Chapter 6: Once

A pool of clear water circulates in the crystal clear and jade-like hands, and a beautiful and refined face is reflected on the rippling water surface: the eyebrows are like light willows and the eyes are like clear waves of the moon. But at this moment, a touch of uncatchable but unscathing sadness floats between the eyebrows and the eyes.

The hot air on the water surface was evaporated, gradually blurring the beautiful face and the faint sorrow.

This pool of clear water then flowed down from the fingers, like a small waterfall, sprinkled on the skin that was so broken like a cream, it was frost-like and snowy, and then followed the concave and graceful curve, flowing downwards.

The Bauhinia butterfly sat in this luxurious bathhouse made of obsidian. Her formerly lively eyes were invisible and her expression was at a loss, as if the soul had already withdrawn from her body, leaving only a body. At this time, she was like a shadow puppet man who was controlled on the stage, mechanically cleaning her skin inch by inch.

She wants to wash away the shame.

The water is clear and hot, and the steaming water vapor conceals her naked body, making her look so beautiful.

Suddenly, the Bauhinia butterfly raised her head slightly, and her confused eyes turned to the skylight on the bathroom ceiling. Outside the window, there was still the distant and mysterious night sky that she had stared at countless times. A faint sigh was slowly exhaled from her cherry lips. She lowered her head, picked up the hot water again, and slowly dripped it on her round shoulders.

But there was a dark color in the water, no longer clear.

She scooped up another handful of water, and this time there was a clear bloodline in the water, which was slowly spreading.

The Bauhinia butterfly smiled slightly, beautiful and desolate, lit up her lifeless face in an instant. However, this brilliance seemed like a flash in the pan! The Bauhinia butterfly in the smile suddenly trembled all over her body, like the dead leaves floating away from the branches in the autumn wind, slowly falling backwards.

The whole world gradually faded.

She slowly fell backwards, fell beside the bath pool, and knocked down an exquisite porcelain bottle. The porcelain bottle rolled along the bath pool for several weeks, fell from the edge of the pool, and fell into shining porcelain pieces with a bang.

When the lights first came on, Rogge walked out of the emperor's palace with exhaustion, climbed onto his own carriage, and closed his eyes.

His energy is beyond the reach of people, and his magic is even more superb. Unless he is a big battle with his opponent, he will not feel tired. It’s just that the intrigue between people and the struggle for power and profit are sometimes more exhausting than a magical battle.

Before dawn today, Feuerbach the Great summoned Rogue, Alexander, Pompeii and several of his most beloved ministers into the palace and began to discuss matters in the south.

The 150,000 coolies took one month. After 20,000 deaths, more than half of the forest leading to the south were opened. The Sea God Legion led by Pompey drove straight into the area within a hundred kilometers on both sides of the avenue. For a moment, countless powerful monsters that had lived in the forest for many years became victims of the Sea God Legion. Alexander had completed the reorganization of the Ice River Legion and had replenished the troops. At this moment, he had a 120,000 army and a slave corps composed of nearly 200,000 races in his hand, staring at the south.

The empire has basically completed the occupation and plunder of the western coast of the Longines Sea. All combat preparations needed to conquer the south are piled up, and the garrison troops composed of locals have also been formed.

The entire western coast of Longines Sea was divided into three parts, with three new imperial provinces established, and the main officials were basically appointed. This naturally means countless opportunities for distribution of interests, so Roger passionately devoted himself to this struggle to divide the fruits of victory. Over the past few months, after countless negotiations, threats, plots and compromises, the major forces of the empire finally completed the competition for the three newly established provinces and initially determined the interest pattern.

Roger's Holy Church unexpectedly became the biggest winner. He recommended his Skeleton and Bones members and carefully selected candidates for each position. The Skeleton and Bones almost gathered core children among the major families of the Empire. Therefore, whenever Roger was interested in a position, he would see which faction and which family members wanted to compete for this position, and then recommend the corresponding members of the Skeleton and Bones. Many powerful officials were caught off guard with this way of recommendation. Often, Roger came over a letter of recommendation, and the candidates who were most enthusiastic in fighting for the position would choose to withdraw. After all, those who were willing to take up posts in such remote provinces are the children of these families. How could they compete with the members of the Skeleton and Bones?

These positions were not something that Skeleton and Bones members could appreciate, but Roger said to them that this was just a springboard, and the geographical location of the west coast of Longines Sea was important and was in trouble. It was a great opportunity to show off your skills and make some achievements. In the future, these three provinces will be the most brilliant pearls in the crown of the empire.

In contrast, although it seems easier to create achievements in the south when the army goes to the south, it gathers all the famous generals and important officials of the empire in that direction, and it is actually very difficult to make a breakthrough. What's more, the imperial army has been working on the expedition and fighting against the Dro Empire, one of the three major empires. No one dares to say that it will win. Of course, the Dro Empire is suffering from internal and external troubles at this time, and its national strength is no longer the same as before, but after all, the foundation of many years is there, and it is completely underestimated.

After Roger's encouragement, most of the Skeleton and Bones members accepted new positions and took office. They were all ready to do something in this land that was still dripping blood and smoke. There was never a shortage of opportunities to build a new world from the ruins.

A few members who were extremely enthusiastic about the war, as well as those ambitious people who were confident and capable, who were committed to radiating dazzling brilliance in the Southern Expedition, chose to stay in the Southern Expedition Army. Roger also spent all his efforts to arrange them one by one. Some of them were recommended to Alexander and Pompei, of course, these people had a good relationship with the military faction. Others were arranged to serve in the Ice Temple Warrior Order. At this moment, Roger's Ice Temple Warrior Order already had more than 2,000 elite samurai, and because of his outstanding individual combat power, he had become a force enough to determine the situation on the local battlefield.

However, the thing that bothered Rogue the most was that there was no talent under his command who could be regarded as a great man in military strategy. With no choice, he could even use Rose to prepare the entire Ice Temple Warrior Order. However, as the leader of the Ice Temple Warrior Order, he still couldn't find a suitable talent to take over, which resulted in this position still being vacant. After thinking about it, the only one who could meet his wish was Bauhinia Butterfly.

Like Mei, Bauhinia Butterfly both came from Hanyue Camp. When it comes to military service, she is stronger than Mei. However, Bauhinia Butterfly also has to control the entire Duchy of Ale, and its position is equally important.

Over the past month, the question of the candidates in hundreds of positions has hurt Roger's mind. Fortunately, there is a careful and useful Robertsky who can share his worries in this regard. However, Robertsky is a politically talented person and is also useless in leading troops. Every time at this time, Roger can't help but miss the deceased Charlie.

Today the Emperor summoned important officials of the empire to discuss the relationship with the Dro Empire.

At this time, the Dros Empire had been in war with the Bavarian Principality, which was supported by the church. The Grand Duke of Bavaria showed his style again. He and Rochelio unified the army and entered the Dros Empire like a bamboo shoot. The Dros Army, which had a significant advantage in military strength, repeatedly sought opportunities to fight the Bavarian army. However, both the Grand Duke and Rochelio resolutely avoided the war, wandered around, and constantly eroded the strength of the Dros Army in mobile warfare.

This war made the world truly realize the combat power of the Duchy of Bavaria. During the months of war, the army of the Duchy had strong combat power and outstanding meritorious legions emerged one after another. The Lionheart Knight, the Lion Tooth Legion, the human-faced spider, and the Moon Wolf all made the Dro soldiers famous and frightened. The three Rochelio and his son had already become famous generals in history.

As long as the main force of the Dro Empire is defeated in the decisive battle that will come sooner or later, the famous Bavarian generals will be recognized by the entire continent.

Another less conspicuous news was quietly circulating among the politicians of various countries in mainland China.

It is said that in late spring and early summer, an elite 1,000-man light cavalry army of the Dro Empire tried to raid a military commander at the back of the Duchy Front. As a result, the Holy Knights of the Church of Light were resting in that small town, and since then there was no news about this light cavalry.

Such a battle report is a far-reaching message in the eyes of those who are interested.

In the past few hundred years, although the Church of Light has enough force to rival a great power, its transcendent status and a large number of believers have made such a huge force almost useless. There are only a few times in history that it has dispatched the Holy Knights to suppress the pagans.

Since the defeat of the Aslofik Empire a hundred years ago, the power of the Church of Light in the south has not only not been affected, but has expanded rapidly. In fact, the kings of many southern countries are believers of the Church of Light. This is true for the Duke of Dro, Austro-Hungary and Bavaria. The Church of Light has always been out of the war between believers and countries, and does not interfere. If the news of the destruction of the light cavalry legion of the Dro Empire is true, it means that a giant beast like the Church of Light has finally given up its position of not interfering in the secular world for hundreds of years and began to formally intervene in the national war!

As long as you think of the blood angel Augustus and the 50,000 sacred knights behind him, the kings of any country will be restless.

Although the Bavarian Principality's strong combat power was far beyond expectations, it expanded too fast and its power was always limited. Even if it could eventually defeat the Dro Empire, it would probably not be able to escape the fate of losing both sides. However, if the Church of Light officially joins this war, the situation will be different immediately.

Perhaps after defeating the Dro Empire, the sword in the hands of the Grand Duke of Bavaria was still sharp enough to cut off the heads of several more monarchs.

The war burned fiercely and quickly, and I don’t know how long it will take to burn and how many countries it will affect.

The Principality of Bavaria is like a ferocious beast with both minions and teeth. Although it is still fighting a behemoth like the Dro Empire, everyone in the neighboring countries is already in danger. Therefore, despite the signs that the Church of Light is preparing to formally intervene in the war, several countries are still in secret contact with the Dro Empire and preparing to intervene in the war.

The changes in the south quickly changed the north.

The Aslofik Empire launched a large number of roads in the forest and gathered hundreds of thousands of troops on the border. If it was said that it was kind to the Dro Empire, it would be impossible for even goblins to deceive the Dro Empire. However, what the emperor discussed with the ministers today was whether to form an alliance with the Dro Empire on the condition of cede to the territorial cede and send troops to fight.

To Roger's surprise, the emperor's proposal was actually unanimously supported by the ministers. This was not the ministers' flattery of Emperor Feuerbach. In the empire, these powerful ministers have always expressed their opinions on major events and are not afraid to collide with the emperor. This is also the biggest difference between the Aslofik Empire and the southern countries.

Rog quickly realized that what these important officials really cared about was not the Principality of Bavaria, and even the Austro-Hungary and Dros Empires. The only thing that the empire valued was the Church of Light in the south.

Rogge is currently in a transcendent position. He participates in all important meetings of the empire, but rarely expresses his opinions. He always remains silent on the issue of aiding the Dero Empire, but he is thinking in his heart. Rogge initially was an enemy of the Church of Light, half for Elyssis, and half for his identity as a necromancer, and must not be tolerated by the church. Then as he studied the Church of Light, Rogge involuntarily doubted the real purpose of the Church of Light, and the answer he got was unwilling to think about it.

If things only reach this point, there may be a possibility of compromise between the Fatty and the Church of Light. But after seeing Achilles, Roger finally realized that the person who has always stood behind him and has done everything for him silently is absolutely impossible to be tolerant of heaven.

So no matter how difficult or desperate this road is, he has to continue.

Roger suddenly understood Rodriguez.

No matter how smooth, sophisticated, or useless he can do, sometimes he has no choice!

Maybe many years later, he will be another Rodriguez.

What would he think at that time?

Roger suddenly thought of the child in Mei's belly, the child who proudly declared his extraordinary to the whole world since the moment he existed.

Roger sighed softly.

If he becomes Rodriguez one day, I just hope that the child will not become Rodriguez.

The fat man in the carriage felt extremely tired and kept rubbing his forehead.

At this moment, a shout suddenly sounded outside the carriage, and then there was a clanging sound. The Ice Temple warriors guarding both sides of the carriage quickly raised a giant shield and pulled out a long-handled battle axe. After the defense of these warriors was completed, dozens of figures appeared on the roofs of the buildings on both sides of the avenue, shooting dozens of arrows at the guards of the Ice Temple warriors. In front of the giant shield, thick armor and strong personal force, these arrows were of course useless.

The attackers were obviously caught off guard by this result, but they saw that there were only ten warriors in the Ice Temple, and the number of the two sides was really different, so a man with the appearance of a leader shouted a few words to the carriage.

The captain of the Ice Temple Warrior bowed to the carriage window and said to Roger: "Sir, the attacker seems to be a remnant of a small cult. What do you think of?"

Roger closed his eyes and said impatiently: "Kill it on the spot! There is no need to worry about the body, just leave it to the city defense force to deal with it."

After saying that, Roger closed the car window and separated all the noise and hustle and bustle outside the window.

He almost didn't wait long, and the carriage shook gently and continued to move forward.

A moment later, ten Ice Temple warriors in armor and blood-stained Ice Temple escorted Roger's carriage back to the Great Temple of the Holy Church. When they stepped out of the carriage, Roger had recovered his spirit after a brief rest.

When Roger returned to his own office, there were already thick stacks of seals on the table. The fat man sighed in a low voice. He really wanted someone to share these chores, but unfortunately his subordinates were also short of government talents. The only thing he deserved to boast about was the number of strong people.

Roger was taking apart the secrets one by one and reading them one by one. Suddenly, Roger suddenly stood up and looked at the secrets in his hand twice, and his face had already turned pale.

The content of the secret document is very simple: the Bauhinia Butterfly suddenly committed suicide, and fortunately he was rescued in time, and she temporarily saved her life. However, until the secret document was sent out, she was still unconscious and still woke up. The second half of the secret document briefly described the situation of the Bauhinia Butterfly's suicide a few days ago and came up with a inference.

Roger slowly threw the secret piece into the brazier, then called the waiter, and coldly ordered: "Tell me my order and let Et come to see me immediately!"

The weather in the north is getting warmer day by day, and the fish harvest in the Longines Sea is gradually increasing, which greatly alleviates the supply pressure of the imperial army.

These days, Rogge has been busy. The Aslofik Empire has been in secret contact with the Dro Empire and is preparing to send an envoy to the Dro Empire secretly to discuss the war. This envoy is naturally dominated by military and political personnel, but the most noble among the secret members of the envoy is the Pope Rogge.

Rogge decided to go to the Dro Empire in person to see the customs and customs of one of the three major empires in the world. Rogge was actually not interested in the expansion of the empire. He had other purposes when traveling with the envoys this time.

Three days ago, Et had actually arrived at Ludan Port, but Roger had never seen him. Late at night, Roger finally adjusted his mood and felt that it was the time to meet this bad friend who had fooled him together.

When the tall magic swordsman stepped into Roger's office, the fat man was walking back and forth on the floor. Ett wanted to give an embrace with his old friend as before, but for some reason, he suddenly felt that there was an insurmountable gap between him and Roger, so he took back the steps he took.

After watching the bad friend of Shao Shi for a long time, Roger sighed heavily and finally said, "Et, if you lack a woman, where can you find it? Why do you have to provoke her?"

Et was a little nervous, but when he heard Roger's words, his face slowly became gloomy and he said slowly: "All the women I've met are not as good as hers."

Bang! Roger slapped the table angrily and shouted: "You want her, no problem! You go chase and fuck! Why do you have to use this method? What do you think she is? Are you the kind of woman in the tavern who can play with you? Do you know how much effort it took to catch her? I had already decided to transfer her to command the entire Ice Temple Warrior Order, but after you did this, she committed suicide! Are you satisfied? Who will lead me to the army now, are you?"

Et's face was red and red. He stared at Roger and suddenly shouted: "She likes you! How can I go to bed? You are more capable than me and have a higher status than me. What should I compare with you? Until now, you don't even have a decent position for me. If this continues, what else do I hope to get her?"

Et roared, but Roger calmed down. He looked at Et quietly, and his cold eyes finally shut the magic swordsman's mouth and subconsciously turned his gaze to the side.

Roger said coldly: "I sent you to lead the troops alone? What do you want to do? Do you want to die? I put you by the Bauhinia Butterfly just to let you learn well. When you learn how to lead the army, I will naturally let you stand alone. Et, you are still the same, without any patience, how can you achieve great things? And how many people and things are involved in every decision I have now? How can I accommodate you in everything?"

Et suddenly looked up, met Roger's gaze, and said word by word: "Not everyone is like you, you can do anything for the great cause! At least to me, she is everything about me now! No matter what means I use, I want her! Let your career go to hell! If you continue like this, in a few years, I see what else you can have left besides the great cause!"

The young couple stared at each other for a long time. Roger finally sighed and shook his head, feeling restless and didn't want to say anything more.

At this moment, a waiter suddenly came to report that the Bauhinia Butterfly had arrived at Ludan Port and was waiting outside for Rogue to summon him.

Roger was stunned. He had no idea when the Bauhinia Butterfly woke up and why he arrived here alone. He glanced at Et, frowned and ordered, "Let her in."

A moment later, a Bauhinia butterfly in casual clothes walked into the room. Her pretty face showed a pathological paleness, but her eyes had returned to tranquility and firmness.

She seemed to have not seen Et's existence at all, and said directly: "Mr. Roger, the position of commander of the army of the Principal of Are is a great responsibility and I cannot bear it. Therefore, please allow me to resign from this position."

"Yes." Roger's simple reply surprised the Bauhinia Butterfly. After a pause, Roger said again: "You can go to the Ice Temple Warrior Order first, and I will notify you of the specific position later."

The Bauhinia butterfly seemed to have a refusal, but in the end it still agreed and left on its own.

Roger looked at Et and sighed, "You have to take on what you have done. You don't have to go back. I will also arrange a position in the Ice Temple Warrior Order. As for the result, it depends on your own. That's all I can do for you."
Chapter completed!