Every choice had a corresponding price. For example, when he said "you must listen to me" to the two representatives of King Nuven, then turned around and left in a dashing manner, the distressed Thales sank into a depressing dilemma.
Clearly, whether it was for the continuation of the Walton Family, for the simple benefits of Dragon Clouds City, to get rid of a threat before his death, or even for the so-called "revenge" that was filled with personal emotions, Nuven the Seventh was determined to find the mastermind who conspired with Lampard.
To achieve this goal, everything else, including his own life, seemed insignificant in the process, and could even be sacrificed at any time.
Thales was almost a hundred percent sure that he was "bait" in Nuven's original plan. There were no other possibilities.
But …
The prince gritted his teeth.
Even if he used Constellation to intimidate others and seized the initiative in his own hands, how could he find Nuven and his common enemy without endangering himself? The person who could order around the so-called 'traitors of the Tower of Eradication'?
'I don't know how Nuven would react to my performance, but if I can't help him find the enemy …' Thales remembered King Nuven's expression.
He sighed.
'Ah, welcome to Northland.
I need help, be it from Putray's advisor, Wya's sword, Ralf's psionic ability, or Aida's strength.
'I have to hurry and meet up with them.'
Thales looked up and was suddenly stunned.
He realized that he had unknowingly walked a long distance while he was deep in thought.
But he did not find Mirk, who had been leading the way for him.
In short …
Thales looked awkwardly at the unfamiliar corridor and stairs, the rugged decorations on the walls, and the stone windows on both sides …
'I'm lost.'
Thales immediately turned his head.
However, after imagining the scene of him saying to Nicholas and Shiles, whom he had just met, "I'm sorry, can you tell me how to go back?" and the two men's expressions, he resolutely removed the option of 'going back the way we came'.
'The problem is …' Thales turned his head awkwardly. The layout of Heroic Spirit Palace was too consistent. Every time he turned a corner, he felt like he had returned to the same place.
'I can only walk forward and ask for directions when I meet a guard or servant.'
Thales sighed and strode forward.
Until he passed through a tall arched door in a daze.
It was a huge room. It was not like the other places in Heroic Spirit Palace, which were lit with stoves and braziers. Instead, it had large windows that let in white light. Iron shelves hung from the ceiling, and there seemed to be some kind of sparkling and translucent silver-white gemstones on them. They reflected the light from outside the window and lit up the rows …
Bookshelf?
Thales was stunned. He looked at the two rows of large black bookshelves in front of him.
Each row was eight to nine meters long, leaving only a gap in the middle that could fit two people.
He frowned. He seemed to have stumbled into a … library?
No wonder there was no brazier.
Thales looked around. Strangely, he did not see anyone.
He took a step forward and poked his head between two rows of bookshelves, trying to see the other end of the room, but in vain.
Firstly, the room seemed to be extremely large. Secondly, he noticed that the black bookshelves seemed to be arranged in an arc instead of a straight line. At least, he could not see the other end of the room. In his field of vision between the two rows of bookshelves, there were still countless bookshelves extending to the end of his sight.
He sighed.
'If it's a library … there should be someone guarding it, right?'
Thales cautiously opened his mouth and shouted, "Is there anyone here? How do I get to the Hall of Heroes?"
There was no response.
Thales shook his head. These bookshelves blocked the transmission of sound to a great extent.
He had no choice but to walk between two rows of bookshelves and walk past rows of black wooden bookshelves.
There were about ten layers of these bookshelves, and each layer was separated by thick black wooden boards. From the soles of his feet to the ceiling, they were at least seven to eight meters tall.
There were, of course, books on the bookshelves: thin side-bound books, heavy classics with hardcover covers, and even scrolls placed vertically.
Many of the books were heavy and unadorned. Some were even ancient books made of parchment. They had a long history, but were well preserved.
The Ancient Empire's language was engraved on the side of each bookshelf, clearly marking the categories of each row: poetry, literature, history, politics, music scores, personal monographs, and even the king's decrees … Many of them were old books that could not be found in Mindis Hall.
'My God …' Thales leaned against a row of bookshelves and stood on tiptoe to look at a thick book with a brown cover. He was in a daze.
'Collection of Imperial Edicts of the Empire: Year One — Year Two Hundred.'
'This is … Year Six Hundred of the Calendar of Eradication, Year One Thousand Five Hundred of the Empire Calendar.
'A book from nearly two thousand years ago?
'No, it's a copy.' Thales immediately realized how old it was from its age.
'But …' A thought flashed through Thales' mind.
'If it's a book from before the Battle of Eradication …
'Then … be it the history of wizards, Magic Towers, or magic!
'It will definitely leave behind some clues.
'At least it will be mentioned briefly.'
For example, the book he found in Mindis Hall, 'War of Eradication: The World's Fall', did it not mention the Alchemy Tower? '
Thales' eyes brightened.
He had never believed that the prohibition of magic by humans could be so thorough that it was invulnerable.
Otherwise, how could there be an existence like Ramon?
He continued to walk forward. From time to time, he pulled out a few books that he could still hold, flipped open the first few pages, and glanced at them.
There were many similar books.
From the common language to the language of the Ancient Empire, there were even books written in rare languages that he had never seen before.
Fortunately, the special training Gilbert gave him was effective. With Thales' level of proficiency in the common language, it should not be a problem for him to understand the cover and the general contents. As for the language of the Ancient Empire, which he was not very familiar with, its grammar and spelling were much more complicated than the common language, but many of the roots and affixes were similar.
Gilbert told him that after the collapse of the Ancient Empire, the language of the Ancient Empire used by the nobles and officials slowly became a ceremonial language for rhetoric and literature. The common language of the commoners was only gradually formed at this time.
Thales held his breath and suppressed the excitement in his heart. It was as if he had returned to the past in his memories. Over there, he was also walking between rows of bookshelves.
'Edict of Bright God'. This was a history book that recorded the deeds of the once orthodox church of the Empire, the Church of Bright God.
'War of Thorns'. Looking at the title page, it seemed to be a rather large expedition during the era of the Ancient Empire. Its target was the Land of Thorns in the southwest of the Western Peninsula.
'Chronicles of Conquest by Great Emperor Camelot. Chronicles of the Ancient Empire's first Emperor and the history of the establishment of the Empire.
'Kings XXX Politics XXX. I can't understand the words in the language of the Ancient Empire alone. My God, this is probably related to the Age of Kings before the era of the Ancient Empire.
'Origins of the Ancient Orcs. This is easy to understand, even though the entire book is written in the language of the Ancient Empire.
'The Disaster of TherrenKarlen.' There was another row of titles on the cover. It was written in a language that was neither the common language nor the language of the Ancient Empire. I don't know what book it is.
'Records of the Temple: The Complete Collection of Knights.' It seems to be about the history of the glorious era of knights, from the Age of Kings all the way to the Age of the Empire.
'The Tale of the Great Dragon.' I don't know if it's a literary work or a serious record.
'xxx: The Iron Blood King and Medi …' Another title that I don't understand.
'The List of the Ten Knights of the Past Dynasties of the Empire.' From this bookshelf onward, the number of books written in the common language increased.
'Dragon Kiss Academy Year 612 Commemorative Volume.' Full of things that I don't understand.
'Men and Women.' Ah, this actually has illustrations … Uh, I better put it back.
'Chronicles of the Dragon Spear.' What the hell?
Thales became more and more excited. He even forgot his original goal, whether it was to find a way out or traces of magic.
It was as if he had returned to the 'previous life' in his fragmented memories and found a large number of high-quality documents in a database.
This was probably the library in Heroic Spirit Palace, or the library of the Walton Family.
When he was in Constellation, he never had the time to come into contact with enough and broad knowledge. Moreover, the more precious books in Constellation were almost all collected in the royal Jadestar Grand Library.
Thales turned around a row of bookshelves.
It seemed that a row of bookshelves had been removed. In its place was a row of long metal cabinets. The top of the cabinets was covered by transparent glass and Crystal Drops that could transmit light. He could see the items stored inside.
"This is …"
With the light reflected from the unknown gemstones above his head, Thales looked at an ancient scroll document in the glass cabinet in surprise. He looked at the dragon head coat of arms on both sides of the top of the document and …
The Nine-Pointed Star Coat of Arms.
'Jadestar?'
Thales' gaze shone with curiosity and excitement.
This ancient document was written entirely in the language of the Ancient Empire. The writer was obviously very skilled in calligraphy. The classic cursive words he wrote were beautiful and pleasing to look at.
However, it was different from the classic aristocratic language of the Ancient Empire that Thales learned from Gilbert in Mindis Hall. It was different from the ancient, awkward-sounding, complicated words, and peculiar style of writing. The language of the Ancient Empire on the document was simple and straightforward. It was easy to understand, and it was mixed with many grammatical expressions and words that only appeared in today's common language. Even with Thales cramming for a month in the language of the Ancient Empire, he could still somewhat understand it.
Obviously, this was a document left behind after the collapse of the Ancient Empire. The lingua franca gradually influenced, permeated, and even replaced the language of the Ancient Empire.
Thales pressed his face against the glass cabinet. He could barely make out the contents of the yellowed scroll. At first, he was not used to it, but as he read on, it became easier and easier.
"In the year 1530 after the Empire was founded.
In the year 11 after the Year of Errol.
In the name of the great Holy Sun.
Under the witness of Sunset Temple.
In the longhouse of the suzerain of Cold Castle, this agreement was made by —
The glorious king of Eckstedt, Raikaru Eckstedt.
The glorious king of Constellation, Tormond Jadestar.
The oath was made together and kept.
King Raikaru's Oath:
"In the name of the Holy Sun, I swear an oath.
"I, and all Northlanders who are loyal and follow me, regardless of whether they are men, women, elderly, children, nobles, commoners, suzerains, or soldiers.
"I will not interfere with King Tormond and his followers' battles in the Ancient Chauvinistic Lands and the Great Desert.
"I will not hold King Tormond and his followers accountable for their previous actions.
"I will acknowledge King Tormond and his followers' rightful rule and rights in the lands they have already obtained in the Ancient Chauvinistic Lands, the lands of South Coast, and Green Heart Hills. "I will acknowledge the corresponding actions they took to obtain living conditions, defend the people, and protect their territories in the South, West, and other places, including but not limited to military actions.
"I will make Cold Castle the place of separation from King Tormond and his followers' territories. The south will belong to them, and the north will belong to us.
"I will show King Tormond and his followers tolerance and sincerity instead of hatred and suspicion. I will ensure that King Tormond and his followers will find the greatest degree of justice and equality in the land where the Northlanders live.
"These words and this oath will be effective from the day it is made.
Until the end of my and King Tormond's lives.
"… Separation …"
"King Tormond's Oath:
"In the name of the Holy Sun, I swear an oath.
"I, and all the loyal people of the Empire who follow me, regardless of whether they are men, women, elderly, children, nobles, commoners, suzerains, or soldiers.
"I will give up my claim and pursuit of the lands around the Northern Plains and the Pine Forest.
"I will treat the remaining nobles in the Empire's former Chauvinistic Lands leniently and retain their rights. I will not pursue the Olsius Family who sought refuge in the Empire's former Northland Province.
"King Raikaru and his followers will have the corresponding rule and rights over the lands they have already obtained in the Empire's former Northland Province and Empire's former West Billow Province. "On this basis, we will respect their rights to further acquire territory, people, and property in the former Empire's territories that do not go against our will and interests.
"Cold Castle in the Empire's former Northland Province will serve as the boundary between the two sides. We will acknowledge that King Raikaru and his followers will have the corresponding right to dispose of the former Empire's lands, people, and property in the north.
"We will treat every Northlander and Rudollians in our territories with kindness. We will treat them as citizens of the Empire. We will respect and acknowledge the existence and authority of King Raikaru and his followers in their territories, and they will be equal to the nobles of the former Empire.
"These words and this oath will be effective from the day it is fulfilled.
Until the end of my and King Raikaru's lives.
'Separation …'
Here, as witnessed by those present:
"Head Ritual Master Kang Da, Vice Ritual Master Rogges,
"Queen Clorysis Nurmen Dalla Dosar, Soul Tower Advisor Bran Tabark,
"Suzerain Lhasa Trentida, Suzerain Scott Stustel,
"Count Leinster Covendier, Count Cooper Cullen,
"Writer: Viscount Halva Karabeyan
"Holy Day, Year 11 of the Calendar of Eradication, 29 January, noon
"The appendices related to this treaty are as follows …"
'Oh my God.'
Thales was engrossed in it, but he was extremely shocked.
'This is …
"King of Renaissance" Tormond Jadestar and "King of Dragon Riders" Raikaru Eckstedt …
'The treaty … signed more than six hundred years ago?'
Thales chewed on the main body of the treaty and began to confirm it in his heart.
'This is a truce treaty between Constellation and Eckstedt, and … an alliance treaty of non-interference!'
At this moment, his footsteps moved between the second and third glass cabinets.
The light dimmed.
From the corner of his eye, he saw the empty space between the two glass cabinets.
There seemed to be something black moving there.
Thales turned his head.
In his line of sight, on the ground one step away from him, a person suddenly appeared …
'A person!'
"Ah!"
Thales was so shocked that he fell backwards against the glass cabinet.
* Bang! *
With a pale face, he took a few steps back and finally managed to grab the leg of the glass cabinet to regain his balance.
The figure that suddenly appeared and was lying on the ground seemed to be shocked as well.
The other party sucked in a breath and took a step back.
Thales patted his wildly beating heart. When he saw that there was indeed a living person in front of him, he panted and relaxed.
"That …" Thales asked while panting.
The other party finally raised her head.
Thales was stunned.
That person was very thin, very short, very … mini?
To be precise, it was a girl with platinum curly hair, dressed in a long gray dress, and a frightened expression on her face …
A little girl.
She looked to be only eight or nine years old.
Thales looked to his left and right, puzzlement rising in his heart.
'There's no one around …
'But why is there a little girl here?
'And … why is it a little girl again?'
Thales first thought of the "little girl" he met by accident next to a coffin, and then he thought of Nicholas' "supernatural legend of Heroic Spirit Palace". He felt a little creeped out.
He swallowed a mouthful of saliva and took a closer look.
The other party's gray dress was covered in dust. She was lying on a thick book that was at least a meter wide.
Her elbows were propped against the pages on both sides, and her face was almost pressed against the book.
'She's actually … reading a book?'
The little girl raised her head. Her small face was covered in dust and dirt. Her platinum hair was stuck to her forehead, and there was a hint of confusion on her frightened face.
In the next second, she looked in Thales' direction with a dazed expression. Her eyes narrowed into thin lines.
Her expression was full of suspicion and wariness. Like an amphibian, she looked in Thales' direction …
She turned her neck.
'But.'
Her eyes were lifeless, and her pupils were numb … but they were not focused on Thales.
Under such bright light, she actually …
'Didn't see Thales?
'Didn't see him!'
The other party sniffed the air fiercely.
It seemed like she was sniffing something.
Thales' heart skipped a beat.
'Could it be …'
Strange fragments of memories surged into his mind.
'"I haven't finished running my model … What did you drag me here to watch today?"'
'"Ah, don't worry, you won't be afraid of this! It's a story about a few people doing scientific exploration underground! "'
'Scientific exploration? What's the name? The opening title is The _ Descent? Descent? Oh, it's really an adventure film … But why are there a few girls? An adventure as a psychological treatment?
'"That's right, why would I harm you … You'll know when you keep watching!
'"Why did you turn off the lights at this time? Don't tell me you want me to see your fluorescent watch … Damn it, what the hell is this! Let me go! I don't want to see it! "'
Thales gulped again.
As if he wanted to see this place more clearly, he saw a strange girl with squinting eyes …
'"Slit-eyed people are all monsters."' This was a memory that he did not know when it entered his mind.
He saw this little girl with squinting eyes …
Slowly stretching her neck, slowly extending her hand …
Slowly moving her feet, slowly …
It crawled towards Thales' direction.
One step.
Two steps.
The strange little girl stopped crawling. Facing his direction, she turned her neck again and scrutinized him for a full three seconds.
Thales' heart skipped a beat.
In an ancient room full of dust.
In the antique exhibition hall.
A little girl who could not see.
Squinting her eyes, on all fours.
Crawling over like an amphibian …
Thales felt his skin crawl. He could not help but mutter in his heart, 'No way?
What a hundred-year-old girl who crawled out of a coffin? Once is enough. '
He suddenly remembered that he was in Dragon Clouds City, next to the ancient Raikaru Treaty Cabinet, which was empty and uninhabited.
As he thought of this, his legs went limp, and he bumped into the glass cabinet.
The little girl with squinting eyes immediately noticed it. Her head shook violently!
Her expression was ferocious!
Thales' heart sank.
In the next second, she keenly opened her mouth in Thales' direction …
But the terrifying scene he expected did not appear.
A clear child's voice was heard.
"Ah!"
Thales was stunned.
The little girl's face was full of shock, and she kept shaking her head.
'She's … alive?
'As long as she's alive.'
Thales exhaled and patted his chest.
'But why can't a living person see me …'
Soon, he knew why.
The little girl with squinting eyes reached out and groped around the open book under her for a while.
Then.
The little girl brushed away the hair on her forehead, making her already dirty face even darker. She then squinted and grabbed a pair of round … glasses with black frames.
She wore it on her face.
The little girl who wore the glasses raised her head.
This time, her eyes finally opened.
It was a pair of emerald green eyes.
Thales opened his mouth, but he did not know what to say.
Hence, in Heroic Spirit Palace, between the gaps of the thick bookshelves, next to the glass cabinet that preserved the treaty between the two legendary kings …
A little girl with platinum hair and a dirty face, wearing round, thick black glasses, lay on the ground in a daze. She stared blankly at Thales, who sat on the ground with his back against the glass cabinet.
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