Kingdom's Bloodline, page 446
"So that night, I climbed the Black Track laboriously out of Dragon Clouds City. There, the man named Moriah was brought to life for the first time since he was born. He no longer lived for others, and he no longer lived as the version of the person he was supposed to be in another person's eyes."
In the darkness, Quick Rope' eyes sparkled. "On that day, I saw myself use my own hands to save myself and change my fate, and once I had shattered all my delusions and escaped out of pure luck, I completely abandoned those shackles which were called power but was imprisonment in reality. I said 'no', loud and clear, to it and everything it represented, including the restraints forced on me disguised under the pretty name of 'responsibilities'; including the hypocrisy and pretentiousness that were claimed as 'virtues'; including deception regarded as 'righteousness'."
Quick Rope's voice faded away, only his determination and resolve remained in the air. After quite some time, deeply moved, Thales forced words out of his mouth.
Thales sighed and said, "That's why you chose to leave… even if you may have to bear the bad names of being a coward, a weakling, or a deserter."
Quick Rope laughed disapprovingly. "You may think whatever it is that you like, but I—"
However, the next words from Thales stunned Quick Rope a little.
"Maybe sometimes, compared to submitting to the gazes of those from the world and taking a path that is planned by others for you, forging your own path may require even more courage."
There was some semblance of sentimentality in Thales' voice.
The way Quick Rope looked at him changed slowly. There was no longer a barely discernible mocking look in his eyes, but seriousness and solemnity. "...Maybe."
Moonlight pierced through the clouds, casting silver rays on the ground. The two princes watched each other in silence.
Thales could feel resolution and determination in the other man's eyes, along with some barely noticeable hesitation and bewilderment.
Thales could not hold himself back from asking, "But how did you do it, Mo-Quick Rope? How did you keep yourself from turning back? Those... Can you really let go of it that easily? After you left, have you ever regretted your decision?"
This time, Quick Rope was the one who was taken aback by his question. He sank into deep thought. There was a moment where Thales could see a bit of conflict in his eyes.
At last, Quick Rope managed to unfurrow his brow.
"Six years ago, when I survived the sea and heard about the upheaval in Eckstedt, and the news of my father's death… I was indeed shocked. I fell into despair and regretted my decision."
Quick Rope let out a deep sigh. "But as I have said before, my father's ending was destined, with or without my presence.
"As for Dragon Clouds City and Eckstedt… If I was there, they could have been in a better situation, but they could also be in worse. I don't think that they would become better or worse solely because of me."
In that second, Quick Rope was like an old sailor who had been through countless trials and hardships, and was telling his story around the fireplace at sunset after he had returned from his final voyage.
"I do not want, and cannot be too greedy. I can't attempt to control matters that are beyond me. If there could be two outcomes in history, should I be weeping bitter tears over the devastated Dragon Clouds City in my absence, or should I be cheering excitedly because Dragon Clouds City survived, because I wasn't there?"
Thales was stunned.
"All I could do was this: I could only save myself. Only this. And that is enough," Quick Rope said airily.
"And I was here, either in the desert or at sea. I tried my best to keep the small crew fully operational, I helped maintain the business of a small tavern, I helped a small group of mercenaries survive, I helped these small groups of people whose numbers I can count with one hand."
Quick Rope glanced through the window at the mottled wall outside the house and the somber alley. "As a matter of fact, I don't think what I'm doing here, or the values I can find here, would be more insignificant or less valuable than acting like a powerful person who can't be affected in any way while I moved my bargaining chips around in the secret chambers of Dragon Clouds City. I do not think that the values I gain here are less important than the ones I would gain when I chat frequently with the suzerains on topics related to history, our mission, the kingdom's welfare and the people's livelihoods.
"I have merely... chosen a life that belongs only to me."
Thales listened quietly, the surprise in his eyes could not be concealed. Finally, the Prince of Constellation looked away and let out a long breath.
It was like he had just fought a hard battle and became somewhat tired.
"I'm sorry, Quick Rope." Thales leaned against the wall and smiled a little as his whole body relaxed. "Earlier, I said some inappropriate and presumptuous words to criticize you. You know, when I suddenly met the culprit who caused me to be held hostage in another country for six years…" Thales spread his arms.
Quick Rope looked up with smiling eyes. "I understand. So, have you calmed down? Is the interrogation over?"
The two men looked into each other's eyes with a smile, the once unfamiliar enmity between them dispersed slowly.
"Yes. I get it now, it was your choice," Thales said softly as he let go of the grudge he held in his heart. "And I have no right to comment. I respect your decision."
Quick Rope took a deep breath. He opened his mouth and said two words, but there was a wave of sentimentality that he could not hold back in his voice, "Thank you."
"Don't get me wrong, I don't fully agree with your opinion"—Thales moved his waist to ease the pins and needles in his back caused by the lack of blood flow—"especially about how history works or how you think of responsibilities."
Quick Rope winked at him. "But you said this: you respect my decision. This is far more precious than a complete agreement."
Quick Rope stared quietly at the features on Thales' face in the darkness. He smiled. "Thank you."
Thales raised his eyebrows. He hummed softly. "Alright. I'll accept it."
However, Quick Rope shook his head. "No... That was for Alex."
At that moment, Thales stiffened.
Quick Rope stared at Thales with a serious expression. "In your stories about Dragon Clouds City, you mentioned many things that are regarded as secrets. The battles, calamities, Lampard, the coronation… and you spoke of them all as if you personally saw them, but you never mentioned yourself."
He narrowed his eyes. "Either you are bluffing, just like those vendors by the streets who hear all sorts of rumors… or you are Thales Jadestar, who was personally involved in all of it at the time.
"So, thank you for helping the current Archduchess of Dragon Clouds City during that horrifying night."
Thales let out a deep breath. He scowled and said, "Didn't you just say that your results in Politics class was very bad?"
Quick Rope shrugged and smiled again. "Naturally I can't compare to a certain person who slaughtered everyone with his words during the National—"
"No." Thales shook his head. Before Quick Rope could speak, Thales already answered his own question, "I'm thinking, Quick Rope, that you're probably very smart, smarter than most of the nobles who look very conniving and sly." He continued with a sigh filled with emotions, "But your teacher never noticed."
Quick Rope's smile froze a little, then he sniggered before continuing with the earlier topic.
"I know how that girl is," Quick Rope said faintly. "Other than her mother's looks, she also inherited her father's pride and arrogance. Alex might have a hateful personality, but she isn't a bad girl. Since no one controlled her behavior when she was a child, she became a little willful."
Thales felt his heart clench. 'Alex…'
As he listened to Quick Rope speak of the girl in his memories, Thales felt that his heart had become empty. What he saw before his eyes was how she had spasmed in pain before she passed away.
'No.' Thales felt as if his soul had left his body as he thought in a daze. 'No, Moriah... He still doesn't know. He doesn't know…'
"I feel relieved knowing you're protecting her." Quick Rope chuckled. "So, thank you, Thales. Thank you for doing so many things for her, be it those that I know of, or those that I don't."
'But… but she… the girl in his memories has already…' Thales gritted his teeth.
Quick Rope narrowed his eyes and looked at him, then changed the topic of conversation. "Be careful, Thales. I may have just said that regardless of whether someone cares about you, or whether you care about someone in your heart… but the love between you two is even more difficult than the one between me and Diana."
During that instant, Thales was frozen. 'Love?'
Thales said with a sigh, "Quick Rope, you're mistaken—"
But Quick Rope interrupted him, "Don't think that this won't affect you, Thales. In this era, bloodlines and family backgrounds are a curse."
Quick Rope placed a hand on his knee, and pointed at Thales with the other. His expression was stern. "With your status, someday there will be someone, be it your family, friends, someone with a great reputation, or someone you trust, they will come before you and tell you in no uncertain terms that, for a greater benefit, for the greater good of more citizens, and for a grander goal, you must give yourself up along with your life, your love life, your freedom, and that you must submit to them; that you have to become their slave and join their games."
Thales was stunned.
"And your choices will determine who you are." Quick Rope stared at Thales, making the latter incredibly uneasy. His expression did not change. "But no matter what you choose, no matter what you sacrifice or keep, you have to make sure that they are your decisions, Thales. Don't let others make them for you."
The former Prince of Eckstedt narrowed his eyes. "You absolutely must not let them make those decisions for you."
Thales stared at him in a daze. At that moment, he had mixed feelings in his heart. His mind was filled with pity for Alex, guilt for lying to Moriah, worry for Little Rascal's future, the myriad of emotions towards the shackles of power, and not knowing whether he wanted to laugh or cry from this misunderstanding. These emotions were stacked together so tightly that they filled his mind.
He felt incredibly complicated and had no words for it.
"As for me, don't worry." Quick Rope quirked an eyebrow, and his smile was simple and sincere. "Once I settle matters with Dean, I'll go far, far away. I won't return to Dragon Clouds City, nor show myself. I won't cause trouble for my niece, and of course I won't cause trouble to you. This is my promise to you, the promise of a Northlander."
The light was too dim. He did not notice the awkward look on Thales' face and said seriously, "If you truly love her, then Thales, you and Alex will have my blessing, even though I can't say it out loud, you have Moriah Walton's blessing.
"Separation is just temporary. I hope the two of you will meet each other soon, and that everything will end well for you."
'Hope that… Alex and I… will meet each other again soon? Meet where, exactly?'
The boy's face twitched slightly. He did not know whether he should tell Quick Rope the truth or reject his blessing. In the end, he sighed and did not say anything.
In the face of the hopeful Quick Rope, the Prince of Constellation forced an awkward grimace.
"Thanks… Thank you, I guess."
Chapter 392: Technical Skill |
Both of them stared at each other in the quiet and remote little house.
Thales said worried, "About you… what's your next step going to be?"
Quick Rope thought about it for a moment.
"I'll find a good explanation for this." Quick Rope shrugged and gestured at Dean who was on the ground, covered by a rough cloth. "Louisa and the rest should be coming back tomorrow morning, and I don't want to be caught red-handed by them."
"Aren't you leaving immediately?"
"Dean is dead, and Quick Rope from the same team disappeared," Quick Rope refuted impolitely. "Do you think the people from the Secret Room are idiots? I need to find a cover, Thales, one that won't arouse suspicion."
"But a lie always needs to be covered by more lies," Thales said, deep in thought as he stared at Dean. "Unless we can make sure that this man disappears mysteriously, the kind where no one knows where he went and never appears again."
Quick Rope's gaze flickered and he revealed an obsequious expression. "Hmm… If you no longer plan to kill me or capture me to do something shady, my esteemed Prince Thales…" Quick Rope rubbed his hands together. He looked like he was promoting an insurance plan. "Can you look for Constellation's officials in the camp and ask them to secretly dispose of the body? I will be innocent, and you will go home. Everybody will be happy."
"Quoting your original words." Thales snorted softly. "Do you think the people from the Secret Intelligence Department are idiots?"
Quick Rope winked. "But you're a prince."
Thales scowled.
"I mean…" Quick Rope extended his hands and tapped himself before gesturing politely at Thales. He said with an awkward smile, "The type who can stand in public and declare himself a prince."
'The type… Who can stand in public and declare himself a prince?'
Thales sighed and refused, "The army of Constellation in the camp right now is composed of a complex array of forces. The main forces are searching for me in the desert, and the ones staying here are the forces of the local nobles and the royal family, both of whom decided not to relent to each other. They give me a very bad feeling. It's better not to count on them to keep their mouths shut for me."
Quick Rope arched an eyebrow.
"In the name of the Bright Moon Goddess... Do you see this? These are the shackles of power." He wagged his finger and clicked his tongue. "Watch out, Thales. You're starting to get trapped in it."
Thales rolled his eyes at Moriah without bothering with an attempt to conceal it.
"How about this? You can tell your people half-truths to cover me." Quick Rope scratched his head. "For example, this spy from the Secret Room came to capture you—"
Thales shook his head. "You've been outside for too long, Quick Rope, and you're underestimating how paranoid those people are.
"The Secret Room sent a spy to lurk here for a whole five years. The people he came in contact with, the places he went, the news he was usually concerned about, any unusual behavior of his, and his intentional disguise when it comes to appearances…
"I don't think that the Secret Intelligence Department would miss these. Are you staking your life on the Black Prophet being careless, or on him being naive and kind-hearted?"
Quick Rope's face fell. "Uhh... maybe I shouldn't have appeared at all." He leaned against the wall in agony.
"You indeed shouldn't," Thales muttered.
Quick Rope protested as he heard that. "Hey, I saved your a*s just now!"
Thales pouted. "How did you know that I would definitely meet my end?" Thales stared at Dean who was on the floor, and thought hard for a solution. He also did not forget to refute, "I'm the best at fighting back in desperate situations."
Quick Rope gave him a look of disbelief and said sternly, "Then, we can only get rid of him ourselves."
Thales sighed in resignation. "Alright." The teenage boy stood up and shouldered his luggage. "Where are we digging the hole?"
"Digging a hole with just us unskilled people in this field?" Quick Rope tapped Thales in all earnestness and wagged his finger. "No, no, no, we'll definitely be discovered."
"What do you mean?"
Quick Rope looked like someone who had done this before. He spoke mysteriously and with a smile, "We're at Blade Fangs Camp; we'll do things according to the rules here."
Thales put on a show like he was all ears.
"We need to find a professional, the type who cares for nothing but money and won't ask too many questions." Quick Rope swayed his head, his eyes then grew brighter and brighter. "He is experienced, has a lot of social connections, and knows how to quietly dispose of a corpse."
Thales thought of something. "Professional? Are you talking about…"
Quick Rope snapped his fingers. "Yes, him."
Thales suddenly had an ominous premonition as he looked at Quick Rope's smiling face.
About ten minutes later...
"We'll be there after we turn a corner… Wait, let's be on the lookout first… Alright, we can move now… Haih, gently, gently, this man is so heavy…"
Under the dim moonlight, Thales and Quick Rope walked, one behind the other, while they laboriously carried a sack the size of a person. They took a turn at the corner, bent their waists, and tiptoed as they walked discreetly through the alley.
Thales panted and said, "Visiting him at this hour… are you sure that this is a good idea?"
They reached an inconspicuous wooden door.
Quick Rope gritted his teeth and nodded. "Don't worry, Tampa is definitely home—alright, put him down first—After all, 'My Home' is fully booked for tonight."
But Quick Rope's hand—which was about to knock on the door—stopped in the air.
"Strange..." Quick Rope stared at the lock on the wooden door. "The lock is outside… Tampa didn't come home?"
Thales arduously put down the sack and said sarcastically as he thumped his numb shoulder, "Hah, you're truly 'dependable'. Next, we can only-What are you doing?"
He was struck dumb by Quick Rope's actions.
At some point of time, Quick Rope had three iron picks between his teeth. He was clutching two more in his hands and was violently fiddling with the lock on the door.
"Opening the lock," Quick Rope murmured. "We can't just stay outside like this, let's just go in and wait for him…"
"This is not what I meant!" Thales lowered his voice and said anxiously, "Are you sure that people won't take us for thieves and attack straight away—"
"Take it easy, take it easy." Quick Rope was calm and composed. "You don't know the rules of the trade. There is a way to go about this kind of deal. As long as you have enough money, don't worry so much about other details…"
