Kingdom's Bloodline, page 128
"I would not know," Thales smiled until it reached his eyes, "After all, I do not really bleed.
"Do you mean that you, King Nuven's personal guard, really want to see me bleed?" The second prince retorted without flinching.
'As if he would.'
"Hmph." Nicholas gave a light snort before his expression became cold again immediately, "I also know of one Jadestar. You are leagues behind him."
Putray sucked in a deep breath. Wya silently took one step closer to Thales, clenched his teeth, and glared at Nicholas.
Thales turned his head around to see Putray's reaction. His heart was filled with puzzlement… and wariness.
'Who is this man? And…' Thales pondered over his words, and he was momentarily stunned, 'Leagues behind him? What does he mean?'
"Jadestar?"
The second prince frowned. He sized up Nicholas' attire and remembered that this person was the king's personal guard, then asked cautiously, "Pardon me for asking, are you talking about… my uncle, Midier Jadestar?"
"No, I am talking about the Sword of Reversing Light." Nicholas narrowed his eyes and moved his left hand to tap his right shoulder. His pale face turned even paler, "Twelve years ago, he cut me on my shoulder… and he nearly sliced off my shoulder blade."
Thales' expression changed.
Another person who personally experienced the war between Constellation and Eckstedt during the Bloody Year. By the looks, he even suffered quite a bit at Horace Jadestar's hands.
The corner of Thales' eyes swept past Kentvida and Tolja who both stood across from him, his gaze also swept across the Eckstedtians around him.
From ambushing the supply line to charging straight to the three Archdukes of Eckstedt's battle line, to wounding Tolja, to snatching the Motionless Bow, and in the end, the soldiers under his command had even killed the former Archduke of Black Sand. The enmity Horace and the people of Eckstedt had formed seemed to be a little too rich and colorful.
'The Sword of Reversing Light' Horace Jadestar. Just how many similar 'inheritances' did this second uncle of his leave in Eckstedt for him?
Thales could only give a light cough and maintain his constant smile as he nodded, "It is a real pity."
Beside him, Putray furrowed his brows tightly. Thales had also noticed that Tolja let out a light breath of relief behind Nicholas.
"No, there is nothing that you should regret," Nicholas said flatly, "After all, I have already gotten even with him."
Putray gritted his teeth and sent a sharp glare at the man standing in before him, 'This man… he's mentioning this during the first meeting? Is he trying to intimidate us first?'
Thales, who was out of the loop, had a thought appear in his head.
"Get even?" he asked carefully, "What do you mean?"
Putray sighed. It caused Thales to feel an incredibly ominous air loom over his head.
"Ah," A terrifying, freezing glare shone in Nicholas' eyes, "I killed him, on the battlefield in Rayman Pass."
Thales expression froze for a moment.
'Damn it all.' He told himself in his heart.
"That is why we got even… Horace and I."
A ghost of a smile showed up faintly on Nicholas' pale face. He lifted his right hand and pointed it at his left chest.
"Just like this, I stabbed him, twisted the sword, and then dragged it out diagonally… You should have seen his expression before he died…"
Thales frowned and sized up the commander of White Blade Guards again.
'The person who killed Horace. The enemy of the Jadestar Royal Family.'
"And I proved, in the end…" Nicholas narrowed his eyes and sighed lightly, "Even the blood of those in the Jadestar Royal Family, the royal family of the former Empire, their blood is not gold… but when it gushes out…"
Nicholas licked the corner of his lips in a terrifying manner and put on a chilling smile. He looked down on Thales and said slowly, "It is all red."
Thales glared at the pale man with a dark expression on his face. The man's aggressive gaze, which he did not bother to hide, made Thales uncomfortable throughout his entire body.
Yet at that moment, as Constellation's Prince, the best reaction he could give… was to remain expressionless.
"Allow me to introduce you to each other, Constellation's Prince and everyone else." Viscount Kentvida let out a long sigh and shook his head slightly before he took a step forward. "This is Lord Soray Nicholas, one of the famous Five War Generals of Eckstedt. The people know of him as…"
Kentvida saw the dark expressions on the faces of the Constellatiates and raised his brows in resignation before he said, "Star Killer."
Nicholas watched Thales with burning eyes. Like a hunter sizing up his prey. A slight chill crept into Thales' heart.
'Star Killer?'
"Let us cut the meaningless small talk, citizens of the Empire," Nicholas said slowly, "From now on, we will be the ones who will escort you to Dragon Clouds City."
Thales was momentarily stunned.
"Of course," The second prince watched Nicholas and, with mixed feelings in his heart, he nodded slightly, "If this is what King Nuven wants."
However, he was feeling incredibly anxious, 'King Nuven actually sent someone like this to receive him.' Thales suddenly had an ominous feeling about his future days in Dragon Clouds City.
"Wait, based on rules and protocol," Putray took a step forward in a solemn manner, "the diplomats on our side must officially speak to someone of equal status among those welcoming us from Eckstedt—"
"You talk too much," Nicholas cut off the vice-diplomat's words brusquely, "I have no time to waste."
In the next moment, Thales saw Nicholas' expression become serious, and the cloak behind him fluttered.
"Please believe me… this is for your safety, 'Your Highness'," said Soray Nicholas, the Star Killer. This pale man let out a cold snort with a cold smile. He gestured at Thales with his chin as his expression changed, and he gave an order to the White Blade Guards behind him.
"Tie him up."
'What?' Thales widened his eyes.
Translator's Note:
[1] (马刀 and 佩剑 are both sabers. Just one is used by cavaliers, the other one by foot soldiers.
Chapter 118: The Unexpected Guests |
Before Thales realized it, the attendant and protector behind him took a step forward without hesitation and firmly used their bodies to shield him.
Then, a chafing sound of people removing their swords from their sheaths rose into the air continuously!
*Clang!*
Wya pulled out his sharp blade from the sheath without any hesitation. He vaguely aimed the tip of the blade at Nicholas' throat with a serious gaze in his eyes.
*Swish!*
Ralf had also sprung his only hidden blade from his sleeve and aimed the sword's blade at Nicholas' heart. The upper half of his face that was not covered by the silver mask revealed his sour expression.
*Cling! Clang! Cling!*
Noises were made by the White Blade Guards behind Nicholas.
These tall and robust, masked Northland Elites each had a light arm-shield attached to their left hands, while they pulled out their uniquely shaped battle swords from their waists. The sword hilts were snow white and slender, and could be grasped with both hands, but the blades glistened brightly in an elegant arc. It did not truly seem like the crude and forceful Northland style.
Their sword-unsheathing movements were orderly and filled with a solemn air. Their unmasked eyes looked murderous. It was unknown as to when they had dispersed into a half circle, and had the Constellation's diplomat group loosely encircled from three sides.
The dozen soldiers left that were from Constellation, such as Genard, Willow, and others, drew their weapons without hesitation and supported the first line of defense going up against the White Blade Guards.
Aida's voice came from behind Thales' ears. "See their movements and gazes… These are real elites. Our Royal Family Guards are nothing compared to them. They are even better than the Black Sand Region army. Even if they confront the vampire's Sacred Blood Army, they might probably not be inferior in any respect."
Thales stared at Nicholas—standing across him—and the ice-cold smile on his face in disbelief.
'What is going on? Are they going to tie me up to get to Dragon Clouds City?'
It was not that he had never expected the possibility of this encounter in Eckstedt… In fact, it was extremely normal for King Nuven, who had suffered the painful loss of his beloved son, to be angry and wish to ridicule, mock or even humiliate him, even if the Jadestar Royal Family and Walton Family actually had the same interest in avoiding war between the two countries, and also had the same wish in putting a stop to Black Sand Regions' wild ambitions.
But Thales had never thought that this humiliating way of "welcoming" him would start before he even reached Dragon Clouds City.
'Do I really have to let them tie me up when we go to Dragon Clouds City?'
Under the moonlight, Thales felt his skin crawl when he stared at the White Blade Guards' battle swords with white hilts that glinted in the cold light while running a rough estimation of the disparity of power between both parties. 'If we refuse… how will the situation develop?'
"This is ridiculous!" came Putray's stern and furious voice. He hurriedly pondered the circumstances before his eyes and said exasperatedly, "Bind? There has never been a diplomat who encountered this type of treatment when they are sent on a diplomatic mission to another country! By doing so, you are blatantly besmirching King Nuven the Seventh's reputation and Eckstedt's glory! It will not bring about any honor and glory to your king!"
If he was King Nuven's subject, he must have some misgivings about the prestige and dignity of the Common-Elected King of Eckstedt, unless...
Around them, the Eckstedtians who originated from Black Sand Region were staring at the situation with confused expressions on their faces. The dozens of White Blade Guards and the dozen something Constellatiates aimed their weapons at the enemy while they confronted each other with mutual hostility.
"Hmph," Nicholas curved up one corner of his mouth to reveal an ominous, cold smirk. "This will indeed not bring any honor or glory to the king… But it will make him happy and temporarily relieve his sorrows… That would be enough."
Putray gripped the longsword in his hand tightly whereas Thales furrowed his brows involuntarily.
The next moment, without a command or an order, the masked soldiers of the White Blade Guard took a uniform step forward while a cold glare shone in their eyes!
*Thud!*
With heavy steps, they stomped on the snowy ground, and it sounded as if they were using a hammer and striking the hearts of Constellatiates.
Willow Ken stared at his enemy tensely. His shoulders trembled and he was about to strike with his twin pikes!
*Slap!*
A strong hand reached out from the side and held the young pikeman's right hand tightly to hold back the spear tip that he almost poked out.
Willow jumped in fright. He turned around and found that it was the veteran, Genard.
"Steady! Ignore their footsteps, pay attention to their shoulders!" he said calmly.
After experiencing the severe, bloody war with the Blood Clan in the birch forest, many of the private soldiers died or were injured terribly. The head of the private army, Chora, was seriously injured so he stayed back in the fortress and the duke's former personal guard and veteran, Genard, indistinctly became the temporary team leader of this group—consisting of some of the Jadestar Private Army, the fortress' veterans, and the recruits from the Northern Territory—by relying on his vast experience from the battlefield and all his mastered skills, which he gradually regained his proficiency for.
However, in the face of such an incomparably intense atmosphere, the veteran could not help breaking into a cold sweat.
Thales tried his best to say calmly, "Is this the will and order of King Nuven?"
Nicholas ignored the two sword blades aimed at his throat and his heart, he said darkly, "Oh, of course. He just has not said it yet."
After a second, Nicholas moved and he took a sudden step towards Thales. The boy became startled!
Both Wya and Ralf clenched their teeth and thrust their weapons forward, trying to force Nicholas to retreat.
But then, a cold light flashed across Nicholas' face and his figure disappeared in a flash!
In an instant, the pale-looking Star Killer turned his body sideways and moved into the gap between the two swords!
*Sching!*
Wya's single-edged sword that slashed at his throat hit against the white sword hilt that Nicholas had extended out from behind his shoulder. Sparkles flew from the impact!
*Clang!*
As for Nicholas' right hand, he flicked his fingers easily on the hidden blade that Ralf had used to point at Nicholas' heart.
In that instant, under Wya and Ralf's indignant gazes, Nicholas broke through their defenses without even the slightest change in his expression. He squeezed further into the gap between Wya and Ralf and extended his left hand towards Thales!
'Damn it!'
Thales clenched his teeth and reacted extremely quickly by taking a step backwards, avoiding Nicholas' hand. At the same time, he raised his left hand in the air while his right hand reached for the dagger at his waist, and shifted into the stance of the Northland Military Sword Style's 'Iron Body' style.
But to his surprise, he saw Nicholas's hand changing direction at the same time he retreated, changing his hand's trajectory to the direction Thales moved, as if he had predicted his movements!
The fluctuation rushed up to Thales' brain just in time and 'slowed' the situation before his eyes to its maximum degree.
In Thales' vision, Nicholas moved very slowly. He was like a flashing silver light, but each time the light sparkled in his body, it caused Nicholas' figure to transform.
'This is his Power of Eradication?' Thales had a tense expression on his face as he carefully pondered.
The Star Killer's figure, movements, speed, transformations and movements all entered Thales' consciousness in that instant.
After a moment of estimation, a pessimistic conclusion came to Thales' mind.
'No matter how I evade… I cannot avoid Nicholas' capture. Fortunately, I still have her…' Thales felt the changes in the cloaked figure's presence behind him.
*Slap!*
Nicholas' hands had only extended halfway when a cloaked, petite figure grabbed him by the wrist.
Aida tightly grasped Nicholas' wrist and coldly spoke up, "Be polite, little brat. At least say 'how are you', or 'please'."
Thales exhaled deeply.
Wya and Ralf swung their swords swiftly towards him, then positioned them firmly on the Star Killer' neck.
Nicholas seemed to be slightly surprised, but he still did not care about the two swords pressed against his vitals. Instead, with furrowed brows, he stared at his wrist that was held by Aida, and said to her with a fascinated tone, "Oh. A woman… but you managed to see through my movements?"
The dozens of White Blade Guards surrounding Nicholas did not seem worried about their leader being caught in a dangerous situation. Their gazes were still ice-cold and murderous while they continued to put pressure on the Constellatiates.
Putray's expression darkened. "What is the meaning of this, Lord Nicholas? This does not conform to the conventions and it is also not an order from King Nuven… These actions of yours are practically no different from assassination!"
"Assassination... Assassination?" Nicholas murmured these words under his breath. He lifted his head, and his expression turned extremely terrifying. "Are you referring to what the Constellatiates did to Prince Moriah on your land?"
Nicholas glared fiercely at Thales with his rage-filled eyes and enunciated each of his next words slowly and clearly, "Assassination? What you did to the king's only son, to Eckstedt's prince, to Dragon Clouds City's heir, and to my student?
"That cowardly conduct?"
Putray was initially stunned, then immediately came back to his senses and said without hesitation, "King Nuven should still be the one who decides this!"
'Damn it.'
Thales panted lightly and bit down on his lower lip. He clenched his teeth discreetly when he looked at Nicholas, who was being restrained by Aida and who had Wya and Ralf's swords pressed against his throat.
'How... should I handle this situation? Force Nicholas to retreat?'
Thales sucked in a deep breath, then raised both his hands with his palms turned towards the pale man to indicate that he was just a harmless little boy. However, Nicholas only gave him a malicious, cold sneer as a response.
The Second Prince of Constellation turned his head around and shouted towards the army of Black Sand Region, "Viscount Kentvida and Lord Tolja, your mission to escort me to Dragon Clouds City is already almost complete! I believe the people will praise the Archduke of Black Sand's loyalty to King Nuven, and King Nuven will also be satisfied with your indomitable fealty. Meanwhile, I am very grateful for your efforts in escorting me!
"You may leave now!" Thales finished his speech.
Putray raised his eyebrows whereas Nicholas was slightly stunned.
Viscount Kentvida furrowed his brows as he watched the situation from afar, then he let out a deep sigh.
However, in the end, Kentvida only nodded at the frowning Tolja and walked forwards with huge strides.
'The things this child says...
'"Your mission to escort me to Dragon Clouds City is already almost completed." By that, he's saying, "Black Sand Region is responsible for my safety before I reach Dragon Clouds City, but we have yet to reach Dragon Clouds City, you know?"
'"I believe the people will praise the Archduke of Black Sand's loyalty to King Nuven." Which would mean he's saying, "Everyone will know that King Nuven abducted the Prince of Constellation while acting as if the army of Black Sand Region was not by their side when it happened."
'"And King Nuven will also be satisfied with your indomitable fealty." That is equivalent to him saying, "No matter how submissive you are, King Nuven's relationship with the Archduke of Black Sand will still not improve. Dragon Clouds City will still regard Black Sand Region as a thorn in their side."
