"That's why I need your help, my loyal subordinates," Thales said with a smile.
Putray sighed helplessly. "You are truly a prince who empathizes with his subordinates."
Thales hid his guilty conscience with a bright expression. He grinned and said, "Thank you, Lord Putray Nemain."
His attendant, Wya Caso, furrowed his brows and pressed on the wound on his left rib, which was severely injured by the vampire earlier. He said, "According to what you said, if these five archdukes acted in unison when they faced King Nuven in the meeting hall, and there were no flaws … how are we going to determine who the murderer is?"
"If the murder of Prince Moriah was to weaken the royal family, which is the Walton Family …" Putray's gaze was unfocused, but Thales knew that it was an expression that showed he was thinking. "Then, the murder of you through Lampard's hands was also to weaken the Lampard Family, who was a popular candidate for the king election, and also for … war?
Thales' train of thought paused.
'No wonder … King Nuven wanted to use his own life and death to test the five archdukes' attitudes toward the war between the two kingdoms. '
"When faced with the option of war, their reactions are still different." Thales pondered for a second and recalled the scene just now. He said quietly, "If it's five people …"
"What did you see?" Putray's gaze focused and he asked calmly.
"First, there was a bearded man. His emblem was a circle with a triangle inside. That guy's speech was very unpleasant." Thales searched through his memory attentively. "He did not hide his hostility toward me at all. Every word he said was aimed at humiliating me."
The bearded suzerain who made him kneel and beg for mercy … Thales was the first to place him on his suspect list.
"Archduke Reybien Olsius of Prestige Orchid Region. Among the three southern archdukes, he has the best relationship with King Nuven," Putray replied quickly. "The Olsius Family is not one of Raikaru's Nine Knight Families. In fact, only six of the Nine Great Clans are still archdukes. It was only two hundred years ago, with the support of the Walton Family, that they became the rulers of Prestige Orchid Region, which borders our Overwatch City."
"He does indeed have a reason to humiliate you," Putray continued. "The land in Constellation's Central Territory is the former chauvinistic province of the Empire. That was the territory that the Olsius Family was ordered to rule since the Ancient Empire, until the army of the King of Renaissance chased them out of their hometown. From this perspective, the Olsius Family and the Jadestar Family are mortal enemies."
"That's strange." Wya shook his head. "Is there really someone who is hostile to you because of the family feud from more than six hundred years ago?"
"Maybe he deliberately put on an act because of his family's reputation … But it's hard to say. After all, there are still people who still hold a grudge against the Ancient Empire from a thousand years ago." Thales shrugged helplessly and ignored Putray's cold expression. "How patriotic."
Wya nodded as if he was deep in thought.
"The second person is a middle-aged man with a bowl cut. His clothes are embroidered with glowing blades. He speaks in an eccentric manner and is trying his best to provoke King Nuven's disgust towards me." Thales rubbed his chin and pondered. "From mockery to laughter, he speaks in a strange tone. But I always feel that his sarcasm is too forceful and not up to standard."
'The archduke with the bowl cut,' Thales thought to himself. 'The archduke who dares to tell everyone clearly that he will not send troops without benefits.'
When Thales thought of this, he snickered. "He is not as natural and perfect as Duke Cyril Fakenhaz, nor is he as direct and incisive as you, which makes people feel helpless."
Putray did not know if he was indifferent or if he pretended not to hear the prince belittling him. He nodded and replied, "That is Porpheus Trentida of Reformation Tower. He is also one of the three archdukes in the South. It is said that he is cautious and wise, but he is often ridiculed for being selfish and conservative."
"In that case, he seems to want you to die in King Nuven's hands?" Wya raised his head. "Could it be him?"
"Reformation Tower is on the northeast side of Constellation. Its territory is adjacent to our Lonely Old Tower." Putray exhaled. "Compared to a local conflict, a full-scale war between the two countries can actually bring him limited benefits … Of course, the damage may also be limited."
"The third person is an old, bald man. He's very old." Thales took a deep breath. "This person gives me a very complicated feeling. He's not less talkative than the first two, but he rarely shows any definite emotions. Most of the time, he's just going along with and encouraging others."
"The bald Rogers Lecco, the Archduke of Defense City, symbolized by chains." Putray tapped his pipe and his gaze flickered. "He's one of the two Northern Archdukes of Eckstedt. He doesn't participate much in Eckstedt's central affairs, but he's actually invited here this time. This is really suspicious."
"It sounds like he is a neutral party who has nothing to do with himself." Wya wiped his sword.
"If I were the mastermind behind all of this, I would probably be very willing to appear neutral." Thales spread his hands and declined to comment.
Putray did not reply.
"The fourth archduke has long hair, and there is an ancient book painted on his clothes." The second prince reached out to grab the armrest and pulled himself up from the chair. "He gives me a feeling similar to the Duke of the Northern Territory. He is bold, magnanimous, and seems to value … at least on the surface, his own honor."
'The long-haired man who is unwilling to tarnish his family's honor seems to have no reason … But did the Duke of the Northern Territory not betray King Kessel, betray his own Northern Territory, and betray Constellation?'
"Kulgon Roknee. His territory is adjacent to Camus Union's City of Faraway Prayers. It is in the west of Eckstedt, near the northern end of the Great Desert." The thin vice diplomat of Constellation stopped in his tracks. "He sometimes cooperates with Constellation's Western Desert Hill … The orcs and Barren Bone people in the desert are a common threat to us. If the two countries go to war or weaken Constellation, it will only increase the pressure on us.
"Don't forget, Duke Arunde of the Northern Territory and Lampard of Black Sand Region have also cooperated before. Their target is Prince Moriah." Thales stared at him with a sharp gaze. "Even if the two countries go to war, it will also damage the former's Northern Territory.
"And the last and youngest one, Conkray Poffret. He looks a little childish." He jumped off Eckstedt's hardwood chair. "He speaks very gently, but also a little hesitant. He seems to respect King Nuven a lot, and he considers things from the perspective of Eckstedt's overall interests … He even spoke up for me."
The thirty-year-old young man who was choked by King Nuven's tough words.
"Childish? Coming from your mouth … "Putray chuckled and shook his head." That is Conkray Poffret of the Bloody Steed, the Archduke of Beacon Illumination City. His territory is close to Dragon Clouds City. The Poffret Family is a newly promoted archduke family. They have ruled Beacon Illumination City for less than a hundred years, but they are one of the most trusted aides of the Walton Family. Young people are often hot-blooded and impulsive, and they are naturally resistant to conspiracies. "
"That's not necessarily the case. There is a young duke in our country." Thales recalled the Duke of Iris Flowers and the accidents along the way. He sighed. "I believe you have also experienced it — his scheming is not inferior to any old man's."
"Based on what you said, all the archdukes are suspects." Wya frowned. "You still can't determine who it is?"
Both Thales and Putray fell silent.
"Prestige Orchid Region and Reformation Tower, like Black Sand Region, are adjacent to Constellation. The relationship between the two countries has the greatest impact on them," Putray said in a low voice. "The City of Faraway Prayers is in the west, Defense City is in the north, and Beacon Illumination City is close to Dragon Clouds City in the center … In short, if we just analyze the pros and cons to see who will benefit in the end, this is the order of suspicion for the archdukes."
Thales scratched his hair and said dejectedly, "Haih, but suspicion is suspicion. There is no way to prove it. We urgently need a police officer who can solve cases."
In Dragon Clouds City's Armor District, Police Officer Cohen, who was engaged in a fierce battle with his opponent, sneezed. An inch of his hair was cut off by his opponent.
Wya flipped the sword over his knee and asked worriedly, "If we fail to help King Nuven find the murderer who murdered his son, will the consequences be severe?"
The Born King's awe-inspiring expression and Nicholas' cold expression appeared in Thales' mind. He rolled his eyes. "It's best if you don't think about that possibility … A father who is determined to avenge his son …"
"It's not just his son," Putray added. "Moriah is also the heir of the Walton Family and Dragon Clouds City. This hatred is far beyond our imagination. Besides, King Nuven must be doing his best to eliminate dangerous opponents for the family …"
"After all, based on his age, the Walton Family will not be able to hold the crown for long. Moreover, the Walton Family may be inherited by a branch family that he has no way of knowing, or even …" Putray said flatly.
"Under the new king's orders, Dragon Clouds City, which has lost its direct heir, will be given to another family. It is also possible that the Walton Family will decline from then on."
Thales sighed.
'Of course, I even used this to threaten Nicholas.'
Thales, who was extremely annoyed, sat on the floor and leaned his head against the edge of the chair. He rubbed his face helplessly.
"Speaking of this …" Thales opened his eyes and recalled his encounter in the library. The figures of the unkempt bespectacled little girl and the unruly girl appeared before his eyes. "I met King Nuven's granddaughter in Heroic Spirit Palace. Have you heard of her before?"
"Alex Walton?" Putray frowned as he listened to Thales' narration. "I have indeed heard of it. Prince Soria, who died early twelve years ago, was King Nuven's eldest son. He left behind a daughter. But perhaps because of what happened to her father, King Nuven has always been very protective of his granddaughter.
"If you didn't mention it, I'm afraid many people wouldn't even know her name."
"She can't inherit the Walton Family?" Thales exhaled and thought of the gorgeously dressed little princess. "Just because she's a woman?"
Putray shook his head.
"In that damn Northlander's ideology, women are just accessories and property. They only have value when they become mothers and give birth to children."
The three of them turned their heads in unison and saw Aida sitting on the bed that should have belonged to Thales without a care in the world. She wiped her exquisite machete, and there was a rare chill in her tone. "It has never changed since a few hundred years ago."
"In the fight over the Walton Family, she is not important." Putray shook his head. "Let's think about how to deal with the problem at hand …"
Thales closed his eyes and pouted. "Fortunately, we are not in a hurry …"
At this moment, there was a sudden knock on the door.
Ralf frowned and opened the door.
The recruit Thales saved, Willow Ken, stood at the door. He scratched his head and smiled.
"That … That Marquis of Camus Union sent someone to pass a message." Willow seemed to be very happy to have the opportunity to meet the prince. He chuckled and said, "According to his subordinates, it seems to be quite important …"
Thales frowned.
"He said that two archdukes will be leaving Dragon Clouds City tomorrow morning.
They will be leaving Dragon Clouds City due to business. "
Willow finished the message with a smile.
But in the next second, he was shocked to find that almost everyone in the room, including Thales, had a drastic change in expression.
'Ming.
'God.
'One.
'Morning.'
Thales' face was ashen, as if he had received the worst news.
'It can't be, right?
The archdukes … came over to take a look at me, and then immediately left? '
After the baffled Willow left, Ralf, who was also frowning, gently closed the door.
"Tomorrow morning?" Wya's expression was gloomy.
Thales' breathing quickened and his eyes were lifeless. "This means …"
"Yes." Putray gripped his pipe worriedly. "The time left for us …"
He did not speak again, but everyone silently said the next sentence in their hearts.
'There's only one night left.'
Wya Caso sheathed his sword with a pale face. "If we fail to help King Nuven find his son's murderer … Will the consequences be severe?"
Putray shook his head and sighed.
Wya did not ask anymore.
"The welcome banquet tonight is our last chance." Thales gritted his teeth. "Think of a way to find that guy among the five!"
'Damn it.
'Why am I so unlucky?'
"I'm afraid we won't get any results with King Nuven's probing and observation." Putray gripped the pipe in his hand tighter. "Your experience this morning proved this point."
"Then …" Thales muttered.
'At this moment.'
"Then let's find them!" Aida jumped off the bed fiercely.
Everyone looked at the elf protector.
"Let Nuven split some men to cooperate with us. We'll cover our faces at night and secretly kidnap those archdukes!" Aida raised her blade fiercely and waved it twice, reflecting rays of cold light.
"We'll interrogate them one by one!
Let's see how long those so-called archdukes can last under the blade and sword! "
Looking at Aida's expression, everyone was stunned for a moment.
Two seconds later.
As if they did not hear what she said, everyone turned around as usual.
"Think about it from another angle." Thales rubbed his hands together and frowned at Putray. "The person we're looking for worked with Lampard to kill King Nuven's son."
"Hey! Why are you pretending not to see me? " Aida gritted her teeth, obviously dissatisfied with the situation where no one paid attention to her. "At least give me some reaction!"
"However, he reached out to Lampard's army and tried to frame Black Sand Region for your death," Putray answered instinctively.
"Are there any clues?" Wya asked curiously.
The elf protector behind them waved his machete in the air in vain to protest.
"This is all King Nuven and we know." Thales shook his head. "It seems useless."
"No."
"Maybe we shouldn't dwell in King Nuven's thoughts." Putray put down the unlit pipe in his hand. His eyes shone with confidence.
Aida lowered her head dejectedly and sighed. She threw herself back onto the bed that originally belonged to Thales.
Thales was suddenly stunned.
He looked at Putray and frowned. "You mean …"
"Do you remember when we were besieged by Lampard's army at Broken Dragon Fortress?" Putray said flatly.
"Of course, it left a deep impression." Countless splashes of blood and cold light flashed before Thales' eyes, as well as Arracca Murkh's roar. He sighed. "It was a complete mess."
Aida played with her machete on the bed in boredom.
"Then you should remember what Baron Murkh said to you before he charged?" Putray revealed a mysterious smile. "King Nuven is not our only choice."
Thales jolted.
'Before he charged …'
The figure of Arracca swinging his greatsword appeared in his mind.
A few seconds later, he nodded.
"Since we can't retreat," Thales took a deep breath and said with determination, "why don't we charge forward with all our might?"
Thales looked at his vice diplomat with a burning gaze. "Does he know?"
The corners of Putray's mouth curled up. He nodded affirmatively. "He knows."
Wya and Ralf looked at the duo's riddle in confusion.
"So …" Wya gulped with difficulty. "What should we do?"
Thales and Putray looked at each other, and both of them laughed.
"Aida is right." Thales looked at the elf on the bed and nodded under Putray's gaze.
"Ah." Aida raised her head abruptly when her name was mentioned. She was obviously at a loss. "What?"
Amidst Wya's surprise and Putray's laughter, Thales took a deep breath.
"We …
"… go look for them!"
Aida's mouth opened wider than it had ever been.
Putray's expression became solemn. He put away his pipe. "I will prepare immediately and contact the others … We may need the help of some 'spies'.
"Also, Wya, Ralf, come with me."
Thales nodded and sat back on the chair. He quickly thought about the feasibility of the plan.
"That …"
He raised his head and looked behind him.
Aida's voice rang weakly.
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