Looking at the dagger inlaid with a huge blue gem in his hand, Zuo Si showed an expression of great surprise.

Because as far as he knew, starting from the founder of the Shane Empire, old Akaba Shane, all his successors were wizards specializing in necromancy without exception.

It doesn't seem like he would be interested in daggers, a weapon that only thieves and assassins use.

In addition, the lich's life box is usually something with special meaning, which can greatly increase the success rate of transformation.

For example, the phylactery of Ovo the Undead is the skull of the most powerful enemy he has ever defeated.

Other liches will also most likely use their favorite gems, music boxes, magic rings they have used before, etc. as carriers.

But it is extremely rare to use weapons such as swords and daggers as life boxes.

After all, the carrier needed to make a life box usually needs to be of extremely high value, otherwise it will not be able to withstand the huge impact of magical energy.

This means that if you use a sword or dagger, it must reach a very high level of enchantment. Even if it is not an artifact or a legendary magic item, it must at least be a high-level magic item with an enchantment level of +3 or above.

Furthermore, once it becomes a life box, any rational lich will never use it as a weapon again, as that would be simply playing with his own life.

From a practical point of view, this is definitely a waste and is far less cost-effective than directly making a new one using gems and magic metals.

Shane VII smiled and replied, "Yes! This is my life box, it's very special, isn't it?

Its name is Soul Binding Blade, an evil weapon with a powerful cursed power that can tear apart and devour the target's mind and soul.

My father gave it to me as a gift when I turned eighteen, and then forced me to use it to kill my first lover.

Because as the heir to the Shane Empire and the future emperor, I must remain absolutely rational and ruthless.

Love is something that is most likely to make people lose self-control.

So my father asked me to kill it completely.

From then on, I killed one of my closest concubines every six months to prove my point to him.

This went on for many years until one day I stabbed my father in the chest as he was about to transform himself into a lich.

Before he died, he showed a relieved smile and acknowledged my qualifications to inherit the throne of the Shane Empire.

Therefore, this weapon has extraordinary significance to me, and it is the best carrier for making a phylactery."

Shane VII did not try to hide anything and openly stated the reason why he used the Soul-Binding Blade to forge the life box.

Perhaps it was because he had been a ghost for too long, or perhaps his soul had long been eroded by cold negative energy.

In short, when he mentioned killing his lover with his own hands, his emotions did not fluctuate at all, as if he was talking about something that had nothing to do with him.

There is no doubt that in this world full of extreme ideas and opposing speeches, such distorted and morbid education methods are not exceptions, but a very common phenomenon.

Especially in countries where slavery is practiced, such as the Sel ruled by red-robed wizards, children from large families often have to kill a slave who grew up with them during their coming-of-age ceremony in order to complete the transformation from child to adult.

If they cannot bear it or are unable to overcome that hurdle, it will be difficult for them to survive in the cruel environment of intrigue and deception.

The coming-of-age ceremony in the dark elf society is famous for its bloodiness and cruelty.

Drizzt was forced by his mother to kill a goblin slave who had been transformed into the appearance of a dark elf through magic in order to prove that he had become a "qualified" warrior.

The "qualified" here does not refer to how superb the martial arts skills are, but whether one is fierce, brutal and cold-blooded enough when killing.

Compared with the former, the latter is the quality that mistresses value most.

In this regard, Amn's upper ruling class is not far behind.

Just look at the special hunts that are often organized on their own estates to see how much effort these top businessmen and nobles put into teaching their children to be cruel.

Its hunting targets are not wild beasts at all, but goblins, orcs, half-orcs, gnolls and other humanoid creatures.

Ever since Zuo Si began to raise werewolves and goblins on a large scale, these guys have gradually replaced the monsters in the wild and become tools for teaching young people to learn combat and cruelty, with a fixed loss of hundreds of them almost every month.

The reason why such an atmosphere has formed in the continent of Faerun is inseparable from its barbaric nature which is full of dangers.

Living in this world, both the lower-class common people and the upper-class rulers are filled with a strong sense of uneasiness.

No one knows what will happen tomorrow.

Will there be a sudden invasion of monster armies, or a giant dragon descend from the sky and spit out fire that destroys everything, or will demons and devils from another dimension be summoned to destroy everything that has been built with great difficulty?

Therefore, if the upper-level rulers want to ensure the continuation of themselves or even their family, coldness and cruelty are almost one of the necessary qualities.

Otherwise, in many cases, just a little bit of soft-heartedness can lead to disastrous consequences.

The most obvious example is the Neverwinter Plague incident, when Lord Nasir chose to give in and compromise in the face of a mob that had lost their minds due to anger, which resulted in the execution of someone who should not have been put to death due to injustice.

And this person happens to be Erebeth's fiancé, a deceived and deceived Tyrian priest.

His death caused the Paladin Eribeth to gradually lose his faith in justice, and he eventually degenerated into a dark guard, bringing even more terrible damage to Neverwinter.

Of course, the above things have not happened at this point in time, and it remains to be seen whether they will happen in the future.

But one thing is certain, that is, in this world any regime with weak rulers is usually difficult to maintain.

Zuo Si did not show any shock or incomprehension about the twisted and morbid education method of the royal family of the Shan Empire. Instead, he commented with interest: "In this case, this dagger represents the two most important stages in your life.

One is the transformation from a child to an adult;

The other one evolved from a prince into an emperor.

From any perspective, it has extraordinary significance and is indeed very suitable for making a phylactery."

Shane VII nodded slightly: "That's right. It was thanks to this dagger that I was able to drag my seriously injured body to barely complete the lich transformation ritual and successfully avoid everyone's eyes and hide. By the way, what should I do next?"

“It’s very simple.

There are usually two ways to make a person without spark gain spark.

One is that the original owner voluntarily transfers the spark to another person.

The advantage is that there is little risk, and no matter whether the other party has the qualifications to become a planeswalker, he can perfectly inherit the full power of this spark.

In most cases, the transfer of sparks is done on a voluntary basis.

Otherwise, even if the Spark is captured, at best it can only be used as a one-time weapon of incredible power.

In comparison, the second one is a little more complicated.

A method called resonance is needed to force a spark that originally belonged to another planeswalker into the soul of another person.

This is a technique I developed after repeated research and experimentation.

And you are the first beneficiary.”

As he spoke, Zuo Si raised his hand and slowly lifted up a planeswalker spark that had not been enhanced in any way, while using his own spark to resonate with it.

In the blink of an eye, the originally faint light turned into a dazzling green little sun.

Since this spark originally belonged to Grisha on the plane of Mirrodin, it appears to be affected by green mana.

In just a few seconds, the flowers and plants in the surrounding courtyards began to grow wildly, covering a large area of ​​the space at a very fast speed.

The walls and roof were covered with dense green vines, and it felt like decades had passed.

"What incredible power! It's breathtakingly beautiful!"

Shane VII reached out and gently touched the surface of the spark, feeling the natural force emanating from it, as well as the etheric energy generated by the connection with the dark void, his face full of joy and obsession.

"Are you ready now?"

Zuo Si raised his head and asked for the last time.

Because once the next steps are started, they can never be stopped.

"Of course! Let's start quickly! I can't wait to experience its uniqueness." Shane VII urged excitedly.

The next second...

Zuo Si directly used the dagger made into a life box to stab into the opponent's heart, tearing a hole as big as a fist, and then slowly stuffed the spark that looked like a ball of light into it.

During this process, Shane VII clearly felt a tremendous pain that could not be described in words.

But he held it back and didn't make even the slightest sound.

As the sparks were completely integrated, a large number of flashing black and purple patterns emerged from this body created with legendary magic.

If you look closely, you will find that all these patterns are the running tracks left by the necromancy magic when it shaped the body.

They were originally in a dormant state.

But at this moment, it was reawakened by the power of the spark, and reconnected into lines, and finally connected with the spark that was integrated into the body and even the soul.

Almost at the same time, the sparks that were originally green quickly dimmed in a short period of time, revealing a strange purple and black color, which was darker and more terrifying than the magical patterns on Liliana's body when she cast the spell.

There is no doubt that this means that the properties of the sparks have changed from green to black, perhaps with a little blue or red mixed in.

I don’t know how long it took…

Maybe a few minutes, maybe a few hours...

When Zuo Si pulled the dagger out of Shane VII's body at an extremely fast speed, the latter suddenly burst out with an astonishing burst of negative energy, instantly killing all the plants within a radius of dozens of meters and twisting them into horrifying shapes.

After about two or three minutes, the half-lich finally opened his eyes and let out a creepy evil laugh.

"Hahaha! Interesting! Very interesting! Absorbing, storing, and transforming all forms of energy, and then shaping it into any magic, completely unrestricted by the magic net or any other environment.

Moreover, he can travel to any known or unknown time and space with just a thought.

So this is the power of the planeswalker spark?

So powerful!

It's perfect!

As long as it continues to be developed and strengthened, it can be comparable to God! My young friend, please allow me to express my highest respect to you.

Because what I can offer you is far less than what you can offer me.”

After saying this, the half-lich bent down and bowed deeply, with a terrifying light flashing in his eyes.

Because at this moment, he finally understood what "spark" meant.

The small ball of light implanted in the soul was not the device that he had previously believed could allow unlimited teleportation, but rather a key, a seed, a switch that allowed mortals to break through their limits and evolve to a higher level.

Shane VII dared to guarantee that if other legendary wizards and powerful men on the continent of Faerun knew the truth about the spark, they would definitely exchange for this opportunity at all costs, even if it meant giving up everything they had to become enemies of the gods.

Zuo Si smiled and responded, "You're welcome, this is just fulfilling the agreement.

From now on, we are close allies, sharing knowledge and secrets and facing dangerous and powerful enemies together.

Believe me, becoming a planeswalker is just the beginning.

Next you will break free from your constraints and see many incredible things.

And I'll introduce you to some planeswalker allies as well.

Oh, by the way, I almost forgot to ask, what is your spark attribute tendency? Black, blue, or red?"

“It’s mainly black, which symbolizes decay and death. I think it has something to do with the fact that I’m a lich and specialize in necromancy.

There are some blue ones as well, probably because I'm also good at Conjuration, Transmutation, and Enchantment.

Finally, there is the red color of the Transfiguration System, which probably accounts for less than one-fifth.

As for the white color that symbolizes order and positive energy, and the green color that represents nature, I have absolutely no feelings towards them.

But it doesn't matter, the three colors of mana, black, blue, and red, are enough to keep me learning for a long time."

While speaking, Shane VII raised his hand and converted several spell slots into energy of corresponding colors, and then used this energy to try to shape a new magical form.

He looked so excited, just like a child who had discovered a new toy.

Since his total spellcasting level was already as high as LV36, even though the sparks he obtained were of the lowest level, he would be able to improve it very quickly, and it would not be as difficult as it was when Zuo Si just started.

If nothing goes wrong, you can quickly upgrade from LV1 to around LV10.

After gaining the ability to draw power from the earth veins, the planeswalker gains enough power to protect himself.

Thinking of this, Zuo Si took out a pre-prepared notebook from his pocket and handed it over, and said with a serious expression: "This is some information about what you need to pay attention to after becoming a planeswalker, as well as some tips on how to improve your own strength.

In the following period of time, you can use the contents inside as a reference to slowly adapt to your new identity.

Remember, never tell anyone that you have become a planeswalker, and don't travel across time and space too early.

Because traveling across time and space is not safe, the dangers of some time and space are even comparable to hell and the abyss.

In fact, I have already selected a suitable time and space for you as the starting point of your long journey. "

Shane VII nodded happily: "Don't worry, I'm not that self-righteous fool, I understand how many powerful beings there are in the vast multiverse.

Before I get your approval, I will quietly lie dormant and accumulate strength, try my best to increase the level of the spark, and create more powerful land cards, magic cards, and summoned creature cards.

What's more, integrating Tesser and Kalinshan will take some effort.

Your marriage with Aisha will also take time to prepare.

If I encounter any problems during my studies, I will come to you directly.”

"No, don't bother. Here, take this. Just call my number when the time comes. We can video chat."

Zuo Si casually took out a Shuoyou mobile terminal and handed it to the other party.

"Is this... a magical creation from another time and space?"

After fiddling with it for a few times, Sean VII's eyes lit up and he showed an expression of great interest.

Since he released an identification spell and found that he did not obtain any useful information, it can be basically concluded that the Shuoyou mobile terminal is definitely not a product of this universe.

Otherwise, even if it is a creation from other dimensions, we can at least get some clues through identification magic.

Zuo Si chuckled and replied, "Technically speaking, it was made on the ninth level of Baator, but the underlying technology does come from another time and space. How about it, a very convenient little gadget, isn't it?"

"Yeah! It's really convenient! With it I can hide those spell books as a backup."

Apparently, Shane VII had also discovered, like Ximanmon, that the Shuoyou terminal could replace the function of the spellbook.

After all, traditional spell books are not only troublesome to copy and carry, but are also very inconvenient to search through, and are easy targets for thieves.

Now after switching to the Shuoyou mobile terminal, you only need to enter the spell name to immediately find the corresponding spell structure and pattern, which can shorten the time of memorizing spells from one hour to fifty minutes or even forty minutes a day.

In addition, mapping and remote communication functions can also save a lot of time.

fortunately!

As a man with strong self-control, Shane VII did not indulge in it like Ximanmon did. He quickly put it away and asked in a slightly playful tone: "Regarding the Zhentil Fort army entrenched in the last port city of the Dragon Coast, West Gate, what do you plan to do?"

"Simon? Hasn't Fuzzol Chamberlain returned to the Moon Sea yet?"

Zuo Si was stunned for a moment.

Because in recent days he has either been busy running around in Mirrodin, Tarkir, Zendikar, and Innistrad, or hiding in the Mage Tower asking Isadora to help develop his subconscious, and has not paid any attention to the battle situation at all.

In his opinion, he had already fought the decisive Battle of Baldur's Gate and had also reached a private agreement with Fuzor Chamberlain. Even if he had a dog tied to his tent, he could conquer the entire West Heartland region. There should be absolutely no problems.

Especially the five hundred dragon knights. Even if all the evil organizations in the North were put together, they might not be able to defeat them.

What's more, there are thousands of new Amn troops who have just experienced the test of war.

"Go back to the Moon Sea?

Fuzzol Chamberlain is now asking for a price and is waiting for you and Yasan IV to negotiate with him.

With this bargaining chip in hand, he would not be foolish enough to fight against the naval fleet of the Kingdom of Cormyr.

If nothing unexpected happens, he will definitely choose to bite off a piece of meat from Yasan IV."

When saying this, Sean VII did not hide his gloating at all.

As a typical traditional upper-class ruler of the Shan Empire, his attitude towards women has always remained at the relatively decadent and backward level of being tools for reproduction, marriage, sexual gratification, and male accessories.

In the south where male chauvinism prevails, the entire Kalinshan society generally believes that women should stay at home and be protected by men.

Any woman who goes out and does dishonorable work deserves to be beaten, tortured and violated if she is caught by the enemy.

Looking through the history of the Shane Empire and looking at the long list of male names and the very few female names, it is easy to see how serious the idea of ​​favoring boys over girls was.

Under normal circumstances, when major families have male heirs, they will never choose to give inheritance rights to women.

当然，相比起夏恩七世对于女性的态度，左思则更震惊于钢铁公主雅卢赛尔被俘这件事情，猛地抬起头反问：“等等！这位科米尔王国年纪最小的公主，究竟是怎么被傅佐尔·钱伯瑞俘虏的？难道亚桑四世也向散提尔堡宣战了？”

“哈哈哈哈！ 原来你还不知道这件事情？ 我的老天！

要知道为了赎人，科米尔王国都快要跟深水城翻脸了。

因为当初正是深水城使者莱拉的劝说，亚桑四世才派出了自己的女儿去拦截傅佐尔·钱伯瑞的运输船队。

可谁能想到，这位钢铁公主竟然不老老实实的跟舰队待在一起，反而率领三百余名骑士连夜奔袭抵达了伊利亚巴，与刚好攻陷那里的艾瑞贝斯汇合。

这两个蠢女人以为傅佐尔·钱伯瑞是个软柿子，所以主动率军出击，分别从河道和陆地上对其进行包围。

结果被傅佐尔·钱伯瑞利用时间差打了个反击，雅卢赛尔的三百多名骑士几乎全军覆没，自己也成为了俘虏。

艾瑞贝斯稍微好一点，选择直接撤退没有继续冒险。

不过她现在正在面临见死不救的指责，估计处境也不太好。

所以我建议你还是赶紧去收拾一下烂摊子吧。”

夏恩七世一股脑把自己知道的全部情况抖落出来。

由于他一直在关注北方的局势，因此在第一时间便获得了相当多的情报。

尤其是相互指责已经吵成一锅粥的联军内部，可以说是好戏轮番上演。

薇拉由于年纪太小、资历太浅的关系根本镇压不住场面，全靠艾拉斯卓这位银月城女王才勉强维持住了平衡。

“该死！这些混蛋还真是一天都不让我消停。”

左思扶着额头忍不住低声咒骂了一句。

尤其是钢铁公主雅卢赛尔愚蠢的举动，愣是让原本滴水不漏的周密计划执行的跟大坝泄洪一样。

如果说把一条狗拴在营帐内的作用是零，那么她的作用就是一个巨大的负值。

用屁股想也知道，暴政之神班恩的选民——傅佐尔·钱伯瑞那是随随便便什么人都能追的吗？ 差一步就是传奇牧师的含金量你懂不懂啊？

更何况他身边还跟着一个传奇法师——曼松最后的克隆体。

除此之外，班恩教会的骨干力量也不是吃素的，超过一百名黑暗卫士和两百多名牧师能在正面战斗中给予敌人毁灭性打击。

左思根本不理解，雅卢赛尔究竟是哪来的勇气，敢带着三百名贵族骑士就去围堵这样的对手，完全就是用小鱼网去捞大白鲨。

人家分分钟就能用锋利的尖牙把你的网撕扯得稀巴烂。

夏恩七世笑着安慰道：“放松，没必要那么紧张。

毕竟现如今最着急的应该是科米尔王室，其次是深水城。

你只需要解决无冬城和艾瑞贝斯在这次事件中遭受的非议即可。

而且说不定还能够以此为突破口，让科米尔王国做出一些让步，以换取那位钢铁公主可以重获自由。”

“好吧，也许你是对的。

不过这件事情恰好暴露了我在政治影响力方面还不够强大的问题。

尤其是当我不在的时候，那些平时被压制的势力就会变得蠢蠢欲动。

我得想个办法来一次杀鸡儆猴，让他们明白给我找麻烦是需要付出代价的。”

左思眯起眼睛，瞳孔内闪烁着锐利的寒光。

“需要我帮忙吗？”

夏恩七世脸上浮现出令人不寒而栗的笑容。

左思似笑非笑的摇了摇头：“不，没这个必要。

因为这一次我不打算用杀人或者恐吓的手段，而是采取经济和政治手段。

看着吧，凡是在这次事件中上蹿下跳的家伙，都会品尝到生不如死的滋味。

我会让他们慢慢的变穷，饱受社会的排挤和歧视，最终从高高在上的大人物沦落成路边的乞丐。”

伴随着最后一个字脱口而出，左思瞬间启动传送魔法消失在原地。

“经济和政治手段？听起来似乎很有趣的样子……”

夏恩七世小声嘀咕了一句，很快先去给赞兰达治疗了一下断裂的手腕，随后才返回距离好几道墙之外的另外一个庭院。

正在练习奥术魔法的阿依莎看到他走进来，立刻停止了一切动作，弯下腰恭恭敬敬的行了一礼。

“先祖大人，请问您有什么吩咐吗？”

“没什么，我只是顺路过来检查一下你的学习进度。告诉我，阿依莎，你现在学会几个法术了？”

夏恩七世注视着这个所有子嗣中唯一一个还算有点培养价值的后代。

至于剩下那些，不是年纪太大早就过了学习的最佳年龄，就是因为成长环境的关系太过自卑，连培养的价值都没有。

“五……五个，我已经学会五个一环法术了。”

少女赶忙用略带紧张的语气给出答案。

不得不说，能在如此短的时间内成为一名LV1的法师，而且还掌握了五个一环魔法，在很多地方已经可以被冠以天才之名了。

可问题是，她学习魔法是由传奇法师夏恩七世亲自教导，还使用了包括许愿术在内的一系列辅助魔法。

换成真正的天才，这会让早就已经原地起飞了。

所以阿依莎的天赋并不算好，只能勉强算是中上资质，换算成具体的智力属性大概在十四到十五左右，肯定是没办法跟那些天生十八点的天才相提并论。

看着女孩那略带慌张的表情，夏恩七世颇为无奈的叹了口气：“唉——居然还没有学会二环法术吗？照这个速度下去，你恐怕根本配不上索斯。看来我得另外想点办法了……”

“另外想点办法？”

阿依莎眼神中透露出一丝慌乱跟恐惧。

因为这个有着小麦色皮肤、浑身上下充满书卷气的少女很清楚，自己之所以能被立为继承人，获得一人之下万人之上的地位，最重要的作用就是嫁给索斯促成一个庞大帝国的诞生。

如果失去了这个价值，那么下场将会变得比那些被当成生育工具圈养起来的哥哥姐姐们更加凄惨。

“嗯，没错。我刚好知道了一些索斯的嗜好跟兴趣，也许可以从这方面下手。”

说着，夏恩七世以极快速度完成了一个十分高深的变化系法术，然后轻轻朝少女一指。

下一秒……

阿依莎便难以置信的发现自己原本光滑细腻的皮肤，开始长出大量棕色的毛发，一条宛如猫咪一样的尾巴从裙子下面延伸了出来，双手和双脚也呈现带有肉垫般的猫爪形态，耳朵更是从两侧转移到了头顶，从浓密的长发中延伸出一对尖尖的猫耳。

至于面部，虽然绝大部分区域仍旧保留了人类的特征，但鼻子和嘴巴附近却还是稍微有那么一点“猫化”。

还没等她来得及向夏恩七世询问这究竟是怎么回事，又一阵刺眼的变化系奥术灵光大作，将其彻底从半人半猫变化成了一只可爱的橘色小猫。

“喵——”

变成猫的阿依莎瞪大眼睛，似乎有点不太理解先祖这究竟是要干什么。

但很快她就又从猫变成了猫人、又从猫人变化成了少女。

反复几次调整之后，夏恩七世这才露出满意之色：“不错！等找几个机会把这种变形能力恒定在你的身上，相信索斯一定会非常的喜欢。毕竟他可是亲口承认，自己最喜欢带毛的生物了。”

听到这句话，阿依莎整个人瞬间楞在原地，过了好一会儿才结结巴巴的问：“您……您的意思是，我未来的丈夫喜欢刚才那种半人半猫的样子？这……这种嗜好也太变态了吧！”

可夏恩七世却不以为意的耸了耸肩膀：“这算什么！ 但凡强者总会多多少少有一些怪癖。

与他这种喜欢毛茸茸动物和半兽化形态相比，那些真正扭曲病态的你还没有见过呢。

而且从今天开始起，除了魔法学习之外，你还要跟专门的老师学习如何讨男人欢心。

记住，你的使命可不是仅仅嫁给他就完事了。

还要尽可能多的孕育后代，让夏恩王朝的血脉彻底与其融为一体。

后者才是最重要的。

如果你不能讨他的欢心，又如何做到这一点呢？

难道用魔法吗？

那作为一个女人来说，那未免也太可悲了一点。

哦，对了，到时候跟你一起上这门课的还有泰瑟尔的女王——赞兰达·斯达·莱茵顿。

只不过她的身份是宠物，一个连做人最基本尊严都不配有的宠物。”

As these words came out of her mouth, Aisha was frightened and shivered. She swallowed her saliva subconsciously and replied carefully: "I understand, Ancestor, I will do as you say."

"Very good! Please don't let me down, and don't do anything willful or reckless.

You must obey Soth's orders unconditionally and do your best to satisfy all his desires, even if it causes you pain.

Because you represent me to a certain extent.

I don't want your reasons to destroy the close alliance between us and Soth.

If that day really comes, I will personally punish you with a punishment more terrible than death.

Tell me, do you understand?"

Shane VII stared into the girl's eyes and issued a naked and undisguised threat.

"I understand...I understand."

Aisha nodded quickly and vigorously, without any thought of resisting at all.

On the one hand, she was born in Kalinshan and was educated to obey men, so she was used to being submissive in this regard.

On the other hand, the girl knew very well that the relationship between Xia En VII and Zuo Si had long surpassed friendship in the general sense, and became a more secretive and unknown solid alliance.

If he caused a rift in this relationship because of himself, not to mention the emperor of the Shane Empire who was famous for his cruelty, even a man of Karinshan with a little status would choose to express his attitude by killing someone.

…

At the same time, far away in the palace of the Kingdom of Cormyr, the legendary King Athan IV was sitting on his throne with a gloomy look on his face.

Not only him, but also the queen and several other members of the royal family had solemn expressions.

After several minutes, Yasan IV raised his head and asked the messenger sent from Zhentil Castle not far away: "Is my daughter okay now? Has she been treated indecently in any way?"

"Your daughter is doing well. Lord Fuzzol Chamberlain has prepared for her the treatment of a princess. Not only has she not been humiliated or abused, but she has been allowed to attend various public events in gorgeous long dresses every day, and she has never even spent a day in a cage."

The male dark guard who served as the messenger gave the answer without hesitation.

However, as he spoke, the corners of his mouth clearly curled up, revealing a smile full of playfulness and sarcasm.

Needless to say, Fu Zol Chamberlain did this not out of any intention of treating prisoners well.

Instead, they were deliberately humiliating the royal family of Cormyr and displaying the famous Iron Princess, Yalusel, as a trophy for everyone to see.

Although this humiliation was far less than the physical violation and the forced birth of a large number of half-orcs and half-goblins with royal blood, it had already caused severe political turmoil in the Kingdom of Cormyr.

Many aristocratic resistance forces that had been suppressed began to rise, and they took the opportunity to attack the royal family.

In particular, the death of more than 300 noble knights put Yasan IV under tremendous pressure in an instant. Even his white hair grew several more in just a few days, as if he had aged more than ten years in an instant.

But the more chaos the Kingdom of Cormyr is in and the more the royal family is forced to retreat, the better it is for Zhentil Keep and the Zhentarim.

Because they can expand recklessly in Cormanthor and the Valley without worrying about interference from Cormyr.

"What will I have to pay to get Fuzol Chamberlain to release my daughter and those knights who are lucky enough to survive?"

Yasan IV went straight to the point and wanted to quickly enter the negotiation phase.

After all, the longer the time drags on, the more passive the royal family will become in its political stance, and the greater the pressure and criticism they will bear.

He was even prepared that once Yalusel was redeemed, the first thing he would do was to hold him accountable.

Whether he is imprisoned in the end or executed in order to give an explanation to the nobles and the people, there must not be the slightest leniency.

The Dark Guard smiled and replied, “I’m sorry, Your Majesty, this matter is not up to you alone.

After all, it is not only the Kingdom of Cormyr that is at war with us, but also the Northern Coalition formed with the Empire of Amn as its core.

If you are sincere in redeeming your daughter, then you should first go to Lord Soth to discuss forming a delegation and go to West Gate Port to negotiate with Lord Fuzzol Chamberlain.

In addition, Fuzzol Chamberlain asked me to tell you that his patience is limited.

If the Kingdom of Cormyr deliberately drags its feet and fails to show its sincerity, then there may be more strong men around Her Royal Highness the Princess.

And you should also prepare for the birth of some grandchildren of your own.”

After saying that, the dark guard gave him a meaningful look, then turned and left without looking back.

As soon as he walked out of the palace, Yasang IV stood up from the throne, drew his sword, and slashed a half-meter wide and three or four-meter deep gully on the ground. He glared with bloodshot eyes and roared, "How dare he threaten me in this way?

I swear! If that happens, I will send troops to destroy Zhentil Castle!

Kill every living thing in that filthy city!"

"Your Majesty, please stay calm.

Things have come to this point, and getting angry obviously won't solve the problem.

The most urgent task at the moment is to find Lord Soth and join forces with him to negotiate.

Her Royal Highness the Princess must not remain in the hands of Fouzzol Chamberlain for long, and the captured knights must be redeemed.

So I urge you to send an envoy in the most solemn manner, even if it means making some political and economic concessions.

In short, it is most important to start negotiations as soon as possible.”

Archmage Vangerda Hester quickly gave his advice.

Because it was his duty to keep the king sane when he was blinded by hatred and anger.

"Then do as you say..."

Yasan IV instantly sat back on the throne like a deflated ball, staring at the sword in his hand in a daze.

As a legendary warrior, he is confident that he can defeat any powerful enemy on the battlefield, but he feels powerless in this political game.

At the same time, he also began to hate his reckless and impulsive little daughter, and regretted that he should not have taught her the knowledge of fighting and marching.

Without her teaching and encouragement, Yalusel would not have become some damn Iron Princess, nor would she have been captured and caused a huge political crisis.

(End of this chapter)