Chapter 3 Chapter two

Desperate to go home, Arleigh Kim had been in London for nearly a month at King Ed's behest, to observe life at the English court and study all things England's volatile king. Ariel didn't like the task at all.He found the lords of England arrogant, the ladies stupid and inhuman, and their King Henry too weak in most decisions.However, he had to admit reluctantly that the one or two times when Henry made a show of power really impressed him deeply. Ariel is happy that he can finally go home.As the patriarch of a huge family, his responsibilities are very heavy.God only knows how many troubles will be waiting for him when he arrives home.

But there was one more thing he had to do, and if he didn't get his English bride back on the way home, he'd be in big trouble. But it was nothing but a slight inconvenience to Aleigh, for he married that woman all to please King Ed, and she married him all at King Henry's behest.Orders for such marriages abound these days, as the two kings are working to cement their friendship. King Henry had specifically requested that Ariel Kim must be one of the lords ordered to marry the English bride.Both Aleigh and King Ed knew that Henry would make such a request because King Aleigh was the most powerful and most prestigious lord in Scotland, and Aleigh was also known for not liking the English.

Henry told Xin Aide that he hoped to soften Ariel's attitude and promote the harmony of the relationship between the two countries.But Ed was much shrewder than Henry imagined, and he suspected that Henry was trying to draw Ariel's loyalty to England. Both Ariel and his king were amused by Henry's innocence.Yes, from the day he knelt at Henry's feet and swore allegiance to him, Ed was Henry's subject, and he was also brought up in the British court since he was a child.But he was still King of Scotland, and the object of the first allegiance of all his subjects, especially when he was compared with an outsider.

In addition to Ariel, Fei Danni, who is about to become the lord of the Fei clan, is going to marry.Danny and Ariel are good friends who grew up together. Like Ariel, he has barely stayed in London for a month and is eager to return home. These two warriors have been on the road at a fast speed since dawn.They stopped only twice to rest their mounts.They only expected to stay at Bai's house for one or two hours, which should be enough time, they decided reasonably.One or two hours is enough for them to eat a meal, choose a bride, and marry them, and then they can go on the road again. They did not intend to spend another night on English soil.It doesn't matter what their brides like, after all, they are just their property.They will do what the king orders, but that's all.

The devil and his lieutenant arrived at the Bai family's territory three days earlier. Peake was the first to see the two Scottish warriors, and the first to call them by this apt name.He was dozing at the top of the wooden ladder leading to the roof of the barn, and half asleep wondering whether to run after Mary and Jamie, who were out for a walk, to make sure they weren't mischievous.Jamie is usually strict, but as soon as she is forced by Mary to leave her job, the wildness in her nature will slip out inadvertently.Add to that her small mouth that can persuade thieves to drop their loot, and God only knows how many troubles she'll convince Mary to go with her.After yawning loudly, Piccolo began to climb down the wooden ladder, and he had only gone down two steps when he saw the two giants riding forward.And what he saw made him open his mouth wide, and almost fell off the ladder.He steadied himself and climbed down the ladder quickly, feeling his knees go weak all the way.

He could hear his own heartbeat, and Piccolo reminded himself that he had Scottish blood in him, and tried to remember that he never judged by appearances.But he couldn't help shivering as he met the intent gaze of the two giants who dismounted and came towards him. The man Beek presumed to be the lieutenant-general was very tall, broad-shouldered, with rust-colored hair and eyes as green as the sea.At the corners of those cold eyes, there are still some small wrinkles. Well, yes, the deputy is a big man, but compared with the other giant, he is still a bit worse. The man Piccolo imagined to be the Devil had as bronzed his hair as his tanned skin, stood a head taller than his companion, and had eyes so icy brown that they would freeze the river effortlessly. ice.There was no trace of softness on him.

My plan to save Jamie is stupid enough, thought Piccolo, growing more and more frightened as he watched.He decided to swear to the death that these two giants would not take a step near his treasure. My name is Peak, and I'm the groom here.When he finally found his voice, he spoke.You guys are here early, he nodded nervously.Otherwise everyone will come out to welcome you. The two giants just looked at him without saying a word. I will take care of your mounts, my lord.Piccolo stammered to add. We'll take care of our own horses, old man. It was the lieutenant general who spoke, and his tone was not pleasant.Piccolo nodded, stepping back to watch the two lords unsaddle their saddles and whisper compliments on their mounts in Gaelic.The horses were handsome stallions, one was black, and Piccolo noticed that neither had whip marks or spur marks.

A glimmer of hope entered Peake's heart. He had learned long ago to read a man's true nature in the way he treated his mother and his horses.For example, Lord Ender's mount was always riddled with welts. If that wasn't enough to prove the theory, Beek didn't know what proof was. So you left the accompanying subordinates outside the city?Pick up the courage to ask in Gaelic.He wants the other party to know that he is a friend rather than an enemy. His effort seemed to please the lieutenant, because the man actually gave him a real smile. Just the two of us. Riding all the way from London?Piccolo couldn't hide his surprise.

Um.replied the lord. No one to guard your backside? We need no protection from others, replied the same lord.That's an English habit, not ours.Isn't it, Ariel? The devil didn't even bother to answer him. What are the two adults' last names?Bick asked.It was a bold question, but the fact that the two fighters were no longer frowning at him gave him courage. The lieutenant general didn't answer him, but just changed the subject.You speak our language very well, Peake.So you're Scottish? Piccolo raised his chest proudly.Replacement if fake. I'm Danny from the Fei family, the lieutenant nodded to the other soldier.Ariel is the lord of the Jin clan.

Piccolo bowed and saluted them formally.It's been a great honor to know both of you, and it's been a long time since I've spoken to a full-blood Scot.He grinned.And I forgot how big we Highlanders are; the first time I saw you, I was really scared. He led two soldiers to lead the horse into a clean compartment in the stall, and took out the horse's feed and drink.Then he continued to try to guide the other party to talk to him. You were three days early, he said.I think the whole family will be surprised by this. Neither of the two adults commented on his words, but Bi Ke could tell from the glance they exchanged that they didn't particularly care about the reaction of the Bai family.

Who are you expecting to come, if not us?Fei Danny asked with a frown. Piccolo was a little confused.expect?We are not expecting anyone to come! But you lowered the drawbridge, and there wasn't a single guard.certainly Ah, that, Peake sighed.For many years our drawbridges have been lowered, and there are no guards on duty, as is usual.Lord Jem is often forgetful. Seeing the disbelief on the faces of the two soldiers, he couldn't help trying to say a few words for the baron.Our area is sparsely populated, so in fact, there is no need to waste these efforts.Besides, the baron always said that he had no treasures that anyone would want to plunder. Don't have any treasures? Jin Yalie spoke for the first time.His voice was soft, yet surprisingly powerful.He looked intently at Piccolo, who found his knees were shaking again. He does have a daughter, doesn't he? The man's displeasure could set the fires of hell on fire, Piccolo thought.He does have daughters, far more than he cares to admit. And he didn't feel compelled to protect them?Danny asked.He shook his head in disbelief, then looked at Ariel and said: Have you heard of such a thing? No! What kind of man was this Lord Jem?Danny asked Peake. Kim Ya-yeol answered his question.An Englishman, Danny. Ah, no, that's enough to explain everything.Danny announced mockingly.Tell me, Piccolo, are the Baron's daughters too ugly to need his protection?Do they still retain their chastity? They are all very beautiful, replied Piccolo.And they are all as pure as they were when they were first born. If I have half a lie, you can beat me to death. The only problem is that their father is too irresponsible. He frowned and added. How many daughters does the Baron have?Danny asked.We did not bother to ask your king that question. You will meet three.Piccolo murmured. He wanted to explain more carefully, but at this moment the two soldiers turned around and walked towards the gate. If he doesn't say it now, he will never be able to say it, Peake made up his mind at the moment.He took a deep breath, and then shouted loudly to the backs of the two warriors: May I ask whether one of you two lords is more powerful than the other? Ariel heard the fear in the groom's tone, and curiosity made him turn his head.What made you dare to ask such a presumptuous question? I don't mean to offend either of you, Piccolo said quickly.But there is an honestly good reason for me to ask.I know I have no right to do so, but I am determined to intervene.You see, someone has to think about her, and I'm the only one who cares enough for her. Danny frowned suspiciously at his outlandish explanation.I have only been in charge of the lord for a year or two, but Ariel has been leading his people for several years.Does that answer your question, Beek? So he will be the one who chooses the bride first?Peake asked Danny. right.Danny answered succinctly.He didn't want to bother to tell the old man that this was the order determined by the distance they threw the stones, and that the result of the outcome could be said to be purely coincidental.Because neither of the two men was doing their best. And he has more power than you? Danny nodded.This is currently the case.He grinned.Bi Ke, haven't you heard of the reputation of Jin family fighters? Why, I've heard all the legends about them. Piccolo's tone made Danny laugh. The old man was obviously afraid of Ariel.I suppose you've heard those stories about Aleigh on the battlefield? I shouldn't believe those claims, I know.Bi Ke glanced at Ariel and quickly admitted. You see, it's all from some Englishmen, and I know they must be exaggerating your lord's ruthlessness. Danny grinned at Ariel before looking at Piccolo.Oh, I suspect those statements may be an understatement.Did they say that Aleigh was never pitiful or pitiful, Piccolo? have. Then you'd better take their word for it, Peake.Because that is the truth.Don't you think so, Ariel? That's right.Ariel's voice was cold. Piccolo looked at Ariel hesitantly.After a while, he finally asked the other party directly with a trembling voice: In your life, have you ever mistreated any woman, Jin Yalie? Apparently the lord didn't like this question very much, because his expression became as menacing as lightning.Pick instinctively took a few steps back. I've been patient with you because you're Scot too, old man.But if you ask this insulting question again, I can assure you that it will be the last question in your life. Bi Ke nodded, and the other party's reaction had already let him know the answer to that question.Forgive my rudeness, my lord.But I really have to ask.For I am going to offer you a treasure, and I wish to make sure beforehand that you are one who can see its value. The two giants looked at each other suspiciously, and walked back to Piccolo at the same time.What charades are you playing, old man?asked Danny, frowning. Bi Ke didn't answer him, but just asked Jin Yalie the last question.Are you strong enough to keep what's yours? certainly.Ariel replied out of curiosity. Lord Ender will gather many soldiers, and he will go after you for what I sent you.And he was a friend of King Henry of England.Pick puts a lot of emphasis on his last sentence. The man surnamed Kim didn't seem particularly moved by this, he just shrugged nonchalantly.That doesn't matter to me. Who is this Baron Ander?Danny asked. An Englishman.Pick answered. That's better, Ariel said.I would welcome the challenge from any Englishman as long as I decide to accept that gift you have given me.There's no way this annoyance could pose a threat to me! Piccolo was visibly relieved.You will never refuse to accept.he boasted. Is your gift a horse?Danny shook his head in confusion and asked, he still didn't understand what the groom wanted to give Ariel. But Jin Yalie understood.Not a steed, Danny. Piccolo grinned, this man was obviously very smart.And it wasn't far from the truth, for Lord Jem's daughters were treated like horses.You see, the three beautiful fillies in the three-pen barn belonged to the baron's three daughters, but as soon as you go down the aisle, you will see the barn which is separated from the other pens.He led the two giants to the place he said, and the white horse inside was the real good horse. A full-spirited, shiny snow-white mare appeared in front of the two warriors.At first it was very disturbed by the presence of the two strangers, but after some coaxing by Aleigh, it revealed its gentle nature. Pike can't help but secretly wish that Kim Ah-yeol will show the same patience as the gentle Jae-mi. A beauty indeed.Danny commented. But still a little wild.Ariel interjected, and then he actually smiled.Pick knew he didn't see it as a shortcoming. It was called Wildfire, and the Baron couldn't even get close to it.He gave it to his youngest daughter because she was the only one who could sit comfortably on the wildfire's back.she Pick, are you in there? That was Jamie's voice.Piccolo was so startled that he nearly swallowed the straw he had in his mouth.That was the baron's youngest daughter.Also, that is the side door of the stall.He hurriedly told the two fighters.You can go straight to the main house through that door, and I'd better hurry up and see what my Jamie wants from me.If Jie Mi knew his intention, Jie Mi would definitely kill him.She must not be allowed to see him with these two Scotsmen. Out of breath, Peak met Jamie and Mary in the central aisle of the stall.Were you talking to someone just now, Peake?Mary asked.I seem to hear I'm just talking to wildfire. Jamie said you might be taking a nap, and she said we might sneak in and get the mounts out for a quick run.Mary didn't tell herself. God!Mary, you don't have to tell him all this. Well, you said it yourself What a shame, Jamie.Piccolo scolded.Wanting to play such a trick is not what a lady should do. Jamie grinned at him without shame, and then she frowned suddenly.Piccolo, why are you so red in the face?She reached out and touched his forehead with concern.You don't have a fever! Don't nag, Peake said.I'm just a little hot. So can you let us go out and ride for an hour or two?Mary asked. You can go for a walk, but you are not allowed to ride a horse.Pick announced. Why? Because I just fed your horses.Piccolo lied, and at the same time grabbed Jamie's right arm with one hand and Mary's left hand with the other and pulled them out of the barn.He didn't want the two sisters to see the two magnificent horses inside, and that would cause them problems one after another. Don't pull my arm, Peake, Jamie complained.Mary had a hard time talking me out of worrying about the coming guests. yes!They won't be here for another three days, Mary explained.Jamie still has plenty of time to take care of everything. You should try to help her, Miss Mary.Pick said.That will be good for you too. Don't start berating her again, Peake.Mary will help me if I ask. Peake didn't look convinced. right!Mary said.I have something to prove to you, Peake, and Jamie told me so much about those dreadful Scotchmen that I almost ran away. What terrible stories has your sister put in your head, Mary?Bick asked. Jamie couldn't help interjecting: "Wait a minute, Piccolo, why do you think I'm going to lie to my sister?" Because I know you, mischievous, and I can see that you've made your poor sister tremble with terror.Piccolo pretended to be serious.Plus I know you don't know anything about Scots at all. nonsense!I know they have brains like sheep, Jamie winked at Piccolo when Mary wasn't looking.Of course I mean those in Scotland who were born and bred in the Highlands, the Scots in the Lowlands are different.They're smart, like you, Peake. Don't make that sweet talk, Peake retorted.It didn't work this time.What else did you say to Mary?You see how frightened she is. I merely told her that I had heard that the Scots are a people of lust. Well, Mary, it's not as bad as you think.Peake admitted. And they have big appetites.Mary interjected. Is this a sin? Of course, Mary replied.Also, Jamie said they were at war all year round. No, Mary, they just fight a lot, but not that often.Bi Ke shook his head and looked at Jamie who was a little embarrassed.Her face was flushed, her curly hair fell behind her, and her purple eyes were smiling happily.Bi Ke only hoped that Jin Yalie could see her at this moment. Jamie also said that what the Scots want, they must get it.Mary's voice brought Piccolo back from his thoughts.And she says the Scots have three special preferences. what preference?Bick asked. Good horses, fat sheep, and soft women. Horses, sheep, and women? Yes, Pick.And the order of importance is also in this order.Jamie said they would rather sleep beside their horses than their women.how?Pick, is this true? Jamie couldn't help laughing anymore.Honestly, Mary, I was just kidding you.she says. Sorry, you are so gullible, I can't help it. Mary glared at her, then turned to Peak.Piccolo, look how ungrateful my sister is.She doesn't know how to understand me who is going to stand in front of those Scots and pray that I don't get elected!Pa had already said to hide her. That's only because I'm not on the king's list.Jamie reminded her sister. Peake made no comment, but said to Mary: Well, you won't be worrying so much, miss?Jamie lied to you all. I should have known she was a liar, Mary said.She even told me that Scots wear women's clothes. What Piccolo choked. And Jie Mi also sighed at this moment, and said: How do I know that you can even believe such words? It's not a woman's dress, ladies, though it's true it's only up to the knees, and Piccolo got his voice at last.That was their tartan skirt, and their holiest dress.I don't think they'd like to hear you call it women's clothing. The two girls stared at him dumbfounded.You mean they actually wear that kind of clothes?they asked in unison.Then Jamie started laughing.No wonder then they were always at war; they must have been laughed at a lot. Well, because they wear women's clothes.Mary agreed. That's not women's clothing!Peake roared. Jamie immediately regretted it.I'm sorry, Pick.We shouldn't joke about this.Oh My God!You seem a little nervous today.You always turn your head to look behind you, are you afraid that someone will punch you from behind?or I just didn't take a nap at noon, Peake muttered.So a little absent-minded. Then you must hurry up and take a rest, Jie Mi advised him.Come on, Mary, Peak is a little tired, let's leave him alone.She took Mary away. Piccolo watched the two girls walk away from the stall with a sigh of relief.After walking a certain distance, Mary turned and chased Jamie, and then they ran towards the garden one after the other.Piccolo couldn't help but chuckled. Her name is a boy's name. Piccolo jumped up, he didn't hear the sound of Jin Yalie approaching at all.He turned to face the shoulders of the tall warrior.That was her mother's effort to establish her place in the family, and Lord Jem was not Jemi's biological father, though he kindly said so formally.Have you looked at her carefully?He couldn't help asking the last sentence. Ariel nodded. You'll take her with you, won't you? Jin Yalie stared at the old man for a long time before replying: That's right, Bi Ke.I will take her with me. The choice is already made.