Witcher's Atelier

I left quietly, just as I came quietly; I waved my hand gently, bidding farewell to the clouds of the floating harbor.

"Farewell to the Floating Harbor". Anonymous

…

In the evening, the transport fleet composed of all the ships collected by the Squirrel Party set sail slowly.

Standing on the observation deck of the flagship admiring the sunset, Angouleme suddenly caught a glimpse of three people in the forest on the shore looking at this place. The figure was so familiar. She immediately jumped off the mast and walked to the bow, intending to push Victor from behind again. This is a reserved program of the Phantom Troupe.

Unfortunately, before she could make a move, the witcher with keen five senses had already called out in advance, "Don't push randomly, it will scare people to death. ... And I'm in a very calm mood, just enjoying the scenery."

"Tsk! Wick, can't you pretend that you didn't notice it and let me push it? ... Look at the shore over there." Angouleme pointed to the three people watching the fleet in the distance.

Following the direction of his finger, Victor saw Vernon, the blue iron guard on the shore. Roche, adjutant Weiss, and Geralt of Rivia.

Apparently they also saw the Phantom Troupe, two to three facing each other across the river, with complicated looks in their eyes, as if they had a thousand words to say, but in fact there was nothing to say, just different choices.

"Captain, will you regret it?"

"Why do you suddenly ask this question?"

"Didn't you teach me not to answer questions with questions?"

"Have you forgotten who the captain is?"

The members rolled their eyes helplessly, all education and guidance, and the final right of interpretation belonged to the captain.

"Well... I'm just curious, because in the past, Wick, you always said, 'It's good to have an uncle to take shelter', 'closely unite around the armed group with Geralt as the core', but this time, what we did was not only contrary to the uncle, but you also had a fight with him in the bathhouse..."

Understanding Angouleme's doubts, Victor touched the knife scar on his nose and closed his eyes, "Let me put it this way... In the past, because of the prophet's perspective, I always felt that he was the protagonist of the world, although you still don't believe it.

But this time, I found that I had to make a 'change'. Maybe I can understand his choice through the prophet's perspective, but I am not Geralt after all. I have unique encounters and friends, and I have a path to take.

To explain it in Bell Town terms, the White Wolf and I are completely different in world view, outlook on life, and values. Although some choices seem similar when facing things, they are based on different cores, so we are destined to go our separate ways."

"So in the future, are we enemies with the uncle?" After understanding the explanation of the leader, Angouleme's expression became a little lonely.

Smiling, he reached out and ruffled her blonde hair, "Maybe we have different positions now, and there will be a temporary hostility, but don't worry, we will turn enemies into friends sooner or later in the future.

Have you heard of the 'Wild Hunt'? When you enter the cabin, remind me to get you a book to read. That is the White Wolf's nemesis, and the enemy of the enemy is a friend.

Even the Blue Guards don't need to worry too much..." Thinking of how miserable they will be in the future after the demise of Temeria, it must not be difficult to turn enemies into friends.

Hearing that it was only a temporary hostility, Angouleme smiled heartlessly in front of Victor who opened his eyes, worthy of being a single-celled organism that will eventually rule the world.

"So Angouleme, there is nothing to regret, and I have no regrets in my life!"

"Understood! Captain, I will work hard too!"

The water split and the waves split, the figures of the Blue Guards and the White Wolf gradually shrank away, the wind was favorable, and the full-sailed ship sailed upstream and soon approached the second wave of people who came to see them off.

This time, Angouleme waved her hands happily, "Ah! Over there, it's Cerherin and Moril! And my little Cersei!"

Although they had been together for a short time, she really liked this niece who witnessed the birth of her daughter - the daughter of Cerherin and Moril - the adopted daughter of Victor Corleone - Cersei Corleone.

Taking the pronunciation of Cerherin and the meaning of the birth of the dawn, the newborn girl was named Cersei. Originally, Wick was very opposed to this name, but then he said to himself that it was Corleone anyway, it had nothing to do with Lan or anything, and it was not feudal and superstitious... and other things that others could not understand, and finally reluctantly agreed.

And Victor next to him saw them almost at the same time as her. The one-eyed Cerherin and the beautiful Moril, the fairy tale couple who had reunited after going through hardships, were holding the newborn baby and bowing to the ship from a distance.

With a smile on his lips, Victor also raised his hand and waved to show that he received their kindness.

Although he had doubts about the so-called "Law of Accidents", this is how the world of demon hunting works. This unwritten law, which is as old as human history, is considered true. In addition, the little girl is so cute, so he decided to make Cersei his adopted daughter.

Since he wanted to establish a bond, he couldn't have a daughter who betrayed her father! So he gave Cerherin and Moriel several bags of florins and asked them to move to the Valley of Flowers, away from the war that was about to spread in the north, and educate her with the best education.

And he agreed that when Cersei turned 20, he would visit the Valley of Flowers and let the girl decide whether to go with him.

This practice is not uncommon. For example, Ciri's mother, Princess Pavetta of Cintra, was married to Urcheon of Erlenwald on her 15th birthday. Of course, Urcheon had already cheated on Pavetta, which was not known to outsiders.

Or in other words, Ciri was supposed to be taken away from the palace by Geralt at the age of six, but the White Wolf and her grandmother Calanthe gave up this agreement together. When Cintra was destroyed and he went through hardships in various countries, Geralt still reunited with Ciri, proving that the bond of fate was unbreakable.

All in all, there are countless allusions to the "accidental child". If you don't want to be tricked by the unpredictable "fate" and your face will be covered with blood, it is best to choose to acquiesce.

After getting rid of his troubles, Victor noticed that Iorveth was assigning tasks not far away. Remembering the bard Dandelion who was captured by the Scoia'tael, he walked towards the elf commander to communicate and asked them to release him immediately.

…

Gentle and mellow voice-over: "Incredible, the King Slayer was really lucky. He kidnapped Triss Merigold and successfully escaped from the floating harbor.

It seems that Foltest's life was not enough, the assassins have not spared even the king's former advisor, but now is not the time to think, but the time to act. My heroic friend Victor and I chose to go up the river and begin a journey deep into the Pontal Valley.

According to the elves, free people gathered from all directions under the banner of Saskia to resist the Kaedwen invaders in Vergen.

At this point, I should introduce the special people who accompanied me on this adventure. Normally I am very afraid of the Scoia'tael. I think they are all villains and murderers. Frankly speaking, I don't want to see them at all.

But I have to admit that through Victor's coordination, Iorveth and his infamous men were quite friendly and friendly...well...it doesn't seem to be a good description...in other words...they were not as vicious and vicious as imagined. "

…

In the Pontar Valley, part of the "Upper Aedirn" region of Aedirn, Kaedwen called it "Lomaco" or "Lumak", depending on the political entity that controlled it.

From a geographical analysis, there is a natural cross-cutting barrier between "Kedwein" and "Aden", the Lomaco Mountains. So when King Henselt had ambitions for the "Upper Aden region", "Eph. "Jian", a mountain city built on a pass, is an unavoidable difficulty.

The city of Verjian was lost in Upper Aden, and its strategic position was roughly similar to that of Shuhan Jiange Pass, Sparta Hot Spring Pass, or Daming Shanhaiguan Pass.

The Second Battle of Aedirn, which ended in the winter of 1268, was also known as the Battle of Vergen.

A few years passed, and in the summer of 1271, this town where dwarves made up the majority was once again covered in war.

…

A few days later. On a sunny day, the area south of the Pontar River and north of Vergen - the ancient battlefield of the Second War of Upper Aedirn.

Leading a team of dozens of people, the dragon-slaying saint Saskia walked on the mountain road with lush miscanthus. She has blond hair, smooth skin, thick eyebrows, big eyes and pretty lips, and a blue and gray half-body armor covering her full chest. The skirt is held up high by the round crotch.

Accompanying her was Prince Stennis, the legitimate heir of Aedirn. This prince wore gorgeous golden armor, with a bald head and thick eyebrows. After Demavi III died in an assassination, he became the nominal heir to Aedirn.

However, due to his father's suspicion and jealousy in the past, he had to treat his subjects with pride and indifference. So now, although no one openly questions the legitimacy of the prince's ascension to the throne, there are not enough nobles to support his coronation.

Under such circumstances, not seeking to participate in major events is tantamount to political suicide. The war in the Pontal Valley was an ideal opportunity for him to improve his status and show himself as a wise king.

History has repeatedly shown that when a country is in chaos, only concrete actions, not slogans, can convince the subjects of the legitimacy of power.

Walking on the ancient battlefield, Saskia sighed leisurely, "Three years ago, three thousand people were burned to ashes in an instant here...Sabina Grievesig."

Walking side by side, Prince Stennis said angrily, "That damn evil sorceress... I still remember the shock when the news reached Vengerburg. The palace, streets, houses, and the whole city fell into deathly silence. "

"Walking here, I feel like I can still hear the cries before death...I was on the other side of the mountain when the massacre happened..."

"Really? It's such a sad past, but let's get down to business, Saskia, what's your purpose of following here?"

"I just want to prevent Aden from being betrayed." The dragon slayer responded calmly.

"This is not a betrayal! The number of Henselt's troops is overwhelming. We cannot afford to fight this war at all. We need to negotiate..."

"Prince, please leave the issue of war to me. Don't be afraid of King Henselt's intimidation. I heard that he has a bad temper. Try to provoke him to launch an offensive. As long as we win this battle, we will have enough mediation. space."

"I still can't figure out why Philat betrayed us..."

"Prince, be damned to your nobles, they have long been of no account since my villagers expelled them in Vergen."

After finishing speaking, Saskia strode forward and found the dwarf in the vanguard to explain the precautions.

Seeing her leaving temporarily, the prince's attendant, Pastor Orcorn, took the opportunity to step forward and said, "My God Cliff, prince, this girl is simply the incarnation of the devil."

Stennis' attitude was cold, "First, Saskia has a name. Second, he is the best commander I have ever seen. At least she is willing to admit my identity."

"But she is no different from a monster! God Cliff gave me a dream. In the dream, I saw a snake-shaped female devil devouring your inheritance!"

"Orkon, be quiet! We are about to arrive at the meeting place."

For this pre-war negotiation, both sides could only bring a team of fifty people. In the distance, under the pavilion set up on the mountain, Henselt was sitting. King Kaedwen, heir to the Unicorn Dynasty, Lord of Adkale, Grand Duke of Ben'ad─He has a full beard, wears a satin takia on his head, and his small eyes sparkle with coldness. and greed.

Behind him stood the warlocks Desmo and Xi'er. Tanshavier.

Desmo, who wears a red takia on his head, has small eyes similar to the king, a hooked nose, and an old and profound face.

Henselt stood up and opened his hands, like a responsible host, "Ah! We have guests... Welcome, son of Stennis Demavi, welcome to join us."

"Henselt, it's nice to see you. But you should be at Adkale's palace, not here, and I don't remember that I invited you."

"Filyat extended the invitation on your behalf. He asked me to come. I did not break the truce." King Kaedwen put his hands on his waist.

The armor shone brightly, and Prince Stennis's pupils shrank, "Is that so? Then Brohan, please take Earl Philat to a secret place and chop off his troublesome head."

Philat, a nobleman in gorgeous clothes, was shocked, "How dare you! Boy, you are not the king yet! And even if you are your father..."

"My father has passed away, and the people are still in mourning, but you betrayed his name and country!"

Seeing that he was about to be caught, the nobleman turned to Henselt, "Your Majesty, according to our agreement, please protect me. This young man has lost his mind!"

Henselt said in a contemptuous tone, "Filyat, I don't need you anymore. After all, Stennis himself is here."

Being ruthlessly abandoned, the noblely dressed earl was dragged away by several dwarves amid shouts of curses.

After dealing with the traitor, Stennis took a deep breath, "Now, Henselt, let's get straight to the point! What exactly do you want to do?"

King Kaedwen's body is quite majestic, like a hungry brown bear. Even wearing the aristocratic attire of the Unicorn Dynasty on him cannot hide his bandit greed.

"That's a good question. I want the land of Lomaco. As for why, I have two hundred armed soldiers on standby nearby, enough to guard this hill for several hours. In addition, there are five thousand brave and capable soldiers stationed there. On the other side, do you think this army is strong enough?"

The prince in golden armor retorted loudly, "As long as you use Fergen's brain, these five thousand people will become five thousand corpses. If you attack Aedirn, it will be equivalent to breaking the peace agreement of Cintra. All the northern countries have Those who have a duty to support me, such as Radovid of Redania, and the Duke of the South──"

Henselt slammed his sword on the table, interrupting Stennis's generous speech, "Kid, wake up, they are not reliable at all, you have to rely on yourself, I don't care about that empty agreement, they don't care about that empty agreement. Won't.

Think about it...this is just a frontier land. Give it to me and you can keep your crown.

If you go against me, I will defeat you, but don't blame me for being ruthless. Now give me Lomaco and go back to your Vengerberg! "

Facing Henselt's aggressive eyes, Stennis took two steps back and was speechless for a moment.

"I don't think so!" The heroic dragon slayer interrupted solemnly.

"Saskia, don't interrupt, this is a negotiation between kings!" Stennis tried to regain the initiative.

Scanning his little eyes left and right, Henselt stroked his beard, "Wow! She talks a lot. Dragon Slayer Saskia, you are more beautiful than the rumors say... Stennis, you have to be careful with this chick, farmer It’s time to plow the fields instead of standing up and talking nonsense. Giving up on Lomac is your best choice.”

Regardless of Henselt's provocation, Saskia was majestic and her beautiful eyes were shining, "I will not allow it. I will protect the land of Upper Aedirn. If no one has the courage to face you, I will stand up." And out.

Listen to your Majesty the King, you have one day to withdraw your troops from Upper Aedirn, if you can't do that, then go to war!

When the time comes, as long as any Kaedweni soldier stands on this land, let's start the war!

Send your messengers around Aedirn and tell all the people that you apologize for this shameful invasion, or else there will be war! "

Three consecutive paragraphs of scolding, Saskia's declaration of war without leaving any room, Stennis's face turned blue when he heard it, and an invisible storm was brewing.

Picking up the sword on the table, Henselt laughed and clapped, his little eyes flashing with cruel light, "Ha! Ha! Ha! Little girl, you are very smart. If I do what you say, my soldiers will definitely do it." Think I'm a coward or a fool.

I am Henselt from Adkale. Even if you are a dragon slayer, I will not be teased by a woman. But all that aside...you're such a charming chick...

Listen, I want this land! I want a gold mine! I still want you! Catch them! "

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