"Gentlemen! Girls! Raise your glasses! To Mr. Li Lin! To victory! Cheers (prost)!"
"Cheers!! Cheers!!"
The fifth toast was as warm and cheerful as the previous four. The various fruit drinks in the cups splashed out during the collision of the containers. The elves were so excited that they almost lost control of their bodies, their clothes and the ground. The marble floor and the
Luxurious rugs rendered in rough tones.
The earl's mansion was filled with the laughter and songs of the elves. The bright magic chandelier illuminated the magnificent audience hall as bright as day. The toasts finally cured the uncles who could not enjoy the wine because they were in a human city.
In a depressed mood, the girls and boys holding up the juices were so excited that tears almost fell from their eyes.
After more than half an hour of meaningless struggle, the bishop finally nodded and agreed to enter into a new contract, signed his name and pressed his blood-red fingerprint on the piece of paper that made him feel humiliated and frustrated.[
The contents of the newly concluded treaty are as follows:
First, the Bishop of Capelle and the Diocese of Agentolaton recognized the autonomous administrative rights and autonomous armed rights of the elves in the Niflheim Valley;
Second, the elves are not stationed in Agen Tolatong, but they enjoy the right to pass in emergencies;
Third, the elves have the right to find the main land to build a city within the territory of Ajan Tolatong. After the construction of the new city is completed, they will continue to enjoy the rights stipulated in the first paragraph of the treaty;
Fourth, the count's mansion was taken over by the elves, and the elves sent special commissioner Alphonse de Sade to manage it. Seventy percent of the late count's property and fifty percent of the land under his name were transferred to the name of Bishop Capelle;
Fifth, all commercial activities of elves in the Agen Tolaton area are exempt from all tax burdens such as customs duties, exchange, transaction taxes and other aspects;
Sixth, the church enjoys the first right to sell porcelain and cotton to the southern region of Charlemagne's kingdom, and the bishop enjoys 20% of the shares and year-end dividends;
Seventh, the elves signed a unified crop supply and marketing contract with the free farmers of Agen Tolatong, and the church would not interfere;
Eighth, the captives of the expedition team signed a labor contract with the elves and worked in the mines or cotton fields for 35 years, and the income other than the basic salary was used to offset the ransom;
Through the above clauses, the elves of Niflheim enjoy some of the treatment of a sovereign country on a practical level, although not all of the treatment, and the scope is limited to the Agen Tolaton area, but this alone is enough to make the elves go crazy with joy.
.
On the other hand, through the peace treaty, the elves not only received an unexpected windfall to continue to expand their industry, but more importantly, the economic lifeline of the Ajan Tolatong region was completely and unsuspectingly opened to the elves. In addition to public utilities, there were no
In addition to sufficient technical force and labor force participation, basic agriculture and manufacturing will be penetrated and merged by elf monopoly capital in all directions. Although it is still insignificant, the outline of a monopoly organization is beginning to gradually take shape.
Finally, the captive laborers who enter industries such as cotton spinning, smelting, and construction that are in urgent need of large amounts of cheap labor, the farmers who have no control over crop cultivation and supply and marketing, and the churches who enjoy profit sharing from selling goods on behalf of others are all bound to the elven camp by strong chains of interests.
At the moment, they are still a little uncomfortable and unwilling, but in time, as they experience the benefits brought to them by the state monopoly capital economic system led by Li Lin, their small complaints and dissatisfaction will disappear. In the future, if anyone questions their relationship with the elves,
In a cooperative and symbiotic relationship, this group of people who share interests will never put on a good face for the sake of profit and face.
The economic base determines the superstructure, and the Agen Toratong region, which controls the economic lifeline, will become a political vassal and a large factory under the control of the elves in a few years. The corresponding political term to describe its status is "semi-colony".
Except for Bishop Capelle and the Knights Templar, who still have some administrative power, security jurisdiction and financial taxation of civilians, the elves can engage in all commercial activities in this land openly and without any big responsibility.
At the same time, human farmers who join the elves' agricultural supply and marketing cooperatives also enjoy tax-free treatment. Because it is also a commercial activity. Under the preferential conditions of purchasing agricultural products instead of paying rent, it is foreseeable that a round of farmers will automatically provide land transfers.
The church is unable to do anything about the elves' craze for annexation. After all, independent land sales are allowed and recognized by law. There is no violation of law or morality.
Similarly, since the legal provisions of human countries do not limit various types of stimulants or hallucinogens, the production, attack, and sales of such special commodities are completely legal. As for whether it is ethical... In the spirit of [Patriotism and Reasonableness, xx
"Sin" thinking, this problem was brilliantly ignored by Li Lin and the elves...
"Although it is not the official founding of the country, there is no country name, and we don't even have our own city, but we are here! We have seen it! Let's raise a glass to the shining star that cuts through the dark night! Long live Your Excellency Li Lin!!"
"Long live!!"
"Long live! Long live! Long live"
After Tire's overly excited and adoring toast, the atmosphere of the celebration had completely changed. The audience hall turned into a palace filled with three cheers of long live. Everyone, regardless of gender, young or old, was dominated by fanatical passion. The most excited ones jumped on board.
The table raised wooden wine glasses and cheered. Even the Emir patriarch, who had always been dissatisfied and resentful towards Li Lin, had nothing to say about this. He stayed in the corner of the hall and sipped a sip of juice from time to time to quench his thirst.[
The old Thunder Lion was driven off the throne, and he probably looked at the clan members who were praising the new Lion King with such a depressed attitude.
The old patriarch thought like this and said nothing. An outdated patriarch slandered the rising new leader who was worshiped by the tribe like a mother goddess - such an action would help extend his life, or he would stay in the corner and remain silent.
, otherwise you can only live alone.
[You can’t resist anyway, so there’s nothing wrong with accepting it.]
He used the self-defeating rape response mentality, and the forced smile showed a bitter meaning.
The mood was in the gloomy trough of loss and despair, and the noise gradually decreased and disappeared. The laughing men and women beside them quieted down, retreated to the left and right to make way for a passable path, and the ethereal and solemn footsteps of young people tapped on the marble floor.
The center moved towards the old lion.
[Are you here to show off your strength? With this ugly, useless old bone like mine...!!!]
Anger and humiliation burst out from under his feet, and his long beard like a waterfall of ice and snow trembled slightly. The old elf closed his eyes subconsciously, preparing to endure the bitter sarcasm.
——Bite an aging individual to death, which can be said to be the etiquette of the younger generation of carnivore species that wins the battle for the throne. The old patriarch is ready to endure the strict etiquette of eliminating the old and the weak.
"I am very sorry for the offensive behavior I caused in the previous ceremony, and I sincerely ask for the forgiveness of the Emir Patriarch."
A clear, deceitful and hypocritical voice poured into the ears. The old eyelids opened, and the eyes were full of surprise. The black-haired boy who was half-kneeling in front of him lowered his head and said sincerely:
"In order to cope with the changes in the world and for the ideal that everyone agrees on, changes must be made, but it does not mean that we must abandon our noble traditions. You who protect the ancient traditions are still our respected patriarch."
The title of "Clan Leader" may be very attractive to young men who are ignorant, and it can also attract covetous people with a strong desire for power. Li Lin is not interested in a limited reputation, he is more concerned about gaining actual leadership.
When used properly, an old patriarch who looks like a shrine can have more than a simple signboard effect. Showing respect and words to the Emir patriarch can win over the elves, and can also serve as a positive example when other elves gather together in the future.
This kind of political score cannot be achieved by intimidation and high pressure.
Listening to the excited snorts of the old patriarch, the background sounds of approval, sighs and cheers from other elves were automatically filtered out, and the sincere smile lifted again, leaving muddy tears of emotion on the old face in front of him.
——It is certain that it was caused by positive emotions, just as planned.
The cheers and admiration toasts were deafening again. The elves who had finished drinking the juice hurriedly took out small felt hats with feathers from their clothes and put them on their heads. Thor, who was well prepared, took out a black hat of the same style and handed it to Li Lin.
.
"I also want?"
In the current situation, it is indeed necessary to participate in it and strengthen contact, but for the first time, Li Lin feels that this is a problem.
Among the information reserves related to assassination missions, there is dance knowledge such as waltz and ballroom dancing. The nobles in this world also seem to tend to wear formal clothes inlaid with gold and silver. There are snow-white engraved tablecloths spread out on the long tables and luxurious decorations.
Dishes. Men and women on the dance floor dance to the slow rhythm of the band.
But the elves...the elves of the Niflheim Valley wearing felt hats sang yodeling songs (note) during the celebrations and danced around the fir trees and bonfires with their hands in their arms. He had no idea of the relevant dance moves.
nor.
"Siegfried! Come one!"
Thor, whose academic performance is not very good but who is particularly good at observing Li Lin's thoughts at this moment, was busy coaxing him. I couldn't tell whether it was because he was thick-skinned or because he was a simple and honest young man who just called Li Lin by his name.[
"Siegfried! Come one! Siegfried! Come one! Siegfried! Come one! Siegfried! Come one! Siegfried! Come one!"
The elves, whose emotions and interests were aroused, were making noise together, narrow but malicious eyes focused on the black-haired boy. A wave of fans who were much more enthusiastic than the fans were cheering.
The servants of the Earl's Mansion huddled uneasily and watched the pointy-eared barbarians shouting in different languages and almost overturning the roof. Several young maids held their ears in fear, peeking at the noisy living room and asking the Mother Goddess.
Send your prayers, hoping that these barbarians will not do anything to them.
"Can you... dance with me?"
Just when she was about to use her prepared words to deal with the noisy crowd watching the fun, a girl with a wreath on her head walked up to her. Her long plaid skirt swayed with the dexterous steps of a dance, and with the etiquette of bending down to pick up her skirt,
From the opening of the open-neck top, you can faintly see the girl's curves that arouse the lust of men.
"My young lady Brynhil, I kindly ask you to dance with Your Excellency Li Lin."
"good--!!"
All the elves howled like wolves together. Under the deafening cry, Brunhil approached Li Lin and whispered quickly "Please cooperate with my dance steps.", and winked at the smart elf girl with knowing red eyes.
Skin.
Except for a few people in Lapland, there are not many people who can yodele. The only ones who can sing and dance to a light rhythm are the elves who are good at singing and dancing.
Seeing Li Lin's brief daze when he attacked Thor, the girl suddenly understood. This seemingly incompetent Sir finally encountered something that he couldn't handle.
"Honored."
The pure and beautiful young man who looked like the son of a god showed a filthy smile. The girl, who didn't know what expression to use in response, skipped a beat of her heart, and then the slender wrist that matched the sleeves decorated with lace all night hooked Li Lin's.
Arms. The musicians holding national instruments began to play lively music, and the good singers in the village showed off their voices neatly.
"One day long ago I went to the valley,
Trying to learn my yodeling tune.
Meeting a female yodeler one fine day,
She taught me to yodel in a cabin.
yoel-oh-ee-ee
ly-oel-oh-ee-ee
ly-oel-oh-ee-ee
The song she taught me to yode
Now, I'm going to teach you how to sing a yodel,
Just like me."
Amidst the laughter and the high-pitched singing of the singers, they leaned against the boy's body, allowing the dance partner, who rarely showed his clumsy side, to coordinate with his body movements, watching the smart boy gradually change from stiffness to flexibility.
The drunken elf girl smiled happily, indulging in a little satisfaction and happiness. Brunhil, who had never experienced the taste of love, filled his vision and chest with a radiant smile, and the little deer bumped around.
The girl believes that she is the happiest female elf in the world.
############
An overly bright pale moonlight shone into the unlit room from outside, and the bright light like a cold flame covered the room with a gauze of darkness.
Locke, who had his head lowered, had a yellow and haggard aura, and the dull-looking knight boy listened to the noisy singing that came from far away from the Earl's mansion and penetrated into the house. His empty heart was unsatisfied with the rap songs that he could not understand.
No feeling whatsoever.
【Of course it is.】
Looking from a distance, there are incomprehensible elvish noises coming from the brightly lit mansion - it is the reward of the victor. As the victorious enemy, they are celebrating in indulgence or performing a heretical ceremony. That kind of voice comes from
Between the happiness in my heart and myself who fled back to this place like a lost dog, all that exists is the mark of humiliation deep in my soul - this kind of relationship.
How about taking advantage of the opponent's slack to kill these smug intruders in one fell swoop?
Even the toughest and fanatical Templar Knights will faithfully implement the bishop's order of "no rash action" after seeing the bodies of the war dead that were barely put together, and listening to the exaggerated and tampered descriptions of the battle conditions by the released captives and defeated soldiers.
No need to count on it.
——As long as that Li Lin is still there, fighting Pointy Ears will be a terrible nightmare that all Argentolaton humans cannot bear to face, and a crazy act that is comparable to suicide.
That monster's purpose is exactly this, to make everyone realize how stupid it is to oppose him, to plant a seed called [terror] in people's hearts, and to stretch out vines to bind everyone's thoughts of resistance.
Next, people in the province of Alsace will come to the same conclusion. Sooner or later, Charlemagne will realize this... Everyone realizes that when the soul is suppressed by terror, the world will also fall into darkness.
Take control of the devil.
Even if things evolve like this;
Even if Li Lin's strength is so powerful that it makes people despair;
Locke believes that he is still shouting deafeningly in his brain to this day——
"Today I was defeated. I saw my own failure. I saw you leading the elves to revive. As your opponent, as a warrior knight, I can close my eyes without complaint. But! The black-haired inhuman
By!!!"
The man who welcomed death smiled from the bottom of his heart - he saw the free and elegant smile of the traveler at the end of the journey.
The God of Death looked directly at the man who spoke his final words without saying a word. The wings of the blade reflected the chilling silver light. The delicate face with an expression waited patiently for the man to finish his words.
"Those who ravage and trample others will sooner or later be ravaged and trampled by others. Those who kill people and do evil with a knife will one day die by the sword. Blood and tears are as powerful as you. If you have the strength, you can do anything, but I am still a powerful person.
Knight of manly strength and pride! What kind of end you will face, I, a dying man, cannot see. How you will end up challenging the laws of the world, my successor will watch carefully."
"You..."
The face as cold as a mask spat out words as light as breathing.
"What a stubborn, bad guy who always suffers because of it."
"Don't say that kind of thing that sympathizes with the old man! Death! Whether it's bitterness or sympathy, you are far from it."
While smiling cheerfully, he turned back. The knight's thick fingers were inserted deeply into Locke's hair, caressing his head like a puppy. In his eyes filled with tears, the figure of the tall knight stood in his place.
The gentle appearance of a man whose father died when he was young became an image that radiated heat.
"Stop crying, a man can't cry casually."
Chevalier Pierre smiled to himself. Somehow, that thick smile made Locke feel... very cunning.
The hand conveying the strength and warmth of the man trembled, and the slender spikes penetrated the heart and broke out from under the armor on the back. In Locke's desperate cry, which was like the collapse of the world, the happy smile that was not eroded by sorrow and pain was like daily teaching.
He was saying something, and the deep voice was difficult to distinguish among the noise of screams and shouts. The only way to read the original meaning was through the lip shape.
【Live well and look after me well...】
I can’t remember how I was knocked unconscious, how I was escorted to the north gate of Ajan Tolatong with other prisoners, and how my ghostly self returned to this thing that had been stripped of the breath of life and was as empty as a tomb.
The house of bitter memories.
Only that instruction will never be forgotten.
Even if you want to forget it, it is an instruction that is firmly engraved in the depths of Locke's soul and becomes a part of his life.
——Look at it.
Watch them rise, watch them go crazy, watch them perish.
Let the knight knight Locke look at the Earl's mansion, which is noisy like a city that never sleeps, and stare at it without saying a word.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Interpretive small theater
Brynhil: I finally danced with Mr. Li Lin, I’m so happy... But it’s a pity that I couldn’t say [Auntie washes the railway]...
Li Lin: The Japanese transliteration is so confusing. Please explain the yodeling method to everyone.
Brynhildr: Okay, yodeling (yoelng), also known as yodeling, yodeling, is a singing form with a large span of scales that involves rapid and repeated transitions from chest voice to head voice. Producing a string of
High-low-high-low sounds. This performance technique using the human voice can be found in many cultures around the world.
Li Lin: Yes, the name of the song that appears in this chapter is shetughtmehl. It was sung by a young man from Chongqing in the China Talent Show recently. Interested book friends can find the video.
Brunhil: The first part of this book is now completed. Next, a new chapter of the story "The Brave Man's Minuet" will begin. Please look forward to it. Well, today's prize-winning guessing topic is Alphonse de Sade.
What is the origin of this human magician’s name and related allusions? Readers, please respond enthusiastically!