Kingdom's Bloodline, page 341
Saroma snorted, evidently still mad at Ian, but she did not say anything.
Ian inhaled gently, frowned, and seemed to have understood something. "Oh."
Then, Ian leaned back and got closer to Thales' ear. He stretched out his hand to block the archduchess' vision and whispered, "So you mean to say... you haven't tamed her yet?"
This time, it was Thales's turn to be stunned. The expression on his face had not disappeared and he asked in surprise, "What?"
'Tamed?'
Ian sighed with the regret born from the exasperation of Thales' failure. Saroma looked at the two who were whispering with a dubious look.
"You know, you're the one who gave her this position." Ian suppressed his voice. His tone was full of annoyance and dissatisfaction. "And six years, Your Highness! Even a princess of a country doesn't take so long."
Thales blinked, and seemed to understand something.
"Men more or less will treat their first woman specially, but..." Ian pouted, sounding as if he had experience in this and said in great distress and disgust, "She will overpower you, unless it's in bed—"
*Thud!*
A muffled sound came, accompanied by Ian's groan of pain. The heir of the City of Faraway Prayers contorted his face as he sat on the chair embracing his stomach. He looked pained and betrayed.
After Ian and Thales, it was Saroma's turned to be startled. She looked at them, puzzled. "You two…"
"He has a stomachache, it's alright now." Thales, who didn't change his expression, pulled back his elbow. He did not look at Ian, who was pale and had cold sweat all over his face.
"Let's get back to business. Saroma…"
The prince took a deep breath, moved close to the table and said earnestly, "You must know that it is a proposal. But first, it is impossible for him to succeed."
Saroma's gaze shifted.
"Dragon Clouds City only has one ruler in direct power left, with the absence of external forces or stressful situations..." Thales clenched his fists a little as he shook off the idea Nuven gave him. "Be it inside or outside, for passion of reason, you cannot marry a foreigner with considerable power.
"For the vassals of Dragon Clouds City, this is equivalent to inviting a terrifying, foreign enemy into their midst, allowing that enemy to seize power from their hands. For the archdukes of Eckstedt, this means that there might only be one heir of Dragon Clouds City and the City of Faraway Prayers instead of two, and it will mean an imbalance of power among the ten territories."
Thales looked at the archduchess with a sincere gaze. "And the City of Faraway Prayers is not strong enough to ignore or even suppress dissidents, whether they are vassals, archdukes, or even kings, they will not will not permit your marriage."
After she listened to the prince's words, Saroma was distracted for a moment.
"So, they will not allow an outsider's proposal…"
Saroma looked at Thales with an unwavering gaze. "Is that what you're saying?"
Thales was so uncomfortable with her gaze that he quickly looked away.
"So, what he is saying is that coming here to propose to me is actually for…"
Ian placed a hand on his stomach with an unhappy expression, then snorted coldly. "Naturally, it's for the purpose of luring out the Prince of Constellation, who rarely makes an appearance in court, but in fact plays an important role in the politics of Dragon Clouds City. 'To draw the archduchess to your side, you must start with Thales Jadestar.'"
"What?" Thales was stunned for a moment. The archduchess blushed slightly.
Once he understood what Ian meant, Thales' expression suddenly darkened and he said, "Is that how the rumors outside are being spread?"
"At least Black Sand Region did that, right?" Ian sighed, then he said jokingly, "What conditions did the king give you to win over you? Twenty virgins?"
Thales automatically filtered Ian's joking tone out of his mind. His nerves tensed up in an instant.
'Gave me...what conditions?'
It was as if before him was King Chapman again, holding Thales and his trump card firmly in the palm of his hand.
The prince resisted the urge to look at Saroma.
'Damn. I mustn't take this seemingly frivolous pampered brat lightly.'
"So," The second prince replied without a single change in his expression, "Are you going to show off your riches and say that you will offer me double of what he did?"
Ian showed an incomprehensible smile.
"I'd love to," Ian said, swaying his head as usual, then slowly added, "If what they offered you was a slap in the face."
The Prince of Constellation responded with an impatient snort.
Still, he felt a chill in his heart as he recalled Lampard's words. Although it was not an actual slap, it was close enough.
Saroma sighed softly. "Let's get back on topic. So the proposal was just an excuse?"
"It was not just an excuse, it can explain a lot of things." Ian smiled, giving off the impression that he was very considerate, all while ignoring the sound of Thales' tongue clicking. Then, he waved his hand dramatically. "Look, just at the mention of the archduchess' marriage, there Prince Thales appears."
Thales massaged his forehead and exhaled in pain. "How old are you, Ian?"
"Nineteen." Ian remained smiling, "I'm just one year older than the archduchess."
'No, you're four years older.' Thales then quietly looked at Saroma.
"Oh really," the prince said plainly, "I feel as if you're just nine years old."
"Ah, I've heard of your brilliant achievements while you were seven years old." Ian knocked on the table, picked up a piece of buttered bread, and put it into his mouth for a bite. Then, he said with his mouthful, "I'll jush dake dat as a gombliment."
Thales exhaled. He had gradually learned how to talk to the Viscount of Dual Wind City. Thales recalled the conversation from a while ago and began to think.
From the time he saw Saroma, Ian deliberately showed disdain for the archduchess, but had unwittingly asked about the relationship between the archduchess and Dragon Clouds City's vassals, and even about her control over the territory.
He deliberately let the situation get out of control, but had actually cast multiple glances at Thales, perhaps to observe when Thales would speak and placate the situation, so as to gauge his influence on the archduchess. He also tried to figure out the real relationship between Thales and the archduchess.
Twice, he had very blatantly tested Black Sand Region's attitude towards Thales and Thales' attitude towards Black Sand Region, and had also done it in a secretive fashion as well.
Thales secretly warned himself and became on guard. 'Ian Roknee… He seems like a contemptuous and arrogant noble's son. But in truth, his sharpest weapons were hidden beneath most of his jokes.
'This "nuisance"... But for now, it isn't a bad thing.'
Thales cleared his throat. "Let's get back on topic, Ian specifically told me he wished to propose to you."
Saroma's expression was still unpleasant but she began listening to Thales.
"But like I said, asking for marriage is totally impossible. I guess he has something else to do, outside of the normal diplomatic channels, and discuss with me and you in a reliable and credible private situation.
"So, I went to the Heroic Spirit Palace in advance."
Saroma looked at Ian suspiciously.
Ian blinked and swallowed the buttered bread.
"After the meeting, he told me that the City of Faraway Prayers is different from other archdukes of Northland; their positions are special, they also have a unique situation in Eckstedtian politics, and any assistance from the inland of Eckstedt is of great significance to them."
Not only that, he kept hinting that he, as the future heir of the City of Faraway Prayers, was just like the Prince of Constellation who was forced to live among the Northlanders.
Thales sighed. "And he also reminded me that he knows that there will be only one thing standing in between the City of Faraway Prayers receiving aid from Dragon Clouds City, it is the conflict between the vassals and the archduchess—starting with your marriage."
At that moment, Saroma's gaze locked on Ian.
"Believe me." The viscount snorted and, quite disapprovingly, said, "In the struggle between the archdukes and vassals…"
His gaze turned sharp. "In the entirety of Eckstedt, I am afraid there is no one who would be more deeply affected than the Roknee Family of the City of Faraway Prayers."
Saroma looked at Thales thoughtfully, then at Ian again. The archduchess calmed down and asked him plainly,
"So... what do you want?"
Ian smiled.
"He has a proposal..." Thales looked at Saroma with sparkling eyes. "An unusual solution to the crisis."
The archduchess bit he lower lip and seemed more interested in the food on the table. But Thales knew that she was contemplating.
"That's why, we don't have time to waste on boring and redundant ceremonies and banquets." Ian's face became less cynical. He solemnly stood up and stopped paying attention to the food on the table, "We need to discuss this matter in secret, decide together, plan ahead, and we're short on time.
"I apologize to you for my words, My Lady archduchess. Everything during the afternoon to that moment just now was just a superficial test," Ian spoke in a manner as if his words carried a lot of weight.
"Please believe that the City of Faraway Prayers is more than just a beggar requesting for help. In fact, I came with sincerity and know of your current difficulties and troubles. And the City of Faraway Prayers will use our methods to solve your problems in exchange for your commitment and assistance. What I need is just a little trust from you."
His eyes were as calm as water as he gazed at the archduchess across him.
No one said a word.
The lights in the dining room flickered slightly, and the shadows of the three people flitted about, like a boat drifting on the waves.
Saroma looked at Thales seriously. At that moment, somehow, Thales remembered how they fled Dragon Clouds City six years ago. The Prince of Constellation nodded at her.
Finally, the archduchess turned around. She was serious and calm.
"And what are your 'problem-solving' methods that would help me?"
Ian Roknee grinned, and he gave Thales a slight nod.
Then, he looked at Saroma gently and whispered those familiar words again,
"The proposal."
Chapter 309: The Writers of Legend One |
Saroma furrowed her eyebrows and looked impatient once more. "You must have a very good reason for coming back to this topic?"
Thales let out a forced cough. "Saroma—"
But before he could finish, Ian chuckled.
"No offense, My Lady, but don't see yourself as too important." The heir of the City of Faraway Prayers raised a finger and shook his head slightly. "You must know that not everyone is crying, fighting, and getting bruised and battered just to marry you."
Saroma's expression changed.
Ian suddenly turned and looked at Thales with a mysterious expression. "Right?"
Thales felt awkward. He let out a few unnatural coughs again. "Saroma, he means that—"
"I know what he's saying." Saroma glared at Ian coldly and then turned to Thales. Her fair face was somewhat contorted. "He's absolutely right, isn't he? I obviously have no way of making someone who doesn't like me bafflingly spellbound over me. I'm not the main character of some legend."
'My God.' Thales lowered his head stiffly. As though he had just discovered a new world, he suddenly realized that the food on the table was quite delicious.
Ian curled up the corners of his lips. He stared at Saroma, then at Thales, and flashed a smile. "None of us are the main characters of a legend… unless we write the legend ourselves."
Thales retracted his hand which was about to take some food. On the other hand, Saroma exhaled and suppressed the annoyance in her heart. She looked at the rude visitor and arched an eyebrow.
"And that is...?"
But Ian only flashed a smile which held a hidden meaning. His expression then became somber.
"My Lady, Your Highness, we're now facing the same problem." Ian had a particularly unique disposition when he was being serious. His facial features, slightly different from the classic Northlander structure, were eye-catching. "A few months ago, our esteemed king, Chapman Lampard, issued a new enfeoffment act in Black Sand Region."
Saroma and Thales finally stopped being awkward and listened earnestly. At that moment, the dining room seemed to have become a war room.
Ian imitated Thales and tapped the table. "Do both of you know what this means?"
He tilted his head with a solemn expression.
The archduchess wrinkled her brow slightly and nodded. It was hard for her to conceal the annoyance from before in her tone. "Yes. I heard that everyone's saying he is emulating the cruel punishments and ruthless laws from the era of the Empire, discriminating against those who hold different views. For example, he set a criteria for common people to become nobles—"
'The king's decree. Criteria to become nobles...'
The prince suddenly thought of the knowledge that did not exist in this world. He then recalled his discussion these past few days with Hicks, and Putray's explicit and implicit hints.
Thales sighed, shook his head, and interrupted the young girl. "No, Saroma. The decree is only a façade, and whether it is strict isn't important either. The real key is the movement of power behind it."
Saroma showed a questioning look.
"King Chapman... He took the traditional rules of nobles that were passed down even before the 'Joint Ruling Pledge', and which had brought about subtle influences among us, whether they were obscure, statutory, whether we were used to it, whether we compromised to it, whether it was an underlying rule, or none of those at all. He then wrote them into articles of the law, inscribed them, and placed them before his city gate."
The prince recalled what Lampard said in the carriage, the fact that the frightening King Chapman held the chess piece called Eckstedt in his hands, and Lampard's spirit and will in playing a game of chess across time with Constellation's Virtuous King from over a hundred years ago. He could not help but feel a tinge of emotion. "He tries to impose the king's authority on the nobles' autonomy, and to hold the execution of the 'Joint Ruling Pledge' as well as the reason of its existence in his hands. He offended the old nobles and vassals who have a long history and had supported the Lampard Family even when the kingdom was first established. If the decree comes into effect, it means that Chapman's volition will override traditional conventions and rules. From then on, the vassals' lives and powers will not belong to them anymore. They won't even be sharing the country with the king; Eckstedt will belong only to the king."
Saroma said nothing.
"In other words..." Ian sneered and shook his head. The corners of his lips curled up. "He made a mess of things, causing him to be confronted with the hardest situation he has faced since he was crowned."
He looked at Thales. "There is always a price to pay for change. He wants to challenge the vassal's natural rights. But at the same time, he's tottering on his own natural rights and corroding the bedrock of his reign.
"The old nobles and vassals of Black Sand Region are unanimously objecting. Count Mendes put out a notice to vehemently denounce his suzerain. The Dawnson Family stated that unless the king withdraws the decree, all the vassals in their county will refuse to pay taxes indefinitely. Count Peruno made a high profile trip to Black Sand Region to confront the king. The Ika Family even recalled nine hundred of their soldiers who were tasked to defend the border and guard it against Broken Dragon Fortress according to their obligatory rotations. All of Black Sand Region became King Chapman's enemy overnight." The heir to the City of Faraway Prayers smiled even wider. "That was his miscalculation."
Thales, who had stayed in Heroic Spirit Palace for a long time now, had heard that Lampard was facing quite a bit of trouble, but this was the first time he heard with his own ears the exact predicament Lampard was in.
'It sounds really horrible.'
Thales then recalled what happened in the carriage, how the king had that complicated gaze, and how his words contained a hint of emotion.
'"I faced many challenges while trying to implement my ruling. Even within Black Sand Region, there is much resistance… My vassals are filled with accumulated resentment and are eager to cause trouble."'
A thought came to Thales. He was about to speak, but the archduchess beat him to it.
"How strange." Saroma frowned. "Ciel once told me that all vassals have their own interests and plans. They won't easily point their weapons at their ruler. It's also very hard for them to align their standpoints and walk together. Moreover, they're facing Lampard who is the king. Without outside help and cards in their hands, those dissenters from Black Sand Region might not be so confident, organized, and full of rapport."
Facing the archduchess' query, Ian put on a rather profound expression. There was a few seconds of silence in the dining hall.
Soon, the archduchess stirred a little and said in sudden realization, "Wait, it's all of you...? It's all of you. All the archdukes are supporting their objection of the king from behind, and even making promises?"
A thought appeared in Thales' mind.
'Perhaps, as the Archduchess of Dragon Clouds City, it's not that, in these six years, she did not improve at all… It's just that I never noticed it in the past.'
Ian bowed slightly from his seat, showing perfect etiquette. This was a sight that was indeed rare among Northlanders.
"How can we miss this opportunity?"
Ian straightened his body and looked at Saroma, whose eyebrows drew together. He chuckled. "It's not just us. Defense City and Elaphure City are helping too."
The viscount nodded in a self-satisfied manner. "Apart from the Archduke of Beacon Illumination City who had not succeeded the position for very long, and Sentry Region's Stustel Family who are staying neutral as usual, the Archduke of the Glacier Sea stated that he is willing to participate. And soon, the reply from Prestige Orchid Region and Reformation Tower from the south will be arriving.
