As the ceremonial officer announced the start of the New Year Festival, the old man in priest robes holding a scroll began to read aloud. The entire square instantly became abnormally quiet. Other than the old man's sonorous and powerful voice that sounded extremely realistic floating in the sky above the square, there was no other strange sound.
Feng Yingkuang could not believe what he was seeing. He had never thought that this so-called New Year Festival would be so sacred and important in the hearts of the people of Arthurs. Looking at Luo Lina's pious expression, Windshadow Craze did not know if he should tell her that there was no such thing as a god on this continent. In fact, there were no gods on this planet.
When Windshadow Craze fell to this planet, although he had lost consciousness, the chip in his brain was still working. The first thing the chip did after descending on a foreign planet that didn't exist in the chip's memory was to scan it in all directions and record all the useful information. Naturally, this information contained the existence of powerful energy that could threaten the colonizer. However, in the chip's report, there was no such power. Naturally, this threat level was calculated after Windshadow Kuang put on the bio-armor.
"Almighty Father, you have used your magnanimous benevolence to bring a year of harvest to your people…You are high and mighty, yet you are so close to them. You are always watching your people. You have brought your benevolence to the earth, so we can enjoy the sunlight on this continent. You have given us your deep love and tolerance, so that we can grow crops on this fertile land…You have taught us kindness and love. You have used your omnipotent divine power to create everything in this world, so that we can enjoy the beautiful life we have now. On this day of harvest, we express our respect for you with our humble gifts. Please accept the greetings of your subjects!”
The long prayer was finally finished, and everyone in the square prostrated again. Even King Arthurs, who had been trying his best to maintain his dignity as a king, prostrated.
Feng Yingkuang, who had long denied the existence of God, naturally would not kneel down to this ethereal God. When everyone prostrated themselves, only Feng Yingkuang stood straight in his original position, looking extremely dazzling. Fortunately, no one noticed at this time.
When Luo Lina stood up, Windshadow Craze gently held her arm and pulled her closer to him." Who was that just now?”
"Who is it?" Luo Lina asked subconsciously when she heard Feng Yingkuang's question.
"It's the old man who stood beside King Arthurs and read the prayer.”Windshadow Craze gestured to Luo Lina with his eyes.
The moment this priest robed old man appeared, Feng Yingkuang could feel a strange energy aura from him that he could not forget. As he began to read the prayer, the feeling became clearer and stronger. This meant that the old man had used this strange energy in his voice when he was reading the prayer. Feng Yingkuang even suspected that this strange energy had a hypnotic effect to some extent.
Luo Lina pinched Feng Yingkuang's arm and rolled her eyes at him." Didn't you go to Kailin's house?" Why didn't she know her grandfather? She's about to become your wife, but you don't even know her family. I really feel bad for Kathleen!”
Feng Yingkuang looked at Luo Lina with an aggrieved expression. How was he supposed to explain this? It wasn't that he didn't know her, but he didn't have the chance to. Although Feng Yingkuang had been to Kathleen's house twice, he had never seen this famous court mage, Tang Ke Edward, the owner of the strange energy.
The few young nobles standing beside Windshadow Craze seemed to have heard the conversation between him and Rolina. They turned their heads and looked at Windshadow Craze with disdain and contempt.
A young noble with a pale face standing to the left of Windshadow said,""A nouveau riche is a nouveau riche. A country bumpkin who thinks that he can become a noble just because he is conferred a small title. Pah!"
Feng Yingkuang and Luo Lina naturally heard his words. Under Luo Lina's advice, Feng Yingkuang only turned his head and glanced at him indifferently, ignoring him. The young noble, who thought that Windshadow Craze was afraid of him, was even more pleased with himself. If it weren't for the ceremony, he would have laughed out loud.
Luo Lina held onto Feng Yingkuang's arm tightly, and her body was tightly pressed against his body." Feng, ignore them." We are currently in the middle of a sacrificial ceremony. Don't be rash.”
Feng Yingkuang patted Luo Lina's hand to reassure her, and a cold smile appeared on his face.
"Feng, did you tell Kathleen about the wedding? Will His Majesty agree?" Luo Lina's anxious heart gradually calmed down. She immediately changed the topic and asked about what she was concerned about.
"Yes, I've already talked to their family.”Wind Shadow Craze's expression gradually improved after his attention was diverted. He nodded at Rolina and said," I went to the palace and talked to Shivut that day. He said that everything will be done according to my wishes. He has no objections."”
"Well, that's good. It feels good to be sisters with the famous talented woman from Cullen!”
Luo Lina's smile dazzled Feng Yingkuang, as if even the sun in the sky had lost its brilliance. Just as Windshadow Craze was about to say something to Lolina, King Arthur finally finished his speech and said something that made everyone present cheer.
"In order to celebrate the arrival of the New Year Festival and thank the great priest for his kindness, from today onwards, all the expenses of drinking in Cullen City will be borne by the palace.”
"Long live the king! Long live Arthurs!"
The cheers of the people resounded through the sky. At this time, the annual New Year Festival truly began.
On the way home, Windshadow Craze sat in a carriage that was personally arranged by King Arthur and marked with the royal family's logo. Even the coachman was personally selected by King Arthur. All of this meant that King Arthurs, Shivat Arthurs, trusted and valued Windshade Craze to the utmost. In Windshadow Craze's opinion, King Arthur's arrangements might not have been anything special, but the nobles who had long disliked him for being so arrogant to everyone had undoubtedly added another exuberant flame to their anger.
"Na, is this the so-called New Year's Festival? An old man and an old man standing under a boring statue talking for two hours?”Windshadow Craze, who was hugging Luo Lina, said weakly," I thought it would be grand, but it turns out that it's just a bunch of idiots worshipping a fictional god and saying some ridiculous things.”
"Do you think everyone is like you? He was able to sense the existence of gods through his own abilities. Besides, it was a habit that had been formed for thousands of years. It was probably not important for people now whether there was a true god or not. People were only looking for a spiritual sustenance. Moreover, the highlight of the New Year Festival was not this morning's ceremony. It was just a formality, a gesture the King made for the world to see. Tonight's New Year Festival at the Imperial Feast could be considered the real beginning.”Luo Lina seemed to have suddenly thought of something. She stood up from Windshadow Craze's embrace." Wind, when we go back later, you have to learn etiquette from me."”
"Learn etiquette? Why are you learning etiquette?" Windshadowcraze looked at Luo Lina with a puzzled expression.
"Idiot! The day after tomorrow is the wedding. It doesn't matter if it's just me, but now that Kailin is going to attend, I can't be laughed at by her family!”
Windshade Mad thought for a moment and said to Luo Lina,""Do I have to learn the etiquette here? Is it okay if we follow our method?”
Luo Lina was slightly stunned." Your method? What method?" Luo Lina didn't expect Feng Yingkuang, who didn't even know what a " wedding " was, to know about such etiquette." According to the customs of the mainland, when a woman marries into a man's family, she can hold it according to the etiquette requirements of the man's family. But is it too late to change the method now? There's only one day left."
"Yes, there should be enough time. I read it in a book. The steps are very simple, and the setting up of the venue is also very simple.”Feng Yingkuang answered Luo Lina's question with certainty.
"Hmm…alright! Teach me this etiquette first. I'll teach Kailin later at the imperial banquet. According to what you said, she should be able to learn it very quickly, right?”
Feng Yingkuang smiled and nodded. Just like that, an unprecedented grand wedding was decided by the two of them in a few words.
The laughter of the revelers outside the car penetrated the wooden planks of the car, and the two people sitting in the car were enjoying the unique silence between them...
The center of power of the Arthurs Empire was located in the glorious palace of the capital, Cullen. King Arthurs did not look happy at all because of the New Year Festival. In the dark corner beside him, a faint figure was faintly discernible.
"Tell me, is this king's arrangement useful today?”King Arthur tilted his head and asked slowly.
"Your Majesty, from my observation, it has indeed played a role. The son of the general minister has already had some friction with him. However, I still think that there is no need to do this. Is Your Majesty…"
Sivut interrupted the old voice and said in a very certain tone,""No, you don't understand! Although he looked very subservient and indifferent to everything, he was changing. Or rather, he was growing, and growing rapidly. This King does not know if his growth is accompanied by the expansion of his ambition, but This King must stop this situation, must!”He exhaled slowly and slowed down his voice." Let's not talk about this anymore. Let's talk about something else.”
"Yes, according to the information we just received, and according to the speed of the Ter envoy, they will arrive at the banquet. In addition, there was a piece of information that could not be confirmed to be true. It showed that the head of the diplomatic mission, Reese, had a precious item that King Ter had specially instructed him to have.”
"Oh…I know. You go down and arrange the dinner. This king is a little tired.”Sivut waved his hand at the shadow, as if he had lost the strength to speak.
"I will take my leave."
Then, a small sound appeared, like the sound of stones rubbing against each other, and soon disappeared. The entire room fell silent, and only the sound of Sivut's breathing could be heard.
Sitting in the same carriage with the Wang family's insignia, the same coachman, Feng Yingkuang and Luo Lina brought 10 members of the Mad Battle Team and 10 of Luo Lina's sisters and headed towards the palace.
It wasn't until Wind Shadow Craze returned home in the morning and sent the coachman away that he found out that King Arcus had already given him this carriage as a gift for his wedding with Rolina and Kaelin. Wind Shadow Craze naturally didn't reject anyone.
The revelry on the streets continued. The people who had been crazy for the whole day seemed to be still in high spirits. Luo Lina lifted the curtain slightly and looked at the people who were singing and dancing around the bonfire under the night sky. A charming smile appeared on her face.
Feng Yingkuang held Luo Lina in his arms and said gently,""Stop looking at it. Have you memorized the etiquette I taught you this afternoon? You still have to teach Kathleen later!"
Luo Lina gently leaned into Feng Yingkuang's chest, which had become the place she leaned on the most. Moreover, she realized that as long as she was with Feng Yingkuang, she would always appear abnormally weak. It was as if the determination that she had trained on the battlefield had never appeared. "Don't worry, Kathleen is so smart, she'll definitely learn it in no time. You, on the other hand, must remember to tell the Minister of Rites about changing the ritual.”
"Hehe, I naturally won't forget this.”
As they chatted, Windshadow Kuang's carriage arrived at the palace's gate. The ceremonial officer's loud voice was clearly transmitted into the carriage.
"Viscount Nick has arrived!"
"Earl Doli has arrived!"
"Lord Viscount Shink has arrived!"
Feng Yingkuang helped Luo Lina out of the carriage because of her attire, leaving behind five members of the Mad Battle Team, five of Luo Lina's female guards, and the driver to look after the carriage. He led the others to the palace gate.
"Count Windshadow and Count Rolina have arrived!”Seeing this person who had already become famous in the entire empire, the ceremonial officer shouted in what he thought was the most beautiful and resonant voice.
In an instant, everyone's eyes were focused on Feng Yingkuang and Luo Lina.
Feng Yingkuang still had the same cold expression in front of outsiders, while Luo Lina gently leaned against the man she was wholeheartedly attached to, holding his arm with a blissful expression.
Under everyone's gaze, they walked into the palace of Arthurs, which symbolized the supreme royal power. In here, unknown things were waiting for their arrival. This night was destined to be no longer peaceful.
In the Arthurs Empire and even the entire Rostocker Continent, the hierarchy that had been passed down for thousands of years was extremely strict. Humans were divided into several levels according to their status and strength.
At the lowest level, the fifth level, were slaves who were traded as goods. They had no freedom and no self-esteem. They only lived to provide cheap labor for their masters. In the fourth level were criminals who had been sentenced for violating a certain law. Some of these people were sold as slaves, and those who survived were sent to work in the poorest and most difficult places of the country until their sentence was over. During this process, most criminals would die for some reason, and only one percent of them would be able to return to their original places alive.
These two kinds of people were at the bottom of the human society. People usually called them " abandoned people ", meaning people who had been abandoned by God.
The third level was the commoners, who made up the majority of the population in human society. They were the foundation of human society and the source of the " abandoned people." Most of the commoners had a fixed job and worked hard all day to make a living. However, after paying the various taxes set by the state, there was not much left of their annual income. They could not even support themselves. Among the commoners, some people would become " abandoned people " for some reason, while others would become nobles if they were lucky, thus forming the second class.
There were many ways for nobles to appear, such as being rewarded for meritorious service, being rewarded by the king for making a special contribution to the country, inheriting from their parents, and so on. However, in a country, there were very few people who could truly become nobles.
In the hierarchy of nobles, there were five levels. From low to high, they were Baron, Viscount, Earl, Marquis, and Duke. Among these five ranks, the baron was like the commoners among the nobles. They had the most people but the least status. Within each noble title, it was divided into three different ranks, from first to third. First rank was the lowest, while third rank was the highest.
In order to maintain the bloodline and ability of the nobles, every country on the Rostocker continent had a very similar " First Born Inheritance Degeneration System ". This meant that if the title was inherited from the father, the rank would automatically be lowered.
Using the " First Born Inheritance Debasement System " in the Arthas Empire as an example, if the father's title was a third-class earl, then his first child would automatically have the title of a first-class earl after he was born, but his second child would not have such an honor. If the father was a first class duke, then his first child would automatically be a second class earl. If he wanted to restore the title to his father's class, then the heir had to do something.
Of course, this situation was not absolute. On the Rostocker Continent, the status of a woman was extremely low. In order to not lose the title or damage the face of the nobles, if the first child was a daughter, they would usually hide it or kill her. They must let a boy inherit the title of the father.
This was the dirtiest thing that was done under the noble's halo.
Above all the titles, there was the title of " Prince ". Usually, there were only two kinds of people who could be crowned with the title of prince, namely the king's brother or the heir of the kingdom. The specific situation was determined by the needs and customs of the kingdom.
Standing at the top of the hierarchy were the king's immediate family members. These people were also known as the royal family.
The ruler of a country, the king of a country, was someone who surpassed this hierarchy and was always high above.
On top of the strict hierarchy, the highest authority of each country on the Rostocker Continent added strict laws that he thought were necessary to ensure his authority and the operation of the country. For example, in a small country in the southern mountains of the continent, its king stipulated that no one except the royal family was allowed to ride horses in the capital. For example, in the Arthurs Empire where Feng Yingkuang was located, all officials and nobles had to walk into the palace.
After passing through a straight passage in front of the palace gate and arriving at the edge of the square, a person walked out from the maids who were waiting on both sides and led the way for Feng Yingkuang and Luo Lina. This was to show the courtesy King Arthurs had for his ministers.
Feeling Luo Lina's slightly trembling body leaning against him, Windshadow Craze lowered his head and whispered in her ear,""Na, you're nervous. Is this your first time attending such a banquet?"
"Hmm…I wasn't qualified to come here before.”When Luo Lina answered Windshade Craze's question, a dim look flashed across her eyes. She was probably thinking of her father who had died unjustly.
"Don't be nervous. I'm here." Feng Yingkuang patted Luo Lina's hand and whispered softly.
From the back, Windshadow Craze and Rolina looked unusually intimate with their heads against each other. Although everyone knew that Rolina, the gorgeous " battlefield rose ", would officially become husband and wife under the blessing of King Arthurs and the priest, there were still some young and arrogant nobles who were unwilling to accept it. This was especially true for Windshadow Craze, who had suddenly appeared and instantly climbed to a high position that others might not be able to reach in their entire lives, and was deeply favored by King Arthur.
"I really didn't expect a country bumpkin like you, a nouveau riche, to actually attend such a high-class banquet.”
A figure quickly walked past Feng Yingkuang, leaving behind a string of extremely insulting and sinister laughter.
Looking at his back that was gradually walking away, a cold light flashed in Feng Yingkuang's eyes. Even Luo Lina, who was beside him, could feel the killing intent he was emitting.
"Feng, don't! This is the palace, don't be rash!"
Luo Lina hugged Feng Yingkuang's arm tightly and tried to persuade him nervously. She knew that if he really wanted to kill someone, no one on this mainland would be able to stop him.
Feng Yingkuang gave Luo Lina a reassuring smile." It's the person from this morning. Na, do you know him?”
Luo Lina shook her head and gave Windshadow Kuang a negative answer. Because of the peculiar way of thinking formed since young, Luo Lina spent most of her time reading and researching. After she graduated from school, she spent most of her time in the military camp and did not know many of the young nobles in the capital. Moreover, she also hated these second-generation heirs who relied on their father's family background, let alone taking the initiative to befriend them.
"Count Windshadow and Count Rolina have arrived!”
The ceremonial officer's loud voice interrupted the conversation between Windshadow Craze and Luo Lina. The noisy hall suddenly became abnormally quiet, and everyone's eyes were once again focused on the two of them. Luo Lina, who had already experienced it once, appeared to be more calm, but from the faint blush on her face, she was still a little shy. As for Feng Yingkuang, he still had that cold and indifferent expression.
"Sister Luo Lina!"
Seeing Rolina, Kathleen immediately broke away from the encirclement of the young nobles and ran to her side. She stole a glance at Feng Yingkuang, who was smiling at her, and lowered her head shyly. She pulled Luo Lina to the side with a flushed face, and the two of them began to whisper.
The hall became noisy again, and Windshadow Craze followed Luo Lina and Kathleen to an inconspicuous corner. Although there were still some young nobles who wanted to strike up a conversation with the two famous beauties in Cullen City, they gave up the idea when they saw Windshade's cold gaze. After all, Feng Yingkuang's reputation as the God of War had been exchanged for blood and death.
"Haha! I've finally found you. So you're hiding here with two beautiful ladies!”An old man in traditional noble attire, with a hat inlaid with three rows of mink fur, a crown with silver rings, four golden leaves, and four silver balls, walked towards Wind Shadow Craze while laughing. His attire showed that he was a Marquis." I know you don't know me, so let me introduce myself first." My name is Joseph, a second marquis. I am the general in charge of the eastern defense of the empire.”
Joseph's words made Wind Shadow Craze instantly develop a good impression of him. Perhaps it was because they were both soldiers, Wind Shadow Craze felt a familiar aura from Joseph. However, Feng Yingkuang only bowed slightly to his words and did not react too much.
"Haha! As expected of the man known as the God of War!”Joseph did not care about Windshadow Kuang's cold reaction and still praised him loudly," If the Empire could have a few more young people like you, it would be strong.”
"Grandpa Joseph, stop praising him. You're praising him to the heavens.”Hearing Joseph and Windshadow Kuang's conversation, Luo Lina also pulled the shy Kathleen over.
"Hey! The little girl had grown up and become beautiful. She was going to be someone else's wife the day after tomorrow. She could not continue to be so naughty!”
"Hmph, I don't have it!"
The coquettish look on Luo Lina's face made Feng Yingkuang guess that her deceased grandfather must have had an extraordinary friendship with the Empire's general in front of him.
"The king has arrived. All ministers welcome him!"
The ceremonial officer's voice interrupted the conversation, and the noisy hall quieted down. Everyone quickly stood in their positions and bowed.
"Welcome, Great King Arthurs!"
"Ke ke, there's no need to be so polite." " Today is the first day of the New Year's Festival. Everyone, make yourselves at home and have fun."”
The person who walked out behind King Arthurs was not his queen or concubine, but an extremely charming woman. As she walked, the sound of her footsteps echoed throughout the hall. It was exceptionally pleasant to the ears. King Arthurs 'children did not follow him either.
"Come, this king would like to introduce a friend from the Tyre Empire. She is the leader of the Tyre diplomatic corps that has just arrived in Arthurs, Marquis Reese.”
After King Arthur finished introducing her, this beautiful woman didn't say anything. She only took half a step forward and bowed to everyone in the hall, revealing a mesmerizing smile.
"Alright, everyone is here.”" Count Wind," said Shivat, showing his concern for his minister." Count Wind, I've arranged for you and Count Rolina to sit in front. Come quickly."”
As soon as he said this, everyone's faces in the hall instantly turned colorful and abnormally beautiful.
Windshadow Craze didn't decline, and he didn't even have the slightest intention of " thanking " Luo Lina. He pulled Luo Lina over to sit, and everyone's expressions changed again. Although King Arthur didn't care about Windshade Craze's extremely rude behavior, those who didn't like Windshade Craze, the " nouveau riche ", couldn't stand it.
"How dare you! Count Windshadow, you actually ignored the king's favor and didn't even give him the most basic gift of thanks! I want to duel with you! I will use your blood to wash away the humiliation you have done to the king and the entire empire!”A very muscular man stood up from the group of young nobles and shouted at Feng Yingkuang.
Luo Lina was shocked. Due to her nervousness and excitement, coupled with the happiness of the upcoming wedding, she had been immersed in an indescribable feeling for the past few days. However, it was because of this feeling that she forgot to remind Windshadow Craze that he had to bow and thank King Arthur for his special arrangements. This was a huge crime.
Just as Luo Lina was worried about Windshade Craze, King Arthur's voice rang out.
"Hehe, alright. Count Wind isn't from Arthurs, so it's forgivable that he doesn't know much about the etiquette here. Today is the New Year Festival, how can you use a knife and a gun! Come, sing and dance! Everyone, let's have fun!"
As the music played, the tense atmosphere immediately disappeared. Groups of beautiful women in light clothes walked happily into the empty space in the hall. The graceful singing and dancing slowly attracted people's attention as her body twisted. Her faintly discernible body made the men present stare straight at her. However, this was not enough to move Feng Yingkuang.
From the moment the young noble shouted and stood up, Windshadow Craze's eyes had never left his spot. Of course, Feng Yingkuang's target wasn't him, but the person beside him, the one who stood on Feng Yingkuang's right during the morning ritual and brushed past Feng Yingkuang in the square just now. Looking at his sinister smile, Windshadow Craze knew that the young noble was under his orders.
Reese, the emissary of the Tell Empire, did not seem to care about the disharmonious atmosphere in the hall just now. He did not even look at Windshadow Kuang, who was hated by the entire Tell Empire. She enjoyed the song and dance while chatting with King Arthurs. When she revealed that mesmerizing smile, the high peaks of her chest swayed up and down, creating a dazzling wave of breasts.
Luo Lina clung tightly to Feng Yingkuang's body and hugged his arm tightly, afraid that he would make any excessive moves. Luo Lina could clearly see Feng Yingkuang's killing intent from his cold gaze. Now, she could no longer dissuade him. She only hoped that Feng Yingkuang would not lose his mind at this time.
The singing and dancing slowly dissipated, and the seductive dance stopped. The dancers bowed to King Arthurs and quickly disappeared outside the palace door. The hall behind them was still filled with applause.
After the applause stopped, King Arthurs stood up and waved to the maid beside him. Two trays covered with red muslin were brought to him." Since the founding of the Arthurs Empire, heroes have been emerging. They opened up territory for the empire and resisted the enemy for the empire. They all have amazing martial arts! Today is the special day of the New Year Festival. This King also wants to see if there are any future heroes of the Arthurs Empire in this hall!”
"In front of this king, there are two treasured swords from the royal family's collection.”As Sivut spoke, the red muslin covering the tray was lifted, and two long swords with a cold light revealed their true appearance." The one on my right with a lion's head hilt is called 'Lion Roar', and the one on my left with a wolf's head hilt is called' Wolf Howling'. They were carefully forged by the same dwarf craftsman. "Now, whoever is confident of winning the sword can come up and perform. You can dance alone or fight. As long as everyone here thinks that you are a hero who can own a sword, this king will reward you with the sword.”
As soon as King Arthur finished speaking, the young noble who had invited Windshadow to a duel stood up.
"I would like to invite Count Windshadow to perform a double sword dance for the king!”
"I'm not interested."
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。