding in arrived outside the gate, under the slightly dim sky, the City Council, which was located at the highest point in the city, was already brightly lit, creating a magnificent scene.

Compared with Clovis or any other city, Beigang can be regarded as the most special one; not only in terms of being the largest port in Clovis, the only military port and the characteristics of prosperous commerce, but also Based on its cultural heritage and autonomous traditions that are completely different from the rest of Clovis.

Although they were the first areas to submit to the banner of the Osterian royal family, it was not the local Clovis people who established the North Port, but the later empire - or the northern part of the empire, headed by Adlan. Nobles, wealthy businessmen, and even adventurers from this region.

The foreign knights who believed in the Universal Sect, the Clovis nobles who believed in the Seeking Sect but were not local but came from the south, and the sailors and wealthy merchants who were born and raised in Beigang... The three styles, cultures, and technologies mixed with each other and jointly created the modern world. of Northport.

Another result of "cultural fusion" is that it has always been difficult for Beigang to produce a powerful force that can command the entire region. It has always been politically divided. An important reason for surrendering to the Osterian royal family is to rely on Clovis. Its power ensures the unity of the city.

But some people want unity, and some want independence... From the day it was founded, the voice of "independence" in Beigang has never really disappeared.

Therefore, after experiencing the North Port riot in the ninety-fifth year of the Saint Calendar, in order to eliminate the voices of independence and rebellion, the Osteria royal family chose to intervene in the politics of North Port, supporting the Cecil family to rise to power and suppressing local independent voices.

Although the Cecil family is an outsider and has a deep relationship with the empire, especially the Bernard family; they have sworn allegiance to the royal family very early and are one of the founders of the Royal Clovis fleet. In the eyes of the royal family, their loyalty is even greater than Many local nobles.

The royal family even originally planned to do it all at once, directly appointing the Cecil family as the governor of Beigang, and at the same time holding real military and political power. However, the traditional influence within Beigang is too deep, and there are many political factions and families. If they use too much force, they may have to Facing a riot, the only way to end the incident was to elect a mayor from the Cecil family.

The culture is diverse, the beliefs are complex, the politics are divided, the independence is strong, and there is a lack of regional authority... If you don't count the Luen family behind the scenes in the New World and Louis Bernard who was pushed to the front by various forces, the situation in this city is simply the same. The Free Confederacy was exactly the same, and it was not surprising that they would have "sympathetic" thoughts and favorable impressions of the colonies.

The "City Council", both in its location and in itself, is an excellent reflection of this - apart from the port, this is the most luxurious and spectacular building in the entire North Port, even with the surrounding narrow streets and low-rise buildings. The house looked so out of place that it even gave Anson the illusion that he was "back in Moby Dick Harbor again."

If there is any difference, only Beigang is richer and culturally prosperous. At the same time, it has railways and ports as sources of cheap raw materials and labor. It can also enjoy the technical support provided by the church and the dividends of Clovis' local industrial development. ...can make the building more exaggerated and luxurious.

Before he walked through the door, he saw a figure who had been waiting outside for a long time turned around and walked quickly towards this side.

The other party was wearing a black double-breasted, exquisite dress with dark red low lining and lace. His handsome appearance looked like a person who was energetic, very healthy and paid great attention to maintenance.

"Good evening, distinguished Brigadier General Anson Bach, it is really a great honor for Northport to have you here!"

Before he even got close to him, the man couldn't wait to take off his hat and stretched out his right hand:

“On behalf of all my colleagues on the City Council and all the people of North Port, I would like to welcome the heroes of Clovis to the banquet!”

"This is the mayor of the North Port City Council and the head of the Cecil family, Mr. Francis Cecil!" The little clerk who was following behind immediately stepped forward quickly and introduced in an orderly manner, At the same time, turn your gaze to the other person:

"Dear Mayor Francis, please forgive me for speaking frankly. We can sympathize with your hospitality, but according to Clovis tradition, even if you are in a hurry, you should leave time for preparation for the guests. It would be too much to go to Northport for this matter. Too rude!"

Facing the young clerk's righteous gaze, the mayor of Beigang even showed a hint of astonishment on his face, and even his outstretched right hand stopped in place.

Obviously, Alan Dawn was expressing dissatisfaction with the tight schedule on behalf of Anson. If he said this himself, it would obviously have an impact on the relationship between the two parties, and it would also appear that the Storm Legion was too fussy; but the little secretary did not care. Successfully used "not conforming to tradition" to complete the operation of raking the blame and placing the responsibility and fault on the other party.

However, Anson also happened to know that the last time they left Beigang, the little clerk responsible for contact and arrangements had been tormented by the mayor of Beigang, so he did not rule out the idea of ​​taking the opportunity to retaliate.

"Uh, this..." The stunned Mayor of Beigang quickly moved his eyes between the little clerk and Anson, and then took a deep breath:

"Regarding this matter, if it really caused your dissatisfaction, please accept my most sincere apology; but please also believe that Beigang did not make this decision intentionally to embarrass you, but it was really out of necessity!"

"A last resort?"

"Because if nothing else happens, you may not stay in Beigang for too long." The mayor of Beigang looked a little ugly: "According to the news I got, the envoy from Clovis City may arrive at any time, bringing... Order for you to go to the capital immediately."

"What?!" Anson raised his eyebrows slightly:

"When we were at the port in the afternoon, didn't Brigadier General Taro Cecil also say that the Storm Legion would wait slowly at North Port? Why are you so anxious all of a sudden?"

"This...the details are very complicated, and it is difficult for me to explain it immediately."

The mayor of Beigang gave a wry smile: "If possible, could you please go to the banquet hall first? I will tell you all the information I know in private at the appropriate time, ensuring that it is accurate."

"I know that you may not be able to completely trust us now, but at least in this next matter, the Cecil family and you are definitely on the same camp and fighting side by side!"

"After all... we are all the most loyal subjects of the Osteria royal family!"

loyalty?

Anson looked at his extremely serious expression, then looked at the other person's outstretched right hand. After a moment's hesitation, he still chose to hold it tightly:

"Well said...since everyone is loyal to His Majesty, of course I am willing to believe what you say."

"And the Cecil family will never betray this trust!" The mayor of Beigang nodded heavily and waved to the two of them sideways:

"Then please, the whole Beigang is waiting for you!"

Fifteen minutes later, Anson finally arrived at the banquet at Francis' invitation.

Perhaps because they arrived a step too late, when the three people entered, the luxurious and bright banquet hall was already full of people; dignitaries from North Port, members of the Free Confederate Mission, officers of the Storm Legion...all the "distinguished guests" who were already present "They" gathered around tables filled with delicacies, sweets and snacks, drinking and drinking happily.

One after another, beautiful figures like butterflies and larks, shuttled quickly among the guests who had already completely forgotten themselves in the light and melodious tunes, serving them the long-awaited wine, and when needed, they would also take the initiative to chat with the guests, bursting out. bursts of laughter more violent than a six-pounder infantry cannon.

All the fine wines can be consumed at will, all the delicacies are placed on the long tables on both sides of the hall, and all the tables and chairs are arranged according to the guests' wishes - this is a standard "Clovis Feast" ".

Although the wealthy upper-class families in Clovis extremely worship the culture and customs of the empire, they still retain a lot of "local customs" in places other than the city of Clovis; specifically, when entertaining distinguished guests, they will still use the same traditional customs as in the past. It inherits the banquet style of tribal gatherings in the wilderness era.

The food is naturally the same. In addition to Beigang's local fresh aquatic products, the rest are grilled sausages, grilled chicken, beef ribs, salt pork...all kinds of strong flavors, mainly cured meats, and snacks such as candied yellow peaches. , during which the sweet to greasy taste abounds, except for a few champagnes and wines, alcohol is basically "popular drinks" such as rum and beer... very Clovis style.

In short, it is really lively and really happy, but the visual impact is also very strong - almost like a bandit party.

"Anson?!"

Not long after they approached, William Cecil, who was holding a rum glass, stopped the three of them. However, his face did not look surprised, but extremely nervous: "Why did you come here just now? I just came here." After discussing with Chief of Staff Karl, we are preparing..."

"William!" Francis, whose expression suddenly changed, shouted in a low voice: "How can you talk to guests like this? Where are the politeness?!"

"Father, I..."

The young naval captain hesitated for a moment, looked at Anson, and then at his father, who had an obviously unfavorable expression, and finally sighed: "I know."

After saying that, he turned his gaze back to Anson, but this time he was obviously evasive: "Well, it's not a big deal. Let's wait until the banquet is over and we can talk in private."

"No problem." Although he noticed something strange, Anson decided to pretend everything was normal for the time being: "I'll wait for you."

"Don't worry, I will definitely not break the appointment." William nodded solemnly, and after saying goodbye to the three of them, William silently turned around and left alone.

"Sorry, this child always has the problem of making things out of molehills. He is often too excited and cannot distinguish the priorities of things."

Before he could really go far, the mayor of Beigang took the initiative to explain: "It's really just a small matter, so please don't worry about it."

"I know." Anson nodded slightly and chuckled calmly: "In that case, let's get down to business."

"...Business?"

"Yes, didn't you just say that you want to tell me the reason why the messenger from Clovis City will arrive at North Port at any time?" Anson reminded: "Or do you think it is not convenient here?"

"No, no, no, not really! It's just..."

Francis waved his hands repeatedly, but was still obviously hesitant.

After struggling for a few seconds, he sighed heavily: "Okay, please come with me to meet someone. Once you meet him, everything will be clear."

"who?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't say that." Francis' expression suddenly became serious: "It concerns the entire Clovis situation, the rise and fall of Beigang and the Cecil family; unless you are willing to come with me, you can't say a word Tell you!"

Anson did not hesitate and turned decisively to look at the little clerk on the side: "You should go to Carl Bain immediately and ask him to find out the whereabouts of Fabian as soon as possible and then contact the officers."

"Tell Carl that from now on, the command of the Storm Legion will be temporarily handed over to him. Before I come back, everything will be decided by him. Do you hear me clearly?"

"Listen..." The little clerk twitched his throat, and looked at the serious Anson with some uneasiness, and at the side, Francis, who had a complex expression on his face:

"I know, I'll do it for you."

Before he finished speaking, the little clerk, who bowed solemnly, left the two of them and walked towards the banquet hall.

Anson silently turned his attention to the mayor of Beigang: "Is it okay now?"

Francis did not give any reply, but walked silently towards the corridor beside the banquet hall, leading the way for Anson.

After passing through the corridor, the two of them followed the stairs to the fourth floor, which is also the bottom floor of the city council.

Standing in front of the door of the room deep in the corridor, Francis raised his hand to signal Anson to stop, then he tiptoed forward and knocked lightly on the door.

"Deng-deng-deng——"

"This voice should be Mayor Francis, right?" A slightly familiar voice sounded from behind the door: "Why has this time come? Please come in."

After receiving permission from behind the door, the mayor of Beigang breathed a sigh of relief before pushing the door open and walking into a living room that was not particularly spacious, but very comfortable.

The figure sitting by the fireplace in the living room looked at the "guest" who walked in. There was no sign of getting up to greet him. He was still covered with a thin blanket and smoking his pipe alone.

"I'm sorry to disturb your rest at this time, but there may be some things that we can only understand clearly if you personally come forward."

While explaining his purpose, Francis made way for Anson behind him: "Please allow me to introduce, this is..."

"No need." The figure on the sofa interrupted with a smile, and the pipe tilted to one side gently blew out a circle of smoke: "We have known each other for a long time and are very close friends, right, Brigadier General Anson?"

"You are absolutely right." Anson nodded with a chuckle and looked at that extremely familiar figure:

"It's been a long time, Viscount Bogner."