"Hey, that one over there, the one who looks very strong, our engineering team is short of people, he will be given free meals and good treatment, can you come?"
"Hey, freshly baked bread, buy one and get one free. Which knight brother, knights are half price, do you want some? Okay, two copper coins."
"Tam? Your family is back! It's great, just come back, just come back! Don't you plan to leave again this time?"
Walking around Donglan City, I saw busy crowds, motorcades of people coming and going, and construction sites under construction everywhere. I couldn't help but smile from the bottom of my heart.
Rome was not built in a day. Even if a large amount of money is invested without any return, the current urban reconstruction project still only focuses on cleaning up and transforming the old city. The supply of materials has only slightly improved the living standards of the people. In fact, the living standards
The improvement is not big, but what makes me happy is that the mental outlook of the people has begun to gradually improve.
As the Donglan Principality traveled north, I saw enough suffering and misfortune, and my mood became worse and worse.
After encountering misfortune, people always have a bitter look on their faces, and their eyes are even more painfully numb and confused. I know that when a person has no expectations for the future, when he is convinced that life will only get worse.
At that time, no matter how strong that person is, his mental outlook will still get worse and worse, and he will not even have a future, and naturally he will become more and more indifferent to others.
The reason? Probably just that this troubled country will encounter new catastrophes.
That year, the Lan Kingdom overturned, but they did not fall. In the nearly hundred years after losing their homeland, they did not separate. Two hundred years ago, Dong Lan was gradually eroded by wars between neighbors, but they still persisted. More than 20 years ago, they lost their homeland.
They were still struggling in the last mining area where they relied for survival. A year ago, when the old emperor died in battle, they risked their lives to follow the fourteen-year-old princess in a desperate charge and achieved a miraculous victory.
They are not supermen with an iron will, they are just mortals who miss their homeland. Perhaps this desolate northern land is just a useless wilderness in the eyes of outsiders, but for the people who have lived here for generations, this land remains a lasting legacy.
Too much nostalgia and reluctance.
Outsiders cannot understand how nostalgic these northerners are for their homeland. Perhaps they are as solid as the glaciers in the north, just because rooted here, the stubborn souls of northerners hope to stick to the homeland created by their ancestors for generations.
"As long as we don't starve to death and the flag doesn't fall, we can grit our teeth and endure."
But not long ago, they finally couldn't stand it anymore. In the year from the old emperor's death in battle to Renee's return with supplies, many people finally left because of their choice.
I know that I can't blame them, and they didn't break their oath.
The people of Lan are never afraid of sacrifice and war, they are only afraid of not being able to see the future.
When the shadow of war fades away, the devastated farmland and villages are reduced to a desperate situation, winter is approaching, wolves are looking around, but there is not even rice for the winter at home, when familiar neighbors starve to death and freeze to death on the streets, when
This winter's life-saving food has not yet arrived, so even optimistic people will consider their own options.
"It doesn't matter if I die, but my child is not at fault at all."
No one can watch their children starve to death in front of them. The people of Lan who left cannot be blamed at all. Even if they know that they will never be able to return after leaving this time, and most of them will die on the dangerous journey, they still can only
Choose to leave in three steps and one step back.
What is even more cruel and ironic is that the departure of these people made the originally insufficient disaster relief food play a greater role. Last winter actually had the fewest deaths in recent years.
You can’t blame anyone for this cruel reality. If you insist on finding someone to take the blame, I’m afraid it can only be the Arashi royal family who failed to shoulder the responsibility of guardianship. If there are more derivatives, I can probably be added as the one who laid the hidden dangers back then.
That generation.
Therefore, even though she had guessed that Orlando had some evil intentions, as the descendant of Arashi, Renee did not even hold a ceremony to become the queen. She still gritted her teeth and embarked on the journey. After all, if she did nothing, she would be dead. As long as she returned
If you have a glimmer of hope, you can strive for it.
It should be said that there is no end to the road... If I regain my body and return to the surface one year later, I am afraid that there will be no Donglan Principality by then. If I were not angry with the aggressiveness of the Oran Empire, I would not be able to meet Renee.
.
At this time, after the lively and noisy Homecoming Day Ceremony the day before yesterday, many things have changed. At least, everyone's eyes were less confused and they had more expectations for a better future.
"Did you see it? The old city in the west of the city over there has been converted into a group of military camps, which is His Highness Roland's legion."
"Back then, I was the first to arrive at the recruitment site, but unfortunately I was just a little short of qualifying."
"Come on, who doesn't know that although there are many legions and battle groups that have begun to recruit troops, the threshold is actually very high. The first level is the physical fitness test. How many sandbags can you carry? You are as thin as a monkey. The first level
You just got kicked down, right? Did you miss it a little bit?"
"You know so clearly, do you also..."
"At least I made it to the third round! I, Aiken, am not going to give up. As long as there is another legion, I will try again. If it doesn't work, I can join the city defense army as a leading soldier! By the way, there is also the Church of Law.
, they also recruit people. It is said that they will also teach combat skills."
Even though he had been brushed off, the strong man Aiken showed off with pride, and the surrounding onlookers also let out bursts of exclamations, as if they had seen some great strongman.
The country is weak and the people are in danger, and the people in a weak country are humble. No nation understands this truth better than the people of the Lan country who have been tortured. Even after the Church of the God of Law was established as the state religion, in a sense, Donglan became a permanently neutral country.
But everyone can understand the harsh reality. The northern orcs may move south at any time, and the surrounding neighboring countries are ready to make moves. If you don't fight others, others will fight you.
In this world where the law of the jungle prevails, if you want to achieve true neutrality, you must have the strong power to remain independent and neutral in chaos.
Every time a legion is established now, it will be a reason for all citizens to rejoice. After all, it means that the warriors who protect themselves are stronger. The country is also becoming stronger. At the same time, these new legions can also give young people enough
Development opportunities.
Avalanche defenders, wind knights, legendary names and professions jump out from history one by one. Those legendary heroic deeds are attracting every young person, and they also look forward to making history with their own hands.
Although I was very enthusiastic about joining the army in the past, I could only say that I was just making a living. But now, I am seeking a future on the premise of protecting my family and the country. The enthusiasm of the two is completely incomparable.
And when the citizens are proud to join the army, it is enough to prove their confidence in this country. Of course, this is their confidence in me, the legendary Paladin Prince Roland.
This is not the happiest thing, but the most impressive thing is probably that the people of Lan who left have begun to return to their homeland.
And when the news of the legendary Prince Roland's return with his legions spread, when their homeland regained its vitality, even though the situation was still unclear. The people of Lan still chose to return, with convoys and individuals returning to their homeland every day.
home.
Outside the city gate, there are already crowds of carriages and travelers of all kinds waiting to enter the city. The streets are full of returnees with faces full of hard work but with joy, "How are you, everyone? I'm finally back." "Back? Back."
It's good to be here, it's good to be back." The responses came one after another, and the returning travelers were full of curiosity about every change. It was not uncommon for them to point at the legion's flag, and it was not uncommon for them to grab acquaintances and ask them what they were going through.
This is just the beginning. The only people who have time to return now are immigrants from neighboring countries who have not gone far. As the news spreads, I am afraid that the people of Lan who have left this country in the past two or thirty years will consider whether to return.
The battle flag is raised again, and the people of Lan who have been separated and separated will surely reunite again.
Not far from me, there was a group of travelers who had just returned. Some were wearing thick cotton hats, while others were wearing light feather hats. Judging from their completely different attire, it was obvious that they had returned from different countries.
Originally, it was probably just a gathering for people who had just returned home to talk about their feelings in a foreign land, but in the end, it turned into a gathering of complaints.
"... Even if you are lucky enough not to encounter wild beasts and robbers, complete a long-distance migration, and not be pushed to the limit, who would want to leave your hometown? Is it comfortable to live a completely unfamiliar life in a foreign place with a strange language?
How do you feel when the locals always stare at you like they are looking at thieves or barbarians? That feeling of isolation when you open your eyes and see that everything you see is foreigners and foreign languages. Sometimes
It’s really confusing and makes people feel like committing suicide.”
He was a young man, but with the dark bags under his eyes, his depressed face, his calloused hands and rough skin, he looked like an old man in his forties or fifties. He had been overworked and depressed.
Apparently he feels older than his actual age.
"When you are discriminated against or bullied because of your foreign accent, you don't even dare to argue your case. Who can understand the excruciating anger? In the heavy work of making a living, the lonely nights spent alone in the festivals of my hometown, missing my hometown.
Who can understand the feeling of being unable to sleep at night with family and friends, and feeling like your heart is being torn apart during the ups and downs? And as long as you show it, you will be an even more obvious alien."
This middle-aged man, who was in his prime and should be the most capable of fighting, was just mediocre. As he talked, thinking of those past events, he angrily slapped the wooden table with his wine glass.
"I finally made a new friend, and while chatting, I accidentally said, 'Donglan? Oh, I know, it's that barbarian tribe that is going to destroy the country. Are you the legendary barbarian princess?'," said the person next to him.
Everyone started laughing, but in order not to be isolated, they were so angry that they wanted to fight each other, but they could only try to laugh and pretend not to care. It’s so frustrating and uncomfortable!”
The indignant girl said the same thing. Judging from her angry look, she seemed to have suffered a lot of grievances.
After complaining, there was an inexplicable silence, and everyone suffered a lot. But after finding silence, no one knew who took the lead in raising the wine glass and facing the west of the city, which is the direction of the military camp.
"Thank you to Her Royal Highness the Princess for holding up this flag for so many years... At least, we are back, and there is a place for us to come back under that flag. So, everyone, please be happy, and cheers to our better life in the future.
Bar."
Even though the burden of life has crushed his waist, the young man's heart has not died yet, and he is still looking forward to a better tomorrow.
"Thank you to His Highness Roland for giving us a reason to return... No matter what happens next, at least I can die in the land of my ancestors. Probably, we just need a reason to return home."
Middle-aged people are more realistic, but that kind of awareness that even sacrifice can make people feel extremely heavy and sad.
"grateful......'
It was obviously a word of gratitude, but the toast became more and more sad as he said it, so some people couldn't stand it anymore.
"Hey, don't make it sound like you are going to the execution ground. Didn't you see the Return Day Festival that day? His Highness Roland's legion is super powerful. Those undead knights are elite soldiers who have fought for more than three hundred years. They are all our Lanzhi.
The heroic spirits of the country! Building a new legion with them as the core will be invincible. Our country will only get stronger and stronger, and our lives will only get better and better."
The person who suddenly interrupted was none other than Aiken, who was bragging about his ability to pass the test but was unfortunately defeated. At this time, he took the initiative to come over.
"You guys, you think too much. Haha, you don't know how powerful our new guardian is. The dragon knight's bone dragon is so huge, bigger than the city wall. Do you know who that is? He is ours
The last dragon knight of the Land of Lan, His Highness Roland’s subordinate knights are so powerful, he himself..."
Aiken boasted about the Homecoming Day celebration and appearance, which was simply more proud of him than his own glory. All kinds of rumors were mixed with real information, and all kinds of legends were spread. It didn't take long for me to become a waistline nine in their mouths.
Chi, a demigod monster with nine heads and two wings that can breathe fire.
The returning travelers were already full of curiosity about what had happened these days, and even though there were obviously inappropriate boasts and nonsense in Aiken's words, they still listened more and more with interest.
Under constant questioning from the audience, Aiken became more and more energetic as he spoke. When he went too far, others intervened to correct him, and the atmosphere in the tavern became more and more lively.
"Tell me! How difficult is this opportunity? There are so many ace knights forming their own legions. They are all taught step by step. You don't know that during the test, all the nobles from all over the country came, but they were all rejected.
Come down. I'm Aiken. In fact, it's just like that every time.
Maybe as long as you pass this level, you can become a knight under His Highness Roland. That will not only be my personal glory, but also the glory of several generations of my Addis family. If I can hear this news, I'm afraid
My dead father will be happy!"
"Fuck, you've been defeated so many times, and you still have the nerve to brag. I think you have no hope. You can become a leading soldier in the city defense army."
"Hmph, just wait and see, I will never give up if I don't become a knight! After I drink this drink, I will try out the newly formed Silver Cross Chapter. Do you dare to follow me?"
"What are you afraid of? Let's go together!"
Well, these guys were blushing as they talked, became more and more excited, danced with joy, and almost rushed out to sign up for the test on the spot.
"...The Silver Cross Chapter needs to learn how to use elemental power. This guy's intelligence is less than nine, so there is absolutely no way he can pass."
The Silver Cross Chapter is the Magic Sword and Magic Spear Chapter that Fendak and Lanie are planning to build. After my Silver Sword Chapter was finally ruthlessly rejected by everyone, the cross of the long sword and staff representing the parallelism of magic and martial arts
The emblem became the origin of the name of this chapter.
I have long known the selection criteria of that war group. Looking at the strong man Aiken who was still bragging in the crowd, I shook my head. While I was not optimistic about his selection, I smiled and left three names on the table.
A copper coin, ready to check out and leave.
"Aiken? Write it down first. At least he is sharp-tongued. You can ask Kelly if she is short of publicity talents."
At this time, I was walking around freely without worrying about being recognized.
"Uncle, a cup of fruit wine only costs two copper coins."
"Give me a tip, I'm happy today."
Yes, the teenage brother actually called me brother, but it was because my appearance at the moment really looked like a middle-aged uncle.
The time warp ring that changes the appearance and age is the best disguise. If you just change the age and put on a wig and fake beard, I don’t believe that anyone would associate a middle-aged knight with a stubbly beard with Prince Roland.
Of course I am happy. How can the lovely Lan people in front of me make people unhappy?
Walking in the streets, although it is not my task to understand the sentiments of the people, the prosperous and positive spirit of the people in front of me makes me feel more confident.
Even if the standard of living is still difficult, even if there is a high possibility of war in the future, as long as the people believe that the future is bright, this country will become better. Then, no matter how hard life is, they can face it with a smile. As long as they trust me, I
I will be sure to lead them out of the quagmire.
"Well, let's pay a private visit incognito. It's definitely not to escape the endless paperwork, administrative work, damn, legion logistics, and farming in the coming year. Are you going to exhaust me to death?"
Calculate the time. The palace should have discovered my escape by now, and remembered that Kelly, who often "surprises" people, is probably handling endless official duties on my behalf.
Considering that Kelly would probably take the initiative to find some "fun" after being buried in misery full of resentment, I was considering the possibility of staying out tonight.
"Well, I'm not here to be a hands-off shopkeeper, but I trust my subordinates to take the initiative to delegate power. Let's just say so when we get back... To be on the safe side, I'd better bring some desserts to cheer me up. I remember there's a good cake shop nearby.
From the store.”
Considering Kelly's deceptive nature, I think it would be better to bribe her a little bit. And according to past records, she should like to eat sweets.
But then, when I was looking for a cake shop, I saw one first. Of course, my originally good mood was gone. Looking at the sign in front of me, I didn’t know what to say.
[The Absolute Gentlemen's Alliance mercenary group directly under His Highness Roland is recruiting people. Do you want to serve His Highness Roland? Do you want to get the opportunity to become a priority candidate of the Royal Knights? Welcome to the Gentlemen's Alliance! We are His Highness's most trusted subordinates.
, we can talk to His Highness directly!]
Well, the mercenary group that was founded on a whim at that time was not taken care of much when we arrived in Diefende. Once I quit the management, then naturally Bei Feng, as the deputy leader, took over. Look at the mercenaries on the three floors.
Looking at the regiment headquarters and the comings and goings of people, it is obvious that this inexplicable organization has been strengthened by it!
As for recruiting people under my banner, I don't have any objections. After all, after all, this mercenary group is indeed still in my hands, but what I am worried about is still...
[As long as you can prove that you are an absolute gentleman who understands true love, you can directly become one of us without any examination.]
This recruitment notice makes people don't know how to complain. Don't they think there are not enough freaks and gentlemen? But when I walked in indignantly, I heard even more speechless crying.
"Why, why did you refuse me to join? I am obviously a real big breast control person!! I am not tolerated by the world either."
"Huh, superficial, loving just because of a characteristic? Doesn't that mean that anyone can do it as long as he meets the characteristics? Do you think a true gentleman is such a superficial thing? Your understanding of true love is too superficial!"
Momo's angry scoldings echoed back and forth in the corridor, but I had the urge to turn around and run away.
"So I heard: All appearances are false. If you see all appearances that are not appearances, you have seen the Tathagata. Young man, you have fallen into the devil and are obsessed with appearances. A true gentleman loves the beauty in the false shell.
We abandoned the illusion and went straight to the reality. But you lost your original intention because of those characteristics and fell into the inferior position."
I was immediately stunned when I heard the words of an enlightened monk. It took me a long time to straighten things out, but Casio's explanation had already reached my ears.
"What brother means is that you are just a fake gentleman who is obsessed with a certain characteristic. A true gentleman loves something just because he loves it from the bottom of his heart, not just for a temporary characteristic. True love comes from the heart, and
It’s not the appearance.”
Not to mention the audience in the room, they all made me dumbfounded.
"In the midst of love and desire, people come and go alone, live and die alone, and have their own joys and sorrows. There is no substitute for them. Go, my way is different!"
"Brother means that we live in this world, but we are lonely inside. What we desire is too special, because often it is difficult for us to have a close friend to talk to about our worries, but you are not our same-minded person, so
Please go."
Finally, I couldn't bear it any longer. Is this this or that? This has almost become a gentleman's philosophy? If this continues, will there be a Tragedy Wind cult?
"Speak to me!"
But as soon as I roared and rushed in, I immediately regretted it. As soon as the door opened, Momo, who had been waiting for a long time, hugged me.
"Hold on, little Luoluo, I knew you were outside the door! I've been waiting for you for a long time."
While I resisted the dark elf knight approaching me, I heard the infuriating explanations continued over there.
"All conditioned dharmas are like bubbles in a dream. They are like dew and lightning. You should observe them like this! Good, I am not alone in my path!"
"Brother, what do you mean, look at Momo, she doesn't use her naked eyes at all, she just relies on intuition to see through all the illusions, and she knows that the middle-aged man is her favorite shota under the surface! This is the real gentleman. Wait a minute.
..... Sister Momo’s favorite shota, isn’t that... His Highness Roland!”
"The wind is blowing hard!"
"Brother means, run quickly!"
Well, looking at these guilty-minded gentlemen, I did not try to kill them all. Except for the female elf who had already entangled me like an octopus, it was that familiar figure.
"Roland!! Long time no see!"
"Emira!"
"All dharmas arise due to conditions, and all dharmas perish due to conditions. Your Highness, Roland, this female companion has been here for a long time, and you were attracted by it. Great good!"
"Brother means, you are in big trouble..."
This time, Casio's explanation was finally interrupted.
