"That was three hundred years ago," the vice diplomat said flatly.
"At that time, Midier Jadestar was one of the many princes of Constellation." Putray sighed slightly. "It was said that he was very similar to Tormond the First, the founder of the kingdom. When he was young, he was an impulsive, lively, and restless prince.
"Not long after he became an adult at sixteen, he snuck out of the capital to pursue the adventures in those stories and poems, until he met Chara and Kaplan in Dragon-Kissed Land …"
Thales raised his eyebrows and said in shock, "Snuck out of the capital?"
'So … those princes and princesses who go on patrol incognito and sneak out of the palace really exist?'
"Hey! Don't just talk about your kingdom's princes, "Marquis Shiles protested. He then turned his head and smiled at the second prince." Kaplan Nehra is a Camian, and the pride of Good Flow City. He was born into a famous merchant family with a fishing industry. It was said that he was quick-witted, mature, and steady from a young age. He was known as a genius … just like you, Your Highness. "
Thales flashed an ugly smile.
"What about you?" Putray glanced at Nicholas, who had his arms crossed. "Don't you have anything to say about the Northlanders?"
The Star Killer raised his eyes and glanced at the crowd.
"Chara was a well-deserved hero, a typical Northlander, a fearless Eckstedtian." Nicholas shook his head expressionlessly. "He did not have a surname, and future generations did not need to remember his surname, because he did not need to use his birth and blood to prove his greatness. It was enough to just look at his actions."
Marquis Shiles winked at Putray in resignation.
"No surname? Is that so? " An enigmatic voice came from behind. "But after the war, Chara married a noble lady from the Walton Family and fused his bloodline with that of the Dragon Spear Family."
Everyone turned around. Thales was surprised to find that it was Aida who spoke. She sat on the snow with her arms around her legs, and her disdainful words came from under her cloak.
'Speaking of which, this rash elf protector has been a little talkative lately.'
"His son took the Walton surname and became the Archduke of Dragon Clouds City. With his father's prestige, he was elected as the Common-Elected King of Eckstedt.
"And just like that, Chara sat behind his son and king as regent for thirty years, until his death.
"Is it enough to just look at his actions? Hah. "Aida chuckled." In my opinion, the so-called hero Chara is nothing more than this in the face of power. "
Nicholas frowned.
Thales had a curious look on his face.
Putray coughed. "In short, Your Highness, the three of them met in Dragon-Kissed Land and formed a team. From then on, they began a legendary adventure … In ten years, as mercenaries, exploration teams, merchants, adventurers, and even expeditions, their footprints covered the entire Western Peninsula and even the Western Coast of the Eastern Peninsula. The friendship between the three of them was indestructible, and the stories they experienced during this period have long since become legends composed by bards, especially after the Battle of Dawn."
"For example, 'Seeking Dragon in the Desert', 'A Thousand Miles of Demon Hunting', 'The Chaos of the Devil Sea', 'The Founding of the Anlenzo Duchy', 'The Wanted Criminals of the Forbidden Forest', 'The Setting Sun and Rebirth of the Holy Tree', 'The Mystery of the Brave Souls Fort', and 'The Evil God Sacrifice of Horse Riding City' are all famous poems that describe their experiences in the past ten years."
"At the very least, Chara's fearlessness and bravery, Midier's steadfastness and reliability, and Kai Peng's resourcefulness and cautiousness are all vividly extolled in these poems."
As Thales listened to the names of the poems, his curiosity grew. 'Seeking dragon, hunting demon, evil god … Isn't this what I remember from those fantasy worlds where people form teams and run around together?
'Why is my life completely different?' He sighed in his heart.
Putray took a deep puff of his tobacco and said softly, "And the Third Peninsular War broke out at that time."
No one said a word.
"The Western Peninsula waited for its most terrifying nightmare.
"The three of them faced the most terrifying enemy."
Under Thales' questioning gaze, Putray cleared his throat and uttered a name softly, "Yes, Sir.
"Lanley Corleone.
"The King of Night Wing."
Putray raised his eyes and stared at Thales with a profound look.
Thales tucked his hands into the fur cloak that protected him from the cold. He subconsciously touched the bracelet made of fangs in his bosom.
'Corleone.
'Is that so?'
"He is the master of the Blood Sea Throne, the master of the 'Blood Fangs' Corleone Family, the founder of Night Kingdom, and the eternal ruler.
"It is said that he is also one of the oldest and most terrifying Blood Clansmen. Legend has it that when he spreads his wings, even the most dazzling sun will be shrouded in a bloody and boundless night." Putray adjusted his tone so that he looked like a group of people gathered around a fireplace to tell a ghost story.
"It is said that he has lived for countless years. Before he disappeared, he was once known as an existence above supreme class."
'The missing Night Wing King, Lanley Corleone …' Thales quietly recalled the struggle between the two Corleone ladies, or ladies.
'That was their' father '?'
"Ridiculous. Above supreme class?" Nicholas sneered. "Something that doesn't exist at all. It's just a rumor spread by bards."
Putray ignored him and continued, "The Third Peninsular War happened to be when Night Kingdom was at its peak.
"The Third Peninsular War happened to be when Night Kingdom was at its peak. Under the leadership of Laurie Corleone — that was the first time they appointed a Blood Clansman as the commander of the allied forces — a small number of elites suddenly landed on Eckstedt's Eastern Sea Cliff, which was the most dangerous and impossible place to land on.
"Based on the experience of the previous two wars, everyone thought that the people from the Eastern Peninsula would land on Constellation. They expected the Western Peninsula's shield to once again stubbornly hold back the Eastern Peninsula's attack until Eckstedt's brave and powerful troops and other countries' reinforcements arrived."
Thales listened with rapt attention.
"The results were predictable. Unprepared, Eckstedt was caught off guard, and Elaphure City was the first to be breached."
Marquis Shiles laughed. "After that, Archduke Gaddro of Elaphure City had to purchase a large number of city-defense equipment from Steel City every year to defend against the eastern sea. Good Flow City was in charge of the transportation."
Putray continued, "The enemy's army continuously surged in through this opening at the edge of the sea cliff. They were like a hot knife through butter in Eckstedt's empty inland, and they marched to Dragon Clouds City.
"Your Highness, you can find the specific records of the battle in various historical records." Putray sighed. "In short, after a few devastating battles, the Night Wing King's awe-inspiring name was once again recognized. It was the most disastrous series of defeats that Eckstedt, which prides itself on its warriors and army, experienced since its founding." Putray sighed.
"As for the reinforcements from other countries who came north, even Constellation's expeditionary army was defeated without warning. The armies of other small countries were even more powerless to resist.
"It was said that less than one in ten survived.
"Even the King of Eckstedt at that time died in battle under Dragon Clouds City."
Thales was stunned. He turned to look at the current commander of the White Blade Guards.
"That was also an important page recorded in the 'Legend of the White Blade Guards'," Nicholas suddenly said. His gaze was complicated as he said, "Since the Age of the Empire, the White Blade Guards were destroyed for the tenth time, and the third 'White Blade's Disgrace'. The king died under our heavy protection."
'Since the Age of the Empire?'
Thales thought to himself, 'The White Blade Guards have such a long history? Even before Eckstedt was founded? '
Putray shook his head. "No one could resist the Night Wing King's invincible army, as well as his strange, ever-changing, and unpredictable military tactics.
"The entire Western Peninsula — this is what was recorded in the Supreme History Book — was unable to gather even a single expeditionary army capable of fighting against the Eastern Peninsula within a short period of time.
"Just like that, the Night Wing King's army swept across Northland and was almost invincible.
"Dragon Clouds City fell into a hopeless defense," Putray said faintly. "After the king's death, Eckstedt was in chaos. Only a few archdukes were still persisting in resisting.
"At this time, the Eastern Peninsula also sent a letter to request for peace talks regarding the current situation. Faced with heavy casualties and a huge price to pay, Constellation and other small countries had already begun to consider the Eastern Peninsula's proposal.
"At this time, three people stood at the forefront of history and saved the Western Peninsula from imminent danger."
Thales inhaled softly. "The Three Heroes of Dawn?"
Putray nodded. "Chara, Midier, and Kaplan gathered the remaining troops. Their battle inspired Constellation and the other countries —"
The Star Killer cut him off.
"Stop boasting about yourself," Nicholas mocked. He crossed his arms and raised his eyes. "Chara … Chara, the hero. He was the only one who stood up first.
"Chara carried a black flag and returned to the battlefield in Eckstedt alone.
"He called for and gathered the Eckstedtians who were determined to resist. They fought against the Eastern Peninsular in the mountains, in the countryside, in the pine forests, in every inch of land, and on every piece of territory, without caring about bloodshed or sacrifices." Thales spoke with a deep voice.
"He was alone and helpless. He was outnumbered, and he even suffered defeats in the beginning. But he … Chara never gave up. That's how heroes are made. They are forged with courage and perseverance through blood. "
"That was the agreement between the three of them," Putray retorted coldly. "Midier returned to Constellation, Kaplan returned to Camus Union, and they worked hard to convince their country to fight one last time. This did not mean that the other two were weak."
"I'm not talking about Midier. I'm talking about all of you, Constellation's reinforcements," Nicholas said sarcastically. "Midier brought twenty reinforcements. The bards remember this number very clearly!"
'Twenty people?'
Thales looked at Putray curiously and waited for his reply.
Putray frowned. "At that time, Constellation was indeed very worried about continuing to send troops. After all, the Night Wing King's army was at the forefront, and Midier was just a prince who had been away for many years. Once he returned, he asked for military power.
"Not only that, as a prince, Midier was ordered not to participate in Eckstedt's war." Putray's eyes burned. "But Midier did not give in. In the face of such an order, he threw away the Nine-Pointed Star emblem that symbolized the Jadestar Royal Family in front of all the courtiers.
"This meant that he gave up his right to inherit the throne," Putray said softly.
Thales widened his eyes slightly.
"'Do not forget that Constellation is founded on oaths.' This was what he, Midier, said in front of the entire furious Constellation Palace."
'The Oath Keeper.
'So that's how it is.'
"Just like that, the Oath Keeper walked out of Renaissance Palace alone. He brought along twenty brave warriors who were still willing to follow him and headed north to Eckstedt to help Chara, who was fighting alone.
"This is why we only admire the Oath Keeper." Nicholas chuckled. "When all of Constellation became cowards, he was one of the few Empire people with guts.
"Even the Camians are stronger than all of you!"
Putray did not speak.
"Regarding this question, I have to say that the Prophet Kai Peng actually …" Shiles coughed softly and interrupted, "This is also the reason why we Camians admire him …
"From proposing the proposal to gathering a consensus and passing the resolution, Kai Peng Nehra was the only person in history who managed to convince the Supreme United Parliament of Camus Union to send troops within eighty-six days. At that time, the fourteen cities unanimously agreed to hand over all their troops, supplies, money, and the last of their assets to Kai Peng, a young man in his thirties, so that he could lead them to the battlefield in Eckstedt.
"If you have some understanding of the efficiency of the United Parliament's discussions, and know a thing or two about the greed and stinginess of the councilors …" Marquis Shiles sighed. "God knows how Kai Peng did it."
"That's your history." Putray narrowed his eyes. "It's not ours. In the end, it was still Constellation's reinforcements who saved the battlefield, wasn't it?"
Thales raised his head and looked at the three of them.
"But Kai Peng's action of leading troops to provide reinforcements was obviously very effective. Camus Union's status in the international arena rose by quite a lot." Shiles spread his hands. "Just like that, the three of them reunited on the battlefield and fought against the Eastern Peninsula's army.
"The three of them learned their previous lesson, and the war this time lasted for more than a year.
"In the end, in Prestige Orchid Region, which is also the place where we stand, on this Prestige Orchid Snowfield, 'Hero' Chara, 'Prophet' Kai Peng Nehra, and 'Oath Keeper' Midier Jadestar led the final allied forces determined to launch a counterattack and intercepted the Eastern Peninsula's main central force.
"Here, they engaged in the final battle against the famous' Night Wing King 'Laurie Corleone, who was invincible after invading the Western Peninsula, and the countless fierce troops under his command."
Thales lowered his head and touched the cold snow under his feet.
'Prestige Orchid Snowfield.
'Three hundred years ago, on this land …'
"The tragic battle began at dawn. It was said that blood covered the snowfield that night, and the reflected light made the moon look incomparably scarlet." Putray continued to display his specialty as a bard. "Both sides suffered heavy casualties. The blood that converged into a warm river even melted the snow in advance.
"Midier fought until his armor was completely shattered. Commander-in-chief Chara was once in a dangerous situation. Even Prophet Kai Peng himself sacrificed himself in that heroic battle.
"Until dawn arrived, the moment the sun rose."
The vice diplomat paused for a moment. Thales listened quietly.
No one interrupted him. Even Nicholas lowered his head and did not speak.
In the silence where no one spoke, Putray said softly,
"They won."
The cold wind whistled past the bonfire, making the crackling flames burn even more fiercely.
"This was the Battle of Dawn.
"Together with the Holiness Exorcism Campaign during the Age of Kings, the Battle of Reverse Cold Wind during the Battle of Eradication, and the Battle of Glory during the Fourth Peninsular War, it is known as the Four Major Battles in history. Of course, this is what we call it in the Western Peninsula. The countries in the Eastern Peninsula obviously have different opinions on this."
Putray concluded slowly, "The hero, prophet, and oath keeper were known as the West's' Three Dawn Heroes'."
Thales took a deep breath.
'The Battle of Dawn.
'The story of the Three Heroes.
'And his unique and easygoing ancestor, who was willing to abandon the throne for the sake of friendship and keeping his promise.'
In a corner where no one noticed, a cloaked figure listened to the poem and story from beginning to end. He stared at the bonfire quietly and did not move.
The second prince raised his head and asked, "Even though Midier lost the Jadestar Royal Family Emblem, he still inherited the throne and became the 'King of the Oath Keeper', right?"
Putray nodded. "Yes. After the Battle of Dawn, his prestige was unparalleled. He was also the best successor to the throne, King Midier the Fourth.
"As for Chara, he married the daughter of the Walton Family. Their descendant became the new King of Eckstedt.
"As for Kaplan Nihra," Shiles said with a smile, "Good Flow City built a huge bronze statue for him and erected it in the city center … to commemorate this prophet who shone with the light of wisdom, his sacrifice, and his contribution to Good Flow City and Camus Union's position in the Western Peninsula."
'That's not right.'
Thales thought to himself.
In the portraits of the Three Constellation Kings, the portraits of the three kings should have been set against the background of their respective representative achievements. For example, Tormond the First's portrait was set against the background of the Battle of Eradication. However, Thales clearly remembered that the background of Midier the Fourth's sword and shield was a towering tree.
'But if that's the case, shouldn't Midier the Fourth's greatest achievement be the Battle of Dawn?'
Thales furrowed his brows.
At this moment, Nicholas said slowly, "You didn't mention the last part, the part after the war."
Putray sighed.
Thales looked puzzled. "What happened after the war?"
Putray was silent for a while before he spoke quietly.
"This is the saddest thing," the vice diplomat said faintly, "Chara and Midier, these two close friends who should have been sworn brothers in life and death, after the war …
"Turned against each other and became enemies.
"Even the relationship between Constellation and Eckstedt, which had improved slightly, took a turn for the worse."
Nicholas' voice rang in the air.
"Midier built Broken Dragon Fortress when Eckstedt was weak. Since then, it has become our greatest threat. A huge fortress that can withstand the Day Before the Bitter Cold Winter, stand tall at the border, is easy to defend and difficult to attack, has countless garrisons, monitors our every move, and can be used as an outpost to march north at any time!"
Nicholas stared straight at Thales and said, "If it wasn't because the Battle of Dawn had just ended and Chara, who had severely injured the Night Wing King, was too famous, I have no doubt that Constellation would have directly attacked Eckstedt at that time!
"Young prince, why do you think we care so much about that stupid fortress of yours?"
Thales was completely stunned.
'Broken Dragon Fortress …
'The meritorious fortress that guards Constellation's Northern Territory, the Iron Curtain's city wall, and the fortress that stops the Great Dragon from advancing south …
'So this is how the Eckstedtians view it?
'The bridgehead for Constellation's northern invasion?
'And …' He lowered his head.
'Chara and Midier?
'A pair of comrades who have been through danger for ten years and entrusted their lives to me …
'Turned against each other?'
"Why?" Thales clenched his teeth and raised his head to ask, "Why did Chara and Midier turn against each other?"
Putray sighed and shook his head. "I don't know."
"You don't know?" Nicholas said with a displeased expression, "I do know a theory …"
"That is just an unconfirmed rumor …" Putray said in disdain.
"At least it is a theory!" Nicholas interrupted him rudely.
Marquis Shiles watched the two men argue with great interest.
The Star Killer's voice drowned out the vice diplomat of Constellation.
"There is nothing to hide." Nicholas ignored Putray's expression and sneered faintly. "The two most outstanding people in the Battle of Dawn broke up because of a woman."
'What?'
Thales opened his mouth in surprise.
'A woman?'
Putray exhaled. His expression was unhappy. "If you insist on saying this, then you are belittling the friendship between the hero and the Oath Keeper. You are tarnishing their former glory and shared legend …
"And you have also insulted Queen Aixora's honor. You have also offended Constellation's Jadestar Family and Sacred Tree Kingdom's Fallen Leaf Family!"
'Queen Aixora?' Thales heard an unfamiliar name.
'And … Sacred Tree Kingdom, Fallen Leaf Family?'
"So what?" Nicholas said coldly without giving Putray any face. "Everyone knows! When Chara insisted on fighting independently in Northland, Constellation's Oath Keeper, Midier Jadestar …
"Snatched Chara's lover!
And even married her as his queen after that! "
Thales was stunned.
Under Putray's unhappy gaze, the Star Killer shook his head and said, "An elf queen."
'Elf …
'Queen?
'The person Chara loved …
'Midier the Fourth's queen?'
The second prince's heart pounded against his chest.
Another gust of cold wind blew past.
Thales suddenly noticed that Aida, who was behind him, had disappeared at some point.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
