Kingdom's Bloodline, page 686
Vogel scoffed. “Isn’t that even more unnerving?”
Mallos smiled.
“I know my subordinates,” the watchman said calmly, “They are not what you think.”
Mallos stared at his old friend earnestly. “They are not consumables, nor expendable pawns.
“They are people.”
Silence filled the night shift break room once again.
Vogel’s gaze oscillated between the file and Mallos, wandering.
“People.”
“People?”
After a long silence, Vogel patted the files on the desk and snorted. “You know the Flag Bearer Division doesn’t view things that way.
“Don’t trust people—that’s the first thing they teach you at the Flag Bearer Division.”
Mallos shook his head. “A long time ago, about sixty years ago, the royal guards had a watchman called Cyril Fakenhaz.
“He once said: the Command Division is the brain, the Flag Bearer Division is the eyes and ears, Vanguard and Defence are the arms and legs, Logistics forms the flesh and blood, and Discipline is the spine.
“But the legacy watchman…
“Is the heart of the guards.”
Vogel was stunned.
“The brain can be confused, the eyes and ears can also be deceived. Limbs can break and bones can fracture. Even The Emperor’s Praetorian Guards were once adrift and in ruins.”
Mallos picked up his own file from the table and stood up. “But the heart won’t be.”
He put his hand to his chest and said solemnly, “Legacy alone shall be unceasing.
“Witnessing eternity.”
Vogel stared at him, dazed.
Mallos closed the file that contained his portrait and added it to the top of the pile of the other files.
“I guess the flag bearer recording ends here?
“If you wish, submit the Eternal File to His Majesty. I don’t mind.”
The watchman nodded and turned to leave.
Vogel took a few deep breaths. He stared at Mallos’ leaving figure but was no longer dogged.
On the contrary, his expression was calm and his gaze was clear as water.
In Mallos’ world, he saw the flame in Vogel’s chest fragment inch by inch and turn to ash.
The vice-captain spoke again.
“Really? The heart?”
Mallos’ footsteps staggered.
“Tell me then, old friend…” Vogel’s hoarse voice sounded like the hiss of a viper’s tongue, “When you snitched and sold your father out to Renaissance Palace…
“When your actions led to the execution of your entire family, and caused an unprecedented riot in Eternal Star City, which allowed assassins to take advantage of this opportunity to stir up trouble, resulting in widespread bloodshed…”
The cup that was held firmly in the watchman’s hand trembled.
Vogel’s gaze pierced his back like a blade.
“Tormond Mallos. After exchanging all that to gain the trust of the king and earn your current status…
“Outwith visible records…
“Do you really have a ‘heart’?”
In that moment, Mallos felt the Power of Eradication within him crumble.
He saw his desolate world instantly fill with color. Grass grew and birds soared. There was a vibrant array of flowers and greenery. Life sprung from every corner.
It was alluring, mysterious, intoxicating.
It was enchanting.
Chapter 573: You're A Real Dog |
If you ask a Constelliate which department under the king is the most terrifying, they would most likely blurt out “Secret Intelligence Department”.
But if you ask them what was so terrifying about it, you can be sure that they would not be able to come up with an answer.
But to Thales, this department could be considered an ‘old acquaintance’. Whether it was meeting The Black Prophet in Mindis Hall, or when he was in prison in Dragon Clouds City, or their hurried meeting at Blade Fangs Camp, they have indeed had too many encounters.
Too bad they were not exactly pleasant encounters.
Now, this mysterious department that has been in operation since the era of the King of Renaissance, the highest intelligence agency of Constellation, was right in front of him.
“This is the Secret Intelligence Department?”
Thales stepped off the carriage and took in the manor in the southern suburbs of Eternal Star City: small rivers surrounded it; there were deserted fields; its low walls were rustic; the mansion was antiquated.
There was even a farmhouse and a warehouse, as well as woodlands that obviously looked like it had been left to grow wild for years.
It was ordinary, satisfactory.
If not for the scarce number of people occupying the large land, this would have been a standard suburban noble manor.
‘It’s entirely possible that this place was seized from some noble family,’ Thales speculated.
“For the past dozen of years, yes.”
Raphael signaled the carriage driver. The latter rode away wordlessly and disappeared from Thales’ view amid the clacking of horseshoes.
Just like an ordinary country person on his way.
The Barren Bone man ushered the prince towards the iron gates of the manor nearby.
There were no sounds coming from the manor; it was almost dead silence.
Like a grave.
“I don’t see many guards.”
Thales suppressed his anxiety, trod on the ground full of autumn leaves and followed Raphael towards the iron gates.
But he soon discovered something unusual: two black crows emerged from the dense forest, skimmed over their heads, and entered the rustic manor.
“There’s no need.”
Raphael’s strode on in a relaxed manner. “Common intruders pose no threat to us.”
Thales raised his eyebrows.
“What about uncommon ones?”
But in that moment, Thales’ hair stood on end as he heard the sound of the wind.
Under the cautionary roar of the Sin of Hell’s River, he turned around swiftly!
But it was too late.
A dark figure plunged from the skies inexorably.
It dove straight at Thales!
“No!” Raphael yelled in shock and anger.
Thales made the most of the reaction time gifted to him by the Sin of Hell’s River and adopted the ‘Iron Body Style’.
Thud.
The huge black figure approached in an instant and slammed into Thales’ chest!
He was sent flying a few feet.
Thales felt the impact on his arm, followed by a pain in his back from hitting and scraping against the ground.
And the protest of all the bones and muscles in his body.
As if his body was about to fall apart.
‘No, no…’
As Sin of Hell’s River surged, Thales gritted his teeth and opened his eyes amid the pain.
But it wasn’t over.
The dark figure shrouded over Thales. It restrained his legs, pinned his shoulders and placed its enormous weight on his chest, leaving the youth immobilized and suffocating.
The attacker pressed forward assertively and closed in on Thales’ cheek. Thales could feel their violent and sharp warm breath.
‘No.’
Thales struggled hard.
He swore that in future, no matter how inconvenient or how suspicious it looked, if there was something wrong, he would carry JC or Sentinel with him.
And would not leave himself defenseless against an attack.
The attacker leaned over towards Thales’ neck and took a few deep breaths, each longer than the last, seemingly reveling in the moment.
Raphael sputtered in exasperation. “No! Edward—”
Suddenly, Thales felt a warmth on his cheek.
Something soft, moist and sticky covered a part of his skin below his neck.
And glided slowly along the side of his face, from his chin, to cheeks, to cheekbones.
It was scorching, warm and soft.
And smelled a little… unpleasant?
Thales was stunned.
The attacker withdrew from his cheek, leaving behind a viscous liquid.
The passing breeze made it feel cool.
‘Huh?’
Before he could react, the dark figure closed in on him again amid sharp and fiery breaths.
Again, a warm and moist sensation covered Thales’ mouth, nose, forehead, ear…
Repeatedly.
Thales could not open his eyes.
The attacker panted on. Their nose and lips brushed against Thales’ skin repeatedly as they pressed close, seemingly quite excited.
Thales was stunned. Even the Sin of Hell’s River had resolved without a trace.
‘What…is it?’
“Edward… This is Prince Thales. He’s not a threat!”
Finally, the Barren Bone man’s arm appeared on the neck of the attacker as he tried to wrangle it off Thales.
Amid the attacker’s disgruntled protests, Thales felt the weight being relieved from his chest. After finally getting some space, he looked up.
The prince was dumbfounded.
The thing that pressed against him was a large, jet black dog.
“Woof woof!”
Raphael was restraining the vicious dog by its neck and dragging it backward, looking miserable in the process.
Thales recognized the breed.
It was an Angry Wolfhound.
This breed, known for its ferocity, had always been a trusty helper of nobles in Constellation on hunting excursions. A long time ago, Chief Morris of the Brotherhood—the boss of Quide and Rick—had a majestic Angry Wolfhound too. In its chance encounter with Thales in the back alley of the Sunset Pub, it was equally playful. But, erm, the not so friendly kind of “playful”.
The large dog before him had similar characteristics: from its sharp fangs to its fierce demeanor.
Except for one thing.
It was…
A little too big.
Thales stared blankly at the tussle that was occurring in front of him:
Although Raphael was slender, he was by no means short.
But even with his size, he struggled to restrain the large dog. It was like a child reaching out to hug the trunk of an old tree that was more than twice its size.
The ferocious-looking dog was excitedly looking at Thales, who was still on the ground. It was panting hard and licking its slobber intermittently.
“Sabor!”
Raphael, who could not hold on to it any longer, yelled angrily, “Pull it up!”
As it neared, a deep and lazy voice could be heard saying, “Coming, coming. Relax.”
A right hand with only three fingers appeared before Thales. It grabbed the neck of the large dog and exerted force on it skillfully.
Finally, Thales felt relieved, like someone had removed the three layers of quilt that was covering him—during midsummer.
The large dog barked deafeningly, unhappy that it was being pulled away.
“Apologies, Master Raphael. Edward was out for a walk, and my attention slipped…” The lazy voice apologized insincerely as it handled the dog’s protests.
Numb and sore from head to toe, Thales held on to Raphael’s hand and stood up.
“Damn it… What is it?”
Thales, still under shock, dusted himself off and wiped the drool off his face with his sleeve.
Raphael coughed awkwardly.
“Your Highness, I believe you have now met Edward. He’s one of our… guards.”
The Barren Bone man waved a hand at the large dog; his exaggerated movement caused the dog to bark wildly. “Woof! woof!”
It ground its teeth and looked fierce.
But when the vicious dog was about to approach, that right hand with three fingers reached out to stop Edward.
“You know, the guard… Edward doesn’t like to be introduced like this. He thinks this is his territory, and he’s the master.”
Raphael snorted. “Is that so.”
The person restraining Edward—a middle-aged man with a haggard face and dark circles around his eyes as if he did not have a good night’s sleep—ignored Edward’s growls and bowed towards Thales. “Duke of Star Lake, it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.”
Raphael stared at the Angry Wolfhound warily and introduced, “This is Sabor, the best tracker in the kingdom’s Secret Intelligence Department.”
Sabor shrugged. “Cum doorman, and dog-walker.”
The dog seemed upset about something again. “Woof! woof!”
“Alright alright, my mistake,” Sabor consoled Edward, “I mean I’m the doorman, and the person who scoops your shit…”
‘Tracker, doorman, dog-walker…’
Thales, who had dealt with the unknown liquid on his face, nodded awkwardly and returned Sabor’s greeting, but his eyes could not help but drift towards Edward.
The Secret Intelligence Department’s watchdog.
Eyeing its forelimbs that were thicker than his own thighs and its height that reached an ordinary person’s shoulders despite being on all fours, and recalling its impact that was comparable to the charge of heavy cavalry, Thales gulped in trepidation.
‘It’s too big!
‘That’s cheating!’
When it noticed that Thales was appraising it, the ridiculously large black Angry Wolfhound reduced the volume of its bark.
“Yowl~”
The large dog Edward put away his sharp teeth and stuck out its tongue. Its large jaw formed a big arc as it wagged its tail freely.
“Obviously he likes you, Your Highness,” Sabor frowned as he said somberly.
Edward opened its scary mouth and panted, unable to conceal its drooling. It looked at Thales with its crystal-clear eyes.
With happiness written all over its face.
And its body full of vigor.
Thales hurriedly lowered his head to avoid eye contact, and started to smooth his ruffled clothing.
“Yes, it’s clear.”
1Sabor held on to Edward’s collar with one hand and scratched its back with the other, appeasing its restlessness from being unable to dash forward. “He hasn’t pounced at anyone in a long time. The last time was a while back…”
Raphael cleared his throat and shot Sabor a warning glance. “I’ll open the gate. You keep your dog in check.”
Sabor looked away indifferently. Edward gritted its teeth again.
“Woof! Woof!”
“You’ve misunderstood. Raphael wasn’t talking about you. He was talking about me. Keep me in check…”
The Barren Bone man strode forward towards the iron gates.
Sabor stared at Raphael’s back, then at the large dog beside himself that kept inching forward and was clearly excited by Thales. “Tsk tsk, Lord Hansen won’t be happy…”
Thales suppressed his fear of Edward and asked, “Why?”
“Don’t you know?”
Sabor pulled out a length of chain (“Who the hell reins a dog with steel chains!”—the prince’s later complaint) and attached it to Edward’s collar.
He took a step towards Thales (the prince subconsciously took a step back) and said softly, “Rumor in the Secret Intelligence Department is that Lord Hansen’s leg was bitten off by a fierce and terrifying dog.”
‘Oh?
‘The Black Prophet’s leg?’
Thales began to pay attention.
“But it’s still disputed as to which dog it was. There’s even an open bet.
“But, tsk tsk, if you asked me,” Sabor glanced at the large dog beside him then asked rhetorically and pointedly, “You know what I mean?”
The terrifying large Angry Wolfhound barked once excitedly, its enthusiasm towards Thales undiminished.
Thales took a step back and nodded stiffly.
In the distance, Raphael approached the iron gates, pulled up his sleeves and waved a finger in mid-air.
Even more bizarrely, as his finger danced, ripples formed in the air in front of the iron gates, like the surface of water in the light.
Thales frowned.
“What is he doing?”
“Magical veined patterns,” looking at the prince, and then at Edward, Sabor replied nonchalantly, “Soul Tower’s trick. Only by drawing the veined pattern that corresponds to the Sealing Spell will it be lifted. In comparison, I much prefer Alchemy Tower. They are classicists—locks and keys.”
Thales thought of something.
“But if I recall correctly, magic is banned?”
Sabor shook his head. “Forgotten.”
Thales looked up, confused. “What?”
Sabor tugged at Edward’s chain and scratched its back again to prevent it from slipping away and getting close to Thales. “Magic has been forgotten, not banned.”
Thales’ expression shifted. “Forgotten and banned, is there a difference?”
Sabor shrugged. “In terms of actual outcomes, no.
“But in terms of motivations and purposes…”
In that moment.
“Sabor,” Raphael called out, “Enough.”
At some point, the Barren Bone man had turned around and there was a gap open between the iron gates behind him.
Sabor waved a hand indifferently and mumbled, “Fine…”
But before he could finish speaking, there was a change in the scene!
The large dog, Edward, leaped and darted towards the iron gates!
Thales was taken aback.
Maybe because he was not prepared for it, maybe because he could not let go in time, the equally shocked Sabor was pulled to the ground by the chain and dragged towards the iron gates by Edward.
In the next second, Edward’s enormous body clashed against Raphael in front of the gates!
Wham!
The Barren Bone man was sent flying and fell to the ground a few feet away, moaning.
Sabor was thrashed aside by the chain. After rolling over several times, he too was left groaning on the ground.
Thales took in the scene before him in shock: two grown men had been knocked to the ground by a dog.
“Are…are you guys alright?”
‘I said it, didn’t I?
‘This dog is too big!’
But what happened next was even more unexpected.
