Conspiracies and tricks, crimes and ugliness, many of them were born in secret rooms in the dark.
But conspiracies could also be created in broad daylight.
Such as now.
Winter was approaching. On the afternoon of the 16th of November, in a spacious stud farm, a fat old noble wearing a thick mink shawl frowned with his head lowered under a parasol.
He watched the training of a few horse trainers in the field while he listened to the words of another noble on his left.
After a while, he let out a long sigh and looked at a disobedient horse in the distance. The corners of his mouth curled up.
"What kind of royal treasure is missing that is worthy of our respected King to seal Mindis Hall indefinitely? What a pity. I was planning to go to Mindis Hall next week to take a look at Master Colvin's work. "
The noble beside him was younger and slender. He looked at ease. He naturally and easily grabbed the agarwood pipe in his hand and took a deep puff.
"Also, Gilbert rushed to Mindis Hall overnight to report to His Majesty about the situation of the gang war in the Outer City District," he said cheerfully as he puffed out smoke rings.
"Really? Respected King Iron Hand, when did you ever care about the lives of the peasants in the Outer City District? If His Majesty treated his people with half of the kindness and kindness of the late King Aydi — "The fat old noble touched his thigh with a pained expression. The unruly horse fell.
"Then why do we need to meet at the stud farm?"
"The king's party must be plotting something. I can guarantee that it is not a small matter. Maybe it is a move that can turn the tables in one fell swoop." The young noble's eyes lit up as he smoked his pipe.
"Mindis Hall is really a good place. The royal treasure is missing. I hope it is not Master Colvin's painting. The place must be on high alert," the old noble suddenly said out of the blue.
However, the young noble nodded in understanding. "Furthermore, I have news that Gilbert has been ordered to investigate the truth of the theft case. Recently, he will frequently investigate Mindis Hall. With that man around, even the White Eagle will not be able to do anything."
"We can test them, but we cannot go overboard. We have to use other methods to disrupt their plans."
The young noble inhaled another mouthful of top-grade Fisora tobacco, which was only produced six hundred pounds a year. He felt intoxicated for a moment, and then blew out a perfect smoke ring.
"The Eckstedt Diplomat Group will arrive in the kingdom next month." At this moment, the old noble's face showed sincere worry. "Sigh, the peace between Constellation and Eckstedt did not come easily after all."
"That's right." Unlike his senior, the young nobleman could not keep his composure. His sharpness and spirit were evident on his body. "If something happens to the diplomatic mission within the borders of the kingdom, I'm sure His Majesty will be very passive in the face of domestic and foreign pressure."
"If Your Majesty does not handle this properly …" The old noble looked at the horse in the distance and breathed a sigh of relief. He took a sip of tea and said helplessly, "Sigh, a country like ours that has a hereditary throne is indeed backward."
Both of them were silent for a while.
The old noble shifted his body and asked casually, "What's going on in the Western District?"
"Don't ask me, old sir. You know I hate Mystics the most."
"Hmm, then let's talk about the Black Street Brotherhood?"
"Those people still refuse to budge." The young noble's face suddenly became displeased. "It's only been about ten years, and they're already so arrogant. I'm sure they're more confident in their backer than they are in our 'New Star'. "
"Don't look down on the young."
The old man grinned helplessly. His eyes were shrewd and sharp.
"When children scare people … that's what you call scary."
Compared to the hasty glance he got last night at dawn, the Mindis Hall that Thales saw in the afternoon was much bigger, more magnificent, and of course, more spacious.
The first floor was the living room for the meeting, a large banquet hall, and an open-air garden. It was equipped with a sizable kitchen, basement storage, and even armaments storage.
Apart from the open-air balcony that had a panoramic view of the outdoor garden ("Out of consideration for your safety, I do not recommend that you appear on the balcony or outdoors within a month." — Gilbert), the large second floor had three large rooms with different functions: the banquet hall for the nobles, the meeting hall, the game room, and other rooms of various sizes.
The corridors and entrances from the first floor to the second floor were filled with dignified armored guards. Their faces were hidden behind their helmets, and every one of them was as frightening as a sculpture ("Even though they are the Swordsmen of Eradication owned by the Jadestar Family, I still do not recommend that you stab their abdomens, young Sir." — Gilbert). But from afar, Mindis Hall was still frighteningly cold and spacious.
However, Thales' living room and bedroom, including the dining room and study where he attended classes, were on the third floor. There was only a narrow staircase from the second floor to the third floor. Eight fully-armed Swordsmen of Eradication guarded the place with full attention twenty-four hours a day. They were on duty every six hours. As for the windows and the ceiling, it was said that there were also open-air guards ("With Yodel around, please do not worry about the threat from outside the window." — Gilbert).
Every dish, from the broccoli, bread, beef, and water, was taken from the well-guarded back kitchen and the underground storage that had been prepared beforehand ("Please forgive me, I cannot guarantee their freshness." — Gilbert). From the time they were cooked to the time they were delivered, they had gone through strict procedures of disinfecting, testing, and testing for poison.
'This is really an unimaginable security measure.
'Looks like I am much more important than I thought.
'Should I say that they are indeed the ruling class that holds power?
'I wonder if Jala can sneak in with her skills? 'What if she is a Mystic?
'Speaking of this …'
"No, I cannot. Forgive me for refusing, young Sir."
Thales raised his head and looked at Gilbert with a puzzled expression.
"Up until now, everything about you is top secret." Gilbert shook his head firmly. "Forgive me for being straightforward. We have sealed off Mindis Hall, and our contact with the outside world is limited to a few trustworthy people. Under such circumstances, if the Royal Family sends people to search for three child beggars who are hiding in Outer District … whether it is to investigate or to help, it will be extremely disadvantageous to both of you."
"Do not underestimate the abilities of those with ulterior motives," he said in a low voice, "At least wait for … the right time."
Thales sighed and furrowed his eyebrows. He bit the last bit of the sweet and greasy buttered bread into his mouth and quickly picked up the cup to drink a mouthful of black tea.
'At least the food is much better.'
With impeccable etiquette, Gilbert took the teacup from the flustered Thales, bowed slightly, and said, "If you are satisfied with the afternoon tea, we will begin our afternoon lessons." Thales' hands trembled, and Gilbert took the teacup from Thales' hands.
In fact, Gilbert maintained his smile and thought to himself, 'Perhaps we should start with table manners?'
"What about Yodel? Where is he? "
"He is a competent protector. Naturally, he is nearby at all times."
Thales resisted the urge to look around subconsciously.
After knowing that Yodel was nearby, he felt inexplicably more at ease.
So, Thales tugged at the bow-tie on his chest that was so tight that it made him uncomfortable. Under Gilbert's slightly furrowed eyebrows, he followed the latter into the study.
"First of all, Thales, I talked to Yodel last night."
Gilbert watched as Thales stuffed himself into a leather chair. He curiously looked at the decorations around the study, especially the three bookshelves that were filled with books.
"You are a special child. From Yodel's judgment and the few hours I spent with you since I met you, I can see that."
'Here it comes.'
Thales still looked curious, but he was on guard in his heart.
"But this is only natural. The heir of Constellation is naturally special." Gilbert placed his hands behind his back and slowly walked towards the study table that was carved with the symbol of the Nine-Pointed Star.
His grayish-white sideburns appeared solemn at that moment.
"I believe that since fate sent you back to Constellation, she must have made some arrangements."
Thales looked at the middle-aged noble and did not say a word.
"I roughly understand your past. Your days on the streets must have been difficult. " “
Gilbert picked up a book that he had prepared a long time ago from the study table that was made of black agarwood.
He turned around and said with a serious expression, "You will have a new identity, a new life, and even a new name. But what is truly important is the future that you will face and bear."
"You will have a new identity, a new life, and even a new name. But what is truly important is the future that you will face and bear."
Gilbert's bright and piercing gaze was directed at Thales' gray pupils.
Thales muttered silently.
He looked at Gilbert's sharp eyes and nodded with a solemn expression.
He looked into Gilbert's sharp eyes and nodded with a solemn expression.
Thales thought in his heart.
'I understand.'
Thales pondered over his words. "So …" Thales deliberated over his words and said slowly, "What do I need to know about myself and my past now?"
"What do I need to know about myself and my past now?"
Gilbert's expression did not change, but he nodded slightly in his heart. 'Panic, fear, and helplessness. These emotions that a seven-year-old should have at this moment are not present in this child.
There is only calmness and prudence. There is not even much excitement.
'As expected, he is not ordinary.
'Is it because of the training in the Brotherhood? Yodel did not want to go into detail, but the assassin admired the child's performance. 'But did he really have such an experience in the gangs in Lower Manhattan District?
'Or is it because the Constellation Royal Bloodline, which has been passed down from the Ancient Empire for nearly three thousand years, is really extraordinary?
'Or is it because of his other half …'
When he thought of this, Gilbert furrowed his eyebrows in a barely noticeable manner.
But this competent noble still bowed slightly.
"Thales, respected young sir, please allow me to address you as such for now."
"You are seven years old this year. On the night of the 25th of July, Year 665, you were born in Mahn Manor in the outskirts of Constellation's capital, Eternal Star City," Gilbert said at a moderate pace.
"Your birth mother was a noble lady whom I shall not reveal her name. She passed away due to massive bleeding during childbirth. Before she passed away, she named you Thales after the celebrity. "
Thales' eyebrows arched slightly.
"You grew up in Mahn Manor under the secret care of the Jadestar Family. Another female official and I would visit you from time to time.
"During this period of time, you grew up as a child adopted by Lord Mahn when he was out hunting. You did not know your own identity.
"Last December, Lord Mahn died in battle at the border of the Western Desert. As he had no heir, his property and territory were taken back by the royal family. At the same time, I brought you back to Mindis Hall in Twilight District. "
Thales was silent as he listened to this part of the narration.
"And next month, as the illegitimate son of King Kessel the Fifth, the legitimate heir of the Constellation Royal Family and the only remaining bloodline descendant of the Jadestar Family, you will claim that you were born with the right. You will be recognized by the royal family, Sunset Temple, and Constellation Higher Parliament as —"
The expression in Gilbert's eyes was solemn and solemn. There was also a hint of worry and sorrow.
"— the heir of the Supreme King of Constellation."
After a long while, Thales exhaled softly.
It seemed to be much more complicated than he had imagined.
"I understand. There are still some parts that I am not clear about, but I will remember them well. I used to be Thales of Mahn Manor, and I am also Lord Mahn's adopted son." Thales' eyes flickered and he put his hands together.
His thoughts were quickly arranging and combining the information he already had. From Gilbert's narration, he combined elements and turned them into effective information.
Gilbert nodded and sat down on a leather chair opposite Thales.
"As for the remaining parts, I will summarize the details so that you can memorize them and familiarize yourself with them.
"Currently, this is your mission. You only need to know this."
'As expected, even though he respects me very much.
Deep down, I still feel that there is no need to say too much to a seven-year-old child. '
Thales' eyes flickered.
"Next, I need to understand your relevant basics —"
Just as Gilbert was thinking about what lessons he should provide Thales for the next step, whether it was basic etiquette or language, the future heir of Constellation suddenly spoke and interrupted him.
"So, we have decided on a unified statement for the outside world." Thales, who was curled up in the leather chair, raised his chin from his hands. His eyes shone brightly. "Then, it should be time for you to tell me the truth, right?"
Gilbert was slightly taken aback.
"For example, my birth mother's identity, and why her identity cannot be revealed to others.
"Also, Constellation's difficult situation, especially the series of problems caused by the succession of the royal family.
"Also, the king's predicament, as well as our common enemies and allies, both in the open and in the dark?
"Perhaps you should tell me all of these in detail so that I will no longer have any doubts in the following lessons. I will also be able to choose and focus more on the knowledge I want to learn. I think this is the best choice for Constellation and your king. "
The moment he finished speaking …
The middle-aged noble's jaw dropped slightly. He looked back at Thales in surprise.
'Did Yodel tell him about this?
'No, impossible.'
Thales put his hands away. His expression was calm as he waited for Gilbert's answer calmly but firmly.
At that moment, Gilbert felt as if he was looking at the young Kessel Aydi Jadestar.
At that time, the stars in Prince Kessel's eyes were still there. The warm light had yet to turn into the bone-chilling northern wind.
Gilbert was only absent-minded for a moment before he immediately snapped out of it and sighed softly.
'An extraordinary child, huh?'
In the next moment, the middle-aged noble began to answer his young master in a sincere and respectful manner.
"I understand.
I will answer them for you immediately.
"To save time, if you have any other questions, you can ask them all at once."
Thales frowned slightly.
"Very well." He propped himself up from the comfortable but uncomfortable leather chair. "Then I will be direct."
The prince let go of the extraordinary thoughts in his brain and pulled out all the information and information. Just like how he organized documents in the past, he summarized the key points.
"You said that the Bloodline Lamp was cast twelve years ago. But I was only seven years old. Why did you start preparing a method to find a descendant of the bloodline twelve years ago? I think this has something to do with my birth mother, who cannot be revealed to others. Who is she? After giving birth to me seven years ago, why did she leave me in the hands of the gang? These questions can be summed up as' where did I come from '.
"Also, Kessel … My father was still in his prime. Then, why did Constellation not have an heir for twelve years? Why did all the hopes of becoming an heir fall on an illegitimate child of unknown origin? My father's attitude towards me is not right. If it is not a problem of his personality, then I must ask: What is his relationship with my mother? Why must my identity be kept a secret? These questions can probably be summed up as' who am I '?
"Finally, what does my existence mean to Constellation? What kind of problems will Constellation face without an heir? Who are our enemies, and who are our allies? According to what you said, Sunset Temple plays an important role in my affairs. What is their situation? If my identity is recognized, or if I just show my face in the kingdom, what kind of situation will I face? As an illegitimate child, what rights do I have? As an heir, what do I have to inherit? These questions can be summed up as' where do I go '.
"Where do I come from, who am I, and where do I go?
"Mister Gilbert, please answer these three questions for me."
Time seemed to have stopped at this moment.
Gilbert stared at the boy in front of him.
Out of nowhere, a sense of strangeness and fear rose in his heart.
'An ancient king, a former king of Constellation.'
He sighed in his heart.
'Is this boy your descendant?
'What kind of power is hidden in your bloodline?!'
After a long while, the middle-aged noble finally spoke.
"Sir Thales." He exhaled with some difficulty and organized his words.
"You really don't act like a seven-year-old child."
Thales immediately realized that his behavior just now was inappropriate.
But he was already in a difficult position.
'Oh well, a child prodigy who knows everything about the world is better than a muddle-headed puppet, right?'
"This has been said by more than one person. If you want to please me, you have to say it in a more creative way, Sir Gilbert." In order to ease Gilbert's expression, Thales showed a rare moment of humor and a smile appeared on his face.
Gilbert did not reply. He only stared at him deeply and did not move his gaze away for a long time.
Just when Thales was wondering if time had stopped, the middle-aged noble who looked like a statue suddenly opened his mouth and began to answer his doubts.
"Honorable Sir Thales, first of all, where did you come from?
"Everything started twelve years ago."
In March 660, although the former king Aydi the Second was old, he was still on the throne. His rule was long and stable, and he was known as the 'King of Eternal Rule'.
"However, all of a sudden, the entire Constellation was plunged into an unprecedented turmoil because of a rebellion that was getting more and more intense. The entire Western Peninsula was even dragged into it.
"War, cataclysm, famine. These were the themes of that year.
"Many people call that year the 'Bloody Year'," Ye Zichen explained.
"In such chaos and bloodshed, King Aydi was killed, and the entire Jadestar Royal Family was almost slaughtered.
"Among all the legitimate members of the royal family, only his fifth son, the thirty-five-year-old Prince Kessel Jadestar survived and was finally crowned king.
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