Kingdom's Bloodline, page 581
“I do not know when Kohen gained such an unconventional middle name.” A thought struck Derek’s mind, and nostalgia as well as amusement appeared in his eyes. “But yes, Kohen is my cousin. I grew up with him in Walla Hill.
“His mother is my father’s younger sister and also my aunt.”
Thales thought about that for a while.
Kohen’s mother was Derek’s aunt…
“Karabeyan and Kroma.”
‘The Sword of the Twin Towers and the Single-Winged Crow.
‘Walla Hill and Wing Fort.’
The prince said in realization, “I see. So your families are related by marriage.”
The Count of Wing Fort smiled faintly and nodded.
“So how did Kohen mention me to you?”
In the next second, Thales suddenly noticed Derek’s expression turning a little stiff.
Count Kroma coughed a little rigidly, and under the prince’s encouraging gaze, he said a little arduously, “Six years ago, Kohen mentioned you for the first time in his letter to me.”
While Derek spoke, he recalled what happened, and his tone was a little strange.
“Kohen said… Umm, he said that he had his heart broken, so he had taken leave to go to the north for a holiday and do some sightseeing.
“Then, in one single night, he coincidentally embarked on a great and honorable adventure. He followed an extremely wise prince and charged into Heroic Spirit Palace bravely. He fought at night in Dragon Clouds City, defended the Hall of Heroes with his life, fought fiercely against Northlanders, crossed swords with a legend, fought against enemies of supreme class, experienced the terror of the calamities, witnessed the descent of the Great Dragon, lived through the mutiny of treacherous ministers, went through the pain of being betrayed by a comrade, which he would remember for life, snuck into the White Blade Guards’ ranks, saw the king being assassinated and the crown being handed over to someone else, watched the archduchess take up her position, charge forward boldly while the north was filled with powerful enemies, saved Constellation when the country was on the edge of peril, and finally saved millions of lives and ensured their safety…”
As Thales listened, his eyebrows twitched.
“That is the gist of what he said. The original contents of the letter were a little… shall we say… long-winded.” The more the count spoke, the more resigned he felt.
Nonetheless, even Thales could feel just how excited and passionate Kohen was when he wrote his letter, which was how he ended up rambling so much that became incoherent. There had to have been a strange feeling of awkwardness, which could practically be felt throughout the letter.
“In the end, Kohen grumbled about how even though the Secret Intelligence Department came to his doorstep at night to warn him not to reveal the country’s secrets, his superior did not believe him and refused to give him more holidays for his contributions as well as reimburse him for his expenses… So he hoped that I would understand his situation…”
Derek pondered silently for a while.
“When I received the letter, I thought that perhaps he had been single for too long, and you know, people who are single for too long like to imagine things and might even start to have hallucinations…
“I mean, yes, you are indeed young and intelligent, Your Highness, but Northland? Eckstedt? So many things happened… and I highly suspected him…”
Derek stopped talking and stared at Thales.
“Until now.”
Thales hesitated for one second before he wore a polite but awkward smile.
‘Hmm, how should I say this?
‘Kohen, you… are awesome.
‘It’s not easy to mix up the truth with lies.
‘But when you flip it over, a person’s abilities will also be tested, making the truth sound like a lie so naturally and seamlessly, just as Young Master Karabeyan did.’
After some time, Thales put away his false smile and coughed.
“Um, is Kohen well?”
Derek smiled. “I believe so. He is still a policeman in the capital, and he is working on a job that most nobles cannot understand. My aunt and uncle are among them.”
Derek shrugged in resignation. “You must understand, they have been worried about his marriage all this time. Over the past decade, my aunt has been worried that he will marry his batchmate. You know, the warrior lady from the Arunde Family?”
A light crease appeared between Thales’ eyebrows.
“Miranda?”
The prince snickered.
“Oh, no. That is not possible.”
Derek exhaled.
“Yes, I know. Lady Arunde is perhaps the person Kohen fears the most.
“That brat once said that he always had the misconception that he would suddenly act foolishly in front of Lady Arunde.”
Thales smacked his lips. He recalled the way Miranda and Kohen communicated with each other.
‘Yes, that is definitely a misconception. Because he would definitely not “suddenly”act foolishly.’
“But a decade has gone by, and my aunt no longer cares so much.” Derek shook his head. He found it amusing, but it also made him speechless at the same time. “Now, as long as Kohen is willing to get married, she will not care whether the woman is a warrior or not. So long as she is a woman, it will be fine.”
Thales met Derek’s gaze, and both of them simultaneously laughed in spite of themselves once they came to an understanding.
After a while, Derek’s voice became lower.
“So, is it true? Kohen said that he… ah… fought against the Fire Knight in Heroic Spirit Palace, and he withstood the legendary anti-mystic equipment. He even fought against the Fire Knight for three hundred rounds while their flesh and blood spilled all over the floor.”
‘The Fire Knight… fought against him for three hundred rounds…’
The prince felt a little troubled.
“Urk, my attendant was a witness. They should have indeed fought, but three hundred rounds?”
Thales did not continue. He only smiled bashfully.
A thought struck Derek’s mind. He nodded once he understood the meaning behind Thales’ words.
“Then, what about the time he said that he faced the Red Witch, who has the same reputation as Lord Hansen? With the appropriate amount of respect, he said that he would rather die than surrender when she tried to convince him to do so once he was forced into a corner, all while remaining humble?”
‘Faced the Red Witch… said with the appropriate amount of respect that he would rather die than surrender…’
The prince was stunned before he blinked.
“Ah, about that… How should I say it? Basically, before the Red Witch could even persuade him to surrender, he was already…”
This time, before Thales could say anything, the count, who was very good at understanding things, raised his eyebrows, and he looked contemplative.
“I understand.
“Then, he mentioned that he met the legendary warrior, Ground-Shaker Kaslan, whose skills never deteriorated and who was unbeatable. He fought against him fiercely with the looming threat of death, and all his punches met his flesh. Kohen sacrificed one arm as the price…”
‘Fought against him fiercely with the looming threat of death…’
Thales’ lips twitched in embarrassment.
“He, ahaha, about that…”
This time, while Thales was still hesitating about what words he should use, Derek raised his eyebrows even higher in a great show of consideration.
“Oh…”
When he saw the look of realization on the count’s face, Thales suddenly felt guilty for betraying Kohen.
‘That’s not right. I’m clearly telling the truth here!’
However, Derek’s next sentence caused Thales’ heart to sink.
“Then… the Great Dragon?”
Thales remained quiet for a while. The scenes from the past appeared in his mind.
“It’s true.”
Derek looked shocked.
“Oh.” Count Kroma narrowed his eyes, and he looked rather stern. “This explains why the messenger crows that would pass by the northern area all arrived late during that month six years ago. The rumors are true. When the Great Dragon spreads its wings, all passages in a one thousand mile radius in the air will be forbidden.”
Derek asked softly, “What about… the calamities?”
This time, Thales’ expression was as still as water. He lowered his head.
He did not speak. He only clenched his teeth tightly together and remained quiet for a long time.
When Derek saw how the prince reacted, he did not continue to ask any further questions about the topic.
“Hmph.” The count shook his head and sighed.
“Did you know that the first Count of Wing Fort kept a record saying that he met a calamity before, but in my family, there are several generations of people who believe that those were the crazy ravings of an old man before he passed away.”
Derek remained quiet for a while.
“So, was King Nuven killed by the calamities?”
Thales raised his head. He felt like he could see the dawn where the millions of arrows were fired at the same time. He also felt as if he could see the crowned, bloody head roll to his feet.
“He was killed by the Assassin’s Flower. The younger Charleton, Migratory Locust Blade, and also by Chapman Lampard,” the prince said in a calmed state.
Derek inhaled quietly.
The area around them became quiet, so quiet that they could only hear the sound of horses galloping.
The count slowly raised his head.
“You have been involved in a lot of trouble, Your Highness. Perhaps many people refuse to believe and many more people do not know this, but I would like to say that the entire kingdom is indebted to your kindness.” Derek let out a breathy sigh, and his gaze was incredibly grave as well as serious.
Thales gritted his teeth. He forced himself to put on a smile.
“Thank you, Count Kroma.” The prince nodded stiffly.
“Derek.” The Count of Wing Fort first wore a gentle and friendly smile before the teenager before he extended his right hand to him, as though it was his first time officially introducing himself.
“That is my name.”
Thales froze for a moment at first. Shortly after, he cast Derek a deep glance before he smiled as well.
“Of course, Derek.” The second prince sincerely extended his right hand and held Derek’s hand. “Thales.”
Their gazes met mid-air, and they nodded at each other.
Derek released the prince’s right hand, and the topic of conversation changed abruptly.
“Thales, when I stand and look at things from the angle of the Western Desert nobles, I know how Renaissance Palace looks at us. I also know what we face, and I know how sensitive and awkward your situation is right now.”
Derek looked at Thales seriously.
Thales met his gaze with a stern look too.
“If this were any other time, I might say some insincere words like ‘Western Desert is not your enemy, much less the people of Western Desert.'” Derek sighed. “But you are Kohen’s friend.”
Derek’s expression was a little sad and resigned.
“And as his cousin as well as your friend, I must give you a reminder, Thales.”
In the next moment, Thales lowered his head slightly, and he hissed a few words, which made them sound like they were even more precious than gold, because the volume of his voice was even fainter than the beating of a mosquito’s wings.
“Beware of Duke Cyril.”
‘What?’
Thales had to first remember the person whom the name was associated with before he frowned.
“Are you talking about Duke Fakenhaz? What do you mean?”
Derek remained silent for a few seconds before he replied softly, “His Grace is very skilled in manipulating hearts, even those who do not like him.”
‘Manipulating hearts?’
Thales was stunned for a second.
He first remembered the Red Witch, who stayed in Northland.
But… Cyril Fakenhaz? The Unwelcomed?
“Count Bozdorf mentioned that the duke retains the same ambiguous attitude towards everyone. He remains neutral and never chooses a side.” Derek’s current expression was one of unprecedented sternness. He looked as if he was facing a great enemy. “Perhaps that is because the master of Western Desert, Duke Cyril, wants him to think that way.”
‘The Duke of Western Desert wants him to think that way?’
Thales was stunned.
He had to admit, from the first minute they met each other, Derek gave him the impression that he was a cautious and thoughtful man who did things appropriate to his standing, never overstepping his boundaries.
But now…
“And if Count Bozdorf does not like Duke Cyril, then perhaps it is because the duke does not want him to like himself,” Derek said to Thales coldly.
Thales breathed, feeling dazed.
“Then, the Duke is known as the Unwelcomed is because…”
Derek nodded. He lowered his voice and completed the remaining half of the sentence.
“It is because he does not want to be welcomed.”
Thales stared at Derek in bewilderment.
He suddenly felt that the person in front of him had become different.
‘Wait, if all of this is true, the impression Duke Fakenhaz left on me is also…’
“Thales, perhaps you know as well that due to historical reasons, our family has quite a few tricks up our sleeves when it comes to training messenger crows,” Derek spoke again.
Thales tried his best to shift his attention back to the present.
“Urk, really?”
The Count of Wing Fort said warily, “A few months ago, His Majesty reached an agreement with the suzerains of Western Desert. We were to send our forces to the Alliance of Freedom and put pressure on Eckstedt in order to rescue you and return you to the kingdom.”
“Yes,” Thales replied instinctively.
Derek’s gaze turned sharp.
“In the week we reached an agreement with His Majesty, my Raven Whistlers scouted a few long-distance messenger crows that only flew to the north, and they crossed the borders of the country.”
‘In the week we reached an agreement… only flew to the north, crossed the borders of the country… Long-distance messenger crows…’
Thales frowned. “What do you mean?”
Derek stayed silent for a few seconds before he said airily, “The messenger crows flew incredibly high in the air, and they were extremely wary. They were also skilled in hiding themselves. Even with the abilities of the Raven Whistler Light Cavaliers, they nearly missed the crows.
“Those are not postal messenger crows that only know how to move back and forth between two places, whose trajectories have been fixed, whose minds are simple with simple training.
“They are messenger crows trained to deliver military information. They have been chosen due to a certain set of preferences and brought up strictly. They are smart, quick in mind, are able to tell where they’re going, can listen to orders, and are able to recognize their owners. They are difficult to train, and the cost to train one is high. Only great suzerains who have a lot of money can have and use them.”
‘Messenger crows trained to deliver military information… cost to train one is high… great suzerains…”
Thales’ expression changed slightly.
“Thales, from the moment you got out of trouble and came back, someone from Constellation has been revealing information about you to the Northlanders.” Derek’s tone was very grim. “I believe that is why your journey back here has been filled with accidents.”
‘Revealed my information… journey back has been filled with accidents…’
Thales’ breath froze for a moment.
Right then, he suddenly remembered King Chapman’s figure and also why he chose to take the risk to suddenly visit Dragon Clouds City to meet Thales.
‘No way…’
The prince raised his eyes with a highly vigilant gaze.
“Are you saying that Duke Fakenhaz has been…”
Derek shook his head. “I can’t be certain, but Thales, not everyone in this kingdom welcomes your return.” Derek narrowed his eyes, and his tone was cold, causing Thales to be unwittingly clench his fists.
At that moment, a few Raven Whistle Light Cavaliers rushed back swiftly from the avenue ahead of them. While they charged back amid the endless flying dust, they brought with them a message that made all of them nervous.
“Be on alert! The scouts have come into contact with multiple cavaliers!”
‘What?’
Derek and Thales exchanged glances before they frowned.
The entire team of Raven Leaders immediately stopped moving forward. Hundreds of cavaliers simultaneously drew the reins on their horses. For a moment of time, the sound of horse hooves could be heard rumbling, while horse neighs rose and fell in the air.
Everyone moved. Quite a few Raven Whistlers quickly approached them and surrounded the two important people.
“Count Derek!”
Paul spurred his horse and rushed over from the back as well. The heir of the Brave Souls Fort had a solemn expression on his face.
But the Count of Wing Fort remained calm.
“Do not panic. The Raven Whistlers are elite cavalry scouts. This is only the first message. It means that this group are at least a few miles ahead of us. We will know of their identity very soon.”
His confident answer was mixed among sounds of countless horses moving about. It made Thales feel much more at ease.
Very soon, the second and third messages arrived. The new information caused the three nobles to feel even graver.
“Twenty-five cavaliers! They have no flags! Their identities are unknown! They refuse to respond!”
“Their equipment is somewhere between that of light cavaliers and heavy cavaliers! Their equipment is of superior quality! They are very skilled!”
“The scouting ravens in the sky have responded. They have more groups behind them! More cavaliers and infantrymen! They number in the thousands!”
‘More? Number in the thousands?’
