Chapter 886 New Rules

The awkward topic was finally over, and both Gawain and Hetty felt relieved - and then their attention returned to the Pioneer Shield.

This legendary shield lies quietly on the table. The weathered and corroded metal coating wraps the almost new alloy body that exudes a faint silver light. The sun shines on its metal. The glimmer of light on the surface of the component seems to reflect centuries of time. Hetty stared at it in a daze for a long time, then coughed twice to break the silence: "Ancestor, how do you plan to publicize this?"

If it was Hetty a few years ago, after seeing the guardian The first reaction after seeing the Shield was that the family's glory had been consolidated. A treasure had returned to Cecil's treasure house. What she thought of was the improvement of the family's status and the restoration of influence. However, several years have changed her. , no need for Gawain to remind her at this time, she already knew how to maximize the value of this lost treasure.

“Just announce to the public that the dragon friends of the empire helped us recover this shield. Otherwise, don’t make any official supplements or statements—leave everything to the fermentation of public opinion and let the Military Intelligence Bureau do it. Just pay attention," Gawain said casually, "There is really no inside story about this matter, so the official statement only needs to say this much."

"Yes, ancestor," Hetty pointed. He nodded, and then couldn't help but cast his eyes on the Guardian Shield again, "I just really didn't expect...it would come back like this..."

"During the war years, this side The shield is a vital asset of the expeditionary force. Many people's lives and deaths depend on it, but that era has passed." Gawain shook his head slightly, his tone was flat and low, "Now it is just a shield. ——The symbolic meaning behind it may bring us some benefits, but that’s all.”

Hetty glanced at Gawain and said thoughtfully: “You don’t want people to do it. Are you too concerned about the return of the 'Kingdom Guardian'?"

"We have many more important and practical things to focus on," Gawain said casually, "On the other hand, the 'Kingdom Guardian' ''s excessive attention and publicity is likely to re-ignite the enthusiasm of the old knight class and down-and-out aristocrats in terms of noble blood and family glory, and return the social atmosphere to the worship of aristocratic pomp and blood justice - which we finally managed to put aside Once something is suppressed, it must be prevented from coming back, so on the matter of 'Kingdom Guardian', the Government Affairs Office can only provide the most basic publicity and positive guidance."

Hetty immediately lowered his head deeply. Go: "Yes, I understand."

Gawain hummed and did not say anything more on this topic. Instead, after pondering for a moment, he asked seemingly casually: "Before Kamel What's the status of the observatory project you applied for?"

"You mean the Paramel Observatory project?" Heti blinked and quickly sorted out the corresponding information in his mind, "The project has been approved by the Government Affairs Department. Reviewed, construction has begun. The first batch of skilled workers arrived in Paramel Heights last week and the project is progressing smoothly. In addition, the first term of resident scholars has also been selected. The person in charge of Paramel Observatory is the great magician Mr. Morgan Hugo. "

Gawain recalled the name he heard: "Morgan... I remember that he was the original Wang family mage from Saint Sunil. ”

“Yes, Master Morgan is a member of the original Saint-Sunil Royal Mage Association and Astrologer Association. He has served as an astrological consultant to the old royal family for decades. He is an expert in astrology, astrometry and An expert in the field of planetary naturalism, he has measured the rough distance between our planet and the sun, and accurately predicted the dates of two asteroids passing through the sky. He is worthy of trust in his knowledge. After the siege of St. Sunil, the star observation tower in the old royal capital was severely damaged in the war and has not been completely repaired. Therefore, this 'starry sky expert' accepted the invitation of Master Kamel and came to the southern border. Later, he heard that Parame A new observatory based on modern technology was going to be built in the Highlands, and he volunteered to sign up. "

"Such scholars are the treasures of the empire and must be treated with care," Gawain nodded while listening to Hetty's introduction. "In addition, Paramel Observatory can add an additional issue. Funds - this is one of the best 'windows' in the empire calculated by Kamel, and the sooner it can be put into effect, the better. "

"Yes," Heti immediately accepted the order, and then she couldn't help but glance at Gawain and showed a smile, "Ancestor, you really attach great importance to what Master Kamel put forward. Plans to set up an observatory and observe the stars. ”

Gawain couldn’t help but recall the previous conversation with Melita and Noretta, recalling the impressions about the Viplanton Observatory and the glorious technology of Gondor in the past. Although many memories It was not his, but the regret and emotion that seeped out as he recalled his memories really filled his heart, which made him couldn't help but sigh softly and looked at Hetty solemnly. Said: "Research projects involving the stars are important - although they may not see the same huge economic benefits as railways and mines in the short term, in the long term they may brew all kinds of world-changing technological achievements, and even if we do not consider these distant things, curiosity about the unknown and distant places is the biggest driving force for the development of mortals - Hetty, the most mysterious and unknown place in the world full of secrets, is in the starry sky above our heads. . "

"I understand what you are saying," Heti smiled, with a hint of happiness in his eyes, "Ancestor, don't forget - I am also a mage, although I can no longer be as intoxicated as before. I am still studying, but I am still a mage, and mages are the most enthusiastic about exploring the unknown. "

Gawain looked at Hetty who was smiling in front of him. After a few seconds, he also smiled.

"In the ancient Gondor era, human beings had already paid attention to the top of their heads. I am curious about the starry sky, and various observatories and stargazing stations are dotted in the 'windows' everywhere.Our scholars observed the universe and stars through the natural channels intertwined with magic ripples in the atmosphere, and speculated on the secrets of our world itself. It was a glorious and exciting era... However, before they could truly develop, the magic tide wiped out the everything.

"Now, maybe it's time to let part of our sight return to the starry sky."

......

Wearing a golden and red Dharma The robed Malm Dunit lowered his eyelids, folded his hands on his chest, and the gold beads and amulets wrapped around his wrists hung down, glowing slightly in the light.

While praying devoutly to the God of War, his heart gradually calmed down. As the faint voice in his ears that seemed to contain infinite knowledge gradually faded away, the burly and strong old man Slowly opened his eyes and looked at Matilda Augustus standing in front of him.

"Your Royal Highness, on behalf of the church, I would like to thank the royal family for its support of this year's God of War Festival and its consistent protection of believers," he said in a low and powerful voice, "May the God of War protect you and your family, May the glorious Augustus always stand on this land blessed by the Lord.”

“It is the obligation of the Augustus family to support the operation of the church in the empire, and to protect the people of the empire. It is our innate responsibility." Matilda nodded slightly to the old man in fine clothes in front of her, and said in a polite and respectful but always measured tone, "The Church of the God of War is the most powerful church in Typhon. You have a huge influence on tens of thousands of Typhons - our Majesty hopes to see you continue to influence believers correctly and keep them on the right path. ”

With a calm smile on his face, Malm Dunit nodded slightly: "This is also the obligation and responsibility given to me by the Lord."

Under the solemn and magnificent iron spire, in the War Cathedral The lights were bright, and thick white candles lit like stars in the niches, illuminating this sacred temple belonging to the God of War. The annual Ares Festival is approaching. This is the most grand religious festival in this country where the belief in the God of War is the main sect. As a representative of the royal family, Matilda sent congratulatory gifts and a letter written by the emperor on this day in accordance with tradition. , and now this routine and ceremonial visit has completed its process.

After all the sessions were over, Matilda felt a little relieved. She took a look at this solemn and oppressive hall and saw that the bishops and priests at the scene had followed the procedures. She left the scene in order, then withdrew her gaze and nodded to the Pope of War in front of her: "This year's festival should be grander than in previous years - the economy is rising, wealthy citizens now have more wealth to celebrate the festival, and Many people from the surrounding villages have also gathered in Aldernan."

"The prosperous scene is foreseeable," Malm Dunit nodded. "The church will control order, and we will not. Allowing things that would embarrass the royal family to happen."

Matilda looked at the old pope in front of her and showed a slight smile.Laughing: "Of course, my father and I trust you on this - you have always been a friend of the Augustus family."

"Personal friendship, I know, personal friendship," Marr M. Dunit's always stern face softened after a smile from the woman in front of him. The sturdy old man who had served as a military chaplain smiled, with a hint of ridicule in his tone, "You don't know how. Come and be baptized by me."

"Members of the Augustus family have not been baptized by any other church," Matilda smiled and spread her hands, "I think this guarantees it. The balance of the royal family on religious issues - we don't have just one church."

"... Rosetta has been using this phrase with me for many years, and now it's your turn to say the same thing." Malm glanced at Matilda helplessly, and then changed the subject, "We won't talk about this anymore. Matilda, before you go back, do you want to tell me about what you saw at Cecil?"

"Of course, I still have some time," Matilda nodded, but then she glanced at the old pope in front of her with some doubts, "But why did you suddenly treat me in Cecil's house?" Are you interested in the experience? You know, it has been half a year since I came back from Cecil, and you have never cared much about things outside the church."

"...No matter how much you indulge in indoors. There will be times when thunder is heard," Malm said slowly, "and recently there are more and more things about Cecil in this city, and all kinds of news have even reached the Great Cathedral. Even if you don't care, I heard and saw it too."

"That's true..." Matilda said with a hint of emotion, "In the era of economic exchange...the circulation of information has become different from before."

"However, just over a year ago, the situation was completely opposite to what it is today," Malm shook his head. "We and Cecil were at war with each other. Almost everyone thought that we were about to enter a war. Countless war priests were prepared, and the incense and essential oils dedicated to the God of War were even lit in advance in the cathedral - and then, peace suddenly came."

"You are right about this. Do you feel sorry?" Matilda looked at the God of War Pope in front of her and asked seriously.

Malm glanced at this "Pearl of the Empire", and a smile suddenly bloomed on his old but still energetic face.

"Your Highness, I am a servant of the God of War, but the servants of the God of War are not war mad - we only serve the order and fairness of war, rather than expecting the world to be full of war all the time. Of course. , I am indeed a militant, but I admit that a prosperous and stable situation is more beneficial to the people. However, this sudden 'peace' really caught people off guard... I was a little surprised, and many were prepared for war. The bishops and priests who prepared were a little surprised."

"It is understandable. After all, the priests of the God of War have always been an important part of the imperial team, and the current 'peace' situation is indeed unexpected. Everyone expected..." Matilda said lightlyShe nodded lightly and said with understanding and approval, but then she pondered for a few seconds and then slowly shook her head, "It's just that in my opinion, the term 'peaceful situation' is not accurate."

The burly Pope couldn't help but raise his eyebrows: "Oh?"

"We just avoided a bloody war, but bloodless wars may still continue," Mattie Erda said seriously, "This is the judgment of the Parliament and the Royal Advisory Group - we will compete with the Cecil people for the market, we will compete with them for influence and voice on the mainland, and we will compete with them for literacy. Competing on efficiency, city size, and technological investment and results, we put away our swords and began a more comprehensive competition in economy, politics, technology... and all of these ultimately point to national interests.

Malm Dunit listened quietly to Matilda’s words, his deep brown eyes were full of Chen Ning. He seemed to be thinking, but no expression was shown.< /p>

After a while, he put his hands on his chest again, chanting the name of the God of War in a low voice, and his mood gradually returned to calm.

"You should be able to understand what I said. Matilda looked at the respected old man in front of her. Although the Augustus family has always kept a distance from all gods, at least in personal interactions, this admirable old man has been a friend of the Augustus family for many years. She had also received a lot of care from him in her childhood, so she was willing to talk more to this old man. She knew that although he seemed serious and old-fashioned, he was also a wise man with quick thinking and excellent understanding. These words made him immediately You can understand it.

“War has always been there, but the form and scope of war have changed. "She nodded at the end and said conclusively.

"It's thought-provoking," Malm Dunit nodded after a moment of silence and said in a deep tone, "This is what I have learned from Unconsidered angles. "

Matilda showed a smile: "As long as you don't mind saying these profound words in front of you. "

Malm Dunit smiled with a hint of an elder pampering his younger generation: "Of course not. ”