A Tale of Strategies For the Throne

After the blond knight came in through the window, the chaotic atmosphere in the bedroom was finally lifted.

Tal ran back, carefully and gently closed the door, locked it, then ran back with a bump, sat upright on the seat, and looked up at his house with an expression of 'I am a good baby'. Your Highness.

Also sitting upright was Seth, the dark-skinned battleship general.

He sat upright, straightened his body, put his hands on his knees, and had a formal face with a solemn expression.

Compared with these two people, Caijos seemed much more casual. He was leaning on the soft sofa at an angle, supporting his cheek with one hand, and glanced at the two people sitting there, with a smile on his lips. .

Gallan, who had changed his clothes in the side room, came out, and Seth, who was already sitting upright, tightened his shoulders and seemed a little nervous.

Garlan walked over and stretched out his hand to him.

He was startled for a moment, then heard Garlan speak.

"Give me the note."

"Yes, it is!"

Seth immediately stood up, stood at attention, took out a small note from his side, and presented it to Garlan respectfully.

This afternoon, after he was interrupted by the prince and was scolded, he returned to the room where he was dealing with official documents.

He sat there blankly. He didn't know how long he sat there. He only knew that his mind was blank and he had no idea what to do next.

Just then, he suddenly heard a squeaking sound.

He subconsciously lowered his head and saw a little mouse covered in pitch black slithering up from the ground onto the desk, standing in front of him, and squeaking at him.

He removed a thin copper tube from the little mouse and obtained the note.

When he saw the words on the note, Seth's eyes, which were as gray as ashes, suddenly lit up.

His whole body was like a dying person suddenly coming back to life.

For the next time, he locked himself in his room and didn't say anything or even go out to eat. He didn't answer anyone who knocked on the door.

To others it looks like he has completely despaired and given up.

Seth waited patiently until late at night, when the little black mouse came back to look for him. Then, he was led by the little black mouse to the residence of Prince Gallan.

Garlan took the note, turned around, put the note in the light, and watched it burn to ashes.

Seth looked at the prince's side face illuminated by the fire and spoke with some confusion.

He said: "I wonder how you found me?"

The blond knight who was lazily leaning on the sofa chuckled and raised his right hand to Seth who turned to look at him.

"The prince gave me a wink before he left, so I planted something on you."

As soon as he finished speaking, the little black mouse that had already climbed onto his shoulder and stuck out its little head squeaked, as if asking for credit.

Seth was startled for a moment. He remembered the scene in the afternoon when Caijos stretched out his hand and almost pushed him to the ground, making him look extremely embarrassed, and he suddenly understood.

He thought it was Caihos's punishment for being disrespectful to the prince, but he didn't expect it to be...

"Seth, your behavior is too reckless."

The one-eyed knight raised his eyes, and his gaze suddenly became sharp as he stared at Seth.

"If you act rashly in that situation, you will not only harm yourself, but also involve His Highness."

Even if he was just sitting there lazily, the man known throughout the world as the Knight of the Burning Sun exuded a compelling power.

"Don't you know that doing this will bring a lot of trouble to His Highness?"

The man knelt down on one knee again.

He lowered his head deeply and put a hand on his chest.

"Your Highness, please forgive me for my foolish and reckless actions."

He gritted his teeth.

"However, I really can't think of any other way. Taka has been sending people to monitor me, and he will not let me get close to you, so this afternoon is my only chance to talk to you."

"Taka? The naval commander of Tozes?"

"Yes, that's him." Seth said, "Besides, he is also the brother of businessman Bertola."

"Bertola..."

"He is the owner of the house you are in now."

"...Brother, no wonder they look a bit alike."

Garlan's words made Tal, who was sitting there obediently, startled, and he immediately remembered what His Highness had asked him in the afternoon.

At that time, His Highness asked him if he thought that person looked familiar?

He suddenly let out a soft cry.

"Your Highness, you said you looked familiar this afternoon, is it because you think the man named Taka looks similar to the businessman Bertola?" The little fat man scratched his head and said, "I really didn't see it."

Kehos next to him chuckled.

"Have your eyes ever moved from His Highness's face to anyone else's?"

"Your Highness is good-looking. Of course I have eyes to see good-looking things!"

Tal replied confidently.

Kayhos, who was rarely choked by Tarr: "..."

It was so reasonable that he couldn't refute it.

Garlan ignored his two subordinates and pondered to himself.

"...Collusion between military and businessmen is a common occurrence."

"It's not that simple, Prince. Even if it's just this level, I won't risk my life to report it to you."

Seth, who was kneeling on the ground, looked up, his expression was not pretty.

"The warships you saw this afternoon are only part of the fleet, and there are more..."

At this point, he paused.

"You didn't see that."

"you mean?"

"According to Aaron Landis's naval configuration, each fleet must have at least forty warships and more than 10,000 naval sailors, but the current situation is not like this. As for my Eighth Fleet, it currently only has three There are more than ten warships, but the sailors are less than eight stories high.”

Cayjos, who was lazily leaning on the sofa, sat up and stared at Seth sharply.

"If there are insufficient military resources and personnel, it must be reported to the Military Affairs Administration immediately."

"No, Lord Caihos, both the list of warships and the list of soldiers are sufficient."

A hint of coldness flashed across Caihos's eyes.

"You mean, that Tozes commander Taka is living on empty wages?"

When he said the last few words, the blond knight's face darkened.

Although he belongs to the cavalry army and has nothing to do with the navy, as a military commander, what he hates most is the disgraceful behavior of eating empty pay and drinking soldiers' blood.

"As you said, those abandoned warships are registered. As warships that are still in use, many soldiers are also on the forged list..."

Seth nodded.

"Your Highness, my fleet and I were transferred here from Port Alwan two years ago. Because I refused their solicitation, my fleet and I have been squeezed out. Although I tried my best to ensure The fleet under my command is intact, but their power is too huge... I have to give in and remain silent about this."

There was a look of shame on the man's dark face.

Garlan thought for a while and asked: "In other words, the same is true for other fleets. The number of warships and soldiers has been forged by two or three levels?"

"No, Your Highness, as the price for my silence, I barely guaranteed the manpower of the eighth floor of my fleet, but the other two fleets... they are guarding me. I am not very clear about the specific status, but based on my visual inspection this year If they arrive, I'm afraid the actual number of warships and soldiers is only half."

As soon as the brown-haired general finished speaking, the whole room suddenly became silent.

Even Tal looked shocked. Although he does not understand military affairs, he is very talented in arithmetic, is very sensitive to various data, and has a good memory. Therefore, Shermer with his talent is often found when doing financial accounting. Caught to help.

Therefore, he vaguely remembered how huge the tax revenue from Tozes, the largest seaport in Aaron Landis, was.

And of the one-third of the tax revenue that is left to maintain the navy every year, nearly half is embezzled.

After being quiet for a while, Kayhos sneered.

"This residence is really magnificent. I'm afraid it's comparable to the castle of the Lord of a City."

Garlan lowered his eyes, his fine eyelashes casting shadows on his fair face, as if he was thinking about something.

After a while, he raised his eyes and looked at Seth again.

"Seth, the force you are talking about that even you have to surrender to...are you referring to the owner of this house and several other big businessmen in Tozes?"

"Yes, Prince."

"It's impossible. He's just a businessman. How could he have that ability?"

Tal couldn't help but interject.

In the royal city, the status of the royal family and nobles is unquestionable, followed by officials, and the status of merchants is similar to that of civilians.

He could not imagine that merchants with the same status as civilians could control such a large city.

"That's the fact, Prince. Those big businessmen have almost taken over the business on the ninth floor of Tozes. They are rooted here, and their influence is spread throughout this city."

Seth continued, "I have heard rumors that Taka is his brother Bertola who spent a huge amount of money to get him to his current position. As for the truth of this rumor, I am not sure. However, Among the navy, I'm afraid the vast majority are their people. Bertola and several other big businessmen often ask the navy to escort their caravans."

Garlan raised an eyebrow.

"In other words, Tozes City used the country's tax revenue to help those businessmen raise a private fleet?"

Although the tone was joking, the meaning behind those words made Seth feel a chill in his heart, and he lowered his head and did not dare to say any more.

After another moment of silence, Garlan nodded.

"I know for now, Seth. You go back first. It won't be good if those people find out after a long time."

Seth raised his head suddenly and stared at Garlan closely.

"Prince, we can't let them go on like this anymore! Please do whatever it takes -"

"I see."

Garlan reached out and patted the loyal general on the shoulder.

He smiled at it.

"Seth, I've made it difficult for you in the past two years."

"I……"

Seth opened his mouth, as if his throat was blocked by something. He stared blankly at the prince's gentle eyes. The bitterness, forbearance, anger and struggle in the past two years, all the emotions that had been suppressed for too long, surged up in an instant. His heart was so clogged in his chest that he couldn't speak.

After a long while, he finally made a hoarse voice.

"Your Highness, don't you reprimand me? Because of my cowardice, I gave in to them..."

"I will scold you after this matter is resolved."

Garlan smiled, then sighed slightly.

He said, "But, Seth, I'm sorry, I'm afraid I'm going to have to wrong you next. Because of what happened in the afternoon, they're probably going to attack you soon, but I can't help you, so please forgive me."

"Please don't say anything about forgiveness, prince."

Seth leaned in again.

This time, he willingly dropped to his knees.

He bowed his head to the young prince, his forehead pressed firmly to the ground.

"On the contrary, I actually had the thought of questioning you and being so rude. I feel extremely sorry for this..."

He said in a hoarse voice,

"...And, extremely ashamed."

…………

After Seth left, Tal blinked and looked at Garlan.

"Your Highness, when did you realize something was wrong with those guys?"

"last night."

"Huh? We just arrived in Tozes last night. Did you notice it at that time? What exactly happened?"

"Last night, at the ruling government's reception banquet."

Garlan said, "A mere businessman can make the governor in charge of a city look at him and act accordingly."

At that time, the businessman just winked, and the consul immediately persuaded him to accept the girl.

"Also, when I went out to get some air during the dinner, I saw a scene that made me very strange."

Garlan continued.

"The businessman named Bertola was giving orders to a clerk, and he was doing so in a accustomed manner... Although the clerk is only a lower-level official in the ruling government, this already feels very wrong. "

"Later, I observed carefully and found that the attitude of those businessmen towards the consul was very casual. In fact, in their relationship, Bertola took the leading position."

"Moreover, during today's inspection, the consul also continued to say good things to those businessmen, both covertly and overtly."

Having said this, Garlan stopped and looked at Caihos.

"Kayjos, doesn't the Inspectorate have any spies or supervisors here?"

he asked.

Caijos thought for a moment and replied.

"Perhaps it has been bribed, Your Highness. The Inspection Office was established only after His Majesty took office. The main focus is on several large cities bordering the Kingdom of Geshu in the north and the State of Islam in the east. I am afraid it is more relaxed here. "

Because Aaron Landis faces the sea to the south and has only a few small island countries, there is no big country that can threaten Aaron Landis's security.

Because of this, in Aaron Landis, who was famous for his cavalry, the navy had never been taken seriously. The main role of the navy is to prevent pirates and protect seaports.

"I understand. That's it for today. It's time for you to go back and rest."

The two nodded and stood up.

Tal suddenly touched his head.

"It always feels like we've forgotten something."

Caijos groaned.

"Seems to be."

Garlan also thought deeply.

"That being said, it seems that I have indeed forgotten something..."

He suddenly turned his eyes and looked in one direction.

The other two people followed his gaze and suddenly realized.

The girl who was pushed to the ground by Tarr at first was still lying face down on the cold floor, motionless.

It looks really pitiful.

"Kayjos, how long will your drug keep her unconscious?"

"It's at least one night, and I won't wake up until tomorrow morning."

"That's it..."

"Speaking of which, Prince, why were your clothes torn just now?"

"It was caught when she was unconscious and collapsed, and it tore apart."

At that time, he put the small pill Caijos gave him into the wine. After the girl finished drinking, the girl leaned over and just grabbed his clothes with her hands, when the effect of the medicine wore off, and she naturally fell forward.

At that time, her hands were still tugging on the clothes on his chest, so with a sneer, his clothes were torn.

He was stunned for a moment before Tal rushed over.

"I see."

Tal touched his head and giggled a few times.

………………

One night passed, and it was already bright.

Because of the master's instructions, no one came to disturb me until the sun was up. There were two people sleeping on the soft and large bed.

Not long after, the black-haired girl opened her eyes. She had just woken up with a somewhat lazy expression, and her half-opened and half-closed eyes added a bit of charm to the girl's innocent face.

And her lazy sitting posture increasingly revealed her beautiful body curves, and her moist and honey-colored skin was glowing. If anyone else was around, they would definitely look at her.

It's a pity that the only person in the room who can see this beautiful scene is still asleep.

The girl rubbed the corners of her eyes and became more awake. When she lowered her head, she saw the young prince lying beside him, soundly asleep. His long hair, like flowing gold, was scattered on the snow-white bed in the sunlight, and his fair skin was like white clouds. , with delicate eyebrows, red lips and white teeth, so beautiful that she lost her consciousness for a moment.

She couldn't help but reach out and touch the prince's cheek. The skin was so soft and supple that she felt a little jealous.

Although she has seen a lot of all kinds of men around her father over the years, this is the first time she has seen such a young and naive child.

When she thought that this young and beautiful boy was her prey, and he was also a noble prince, she felt an indescribable excitement and couldn't help but lick her red lips with her tongue.

What a pity.

She looked at the sleeping Garlan and thought sadly.

She probably drank too much at the dinner party last night, and after entering the room, she drank a few more drinks to build up the atmosphere, and ended up getting drunk without knowing it.

The rare opportunity to eat this little prince was wasted.

But she wasn't in a hurry.

Although this prince is young, he obviously cannot resist her temptation.

Sooner or later he will be his own.

The girl thought so confidently.

She looked at the sleeping Garlan, leaned over, her silky black hair fell on Garlan's shoulders, and her slightly raised red lips gently kissed Garlan's cheek.

At this time, playing hard to get is the best way to arouse men's minds.

So, after leaving a mark, the girl got out of bed lightly and left here quietly.

The room became quiet again.

After a long time, the sleeping Garlan stirred and woke up.

Rubbing his eyes, he turned around and looked around, but didn't see the girl. Thinking that she might have left by herself, he put it behind him, yawned and stretched, and then walked down slowly. bed.

The sun is so bright.

Looking at the bright sunshine outside the window and the endless blue sea in the distance, he thought in his heart.

There was a knock on the door, and Garlan casually fiddled with his hair, which was a little messy from sleeping, and pushed it behind his ear, then walked over and opened the door.

The tall blond knight stood at the door with a smile on his handsome face.

However, when he saw Garlan, Kayhos was slightly startled, and then the smile on his lips became even bigger.

"Your Highness."

He seemed to be suppressing a smile and pointed at Garlan's right cheek.

"You'd better go take a shower or Tal will start crying again."

Confused, Garlan raised his hand to wipe his cheek. When he looked down, he saw a trace of crimson on the back of his hand.

He quickly went to the mirror and took a look, only to see that there was a crimson lip mark on his cheek that he had rubbed off, making it look even more red against his fair skin.

While he was still there, a hand reached out from the side and patted his shoulder gently as if to comfort him.

"Thank you for your hard work, Your Highness."

Cayjos said, suppressing a laugh.

"My subordinates are all incompetent and not good-looking, so I have no choice but to go into battle in person to pull off a honey trap."

Garlan: "..."

Honey trap?

Who is that so-called beauty?

Pooh.

You are the beauty and your whole family is beautiful!

The little prince ran to wash his face angrily.

…………

……………………

At the same time, at this time, the sky was already bright, and the female official Taputi welcomed a guest she was very familiar with in the prince's palace.

Prince Garlan went to the seaport city in the southwest, King Camos went to the east, and Prince Heimos stayed in the palace due to illness, so he happened to be in charge of the royal city.

Once a person who didn't get sick in the past got sick, the disease would come violently, so Heimos rested for a few days before he recovered.

"His Royal Highness Gallan is not in the palace now."

The female official Tapti looked at Heimos who suddenly arrived at the palace this morning and said this.

Generally speaking, Prince Heimos usually comes here for only one purpose, but now that His Highness is not here, why is he here?

The female official was a little puzzled.

Heimos said, staring at her.

"I'm coming to find you."

"ah?"

"I want to ask you, did Garlan ask you to leave any message for me before he left?"

"……No."

talk?

What message do you want to leave?

Tapti, who was confused by Heimos's question, shook his head decisively.

"…………"

Heimos fell silent.

As soon as he woke up, he learned that Garlan suddenly left the royal city, without even saying hello to him before leaving.

He kept thinking that maybe because he was in a hurry, Garlan didn't have time to come to him, and he might ask Tapu to tell him something related to him.

result……

The fine black forehead hair was scattered at the corners of Heimos' slightly sharp eyes and the straight bridge of his nose. His thin lips pursed, and he turned his face sideways, and the tips of his hair also moved.

His eyelashes drooped down, covering half of his eyes. He said nothing more, turned around and left, walking past the fountain with the stone statue of the Goddess of Luck, and quickly disappeared into the courtyard.

In the courtyard, the female official Tapti stayed where she was.

The moment Prince Heymos turned around, she inadvertently caught a glimpse of his eyes that turned slightly.

That look in her eyes seemed to give her an inexplicable... uh... feeling... a little aggrieved?

………

It must be because she didn't sleep well last night because she was worried about the traveling prince, so her eyes were blurred today.

Um.

That's it.