Kingdom's Bloodline, page 23
He slowly shut his eyes. The familiar feeling rushed back into his mind. All the disorderly elements and factors were speedily being configured within his consciousness.
'According to the purpose of research and the time sequence, establish different 'conditions' (not 'reasons') for each sample. See if the 'outcome' appears.
'Various incidents appeared past his mind in a flash. Eliminate incident samples with too many missing values, assemble each incident's condition and outcome and then differentiate them based on their level and type.'
A clear and organized table appeared in his mind. Four incident samples that could be observed and compared were arranged inside.
'Sample 1:
'Condition 1.1: Quide beat me up for the first time. Condition 1.2: Bleeding. Outcome 1: There was no anomaly.
'Sample 2:
'Condition 2.1: Quide beat me up for the second time and was about to kill Coria. Condition 2.2: Bleeding. Outcome 2: Lost control, and the dagger appeared in my hand out of thin air.
'Sample 3:
'Condition 3.1: Asda was about to kill me. Condition 3.2: Bleeding. Outcome 3: Lost control, and his energy ball appeared before me.
'Sample 4:
'Condition 4.1: I validated my bloodline in front of Yodel, Gilbert, and the lamp. Condition 4.2: Bleeding. Outcome 4: There was no anomaly.
'Enumeration over, comparison begins. Seek similarities and differences, categorize and conclude.'
The table was slowly simplified and normalized before they were merged together to form a passage of text.
Thales opened his eyes gently.
'Conclusion: When incidents that threaten life happen along with bleeding, there is a chance that the so-called "losing of control" would take place, and surrounding items or energy would be displaced to different extents.
'No, this conclusion is too tentative. Firstly, the sample size is still too small. Next, certain disturbance variables cannot be eliminated. Also, "incidents that threaten life" seem too far-fetched. It might be a false mechanism. Could it be that the incidents that threaten life triggered something else, and thus was the actual trigger to the loss of control?
'I must also think of a way to factor the lamp in.
'Lastly, I have only managed to prove that those incidents are correlated. The grounds for causal reasoning are still inadequate.
'No matter what…' Thales turned over and laid down. …'When it comes to 'losing control', there is at least a tentative conclusion now.
'As for the next step for the direction of the research-'
Thales exhaled, suddenly feeling the fatigue in his mind. 'As expected... He furiously rubbed his temples. It's still too much of a burden for a seven-year-old brain to think about these things, huh?'
However, he immediately realized with surprise that something was wrong.
'All those logical inductions and deductions, they should have at least been jotted down on a piece of draft paper with a pen. But, in actuality, the entire process of implementation for this analysis… had only taken a split second in my mind?'
After a long while, Thales tapped the floor, feeling the pain in his head.
'As expected, from having Mystic abilities and 'losing control', to possessing the so-called bloodline, and this monstrous capacity for cognitive processes… This body and this brain… are abnormal.'
As Thales contemplated, he slowly drifted off into dreamland.
…..
When Thales was woken up politely by Gilbert, he realized that he was back on the bed and was wrapped up neatly in the blanket.
"My esteemed young Sir Thales, good day." Gilbert respectfully drew open the drapes. The afternoon sun shone in through the huge window, brightening up the luxurious and comfortable room.
Magnificent heated tiles with pictures of stars on them, a reclining sofa made of monitor lizard skin, a spacious four-poster bed made of copper, a huge Crystal Drop chandelier hanging from the roof, and a veneer fireplace—all those appeared before Thales' eyes.
All of which constantly reminded him that his life was different now.
It was hard to believe that just a few hours ago, he was a little child beggar in a gang whose life hung on a thread and who lived in constant danger. And now, he was the blood relative of the highest ruler in all of Constellation.
"It is two in the afternoon right now, I sincerely suggest that you wake up and take your meal now as it will effectively boost your body's recovery and maintenance." The middle-aged noble was speaking with a neutral tone, but Thales could sense that he was urging him.
"Also," Gilbert blinked amicably and spoke with a smile, "due to His Majesty's wishes, our first lesson shall begin in the afternoon. I believe that you must have many questions, and I am very willing to answer them for you."
Thales rubbed his eyes and yawned while he stripped the uncomfortable silk pajamas. He fumbled about as he simply put on the informal attire nobles usually wore, which Gilbert had prepared for him.
"Great," he squinted and said lazily, "I love having lessons."
'And…' Thales shut his eyes and thought silently. 'I was having a good sleep. Who got me off the floor and placed me on the bed again?'
"Sir Thales, you must like these pants very much."
"What?"
"Because you are putting them over your head."
"What? What sort of pants look like these?"
"Sir Thales, you look like you harbor a special affection for this buttoned coat too."
"Oh, this is a coat to be worn outside?"
"Sir Thales, I think you would need the belt to your left."
"Ah, thank you. I was wondering why it kept falling down."
After a long time...
"Sir Gilbert."
"Yes?"
"Please put these damn clothes on for me."
"Gladly, my esteemed young Sir Thales."
Chapter 20: Red Constellation (One) |
Conspiracies and tricks. Evil and ugliness. A lot of them are born in the secret chambers lurking in the dark.
However, conspiracies can also be forged under daylight.
Such as now.
As winter approached, on the afternoon of the sixteenth of November. In a spacious stud farm, an old noble who was bulky and fat stood under a parasol wearing a thick mink cape. His head was lowered and he was frowning.
While watching a few horse trainers train the horses, he struggled to listen to what another noble to his left was saying. After a long while, he slowly heaved a sigh and, watching a disobedient horse some distance away, he puckered his lips.
"What sort of royal treasure has disappeared that it warrants our esteemed king to seal off Mindis Hall for an indefinite period? What a pity. I was planning to visit Mindis Hall next week to take a look at Master Kolven's posthumous work."
The noble next to him was younger and slimmer with a relaxed expression. He raised up the aloeswood pipe in his hand with effortless ease and took a deep drag.
"Also, Gilbert rushed overnight to Mindis Hall to report to His Majesty regarding the situation for the gang battle in the Lower City Districts," he said cheerfully while blowing smoke rings.
"Really? Since when does our esteemed Iron Fist King care about the fate of the outcasts in the Lower City Districts? If only His Majesty treated his people with half the benevolence and kindness of our late King Aydi—" The bulky noble touched his thighs with deep hatred and resentment as the incorrigible horse fell on its forehooves.
"—why do we need to meet at a stud farm?"
"The king's faction is definitely planning something. I can guarantee that it is certainly not a trivial matter—it is perhaps something that can turn the tables over in one stroke." The pipe-puffing young noble's gaze was radiating with energy.
"Mindis Hall is such a good place. Having lost a royal treasure—hopefully it is not Master Kolven's artwork—the security there must have been tightened." The old noble had suddenly blurted out something that made no sense.
However, the young noble nodded in understanding. "I also have news that Gilbert was ordered to investigate the truth behind the burglary, and as of late, he will be visiting Mindis Hall frequently. With that man around, even the White Eagle can't do anything. We can probe, but we shouldn't go too far. We have to use other methods to disrupt their plans."
The young noble inhaled another mouthful of top-grade Fisola Tobacco, of which only six hundred pounds was produced each year. He reveled in it for a moment and blew a perfect smoke ring.
"Next month, the Eckstedt Diplomat Group will be arriving at our kingdom's territory." At that moment, the old noble's face showed sincere worry. "Ha... it had not been easy for Constellation and Eckstedt to achieve a state of peace."
"That is true." Compared to his elder, the young noble could not retain his composure. His aggression, will, and spirit showed. "If any accident happens to the diplomat group within our kingdom's territory, Our Majesty will probably be forced to act passively when he faces pressure from within and outside the kingdom."
"If Our Majesty does not handle it appropriately…" The old noble watched as the horse from a distance away got up. He exhaled in relief, drank a mouthful of tea and spoke in resignation, "Ha... as expected, a kingdom like ours where the crown is inherited is a backward one.
The two of them were silent for a while.
The old noble shifted his body and asked distractedly, "What is going on in the Western District?"
"Do not ask me, Sir. You know that I hate Mystics the most."
"Alright. Then shall we talk about the Black Street Brotherhood?"
"Those people still refuse to reveal anything." The young noble's countenance suddenly became displeased. "After being around for only around ten years, they already have such a big ego. Presumably, their confidence in their backer, whoever it is, is higher than their confidence in our 'New Star'."
"Do not look down on young people." The old man cracked a smile in resignation. His eyes shone with sagacity and sharpness. "When children do terrifying things—that is true horror."
…..
Compared to the quick glances he threw the day before during the previous night and at dawn, Mindis Hall now looked bigger, more magnificent and, of course, emptier in the afternoon in Thales' eyes.
The ground floor housed a large parlor, a large banquet hall, and an open-air garden. The place was also equipped with a large-scale scullery and basement storehouse. There was even a depository for military equipment.
Apart from the open-air balcony, where a full view of the outdoor garden can be seen ("Due to considerations for your safety, I do not recommend that you appear on the balcony or outdoors within the month."–Gilbert), the huge first floor had three large-scale rooms with different functions—the noble banquet hall, the assembly hall, and the games room. There were also rooms of various sizes.
The corridors, exits, and entrances of the ground floor and first floor were full of dignified, armored guards, all of them positioned themselves while following the protocol of one sentry every ten steps. Their faces were hidden behind full-face helmets and every single one of them looked as intimidating as large statues ("Although they are Swordsmen of Eradication that belong privately to the Jadestar family, I still do not recommend that you poke their stomachs, young Sir Thales."–Gilbert). However, from a distance, Mindis Hall still looked eerily quiet and empty.
Thales' living room, bedroom, dining room, and study room—where lessons were conducted—were on the second floor. The second floor was only accessible from the first floor, through a crowded fleet of stairs. Moreover, eight fully equipped Swordsmen of Eradication were guarding the place at full attention, changing shifts every six hours. As for the area outside the windows and the roof, he heard that there were also guards that were stationed outdoors ("With Yodel around, you do not need to worry about threats from beyond the window."–Gilbert).
Every single dish, from broccoli and bread, to beef and plain water, was taken from the strictly-guarded scullery and the basement storehouse where they were prepared ("Pardon me, I have no way of ensuring their freshness."–Gilbert). From cooking to delivery, the dishes had to go through stringent poison treatment, prelibation, and poison-testing procedures.
'These safety and security measures are really beyond human imagination. It seems that I'm a lot more important than I thought I was. Should I say something like, "As expected of the ruling class"?
'I wonder if Jala is able to sneak in with her skills. What about a Mystic? Speaking of such…'
"No, this is out of the question. Pardon me for refusing, young Sir."
Thales raised his head to look at Gilbert, giving him a questioning look.
"So far, everything related to you is kept confidential." Gilbert shook his head firmly, "Pardon me for speaking bluntly. We have already sealed off Mindis Hall. Our communication with the outside world is limited to a few trusted oath keepers. Under this situation, for the royal family to suddenly dispatch troops to a gang in the Lower City District in search of three child beggars in hiding, whether it is to monitor or to assist them, would be extremely detrimental to both parties."
"Although the gang is nothing to us, actions that are too flashy would alert our true enemies and provide them with an opportunity to seize our weakness. Do not look down on the capabilities of those with malicious intentions. With the slightest clue, they would be able to reel silk from cocoons and find the source." He said in a deep voice, "To help your old friends, we have to at least wait for the… right opportunity."
Thales heaved a sigh and frowned, eating the last mouthful of buttered bread—it was sweet and greasy. He immediately took his cup and drank a mouthful of red tea.
'At least the food is much better.'
"If you are satisfied with the afternoon tea…" With impeccable etiquette, Gilbert took the teacup from the frantic Thales and bowed slightly. He continued, "…we shall begin our afternoon lessons."
In truth, while maintaining a smile, Gilbert muttered in his mind, 'Perhaps we should begin with dining etiquette?'
"How about Yodel? Where is he?"
"As a competent protector, he would naturally be on guard somewhere nearby."
Thales resisted the instinctive urge to look around. Once he knew that Yodel was nearby, he somehow felt a lot more at ease.
And so Thales tugged the bow tie on his neck that was making him uncomfortable and followed the slightly frowning Gilbert into the study.
"First of all, Thales, I spoke to Yodel yesterday."
Gilbert watched as Thales positioned himself on a leather chair and curiously looked around at the decorations of the study, especially the three filled bookshelves.
"You are an extraordinary child. I can see that—based on Yodel's assessment, and the few hours I spent with you since we met each other"
'Here it is.' Thales maintained a curious expression, but he raised his guard.
"However, this goes without saying—the heir of Constellation is naturally special." Gilbert placed his hands behind his back and slowly walked towards the study table, which was carved with the symbol of the nine-pointed star.
At that moment, his grayish-white sideburns made him look especially solemn.
"I believe that since Fate has returned you to Constellation, she must have her own arrangements."
Thales looked at the middle-aged noble and said nothing.
"I vaguely know about your past. The days on the streets must have been difficult. But please forget about them."
Gilbert picked up the book that been placed a long time ago on the black, aloeswood study table. He turned around and said gravely, "You will have a new identity, a new life, and even a new name. However, the most important thing would be the future you have to face and the burden that you will have to shoulder from this future."
Gilbert's piercing gaze looked into Thales' gray irises.
'Forget the past.' Thales meditated to himself. He looked at Gilbert's sharp eyes and nodded with a solemn expression.
'How is that possible…?' Thales mocked in his heart.
"I understand. So," Thales weighed his words and spoke slowly, "what does the 'me' right now need to know about myself and my past?"
Gilbert's expression did not change, but in his heart, he nodded slightly. 'Anxiousness, fear, helplessness, all the emotions that should be felt by a seven-year-old child under this kind of situation, are absent from this child.
'There is only calmness and caution. Even his excitement is minimal. He is indeed extraordinary.
'Is it due to the tough trials and tribulations he faced in the Brotherhood? Yodel refused to explain in detail, but the assassin was full of praises for this child. However, does being in a gang in the Lower City District really give someone this kind of experience? Or should I say that the royal bloodline that descended from the ancient empires, with almost three thousand years of history, is indeed extraordinary?
'Or maybe, his other half…'
Having thought of this, Gilbert furrowed his brows a little, but the competent noble still bowed slightly.
"My esteemed young Sir Thales, please allow me to regard you as such for the moment. You are seven years old this year. On the twenty-fifth of July in the year 665, you were born in Mahn Manor, which is on the outskirts of Constellation's capital city, Eternal Star city."
"Your biological mother is a noble lady, whose name shall not be disclosed because it is not convenient for us to do so. She passed away from excessive bleeding while giving birth to you. Before taking her last breath, she named you Thales, after the brightest star in the sky."
Thales furrowed his brows slightly.
"You grew up under the secret care of the Jadestar family in Mahn Manor. I, and another female official visited you occasionally. During that period, you grew up as a child adopted by Lord Mahn while he was hunting outside and did not know about your true identity.
"Last year in December, Lord Mahn died in battle on the border of the Western Deserts. Due to his lack of an heir, his assets and territories were retrieved by the monarch. At the same time, I brought you back to Mindis Hall, which is in the Twilight District."
