Kingdom's Bloodline, page 676
“The Alliance elders, for the most part, appeared emotionally stable.
“The Dragon Clouds City army has also been appeased.
“Just like that, Archduchess Walton used both carrot and stick and showed grace as well as authority. Add that to the huge losses suffered in the war, Fort Liberté—which was a spent force even from the start—lost their last shred of strength and willpower.”
With mixed emotions, Solder looked at that white chess piece that stood out among the rest and lamented, “‘The Lady of Blazing Blood’ managed to conquer the city effortlessly and peacefully.”
Unwittingly, Thales puckered his lips.
He knew, that it must have been far from ‘effortless’.
“‘The Lady of Blazing Blood’, Viscount Kenney queried with a frown, “Really?”
Solder scoffed softly, “That’s what everyone calls her. Or do you prefer I call her ‘Lady Dragon’?”
Kenney smiled but did not reply.
Solder went on, “With the fall of their capitol and the surge of Troubled Citizens, the other cities within the Alliance of Freedom lost their will to fight and were dispirited even before the enemy was in sight.
“That was how the Eckstedtians dramatically turned the tide of the war.”
The military advisor slowly sat down and no longer moved the chess pieces on the map where the war situation was settled.
Minister ‘Wallet’ coughed. “My question is—when she lost in battle and was far away from her home territory, that was when she was in the direst of straits, with no army nor funds—how did she manage to gain the support of those foreign Troubled Citizens?
“She couldn’t have slept with them all, could she?”
Thales stared at Kirkirk Mann with a blank expression.
‘This minister really is advanced in years…
‘He should really consider an early retirement,’ he thought.
The agent from the Secret Intelligence Department stepped forward once again.
“We don’t know, but we discovered that the nickname ‘Blazing Blood Dragon’ originated from the Troubled Citizens and only spread to the Northlanders after.”
Kenney wondered, “Why this nickname?
“Did she light herself on fire, stand on a carriage, and charge towards the city?”
The scar-faced man shook his head. “There are all types of rumors. Some say they witnessed a dragon descending from the skies to help her conquer the city…”
Kenney frowned. “So it really is the Great Dragon?”
But he noticed many ministers were shaking their heads at him.
“Impossible,” Solder started again, seemingly a little annoyed, “It might be because you have joined the Imperial Conference fairly recently, Viscount Kenney, that you don’t know this.
“But according to the secret agreement made between ‘Black Eye’ John and the entire Eckstedt kingdom centuries ago,” the military advisor scoffed, “the Queen of the Sky, as a supernatural being, would only intervene in worldly affairs when Calamity reappears.
“Otherwise, we would have been turned to ashes five hundred years ago.”
Gilbert coughed to remind his old friend about his choice of words.
“Only for Calamity? I mean, it clearly appeared in Dragon Clouds City six years ago—”
Viscount Kenny seemed to have figured something out. He looked pallid.
“Oh… I see…”
Thales thought about his encounter with the dragon six years ago, and recalled the Queen of the Sky telling him that he had a beautiful Drakonic name. He couldn’t help but glance over at King Kessel in the distance.
Unfortunately, the king remained still as a sculpture.
“Of course, Lord Kenney,” the scar-faced man said tactfully, “For the past few centuries, we have kept vigilant about the possibility that the Great Dragon might break its promise.
“But so far everything has turned out fine.”
Kenney nodded awkwardly.
The scar-face man continued, “As for the Archduchess’ moniker, some say her blood can start a blaze, burning the enemy alive. Some say once she removes her clothes, she is able to spread her dragon wings and fan a gale. There are even rumors that say, when she howls at the full moon, she can turn into a dragon…
“The one about the full moon, that’s the legend about werewolves,” Solder couldn’t help but interject as the theories became more and more outrageous.
“They’ve long been exterminated by Enemy of the Wolves with the help of Immortal Hunters.”
The spy from the Secret Intelligence Department understood what the military advisor was trying to say, and stopped reciting from the report. He summarized, “All these are not credible.
“How this nickname came about is still a mystery.”
The officials started exchanging whispers again. Thales noticed Gilbert casting a quizzical look at Vicar General Stylia Nydis; the latter shook his head.
At that moment.
“What kind of girl is she?” a gravelly voice asked. The ministers stopped their discussions and turned towards the head of the long table.
The scar-faced man bowed towards the dark outline of the king. “According to our intel, when she was one, her parents…”
But he was immediately cut short, “Thales,” the king’s said slowly, making Thales shudder, “I’m asking you.”
There was a glint in Kirkirk Mann’s eyes. “That’s right. His Highness lived in Dragon Clouds City for six long years. He must know her well, they may even be friends…”
But the Chief of Finance suddenly recalled the situation where he was interrupted by the prince earlier.
Some pondering made him realize the cause. Kirkirk instantly turned pale, lowered his head and dared not go on.
‘What kind of girl is she?’
‘Is she the girl in the library with glasses and gleaming eyes, or the disheveled and quivering lass in Heroic Spirit Palace?
‘Is she the young lady that gritted her teeth and dragged herself forward in the ruins? Or the archduchess who issued a call for action with glowering eyes?’
In that instant, Thales was overwhelmed with mixed emotions.
The Duke of Star Lake took a deep breath before looking towards the head of the long table, staring into those extraordinary eyes.
“That girl looks calm and gentle, harmless,” the prince said softly, “Even a little…dull, sometimes.
“But Little… Saroma?”
Recalling the scene when she refused to leave with him, Thales lowered his head and the corners of his mouth curved upwards subconsciously.
Gilbert frowned.
“She’s a real fighter.”
Done reminiscing, Thales looked up and uttered every word firmly, “Regardless of what she’s up against.
“Calamity, dragon, or…kings.”
Thales could hear the ministers whispering around him.
Until, at one end of the long table, the king said coldly, “Is that so.”
Thales paused: Gilbert nudged him with his elbow somewhat forcibly.
The second prince got the gist and coughed. “Ahem…I mean, she might be a tough enemy. Of course, she could also be a potential ally.”
Under the scrutinizing gazes of the entire table, Thales continued solemnly, “Fortunately, we have a good relationship… What I mean to say is, I’m on talking terms with her.”
The ministers looked at each other.
The king was silent for a while before asking, “Is there anything that can be used against her?”
Thales’ forehead twitched.
“There should be,” he replied while maintaining a poker face, “I’ll have a think when I get back.”
Thales could not see King Kessel’s face clearly, but the latter’s voice could steadily be heard, “She can be our ally?”
Thales’ eyes lit up.
“Of course.”
“She holds the real power in Dragon Clouds City, and isn’t just a puppet of her vassals?”
“Of course.”
“Have you ever slept with her?”
“Of course—”
‘Huh?’
Thales’ expression changed before the echo of his voice faded away. Reacting quickly, he hastily added, “—not.”
The long table fell silent.
Inexplicably, Thales’ face was burning from the gazes directed at him, their implications unknown.
Several seconds later, the king’s probing gaze was finally removed from him.
He merely left the youth with an odd nasal sound, “Hmmph.”
Chapter 566: Crown Jewel of the Kingdom |
Thales’ embarrassment seemed contagious.
At least, the air in Ballard Room froze for a moment.
It was right when the king’s gaze lingered on him.
“So that is all…”
Fortunately, King Kessel looked away and spoke again. “Solder?”
Air started to flow again.
Thales breathed a sigh of relief and avoided everyone else’s gazes.
Thank god they didn’t keep pressing him about it.
Maybe he shouldn’t have said so much about Little Rascal?
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The military advisor, Solder Ryder bowed in reply, “Everything we should know about the war in the Northland is all here.”
In the dark room, the Imperial Conference resumed its normal business atmosphere.
Prime Minister Cullen shook his head contemplatively. Military Advisor Solder looked solemn. The Minister of Trade, Viscount Kenney and Chief of Finance, Kirkirk Mann were whispering with each other.
The Minister of Agriculture, Lord Krapen continued to be in a dazed state, staring around with blurry eyes. Vicar General Stylia Nydis was wordless, but kept on listening intently.
Thales continued to maintain the gentle smile and elegant posture of the Duke of Star Lake, keeping subdued but presentable.
Only the king’s figure remained motionless. His stillness was superior to that of the Everlasting Lamp behind him.
“Gilbert?”
The Iron Hand King’s gaze flickered faintly as it brushed past the map and chess pieces on the table.
The former Foreign Affairs Minister was expecting it. He raised his glasses unhurriedly. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Gilbert reopened his notebook.
“Thanks to the cooperation of our colleagues at the Secret Intelligence Department, as well as the sharing of battle reports by Master Solder and the Ministry of Military Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formed a new judgment on the post-war situation after acquiring all the details.”
He cleared his throat. “The overall conclusion is, although they won the war, but…”
There was a spark in the eyes of the Cunning Fox of Constellation.
“Eckstedt is not the winner.”
Thales’ gaze shifted.
“First of all, if the other two cities did not tire out and pin down the enemy, Dragon Clouds City would not have been able to take Fort Liberté so easily.”
Gilbert pointed at the black and white chess pieces on the table. “But now, Heroic Spirit Palace has reaped all the benefits—fame and wealth, city, and land.
“The City of Faraway Prayers and Defence City, on the other hand, are being mocked for their defeat.”
The participants of the conference had blank expressions on their faces, but understood all too well.
“And don’t forget the ‘Peace Order’ that the archduchess issued,” Solder added coldly, “And her generous ‘pardon’ towards the prisoners of war. In contrast, the Roknee and Lecco families suffered heavy losses without gaining so much as a grain of sand…”
Thales thought about the indefatigable Archduke Roknee and the spry Archduke Lecco, and felt uneasy.
“And the Troubled Citizens too.”
Gilbert nodded and wrote something in his notebook. “The Lady of Blazing Blood received help from the Troubled Citizens of Fort Liberté. She even endorsed them after the war in return—don’t forget, equally Northlanders, the City of Faraway Prayers has long exercised a high-handed rule over the Troubled Citizens within their borders.”
Gilbert looked up.
“In summary, we have reason to believe,” the Cunning Fox of Constellation squinted through his glasses, “After this war, whether in interest or ideology, fame or stance, Dragon Clouds City will inevitably diverge from the Dragon’s Blood Party, which is headed by the City of Faraway Prayers.”
Upon hearing this unfamiliar name, the king’s forehead twitched. “Dragon’s Blood Party?”
Thales’ heart skipped a beat.
Dragon’s Blood.
This wasn’t a phrase he particularly fancied.
Faced with the confused looks of his colleagues, Gilbert nodded.
“For the past two months, King Chapman has been mercilessly purging Black Sand Region of dissidents.
“Correspondingly, in order to have just cause to mobilize troops, his opponents in Black Sand Region have been chanting: Never forget the blood of the Great Dragon, remember former king Ende.”
‘Blood of the Great Dragon, former king Ende.’
Thales recalled The Born King’s smile and voice with mixed emotions.
“They said, as long as you stand up against King Chapman, you are a real Northlander, a member of Dragon’s Blood who cherishes brotherhood.”
Gilbert went on, “Dragon Clouds City is naturally part of it. With clear stances, the City of Faraway Prayers and Defence City are included in it too. Referred to by Eckstedtians as Dragon Blood’s Party, they oppose the Black Sand Party that supports King Chapman.”
The king scoffed softly, but his sentiments were unclear.
‘Dragon Blood’s Party, oppose the king, memorialize the former king, cherish brotherhood…’
Deep down inside, Thales sighed.
‘The person who came up with this slogan and name…’
The well-traveled and knowledgeable Viscount Kenney timely voiced the prince’s thoughts, “Hah, the hidden message here is pretty malicious.
“Rumors and labels are powerful, public opinion can be terrifying,” Prime Minister Cullen sighed and clicked his tongue, “But why do I feel like this has ‘Kingdom’s Secret Intelligence Department’ written all over it?”
He looked towards the scar-faced man.
The envoy from the Secret Intelligence Department bowed and responded, “Respected Prime Minister, you overestimate us. The public will of the Northlanders is strong. It’s not something the Secret Intelligence Department is able to influence.”
But he immediately revealed a half-smile, distorting the scar on his face. “But indeed, when the dissenting voices grew louder, I cannot deny that our agents played a part in amplifying it.”
Duke Cullen had a strange expression on his face.
‘Well.’
Staring at the Secret Intelligence agent, Thales raised his eyebrows.
‘Chapman Lampard is probably not fated to enjoy a good reputation in this lifetime.’
“So, Dragon Clouds City is no longer welcomed by Dragon’s Blood Party—sounds odd however you slice it—does this mean the Walton family will join Lampard’s side?” Viscount Kenney got back on point and asked perplexedly, “Despite the deep-seated hatred between them?”
Gilbert shook his head. “Not necessarily.
“After careful analysis, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is of the opinion that Dragon Clouds City is likely to withdraw from the anti-king struggle, not liked by the Dragon’s Blood Party, and not close to the Black Sand Party, but staying neutral like Beacon Illumination City.”
Military Advisor Solder snorted softly, “Then they’ll stick out like a sore thumb, unable to win the favor of either side.
Gilbert nodded before shaking his head. “But at the same time, they will be outside the eye of the storm, and sitting safely on the fence while the two sides battle it out.
“With the size and status of Dragon Clouds City, coupled with the inherent contempt the archdukes have towards female rulers, the Heroic Spirit Palace might stand to benefit from the dispute between the two sides.
“Our northern neighbors are no longer staging the same play on competing stages and requiring the people to pick sides between the Black Sand Party and Dragon’s Blood Party like they did six years ago.
Thales felt relieved listening to his tutor’s analysis.
‘Although the ruling class of Dragon Clouds City dislike King Chapman—with Saroma and Count Lisban even personally witnessing Dragon Blood’s Night—and it’s hard to resolve their hatred towards each other.
‘But fortunately, Heroic Spirit Palace hasn’t acted on impulse because of this.
‘They chose the path that suited them best.’
Viscount Kenney pondered aloud, “So after this war, Eckstedt will be even more chaotic? And in the face of any issues, it will be a tug of war between at least three sides?
“At present, it seems so,” Gilbert replied.
“Very good.” There was a gleam in Kirkirk Mann’s eyes. “A three-legged chair is more stable than a two-wheeled car anyway.”
Lord Krapen, who had been daydreaming, pulled himself together and exhaled. “Finally, those damned Northlanders get their just deserts.”
The atmosphere of the Imperial Conference improved; the ministers were buoyant.
But the king remained still.
Until Gilbert shook his head and dampened everyone’s mood.
“But we can’t be too optimistic.
“If it becomes more chaotic, it means conflicts will intensify and struggles will escalate.”
There was vigilance in the eyes of the former Foreign Affairs Minister. “It means we’re one step closer to the end.”
Prime Minister Cullen wondered, “The end?”
Gilbert nodded. “Two hundred years ago, Eckstedt faced the ‘Mourning Catastrophe’: Tannon rebelled and Prestige Orchid seized power, ushering in the cruel ‘Century of Last Days’.
“In that century, vying against the Great Dragon, we, Constellation—from ‘Conqueror of the North’ Erica to ‘Sailor’ John, four generation of rulers—were not inferior to our neighbors.”
Hearing about Constellation’s glorious history, the ministers felt a sense of admiration.
