A Tale of Strategies For the Throne

All along, both Aaron Landis and other countries on the continent have implemented a one-power system.

In other words, all the rights of each department in the royal court are controlled by the director. Similarly, in local cities, all powers in a city except military power are controlled by one person, the consul or city lord.

This kind of system can easily lead to a situation where one person dominates and deceives the superiors and conceals the inferiors.

The city of Tozes is a prime example.

Therefore, after thinking for a long time, Garlan decided to refer to the separation of powers of later generations and implement a pseudo-separation of powers in Aaron Landis.

In fact, to put it simply, it means to separate the powers that can restrain each other and hand them over to different forces so that they can check and balance each other.

The risk of rushing to reform the political system is too great, and after all, it is the first time to try a new system. Although he has a general direction, there are still many details that need to be perfected.

If the entire country is used to test the new system from the beginning, it will definitely cause a certain degree of turmoil and may even lead to irreparable losses.

Therefore, when Garlan established the Trade and Commerce Department, he planned to use this new department to test the new system.

The structure of the old department has been established, and the personnel and forces are complicated and chaotic. The implementation of the new system will definitely encounter resistance from the old forces. It's like a picture that has already been drawn, and it is very difficult to modify it.

Only the new Trade and Commerce Department belongs completely to him, and it is a brand new blank piece of paper. He can plan it according to his own ideas.

Although the two major temples have always had a very high reputation in Aaron Landis, and have a transcendent and respected status, they actually do not have much real power.

Priests generally rely on nobles, city lords, etc., and assist each other as subordinates. Therefore, it will happen that the temple forces in local cities obey the city lord - this is the case in Tozes City.

But now, Garlan has directly raised the status of the temple to be on par with it. In this way, the temple has gotten rid of the control of the noble city lord and has become its own force.

Separation of powers.

Mutual restraint and mutual growth.

Form a stable tripartite force.

…………

Gallan thought that by raising Nanna's temple power to be on par with Shamash's temple power, Shemurr would be dissatisfied.

Therefore, he deliberately asked Shermer to come over and talk about it privately in advance.

Although from political considerations, he must let the power of the two temples be equal.

But in Garlan's heart, Shemuer is irreplaceable to him.

In his previous lives, only Shemuer was always by his side. In fact, Shermer probably paid the price of his life for him in every life.

Sherlock will always hold an important place in his heart.

He didn't want their relationship to change at all.

Therefore, Garlan was fully prepared and planned to thoroughly explain the separation of powers to Shermur from the inside out, so that Shermur would understand his approach.

Who knew, he had just told Xie Muer about this system, and before he gave any explanation, Xie Muer asked him directly.

"In your opinion, this system is good for Aaron Landis, right?"

"Well, that's right..."

"In that case, do as you wish."

The high priest of Shamash said simply, without questioning.

He just added seriously.

"This matter is of great importance. Please do it carefully and don't rush for success."

Garlan: "...Oh."

So all the words I had prepared were thrown away.

Seeing the unexpectedly calm look on Shemuer's face, the Young King scratched his head in confusion, and then turned around and ordered someone to notify Heimos to bring Suojia over the next day.

…………

After coming out of the palace, the priests of Shamash and the priests of Nanna walked together for a rare period of time.

Although the two of them walked forward without looking sideways, paying no attention to each other, let alone speaking, the rare situation of them walking side by side made a group of guards patrolling next to them couldn't help but look sideways.

After walking for a while, the two came to a place where there was no one else.

There was a fork in the road ahead. Seeing that the two were about to part ways, Suojia glanced at the people around him and spoke first.

"What a surprise."

"What?"

Shermer's tone was very cold.

"You didn't object to this."

Not to mention that almost all of Shamash's priests are rigid and conservative people who adhere to the ancient legal system and are stubbornly unwilling to make changes. The fact that King Gallan appointed Nanna's priests is enough to make Shamash The priests firmly opposed it.

Because in the eyes of the priests of Shamash, the priests of Nanna are all cunning villains, good at plotting and taking advantage of loopholes in the law.

They hope that Wang will be upright, and of course they will not allow such a villain to approach the king.

Therefore, throughout the ages, there will only be one side of the auxiliary priests around King Aaron Landis, and the other side will be completely overwhelmed.

For example, King Camos only has Shemur, the priest of Shamash, by his side.

Suojia thought that this matter would definitely be opposed by Shemuer.

Who would have thought that Shemu'er actually acquiesced without saying a word from beginning to end, and did not admonish or remonstrate King Garlan as severely as he imagined.

Xie Mu'er glanced at Suojia indifferently.

He said: "I was once as arrogant as you, believing that whatever I thought was 'right' must be right."

Think highly of yourself.

Think that the conclusion you draw from your own judgment must be correct.

Anything that is opposite to your own position must be wrong.

It was the young prince who made him see his arrogance clearly.

Shermur said: "Your Majesty will become an unprecedented wise king."

Everyone believed that he was the mentor of Prince Garlan and that he taught an outstanding prince.

But only he knew that over the years, he had learned much more from the young prince than he had taught him.

Be it him, Heymos, Kehos, or even King Camos.

Rather than saying that they protect the prince, it is better to say that the prince has been influencing and guiding them little by little, allowing them to grow into better versions of themselves.

Like the stars in the night sky that guide everyone's direction.

"I believe your Majesty."

"He's definitely going to be able to lead Aaron Landis in the right direction."

"That may be a path that we can't even see."

Xie Muer's expression was solemn, and his words were frank and calm.

"Suojia, I dislike people like you very much. But I will never use my personal dislike and prejudice to influence His Majesty's decision-making under the pretext of 'for his own good'."

"I believe that the monarch I choose to follow can make the right judgment."

After Xie Mu'er finished speaking, he said nothing more and didn't even look at Suojia.

He turned around and walked away from the road on the left without looking back.

It can be seen that his dislike for Suojia is not light at all.

Suojia looked deeply at Xie Muer's leaving figure with a complicated expression.

After a while, he shrugged.

"To each other, you are also my least favorite type."

After a moment of silence, he suddenly sighed.

“‘Believe in your own monarch and don’t let your own preferences and prejudices affect the monarch’s decision-making’...?”

He smiled bitterly.

"I have to admit, at least in this regard, you are better than me."

Suojia turned and walked onto another path.

"However, this time, in front of King Garlan, I will never lose to you again!"

The priest of Nanna muttered to himself as if he had sworn an oath.

He is in no hurry.

Under the throne of the young king, he and Shermer still have a long time to decide the final outcome.

…………

………………

After everyone left, Garlan saw that Heimos was the only one left, and there was no need to continue to maintain an image, so he simply left the government room.

In the lounge on the side of the palace that is closest to the water curtain because the climate is cooler, he nestled comfortably on the soft white pillow, holding a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice in his hands.

The crystal clear ice cubes collided in the glass cup with floating cloud patterns, making a crashing sound.

Heimos sat cross-legged next to him, holding a stack of documents in his hand, discussing with Garlan while flipping through them.

A few days ago, he submitted a set of suggestions for legion reform to Garlan. Garlan originally planned to discuss this matter with him two days ago, but this guy did something wrong to him while he was asleep.

Garlan drove him away in anger and ignored him for two consecutive days.

This has allowed the matter to be postponed until today for discussion.

Military innovation is not a simple matter. Garlan is self-aware. In terms of military, his qualifications are not at the same level as Heymos.

You know, in previous lives, even if Heymos became like that, during his reign, Aaron Landis was the well-deserved military overlord of the entire continent.

No one dares to invade.

Therefore, he simply let Heimos do it after making a few suggestions.

As for the needed weapons, armor, property, etc., the young Wang Wang, who had become rich recently, waved his hand and said that if he lacked anything, he could go directly to Tarr.

When the discussion was almost over, Garlan sat up and raised his hand to rub his shoulders.

There are too many political affairs these days, so I went to bed late at night. If I wasn't careful, I had a stiff neck last night.

Although it's not serious, it still hurts when I turn my head.

He rubbed his shoulders himself, but it was of little use as his hands were weak.

never mind.

Just be patient for now and let Tapti give him a massage in the evening.

Thinking of this, Garlan retracted his hand and yawned tiredly.

Before he could finish his yawn, a warm hand suddenly pressed on his shoulder and rubbed the contracted muscles there vigorously.

A strong sense of pain suddenly surged out, causing him to shrink back reflexively and avoid the hand.

Garlan turned around and saw Heimos next to him.

"do what?"

"Strained muscle in your shoulder?"

Heimos asked.

"Well, I didn't pay attention when I was sleeping last night..."

Garlan answered depressedly, pressing his shoulder which was still sore.

"Here, let me press it for you."

Upon hearing what Heimos said, Gallan's heart suddenly went off.

He didn't say anything, but moved a little to the side, looking warily at someone with countless criminal records.

Looking at the golden eyes that were lazily half-closed but suddenly widened and stared at him warily because of his own words, that instant alert look was so cute that Heimos couldn't help but curl his eyes. The ground fell.

He smiled, raised one hand, and made an oath.

"I swear, I won't do anything."

"…………"

The golden pupils were spinning, looking at Heimos suspiciously.

Gallan said, "No, I'll just ask Tapti to press it for me."

As he spoke, he subconsciously wanted to shake his head, but as soon as he moved his head, the muscles on his shoulders and neck became sore and made him stiffen.

"You know, I'm much better at muscle strains than Tapti."

Huymos coaxed with great patience.

"Your condition is very mild. I can help you press it and it will be cured. You don't want to be in such pain for a day, right?"

"…………"

There seems to be some truth to it. Heimos practices martial arts all year round, and muscle strains are probably common, so he must be more skilled in treating them than Tapti.

Garlan thought a little excitedly.

After all, the soreness of a stiff neck is really uncomfortable, and it would be better if it could be relieved as soon as possible.

but……

He was still hesitating.

"Garlan, I will do nothing except help you with your treatment."

Heimos repeated this again.

He said, "I never lie to you, do I?"

"…………"

Indeed, Heimos always meant what he said to him.

You should...you can trust him, right?

Garlan thought this way, and finally his desire to solve the problem of shoulder and neck pain took over.

He untied the short cloak from his shoulders, then leaned down on the cushions.

Because of the hot weather, he wore a rather loose sleeveless tunic and no accessories.

Looking at Garlan who was lying obediently in front of him, Heimos stretched out his hand to push aside the blond hair that was scattered on his shoulders.

The back of her neck, which was hidden under her blond hair, was exposed.

The lines on the back of the boy's neck are extremely soft, and his blond hair is pushed to one side, revealing an extremely beautiful curve.

The moment I pressed my fingers on it, I felt the tension in my shoulders and neck under my fingers as expected.

Heimos rubbed it hard and heard Gallan groan in pain, but he tried to hold back the sound, and half of it was swallowed back.

The golden red eyes darkened and became a little deeper, but the darkness that surged up in his eyes was quickly suppressed by him.

Heimos rubbed it hard again, and the sore and painful feeling made Gallan shrink back and want to get away.

But as soon as he moved, Heimos held him down.

"to beat."

Heimos said, his voice suddenly becoming a little hoarse for some reason.

After saying that, he clasped his fingers on the side of Garlan's neck and rubbed it hard.

This kind of contracted muscle must be rubbed open with some force, as long as it is rubbed away, it will be fine.

Being held down by Heymos and unable to move, Garlan could only hold back forcefully, but he still couldn't hold back and groaned in pain.

As soon as he hummed, he felt the fingers that were rubbing the side of his neck pause.

He thought it was okay, and just breathed a sigh of relief, but unexpectedly, the fingers immediately started moving again.

Fortunately, the most unbearable soreness was only the first dozen times. Once the massage was gone, the stiff neck was relieved a lot.

The area being kneaded gradually became more comfortable.

The rough palms pressed against the skin on his shoulders, and the hot heat penetrated from Heimos' fingers into the depths of his skin, driving away the pain and making people feel extremely comfortable.

Every time the fingers rubbed, there was an electric shock-like numbness that spread from the back of the neck to the limbs.

It was a strange painful pleasure that made people unable to exert any strength in their limbs at this moment and could only lie lazily.

Garlan was lying on the ground, squinting his eyes and looking contented.

He was so comfortable that he felt a little sleepy.

The beautiful young man lay lazily, exposing himself defenselessly to the man who was spying on him.

Heimos looked at the young man below him.

Under his fingers was soft skin, as smooth and delicate as fine silk clothing.

As soon as he touched it, the skin seemed to suck his fingers, making it impossible to leave.

He watched his brown fingers sink into the soft skin, as if embedded in it.

He watched as his fingers pressed red marks on the fair skin, which were the marks he left on the body beneath him.

It made him more and more obsessed with this.

Because the sleeveless robe was quite loose, he could vaguely see the two thin bones on Garlan's back under the fair skin.

Because Garlan was lying on his stomach and his shoulders tensed up from time to time, a little bit was visible there.

Like butterfly wings, well-proportioned and slender.

Every time Heimos rubbed the side of Garlan's neck vigorously with his fingers, Garlan's shoulders would tighten, and the looming butterfly bones would move accordingly.

It's like fluttering its wings and trying to fly, inducing people's desire to touch.

It gave Heimos the urge to lean over and bite it.

He took a deep breath and tried to suppress the almost uncontrollable impulse in his heart.

He looked away with difficulty.

Moving up, he saw the petal-like light pink mark on the back of Garlan's neck.

This petal-like mark has been on Garlan's body since he was very young.

He stared at the mark, not knowing whether it was intentional or unintentional, and the hand that was squeezing Garlan's shoulder moved in that direction.

The next moment, the pad of his thumb gently rubbed the light pink mark.

When his rough fingertips brushed against the small mark, the back of Garlan's neck, who was already drowsy, suddenly trembled, as if he couldn't bear the sensitive touch.

The half-awake and half-asleep boy unconsciously let out a muffled sound like a whimper.

Soft, like a whine, that fragile and helpless whisper increasingly arouses the cruelest desires deep in people's hearts.

Heimos took a breath.

He stared at Garlan, his eyes were no different from those of a green-eyed hungry wolf.

The man's eyes were extremely terrifying at this moment, as if he would eat the prey in his eyes alive in the next second.

The young man was completely unaware of this.

Realizing that Heimos had stopped, Garlan opened his eyes, turned his head, and looked over with confusion.

But he didn't know how dangerous the situation he was putting himself in was when he looked back at Heimos with a hazy look.

He didn't know that just one look from him would make the man behind him almost lose control.

Taking a deep breath and using his remaining rationality to control the burning desire in his body, Heimos retracted his hand with difficulty.

"That's almost it. Just give it a little massage to relax."

He stood up, avoided Gallan's eyes, and said,

"I'll ask Tapti to come over and continue."

"Why?"

Garlan asked drowsily.

Why do you need to change people midway?

He was feeling comfortable, so he kept pressing.

Heimos, who had already stood up and turned his head sideways, suddenly turned back.

He leaned down deeply and grasped a lock of Garlan's blond hair with his fingers.

He gripped the blond hair in his hand very hard, and the look he looked down at Garlan was so dangerous that Garlan shuddered and woke up instantly.

The way Heimos stared at him made his heart beat rapidly, and his hands and feet became a little stiff for a moment.

"Keep going..."

The voice was hoarse beyond words.

"...I will definitely not be able to help but break you."

As soon as he finished speaking, Heimos stood up and left.

Garlan stared blankly at Heimos's back.

When he reacted, his fair face turned red little by little, all the way to his ears.

He held down half of his hot face and gritted his teeth.

This guy is getting more and more aggressive! It’s not just relying on——

…

…………

Well?

……………………

Relying on...what?

The author has something to say: It’s almost the end of the month

Friends~~ Summon the white liquid~~~