Kingdom's Bloodline, page 280
Nicholas stared at Kaslan with a complicated gaze. "Dominic's grandson died a month ago due to sickness."
Kaslan shuddered a bit.
"That's why…" Nicholas raised his head slowly and a familiar figure appeared in his head.
It was a smiling old warrior with a mace over his shoulders. He leaned a little on the fat side, and counted the number of laps the new recruits performed during their physical punishment—Dominic Stone.
The Star Killer parted his lips slowly, then, with an indifferent tone, he spoke in a hoarse voice.
"This is the leather armor he owes you."
Kaslan lowered his head. The old man did not speak, he only closed his eyes. Not a single word was uttered for some time. Only the rustling sound of wind could be heard from beside the corridor.
Eventually, Kaslan opened his eyes slowly, his gaze was profound and complicated. "I am quite relieved, Spiky."
Nicholas was stunned.
"It's been many years since then." Kaslan slowly curled his lips into a smile. "You are no longer the Spiky hated by everyone…
"You've become an outstanding commander, Soray Nicholas."
253 I Can Help You |
Hall of Heroes. The dejected boy looked at the five indifferent archdukes in astonishment. Cold sweat poured from his forehead. The gazes of the five archdukes remained ice-cold.
*Thud… Thud…*
The footsteps outside the hall grew nearer. Thales was breathing in a daze. He could feel only his dry mouth and tongue as his heartbeat accelerated.
In that instant, the figures of many people flashed in Thales' mind.
'Nicholas, Putray, Mirk, Kohen, Miranda, Raphael, Ralf, Wya… and Little Rascal.
'These people, regardless of whatever reason, they believed in me, walked with me until this step... No. Wait a minute.'
Thales clenched his fists firmly. He could not fall here.
*Thud… Thud…* The guards' footsteps from outside the hall could already be clearly discerned.
He could not fail. Could not!
"Alright, this is just a brief interlude." Archduke Lampard looked at Thales' expression, coldly shook his head, and turned to the others. "We have more important things..."
Thales made up his mind and raised his head to look at the archdukes. "Believe me, I also do not wish to do this."
In the next moment, without the slightest hesitation, the second prince drew out JC's dagger. The archdukes were immediately stunned, they looked at each other in dismay.
Lampard's face grew cold.
"What?" Trentida shook his head in ridicule. "You want to duel against us again, young prince?"
Thales stared intently at the archdukes and did not say a word.
The figures of two guards appeared at the entrance of the hall. Archduke Lecco already turned to them and was prepared to give the order to take Thales away.
The boy turned around and looked at the brazier nearest to him with unswerving determination. He looked at the raging fire in the triangular iron frame.
Time… He needed more time.
The second prince inhaled a deep breath. In accordance to his call, the Sin of Hell's River surged up his arms. In that moment, Thales felt as if his arms were filled with power.
Jala's action of executing the Assassination Blade at Red Street Market surfaced before his eyes. In the next second, the second prince resolutely swung his arms and threw JC with all his might!
The dagger shot towards the brazier with ample strength. The expressions of the archdukes turned cold at once.
*Clang!*
The dagger struck the brazier firmly, the crisp metallic sound reverberated through the hall. All the archdukes watched in astonishment at Thales' movements.
The brazier was tilted by the strike of the dagger, lost its balance, and eventually fell from the iron frame.
*Ka-clang… clang… bong!*
The loud banging of the brazier as if fell onto the ground was heard in unbroken succession. The firewood and charcoal in it scattered all over the ground, sparks flew in all directions.
Archduke Olsius frowned. "Hey, are you—"
But before he could finish speaking, he watched Thales cup his palm around his mouth and turn towards the direction of the hall's entrance.
Under the expressions of disbelief by the five archdukes, the second prince bellowed in a rough voice, "There's an assassin! Protect the archdukes!"
The archdukes' complexions all changed at once.
*Clang…*
The sound of the brazier falling still echoed across the hall, its loudness could be heard distinctively, even from the outside.
The two confused soldiers of Black Sand Region who had just entered the hall looked at each other with much amazement.
In the next second...
*Clang! Clink!*
The sound of countless swords being unsheathed came immediately from outside the hall.
Archduke Lampard was the quickest to react. Once he came to his senses from his astonishment, he instantly turned around and commanded the ones outside of the hall. "Steady—"
However, before waiting for him to finish speaking, the outside of the hall flared up in an instant and covered his voice.
"Make way!"
"Retreat, those from Black Sand Region!"
"Hold them back!"
"Hold your positions! Two of you, come in with me!"
"Archduke, please answer me—"
"Hold your bows, don't panic!"
In an instant, the commotion of orders being shouted, jostling, even the sound of blades meeting, and the collision of metal came from outside the hall.
It was immeasurable chaos.
Gasping for breath, Thales clutched his right arm with his left, relieving the aches and cramps from the excessive exertion.
"Did you think that as the heir to the throne of Constellation," the prince said painfully, "I put myself in danger, paid an innumerable price to come here, just to play a fool with you? I was prepared to sacrifice everything a long time ago."
Thales raised his head. Without cowering at all, he stared at Archduke Lecco who had an unpleasant expression.
"I know that Lampard told you something to make you choose your current standpoint." Laboriously, Thales gasped for breath. He only felt the pain in his arm grow stronger. "But at least finish listening to what I have to say, you'll know the complete picture of the matter, then you can wisely make your decision again.
"Because we all know that your next move is tied to the future of both our countries, and even more so to all of your destinies."
In that instant, Lampard clenched his fists. His gaze was laced with boundless killing intent.
Olsius glared firmly at Thales, the look on his face was extremely terrifying. Trentida revealed an amused expression, as if he just met the boy. Roknee's eyes lit up. Archduke Lecco did not say a word, he raised his eyebrows and his nostrils flared.
The chaos outside the hall still continued.
A soldier with the appearance of a White Blade Guard rushed into the hall wielding a blade. Mercilessly, he struck with his blade and slashed at the two Black Sand Region soldiers who had just entered.
*Clang!*
With gritted teeth, the Black Sand Region soldiers resisted the other party's assault. They both exchanged a glance as they hesitated on whether or not to counterattack.
The White Blade Guard held his blade and said with a malevolent expression, "Archduke Lecco, we heard an unusual sound… I knew it. These Black Sand Region bastards trying to barge in wouldn't have had any—"
At that moment...
*Bang!* A loud sound echoed.
Amid the chaos, Archduke Lecco firmly punched the table with his fist and caused everyone to jump in surprise. He furiously let out a great roar.
"Northlanders! Eckstedtians!"
Thales was stunned for a moment. He had never seen such an imposing moment from the old archduke, as if that old man before with one foot in his grave was just a facade.
Archduke Lecco was seen bellowing like an angry elephant at the outside of the hall, "If you're still a warrior, remain steady! Whether it is us or Chapman, neither of us are dead yet!"
A few seconds later, the clamor outside the hall grew softer.
The White Blade Guard was stunned for a moment. He surveyed the hall once, saw the current state of the archdukes, and only then did he put his blade away and fell back.
On the other side, Lampard coldly said, "Lord Justin, just manage the people outside. I just have to deal with the child…"
"Chapman!"
Archduke Lecco turned his head around and glared at Lampard with stern eyes. His intent to want to urge the conversation forward was extremely obvious. "Not now."
The Archduke of Black Sand Region frowned.
"I thought you have all made your choices," Lampard said with a hostile look, "Don't forget, he's the heir to Constellation, the Kingdom of Constellation!"
Lecco's complexion turned cold. Trentida raised his eyebrows. Thales' heart skipped a beat.
Archduke Roknee who had not said a word all along raised his head, his eyes were piercing. "Then you should have nothing to worry about at all, right? In this game of chess, we've got their heir, the bargaining chip of victory held in our hands. There's nothing we lack now."
Thales shifted slightly.
'I'm the "bargaining chip of victory"? In other words, these archdukes are indeed prepared to…'
The archdukes' gazes were all cast on the Archduke of Black Sand Region, the implications were complex.
Lampard did not say a word. His eyes shifted back and forth between Lecco's severe expression and Roknee's indifferent face.
The two archdukes at the scene felt the strange atmosphere. One of them swept his eyes over the archdukes. Grasping the hilt of his sword, he coldly said to Lampard, "Archduke, if there are any difficulties, all you need to do is to give the command. Regardless of who we are facing, we will not hesitate."
That White Blade Guard who was in confrontation with them coldly snorted. Archduke Roknee glanced at Lampard disdainfully.
Thales strenuously suppressed the loud throbbing of his heart.
'Good. This state of affairs indicate that both parties are still in a highly intense confrontation. Lampard and the archdukes' alliances had only just formed.
'There's still an opportunity. Even if there are no more opportunities...
'I have to do exactly as what Lampard did below Broken Dragon Fortress.' Thales bit his tongue, his expression was resolute. 'I must also create an opportunity! Never give up. Never concede.'
Just like how Serena taught him caution and suspicion in a failed alliance; just like how Zayen Covendier taught him hypocrisy and sanctimony in that friendly trap; and just like how Nuven Walton taught him resolution and prudence by using the strength and the death of the king's honor.
Thales raised his head. With an unwavering determination, he looked at the Archduke of Black Sand Region who had an indeterminate look on his face. This is the person who taught Thales the most valuable lesson amid the reeking blood and darkness, the terror and the nightmares.
'Chapman Lampard!'
It was quiet, except for the chaos and clamor outside the hall which still continued.
A few breaths later, the Archduke of Black Sand Region unclenched his fists. He slowly exhaled, clearing away the chilliness from his face.
"We're fine, you can leave first." Lampard looked at the two soldiers and nodded at them with a rigid expression.
Archduke Lampard turned his head again and roared to the outside of the hall, "The people outside, let Lhasa defend his original position! Stay alert!"
With that, Archduke Lecco eased his complexion. Roknee put on a smile.
"Lord Justin, please also leave first," the old archduke said faintly, "As you can see, we still have something we haven't finished discussing yet."
Lord Justin of the White Blade Guards was stunned for a moment. Immediately afterwards, he nodded slowly.
He cast a glance at the boy who had suddenly appeared with soot all over his face. He suppressed the suspicions that filled his heart, walked behind the Black Sand Region soldiers, and left the hall.
Ten seconds later, the riot outside the hall stopped. The atmosphere seemed to have returned to that tense moment.
Watching all this, Thales slowly calmed his own breathing. He could only feel cold sweat pouring.
Sure enough. Nicholas was right, "Welcome to Northland." In the face of tougher Northlanders, you have to first appear as a soldier as strong as iron, then you can win their respect.
In the next second, Archduke Lecco sat down heavily on his seat.
"You have one minute to finish what you want to say, o fearless troublemaker." The old archduke looked at the Prince of Constellation with a seemingly austere face. "Otherwise, I will personally 'escort' you out."
Olsius swept a glance at the brazier and dagger on the ground. He coldly added, "Then, we'll send you to the gallows with the criminal charge that you 'yearned for'. Such as: planning to assassinate an archduke."
The expressions of the other three archdukes were all different.
With effort, Thales gulped. Out of habit, he barely squeezed out a smile and took three deep breaths. Once more, there seemed to be a gentle and pleasant voice ringing beside his ear,
'"Just treat it as another game."'
The prince raised his head and faced the five archdukes. They stood on both sides of the long, rectangular table in silent confrontation against each other. On one side was an unbearably thin little boy with a beaten appearance, and on the other side was five tall and powerful men dressed in uncommon clothes.
"Planning to assassinate an archduke? I'm hardly surprised by your threat, Archduke Olsius."
Olsius pouted one side of his lips.
Thales could feel the blood still raging in his whole body, but as before he used his calmest voice and slowly said, "I know that Lampard has recommended that you to pin the death of the king on me, on Constellation's king. Then, to come together and have the entire country go south."
The prince's voice traveled across the stone hall. "In the name of 'avenging King Nuven', you would start a war and seize the land and riches of Constellation, isn't that right? Compared to this, the criminal charges of assassinating an archduke doesn't amount to anything at all."
His voice died away. Other than Lampard, the four archdukes had varying expressions. Full of interest, Trentida glanced at Lecco, but the old archduke just stared straight at Thales without saying a word. Roknee snorted lightly and nudged Olsius beside him. Archduke Lecco gave a cough.
The old archduke replied straightforwardly but did not lose his manners, "Prince Thales, according to what I heard last time, someone had meticulously plotted the assassination this time, and that the Secret Intelligence Department is the hand manipulating the calamity. Constellation cannot escape this anyhow."
A strange light flashed across Archduke Lecco's eyes. "At this very moment, as the spokesperson for Constellation, Thales Jadestar, you're the one who should bear the responsibility for the death of His Highness. There's no doubt about this."
Thales frowned. The other party's speech technique moved away from statements and loopholes that would appear odd. It was ingenious and perfect. And by the look of their attitudes, direct rebuttal would be ineffective.
The embers across the ground had almost finished burning. They extinguished slowly.
'What do I do?' Thales forced himself to laugh delicately. His gaze swept across every archduke.
"We Constellatiates paid for an assassin? The 'Assassin's Flower' who has a hatred for the Jadestar Royal Family as deep as the sea?"
Archduke Roknee frowned.
The prince continued to speak, "And it just so happens that Lampard led troops into the city, took down the First Gatehouse and Heroic Spirit Palace, and met you here?"
Olsius watched him coldly.
"But this is all unimportant." The Prince of Constellation straightened up. Earnestly and cautiously, he said, "Dear archdukes, I did not take you for fools at all.
"Because of that, please treat us sincerely as well. Throw away all the unnecessary talk and falsehoods and just place your chips, as well as your conditions, on the table." Thales gritted his teeth and said coldly, "After all, with our statuses, everything that happens in this hall will not spread out."
Lampard put on an impatient expression. "Hmph."
The archdukes turned their heads around and shot a glance at each other. At least two of them had gazes were filled with surprise.
With a contemptuous and thought-provoking expression, Trentida shook his head and clicked his tongue before he said these words,
"This is far too interesting. A little boy wants to join a game between the adults?"
Thales was in a state of high anxiety at that moment, he ignored him. He had to find the breakthrough.
The most important of it all was what Lampard had used to convince them. Was it just as he had thought…?
Thales sucked in a deep breath and gritted his teeth. "I want to know what exactly Lampard told all of you."
Archduke Olsius crossed his arms over his chest and looked towards Lampard, only to discover that the latter's expression had become stiff.
"What did he promise you?" Thales gritted his teeth. "Land? Money? Power? The future?"
Each time Thales uttered one word, he would carefully observe the archdukes' expressions.
When he heard these words, Trentida narrowed his eyes and an ill-intentioned smile appeared on his lips.
The prince clenched his fists and gulped. "Or…" Thales frowned. "Is it the things that threaten your existence?"
In that instant, Thales felt a chill crawl down his spine. Chapman Lampard's gaze was like a hunting predator. It was fixed on his body in an aggressive manner.
But compared to the discomfort in the army camp, the fear in Shield District, and his nervousness in the carriage… At that moment, in the face of Lampard's gaze, Thales only felt incredibly calm.
It was just like the ease a scout would feel after finally discovering the location of the enemy army on the eve before two armies become engaged in war.
