"The place you're going to investigate isn't far, but …"
"Dragon Clouds City hasn't been very peaceful lately." Big Leather Belt pouted and shook his head at Kohen and Miranda. "You know, Prince Moriah disappeared for a month, and then there was news of his death in Constellation. Then, there were all kinds of rumors. The men were all gearing up for battle, waiting to be called up to fight the Empire in the South.
"Then, there was news that the war was over.
"And today, just now, the Prince of Constellation came to Dragon Clouds City to apologize. I heard that the King of Constellation swore that if anyone dared to harm his son, the two countries would fight to the death. "
Kohen and Miranda exchanged glances. The former's eyes were filled with worry, while the latter was deep in thought.
"Hey, what kind of joke is this? If he's here to apologize, he should look like he's apologizing! Can the Northlanders be threatened by him? "
"If I were His Majesty, I wouldn't care so much. I'd hang the prince first, then gather all the soldiers in the country and attack Eternal Star City. Let's see what the Empire has to say then!" Big Leather Belt slammed the table and grumbled in dissatisfaction.
"But the prince is only seven years old … He'll only be eight after the new year," Kohen said hesitantly.
"Seven years old?" Big Leather Belt scratched his head as if he had no idea what was going on. "Alright …"
"In any case, the leaders have instructed their subordinates to restrain themselves for the next few days. Someone with connections has received news that King Nuven is very dissatisfied with Constellation. Very soon, he will … uh, the seven-year-old prince … You guys know."
Miranda frowned. 'Who's spreading these rumors?
Is it to deliberately harm the prince? Or is it to provoke discord between King Nuven and the second prince? '
"Besides, His Majesty has lost his only heir. Even a fool would know how he's feeling right now." Big Leather Belt sighed. "Let's not talk about the next Archduke of Dragon Clouds City and the next king selection. Who knows, King Nuven might get angry first. Sigh …"
"Did you just say 'bosses'? Are they the local gangs? " Kohen asked curiously, "I heard from Kaslan that he has connections with all the major forces in the city?"
"Yes, Kaslan has a lot of influence. Back then, he had the guts to contradict King Nuven in front of all the courtiers and was expelled from the White Blade Guards." Big Leather Belt chuckled. "But from the administrators in Heroic Spirit Palace to the big shots in Dragon Clouds City who make a living with their underlings, they all respect Kaslan a lot … Not to mention the many old subordinates he took care of and guided. Regardless of whether they were promoted or retired, they all owed him a favor."
"That's why Kaslan asked you to come to me." Big Leather Belt nodded. "I have a lot of contact with the local forces, so I should be able to help you."
"Before we depart, please tell us about the forces in Dragon Clouds City." Kohen's expression was solemn. "This is very important."
Big Leather Belt looked at Miranda, who nodded slightly.
Therefore, Big Leather Belt spread his hands. "Alright, let's split into sections …"
"First, the section we're in — Shield District and Hammer District are inhabited by the natives of Dragon Clouds City. They may be poor, but this is Gleeward and his brothers' territory. You don't want to provoke them."
"Gleeward … is he the leader of the gang? He controls these two districts? " Kohen followed his professional etiquette and asked, "Even the officials and guards can't interfere?"
"No, it's different. I mean, he's not a suzerain nor a bureaucrat, so he doesn't have the right to interfere. Gleeward wouldn't purposely provoke the dignity of the nobles or officials," Big Leather Belt explained while waving his hand.
"But Gleeward was a famous veteran before he retired, so he has a high reputation here. Whenever something happens — you know, being cheated by foreigners, fighting among the locals, some nobleman taking a fancy to someone's daughter, or someone's family having a hard time this winter — his people will always be there to solve all kinds of problems.
"Because he's willing to stand up for the poor, many people in Shield District and Hammer District are willing to believe in him. The disciplinary officers have publicly said that Gleeward's existence is to help stabilize the two poorest districts, so they give him face. Although I think it's because of Gleeward's military service. He used to be a heavy swordsman, and many of his old colleagues are now working there, even in the inner city and Heroic Spirit Palace.
"Gleeward doesn't have a specific gang or subordinates, but if he were to stand on the street one morning and say 'I need some help', I'm willing to bet that at least a dozen good men would put down their work to help, and another dozen would rush over from outside the city an hour later. If he waited until the afternoon, his men would be able to form a brigade. Half of these people have served in Dragon Clouds City's army before. They're strong, can eat, and can fight."
Miranda frowned, while Kohen, who had experience as a police officer, nodded. He was digesting the completely different gang organization here and in Eternal Star City.
"As for Sword District, Bow District, and Armor District, there are many merchants, a lot of goods, a lot of residents, and a lot of profits, so it's a little complicated.
"The market in Sword District is filled with civilians from outside the city or even further away. There are even Constellation's merchant groups hawking their goods there. The person who has the most authority there is called Vlad. He has an official identity as the disciplinary officer in charge of Dragon Clouds City's market. At the same time, he also has subordinates in the dark, but not as many as Gleeward, nor as strong." Big Leather Belt shook his head.
"Rumor has it that he has dealings with Constellation's Black Street Brotherhood. They do some gray business and rely on the embargo between the two countries to earn some profits. He doesn't show up often, but everyone is quite afraid of him."
"Black Street Brotherhood?" Kohen's interest was piqued by the name. "Their business has already expanded to Eckstedt?"
"Yeah, I've never heard of this name a few years ago. At that time, we had to look for the Blood Bottle Gang to handle matters in the South." Big Leather Belt shrugged helplessly. "But one day, the Brotherhood suddenly popped out of the ground and swaggered into Dragon Clouds City. They sat down to negotiate with Vlad and Gleeward. At that time, we all thought that these outsiders, Southerners, and people from the Empire were coming in to fight for territory.
"But in the end, the two big shots didn't say anything. The Brotherhood didn't settle down in Dragon Clouds City either. They just started to have more channels in the local businesses.
"If you ask me, their businesses are expanding quickly by doing this, but they are not stable enough. Neither Vlad nor Gleeward trust them. Just like this time, when there were rumors of war between the two countries, Vlad shut down his smuggling channels. Be it the Brotherhood or the merchants and businesses they protected, all of them disappeared."
"Expanding so quickly …" Kohen narrowed his eyes. "Maybe their goal isn't stable development, or even to do business or fight for territory?"
"Heh, that's impossible." Big Leather Belt smiled in disbelief. "If they don't fight for territory, profit, or business, can they still be called a gang?"
"Dragon Wings Square in Sword District is a place where Camian traveling merchants and some quick-witted Northlanders gather from time to time. From noble suzerains to desperadoes, these people have a way to get in touch with them. Plus, their goods are very popular among the locals, so the rhythm of these places revolves around them. There are also many unique shops and locations. You know," Big Leather Belt put on a wretched smile that all men would know. He stretched his hands horizontally and grabbed the air as if he was grabbing an apple.
"Soft and wet …"
Kohen lowered his head and smirked, while Miranda snorted coldly.
"Anyway, some Camian and Northlander merchant guilds have taken root in Dragon Wings Square.
"Bow District, especially along West-Express Avenue, is a little more peculiar. To put it simply, Bow District has what other districts have: crude workshops, small shops, and so on. On the other hand, Armor District has a large number of workshops and local shops. The relationship between these two districts is very messy. It's hard to say if there's any power, but if anything happens, they always look for a Far Easterner to mediate."
"A Far Easterner?" Kohen and Miranda cast a puzzled look at Big Leather Belt.
"Yes, a Far Easterner. He's a butcher shop owner named Gu. He's been in Dragon Clouds City for more than ten years." Big Leather Belt shrugged, indicating that he did not understand. "He doesn't seem to have much power, but he has a lot of connections. From Camus Union merchants to Northlanders, and even Constellatiates, he's able to talk to everyone. He's also the first to know if there's any movement. Hence, he's both a middleman and an information broker."
"As for places like Arrow District, Spear District, and Axe District, you'll have to walk a few steps up. Those who can live there are all powerful and influential people. They'll be patrolled by guards on their way back. Commoners like us have to be careful when we go to these districts, even if we become big shots.
"The place Kaslan mentioned, which is also your destination, is Armor District, where the Far Easterner's butcher shop is located." Big Leather Belt said, "I heard from acquaintances that some unfamiliar faces have been coming there recently. I think they might be the people you're looking for."
That was the place where Kroesch was ambushed during her investigation. Miranda pointed at the hilt of her sword at her waist.
"Is there anything suspicious about that place?" Kohen asked nervously. "For example, a battle? A battle between dozens of swordsmen in the middle of the night? Maybe even the Swordsmen of Eradication? "
"Battle? Swordsmen of Eradication? "Big Leather Belt pondered for a while." I've never heard of it. After all, it's not our territory. We don't have enough information. "
Big Leather Belt exhaled. "I suggest you ask Gu. Nothing can be hidden from that Far Easterner in his territory. Of course, you'll have to spend money to buy information."
"Alright." Miranda nodded with a solemn expression. "We'll depart immediately."
Under Big Leather Belt's instructions, Kohen and Miranda walked out of his house.
"The street and underground forces in Dragon Clouds City are a little chaotic. It's not as clear as the two major forces in Eternal Star City, and it's not as powerful as the Brotherhood and Blood Bottle Gang.
"But these are our most important sources of information. After all, the Disaster Swords are hiding in the dark, and the chaotic situation gives us loopholes to exploit." Kohen rubbed his chin worriedly as he walked on the street and watched the people talking about the Prince of Constellation's entry into the city.
"Bosses who stand up for the poor, smugglers who work in the dark, mercenaries from the Chamber of Commerce, and middlemen from the Far East. Unfortunately, Prince Thales' arrival has made the situation in the city more tense. The locals will be more cautious and restrained, and they'll also be more wary of outsiders. It won't be easy for us to find clues."
"We still have to ask that Far Easterner." Miranda's gaze flickered, and she changed the topic. "You've met him, our second prince?"
"Of course! In the Hall of Stars, that child's performance in front of the six Archdukes … "Kohen, who was beaming with joy, suddenly stopped talking.
He realized that the person in front of him, Miranda Arunde's identity, and her … father.
"Err …" Kohen scratched his head awkwardly. "Anyway, he's not bad. It should be a good thing that the Jadestar Royal Family has a successor …"
"Yes." Miranda's expression did not change. She walked past a shabby tailor's shop and nodded. "That child left a deep impression. It was the same in Broken Dragon Fortress."
The image of Thales Jadestar, that black-haired boy, appeared before her eyes.
'Right now, he should be in Heroic Spirit Palace, negotiating with the ruler of Eckstedt.
And one day, he will become our king. '
Miranda furrowed her brows, and her right thumb and index finger slowly clenched.
The king whom the Northern Territory was loyal to.
Having known each other for many years, they had a deep understanding of each other. Kohen looked at Miranda's situation and could not help but sigh.
"Miranda, things have been too urgent these past few days, and I haven't had the chance to ask you. But," Kohen said in a low voice, "Are you alright?"
Miranda raised her head abruptly, and her gaze shot towards Kohen.
Kohen glanced around, and brought Miranda behind a large signboard of a tavern. With a hesitant expression, he stammered, "I heard about your father from the old man. About him and those Eckstedtians … "
"There's nothing much to say. People have to pay for what they do." Miranda's quick reaction shocked even Kohen. The swordswoman furrowed her brows and said resolutely, "For more than ten years, I haven't seen him much, and I don't have a deep impression of him. So, this matter doesn't affect me at all."
Kohen did not say anything, and only looked at her quietly.
'Really?'
A long time ago, he heard from Raphael what the girl in front of him experienced during the Bloody Year.
He also knew that she was sent to the Tower of Eradication by her father a long time ago.
But now …
"So," Kohen scratched his head in embarrassment, and decided to change the topic, he asked, "What should we do next … I mean, I know you have a lot of distant cousins, and they also have the surname Arunde. If your father is stripped of his title …"
"It's not like there aren't any duchesses or even queens in the kingdom." A fierce glint flashed in Miranda's eyes. "And I am the real Arunde, the most legitimate and only successor to the Guardian Duke of the Northern Territory, just like that Prince Thales. Even King Kessel cannot deny it."
'Even though … this surname is too heavy.'
Kohen pursed his lips, and worry was written all over his face. "Miranda, you know, you're not alone.
"I'm your trusted friend. Kroesch and Misadun may be Northlanders, but that doesn't change our friendship. You still have Teacher Chartier, and maybe Lady Sonia in the fortress. And that brat Raphael … "
Kohen's voice instantly weakened.
He realized that he had said the wrong thing again.
The police's tone changed, and he said awkwardly, "Anyway, I know you're very strong, whether it's swordsmanship or something else, but you don't have to face so many alone …"
But Miranda's sharp gaze instantly landed on him.
"Ever since you came back this time, you've been deliberately avoiding Raphael's name — until now." Miranda narrowed her eyes.
Kohen's expression froze, and his heart beat wildly.
'Why is this woman so sensitive?'
"I'm not deliberately avoiding it … I'm just afraid that you'll be sad. After all, you grew up together and went through training together. He left without saying goodbye …"
But before he could think of an excuse, Miranda went straight to the point with a serious expression. "He's back? He went to look for you? "
"Of course not. He'll definitely look for you first when he comes back. After all, you're a couple …" Kohen scratched his head and laughed. "Right, speaking of this, I think I'm quite popular with women recently! Do you know, I met a very cool lady in the capital city, and she's as fast as lightning with her twin blades — "
"You have the same habit as Master Zedi." Miranda sighed and interrupted Kohen's words. "Every time you feel awkward, you'll scratch your head."
Kohen's hand froze as he touched his head.
"Then, you'll use unconscious nagging to change the topic."
The blond police officer lowered his head in annoyance.
"Kohen Karabeyan, after we settle the matter at hand, we have to talk." Miranda's expression was solemn. She grabbed her saber and tapped Kohen's shoulder with the hilt.
"About Raphael — and the things you're hiding."
Cohen pursed his lips and slapped himself painfully on the forehead.
'Is this what Master Shao meant when he said that he weaved a cocoon and trapped himself in it?'
"Let's return to our current mission. Kohen, do you feel it? "Miranda said flatly." From the Disaster Sword, to King Nuven, to the rumors in the city, and the murder of the Prince of Constellation, something's not right. "
"Huh?" Kohen, who was immersed in a sense of defeat, raised his head in confusion.
Miranda tapped the hilt of her sword gently, lost in thought.
"The Second Prince of Constellation went to Eckstedt and was assassinated not far from the fortress. It's related to the Disaster Sword.
"So, the former leader of the White Blade Guards, Master Shao's old acquaintance and colleague, Kaslan, sent a letter to the Tower of Eradication.
"And the Second Prince is now in Dragon Clouds City, facing King Nuven, Kaslan's former employer.
"Coincidentally, Kaslan also found a clue about the Disaster Sword in Dragon Clouds City."
In Kohen's eyes, Miranda, who had always been sharp, had a sharp gaze. She said in a cautious tone, "What a coincidence, everything is coming together."
It was a mess.
But there seemed to be a clue lying in the middle, connecting everything.
Kohen looked at her dumbfoundedly.
'Even though I don't understand what Miranda is saying …' Kohen thought.
The swordswoman raised her head abruptly. "What do you think?"
A second later, the police officer reacted and immediately coughed awkwardly. "Oh, oh, oh! Yes! "
'But it sounds so powerful …'
"I also … I have a feeling that something's not right!"
'Anyway, all I have to do is nod in agreement …'
Kohen took a deep breath. His gaze became capable and sharp, and his face was filled with the shrewdness and sternness unique to police officers. He beat his palms rhythmically and said softly, "I can really feel it behind all of this."
He beat his palms rhythmically and said softly, "There must be a huge conspiracy!"
Looking at Kohen, Miranda sighed helplessly. She closed her eyes and shook her head.
'No.
'This idiot.
'It would be weird if he could feel it.'
— —
The bearded man gritted his teeth and looked at Thales in disbelief.
The man with the bowl cut looked at King Nuven in surprise, then at Thales.
The bald man and the long-haired man looked at each other and realized that they were both frowning.
The brown-haired young man stared at Thales with a strange expression. He wanted to say something but stopped.
'I made the right bet.'
Thales breathed a sigh of relief.
He did not know what the current situation was. He was not sure if Nuven's attitude towards him had changed. He did not understand the archdukes' personalities and characteristics …
'But …'
Thales smiled. He raised his head and swept his gaze over the five archdukes aggressively.
None of them dared to bear the blood debt of killing the Prince of Constellation alone.
The shield that Kessel forged for him with the oath of the throne was still solid.
Previously, when King Nuven said that he wanted him to commit suicide, the archdukes looked like they were watching a good show.
But if this' honor 'fell on their heads …
For example, if a class of people wanted to do something bad and wanted to avoid bearing the consequences, they would either do it secretly or openly cause a commotion.
But no one would dare to do it alone.
"Jadestar's little brat." The bearded man's gaze was fierce, as if the hatred between him and Thales could no longer be resolved. "We have long heard of your story. Treacherous, cunning, and scheming beyond that of a child … It seems that we were right."
"Enough. Let's stop testing a seven-year-old child." The man with the bowl cut had a playful expression. "I dare to bet the six counties in Reformation Tower's territory that this brat will become a great threat to us in the future."
'Testing?' Thales frowned.
But the man with the bowl cut was immediately interrupted.
"No."
"What an interesting idea." Under the astonished gazes of all the archdukes, King Nuven broke the silence. His eyes glinted coldly. "Duel."
"Where did you hear this from?"
Thales slowly regained the sense of stability in his heart. He steadied his breathing and said to King Nuven, "Your King Selection Congress and the duel for the succession of Black Sand Region."
"Black Sand Region, hmph!" Nuven the Seventh did not hide the hatred on his face. "Lampard, that bastard, even asked me to provide a station and supplies for the team that escorted you here from Black Sand Region."
The archdukes quickly exchanged a few glances.
This reminded Thales of the Archduke of Black Sand's' collaborator '.
"Hypocritical and ridiculous fellow," King Nuven said gloomily. "Doesn't he know that half of my blood debt lies with him?"
The expressions of the five archdukes did not change.
King Nuven's expression was solemn. He slammed his palm on the table and the ring on his finger made a sharp sound.
* Thud! *
Everyone was taken aback by his words.
"A duel. Why not?"
Then, under the archdukes' extremely interesting expressions, King Nuven turned to them. "Among you, who among you is willing to fight on my behalf to prove your loyalty to the king?
"If you are stained with his blood, you should be able to let go of your scruples and stand together with Dragon Clouds City, right?"
Thales clenched his teeth.
But he seemed to have gradually grasped Nuven's rhythm.
The archdukes' expressions became extremely strange.
But King Nuven did not give them a chance to reply.
"Reybien Olsius, my loyal Archduke of Prestige Orchid." King Nuven turned to the bearded man who had always been filled with malice towards Thales and said casually, "Go, bring me victory and revenge in the duel."
'Prestige Orchid …' Thales remembered him in his heart.
The location of the Battle of Dawn three hundred years ago.
Archduke Olsius glanced at King Nuven, then at Thales.
The prince watched as his expression changed again and again.
"I thought you were just testing him just now … Nuven." Archduke Olsius furrowed his brows deeply. "Our previous discussion was already very clear. Everyone is willing to eat Constellation's flesh, but no one wants to see an all-out war to the death … Don't tell me you really want to kill this prince here?"
Thales felt relieved.
'Testing …
'It's really a test.
'My life … seems to be saved.'
But then he was stunned again.
'Based on these words, these six people have been discussing the matter of sending troops to war?'
"Isn't that good? I even sent Nicholas ahead of time to tie him up and parade him through the streets of Dragon Clouds City! " Nuven flashed a frightening and crazy smile. "Since they have lost their legitimate heir, the Walton Family is destined to decline. Isn't it good to do one last thing for Eckstedt?"
The five archdukes' expressions became increasingly unpleasant.
Thales tried to put himself in the archdukes' shoes and understand their feelings.
Constellation, which had no heir previously, faced almost the same situation.
'A king whose behavior is unpredictable.'
"Olsius, after all, the sword in his hand is your sword," King Nuven continued to say faintly. "Besides, more than six hundred years ago, wasn't it Tormond Jadestar who led his army and chased your family, Olsius, from the ancient chauvinistic land they had ruled for generations to the north, and built Eternal Star City on your family's old land?
"Killing him will bring glory to your family, won't it?"
Olsius chuckled sheepishly.
"If you raise your troops to war, Prestige Orchid Region is willing to advance and retreat with Dragon Clouds City and be loyal to the flag of the Dragon Spear, Your Majesty." Olsius slowly stroked his beard and shook his head. "But not in this way … You can't force me to carry this blood for you."
"Hmph, my dear Archduke Olsius, you don't want to carry this blood?" Thales sneered and replied to his words. "After saying so much, aren't you just afraid of death?"
Olsius paused and looked at Thales with an increasingly hostile expression.
King Nuven sneered and turned to the merciless bowl cut. "What about you, Archduke of Reformation Tower, Porpheus Trentida? Kill him and we will stand together from now on. "
'Reformation Tower …' Thales suddenly recalled Lampard's story.
"I refuse." The bowl cut Archduke Trentida reacted quickly. "You can't ask me to do this."
He shook his head warily and said, "There is only one reason why Trentida supports the war against Constellation: Reformation Tower can reap the most benefits from the war. But if I kill this brat with my own hands and am forced to bear the enemy's hatred, it will obviously not be worth it.
"In the war caused by this, the one who benefits the most is definitely Lampard, and the murderer will always bear the blood debt." Trentida raised his hand and laughed. "We will only send our troops when there are benefits and no risks. Otherwise, why would we want to get involved in this mess?"
"You are really the most honest person I have ever met, Trentida." The bald archduke sighed. Without waiting for King Nuven to speak, he replied, "Your words are selfish and shameless, but also reasonable and true. Therefore, I can't refute you."
"For the same reason, I, Rogers Lecco from Defense City …" the bald Archduke Lecco said flatly. As he turned his head, the top of his head reflected a bright flash. "Anyway, whoever wants to kill him can go ahead. Getting involved in an all-out war for no reason is a small matter. I don't want to be stained with the Jadestar's blood debt."
Thales watched these archdukes argue in front of His Majesty and outsiders as if there was no one else around … Just like the neighbors' aunties who bumped into each other downstairs in his previous life.
'And this scene …'
Thales frowned. 'Why does it look so familiar?'
"Well, I have finally experienced the weight of Northland." Thales chuckled and looked sarcastically at the bald Archduke Lecco. He replied with the same words, then looked scornfully at the bearded Archduke Olsius. "And your Northland ways."
The two archdukes did not answer him. They just averted their gazes.
"Hmph, if this child didn't come to apologize, we wouldn't have to be so embarrassed, would we?" Nuven the Seventh sneered. "Are you going to send your troops south in the name of avenging my son?"
The archdukes did not answer.
But Thales already knew the answer.
"Kulgon Roknee?" King Nuven stared at the long-haired man and said slowly, "Kill him, and Dragon Clouds City will fully support the Roknee Family in the benefits they can gain from the war.
"Doing such a thing to a child who hasn't even grown hair down there is practically a stain on my honor." The long-haired man, Archduke Roknee snorted. "Although the City of Faraway Prayers is far away from the threat of Constellation, the Roknee Family also has its own pride."
The more Thales listened, the more obvious his feeling became.
'The way the archdukes speak to the king …'
Through direct and direct contact, he quickly realized that the relationship between king and vassal in Eckstedt and Constellation was fundamentally different.
The archdukes and the common-elected king were almost on equal footing. Those who were familiar with each other and had power would not even be polite to the king.
'Compared to Constellation …' Thales recalled the time in the Hall of Stars when the vassals of the Six Great Clans and the Thirteen Distinguished Families knelt down and kissed Kessel's ring.
'It seems that the archdukes of Eckstedt have really formed their own country. The power in their hands … is far beyond our expectations.' Thales remembered Putray's comment.
'It's probably the same in terms of power.'
"Enough!"
The last brown-haired young man sighed.
"I am the suzerain of Beacon Illumination City, Conkray Poffret, Your Highness of Constellation. I am sorry that you had to see this." The brown-haired young man turned his head and smiled apologetically at Thales. Then, he said worriedly to King Nuven, "Your Majesty, I understand your anger, but please consider the future of the kingdom … The Prince of Constellation is already here. We have lost a legitimate reason to send troops. Killing him will only make things worse."
Nuven did not answer.
He glanced at the archdukes and then at Thales before he spoke in a deep and sonorous voice.
"You really are a bunch of cowards," Nuven the Seventh said in a deep voice. "Even I have given my consent, but you are still afraid of war and do not even dare to touch the blood of a child."
'It is precisely because of your consent that it is suspicious.'
Thales said quietly.
"Northland never takes pride in killing children," Archduke Roknee of the City of Faraway Prayers replied flatly.
"Very well, then the meeting is adjourned." King Nuven's expression was cold as he ended this strange meeting. He looked at Thales, his eyes still filled with ruthless indifference and hatred. "Put down that ridiculous sword, Prince of Constellation. You do not need it at night."
"Huh?" Thales was stunned. "At night? What kind of occasion? "
"What else could it be?" The King of Eckstedt stared coldly at the five archdukes. "Since these cowards are unwilling to pay the price, what other choice do we have?
"Go and get ready. We will attend your welcome banquet.
"Thales Jadestar."
The King uttered these last words in a most disagreeable tone, and quitted his seat without looking round.
The archdukes looked at each other and stood up with different expressions on their faces.
Thales stared blankly at everything in front of him.
'It's … over?'
The bearded Archduke of Prestige Orchid, Olsius, walked up to Thales. His expression was still unpleasant. "How long are you going to hold my sword?"
* Clang! *
The sword in Thales' hand fell to the ground.
His palm was already numb.
When Thales walked out of the stone hall safely and saw Lord Mirk waiting for him, he realized that he had unknowingly broken out in cold sweat on such a cold day.
Even his legs felt like they were no longer his own.
Thales pressed his knees as if he had just finished a cross-country run and exhaled deeply.
'Damn it.
'Northlanders.'
"Please follow me, Your Highness," Lord Mirk said expressionlessly. "I will take you to your room and prepare for the banquet tonight.
"Your entourage will also be at the banquet."
Thales suddenly raised his hand and stopped Mirk.
"Before that, can you take me to Lord Nicholas and Marquis Shiles?" Under Mirk's meaningful gaze, Thales revealed a strange smile. "They took care of me a lot on the way to Dragon Clouds City."
"Hmm?" Mirk said softly, expressing his puzzlement.
Thales' expression became very unpleasant. He raised his head and said firmly, "For the sake of their great kindness, I must sincerely, solemnly, carefully, and energetically thank them in person."
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