Otto took a sip of the ale in his glass and was very pleased with the success of Kawei's marriage.
Lilia is a bit younger, but at least she has more elegant temperament than other village girls. She is like a carefully cultivated flower, more fragrant and beautiful than those wild flowers in the wilderness.
Even if this child marries Kawei and becomes the wife of a blacksmith, can she still maintain this elegance? I'm afraid it's impossible.
After all, the axes seized from the deer herders during Operation Winter allowed Otto to confirm that Kawei's family, with at least six generations of blacksmiths, had been dealing with ore and charcoal for generations.
"My lovely daughter, you and he will get married tomorrow. Listen, he is a very rich young man, and you will be happy if you marry him." Kaya continued to comfort her daughter.
In this regard, Lilia could only accept it completely. One hundred silver coins were used as a betrothal gift, and her marriage was taken away by others.
At least the young big brother doesn't look bad.
Otto finished the wine and signaled to the waiter in charge to refill the wine.
Then his eyes stared at a cute little character-Svetlana.
"Hey, Rigus." Otto said casually.
"Yes, leader."
"I didn't expect your little daughter to come too. I haven't seen her for half a year, and she is even more beautiful."
Ligus looked embarrassed. To be honest, he really didn't want his daughter to appear in the meeting hall. He responded respectfully and with strong politeness: "Great leader, maybe when my little daughter grows up, she will also
You should marry one of your tribe."
"Of course! That's what I meant!" Otto knocked on the table, "Rigus, you are such a smart man."
Smart? Helpless is more appropriate.
Ligus suppressed the embarrassment and helplessness in his heart, and said tentatively: "She is only six years old, she is too young. Even according to your tradition, she was engaged at the age of twelve. Even...even if it is a special situation,
She can get married at the age of twelve. There are still six years left before her marriage. Could it be that, great leader, you can't wait any longer?"
"Haha? Ligus, do you think I want to arrange a marriage for a child?" Otto shrugged and replied sincerely: "Although it is different from what you understand. Yes! I just want to marry your Svi
Taranna has made a marriage decision."
"ah?!"
The incident happened so suddenly that Ligus was so frightened that he felt his heart was about to stop after being frightened many times in one day.
The Russians took away their eldest daughter and at least gave her an astonishing betrothal gift.
This time Chief Ross is crazy! Are they going to take away all the girls in the manor? What kind of world is this?
Also surprised were the girls' mothers. Kaya was able to marry her eldest daughter to this young man named Kawei. Marrying a strong and wealthy young blacksmith would also be considered the eldest daughter's happiness.
She ignored etiquette and rashly questioned Otto: "Chief, my little daughter is really too young."
Peravina hurriedly translated the words to Otto, which made Otto continue to laugh.
"I understand, you actually think that I am going to arrange for a little girl to get married now? How is that possible?!"
After Peravina translated in Slavic, Otto used the very few Slavic words he knew, stretched out his bearded head, stumbled and solemnly explained: "Listen! My Rurik, will
Marry your Svetlana."
There was no need for an interpreter anymore, Rigus heard everything clearly.
"Rurik? He is only seven years old!" Rigus said.
"Of course. Do you still think that your Svetlana will marry a much older man when she grows up? Rigus, do you understand? My only son will be your youngest daughter
Husband. You must accept this."
Ligus, who was stiff and aging, stared with his eyes wide open. After listening to Peravina's clear translation, he could only respond with "yes".
He was flattered in his heart!
The scene suddenly became quiet, and Ligus forced himself to think calmly before realizing what a blessing this was.
"Great leader, my little daughter...she became Rurik's head wife?"
"Yes. His real wife will always be your Svetlana."
"Rurik must also become the leader of your Rus people?!"
"Yes." Otto continued to nod.
Rigus stood up directly, left his low wooden table, ran to Otto regardless of his aging body, and knelt down directly, "Ah! What a great favor!"
"Get up, Rigus. Go back to your seat and let's talk."
"Yes." Ligus went back obediently, feeling grateful in his heart.
In the meeting hall of White Tree Manor, all adult manor residents fully understood the meaning of the leader of the Ross people.
In fact, everyone knows that the two daughters of the manor chief, like other manor girls, have almost no possibility of taking charge of their own lives.
The marriage of girls is controlled by their parents. It is perfectly normal for them to hand over their daughters' marriage for some food and some fur goods. Since Novgorod is not rich here, the man will not provide much dowry in terms of marriage.
, the girl’s parents will not ask for much betrothal gift.
Because the current situation of both families is always very similar, and everyone is a farmer cultivating some wheat fields. So many manor families actually exchange marriages with each other.
In the wealthiest manor families, the daughters of the manor chiefs basically marry the sons of other manor heads. There are indeed individual cases where a manor head without a male heir will marry his daughter and recruit a son-in-law, who will then inherit the position.
In the memory of Novgorod people, there is no record of the daughter of the manor chief marrying a Varyag! Not to mention, there is no record of a daughter actually marrying the biological son of the leader of the Varyag.
Favor! Huge favor!
As long as this marriage is successful, White Tree Manor will be willing to pay tribute. Because of this marriage, White Tree Manor will definitely receive a strong security guarantee from the Russians.
In this way, the White Tree Manor, which has a numerical disadvantage, can use the strength of the Ross people to resist the threat of the most powerful Pine Needle Manor.
The outdoors became cold and damp, but the barns built on wooden stilts remained dry. A large number of Ross young people who had paddled for a day ate their brown bread and fell asleep hastily. They knew that they would marry a local girl as their wife.
, the big leader has personally discussed this matter with the locals.
The barn is warm, and the atmosphere in the meeting hall is even more fiery.
It was on this rainy night that Otto decided to marry his only son Rurik. The faces of the Ross people and White Tree Manor people present were all filled with smiles.
It was this incident that puzzled the client, Svetlana.
She opened her beautiful eyes wide and looked at her father for a while, then at the leader of the Russians, and at her sister with a complex expression.
The way she looked left and right was very cute, and it seemed to indicate that she still didn't know what was going on.
Otto simply waved his thick hands and called: "Svetlana, come!"
The little girl immediately turned her head deftly, and the brown braid on the back of her head was also shaken.
"Come! Come to me."
Otto showed a kind expression from the bottom of his heart. Facing a cute little thing, even a rough man would often show affection.
Adults always feel that the Russians must not be provoked to anger, otherwise they will go crazy and be thousands of times more terrifying than black bears and wild boars.
But how did the little girl know?
Even if she heard what the adults said that the Russians were dangerous, it was not the first time that Svetlana saw the Russians. From the time she could remember, there was no memory of the Russians using violence in her mind.
Over the years, when the Russians came to collect tributes, they basically took the tributes and left quickly. The two sides were generally very harmonious.
The young Svetlana did not think that Otto was a dangerous person at all. She saw the smiling face in the thick beard. She was wary? It didn't exist at all.
She is innocent and innocent. As the apple of her parents' eye, she is very well protected and does not know the complexity of the world.
She jumped up to Otto, and out of childish naughtiness, she directly grabbed Otto's beard and braids.
"It's really strange, uncle, does your hair also grow on your neck?"
"I also have a lot of braids on my chin, but none of them are as long as mine."
…
She naughtily pulled her beard in front of Otto, which really scared Rigus at a loss: "Ah! Chief, she didn't mean it. She is still a child."
After apologizing, Ligus hurriedly scolded: "Lana! Don't be so presumptuous."
The little girl was startled, and quickly let go of the beard in her hand, and sat down next to Otto obediently. She still turned her head slightly, glanced at her small mouth, and still paid attention to Otto's beard out of the corner of her eye.
So, how does Otto feel?
Angry?
"Hahaha! Rigus, you are too harsh on your daughter! She is still a child." Not only did Otto not mind, he was quite happy.
Ligus hurriedly continued to apologize: "Great leader, I am guilty. I should further educate her on etiquette."
"It is necessary to learn some etiquette. She will be my son's wife. Since she is the girl I chose, I now regard her as my child."
"Oh, that's really her luck." Ligus let out a sigh of relief, but after calming down, he still felt a little aggrieved in his heart.
"Haha, actually you don't know, my Rurik doesn't like scratching my beard. He always dislikes my dirty beard and his clothes being unclean. He has huge talents, it's simply not like
It's a child! I'll tell you the truth, if my son was seventeen years old instead of seven, I could give him the position of leader."
After all, Otto drank several glasses of ale. Novgorod wine took longer to ferment, which accidentally made the alcohol content higher.
The slightly drunk Otto couldn't help but give his son more praise.
His big hand covered Svetlana's little head, causing her to turn around suddenly, her eyes widened and she burst out laughing.
"Svetlana, can I introduce you to a brother? He is just a little older than you."
After Peravina's gentle translation, the little girl answered very happily: "Okay. I also want a playmate."
"Very good. Your sister is getting married. Do you know what marriage means?"
"I know." Svetlana raised her young hand without hesitation and pointed at Kawei who was sitting on the side: "My sister wants to live with that big brother. We women are like this. That's it... that's it.
I really don’t want to be separated from my sister. But..."
Her originally happy mood suddenly dropped, then she shook her head and asked in a childish voice, "Uncle, is the brother you introduced to me my husband?"
There were many nouns in what she said, and Otto knew their meanings.
Otto was pleasantly surprised. He didn't expect that this child, who seemed innocent and talkative, really understood important things in life.
"Yes. Are you willing?" Otto asked with his head turned.
Svetlana curled her lips and turned to look at her biological father and said, "If my father agrees, I will agree. Will I never be able to see my sister again?"
Having said this, the little girl's expression became obviously depressed.
"Silly boy, how could this happen?" It was Peravina who said this, and her existence was to assist.
"real?"
"Of course. Your husband's name is Rurik, and he is one year older than you. You see, that big brother (referring to Kawei), he is Rurik's good friend. You and Rurik are also good friends. Wedding
We will be a family after that. If you want, you can see your sister at any time."
The words of the eldest sister of the same race must be true, Svetlana's depressed mood disappeared.
"Is my future husband called Rurik?" She turned and looked up at Otto.
"Yes, you can also call me daddy from now on."
"Oh? Then I have two dads."
The girl's words made everyone laugh, and the meeting hall was filled with warmth.
At this situation, Ligus couldn't help but wonder, if the Russians always had such a kind attitude, would their reputation as plunderers still exist? Although they are indeed plunderers, at least now they have begun to pay attention to new rules. New rules.
Good for the estate.
Svetlana had never seen the violent and terrifying side of Otto, and she naively thought that the bearded man was quite kind.
She sat obediently at Otto's feet. To Rigus, they seemed like a father and daughter. This scene was both gratifying and sad.
Otto said happily: "I am so happy today, as if I have forgotten all my fatigue. Rigus, your two daughters have agreed to marry us Russians. I am touched by the cooperation of your manor."
"Oh, thank you so much for your compliments, my master."
"No!" Otto raised his hand, "If your daughter marries my son, our relationship will be different! You and I should be brothers, and now I have a new idea!"
As soon as these words came out, Ligus was frightened again. He quickly said: "Great leader, I will satisfy any request you make. Even...even if it is more women, I will try my best to provide it."
"Hey, no need. Today we want you to swear an oath that your Svetlana must marry my son Rurik."
"Yes!" Rigus replied firmly.
"She is too young. When she reaches twelve years old, I will bring my Rurik to complete the engagement ceremony." After that, Otto looked at Lilia who was sitting not far away.
, "Just like the case with your eldest daughter. When Svetlana turns fifteen, my Rurik will marry her."
"yes!"
"Listen." Otto emphasized his voice: "Even if we all die of old age, this marriage must be carried out. Anyone who asks for a marriage from your daughter, you must refuse. If...if you make the wrong decision, that is
It’s a humiliation to us Russians. When the time comes, even if I die of old age, my people will take revenge.”
This is a straightforward threat!
Riguus immediately straightened up as if on pins and needles and solemnly promised: "We will abide by our engagement. My little daughter will only marry your son."
Otto nodded with satisfaction, and his attitude became kind again: "Very good, my friend. I can tell that Svetlana will grow into a beautiful girl, and her beauty may attract the attention of other manors. If someone
If you dare to propose marriage, you must categorically refuse it. Tell us about it later. We Russians will organize an army to combat this malicious provocation, do you understand?"
"yes!"
Obviously, his little daughter has become the first link between White Tree Manor and the powerful Ross tribe to establish a close relationship. It is as if Svetlana has become a sacred object that the Ross people store in White Tree Manor and cannot be tarnished.
Otto continued; "There is thunder outside, and the thunder and lightning are the power of God. Our God has witnessed this marriage contract, and it is legal. You cannot break the contract, and we cannot break the contract. If you break the contract, the Ross army will
Come and attack. If we break the contract, the gods will punish us."
In the era of ignorance, people from all walks of life generally believed in gods. Signing a written document may not be as effective as a verbal oath.
"I am very touched by your cooperation. I am very happy today. Just like this, I only want half of the 20,000 pounds of wheat you paid tribute."
"Ah?" Ligus picked his ears hard: "Really, did I hear that right?!"
"Yes! Because of your cooperation on the marriage issue, I need to give you a further reward. This spring, you need to pay a tribute of ten thousand pounds of wheat. As for the missing part, I will ask for it from Pine Needle Manor."
Rigus and other members of White Tree Manor don't like Pine Needle Manor very much.
Rigus immediately made his position clear: "Okay, Pine Needle Manor is greedy. Great Russians, we are happy to give you tribute. But Pine Needle Manor, they also ask us to pay tribute. The Russians are our masters, and now, Pine Needle Manor
We must also be our masters. Do we need two masters?"
"They are getting worse?!" Otto showed an unhappy expression on the spot.
Ligus took advantage of the trend and continued to fan the flames: "Maybe they have long been disobedient."
"I understand." Otto nodded deeply and had already figured out an idea in his mind: "They need to pay for their arrogance! They must pay more tribute this year, otherwise when autumn comes, I will organize a thousand people
Raise their estates to the ground."
The leader of Ross was not bragging at all when he said such things. Ligus knew that they could really do it. To be fair, because of the engagement of his youngest daughter, Ligus was saying that because of this marriage, as long as White Tree Manor did not take the initiative to break the engagement,
You can get the blessing of the Russians. If the Russians really wipe out the Pine Needle Manor, won’t your White Tree Manor become the strongest in Novgorod?
In his heart, he very much hoped that the Russians would take the initiative to attack, but Ligus couldn't even say anything about asking them to send troops.
He remained silent on the matter, and was full of praise for Otto's reduction of half of the wheat tribute.
"Great leader, please rest assured. I believe this rain will only last one night. If it stops raining tomorrow, I will organize the beautiful girls in the manor, and we will have the wedding in the manor according to our ceremony, just like
Like last fall."
"Okay." Otto was overjoyed. He and his main men were all sleepy, and their inadvertent yawns proved their fatigue.
"I'm tired. My requirements are not high. It's enough to find us a dry barn."
"No, great leader, I will provide you with comfortable housing. As for that young man." Ligus looked at Kawei, "Your name is Kawei. Kawei, why don't you stay with my eldest daughter tonight?"
bedroom."
Hearing this, Kawei was shaken up. After making sure that Bai Shu's translator said nothing wrong, and seeing his fiancée's shy and bowed head, he immediately stood up like a spring: "Okay! I'm very willing to do so."
.”
Although it was somewhat inconsistent with the etiquette of marriage, Rigus knew that he must now find ways to please the Rus and their leader. This was due to political considerations on both sides.
Besides, this Kawei is indeed extraordinary. He is a blacksmith. There is no blacksmith among so many people in White Tree Manor!
Rigus has lived for such a long time, and he can see that this Kawi is obviously different from other Russians. Don't look at this man's warrior uniform, the murderous aura of that warrior does not exist at all! So although such a person is
Russians are also the most talkative ones.
After all, the eldest daughter is her wife. Now that he has obtained his wife in advance, looking at his beaming face, Kawei is already full of gratitude.
The eldest daughter may be able to find her own happiness, and the manor will definitely get a batch of metal utensils at a very cheap price because of this blacksmith son-in-law.
Having more metal farm tools will definitely bring happiness to the manor.
Ligus thought calmly, if the engagement of his youngest daughter could bring security to White Tree Manor.
Then the eldest daughter's current marriage will bring a lot of metalware, which will be a guarantee of a good harvest.