Beside his ears.
Endless noise and uproar filled the air. Unknown roars and shouts erupted from the crowd.
Before his eyes.
The man flashed a warm smile, grabbed his shoulders, and leaned against his body while trembling. He moved his head to his ear and whispered gently,
"Good job, don't worry."
'Good job …
'Don't worry …'
In the deep darkness, he suddenly woke up from a nightmare.
The wounds on his body seemed to have come alive in an instant, and at the same time, an unbearable pain erupted.
His face contorted, and he suppressed the cries of pain in his throat. First, he focused his attention on sensing everything around him.
The wind and snow howled in his ears, and a stench assaulted his mouth and nose. A few low cries of livestock came from a few steps away.
He raised his trembling left hand with difficulty, and as expected, he touched an old bumpy wall made of rough bricks.
The Power of Eradication surged.
In the pitch-black darkness, his surroundings gradually appeared in his senses.
This was the place he fled to after he dragged his heavily injured body and sent a message to the Brotherhood's informant. It was an ordinary livestock pen in the Northland countryside. It had a simple but thick thatched roof, a rough handmade fence on one side of the wall, and a muddy ground mixed with water, snow, urine, mud, and his own blood.
'Safe.
The Blood Mystic is not nearby. '
Only then did he let out a low, painful groan.
'Two puncture wounds, six lacerations, two bone fractures, abrasions, contusions, and muscle strains are countless.
'She's clearly a girl with a beautiful smile.' He thought of the Blood Mystic and smiled bitterly. 'Why is she so hot-tempered?
'I just wanted to use the legendary anti-mystic equipment to poke a hole in your real body.'
When he thought of this, he touched the two weapons beside his hand.
'Lance …' He sighed in pain. 'I've been tricked by you again.'
Not far away, a herd of thick-furred pigs, two big and six small, gathered together uneasily. They kept each other warm while trying their best to stay away from the new uninvited guest. A black dog stood outside the fence, bravely guarding the border of its territory, and let out a low, warning growl at him.
The falling snow outside the house gradually subsided. His perception was able to extend out of the circle and touch another wooden house with a thatched roof. There were four people sleeping soundly inside. Two were relatively calm, while the other two were young and restless. Next door was a stable, and inside it were two slightly different breaths. They should be two strong horses unique to the Northland.
He smiled in the dark, thinking of the days when he was busy and had to live in different countries.
Obviously, this was an ordinary Northern family of four. One of the horses was a ploughing horse, and the other was a horse used for military service and hunting. They were probably rented from the feudal lord. Looking at the terrible environment around them, the pigs were probably not their own. Instead, they were reared for the feudal lord's dining table. God knows how the pigs, which looked carelessly reared, could survive in this kind of weather. After all, this place wasn't like the south, where there were completely different and meticulous methods of raising livestock.
He remembered that a long time ago, she, that dirty girl, also told him that she wanted to come to the North to take a look.
How did the Northlanders survive in such cold weather?
"I wonder if they raise piglets?" She blinked her curious eyes and looked at herself.
But at that time, he only lowered his head and wiped the blade on his leg.
'Do the Northlanders raise pigs? Now I have the answer.
I have to write this down … I can tell her in the future.
But now … '
The next moment, the smile on the man's face faded.
Lying on the ground, he clenched his teeth tightly. The Power of Eradication surged into him and seeped out of every pore, urging the wounds on his body to close, repair, and heal.
However, this process was filled with even more terrifying waves of pain and an even more unbearable itch.
It was just like the countless times he struggled in the past.
But the man only trembled and broke out in cold sweat. The corners of his lips curled up slightly, revealing a bitter smile.
'It's alright.
At least I don't have to endure Ramon's incessant chatter and mocking when he treated me … That big-nosed doctor's boring nagging is almost as lethal as a Mystic's. '
The Power of Eradication surged into all his wounds like waves, forcing his nerves, his muscles, and his bones to speed up the recovery, self-healing, and reorganization.
The surging pain and impact made him close his eyes while he trembled, and he could not stop breaking out in cold sweat.
After a long while, he finally stopped trembling, and his entire body went limp on the ground.
He clenched his teeth and sighed in relief.
'How long has it been since I've been so badly injured?'
He tried his best to turn over, and his mouth and nose rubbed against the filthy ground.
'Filthy … huh?
In the darkness, he chuckled softly.
'I'm filthy …
'Now, I no longer have the right to glare at her.
'That dirty girl.'
The man pressed his hands against the filthy ground, got up weakly, and sensed the condition of his body.
'I need some food to replenish my energy, preferably meat.'
He looked in the direction of the pigs.
Mr. Thick Fur Pig's family instinctively sensed the man's killing intent. They trembled and whimpered softly.
At the same time, the four breaths of the Northlanders, who were sound asleep, rang in the man's ears again.
'These pigs are probably one of their few sources of livelihood.'
He sighed.
The man looked at the shivering Mr. Thick Fur Pig's family, and flashed a smile that they definitely could not see or understand.
Then, he grabbed the two weapons beside him, and flipped out of the pen.
He remembered that the Day before the Bitter Cold Winter was almost here.
'Fortunately, this is Northland.
'Thank you, Master of Mountains.
'Thank you for your gift.
'And I will always remember your generosity.'
—
"Spear and shield bearers! Form the first line of defense on the gentle slope in front of us! Make them slow down no matter what! "Kentvida looked at the attacking cavaliers with a solemn expression and ordered resolutely.
Under his command, the Eckstedt infantrymen of Black Sand Region picked up the big iron shields unique to Northland without hesitation and jogged to the front of the camp to form a line of defense.
"Heavy infantry, one minute. You must be ready and follow the line of defense! Two-handed heavy swords in front, aim at the horse's legs. Heavy armored axemen at the back. As long as it falls from the horse, whether it can move or not, smash it with your axes! "
"Phil!" Kentvida turned his head and shouted at the archers at the side of the camp, "Have your men get ready. The enemy appeared too suddenly, there's no time to shoot!"
As his voice faded away, a short Eckstedt soldier suddenly shouted at the archers who stood in two rows at the side of the camp, "Nock the arrows, draw the bows, and prepare to shoot in unison!
"Cavaliers, get on your horses and look for an opportunity to attack from the side!
"Shoot the signal arrow, and at the same time, send light cavalier messengers to the campsite at the back. Have the rearguard quickly reinforce them!"
In comparison, the Constellatiates, who were heavily protected by the Black Sand Region army, were much quieter.
"Bad weather, strong wind, difficult to control."
This was Ralf's sign language. As expected, it caused Wya to frown again.
"I knew it, there's going to be a war again …" Ramon gritted his teeth and chattered in Thales' ears, "Nothing good will come out of following you … You're a prince and a piece of cheese that attracts flies, and I'm really just a normal doctor …"
He tried his best to retreat to the back and stay away from Thales, but he did not leave the protection range of the main group.
The cunning doctor, Wya Caso, who was watching him coldly, pressed his hand tightly on the hilt of his sword and snorted in dissatisfaction.
Thales ignored the doctor. With a stiff expression, he looked at the cavaliers who were flanking them with complicated emotions.
It was not that he was too apathetic in the face of threats, but ever since he left Eternal Star City and headed north, he had experienced too many inexplicable threats. So much so that when he encountered a similar situation again, his first reaction was no longer shock and nervousness, but a long sigh.
'What is it this time?
Can't they just let me reach Dragon Clouds City safely? '
'But …' Thales forced himself to think of something logical. 'Black Sand Region's army of more than two thousand soldiers had been vigilant along the way, and they had been careful in their journey. Why would they not be vigilant against this group of uninvited guests?'
Putray said that the people opposite them were elites, but the escorts around him were also elites of Black Sand Region, so there should be no need to be too worried … right?
Then, a familiar voice traveled from afar among the group of masked, light armored cavaliers in gray.
"Soldiers, lower your guard!"
It was Tolja.
Thales heaved a sigh of relief.
The Fire Knight of Black Sand Region, one of the Five War Generals of Eckstedt, who had set out to investigate, appeared from among the cavaliers opposite them. He stopped beside the campfire at the outermost perimeter. "These are King Nuven's personal guards. They are the troops he sent to receive the Prince of Constellation's diplomat group!"
"Old friend, it's not that I don't believe you, but nowadays, it's never wrong to be more cautious." Viscount Kentvida drew his sword from his waist and walked to the front of the camp under the protection of a group of soldiers. "Is there anyone from the king who can testify?"
Kentvida suppressed the unspoken words in his heart.
'There might even be traitors among the Archduke of Black Sand Region's subordinates, right?'
The cavaliers in gray reined in their horses and stopped in front of the camp.
Thales could not help but notice that their steeds were quiet and steady in the face of the cavaliers' rude reins. They did not even whinny a lot. These cavaliers lined up in a line and stood neatly an arrow's throw away from the camp, displaying superior mobility and discipline.
'Elites, huh?'
A masked man with brown hair and a white cape rode out from among the cavaliers. Tolja followed behind him and rode all the way into Black Sand Region's camp.
"Hmm, I've seen these people when I was traveling before." The vice diplomat beside Thales took a deep breath when he saw the figures of these elite cavaliers clearly. "Based on their attire, they are indeed the king's personal guards of Eckstedt."
Thales rolled his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief.
'Fortunately, they should not be enemies … for now.'
Beside him, the attendant from the Tower of Eradication, Wya, was obviously stunned.
"You mean the White Blade Guards?" Wya whispered.
Wya whispered, "The White Blade Guards, who are comparable to the elites of the Royal Guards of Constellation and are known as the Dragon's Imperial Guards?"
'White Blade Guards.
The king's personal guards. The Dragon's Imperial Guards. '
Thales stored this information in his heart and observed the development of the situation cautiously.
The masked man rode in front of Kentvida. He first cast a glance at the Archduke of Black Sand Region's most trusted strategist, then looked sharply in the direction of the Constellatiates. His gaze stopped on their Double Cross Stars Flag for a moment before he turned his head.
"As the captain of King Nuven's personal guards, I should be considered one of the king's men, right?"
The masked man pulled down his scarf, revealing a pale and well-defined face.
There was a weapon of unknown shape on his back. The white handle protruded from the snow-white cape.
"Nicholas … it's you." Kentvida saw the other person's face clearly and his expression turned unpleasant.
The pale-faced man in the cape snorted coldly. He nimbly dismounted from his horse in front of Kentvida and threw a scroll with wax seal into Kentvida's bosom. "I brought the White Blade Guards to welcome the Prince of Constellation … If you have any questions, go and see the king's warrant."
With a frown, Kentvida tore open the seal.
"I met them during my scouting — the White Blade Guards." The Fire Knight behind the cloaked man, Lord Tolja immediately dismounted from his horse. With a tense expression, he said, "It seems like King Nuven … really values this Constellation Diplomat Group."
After Kentvida finished reading the warrant, he sighed and sheathed the sword in his hand. At the same time, he gave an order to the army of Black Sand Region.
"Stand down!
Let them in! "
The masked cavaliers in gray capes — the White Blade Guards — rode into their campsite as if there was no one else around. Even though their faces were hidden under their veils, their gazes were sharp and fierce. They glared fiercely at everyone in the campsite, whether it was the Eckstedtians from Black Sand Region or the Constellatiates at the center of the campsite.
"Mobilizing an army of nearly two thousand soldiers to protect this prince." The man in the white cloak walked towards the direction of the Constellation Diplomat Group. He looked at the situation around the campsite and snorted coldly. "Lampard is really a generous archduke."
Hearing the sarcasm in his tone, Kentvida and Tolja both frowned.
"This is for the prince's safety, at least until he safely meets King Nuven," Kentvida replied calmly. "We believe … that there are people in Eckstedt who want the prince's life.
"According to the information we received, Black Sand Region surrounded and intercepted the prince in front of the fortress, and shot him with Mystic Guns …" The man tightened his cape. "That's right. It seems that they really want his life."
Kentvida was speechless for a moment.
"We will take over here," the man in the white cape said bluntly. "As for your mission in Black Sand Region, it has ended … Go back to where you should be. It's not a good idea to bring a few thousand people into another suzerain's land, especially when the Day Before the Bitter Cold Winter is approaching.
"Lampard's ambition ends here … His Majesty will settle the score with him."
Tolja replied coldly, "The archduke's order is to protect the prince until he reaches Dragon Clouds City … Even if he leaves with you willingly, we must still follow him to Dragon Clouds City."
"It's up to you. If you want to follow, then follow. It's not my money that's going to be wasted anyway." The man knocked on the white handle behind him and said nonchalantly, "Next time, Tolja, let's spar again."
Tolja snorted in dissatisfaction and subconsciously pressed his hand on the saber at his waist.
The man in the white cape chuckled and continued walking towards Thales.
"By the order of King Nuven Walton, the great common-elected king of Eckstedt and the successor of Raikaru the Hero." Surrounded by his subordinates, the man in the white cloak ignored the rest of the people and walked straight to Thales' side. He lowered his head to size up the only seven-year-old boy in the military camp. There was not even a hint of a smile on his pale face.
"You are Thales Jadestar?"
Putray's expression changed.
He could sense the hostility in the man's tone.
Thales also noticed the coldness in the man's gaze.
He slowly furrowed his brows.
'Something's not quite right.'
But in the end, Thales only took a deep breath and flashed a smile that looked like a formula.
Beside him, Putray frowned. He glanced at Kentvida and Tolja, who had unpleasant expressions on their faces but did not say a word. He cleared his throat and said to the group of White Blade Guards, who had unpleasant expressions on their faces, "This is Thales Jadestar, the Second Prince of Constellation. By order of King Kessel …"
However, before Putray could finish, he was rudely interrupted by the man in the white cape.
"My name is Nicholas, the commander of the White Blade Guards." The man named Nicholas shook his head expressionlessly and lowered his head to speak to Thales.
"A long time ago, people used to say that the blood of the Empire's royal family came from the gods. That's why it's brilliant gold. When it flows out, it will even sparkle under the sun. So, is your blood golden as well? Will it sparkle? "
'Nicholas.'
Putray and Wyatt seemed to have heard this name before.
Both he and the attendant looked at each other in shock.
Thales, on the other hand, mulled over Nicholas' words. He was a little confused.
'Golden blood?
What the hell? '
"I don't know." Thales narrowed his smile. "After all, I don't really bleed.
"Or are you, King Nuven's personal guard, so eager to see me bleed?"
The second prince rebutted Nicholas' words without flinching.
'As if.'
"Hmph." Nicholas chuckled. His expression immediately returned to being cold. "I also know a Jadestar. You're really too inferior compared to him."
Putray took a deep breath.
Wya quietly took a step closer to Thales. He gritted his teeth and stared at Nicholas.
Thales turned to look at Putray's reaction. His heart was filled with doubt … and wariness.
'Who is this man?
'And …' Thales pondered over his words and was slightly stunned.
'Too inferior?
What does this mean? '
"Jadestar?"
The second prince furrowed his brows. He sized up Nicholas' attire and remembered his identity as the king's personal guard. He asked cautiously, "May I ask if you're talking about … Midier Jadestar? My eldest uncle? "
"No, I'm talking about the Sword of Reversing Light." Nicholas narrowed his eyes and extended his left hand to point at his right shoulder. His face was even paler. "Twelve years ago, he stabbed me in the shoulder … and almost cut off my scapula."
Thales' expression changed.
'Another person who personally experienced the war between Constellation and Eckstedt during the Bloody Year.
It seems like he suffered quite a lot under Horace Jadestar's hands. '
He glanced at Kentvida and Tolja from the corner of his eyes, then at the Eckstedtians around him.
'From attacking the supply line, attacking the three archdukes of Eckstedt's battle line, injuring Tolja, snatching the Motionless Bow, and in the end, his soldiers even killed the former Archduke of Black Sand Region.
The grudges between Horace and the Eckstedtians seemed a little too colorful.
'The Sword of Reversing Light, Horace Jadestar … Just how many similar' legacies' did his second uncle leave for me in Eckstedt? '
Thales could only cough softly. He maintained his unchanging smile and nodded. "It's a pity."
Beside him, Putray furrowed his brows tightly. Thales also noticed that Tolja, who was behind Nicholas, exhaled softly.
"No, there's nothing to be regretful about," Nicholas said flatly, "Anyway, we're even."
Putray gritted his teeth and cast a sharp gaze at the man in front of him.
'This man … is bringing this up the first time we meet?
Is he preparing to intimidate me first? '
Thales, who did not know what was going on, thought of something.
"We're even?" he asked cautiously, "What do you mean?"
Putray heaved a sigh. This made Thales feel that it was extremely ominous.
"Ah." Nicholas' eyes shone with a frightening cold glare.
"I killed him … on the battlefield at Rayman Pass."
Thales' expression froze at this moment.
'That's terrible.'
He thought to himself.
"So we're even … me and Horace."
The ghost of a smile appeared on Nicholas' pale face. He raised his right hand and tapped the left side of his chest.
"Just like this, a stab, then a twist, then a diagonal pull …
"You should have seen his expression before he died …"
Thales frowned and began to size up the commander of the White Blade Guards again.
The person who killed Horace.
The enemy of the Jadestar Royal Family.
"The final proof …"
Nicholas narrowed his eyes and exhaled softly.
"Even the Jadestar Royal Family, even the former royal family of the Empire, their blood is not golden … and when it spurts out …"
Nicholas licked the corners of his lips in a mesmerizing manner and flashed a cold smile. He looked down at Thales and slowly said,
He looked down at Thales and said slowly, "It's all bright red."
Thales stared at the pale man with an unpleasant expression.
The man's undisguised aggressive gaze made him uncomfortable.
But now, as the Prince of Constellation, the best expression he could have was to be expressionless.
Viscount Kentvida let out a long sigh. He shook his head gently and took a step forward. "This is Lord Soray Nicholas, one of Eckstedt's famous Five War Generals." His Highness, the Prince of Constellation, shook his head slightly and took a step forward.
"People call him …"
Kentvida looked at the unpleasant expressions of the Constellatiates and raised his eyebrows in resignation.
"'Star Killer'."
Nicholas stared at Thales with a burning gaze.
Like a hunter sizing up his prey.
Thales felt a slight chill in his heart.
'Star Killer?'
"Let's save the meaningless pleasantries, citizen of the Empire," Nicholas said slowly. "From now on, we will escort you to Dragon Clouds City."
Thales was stunned.
"Of course." The second prince looked at Nicholas and nodded slightly with complicated thoughts. "If this is King Nuven's wish."
However, his heart was extremely perturbed.
'King Nuven actually sent such a person to welcome me.'
Thales suddenly had an ominous feeling about his future in Dragon Clouds City.
Putray took a step forward sternly. "Wait, according to the rules and etiquette, the envoys from our side must meet with the Eckstedtian welcoming party in a formal manner that is befitting of their status …"
"You talk too much."
Nicholas rudely cut off the vice diplomat's words.
"I don't have time to waste."
In the next moment, Thales saw Nicholas' expression turn serious and the cloak behind him flutter.
"Please believe me … This is for your safety, Your Highness." Soray Nicholas, the Star Killer. The pale-faced man snorted coldly with a cold smile.
He gestured at the uncertain Thales Jadestar with his chin and ordered the White Blade Guards behind him.
"Tie him up."
'What?'
Thales widened his eyes.
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