Prequel

Ten years ago...

In the imperial palace...

Your Majesty, don't be so uneasy, you were not so nervous when His Highness the Fifth Princess was born last month

Gauss... You don't understand my mood now. I have so many sons and daughters before. The problem is that this is the first time I want to marry my daughter out. I always feel a little reluctant to leave.

The eldest princess herself has agreed. You, a father, cannot behave as immature than your own children. Besides, you already have five daughters. They are going to get married sooner or later. You can't panic every time.

The two people talking in the room at this time were the Imperial Emperor Hermann and one of his most trusted subordinates, Gauss

Cleveland, as they said in their previous conversation, this day was the day before the eldest princess, Herman's eldest daughter was about to get married. This emperor, who was extremely majestic in front of others, was also worried like a normal father at this time.

That's why I asked Gauss, you are here to accompany me. I can't let others see this now. And your two daughters are also married, so I can tell me about Ah...

What else can I say about this? After my two precious daughters got married, there was only one prodigal son left. Your Majesty, you are different. The second prince is so outstanding at the age of 12. Moreover, His Highness Freya has just been born, and at least he will be with you for more than ten years.

It's also Ah... But now I think about it, I'm still not suitable to be the emperor Ah. I'm worried about it just after marrying my first daughter. Think about how many monarchs and nobles gave their daughters as tools for political interests. I really admire them.

Your Majesty, you will naturally get used to it after staying in this position for a long time. Ah... I'm almost out, and Morris's group of people should be coming soon.

Gauss calculated the time and thought it was time to leave. After all, a subordinate and a monarch stayed for too long would arouse suspicion from other nobles.

Don't worry, Morris sent someone yesterday to say that the whole family will go to church first today and will come here later

Actually... I'm also a little worried about my granddaughter...

Oh... Is it Little Firner? Haha... That kid still likes to run around so much. Since that's the case, you go first. I'll go out even if I stay for a while.

Yes... Then please let me take my leave first

After Gauss left, Herman sat on the sofa with some weakness. This feeling of powerlessness was not only because of the eldest daughter's impending departure, but also because of his powerlessness in the throne. He originally planned to let his daughters try his best to marry the nobles in the imperial capital, so that it would be easier to meet frequently in the future. However, the exchange of political interests in reality is ruthless. In order to ensure the internal stability of the empire, intermarriage relationships must be maintained with the major lords as much as possible.

When Herman was a child, he always felt that his father had endless power, but until he really sat on the throne, he realized that he was actually just a part of the huge machinery of the Empire, but it was a little more conspicuous than other parts. But no matter how conspicuous it was, the parts were just parts. It was impossible to violate the operation of the entire machine.

Just like now...

As the emperor, it is so sad that he can only marry his daughter to a man who is far away from a foreign land that he doesn't even know...

He also knew that there were too many accidental factors for him to ascend the throne. Although Marshal Carter's support gave him a relatively stable political environment, there were still many ministers who did not agree with his ascension to the throne, making the imperial capital political circle, which was already full of factions, even more chaotic

Your Majesty, someone is asking for a visit outside

The housekeeper's voice came from outside the door, but Hermann had no intention of seeing anyone other than his close ministers, so he immediately refused.

This... Your Majesty, the person who asked for his views is Duke Crafal, so I'll inform you

Oh! Then let him come in quickly

yes……

After the butler took off, he quickly led Duke Crafal to the room. As soon as the king and his minister met, they immediately hugged each other with a smile...

Why are you here now? Will, the wedding will begin tomorrow!

Ah... It took a few days to rain on the road, otherwise I would not be late for your Hermann daughter's wedding, oh! Now I should call His Majesty Ah...

Ouch! Don't... You call me Your Majesty, I feel like you are scolding someone

Duke Crafal's full name is Wilkes

Crafal, from this conversation between him and the emperor without any pressure from the monarch and ministers, anyone can see how close the relationship between the two is.

Because of this friendship, the Crafal family is also the only lord in the royal family who can maintain trust with each other without intermarriage.

Alas... Time flies so fast. We went to Bernier's house together and had an affair with her wife. It seemed like it was yesterday. As a result, one emperor and one duke are now, you are going to marry your first daughter.

Duke Crafal was sitting on the sofa carelessly, not giving the emperor in front of him any face. Of course, the other party didn't care about his rude behavior at all.

Don't say how old I am! I'm not 40 yet

It's almost done. The older I get, the faster time passes. My eldest daughter is not 20 years old this year. Once she has a child, she will feel that she is very old.

Speaking of this, both of them sighed at the same time, both sighing at the cruelty of time

You said that... Lena is 20 years old this year, did she bring her here this time?

No, that little girl is determined to be a paladin, and has been staying in the holy city recently. This time I brought my fourth son here. The child likes to hide in the house and read books all day long, so this time I specially brought him to the imperial capital to see the world

Hahaha! There are people in your Krafal family who like to read books! Don’t make me laugh, okay... That child is definitely not your biological child! Huhuhu... By the way, what is your son’s name?

Adris... usually calls him Adris. He is just 15 years old this year. And Herman, I tell you, I finally raised a son who is angry with a scholar. Don't curse me...

OK OK... You bastard have so many illegitimate children and many heirs... You don't have to worry about your son's problems at all... OK...

Are you missing illegitimate children? I think there are many little maids in this palace alone, who are the illegitimate daughters of you and those beautiful maids. And if you want to say your son, have you been focusing on cultivating Enrique? It seems that other sons don’t think about it at all.

Don't talk nonsense... There are only three little maids in the palace who are my illegitimate daughters, and the others are sent to the church for adoption. As for Enrique, he...

When Hermann talks about his second son, his expression suddenly becomes very proud, just like an artist showing off his most perfect work, full of pride and a faint sense of inferiority.

Enrique is different from me. The child is not as good as my son. He is like the father who is born to become a monarch... Alas... In fact, as an emperor, I know the ability and level of governing the country until now. Even if people in the future don't call me a fool, I will give me face, but at least I believe that I will never be caught by future generations in choosing an heir.

Hermann seemed to be venting his words. As the king of a country, he could only dare to say such words to friends who could trust.

You are worried about nothing... You didn't want to sit on this throne voluntarily. The late emperor just passed away, and your brothers started fighting each other for the throne. In the end, they died and ran away and ran away. Apart from you, there is no legal heir. Besides, the specific matters of governing the country are not the responsibility of our subordinates. As a monarch, as long as you can stabilize those great nobles, Hermann... We all know that you, the emperor, are just a duck to put it on the shelves. It's great that you can do this now. Don't force yourself too much.

Alas... I still hope you can flatter me a little, and I have to tell these ugly truths. In fact, if Mr. Carter hadn't helped me hide, I would have been the first to kill me... Later, I was only able to ascend the throne because of his support.

Marshal Carter was not only for helping you, but also for the royal family and the empire. Otherwise, those nobles would definitely turn your demented brother into a puppet emperor. At that time, the imperial regime would definitely fall into the hands of those bastards. Although you are also an idiot, at least you will say "No" Ah... Hahaha...

Damn... I have been the emperor for so many years, but I will be hurt by you. Damn... I won't talk about this anymore! Let's talk about it easily... By the way, my little daughter was born last month. Call your son to take a look

Don't worry about my son. That kid is coming to the capital for the first time and is still playing around. This time he came here for the library that your capital had just built.

Oh...that really flatters me. I wanted to build that library to change the rough image of our empire and to add some cultural cultivation to those bastards who only know how to be greedy for money. But as a result... no one went to Ah at all. Your son will definitely have a promising future. Maybe he can assist Enrique.

What does it mean? Maybe... it will definitely be OK. Ed's child is actually the most talented among my sons, but he is a little timid and unwilling to show up. I wanted to make him the heir several times, but because her mother was just a little maid from me and had no power at home, she was never accepted by others. Later, she wanted to send him to the army to exercise her spirit. But now the only place where the empire is still fighting is the steel wall fortress, and of course she wouldn't send him there. Alas... If you really can follow Enrique in the future, that's fine, it's fine, I just don't know if the two people have a good personality, and Ed is a little older

Don't worry...Enrique is only 12 years old, but he is already very good at winning people's hearts. And since we are our sons, we will never have a bad relationship. I just want to trouble your son not to drag my son down in the future. He will inherit the throne.

To put it nicely, it may not be necessary who will help anyone in the future. Forget it, let’s not talk about the gangsters, hurry up and see how cute the new little princess in our empire is.

Hehe... It will definitely make you jealous and squirt blood. When you grow up, you may be more cute than Milia.

Really, you are not much handsome than me. Why do you have all the daughters that are so beautiful... Didn't you say that you have illegitimate daughters in the palace and in the church? This time you choose a beautiful one and go back to be a concubine for me

OK, I have someone who is almost 15 years old to give you, but I will agree first. Although he is an illegitimate daughter, he is still my daughter anyway. He can barely be considered a princess without a name. You have to be kind to her

What else do you have to worry about? Our Krafal family men have always been famous for being good at women. No matter how many wives and concubines, they can be obedient. Damn... I suddenly wanted to find a woman to play with, hey... I called a maid to come over and let me suck the fire first

You are all dukes, so you can't bring a female slave to you by yourself.

I rarely come to you this time, just to play with women in the palace, what's the point of playing with yourself? I've actually seen a good one just now. Please wait and help me find her...

This duo, who is called the king and the minister, is actually friends, talks about the woman and talks about her daughter leaving this small room.

On the other side of the palace, because of tomorrow's wedding, the eldest princess and the second princess, who are bridesmaids, are both busy with the wedding, and their two little sisters can only be accompanied by a maid to spend this busy day...

Sister... After the eldest sister got married... Is she really not able to meet?

At this time, the fourth princess Milia, who was only six years old, leaned against her third sister Lucelia, and asked with a somewhat innocent and uneasy look. She had asked many people this question, but all she got was Mo Ling Liangke's answer. After all, the real answer was indeed a bit cruel for a six-year-old girl.

How could that be... Even for Milia, you will definitely come back often

Although Lucelia is only 7 years old, she is much more mature than Milia. She already knows to comfort her sister with lies. However, this kind of maturity is also due to being discriminated against for a long time. What is discrimination against?

Of course, it's hair color. As the royal bloodline, Lucelia is the only daughter among the princesses who did not inherit her father's blond hair. Some special red hair and the identity of the princess made her always targeted inexplicably in the palace.

Besides, her mother, Molian, has no special backer, and has made some women who are close to the emperor and even have illegitimate children but have no title of a concubine. Fortunately, Princess Lucelia's same natural tolerant personality has helped her survive until now. Even if everyone in the palace hates her, she knows that her mother and sister Milia will always like her.

But... I hope my sisters can always be with me. If you get married, you can't meet every day.

Milia seemed not satisfied with the answer she got. Her tender arms were tightly hugging her sister beside her, as if she was afraid that she would run away.

The maids around all know that Milia is the emperor's favorite daughter now, so they all want to get close to her so that they can have a backer in the future. However, this little princess only likes her sister. In her eyes, the others seem to be just as irrelevant as wood.

It doesn’t matter, isn’t you still me and my second sister and I accompany you, Milia? Don’t be afraid...

But... last time I eavesdropped on my father and the other talk... Second sister, she and sister, you seem to be engaged, I... I'm so afraid that sister, you will get married in the future, only... only that one is absolutely not... Sister, you must always be with Milia.

Milia's voice was obviously crying. From these words, it can be seen that she had a very special relationship with Lucelia in treating her three sisters, and she could hear it in terms of her name...

When Milia calls the eldest princess and the second princess, she calls her elder sister and the second sister, but she calls her elder sister directly to Lucelia.

No... Sister, I am not as beautiful as Milia and her eldest and second sisters. No man is willing to marry me

Not! Sister Lucelia is the most... beautiful. Those men and father are all big fools. It is not good to say that they are not blonde. The sister's hair is also the most beautiful, but... but there will definitely be smart men who like her and snatch her away... Then Milia won't live anymore... Woo...

For 6-year-old Milia, everything about Lucelia is so beautiful, especially her bright red hair, which is so beautiful, but her father just doesn't like it. For her age, she has not used hair color to distinguish the concept of race, so of course she is very puzzled.

My sister promises you that she will always be with Milia. As long as Milia doesn’t get married, my sister won’t get married. OK?

It’s not okay to just get married! My sister must ensure that she will never fall in love with a boy, she will only love Milia alone!

OK... My sister promises to only like Milia, not men

Really? I promised not to lie... Otherwise, I will hate you for your whole life!

Well... I will never lie to you, I will be with Milia forever

After Lucelia said that, she hugged her sister. Soon Princess Milia's cute baby face burst into tears to smile, and at the same time she also showed a sly expression.

Hehe...Sister, everyone is so busy today, why don’t we take the opportunity to go out of the palace and have fun

Don't talk nonsense! If you are discovered by your father, you will be done. I'm fine, but Milia, you can't have anything to do. It's very dangerous outside the palace.

Alas? I usually hear adults say that the emperor is the most perfect and safest city in the continent, and we won’t run far, so how can there be danger?

This asked Lucelia again. She couldn't tell her 6-year-old sister that those words were just adults lying to her, especially Milia's eyes were so innocent at the moment...

The problem is that we two can't get out, the guards will stop us

It's okay, sister, Milia has already made up her plan. Everyone is busy today. We pretended to play in the garden, and then we hid in the gardener's carriage while no one was paying attention and sneaked out.

Looking at Milia's flashing big and lively eyes looking at her with great care, Lucelia knew that she could not refuse her plea. Anyway, the plan would probably not succeed. Just accompany her first and then come back. The third princess agreed to her sister's request with such an idea...

Just when the palace was busy, the entire capital was also in a joyful atmosphere because of the wedding of the eldest princess. Because tomorrow's wedding will be held in Minster Abbey, many tourists have gathered near the church at this time...

Master Ed, hurry up and go to the palace with me first. The Duke must be waiting urgently

In front of the main entrance of the church, a middle-aged man who looked like a servant was trying hard to persuade a boy who looked like a noble young master to go with him, but it was obvious that the other party refused to agree.

My father went to the palace because His Majesty is his friend, and I don’t know anyone in the palace. Why did I run over so early?... It’s rare to come to the imperial capital once, I must have fun. By the way... I have to go to the Royal Library later, so there is no hurry...

Young Master... This place is not the territory of the Krafal family, and it is still so chaotic today. If you have a few things, I can't tell the Duke Ah... Let's go to the palace with me first

The brown-haired boy named Ed was already a little impatient with this dissuasion, but he knew that the other party was worried about him, so he didn't want to get angry. So after pretending to think for a while, he suddenly took advantage of the other party's relaxation of his vigilance and used the smaller one to jump into the crowd.

Young Master! Young Master!

After running around, Ed came to the back of the church, looked around vigilantly for a few seconds and confirmed that the person had not chased him, so he straightened up again with relief. However, he took out a piece of cloth and covered half of his face, thinking that this would make the servants unable to recognize him, but he didn't know that this dress would make him more conspicuous in the crowd.

Really... they just worry about it. I'm 15 years old... I can't be a little free after I go out to play, um... It seems that I can't get in the church anymore, so I just go to the library.

After Ed decided on his itinerary to himself, he realized that he didn't know the way in the capital and wanted to ask the people around him, but everyone deliberately avoided him because of his masked look. This situation made the noble young master feel a little aggrieved. The only thing he was holding in his hand was his favorite collection of poems. He didn't look like a dangerous person when he held a book...

He was helpless and could only lower his head and find a way to walk over. But before he could walk a few steps away, he was stopped by a voice...

That suspicious person over there! Don't move! That's right... you, the one with a masked book!

Ed realized that he was talking about himself when he heard the other party saying that he was holding the book in a mask, but he didn't think he was suspicious. Maybe it was because the young master was too used to it in the past, but he was a little dumb in daily life, but the voice that shouted him made him a little curious.

The owner of the voice is a little boy, much younger than Ed. He is about seven or eight years old. He looks quite eye-catching, with soft blonde hair, beautiful face, and a well-matched outfit. Almost everyone stares at him regardless of whether they are men's clothes. Although they are wearing men's clothes, everyone will probably believe it if it is a girl.

Today is the day before the princess’ wedding. What are you doing sneakily near the church with your face covering?

The boy, Junxiu, walked to Ed without any face and questioned him. Although the other party was a stranger, he didn't care at all. It was completely a child's familiar style. However, because he was a long shorter than Ed, the scene looked a bit funny.

Hey hey... Kid, if you want to play the sheriff's game, go and play with your family. I'm very busy and don't have time to accompany you

Although the other party was just a little devil, he was so pretty, making Ed a little jealous. He was obviously aristocratic, so he didn't want to say anything more, so he wouldn't cause trouble for his father, but the other party was reluctant to bother him.

It’s not a game! Recently I heard that there is a cult in the capital that worships demons. It’s too suspicious to see you covering your face and holding a book. Well... the words on the book are not imperial language, so it’s demon language. You must be a cult who believes in demons!

Don't talk nonsense, okay! This is not a demonic language, it is just a common collection of poems, it's true... What are the things that children are thinking about in their minds recently?

Don't try to argue... hurry up and confess honestly, otherwise I will escort you to the steel wall fortress

The blonde boy pulled out a short sword from his waist, but he was a sword that had not been opened yet. Ed was too lazy to pay attention to him and continued to walk forward on his own.

You bastard, don't take me seriously, I really want people from the Steel Wall Fortress to come and catch you

If I remember correctly, this should be the capital. Even if someone comes to capture me, I should be the guards. Where can I get the fortress? It doesn’t matter if the children admire the people there, but at least they need some common sense...

Speaking of this, the blonde boy suddenly put away his sword as if he was deflated, and his warning eyes to Ed also reduced a little...

You are not from the Imperial Capital, are you...

It's true that's not, how do you know Ah? My accent should be learned very much like Ah...

Hum! The locals in the imperial capital know that the Guards are just a group of waste. It is a joke to expect them to catch people. Woo... You don't look like a cult anymore, but it's still suspicious, so I will continue to follow you

The little boy seemed to have just come to Ed because he was a little bored. He probably just thought it was fun, but Ed just needed a local to show him the way. Now there is a little guy who is willing to follow him.

It doesn't matter... I don't know the way anyway, so it's better if you're willing to be my little guide, but I'll ask your name first

My name is Phil... I will become the greatest warrior of the Steel Wall Fortress in the future. What about you, the masked brother?

Masked big brother... Ed didn't seem to be very satisfied with the title he suddenly got, and frowned slightly

My name is... Forget it, I don't want to tell you the name, you can just say it to me, it's up to you to call me a masked man or a masked brother.

Hum! How cool is it? I'll follow you to give you face. Look at you being thin and weak. It's very dangerous in places like the Emperor Capital...

Ed also knew that because he valued literature and military affairs when he was a child, he lacked exercise. However, being evaluated by a little kid whom he just met was a bit embarrassing. However, the other party's cute appearance made him really not angry, so he could only smile bitterly and ignore him. However, Little Phil still refused to forgive him.

Hehe... I've said it to the pain. I always thought that the soldiers in the steel wall fortress can be called real men. Big brother, you should go there to join the army, and you can become stronger.

Don't joke, I really think I'm going to a fortress with too many lives. Not to mention that I don't want to join the army at all. If I really want to serve, I will definitely only join the Guards. I can just wait for the retirement with my salary. I can just wait for the gangster to retire. How easy...

Ed's realistic remarks are naturally the normal idea of ​​most nobles nowadays, but for a child like Phil who is still fantasizing about hero stories all day long, it is a bit too harsh and pedantic.

Hum! Fallen! If everyone has the idea of ​​you, who else would go to the fortress to fight against the demon Ah? It's not a hell of a place, it's a holy place where heroes gather.

Phil's words were righteous and had no room for refutation. The problem was that a child said nothing to refute what he said made Ed a little uncomfortable, but he also knew that his previous remarks were a bit unreasonable, so he planned to change the topic a little...

Well! I really like it. Being able to fight against the demons with Marshal Carter is my biggest dream now. When I reach 15, I will go to the fortress to join the army immediately

Your family probably won't let you go, and it's very likely that you will die

As an empire's nobleman, it is the greatest honor to be able to die in the fortress. I won't care if my family members are. My father and brother are always so timid like you. In the future, I will not only go to the fortress to join the army, but also only marry the heroes of the fortress...

Hum? Marry?

Ed felt that he had heard something wrong, but he didn't notice the expression of his little daughter when Phil said the last sentence.

Ah…that…that…I mean if I were a woman, I would definitely marry the hero of the fortress! You heard wrongly Ah…haha…haha…

Phil seemed to care about his mistakes and quickly explained in panic. Ed didn't take it seriously. Maybe Phil's beautiful appearance made him feel no incongruous.

Phil, you are so beautiful, maybe you will really be treated as a woman if you go there

Ed was just saying this casually, but he didn't expect that Little Phil would be blushed by him. His appearance was really indescribable, which made Ed wonder if he was a bit perverted. He was fascinated by a little boy about eight years old...

What... what beautiful Ah! They are boys, you say these... I... I won't be happy either

Phil deliberately accelerated his pace and walked to Ed, as if he didn't want him to see his face. This made Ed a little curious and wanted to walk to Phil to see what was wrong with him. The two of them chased each other and talked and laughed, and soon came to the moat.

Oh... This is the moat of the imperial capital, it's so wide... No wonder there is no need for a city wall

Hum... I'm very envious. There won't be such a beautiful moat in other places, but you can't jump and swim

We both met just now...what kind of person do you think of me? Ah I just thought of going to the Royal Library to take a look

Why do you have to cover your face when you go to the library? Even if you are not a cult, you must be a wanted criminal or a slave who fled somewhere?

Although Ed also felt that he was a bit of a crime with his face covering, if he was really a wanted criminal or a fugitive slave deliberately masked on the street, he would be really stupid.

After thinking about it, he also planned to take off the masked cloth. As soon as he was about to take action, a commotion came from the river bank.

The source of the commotion was two noble women who were beating and scolding a thin little girl very roughly. Although many people around him couldn't stand it, they were a nobleman after all, and no one dared to stop the atrocities.

You little guy! I dare to step on my skirt next time, I will chop off all your little hooves!

The woman who looked like a noble lady cursed and slapped the little girl in the face. She slapped her ruthlessly. The corner of the girl's mouth was even slapped, but she still apologized while holding up a smile.

Yes...yes, madam...I will never dare again, and I will definitely pay attention in the future...wu...wu...

The little girl who was beaten and scolded was younger than Phil. She was about 6 years old. Her hair was very rare and pure black. Unfortunately, her body was seriously malnourished. She was so dark and thin that it was hard to bear to look at her. Anyone would think that she should be a slave to the noble lady's house, but the girl had no necklace on her neck.

You still dare to cry! Do you still want to make our family embarrassed! Let you cry!

The lady said and slapped her again. The little girl was beaten so hard that she didn't even dare to say anything, and she didn't dare to cry, but she couldn't stop her choking, and her whole body was shrouded in fear and kept trembling.

stop!

Ed finally couldn't stand this scene and loudly stopped the noble lady's atrocities. The other party didn't seem to expect someone here to dare to stop it. He looked back in surprise. When she saw Ed's strange image with a face covering, she really took a step back instinctively, as if she was a little scared.

Who are you? I control my slut, and I need you to interrupt?

The woman seemed to be used to being arrogant and had no sense of her disgust in public. The other noble woman with her seemed to be a little bit more face and pulled the beaten little girl up and blocked her behind her.

Slave? According to imperial law, all slaves must wear collars on their necks. I didn't see anything on the little girl's neck...

Whether to wear a collar or not is also our family’s business. I’m just too lazy to spend that little money on this little bitch! Do you know who my husband is? He dares to take charge of my family affairs in the imperial capital!

Hearing such a threat, Ed suddenly felt a little funny...

Originally, he believed that the nobles in the imperial capital should be humble, polite and well-educated, and the ladies should be well-educated, polite and virtuous. Unexpectedly, they were broken on the first day of their arrival.

Well... Since you are in the imperial capital, your husband is only a marquis at most. However, the marquis must be related to the royal family. There should not be a wife like you who ignores the image of the family, so... your husband is actually just an earl... I'm right

Ed's seemingly casual words sounded extremely arrogant to others. The Marquis and Earl seemed to be just a small official in his mouth. You should know that a marquis in the imperial capital can be considered a high title above one person. After all, all the higher dukes live in their respective territories and will not appear in the imperial capital once in a few years.

The lady originally thought that this strange man with a face was just bluffing on purpose, but she suddenly thought that because of the wedding of the eldest princess tomorrow, two dukes really traveled thousands of miles to the capital. Since the person in front of her dared not take her threat seriously, it means that the backstage in his family was so hard that he could still be safe in the capital. Her identity can be imagined. Thinking of this...

The noble lady's momentum has weakened further

But Ed didn't mean to force others too much. He turned around and wanted to see Phil's reaction, but found that the little guy had run directly behind the noble lady and comforted the beaten little girl.

Are you okay?

Phil took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the blood on the corner of his mouth for the black-haired girl. However, the little girl didn't even dare to raise her head, but just curled up and said thank you softly. It seemed that she had been abused at home.

What do you want to do? Do you still want to steal this little bastard?

The lady sneered when she said this, probably because she believed that no man would like such an ugly girl.

This lady... I don't mean to go against you, I just hope you don't do it so much. After all, this little sister is still so young, so it's normal for her to do anything wrong. Even a slave can't be as rough as you just now... She'll be so heavy that she will really kill her.

Humph! This little bastard trampled my skirt dirty. Are you planning to compensate her for anything?

Ed didn't expect that this woman could be so shameless that she said such words. Although she didn't know what the relationship between the beaten little girl and her, a nobleman would actually fight a child in public because of this kind of thing. She is really a bit psychopathic.

Well... If you can guarantee that you won't be harsh on this child anymore, I can indeed compensate you, what do you want?

It's very simple, 10 gold coins, I promise that I won't do anything to this little bastard even if I go back

Ed really couldn't understand her thoughts from the tone and expression of the lady. The hysterical beating and scolding seemed to be just a pure vent. What is the question about such a pity child?

Maybe the women here in the imperial capital are more stressful than other places, so he can only understand this way

10 gold coins...Okay, I gave it, but don't break your word

Ed took out 10 gold coins from his pocket to everyone's surprise. Many civilians around him even their eyes turned red after seeing the huge sum of money, and the fierce lady was stunned. She never thought that the other party would really give such money for the cheap man she said.

Humph! OK...you can...I promise you won't blame her anymore, let's go!

The lady eagerly took the gold into her hands. Logically speaking, she should not be short of money at all, but her natural greed nature still exposed her ugliness. I don't know what kind of evil her husband can marry such a wife.

While the lady was still counting money, the little black-haired girl lowered her head and ran to Ed, as if she didn't want Ed to see her dirty face...

The masked big brother... Thank you... Thank you, I... I...

OK, I didn’t say I’ll help you for free today. I handed over 10 gold coins this time. When you grow up, you will have to pay me back 10 gold nuggets, haha…

Ed smiled and made an exaggerated joke, trying to relieve the little girl's fear and touched her head. The little girl didn't say anything else. She didn't know if her body trembled because of fear or excitement. Maybe the first time someone would do such a thing for her...

And... the blonde guy here, too... thank you too, dirty your handkerchief, sorry

Haha, it's okay

The little brunette girl seemed to care about Phil wiping the blood on the corner of her mouth with such a beautiful handkerchief. At the same time, her tone was a little ambiguous, and she seemed to have a good impression of Phil, which made Ed a little unhappy. She spent 10 gold coins, and the handsome blonde guy just dirty a handkerchief. As a result, the little brunette girl had a more favorable impression of him. He couldn't help but sigh that it was good for a man to have a handsome face.

Bad guy! Come here soon, we have to hurry up! Humph! Like your slutty mother, they are all sluts who are born to seduce men!

It's...Madam

When the little girl heard the noble lady's shouting, she immediately followed her in fear. Although she wanted to look back at Ed and Phil several times, she still didn't have the courage to turn around. She probably was afraid of being beaten and scolded by the noble lady again.

Seeing this, Ed could only shake his head and sigh, watching them leave the river bank.

Masked Big Brother! I really didn't see it before, you are quite talented

After the storm, Phil patted Ed with some admiration, as if he was looking at him with some admiration, or he never thought he would do something that was just.

I am a bit degenerate as you said, but I haven't fallen to that level yet, but the situation in the imperial capital seems to be a little worse than I thought... The quality of the nobles is actually that bad. Even slaves on our side will not fight directly outside.

Phil seemed a little embarrassed to hear this, but Ed was willing to believe that this was just an occasional case.

I actually knew the woman just now. She was the official wife of Count Morris. Their family has always had a great influence in the imperial capital, so they may be arrogant. I just hope that the little girl will not be abused again after she returns.

It's better not to do it, otherwise my 10 gold coins will be fed to the dog. Oh... I don't even have pocket money on me, so I can only go to the library first. Please help me lead the way.

Okay, let's go here... But I said, Big Brother Ah, you a big man don't want to practice martial arts well. What's the use of just reading Ah, I'm afraid you won't even marry your wife in the future

Phil was indeed raised by a standard imperial education. The concept of force supremacy has penetrated deep into his heart. In his opinion, reading is just something that only some pedantic literati would do.

Hum! The territory of the empire has been stable for many years. Except for the steel wall fortress, there will be basically no major wars. If you want to do well in the future, you must have enough knowledge. The empire has never lacked martial arts men, so I don’t need to waste time practicing martial arts at all. It’s better for me to read books.

Phil had nothing to say to this man. In his opinion, this concept was really advanced. Although it was not a bad thing to like reading, as an empire man, he always had to put martial arts first. However, when he thought of his lazy brother and father, he was embarrassed to say too ugly things to Ed.

The two walked towards the library talking and laughing, and their understanding further deepened. However, Phil still didn't know Ed's name, and he didn't know what kind of face he had behind his masked cloth...

Hope it won't be too ugly. Although it's not a big deal, Phil is still looking forward to it.

The two of them walked forward like a tourist, clamoringly. As a local, Phil was more excited than Ed, who had just come to the capital. However, Ed was not surprised. After all, the other party was just a child...

It's really worthy of being near the palace. Today's guard is so strict

Under the leadership of Phil, Ed had arrived near the Royal Library, and the Royal Palace was close to him, but there were many guard-shaped people running around on the road, as if something was going to happen.

Strange Ah... It was fine in the morning. I'm afraid there was something unexpected, I don't care... Let's go to the library first

Phil was a little confused about this situation, but this was not what he should care about. During this period, several people were very alert to Ed's masked look, and seemed to have wanted to come and interrogate, but after seeing Phil, they all left on their own initiative. Ed judged that this blonde little guy should also be a very backgrounded nobleman.

This is really...so beautiful!

As soon as he walked into the library, Ed couldn't help but sigh. His intoxicated expression was like a man walking into the emperor's harem, but in Phil's opinion, this could only be said to be strange...

Of course, Phil had no interest in this place at all. He just took a walk back and forth and looked around casually. After walking through several bookshelfs, he suddenly heard a tender cry. So he hurried over and found a little girl of the same age as him behind a bookshelf, and he was also an amazing person.

Princess Lucelia! How could you be here?

Phil immediately recognized the girl in front of him from the bright red hair. It was Lucelia, the third princess of the Empire. At this time, she was standing there crying sadly, as if something big happened.

You are from... Cleveland's... Firner? Woo... Woo...

Your Highness, please stop crying, tell me what happened...

Although Phil was wearing men's clothing, Princess Lucelia knew that she was a girl, but she just liked to dress up as a man. With a homosexual of the same age by her side, the third princess felt much more at ease and told Firner what happened...

So... you and Princess Milia sneaked out of the palace to play, then sneaked into the library and played hide-and-seek, but they couldn't find Princess Milia?

After Phil probably sorted out the intermittent words of the third princess, he understood the reason and the process of the matter. At the same time, he also realized why there were so many people from the palace outside. He probably came to find these two little princesses.

Firner...What should I do... Woo... This place is so big, I'm so worried about what happens to Milia. She would come out by herself when she was playing before, but this time she never saw anyone, and I didn't respond when I called her name...

Your Highness, please don’t worry, everyone outside is looking for your people, so Princess Milia must still be in the library, and the three of us will definitely find it quickly.

Three people?

Lucelia is a little confused about Phil's statement, and she doesn't want outsiders to know about her running out of the palace.

Ah... I just met a friend, probably not from the imperial capital, so I definitely don't know you, Your Highness, so don't worry

Is that right... Then... let him come and help find it...

So the two little beauties went to find Ed first. At this time, he was standing next to the bookshelf full of poetry collections, walking left and right like a man. He had already placed two piles of books on the long table next to him. It seemed that he was planning to stay here until the door was closed.

Masked brother, don’t worry about these books, I need you to help if you have any questions!

Ed just sat down and was about to finish reading these books, but his thoughts were interrupted by Phil's voice. He turned his head angrily and found that there was another red-haired girl next to the blonde guy. He suddenly had an ominous premonition...

What? Children who play hide-and-seek and refuse to come out, they ask me to help find it? You really think I'm very idle...

Big brother...please...please help me, I...I am really worried about my sister...

I don't know why, when the red-haired little girl showed a pleading expression, Ed suddenly felt soft. This kind of cute temperament happened to be his favorite type, which made people unable to refuse. When they grow up, they really don't know how to charm all living beings.

OK..., then I'll go to the second floor to look for it. You two will continue to look for it on the lower floor.

After Ed finished speaking, he put all the books back on the bookshelf, and the collection of poems he brought was handed over to Princess Lucelia.

Is this...going to give it to me?

How could Ah? It's just... I'm a little tired. I've been taking this book for a day, but it's very heavy. As a reward for helping you find your sister, you can keep me for the time being

Phil and Lucelia almost fell down at the same time...

A big man actually feels tired because of the weight of a book. How poor is this person's physical strength...

Both little girls made a decision at the same time...

Don't be with such a man in the future

After the three separated, Ed ignored the eyes of the two little girls and went directly to the second floor.

Of course, he would not read every place like ordinary people, because the efficiency is too low. According to his childhood experience of playing hide-and-seek, the reason why children cannot find it but refuse to come out is that they hide in a place that is easy to come out, and it is a confined space where sounds cannot be heard.

So according to this condition, Ed quickly locked his target in a small wall hole. After opening the bolt of the wooden cover, a little blond girl, who was crying and making noise, was locked up inside. Seeing someone opening the exit, the little girl suddenly became energetic and began to play with the young lady's temper.

Sister, you are so slow! How did you find me! I...I...ah...you...you...you are not your sister!

The blonde little girl is naturally the fourth princess Milia. After seeing that the person who appeared was not her sister who was waiting for, her original excited expression suddenly turned into disappointment, and at the same time, she instinctively continued to shrink inside.

When Ed was about to tell her that she was entrusted by her sister to come to find her, she found that she had forgotten to ask the names of the sisters just now...

Well...Little sister, don't be afraid of Ah... Let's come out first, it's still very dangerous.

No! No one can let me out except my sister! And you look so suspicious, you must be no good person with a masked face. Like those alchemists, you hate it so much!

Ed then remembered that he seemed to be still wearing a masked look. He was about to enter the palace anyway, so he didn't care if his family members came to find him, so he pulled down the masked cloth and revealed the face that was barely acceptable...

It's unquestionable now

Well... I look very average, so I shouldn't be a bad guy, but I will only wait for my sister to find me

The blonde lady's evaluation of her appearance made Ed a little discouraged. Although she didn't know where her theory that she was not a bad person came from, now he just wanted to deal with the matter of the reckless sisters as soon as possible and continue reading, so he told the reason why he came here.

I was the one who called you to come to see you. Your sister is the beautiful lady with red hair, right? She was so anxious that she cried. Are you still reluctant to go out?

My sister asked you to come? Then you didn’t say Ah earlier, I... Of course I thought about going out Ah long ago. The problem is that the back of the hole is too narrow, I was stuck Ah... Pull me out quickly, you must be gentle

Ed didn't care about her insincere attitude of asking for help. After all, anyone would help with this situation. But no wonder her sister was stuck here but couldn't find it, because the height of the wall hole was higher than the height of the two, and her sister wouldn't notice it at all.

So he carefully hugged the young lady out. Although the other party still had a willful and arrogant expression, his eyes looked a little gentler, although he was still a little alert.

Huh... I finally came out. Why do you think of me like this? Ah... Is it strange to be locked inside? I... I just wanted to hide inside and wait for my sister to wait for me to admit defeat and then go out. But I don't know which bastard locked the cover outside. By the way! My eyes are not red, you can't tell my sister later that I'm crying!

Ed guessed that the staff had habitually closed the wall cover, because the sound insulation of the wooden board was very good, and the little girl couldn't even shout out the sound. If it weren't for finding it himself, it might be really dangerous. However, he didn't expect this willful little guy to thank him, just wanted to hand her over to her sister as soon as possible.

Your sister should be downstairs, hurry up and go there

Why are you a man? I've been locked in it for so long, and my legs are numb. Now of course you want to hug me! Really... So men are all fools, it's better for my sister to do it!

Ed is really angry now. He is a son of a duke after all. Even if the other party is a lady in the imperial capital, he would take him seriously. While he was thinking about how to teach her a lesson, the little girl had already climbed onto his back and naturally used him as a mount.

Think about it, I can't be held in my arms by a man, because I told my sister that I couldn't be too close to men, so you should carry me and leave quickly... My sister must be anxious

You... Forget it, I'll just take it myself, don't mess around with me on my back.

Don't be self-indulgent. If it weren't for me, I wouldn't have you been able to carry me. I just want to go back to my sister soon. Ah... My sister cried for me, it seems like she would see... It must be more beautiful than usual...

Milia's last sentence was spoken in an extremely intoxicating tone, which made Ed feel that the young lady's love for her seems to be even more serious than she thought, and she is even considered a slight pervert.

Do you like your sister so much?

You are nonsense... My sister is so perfect and beautiful, who wouldn't like Ah? Haven't you seen my sister too? You said... Is she the most beautiful woman you have ever seen?

Although Ed admitted in his heart that the red-haired little girl was very beautiful, he could not help but underestimate his experience by saying that a young girl who was less than eight years old was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. However, now he already knows the temper of the little girl behind him, so of course he said it according to her preferences...

I admit it... your sister is the most beautiful, petite, cute, gentle and elegant, her red hair is as beautiful and charming as a rose. I envy you so much...

Hehe... It's right. Although you are stupid, you are very good at speaking. But you can't have any inappropriate thoughts about your sister. My sister is just me, and others...especially men, you must not snatch her away.

I dare not, I don’t have that kind of life with a sister like you here... Ah! Your sister is there just there, we’re downstairs

The two of them arrived at the entrance of the stairs and happened to see Phil and Lucelia sitting there on their shoulders. They seemed to have searched for all the places they could find, but because they were facing the stairs, the two little guys did not see Ed carrying the person they were looking for.

That...Who is that blonde bastard? She is actually sitting so close to her sister!

Because Milia could only see Phil's back, she didn't know who it was, and her sister could naturally recognize her from her bright red hair at a glance.

That little guy is called Phil. It seems that your sister knows him, you should know him too...

Ed didn't know that Phil's true gender was a female, so he just told Milia the male pseudonym she mentioned before.

Phil...I haven't heard of this name before. Could it be... my sister secretly got a boyfriend I had with her back? She has been hiding it from me... lying! lying!

Really... The little guy has been precocious recently, he is so good, he has a boyfriend... I think about it and know that it is impossible. Don't be excited, listen to what they are saying a little

In order to prevent Milia from crying again, Ed quickly comforted her. The fourth princess naturally was willing to believe her sister. She resisted the impulse in her heart, lowered her body and eavesdropped on the conversation between the two people downstairs. Of course, Ed was not interested in the chatting of these children, so she walked directly to the bookshelf next door and quietly enjoyed her reading time...

His Highness Lucelia, you and His Highness Milia are so messy this time. They actually sneaked out the day before the eldest princess’ wedding. The palace must be in chaos now.

Firner and Princess Lucelia downstairs seemed to be just talking about the willful behavior of the princess sisters, without the intimate conversation that Milia was worried about.

Yes...I'm sorry

You don't need to apologize to me, I didn't help me, I'll talk about everything after I find His Highness Milia

kindness……

The conversation between the two seemed to have been temporarily stopped, and Milia's heart was temporarily relieved. It seemed that the boy named Phil had no special relationship with her sister, but she never was careless about her sister's affairs, so she continued to listen...

But the masked big brother just now was really strange. He actually walked around with such an incomprehensible book. What exactly does this book mean?

Lucelia seemed to have turned her interest to the book Ed gave her again. After reading a few pages, she found that it was full of words she didn't know, but she still looked very interested.

He said it was a collection of poems written in Morala, and I don't understand what it means, but although others are quite strange, they are not a bad person, so they can trust it.

Yeah……

Lucelia's eyes seemed to be attracted by the book in her hand. Although she couldn't understand the words on it, the neat writing techniques and format of the poem made her a little fascinated. She suddenly felt that she might be able to find some collections of poems written in imperial language to take a look. It should be very interesting.

His Highness Lucelia, don’t worry about this book. Tomorrow will be the wedding of the eldest princess. Do you have no feelings at all?

Phil became interested in the broken book when he saw the third princess, and planned to start to attract the topic to some girls' affairs.

Feelings? What do you mean?

Of course, it’s the future marriage. The second princess’ marriage has been decided. I heard that Your Majesty has also begun to prepare to help you and Princess Milia decide on a marriage partner.

Real...fake? Why don't I know Ah?

Not to mention Lucelia, she had never heard of this news, even Milia, a daughter who was deeply loved by her father. She became nervous again when she eavesdropped on the upstairs.

Really... When His Majesty arrived at my house last time, I heard that I thought I was going to get you into engagement with Master Jacques from the Bayer family and get married when you are 16 years old.

Ya...Yacre? Are you serious?

After hearing this name, Lucelia's tone suddenly rose, and she seemed very excited

Alas? This reaction...Do you like Jacques, Your Highness, Princess?

That... I like it... I can't say, but... I do have some good feelings. I have met several times before... I think... I am pretty good

Lucelia's shy expression and her young body twisted with excitement have fully revealed her thoughts. In this situation, even a fool can understand what she is thinking.

What! Isn't this just like Ah... There's nothing to be shy about, Jacques looks really good, it's normal for you to fall in love with it

Yes...is it true? But... you can't tell others, especially Milia. I promised her not to fall in love with a man today. If she knows, it will be over

It doesn't matter. Although I don't know what's between you, I won't talk like those gossip girls.

Haha... It seems like you are not a girl

As the two little girls chatted, a lot of time passed. Ed on the upstairs also felt that it was almost time to go down and take a look, but found that Milia, who was still on the stairs before, was gone. She thought that she might have gone down to find her sister, so she didn't plan to stay anymore. She walked down the stairs and returned to the first floor, but directly ran into the servant who had been looking for her.

Master Ed! Finally found you! Hu... Hu... Hu... Hu The servant was panting very seriously. It seemed that he had been running around to find him, which made Ed feel a little disgusted. He also felt that it was almost time to enter the palace.

That... I know I'm wrong, there's no need to make you tired of this, let's go to the palace to find your father right away...

He thought the servant wanted to enter the palace quickly and not waste time, but the other party said something he had never expected.

No...that...no longer matters! Huh... Master Ed... I'm going to get the news I just got, something big happened at home!

At home? My father is in the imperial capital at this time. As long as he is fine, what else can there be a big deal at home?

Ed seemed confident in his father's authority in the family and remained calm.

It was your mother... something happened! The second wife and the others put your mother under house arrest, as if they had found some reason to punish her. In short, you must rush back immediately now! The carriage is ready, and we will notify you later.

Mother...how could it be? Damn it! I'll go back soon

Ed knew that this was not the time to enter the palace. Although he had just arrived at the capital today, he had to rush back immediately.

On the side of Phil and Lucelia, the two of them heard Ed and the others' words. When they rushed over, they found that Ed seemed to have something urgent to leave immediately, so Phil quickly called him, masked brother! Where are you going?

Sorry, I'm leaving some urgent matters, thank you for bringing me to the library, and... I've found the sister of the red-haired lady. I probably left first, you don't have to stay here anymore

When Lucelia heard that her sister had been found, the big stone in her heart finally fell down, but she found that the book Ed asked her to keep before was still in her hands...

Big brother, your book!

Ed, who had already run away, didn't seem to hear the shouts, ran out of the library, disappeared in front of the two of them. I don't know what an urgent matter was, but in the end Ed only saw their backs.

Really, I didn't see his face when I left in the end, and I didn't even tell me the name. It was too unfavorable. Alas... I probably didn't look very good anyway, so I don't care...

Although Phil said this, he was still a little reluctant. She actually wanted to communicate with Eddo for a while. After all, the other party was also a very interesting person.

Firner, what should I do with this book? Am I going to take it back to Ah?

I'll give it back to him next time I meet, just a book

It's also Ah... Then... Thank you so much today. I'm going back to the palace, and Milia should be back first...

Lucelia always felt a little uncomfortable. Milia would never leave herself alone and go back first. Since she had been found by that masked brother, why not go with her?

She hopes that her sister will be stingy just because she hasn't found her

However, at this time, Princess Milia was walking back to the palace with a feeling of countless times heavier than her sister. When she heard the fact that she liked Jacques from her sister's mouth in the library, the little princess who was in love with her so much that she could not extricate herself felt the darkness in her eyes for the first time. She didn't even know how she got out of that library. If she hadn't been discovered by the people looking for her in the palace, she would probably not even know how to go back to the palace.

Sister...Woo...Wow...Wow...Wow... You lied to me! You lied to me! Wow...

Milia kept crying all the way, making the guards and maids not know what to do. The little princess had a weird temper. No one except the third princess could control her, and even the emperor herself was the same. Just when everyone was helpless, Milia suddenly saw someone and rushed up frantically.

Everyone found that the person Milia was rushing towards was Ophelia, the hostess of the Bayer family. The emperor had famous ladies and sluts. At this time, she was also walking towards the palace, but this lady had never had any special relationship with Princess Milia, and everyone didn't understand what the little princess meant.

Oh... What's wrong with Princess Milia coming to me so sadly?

As a nobleman in the capital, Ophelia certainly would not be disrespectful to the princess who suddenly ran over, but she was also a little surprised by her actions.

It's all your fault! It's all your fault for giving birth to a son! Woo... sister... sister was cheated... Woo...

This... His Highness Milia, although I don't know what happened, you can just say slowly that if my son did something bad, I will teach him a lesson.

After temporarily calming down Milia's mood, Ophelia accompanied her to the garden of the palace. After assuring her servants that the two princesses would not tell His Majesty that they would not steal the two princesses out of the palace, she temporarily gained the right to be alone with Milia. Then she patiently listened to Milia's talk about what happened in the library before...

Oh, that is to say, Princess Milia's favorite sister was seduced by my bastard son, um... This is indeed our fault.

After listening to Milia's intermittent and unclear narrative, Ophelia still understood what was probably happening and also knew the little princess's serious plot of love for sisters, but she didn't seem to be too nervous, but instead showed an indescribable charming smile.

It’s your bastard son... Woo... Son’s fault! My sister is also blamed for being too beautiful... But... she has clearly promised Milia not... she won’t like men... Woo... Sister is a big liar!

Then... Princess Milia can also seduce my bastard son. Wouldn't your sister come back to you again...

What are you talking nonsense? I... can't compare to my sister, it's impossible.

Milia seemed to have no confidence in her appearance. Her sister was as tall as a mountain in her heart, but Ophelia was still smiling and persuading her to persuade her.

It doesn't matter... Auntie, I have a way to make His Highness Milia more beautiful than His Highness Lucelia, and it will make your sister become no longer liked by men from now on, and become a sister who belongs only to you...

Really? Do you really have a way?

Of course, your lovely princess, as long as you are willing to swear to me, I will give you a more seductive charm than your sister, haha...

Milia immediately agreed to Ophelia's invitation, because at this moment she was filled with the urge to retaliate against her sister. The love for her sister in the past was slowly twisted into a resentment. This resentment made her seduce all men that could seduce for so many years, and also made this once cute and innocent little princess slowly become a lewd slut who can do the best she can............

Master! Master!

Ah?What's wrong with Ah? Elise?

What were you just nagging

That... nothing, I remembered that I came to the imperial capital ten years ago

Everyone was surrounded by Lu Rui, looking at the happy appearance of Princess Milia, who was lying on her thigh with interest. When they heard Ed's words, they were also interested.

You came to the capital Ah ten years ago... The eldest sister happened to get married that year. Have you encountered anything?

After practicing magic, Lu Rui couldn't help but ask curiously.

Haha... Frankly speaking, after my body was transformed by the demon, part of my memory after I was 14 years old. It seemed that the Emperor Capital had only been here for a day and hurried back. I can't remember exactly what happened. Anyway, it shouldn't be a big deal, so don't worry about it.

Of course Ed doesn't want to waste time and energy in this regard. Now he has too many things to do. I want to forget a little bit of the past.

Woo... sister... sister can only like... Milia alone, hehe... only me and my sister...

Milia's voice was still so small that she couldn't hear it. Everyone didn't know what she said in her dream, but looking at her expression... it was probably because she had a good dream...