Chapter 197: Everyone is actually a relative.
Queen Miwei has taken off her armor at this time.
But instead of wearing a skirt, she put on a blue robe with gold embroidery and a huge ruby necklace.
Such a large ruby is a rarity even in the royal family, but when it appears on the queen who is famous for her wisdom and beauty in the north, people will only feel that it is a matter of course, and even think that it is an honor for the gem.
Lann noticed that Queen Miwe also had long golden hair like the sun, which was much brighter than his light golden hair that had been bleached to a different tone by the witcher mutation.
But at the same time, he also noticed that the blond hair was mixed with a lot of silver-gray color. It was obvious that the queen was also thinking very hard about state affairs. Thinking of her admirable experience, this can't help but cause a sigh of relief.
"I always thought that the rumors about you in the North were exaggerated, but now I see the real person and realize that they were still reserved." "
Sit down, Lann - can I call you that?"
After seeing Lann enter the room, After that, Queen Miwe showed a faint smile: "I don't know if Calanthe has told you that we are actually distant cousins."
Lann bowed humbly: "I have studied aristocratic genealogy, so naturally I don't I will forget this honor."
Lann's wording made Miwei smile: "You are too polite. But our relationship is very weak. I am also related to Foltest and Demavi. , but I don’t know how to call them according to their seniority - the bloodlines among nobles are always complicated, especially the royal family.”
This is the truth, but Lann doesn’t know how to pick it up.
Fortunately, Mi Wei seemed to just sigh, or simply wanted to express goodwill to the young talent in front of her who had helped her a lot, and did not continue to talk about this topic.
Then, she saw the picture frame that Lan brought over.
"A gift?"
Lann nodded and picked up Alice's painting.
Queen Miwe suddenly looked surprised, and then became amazed.
"This kind of color palette and composition, as well as this strong personal style, I have never felt in the works of any other artist today... This is a new master." Rumor has it that Queen Miwe was extremely disgusted when she was a
child Tutoring classes, but the basic artistic literacy is definitely not lacking under the influence of ears and eyes. And after becoming a queen, the collections she saw were even more incredible, and she could easily judge the quality of the paintings in Lan's hands.
She stepped forward in amazement, and immediately discovered the problem: "But the content and perspective in this painting... Could it be that this master is hiding in your knights? And the time is not right, so this painting can be painted so quickly Come out and the paint has dried?"
Lann smiled mysteriously and did not comment on Queen Mewe's question. He just said: "My painter knew that I was coming to visit His Majesty, so he specially painted this painting and used Some special techniques, I hope you like them."
Queen Miwei is not keen on paintings, she just wants to see them for freshness. But the main thing to look at in a gift is the thought inside it, and the information revealed in Lan En's words still interested her.
She did not let the butler or bartender on standby in the room take action, but stepped forward to take the painting in person.
"I want to thank you, Lann." Queen Mewe sighed suddenly, "It's not because of this painting, but because of your timely support." "
Because of the long journey and the harassment of Nilfgaard, I was not able to bring Tai Many knights are with me. I thought everything would be smooth sailing in the hinterland of the North, but unexpectedly these monsters suddenly appeared." "
These warriors should get their own glory and destiny on the battlefield. It is really unfair for them to die because of these monsters. It's worth it."
She rubbed the wine glass in her hand. The martial-loving queen felt particularly sorry for the death of the warrior.
"No one would have thought that such a situation would happen." This topic aroused Lann's interest. "I started from Cintra and passed through Temeria and Redania, and I didn't encounter any monsters along the way. . On the contrary, it was only after I left Novigrad in Redania that I discovered that there were gradually more of them." "
Perhaps you should ask the warlocks about this kind of thing, or..."
Queen Mewe was suddenly very interested and did not shy away from it. He looked at Lann's unique lion eyes.
Any other young knight might have been immediately embarrassed by such a sight.
"I heard rumors that you are blond and blue-eyed, but now looking at your pupils...so you have really become a demon hunter?"
Lann nodded. This kind of thing can't be hidden at all, and he even doesn't want to hide it, and it even tastes like deliberately publicizing it.
The identity of a witcher that others avoid can sometimes play an unexpected role in Lan's opinion.
"Can I know why you did this? Is it really like those rumors?"
For what? In order to save his life, if Jielong didn't mutate himself, he would jump on the street.
Lann thought for a while and answered with a resolute expression and a firm tone: "For my lost aunt, for my still living princess, and for my country in war."
The half-length pale golden hair seemed like It feels like it's coming to life, but it's a pity that it's dinner time and there is no sunlight coming in from the window, otherwise the atmosphere would be even better.
Miwe looked at Lann with admiration and smiled like an elder: "If Calanthe knew what you have achieved now, he would definitely feel gratified." "
Bartender, pour some wine for Lord Lannister! "
The Queen clinked glasses with the Lion Earl and drank them all in one gulp.
"We seem to have talked a lot, but so far you haven't said why you're here, Lan."
After a glass of wine, Queen Miwe's expression remained unchanged, and she even became more sober: "Unless you just want to give me Send a painting as a gift, and by the way visit my relative who I don’t know which generation it goes back to?”
At this point in the chat, it’s time to get down to business.
Lan put down his wine glass and sat upright: "I'm taking the liberty to visit you. I want to ask you some questions." "
The situation in the United Kingdom of Leiria and Livia is too similar to ours in Sintra. Other people in the north may have some concerns about Nigeria." Fugard is still contemptuous, but we who have directly fought with him should not be so." "
I have not visited most of the kings present now, and I am a soft-spoken person. I would like to ask you to speak up for me. "Sentence, help reshape the northern gateway."
As Lann said, the situation in Mewe's United Kingdom is too similar to that of Cintra.
Especially in terms of geographical location, the United Kingdom of Leiria and Livia is also located in the southernmost part of the Northern Territory. It can even be said that the national border of this United Kingdom is the border of the Northern Territory.
The only difference from Sintra is that the United Kingdom is separated from the south by the Yaruga River. This large river that crosses the northern border almost never freezes. During the rainy season, the river's water level can even reach a mile wide. It is known as the "impenetrable north-south barrier."
It is also for this reason that Cintra became the first stop for Nilfgaard's invasion of the north.
After the capital of Cintra fell and all remaining troops were reduced to Brochlon, Nilfgaard was able to take advantage of the passage to capture Soden, and then marched into the United Kingdom of Lyria and Rivia.
While the two are talking, the front line may be patrolling day and night to guard against enemy attacks, and small conflicts may break out from time to time.
If the combined army and warlocks in the north had not defeated the main force of Nilfgaard at Mount Sol, Meve might have followed in the footsteps of Calanthe and become the second embarrassing queen in the north.
So Lann has never considered winning over Queen Mewe, because Queen Mewe is Cintra's most natural ally. In the entire North, except for Ran, perhaps only the people of the United Kingdom most hope that Cintra will be recovered as soon as possible.
And when he came here this time, it was more to express his attitude of asking for help, and to send the painting.
After listening to Lann's words, Queen Miwe narrowed her eyes slightly and asked the bartender to pour herself another glass of wine.
Then she asked: "I heard that you left Sintra two months ago, and even took a detour in the middle. You were going to visit the kings before the meeting, right?" This is not
something that can be concealed or Something worth hiding, Lann nodded curtly.
Miwei suddenly let out a long sigh: "It would be great if my two sons were half as capable as you."
Lann's face twitched, and he suddenly didn't know how to answer this sentence. It was also unclear whether Mi Wei was praising herself.
"Then I think you must have met Fuertestai and Vizmir."
"Yes."
"What did you say to them?"
Lan organized his language and said: "Vizmir and I His Majesty Mir II reached an agreement to jointly resist Nilfgaard. He promised to send troops to resist Nilfgaard and help us convince other participants at the meeting."
Miwei nodded clearly after hearing this: "Wiz Mir is called the 'Just One', and his vision is definitely not shallow. What about Foltest?"
Lan thought to himself: I have reached a very firm alliance with his daughter.
But it's better not to talk about this kind of thing openly. Furtesi himself probably doesn't even know about it.
Lan thought for a while and said: "His Majesty Foltest does not have a good impression of Nilfgaard, but he is not willing to spend extra effort to help Cintra. He has great confidence in Temeria and thinks that he The country is enough to fight the Black Sun alone."
Miwei sat up straight this time: "Why? Fuertesi is also a wise king, and he shouldn't be so unclear about the situation. Helping Cintra is far better than fighting against him himself. Nilfgaard came easily."
Lan lowered his head and sighed: "He put forward a condition that I cannot accept."
"What is it?" "He wants
Princess Cirilla to marry his illegitimate son."
When he said this, Lan En's eyes showed a hint of anger at the right time.
Queen Miwe keenly captured this point and sighed in her heart: No matter how sharp she is in politics or how brave she is in terms of military force, she is still just a young man after all.
But when she thought of the poems and rumors about "knights and princesses", "lions and princesses", "lion and lion cubs" and other themes that were widely circulated in the north, she felt that she could understand it.
After all, Queen Miwe herself is someone who believes in love.
Whether it was because of Lann's previous rescue of Mewe's team or to give the United Kingdom another door to resist Nilfgaard, Queen Mewe had to analyze the situation for Lann and make a promise.
"Helping Cintra means helping myself, so I will try my best to persuade other kings to help Cintra at the meeting." "
Thank you, Your Majesty."
Queen Miwe shook her head slightly and asked: "You haven't yet Have you met Demavi and Henselt?"
"Yes."
The Queen touched the gem on her chest and analyzed it for Lan: "Demavi's Aedirn Kingdom is behind my United Kingdom. Although he is a cruel He is a tyrant, but he has great insights on military matters. He must be able to understand the nature of Nilfgaard. I have a good relationship with him, so it is not difficult to win him for you." "Thank you." The queen
continued
: "Foltest is not a very stubborn guy. Although his hobbies are very... special, he is very aware of the current situation. If the majority of the people in the meeting agree to fight against Nilfgaard, he will not He alone rejected a proposal that would benefit him without any harm."
"This is enough." Lann said, "Cintra has Temeria as its back, and you on the front line fight side by side with us. With the support of His Majesty Vizmir, I am confident that I will drive the Nilfgaardians out of the north."
Queen Miwe sighed: "No, things are not that simple, Lann."
"I just said it. Of all the people, Henselt is the only one who has never told you. And Henselt is the most bastard of people. He may not be able to help you, but he has the ability to prevent others from helping you. Lan
En was stunned: "I have heard some rumors about him..." "
Then I can tell you responsibly that no matter what rumors you hear about him, most of them are true." "
Since he succeeded to the throne , The Kingdom of Aedirn, which has been harassing Demavi continuously. Believe it or not, if Demavi sends his army south to fight against the Black Sun, Henselt can turn around and send troops to raid Aedirn." "
Ah this..."
Mi Queen Wei shook her head. Henselt's wanton behavior has always been the biggest headache for other powerful countries in the north. Although other people who can become the monarchs of the four major countries have more or less eccentricities, they are still qualified politicians at their core.
Only Henselt, she sometimes really wonders why this man is still able to maintain his country.
"Moreover." Queen Miwe added seriously, "Lan, you have to be mentally prepared." "It's
true that these kings can see the situation clearly, but if they really want to help Cintra, You have to pay a certain price."
"Perhaps we really need to start thinking about Cirila's marriage..."
Mi Wei said a heavy word.
Before Lann could react to these words, a loud and long horn sound suddenly sounded outside the window.
"Woo——"
The horn sounded from far to near, and the direction of Haji Fortress quickly responded.
"Ugh——"
Lann of Cintra, Meve of the United Kingdom of Lyria and Rivia, Demavi of Aedirn, Henselt of Kaedwen, Foltest of Temeria . These representatives and monarchs from the north have arrived, so now there is only one signal in response to the trumpet sound.
"Vizmir is finally here, everyone is here." Queen Miwe sighed, "The meeting is about to begin."
...
The world is very big.
Just as the main forces in the north gathered at Haji Fortress, on the other side of the world, a man wearing black sun armor was lowering his head.
His armor is more advanced than the armors of Nilfgaardian officers seen on the battlefield of Rann. Although most of the lines on it are covered by sword marks and dust, it is still possible to faintly see how skilled the blacksmith who forged it was. Care is taken to make this armor stand out.
In addition to the black sun armor, this man also wears a layer of fine chain mail, which can be said to maximize the defensive performance.
The man in the armor should have been a rebellious military attache, but at this moment he was more humble and gentle than any royal steward, and he was making a report to the people in front of him smoothly: "
Vezmir, Foltest, De Mavi, Henselt, Meve and Lann of Cintra. At this moment, they have all arrived at the Haji Fortress in Pontar. They are meeting in private."
Standing in front of him was a slender black-haired man, The figure is tall and straight, and the elk hide coat has armor indentations and rust stains.
"They are not meeting in private. The entire north and even the south have known about their meeting. They want people in the north to know, and they also want us to know." "Four kings, a queen, and a
young Earl." The slender black-haired man chuckled, "Can you guess what they are talking about? Kuhorn, my marshal?" "You can guess it." The
marshal replied briefly without saying another word. He knew that the person who turned his back hated anyone making unnecessary comments in front of him.
"There are only four major countries, plus two portals, and they didn't invite Verden, Soden, or even Kevir." The black-haired man shook his head, "This shows that they are either extremely confident or lack confidence. They also didn't invite wizards. Anyone who knows, this is not only interesting, but also significant."
"Yes." The marshal was still concise.
The black-haired man did not look back at him: "Is there no news about Riens and the witchers yet?"
"There is no news about the warlocks, but the witchers..." The marshal raised his head and glanced at the man, "They seem to be related to Cintra. Lann came together."
"You mean, our intelligence system is not working well?" "
I'm afraid so."
"Then I guess I can't wait for Riens' report any longer?" "
I'm afraid so."
Black The man walked a few steps and stopped by the window. He stood there for a long time, looking at the hills bathed in the rain.
Marshal Kuhorn was waiting, his hand clenching the pommel of his sword uneasily and then letting go, fearing that he would be forced to listen to a long monologue again. The Marshal knew that the man standing at the window saw the monologue as dialogue and the dialogue as proof of privilege and trust.
"Kuhorn, I should have called you Lord Governor at this time, do you know? And the land in front of you is your province, the province of Sintra. It's a pity that all of this has been destroyed and was destroyed by a Seventeen... or an eighteen-year-old guy?"
He chuckled: "The Lion of Sintra... I once met his father. People in Sintra seem to have become famous very early." "
Sint in the past La is not what we see in front of us."
He stretched out his hand, and the southern corner of Sintra was silent and deserted under the rain.
The marshal lowered his head: "Sorry, we were involved." "
Yes, you do need to apologize, so I hope you can make up for it." "I want you to
go to Dole Angra. When the rebellion subsides, you I will leave. My forces in Dol Angra need a reliable commander, one who will not accept provocation. The Merry Widow of Lyria, and Demavi of Aedirn...will provoke us at any time. You have to control those young officers and calm their impulsive heads. You can only accept the challenge when I give you an order. Until then, you must stand still." "Yes." Dole Angra is a very broad-minded
person
. The canyon connects Lyria, Rivia, Aedirn, Flower Valley, Kaedwen and important trade routes to the south. After passing through the shallowest part of the middle reaches of the Yaruga River, this line continues north through the Pontar Valley to the Pontar River and the Kingdom of Temeria.
Simply put, this is an important transportation thoroughfare and a place for military strategists.
"In addition, find some bounty hunters and mercenaries to go to Skellige in the name of 'avenging the Golden Tower City'. Harass them, hold them back, and don't let them come to rob the southern coast again. Now is not the time to deal with them. ."
"As you command."
Suddenly the sound of arms and spurs, and the sound of loud voices came from the antechamber.
There was a knock on the door.
The man in moose skins turned around and nodded in agreement. The marshal bowed slightly and left the room.
The dark-haired man returned to the table and sat down, looking down at the map. He looked at it carefully for a long time, and finally rested his forehead on his interlocked hands.
There was a huge diamond on his ring, which shone in the candlelight like a thousand flames.
"Your Majesty?" The door creaked and Kuhoun returned.
"Is there any news, Kuhoun? News about Riens?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. News from the warlock contact device you gave us - Riens is dead."
The marshal noticed the black hair . The man's hands were twitching. He discovered it based on the reflection of diamonds.
"Lann of Cintra, Lann Lannister Leanne." The black-haired man tapped the diamond with his fingertips. This was an action that would make all nobles, collectors, and gem dealers scream, but he didn't care. .
After thinking for a while, the man suddenly raised his head: "Ask the wizards to start working and prepare to use magic to contact our contacts in the elves. Pass on my verbal orders. The order is as follows: No need to be careful anymore and let the Scoia'tael cause trouble. Let the Northern Kingdoms pay attention to them. Find a few more witchers to join their ranks. I heard that those guys with cat head necklaces are keen to help the elves." "I remember it, Your Majesty." "
Then
let The guy in the forest is looking for the white-haired witcher and the sorceress. After discovering the traces of the other party, stand by and wait for my order." "Yes, Your
Majesty."
"This order must be encrypted to prevent any magical interpretation. Reminder If those wizards mess up, if outsiders learn of my orders, I will only ask them." "
As you command, Your Majesty." The marshal cleared his throat and straightened his back.
Marshal Menno Kuhoun, the future commander-in-chief of the Dole Angra forces, raised his head and stood at attention, holding the pommel of his sword.
In front of him was the Emperor of the Nilfgaardian Empire, Emhyr var Emres, Deithwen Addan yn Carn aep Morvudd - "white flames dancing on the tombs of enemies".
(End of chapter)