Part Two: The Human World Chapter Twenty-Five Great Expectations
He really should go to the Magic Academy to meet Bishop Ronis. Asa felt very guilty in the bishop's snow-white and luxurious carriage.
I heard Cedros said that apart from Xiao Yi's reason for taking down the leaves of the World Tree to save him, half of it was also because of Bishop Ronis' intention. Moreover, the bishop also left a teleportation scroll for himself to see him when he came back.
, but after returning to the royal capital, his thoughts were all on the Duke's Palace and Xiao Yi, and he actually ignored this noble and respectable old man who saved him, and almost forgot about it.
He had to travel by himself... Fortunately, the bishop sent a carriage to treat him. Asa felt that he was embarrassed to face the majestic and kind smile of the bishop.
The carriage drove all the way to the entrance of the cathedral of the Magic Academy. Asa got off the car and happened to see the bishop slowly walking out accompanied by two senior priests, followed respectfully by a middle-aged man who looked like an official and a man who seemed to be
There were some familiar young people. This young man had a braid, and he immediately showed a fierce expression when he saw Asa. However, Asa intuitively did not care much about this expression of hostility, just like a tiger would not mind a maggot attacking him.
Like showing his teeth and claws.
Asa walked over with a blushing face, bowed his head to Bishop Ronis and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Bishop. I'm late."
In his own opinion, this was a very considerate courtesy and fully expressed his apology and respect. But the expressions of the other two people immediately changed, especially the fat man who looked full of fat and had a look of uncertainty.
Sa is not a clergyman in the church, but when he saw the bishop, he did not kneel down and salute, but just bowed like an ordinary elder. This is already very amazing, and what is even more incredible is that the bishop also
He accepted it happily without showing any dissatisfaction.
"That's it, Mr. Prime Minister, I have some important things to deal with now. Why don't you come back next time when you are free." Bishop Ronis nodded to the middle-aged official. His easy-going and dignified demeanor did not tolerate any resistance. The Prime Minister had no choice but to follow him.
The young people knelt down on one knee and bowed deeply to the Bishop before leaving.
Only then did Asa realize that he was probably a little rude. In any case, his status would never be nobler than that of the prime minister.
"It's really tiring to deal with these officials." Bishop Ronis shook his head and sighed. He motioned to the two priests next to them to leave. "Follow me." He led Asa into the cathedral again.
They seem to be unwilling to let others know about the conversation between the two.
Bishop Ronis motioned to Asa to close the door, then he sat down, and motioned for Asa to sit down as well. He smiled slightly, still so easy-going and dignified, and said: "I don't like red tape. Just deal with it when others are present.
There’s no need for that when it’s just the two of us.”
Probably only people with less self-confidence will care more about other people's attitudes towards them, but people like the Bishop who are impressed by everyone they see feel that it is a burden.
"Actually, I thought you should have come yesterday." Bishop Ronis looked at Asa and smiled. "Did you go to the Duke's Palace?"
Asa blushed and nodded.
"Because of me, the Duke probably doesn't dare to get rid of you, a person who knows too much. I guess he wants to win you over? But it seems that he didn't get what he wanted. He is the most powerful person in this royal capital.
There are not many people who can make a man of tactics helpless. You did not disappoint me." Bishop Ronis looked at Asa, the two points of fire in his eyes flashed, as if he asked easily: "Is he
Didn’t he use your relationship with Miss Mlac to motivate you and win over you?"
Asa didn't understand it for a moment, but then he remembered the Duke's exciting remarks yesterday, and he was immediately stunned and shocked.
Bishop Ronis would never send someone to follow him. Moreover, no third party knew about his conversation with the Duke yesterday. He would not tell it. Naturally, the Duke would not use his emotional privacy to publicize it. So how did the Bishop know?
of?
Bishop Ronis continued to talk and said: "The Duke should be able to see the feelings between the two of you. He has always been very good at observing in these aspects, and his ability to use feelings is what makes him much better than other power machines.
place. I can imagine that his speech yesterday must have been very exciting and touching. But it seems that you did not go as he wished. Can you tell me why?"
Asa scratched his head and said with an awkward expression: "She has her own choice...I have the path I want to take. In fact, the Duke's words moved me a bit, but I understand that I am not suitable for doing anything big. I have my own path."
Your own way of life.”
His answer aroused Bishop Ronis' unexpected satisfaction. He reached out and patted Asa on the shoulder, and his tone was slightly excited. "Okay. I didn't expect that you could have such a big heart at such a young age. You know.
Power, status, money, etc. are nothing, but the relationship is the most difficult. Only those who have a firm self-awareness and insist on walking their own path are truly strong. Only such people can achieve real great things.
.You really didn’t let me down.”
Asa sounded a little confused, as if the bishop had great hopes for him. He didn't understand what this disappointment meant. He just felt a little uneasy. He didn't want to bear other people's feelings on him, let alone the bishop.
The hope of such a respectable person as your lord is even more burdensome.
And he was a little surprised. He saw another side of the bishop who seemed to be extremely aloof and completely ignorant of current affairs in the eyes of the Duke and others, something that was kept secret. The Duke, who was so deep and wise, seemed to be no different from a child in front of him.
Just by inference, I knew what he was up to.
"Oh, so many things have happened during this period. I originally asked you to retrieve the book, but you unexpectedly ended up in Oufu, and so many things happened. All of this is such a coincidence.
It's beyond my expectation." Bishop Ronis smiled bitterly and looked up at the roof. This study was not big, but the roof was surprisingly high. His eyes fell on the high space, revealing a confused look.
The look on his face. "Maybe it's fate..."
Asa was even more confused. He felt that these things were indeed unexpected by coincidence, but to put it bluntly, it was just a small misunderstanding in Ofu, where he went to steal something but failed to steal it, but was beaten to death and then rescued.
This kind of thing happens in turn every day all over the country, and it seems that there is no need for such a vague and grand metaphor of fate.
Bishop Ronis lowered his head and looked at Asa. His brows were furrowed, and the two lights in his eyes flickered. He suddenly asked: "I want to ask you a very personal question. Do you believe in destiny?"
"Destiny?" Asa has heard of this thing. Those legendary stories often have such a line at the beginning and end, so that people can judge the ending by listening to the beginning of the story.
Bishop Ronis nodded. "Yes, that means everything has been arranged. The world is actually developing and moving forward according to its established trajectory."
"I don't believe it." Asa's answer was very simple. The story could be made up like that, and what happened could be said to be predestined, but in reality he would never believe it.
"What if it really does exist?" the bishop asked again.
Asa was stunned, and answered simply: "I don't believe it either."
"Why?" Bishop Ronis was stunned. "If you knew that your efforts would be in vain in the end, would you still do it?"
"...Well...there is nothing in vain. Once a person is born, he is destined to die in the end. Should he just sit and wait for death? If you have time to think about those inexplicable problems, it is better to concentrate on doing your own thing.
.And who really knows what will happen?"
Bishop Ronis thought for a moment and immediately burst into laughter. This cheerful laughter did not seem to match his thin face. The thin face could not accommodate such a fierce expression, and the smile was about to break through the restraints on his face and fly out.
Similar.
Asa was surprised and flattered. He didn't expect that these casual words would make the bishop so happy.
"Okay, okay, okay..." The bishop kept repeating this word, with a smile and vitality on his face. "You are right. Who can really say clearly what will happen? Instead of asking these questions
It’s a waste of time, it’s better to concentrate on doing what you should do. Unexpectedly, I have always despised other people for thinking too much about these boring things, and now I find that I also think too much. Thanks to you for reminding me, I really
I have to thank you."
"Where, where..." Asa felt even more embarrassed.
Bishop Ronis' worries were relieved, and he looked energetic as if he had made some determination, and said, "Okay, let's get down to business. The reason I asked you to come this time is because I want to ask you to do a favor. Is that okay?"
Facing such an amiable and respectable old man who was so happy because of his few words just now, the benefactor who saved his life, and whose status is more than ten thousand, he still very gently asked himself to help a small person.
Busy. No one could refuse such a request, and Asa immediately nodded in agreement.
"Okay. I want to appoint you as a priest to go to the western front to command the priests there." Bishop Ronis said.
"Ah?" Asa thought he heard wrongly.
Bishop Ronis sighed and said: "You don't know, the current situation is very difficult. The other candidates are either from the military or from the Erni family. Several military ministers came to me yesterday, and you just came
See, the prime minister is also eyeing this position. The political struggle is very fierce now, and both sides want to strengthen their momentum by winning this war. In their eyes, it is a political bargaining chip, but in fact, it is a war after all.
Thousands of people's lives may have been lost inexplicably because of their fight for fame and fortune. Tomorrow I will advise the emperor to withdraw his troops and avoid war. Although I rarely speak on these national affairs, as long as I speak
, it rarely fails. In addition, Cedros also has his own methods, so this armistice should not be a problem. However, His Majesty the Emperor's order has not been issued yet, and the discussion meeting will probably take some time, and the west side
The troops are still there, and the war may still break out. So I need a trustworthy person who does not belong to any faction, does not want to make military exploits, and can help me go to the west to ease the situation first and try not to let the war happen."
"I really can't do this kind of thing..." Asa waved his hand and shook his head.
"No, you must be able to do it." Bishop Ronis looked at him with trusting eyes. "You must do this for me. It will also save the lives of tens of millions of soldiers."
Thousands of lives. Asa felt that he suddenly felt out of breath. Forget it, just think of it as repaying the bishop for saving his life. He nodded. "Okay."
Bishop Ronis also nodded with satisfaction and relief. Today, he, a skinny and majestic old man, looked particularly happy, with a particularly rich expression on his small face.
In the study room of the Duke's Palace, the Duke is processing a batch of official documents sent by the military. Recently, something happened to the troops in the west. All the magicians were inexplicably wiped out before the war started.
This accident on the front line came at the perfect time. It was a catalyst. The political storm in the DPRK and China was about to unfold, and he had to prepare for it in advance. He felt half happy and half worried now.
He had anticipated the defeat of the Western Army. He had foreseen all the variables that would follow when Cedros asked him for assistance. As soon as the city of Orfu was established, military ministers eager for military glory would come to
They say that this is a rare opportunity and they will definitely go to war. But General Sanders will never be the opponent of Cedros and Gru. Frustration is inevitable. At this time, the Erni family will naturally seize the opportunity and try to use it.
His own people wanted to take the position of general, but the military would not agree easily. At this time, his daughter's marriage had already made him a member of the family, and as the Minister of Military Affairs, this delicate status immediately
It will have a magical effect. Then all the plans that have been brewing for a long time will soon reach a climax and a good ending, so even if he is as sophisticated as he is, he can't help but feel happy.
But there are still unexpected factors that make him worried. What worries him is that there is an important person he has not won over. Although this person has no intention of joining this political mess, but what if he has the power in his hands?
As long as something is leaked, you can be thrown into the eighteenth level of hell at any time and never recover. Even if the possibility is only one in ten thousand, it is too dangerous. But such dangerous existences still dare not use it.
Forced and direct methods were used to eliminate this person. This person was the most difficult person the Duke had ever encountered. He was completely incapable of money, power, and status. He even used a trump card like moving with emotion, but it still failed to work.
Now the Duke is thinking about how to deal with this person almost all the time. As long as he is dealt with, everything will be perfect.
The Duke's deputy, Knight Clovis, was sorting out the documents that had been sent to him. Although he was getting married tomorrow, his face showed no signs of fluctuation as always, and he was still focusing on these official matters.
.In fact, in the final analysis, this marriage is just a business matter.
A man dressed as a priest hurriedly walked into the study. This was a sentry stationed by the Duke at the Magic Academy. Every institution in the royal capital and the ministers' palaces had such people arranged by the Duke. As long as there was any unusual movement
The Duke can get the news immediately and respond as quickly as possible.
The Duke knows very well that intelligence is always the most important on the battlefield. The officialdom is also a battlefield, and it is a more profound, weird, technical and even artistic battlefield.
This sentry post brought a very valuable news. The Prime Minister went to the Magic Academy this morning to ask the Bishop to appoint his son as the priest sent to the battlefield this time. However, the Bishop later discussed with several high priests and planned to appoint
Another person.
The Duke smiled slightly. According to the news coming back from the west, the prime minister's eldest son had killed hundreds of magicians, so it was inevitable that he would hit a wall this time. He asked: "Who is that candidate? Which minister's son is he?
From the military?”
"It doesn't seem like he's the son of a minister in the DPRK. It's a very strange name... Hmm..." The secret agent frowned and thought. "It seems to be... Asa."
Clovis next to him immediately frowned. In his unique memory, there were only titles of powerful and powerful, but this name was an exception. The name of a lowly pariah that he hated the most could actually make him remember this.
The reality has always made him feel annoyed. Now he hears this name again. The key is that this name has been linked to power and has to occupy a place in his noble memory space. He feels like he has to eat a cockroach.
Just as disgusting.
But when the Duke heard the name, he immediately slammed the table and shouted: "Okay." Not only did he shout, but the expression on his face seemed to spell the word "good".
The Duke waved his hand and asked the spy to return to his job. He saw Clovis's doubtful eyes, smiled slightly and said: "Do you know the story of the slow-cooking frog?"
"I don't know." Clovis never knew any stories, and he waited for the Duke to explain.
"When a frog was suddenly thrown into a pot of boiling water, it immediately jumped out in pain. But then it fell into a pot of cold water. The water was cold, but the fire underneath was slowly burning.
The water also slowly heated up, so the frog was cooked in the pot unknowingly." The Duke showed a gluttonous smile. "As long as you are willing to get into the pot, isn't it easy?" He said like a glutton.
He waved his hand as grandly as a chef. "Immediately prepare the most exquisite and expensive invitation with words engraved on it with gold foil. Then have someone send it to the incoming priest. You must invite him.
Come to the wedding tomorrow."
Being too intoxicated with his elation, the Duke did not notice the displeasure on Clovis's face.
The next day, the wedding that almost everyone in the royal capital had been waiting for was finally held.
The groom is a noble son of the Erni family, recognized as the first knight of the royal capital, a captain of the Holy Knights, and a disciple of Captain Roland. The bride is the daughter of the Minister of Military Affairs, Duke Mrak, and the Duke's career is at its peak. This
It's really a good match for a well-matched family. Both the military and the Erni family, who are equally powerful in the court, are happy about this marriage and are thinking about what is to come when one of their own people merges into the other party's influence.
benefit.
For those civilians who were waiting to watch the excitement, the grandness of this wedding definitely did not disappoint. Dozens of honorary knights escorted a snow-white carriage to the magic door, and the bright red carpet stretched from here to the cathedral.
At the door, there were children on both sides holding flower baskets.
When the newlyweds stepped out of the carriage, everyone couldn't help but let out a burst of admiration.
The groom is tall and handsome, with blond hair that matches the knight's armor on his body, exuding charm and brilliance like the legendary Prince of the Sun. The bride is wearing a snow-white wedding dress, and the veil on her head cannot hide her picturesque features and beautiful hair.
Her silky black hair, and the elegant and calm temperament she exudes with every movement of her hands and feet fascinates all viewers.
When the couple walked onto the red carpet and walked towards the sacred hall, hundreds of children beside the carpet grabbed the flower petals prepared in the baskets and threw them into the sky. The solemn wedding sonata also began from the royal family.
The band's hands sounded. For a while, the sky was filled with music.
However, in the center of this joy and celebration, people near the newlyweds could feel an incongruous chill.
Clovis tried hard to keep a smile on his lips, although he couldn't find even a reason to smile in his heart. This is work, part of the work, and an indispensable procedure. If you persist for a few more hours, it will be enough.
He could be freed, he kept telling himself. Through the armor, he could feel the softness of the other hand holding his arm, but Clovis would rather hang a piece of wood in his hand.
Not this woman who didn't care about him from the bottom of her heart.
Xiaoyi only felt that she was holding a piece of wood. Looking at the petals flying all over the sky for her, listening to the music and cheers for her, there was a dead silence in her heart.
The priests stood neatly on both sides of the cathedral to bless the newlyweds, and the high priest stood on the altar with a smile, waiting to preside over this grand wedding.
The bishop was missing. He was probably discussing their important matters with him. Xiaoyi recalled the conversation with the bishop that night.
She didn't dare to hide anything in front of Bishop Ronis, and told him that she and he wanted to fly away.
"Didn't you promise your teacher, Cedros, that you would come back and fulfill your engagement?" The bishop smiled and did not mean to blame, but Xiao Yi blushed.
"I know. For young people, feelings are indeed the most beautiful, and there is nothing to give up. You are not wrong... but you can't do this. Do you know what will happen if you run away? Your father
There may be no hope for the military power that is about to be obtained. Whether it is the military or the Erni family who obtain military power, what will follow will be a war between the empire and Ouf. Even if we can reconcile in the end, there will be countless
Tens of thousands of soldiers died in battle, and the empire and Ouf became enmity from then on, which was not good for anyone."
Xiaoyi bit her lip and replied sadly: "Yes."
"And even if it's for his sake, you shouldn't go to him." Bishop Ronis' voice was gentle and kind, but there was no room for improvement. "There are many important responsibilities that will soon fall on his shoulders.
He also has a very promising future waiting for him. If you fly away with him now, his great talents may be ruined by the affair between his children. Let me tell you..."
After listening to Bishop Ronis's words, Xiao Yi was silent for a long time, and finally lowered her head and responded: "I understand. I can't delay him..." She raised her head and took one last look at the looming big house to the west, then turned towards
Go to the Duke's Palace.
Bishop Ronis sighed as he looked at Xiaoyi's back hidden in the darkness. He turned around and originally wanted to continue walking towards the big house, but after thinking about it, he turned back to the Magic Academy.
"...Are you willing to marry the man next to you and promise to stay forever?" The high priest's voice brought Xiaoyi's thoughts back to the cathedral. The host's ugly face tried to make a holy and loving gesture.
expression, ask her.
What is he busy with now? He is working hard to prepare for that great future. Xiaoyi was in a trance for a moment and answered softly: "I am willing."
As soon as his words fell, the surrounding guests cheered. She turned her head and looked at the hundreds of people in the church who were cheering for her words. She only felt a cold confusion and loneliness.
.
Asa was now alone in the big room, staring at the corpses around him in shock. The invitation given to him by Duke Mrak had long been crumpled and thrown into the corner.
With a stroke of his pen, the bishop quickly acquired a degree that he had spent many years studying in a magic academy. The three high priests unanimously believed that he had excellent grades and outstanding abilities, and was very suitable for the position of a priest. And he has always been diligent.
Diligently guiding the dead in the warehouse where corpses are placed in the magic academy is a manifestation of faith and piety.
Sandro spat exaggeratedly when he heard this comment. But now he doesn't know where the old man has gone, and Asa can't find anyone to talk to.
He and the person who missed him not far away felt confused and lonely almost at the same time.
At this time, Sandro was drinking tea with Bishop Ronis in another part of the Magic Academy.
"It will probably be rare to have such an opportunity in the future. I will be very busy. You know, there is too much behind-the-scenes work to support a hero." The bishop drank while listening to the faint noise and music outside.
Take a sip of tea. "But luckily it's a good start."
"Are you really planning to ask that boy to do something big?" Sandro, who had been silent until now, suddenly frowned and said, "Don't you think it's too much to force others into trouble? That boy is obviously not made for this."
"I will cultivate him slowly." Bishop Ronis smiled.
"That's not the problem. Don't you think his personality is not suitable for anything big?"
"I know, so I didn't tell him the truth and let him start with small things slowly and get used to it."
Sandro let out a long sigh and said slowly: "It's hard to change your nature. Don't you think it's too awkward to turn a bird that originally flew in the sky into a lion? That kid will definitely be very uncomfortable with it, and probably
You'll never get used to it."
"But I have no choice." Bishop Ronis' expression darkened. "Don't you agree with what I am doing?"
"I don't know. I'm just an old man guarding the corpse. No matter you or her, no matter what big thing you want to do, I won't interfere."