Kingdom's Bloodline, page 365
'It was a great honor, Ian.'
Monty snorted lightly, shot a glance at Thales and revealed a somewhat ferocious smile. His malicious gaze caused a pang of discomfort in Thales' heart.
The Raven of Death walked past him and left an airy sentence, "You live up to your reputation indeed, Prince Thales."
Monty ground his teeth together, as though he was chewing something. "What a pity."
Thales swallowed uneasily. He did not know what the other party was feeling pity for, but his complex gaze that followed caused Thales to feel apprehensive.
With Nicholas accompanying her, the young lady silently walked towards the big gate. The archduchess passed by Thales' side, and during that moment, her footsteps halted for a moment.
Thales shut his eyes. A voice brimming with rage was heard, but it was not from her.
"How did you do it?"
Thales took a deep breath and opened his eyes.
The Star Killer stood in front of Thales, his eyes were already devoid of anger. Only an icy coldness and hatred remained.
"You've lied to us for so long regarding Lampard, but… there were at least three layers of guards from Axe District to this place." Nicholas sneered. "How did Lampard get all the way to the hall's doorway without the slightest hindrance, then appear at just the right time to fit into your act?"
Thales had to wave his hands again, indicating to Wya and Ralf that they did not have to come forth.
Saroma was standing not too far away from them, and she did not turn around. Thales exhaled.
It was only at that moment that he truly felt heavy in his heart.
"The diplomat group of Black Sand Region's been here for a long time," Thales said flatly. "Viscount Kentvida came in the name of presenting himself to the Archduchess. As long as nobody knew the King, they could successfully pass through the patrols of the First Gatehouse.
"As for Heroic Spirit Palace… today was special. The elite Archduchess' Guards were all guarding the safety of the nobles around the Hall of Heroes, so the palace guards were responsible for defending the palace gate. Furthermore, they had to receive the dukes' attendants waiting outside."
Thales silently said, "So, as long as we knew their shift schedule, with the cooperation of Ralf's psionic abilities and Wya's identity… Lampard could then avoid the palace guards and arrive at the hall's doorway. Only the Archduchess' Guards under you remained before him."
Nicholas narrowed his eyes. "Palace guards?"
Thales nodded, his face gloomy. "There was no way of escaping the Archduchess' Guards, but Lampard did not have to face them directly. He just had to have Kentvida find the messenger at the door and get him to notify Count Lisban, who was in the hall, that the King was here."
Nicholas frowned.
"The Archduchess was already forced into a corner." Thales sighed and said, "What I had to do was incite conflict. I had to push the terrible situation in the hall to a point where no one could possibly do any sort of damage control. Count Lisban, who is good at making correct assessments of situations, would know what to do. He's skilled at making decisions."
Not far off, Saroma's shoulders trembled faintly.
Thales had finished speaking.
Nicholas stared coldly at him.
"The palace guards' shift schedule?" Nicholas' voice grew increasingly scary. Every word he spoke next was laced with a dangerous connotation, "That's actually a secret that is changed monthly. Which rat betrayed us?"
"There's no need to bother other people." Thales shook his head. "That head chef's son, Joseph. Remember?"
Nicholas frowned. It was as if he was trying hard to search for the name in his mind.
"He was very lonely in the palace." Thales revealed a bitter smile. "I often practiced my sword skills with him when he sent my meals to the court."
Nicholas seemed to have understood something. His face paled. "The scullery?"
"Of course I couldn't get my hands on the shift schedule that's reshuffled on a monthly basis." Thales nodded slowly. "But the palace guards still had to eat. The scullery's daily cooking arrangement is fixed. For instance, when they had to make bread for a small team, where specifically to send it…"
Nicholas appeared more and more unpleasant.
"Don't make it difficult for Joseph." Thales shook his head, and his tone was calm. "He's still young. He thought that it was just a casual chat during practice."
"That's to say, your actions in the palace these six years… whether it was skipping class, running away to read in various corners, conversing with the animals out of boredom, lowering your status to meddle with the servants' work, being amiable and approachable to chat with the servants and guards…" The Star Killer let out a faint sneer, yet it caused a chill in people's hearts. "It was all to gather intelligence, or test our defenses? And you behaving during these past six years… was all an act?"
In the distance, Saroma remained rooted to her spot. The Archduchess' Guards waited respectfully around her.
Thales' breathing froze for a moment.
Silence fell between Nicholas and Thales for a few seconds.
Almost all of the nobles in the hall had left. Only King Chapman, who was accompanied by Kentvida and Kroesch, looked at them in the distance from where he stood. He seemed rather interested, all the while still maintaining his imposing demeanor.
"I conversed with the animals because I was really way too bored. As for the others…" The second prince took a breath and forced out a dull smile. "I had no choice."
"No choice?"
Thales turned around. He could not help but sigh when he looked at the Soul Slayer Pike on the rack. "It's been six years in Dragon Clouds City…
"Every single one of my letters had to be opened and examined; wherever I go, that place had to be searched through in advanced; everyone I talked to had to be interrogated thrice; even the papers used in class had to be examined; every book I touched was recorded by a specialist, and if my daily itinerary or movements were slightly abnormal, you, Lisban or Ginghes the female officer's interrogation would come in succession. Then I'd be grounded…"
Saroma shuddered slightly.
Thales lamented, "Every single one of my movements was under your surveillance. If it wasn't for the Archduchess' concession, I wouldn't even have had the chance to step half a foot out of Heroic Spirit Palace.
"As for Wya, Aida and the others, every Constellatiate who exited the palace did not just have to be searched, there were also scouts shadowing them. Even if they threw a copper coin to a random beggar, you would've locked that beggar up for up to two months. Even the diplomat group sent to visit me in the country had restrictions and were monitored…"
Nicholas was staring at him silently with that same scary expression as before.
"I know that all of you used King Lampard's name, but acted on your own in locking me up in this deep palace. You cut off all my contacts with the outside world, put a stop to the normal education that should have been given to me and expected me to live a meaningless life in ignorance—to turn into a canary that could only cry in its cage…"
Nicholas was silent.
Thales lowered his head and gloomily said, "Constellation, the Secret Intelligence Department, and I did bring you enormous troubles and even disasters. But at the very least, we've fought beside each other before… Was it necessary?"
This time, the silence lasted for a long time.
Nicholas let out a cold snort.
"It wasn't just necessary...
"From what I've seen, it was far from enough," he said resolutely. "Justin was still too laxed with you. He shouldn't have allowed you to contact the people from Black Sand Region in the first place, thus allowing you to obtain the opportunity to betray us.
"You betrayed us all and thought you wouldn't have to worry about anything once you escaped to Black Sand Region?"
Nicholas' eyes shone with a cold glare. "You will do well to remember this, young Prince of the Empire."
Thales furrowed his brow slightly.
"Am I supposed to be scared of you now? Forget it." The prince shook his head slightly. "Don't overestimate yourself just because people call you the Star Killer, dead face. You and I… we were never on the same level."
Nicholas' complexion stiffened.
"Very well," the Star Killer said hatefully. "You'd best be careful not to fall into my hands. When that time comes… you won't even have the chance to regret your decisions."
Nicholas glared at him fiercely. He turned around, took big strides to catch up with the archduchess' retinue, and left.
'Thank you, dead face. I will be careful, just as before.'
The archduchess did not stop. She walked directly out of the big door and did not even turn her head around.
As he heard the footsteps by his ear leave into the distance, Thales sighed. There was an indescribable heavy feeling in his heart.
"Aren't we leaving?"
As he watched wave upon wave of important people release harsh words, Wya, who moved closer to Thales, did not dare let out a single breath. "Your Highness?"
Thales shook his head.
'No. there's one more.'
Finally, a set of heavy footsteps approached them. Immediately, Wya and Ralf looked as if they were facing a great enemy.
"You did not plan to seek help from me initially, did you?" King Chapman's sonorous and somewhat hoarse voice rose into the air.
Compared to the awe-inspiring tone he had earlier, his manner of speech right then lacked some of the domineering air he previously had, and in its place was a teasing tone.
However, Thales did not answer immediately. He gestured for Wya to step back.
"No." Thales shook his head. "If it weren't for an accident, you wouldn't have had the chance to appear."
He raised his head, and his gaze was rather unfocused. "My father always liked giving me surprises."
The air turned quiet for a moment.
"Yes," the king began to speak slowly. His tone concealed certain inexplicable emotions. "I understand."
Chapman narrowed his eyes. His hand, which was clutching the sword by his waist, tightened. "My father was the same too."
While this unique ambience surrounded them, Thales and Chapman both remained silent in tacit understanding for a while.
A few seconds later...
"But you reacted very quickly." Thales turned to the king and said sincerely. His tone was filled with all sorts of feelings. "I only touched upon the matter of Constellation sending troops to the Alliance of Freedom lightly, and you caught the opportunity."
King Chapman snorted lightly in disdain. "Same here."
"But..." The prince faced the king and took a deep breath. "Just now, you said that victory has been determined in the battle between you and the vassals who oppose you in Black Sand Region."
The king's expression changed. "What about it?"
Thales narrowed his eyes. "You also said that Archduke Trentida would send troops and deal with them with you?"
King Chapman raised his eyebrows.
Thales stared intently at him and did not move his gaze away for a long time. A while later, the prince laughed.
"Stop joking." Thales shook his head and said, "We all know him—Trentida of Reformation Tower. Why would he help you?"
"What's the problem with that?" King Chapman scoffed. "Everyone knows that Porpheus Trentida has always been indecisive, treacherous, and cunning."
Thales begrudgingly smoothened his hair as he recalled that archduke with his bowl cut and sparkling eyes.
"Correct, but let me put it this way. If you invite Trentida to go deer hunting together, then he definitely wouldn't go." Thales sighed. "Unless he knows beforehand that the deer that's being hunted has died, and all he has to do is drag its meat back…
"Only then would Trentida, with a face full of forthrightness, dignity, solemnness and vehemence, ride to his death like a hero. He would haul his bow, sling his arrows over his shoulder, carry his blade, and ride out the gates."
They both looked at each other in silence.
A moment later, King Chapman smiled.
"Hahahahaha, 'ride to his death like a hero.'" This time, Lampard's smile was particularly carefree, and it was different from his previous cold sneers as well as ridiculing smiles. It seemed like in this moment, he was truly happy. "I can't not say that this fits his image very well!"
Thales laughed along with him. His shoulders shook slightly.
Nevertheless, his smile disappeared quickly. "So, even though Trentida made it sound good, he simply won't mobilize any troops with you."
The smiling expression in Thales' eyes was replaced with a solemn and serious look. "If your vassals gather together, have a fall out with the Lampard Family and decide to fight to the death against you, it will still be unclear as to who would emerge the victor between you and them."
King Chapman's laughter came to a stop as well.
Thales stared coldly at him. "Your claims that 'the results of the chessboard have been decided' was no more than empty talk. So that's why you came in person."
'Just like six years ago.'
King Chapman did not deny or admit to anything. He just stared at Thales with a mysterious expression.
Thales looked in the direction of the door and sighed. "Ian is still a little too young. He still lacks experience when it comes to facing you. That's why he was so easily intimidated by you. If it was his father who was here instead, that steadfast, resolute, stubborn, and callous warrior-cum-Archduke of the City of Faraway Prayers, Kulgon Roknee…"
King Chapman sneered, "Your assessment of him is quite high."
Thales scoffed.
"Judging by Lisban and Nazaire's expressions, I'm afraid that they have doubts in their hearts." The prince exercised his aching shoulder and said in a low voice, "But because of a fear of your relationship with Constellation and also the lack of confidence in Trentida, they fear that you'll really promise him something he cannot refuse. That's why they didn't dare take the gamble."
King Chapman shook his head in a seemingly casual manner. "Not everyone has the wisdom to see through my gamble and still have the courage to bet against me."
Thales shook his head and snorted lightly.
"That aside, everything that's happened in this hall, whether it's the huge loss the City of Faraway Prayers suffered in their confrontation with the King, or news about Dragon Clouds City not joining the alliance condemning the King and handing the Prince of Constellation over to him instead, both pieces of information will spread quickly and widely across Eckstedt, especially back to Black Sand Region.
"Now, you can hold back the City of Faraway Prayers using Constellation, crush the confidence of your opposers who hear this news, and even attach the title of a royalist on Trentida…"
Thales suddenly felt mentally exhausted. It was as if the hearing that morning had drained him of all his energy.
"Only the moment the Archduchess agreed to hand me over did you completely win," he said, disinterested. "Everything else earlier was just a bluff. Are you satisfied now?"
The people in the hall stared at each other silently.
Their delay also caused the Archduchess' Guards defending the hall to frown, but Kentvida's smile and Kroesch's chilly expression had effectively held them back.
"But it's not like you didn't gain anything, Thales." After some time, King Chapman said quietly, "First of all, not only did you not avoid being dragged into a war, you also broke free of Dragon Clouds City's clutches."
"Really?" The prince yawned, as though he was completely unconcerned. "Pardon me for being blind then, I cannot see how this is supposed to be good."
But the king ignored him. However, his voice was slightly cold, "And based on the terms we have agreed upon… I have already given the girl a chance to build her prestige so that her vassals will no longer be her enemies."
This sentence caused Thales' unfocused gaze to instantly sharpen.
"Under a certain terrifying king's pressure, in a short period of time, the Archduchess of Dragon Clouds City will not lose their support, and she will not be forced to marry beneath her status as well. With an external force bearing down on them, they will be sincerer in working together. Is that not what you wanted?"
Thales frowned.
"But she is still just a girl," several seconds later, Thales forced this sentence out of his lips. "No matter what, her existence will cause many people in Dragon Clouds City to be uneasy and refuse to obey her."
King Chapman lifted an eyebrow. "I am powerless regarding that matter, unless you are capable of turning her into a man, of course."
Thales looked up. He stared at King Chapman's profound gaze confidently and with a look that allowed no disagreement. "So, you must help her maintain her power, no matter what method you use."
The king appeared to find this statement slightly hilarious. "I must?"
Thales nodded.
He said calmly, "The Archduchess is a girl whose status has sparked continuous discussions, and overturned tradition. As the King of Eckstedt, enabling her to maintain her rule over Dragon Clouds City, which has a strong foundation and many talented people born from it, will grant you benefits.
"You do not want to see someone like the flawless Lisban, the cunning Nazaire, or the forceful and direct Karkogel become the Archduke of Dragon Clouds City, yes?"
King Chapman's expression froze for a moment.
Thales stared at him, and he did not move his gaze away.
A slight change of expression appeared on the king's boorish face. "Indeed, we do not need a second King Nuven."
Only then did Thales breathed a sigh of relief.
"For that to happen, you will even need to help her obtain a relative amount of power," the second prince emphasized his words and spoke faster. "Do not forget, as an archduchess, the obstructions she has to face is in some sense the same as the problems you face. For instance, the tradition that has lasted for thousands of years in Northland…"
When King Chapman heard this, the interest in his eyes grew stronger.
"Besides, she is the Archduchess you acknowledged, and you obtained her vote…"
