Iron Powder and Spellcaster

[Tanilia Islands]

[Jingang]

At dusk, a sea eagle flies over Golden Harbor. It hovered slowly over the anchorage and sandbank outside the harbor, as if being pulled by invisible threads.

Sea eagles sit high and calmly overlook the Golden Harbor: the sweating stevedores on the dock pier, the cargo ships scattered throughout the anchorage waiting to enter the harbor, the fishing boats and small boats that shuttle in and out of the harbor like sardines...

Golden Port, the brightest diamond in the Inland Sea, the most dazzling pearl in the Alliance. The wars and turmoil that occurred in distant lands not only did not make her dusty, but made her more dazzling.

In the bustling exchange, cargo ship brokers loudly and ostentatiously announced the delivery of the entire cargo;

In the tavern at the end of the dark alley, smugglers negotiated prices using gestures that only connoisseurs could understand.

Wealth is as timid as a rat and a rabbit, but as sharp as an eagle.

As the struggle between the United Provinces and Veneta intensified, more and more merchants began to use Golden Port as a transit station and warehouse to circumvent the increasingly severe trade ban and unbearable harsh tariffs.

Gold, silver and all kinds of people were integrated into Golden Harbor, making this decadent city already famous for enjoyment and indulgence in the inner sea even more luxurious.

What burns in the shadow of the firelight that lasts all night is not grease and paraffin, but flesh and soul; what flows in the sparkling gilded river is not the setting sun and fresh water, but business opportunities and wealth.

The sea eagle stared sternly at the Golden Harbor at dusk. Although the sun had already set in the west, the sky was so clean that it was intoxicating.

Looking far into the distance, except for a few faint white streaks in the sky, there are almost no colorful clouds.

It's another rare day of good weather - but the howling wind tells the sea eagles something humans don't know.

To the east of Golden Harbor, across the rough sea, beyond the sight of falcons, the wind direction has changed.

The cold air currents blowing from the land to the sea that last all winter are getting weaker and weaker, while the air currents pushing from the sea to the land are gradually strengthening.

A huge cyclone is forming on the ocean surface of the Procellarum.

"The monsoon is coming."

…

[Republic of Vann]

[Hirano Castle]

[Alliance Congress Venue]

News has no legs, but it leaks faster than a horse with four hooves.

The incident that happened at the Imperial Reception spread throughout Plains City overnight.

Although in people's vivid narration, the specific process of the incident is constantly iterated and distorted. But one thing is beyond doubt:

The soldiers of the United Provinces stormed into the Imperial Consulate arrogantly and forcibly took away the Chief Secretary of State of the United Provinces, His Excellency Lionel;

The man who led the federal army was none other than Lionel's most trusted deputy and assistant to the chief state secretary of the federal province - [Richard Milehouse] who was supposed to be in Guitu City.

Power, betrayal, conspiracy... The conflict and drama contained in this incident are enough for an imaginative writer to write three plays and a novel with more than 5,000 lines.

In today's Hirano City, every citizen who claims to be well-informed has turned into a bard and fabler, eager to retell to others what happened that night.

In this way, history inadvertently turns into stories and legends.

The man who should have been at the center of the storm - Richard Milehouse - was hiding in a small dressing room at the moment.

This man, who was considered a great conspirator and traitor and was given many nicknames, was staring stiffly at himself in the mirror, his shoulders and fingers shaking uncontrollably.

According to the procedures of the League Congress, the Supreme Consul of the United Provinces should give a speech before the opening.

However, on the night when the soldiers of the United Provinces forcibly abducted Secretary of State Lionel, the consulates of the republics in Hirano City and the Speaker of the Republic of Vane simultaneously received an official document delivered in the name of the "Provisional Supreme Assembly of the Republics of the United Provinces".

In this official document, the "Provisional Supreme Council" announced that John Lionel had been formally dismissed from his position as Secretary of State, and that all domestic and foreign affairs powers granted to Lionel by the National Assembly of the United Provinces were also stripped at the same time.

The sudden change made all parties not sure how to react, so most of the consuls and representatives in Plainfield City chose not to react.

On the one hand, they silently observed the actions of the people of the United Provinces; on the other hand, they eagerly collected information about the "Provisional Supreme Council" and sent the fastest riders to deliver the news.

The situation was like a stone being thrown into the lake. It first caused waves, but soon the lake surface returned to calm. It seemed that everything was back on track, but mud and turbid waves were already rising at the bottom of the lake.

In any case, the Alliance Congress was held in strict accordance with the established procedures.

John Lionel, who was supposed to deliver the opening speech, was now a prisoner.

The so-called "Provisional Supreme Council of the United Provinces" took over the consulate of the United Provinces and all the symbols and powers represented by the consulate in a logical manner.

The person who will replace the former Secretary of State in front of representatives of the republics, duchies and distant lands is the former State Assistant and current interim Speaker of the Supreme Council - Richard Milehouse.

Malhouse stared at himself in the mirror. The reflection reflected in the mirror was a gloomy, dull-looking middle-aged man.

Although every wrinkle has been carefully smoothed, and although every gray hair has been patiently pulled out, the unlovable temperament that was brought out from the mother's womb still cannot be changed. Even as he grew older, his temperament became more and more obvious.

Richard Milehouse has never been a handsome man. Compared with the elegant, impassioned and charismatic Lionel Secretary of State, he has a face that is more suitable for behind-the-scenes work.

Twenty years of successful career as a steward also proved this. Richard Malhouse worked diligently and faithfully and efficiently completed every task he was given, from the lowest level of third-class clerk. Climb to the position of Assistant to the State Secretary - the actual deputy of the State Secretary, below one person in the federal province and above ten thousand people.

Yet even as Richard Malhouse reached the pinnacle of stewardship, no one ever thought he would one day step into the fore.

He is considered a loyal, reliable but only tool to be used by others.

But today, this little-known, gloomy-looking, unlikeable guy is going to step onto the podium and address three hundred representatives from the republics and twice that number of foreign envoys in attendance. Made a public speech.

Richard Malhouse stared at his reflection in the mirror, convinced that his shoulders and fingers were shaking uncontrollably.

Suddenly, the candles went out and the dressing room was plunged into darkness.

"Snapped!"

Richard Malhouse received a stinging slap on the face, which temporarily knocked him out of his mind, but also brought him out of his recent self-doubt.

"Snapped!"

Before Malhouse could recover, he received another slap on the other cheek.

The person who did it was very careful in using the force to make him feel pain without leaving any swelling marks on his face.

Malhouse knew exactly who was waving his arms, for there was no third person in the room but Mr. Richard Malhouse, and Mrs. Clare Malhouse.

"What are you doing?" Mrs. Malhouse said in a tone of suppressed anger.

"nothing."

Richard Malhouse, who was already nominally in charge of the federal provinces, neither got angry at the two slaps nor showed any anger towards his wife. He just replied in a hoarse voice: "Nothing."

"Do you know why I put out the candle?"

"Why?"

Mrs. Milehouse, who was famous for her beauty and virtuous character in the social scene of Guitou City, replied coldly: "Because I don't want to see that face of yours."

Richard Malhouse narrowed his eyes and said nothing.

Mrs. Malhouse continued, minding her own business:

"In the mirror, I don't see my husband, because my husband is not a self-pitying, self-ashamed loser! My husband is a beast, he is ambitious, he thirsts for power, he wants to be a great person character. In the mirror, I did not see that man, I only saw a coward, a humble servant! No! I will never accept this!"

Richard Malhouse stood silently in the darkness, making no sound.

But Mrs. Malhouse's questioning was not over yet: "Do you regret it?"

"No. I don't." Richard Malhouse broke the silence: "I have never had an iota of regret."

"Then are you guilty? Are you afraid? Is your chest filled with guilt? Or are you feeling uneasy and fearful about the future blocking you?"

Richard Malhouse fell silent.

"Have you forgotten our poisonous oath?!" Claire Malhouse's voice suddenly became sharp, and the intense emotions even distorted her delicate facial features:

"Never let hypocritical morality constrain us!"

"If you need to be cunning, use intrigue."

“If the end justifies the means, then the end justifies the means, resolutely.”

"We will never let hypocritical morality constrain us. If 'evil' is needed to achieve our goals, then we will choose evil! Fill our bodies with the most cruel evil thoughts, never let regret pass through our hearts, and never let our nature be corrupted. His compassion shakes our ruthless resolve."

"If necessary, even if it is a matter like a mother killing her child or a son killing his mother, we will not hesitate to do it."

"We will never deceive ourselves or others, never give ourselves any false excuses, or use noble reasons to whitewash our goals. We have set our goals long ago. We want power, more power, first to the federal provinces, and then to maintain peace. Neta, and finally the entire Senas Alliance! We will hold the power of this land and be remembered and worshiped by thousands of generations of future generations! Have you forgotten all of this?"

Richard Malhouse listened quietly, inhaling and exhaling deeply, and his tone became majestic and steady: "Of course I have not forgotten it."

Mrs. Milehouse heard the change in her husband's voice, and she took a long breath and then exhaled. Her tone changed, as if she was a different person, and her voice became gentle and quiet.

She stretched out her hand, gently brushed her husband's forehead, and put her head against his chest: "Then quickly put on your best purple robe and put on your most sincere smile. A treacherous heart must be covered with a hypocritical smile. Don't forget to stabilize the officers outside first - we still need them now, but they treat us as puppets and fools, which is good."

"It's a pity that you are not a man." Richard Malhouse seemed to be making a judgment: "Otherwise you will achieve a greater cause than I can achieve."

"It's a pity that I'm not a man." Claire Malhouse raised her head, took a few steps back to light the candle again, and smoothed the wrinkles of her husband's collar: "Fortunately, I still have you."

Richard Malhouse looked at his wife, who was far more beautiful and dazzling than him. His gloomy and cold eyes suddenly showed a rare hint of sadness, like a steel doll with emotions. He sighed softly: " You should give me a son...your bravery and determination should only create some strong men."

Claire Malhouse's movements froze for a moment, the tip of her delicate nose twitched slightly, and then she quickly returned to calm.

Mrs. Malhouse turned around, straightened her appearance ably, and walked toward the door: "The time is coming, don't keep the representatives and envoys of the alliance waiting."

When Mrs. Malhouse put her slender fingers on the doorknob, a calm voice came from behind: "My dear, even if we are destined to fall into hell, we will be together."

Claire Malhouse stood by the door, turned her head slightly, showed her husband an impeccable profile, and nodded gently. Then she opened the door and walked out of the dressing room.

A tall young lieutenant with a resolute temperament was guarding the door with his sword in hand.

"Captain Fritz." Mrs. Malhouse smiled kindly and warmly, and bowed her knee to salute the young lieutenant.

The young lieutenant nodded solemnly in return: "Madam."

Mrs. Milehouse smiled peacefully. Countless young men had fallen under Claire Milehouse's pomegranate skirt because of this breathtaking smile.

She moved naturally and stood closer to the young lieutenant, so that the latter could almost feel the hot breath she breathed, but she maintained a distance and demeanor that could not be insulted: "You don't have to restrain yourself like this, you are the one who ends Leon The hero of the Nelite chaos, every citizen of the United Provinces Republic should thank you, Captain... No, or should I call you Major?"

The young lieutenant - Fritz from Jos - twitched the corners of his mouth, apparently not feeling any joy at the closeness and compliments of the charming lady.

Mrs. Malhouse frowned imperceptibly, but before she could say anything else, a dusty school official strode to the door of the locker room.

The school officer was wearing a military uniform made of federal provincial fabrics. The mud spots on his riding boots and trousers were not yet dry. It was obvious that he had just experienced a galloping horse.

Captain Fritz immediately raised his hand and saluted.

The school officer obviously ignored etiquette and nodded hurriedly, then nodded towards Mrs. Malhouse, and asked directly: "Where is Mr. Malhouse?"

"Inside the locker room."

When the school official heard this, he was about to push the door open, but Fritz reached out to stop him.

"What are you doing?!" The school officer stared.

Fritz avoided the school officer's direct gaze, but still stopped in front of him.

"My husband always prays devoutly before attending important occasions." Mrs. Milehouse came to the captain's rescue just in time, reaching out and gently putting her arm on the colonel's forearm: "He doesn't allow anyone to come in and disturb him."

No matter how bad-tempered the officer is, he can't get angry when facing such a beautiful and petite lady.

The school officer stamped his foot, licked his lips, and said eagerly: "I have something important to report to Mr. Malhouse."

As soon as he finished speaking, the door of the locker room was pushed open.

Richard Malhouse, dressed in purple, strutted out of the locker room. A man is made by his clothes, and even after putting on the luxurious purple robe belonging to the head of state of the United Provinces, the unattractive Milehouse looked majestic and inviolable.

The attendant waiting on the other side of the corridor immediately came over.

"Your Excellency!" the school officer rushed to speak: "Please allow me to be alone with you..."

Richard Malhouse glanced at the school officer: "You can say it now."

"But."

Richard Malhouse glanced at the school officer again.

The school officer was startled for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "Sir, the information on Steel Castle was proactively provided by Monta's allies, but the prerequisite for them to provide the information is that they do not want us to leak the source of the information. If you want to publish this information, Be sure to obfuscate the sources of intelligence.”

After that, the school official took out a dossier from his arms and presented it to the interim president: "All the information you need is in this..."

Richard Malhouse listened seriously, took the dossier, scanned it once, and handed the dossier to the attaché: "I understand."

The school officer wanted to say something more, but time waited for no one. Richard Milehouse raised his hand slightly: "Go to the main venue."

Immediately, the newly appointed Speaker of the Supreme Council of the United Provinces led his entourage and escorts to the rostrum of the main venue.

Captain Fritz was at the rear of the group.

Walking through the long corridor decorated with embroidered tapestries, feeling the looks of curiosity and awe directed at him from both sides, Captain Fritz, who was born in a small village called Joss, suddenly felt a strong sense of discomfort and unreality. feel.

Watching His Excellency the Supreme Speaker in purple robes walk up to the podium, Captain Fritz's thoughts returned to four days ago, to the day when Guitu City was bleeding again after twenty years.

[I'm back] [I'm really sorry]

[If March was due to force majeure and I had no time, let alone energy, to write a novel, then the waste in April is purely my personal problem]

[After being idle for a month, I returned to a familiar computer and suddenly felt empty. I write every day, but I can’t concentrate and am always distracted by various things...]

[Stop! The above are all excuses. Why can’t you find one if you want to? ]

[So I won’t make excuses. Let’s update one to prove that Yin Zidian is still alive. He is still writing this story and will write it to the end]

[And... there is an update today (20220411)! ]

[And...in order to make up for this wasted time, I started to release "Ms. Navarre's Picture Album\