The king's voice faded away.
The meeting hall was silent. For a moment, only the crackling of the braziers and the people's uneven breathing could be heard.
At that moment, almost everyone was shocked by the king's decision.
The silence lasted for a whole five seconds.
Then, a young male voice spoke weakly.
"What's going on?"
Everyone's gaze swept towards the dumbfounded Prince of Constellation, Thales Jadestar.
King Nuven's meaningful gaze was also included.
Behind him, Putray coughed. The dumbfounded Thales only reacted then. He curled his lips awkwardly and flashed an 'apologetic' smile.
But at that moment, no one cared about the foreign prince's loss of composure.
"Your Majesty." The tall Archduke Roknee stood up abruptly. With a stern expression, he said what most people were thinking, "You must reconsider your decision. This does not only concern your family's revenge, but also the future of all of Eckstedt!"
The members of the Imperial Conference beside the king looked panicked. The expression of the administrator behind him, Lord Mirk, changed several times. He tried to whisper something into King Nuven's ear, but the latter just waved his hand casually. The words of the close vassal and Mirk were stuck in their throats.
"This is my decision," the king said softly to his close vassal.
At that moment, Thales suddenly felt that King Nuven's aged figure overlapped with the robust figure in Renaissance Palace.
Thales noticed that among the people present, only two people's expressions did not change. The leader of the White Blade Guards, the Star Killer, remained expressionless, while the master of the Secret Room, the Red Witch, Calshan, still had a kind and amiable smile on her face.
As for the High Priestess of Bright Moon Temple, Juwle Holme, Thales could not see her face behind the veil.
"How old is King Nuven this year?" Thales turned around and asked Putray in a low voice.
"Sixty-nine, if I remember correctly." The one who replied was Marquis Shiles Bamra, who was next to Putray. This guest from Camus Union also furrowed his brows deeply and looked worried. "And Archduke Poffret has just turned thirty-three this year. He is in the prime of his life. Damn it, we have just signed the contract for the mines."
"The situation has developed beyond our imagination. Be vigilant, Your Highness." The thin vice diplomat's expression kept changing. "If King Nuven insists on a duel …"
Thales nodded with an unpleasant expression. He knew what Putray meant.
If King Nuven died here …
Jadestar and the Walton Family's tacit agreement of peace would lose its most important fulcrum.
And in Dragon Clouds City, in Eckstedt, he, the Prince of Constellation, would become isolated and helpless.
And the archdukes' attitude towards him …
'Not to mention that Archduke Poffret, who seems to be filled with hatred towards me …' Thales gritted his teeth.
The next moment, King Nuven walked out of his seat and slowly walked forward. He smiled at the archdukes.
"What's wrong, noble and proud Roknee?" King Nuven's old but powerful voice echoed throughout the hall. "Are you worried that my old bones cannot defeat the young?"
The long-haired Archduke Roknee did not say a word, but his slightly swaying head had already explained everything.
"I can't say that his words are unreasonable, Your Majesty." Archduke Trentida rubbed his right hand with a dark expression. He glanced at Archduke Poffret, who was still in shock. "It's one thing to snatch a woman from a young man, but to fight to the death in a duel …"
"You know your age, don't you, Your Majesty?" Archduke Olsius' words were even more direct. "Even if you directly order for him to be detained, it would be a hundred times better than what you're doing now … Do you know the consequences of doing this …?
"This is the consequence!"
Nuven suddenly raised his voice and bellowed angrily under the gazes of the entire hall, "This is the unavoidable consequence when the Walton Family is invaded!"
Everyone in the hall was instantly shocked.
'Not good.'
Thales watched their interaction worriedly. 'Has Nuven the Seventh been dominated by hatred and impulsiveness?'
The old king's furious gaze swept across the three archdukes. "You know, if you provoke the Dragon Spear Family, you have to pay the price — you are willing to bet everything for revenge. This is how the Walton Family is."
The three archdukes were momentarily speechless. Their expressions changed. Under the king's threatening gaze, they turned their heads away and did not speak.
They were like lionesses in a pride of lions who lowered their heads to show their submission to the leader.
'That's not right.'
Thales came to a realization. He thought to himself, 'This is not as simple as an irrational revenge.'
'This is a warning.
From the king, from Dragon Clouds City, from the Walton Family. '
"Haha." Archduke Lecco, who was sitting further away, laughed awkwardly. "Our king likes to joke, doesn't he …"
King Nuven turned his head and glanced at him.
Archduke Lecco's smile froze on his face.
"Joke?"
King Nuven snorted softly and slowly walked up to Poffret. His eyes seemed to burn with endless flames. "You tell me, Conkray Poffret. Do I look like I'm joking?"
Everyone looked at Archduke Poffret, who was being challenged.
"You, you're crazy. A duel?" The young archduke's face was filled with disbelief. His lips trembled as he sized up King Nuven's frail body. He murmured, "For the sake of … even your own family's life …"
But King Nuven quickly interrupted him.
"Then why are you so surprised?" The old king said coldly, "This is also your best chance. Kill me, and you won't have to face all of this. All of your crimes will be erased."
Poffret was shocked. He raised his head and looked straight at King Nuven.
"Of course." Nuven sneered. His eyes were full of hatred. "You can also admit defeat at the beginning of the duel and then admit your crimes."
Without waiting for Poffret's response, the king turned around and looked at the remaining four archdukes.
"And isn't this also the result that you've been hoping for the most?" King Nuven was like an angry dragon. He said loudly, "If I die here …"
The expressions of the archdukes froze.
"Then you can save those overt and covert tricks, right?"
King Nuven looked around and laughed. "And it'll be time for Eckstedt to hold another King Selection Congress. It might be a little rushed …"
The old king narrowed his eyes slightly. "But isn't the chance for you to ascend to the common-elected throne and command the entire kingdom right in front of you?"
The archdukes did not speak. Almost everyone was motionless. Only their breathing grew heavier.
"Of course, you're the king." Archduke Roknee sighed. "It's your choice."
King Nuven responded with a vigorous laugh. He then turned around and looked at the High Priestess of Bright Moon Temple.
"High Priestess Holme?"
Under the veil, the high priestess nodded slightly. She raised her arms in a dignified manner. Her left hand supported her right elbow, while her right palm faced up, as if she was holding a plate.
High Priestess Holme closed her eyes and lowered her head.
Everyone shut their mouths and watched the high priestess' movements solemnly.
At this moment, a strange ringing sound rang in Thales' ears.
Thales was shocked.
He had experienced this feeling before.
It was in the Hall of Stars, in front of Liscia, the High Priestess of Sunset Temple, before the Bloodline Ceremony.
But this time, it felt much better. At least, he did not have a violent reaction like the last time.
'Could it be … that prayers and rituals related to gods will affect me?'
But just as he maintained his composure and secretly rejoiced, in the faint ringing sound in his ears …
"I'm watching you."
Thales raised his head abruptly.
But he only saw an empty ceiling.
'What?'
He turned his head in surprise and looked around. Everyone was solemnly waiting for the high priestess' ceremony to end.
Behind him, Putray and Shiles also had solemn expressions.
No one spoke.
'Then just now …' Thales scratched his head in confusion and looked around. Unable to find anything, he could only exhale helplessly.
'Alright, tinnitus is an illness. It has to be treated …'
"I warned you."
Thales shuddered. He subconsciously turned his head again and looked around nervously.
'Again!
'Who?
Who is it? '
'That's right.'
He was sure that someone was talking to him — like whispering in his ear.
Thales could not remember the characteristics of the voice, but the words were extremely clear!
'Could it be …' Thales thought nervously, 'Is it Yodel? The Masked Protector who's invisible?
'No, impossible.
That voice … is completely different from Yodel's hoarse voice! '
Thales panicked a little.
After making sure that no one spoke, he stared in disbelief at the High Priestess of Bright Moon Temple, whose eyes were closed.
'It can't be?'
Thales' actions attracted the attention of others. Shiles cast him a curious glance, while Putray frowned and stared at him, as if reprimanding him for losing his composure.
Thales, who snapped out of his daze, was shocked. He quickly turned around and stood properly in a dignified manner.
Finally, the strange tinnitus disappeared.
But the doubts and panic in Thales' heart only continued to rise.
"The Bright Moon has responded." High Priestess Holme opened her eyes. There was no fluctuation in her clear eyes. "The gods did not object."
In the hall, many people sighed. The archdukes remained silent.
"In that case, the duel is inevitable," the high priestess said flatly in a deep voice, "And I will bear witness on behalf of the gods."
No one had any objections.
The old king revealed a satisfied expression and his gaze returned to his opponent.
In the silence, Archduke Poffret gradually calmed his emotions and eased his rapid breathing.
Then, he stared at King Nuven with a strange look in his eyes.
"Haha … very good." The young archduke revealed a strange smile. "You said it yourself, didn't you?
"The duel is issued in the name of the king …
"I cannot and have no right to refuse."
Poffret raised his head and revealed a sinister gaze. "Then what are we waiting for?"
King Nuven also revealed a smile. His eyes shone brightly.
But Thales' mind was in a mess.
'I'm watching you.
'I warned you.
'What does this mean?'
Thales forcibly suppressed his thoughts and stopped thinking about the abnormality he just heard.
He shook his head, as if he could shake these words out of his head.
He had enough troubles. He had to deal with them one by one.
Thales raised his head and watched in a daze as the White Blade Guards personally moved the heavy long table in the center of the hall. The crowd retreated and spread out, leaving enough space for the duel.
As the crowd retreated to a brazier, Thales realized that there were five to six steps along the wall of the oval Hall of Heroes, and there was an empty space in the center.
'Just like the colosseum in my previous life,' Thales suddenly thought of something. 'Could it be that this meeting hall in Heroic Spirit Palace was originally prepared for a duel?'
"I don't know if it's fortunate or unfortunate." Putray exhaled through his nose and said with no discernible emotion, "You get to witness a rare duel on your first visit to Eckstedt."
Thales flashed a rather unpleasant smile. "Does the king have to personally fight?"
"According to the rules, duels during the Age of the Empire can be fought by proxy," Putray said in a low voice. "But this is Northland, the Northland after the collapse of the Empire. A duel must be fought personally, even as a king."
Beside them, Marquis Shiles sighed. "Even though I've heard of the duel customs in Northland, it's also my first time witnessing one. God, a seventy-year-old king against a thirty-year-old archduke. No matter what the outcome is, when I go back, this is enough to be a topic of conversation for a whole year. "
"Duels don't happen often? Isn't the King Selection Congress supposed to end with a duel? Isn't every archduke who aspires to become king prepared for a duel? "Thales continued to ask.
"The duel in the King Selection Congress is only limited to when the number of votes is the same and it's hard to decide. That hasn't happened for a long time." Putray shook his head. "I heard that in the King Selection Congress more than thirty years ago, Nuven the Seventh obtained the support of six archdukes.
"I heard that Archduke Lampard of Black Sand Region once defeated his elder brother in a duel and seized the right to inherit the throne?" Thales asked with a grim expression as he watched the two men take off their robes and Lord Mirk solemnly decorate the place.
Putray nodded.
"That duel made him famous. From then on, Chapman Lampard's name spread throughout the kingdom, and even Constellation heard about it." Putray's expression was solemn. "There are very few suzerains in Eckstedt who are so bloody, violent, and terrifying, but who can make his followers' blood boil. Lampard was then entrusted with an important mission and sent to Constellation."
"At the same time, it also made the other suzerains wary of him. After all, he's a terrifying person who can even kill his own brother." Marquis Shiles pursed his lips. "This is the conclusion I obtained after visiting all the cities in Northland.
"But this duel is too hasty … Are all Northlanders crazy?" Thales gritted his teeth. "Didn't he think about the consequences of losing?"
At this moment, a cold voice traveled into the hall.
"In Northland, duels are sacred rituals."
The Star Killer, Nicholas, appeared beside them at some point in time. He stared intently at the two men facing each other in the hall. "It can prove whether you are a selfish villain who only dares to hide among the army and guards, or a valiant hero who is willing to gamble with his life for the goal in his heart."
Thales exhaled and shrugged.
In the center of the hall, King Nuven was only left with a convenient, tight-sleeved battle robe embroidered with the emblem of the Cloud Dragon Spear. Opposite him, Poffret was the same. The emblem of the Blood Shoe could be seen on his left shoulder.
"I was the one who suggested the duel." King Nuven fixed his gaze on Poffret. "As for the weapon, it's up to you to choose."
Poffret took a deep breath and paused for a few seconds.
"Greataxe."
The young archduke raised his head and looked at King Nuven with a calm gaze. "The double-sided greataxe. Just like this."
King Nuven's pupils contracted slightly.
The people in the hall burst into a cacophony of hisses.
"Ha." Archduke Trentida laughed at Archduke Olsius. "What a cunning boy."
Archduke Roknee snorted in disdain. "Coward."
"Greataxe? Is it what I think it is? "Thales was struck by a thought. He turned around and asked.
"Double-sided greataxes require a lot of stamina and strength. The destructive power of its slashes is astonishing. It was once very popular during the war against the orcs," Nicholas said calmly. "But nowadays, this kind of cumbersome weapon is rarely seen on the battlefield. Even the axemen in Northland are more inclined towards the lightweight single-edged battle axes."
"A wise choice." Putray narrowed his eyes and shook his head. "He's taking advantage of King Nuven's age."
Soon, the weapons were brought up.
Thales stared in disbelief at the two large weapons carried up by the guards. The thick and heavy two-handed handles were almost half a person's length, and the two half-moon-shaped blades of the axe were as big as a man's chest. They reflected a ferocious metallic luster, and there were sharp spikes extending from the top of the axe's head. It was a clear indication of its power and fearsomeness.
Thales gulped. 'The weight of this greataxe is probably twice as heavy as my body.'
He remembered that on the battlefield at Broken Dragon Fortress, one of the opponents Arracca faced used a greataxe like this. However, in the end, the Kingdom's Wrath snatched away his weapon and even slashed his opponent's face with the greataxe.
Poffret shifted his gaze and glanced at King Nuven opposite him. He chuckled.
He grabbed the greataxe handed to him by the guard with one arm and tested its weight.
Immediately, the young archduke's arm muscles trembled and he raised the greataxe.
Poffret smiled in satisfaction. He turned around and swung the greataxe back and forth. The sound of the axe blade slicing through the air could be heard clearly.
It seemed to be quite easy.
Thales stared at his relaxed posture and was speechless.
"This thing is terrible." Poffret rested the greataxe on his shoulder. He raised his head and stared sharply at King Nuven, who was also standing in front of the weapon. "Be careful not to sprain your waist, Your Majesty."
King Nuven ignored him.
The old king only extended one hand and pressed it gently on the axe's handle. He pinched a few spots, then took a deep breath and grabbed the handle with both hands.
Thales furrowed his brows.
His thoughts were similar to Poffret's.
'After all, King Nuven is already seven …'
Before he could finish his train of thought, he saw the old king clench his teeth and raise his giant axe steadily.
King Nuven even gently tossed the axe. The blade flipped in the air and returned to his hand along with the handle.
Thales stared at the old but vigorous King Nuven. His jaw dropped in shock.
Like Poffret, King Nuven placed the greataxe on his shoulder. It seemed to be the standard posture of holding an axe. He let out a long sigh. His gaze seemed to be brewing a storm. "Don't worry about it. When I was fighting with the orcs on the battlefield, your father was still suckling in your grandmother's arms." King Nuven lifted the greataxe onto his shoulder like Poffret.
King Nuven flashed a sinister smile.
"Brat."
Poffret's expression darkened.
"It seems that our king is still as graceful as ever." The bald Archduke Lecco sighed. "If it were me, that axe would have …"
"Don't celebrate too early." Archduke Trentida shook his head with a strange expression. "In case something happens to our beloved king …"
"Isn't that what you want?" Archduke Roknee unceremoniously mocked them. "That damned king selection."
Trentida turned his head away, inviting a rebuff.
Archduke Olsius combed his beard and furrowed his brows tightly. He recalled the Black Sand Region succession duel twelve years ago.
While Thales was still worrying about 'what if King Nuven lost', High Priestess Holme slowly walked to the center of the arena and attracted the attention of the entire hall.
Everyone's mood became tense at this moment.
High Priestess Holme stood between the two men. Behind her veil, she glanced at the two dueling men with her clear eyes.
She raised her right hand and extended it towards King Nuven.
The priestess's cold voice rang out slowly.
"In the name of blood vengeance, this man challenges me to a duel."
King Nuven stared coldly at his opponent.
The high priestess raised her left hand again and extended it towards young Poffret.
"For honor and glory, this man will accept the duel."
Poffret exhaled with a solemn expression.
"In the name of the holy Bright Moon Goddess, I will bear witness." The high priestess began to retreat slowly. Her posture was light, and every step she took was accompanied by a sentence.
"The weapons dance in the moonlight."
"Blood reflects the glory of the gods.
"Courage burns a great life.
"Death is but a long-awaited homecoming."
King Nuven and Archduke Poffret's expressions turned solemn at the same time. Both of them removed the greataxes from their shoulders and held them in their hands.
King Nuven lowered his body and widened the distance between his hands. His left hand pushed further and further, even grabbing the joint between the handle and the blade of the axe. Archduke Poffret pulled the axe diagonally to his side. The blade of the axe brushed past his face and stopped in mid-air, assuming the most suitable posture for wielding it.
Both of them stared at each other with solemn expressions.
Thales narrowed his eyes. From their gazes, he read all the negative emotions humans could have.
The high priestess slowly retreated to the edge of the arena. She took a deep breath and raised her arms towards the sky, as if making a final prayer.
Everyone held their breaths at that moment.
In the next second, the high priestess retracted her arms and gently placed her palms on her shoulders. She lowered her head and uttered her final words.
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