It wasn't easy for him to get a good night's sleep. Was he going to be unlucky again so soon?
This thought instantly flashed past the prince's mind. He watched as Gilbert calmly summoned a few Swordsmen of Eradication guards nearby.
Yodel patted Thales' shoulder and shook his head at him. His expression behind the mask could not be seen, but Thales imagined a 'smiling face' for the silent protector.
The Swordsmen of Eradication received their orders efficiently and left one by one.
The originally empty and quiet Mindis Hall seemed to have suddenly come alive. Under a unified command, the fifty guards moved in an orderly manner. Commands and reports came one after another.
"The third team is heading to the main entrances and exits on the second and third floors."
"The defense on both sides of the hall is complete!"
"Reinforcements at the top of the hall are in position!"
In the end, Gilbert calmly left a few words for a Swordsman of Eradication who looked like the leader of the guards. Then, he turned around and returned to the study room. He conveniently dragged Thales, who was peeking out from the study room's door, into the study room.
Yodel had long since vanished into thin air, just like before.
The middle-aged nobleman skillfully pried open the baffle behind a bookshelf with his cane and pulled one side of the bookshelf open, revealing the secret room inside.
"Who are they? When Thales was carried into the secret chamber by Gilbert, he struggled to ask. "Is he a friend or foe?"
Gilbert lit up the Everlasting Lamp in the secret room and closed the secret door at the same time. He then asked meaningfully,
"I guess you want to ask who would choose to break into the heavily-guarded property of the royal family at five o 'clock in the afternoon without warning?"
Obviously, he no longer treated the young master behind him as an ordinary child.
Thales smiled sheepishly. He already knew the answer to the question.
"I'm sorry to have to trouble you to wait here for a while, but confidentiality is still the first principle." Under the dim light, Gilbert carefully lifted a part of the curtain. A rather large square iron plate was revealed. There were six different holes for filters on it.
He saw six different places through the small hole — the hall on the first floor, the garden, the balcony on the second floor, the corridor on the second floor, the staircase on the third floor, the porch on the third floor, and the roof of the outdoor hall.
"This is a surveillance mirror made from the reflection of a mirror. It can capture the different key areas in Mindis Hall," Gilbert said with a smile.
Isn't this a periscope? Thales rolled his eyes internally.
"They're here. The first team is fighting."
"The rest of them have scattered."
Yodel's voice came from the void.
Thales immediately put his face in front of one of the surveillance mirrors.
It was the garden on the first floor. A team of ten Swordsmen of Eradication from the Jadestar Family were in a well-coordinated formation. Their swords and shields were unsheathed as they besieged five masked intruders who were dressed differently!
However, the five invaders seemed to be a team with great teamwork. Two of them held nimble scimitars and moved between the swords and shields, looking for opportunities to rescue their companions who were in danger. One of them used his arm shield and flail, and every time he smashed into the dense swords and shields, he would force one of the guards to retreat. Another held a sword in his hand and tried to break through the gaps in the formation. The last person also held a sword and shield in his hand, and he seemed to be looking for any gaps in the formation!
"They're hired rangers and adventurers!" Gilbert glanced at them in front of the surveillance mirror and immediately said, "It seems to be a team that has been working together for a long time and has great teamwork. They live between war and the suzerains' violent requests. Hunters, soldiers, bodyguards, scouts, and even assassins, they do everything."
"I just arrived at Mindis Hall last night, and there are already visitors so soon?" Thales exhaled helplessly.
"Is the dignity of the royal family so cheap?"
"I assure you, Sir Thales. The dignity of the royal family is not cheap. On the contrary, it is the abnormality of the royal family that makes our enemies feel uneasy and fearful," Gilbert said softly. There was not a hint of nervousness or seriousness in his tone, as if this was just a game.
"Enemies?" Thales turned his head, and there was a thoughtful look on his face.
"Yes, please do not worry about the outside. The well-trained guards and Yodel will take care of everything.
And now is the best time to explain the third problem to you — our enemies and allies. "
The middle-aged noble took a few steps back and sat down on the dark sofa in the secret room.
He smiled and said, "For now. Your existence is a top secret that we must keep. "
"Especially to the suzerains and nobles of Constellation.
"The Six Great Clans who guard the country's borders and the Thirteen Distinguished Families who support the kingdom are the core members of the Higher Parliament of Constellation. Even though they are constantly replaced and have many conflicts, they still represent the noble forces that swore to rule together with the Jadestar Royal Family when the kingdom was first established.
So, at least on the surface, this is a country ruled by the king and nobles. Thales made a mental note.
He needed more information.
"Nobles — are they the suzerains who are enfeoffed all over the country? Do they rule over their respective territories? "
Gilbert nodded. "That was the initial source of power for the nobles from the Ancient Empire to the Final Empire. It evolved into Constellation. Even though many nobles only have titles and honor left, the ones who truly control the lifeline of the country are the Six Great Clans and the Thirteen Distinguished Families who own vast territories.
"According to the oath and the king's decree, they are ordered to guard the territories around them, submit to the king, and pay taxes. The territory that the royal family can directly control is the traditional central territory of the Jadestar Family."
'A country that is not inferior to the Middle Ages. This is seriously inconsistent with the country's productivity that I have seen.'
At this moment, very abruptly, Yodel's voice rang in their ears again.
"Intruders from the roof of the hall. The sentries are trying to stop them."
Looking at the calm and collected Gilberto before him, Thales resisted the urge to look at the surveillance mirror.
"Even though these suzerains have their own legal private army, most of the time, they will choose to hire outsiders to clean up some of the chores, especially those that need to be cleared of any involvement. This is especially true for the suzerains who are more powerful and have higher statuses, such as our guests outside. " The corners of Gilbert's lips curled up.
"Then, what is the purpose of the Higher Parliament formed by this group of suzerains and nobles, and what is the power they possess?" Thales asked sensitively.
"The Higher Parliament is a product of the Virtuous King, Mindis the Third's rule. During the costly Third Peninsular War, the Virtuous King commanded the powerful suzerains, nobles, officials, priests, merchants, and scholars in the country to form the Higher Parliament and the National Conference. The former was the exclusive meeting place for the nobles of the territories, while the latter faced all the famous and influential people in Constellation. Mindis the Third used his superb mediating skills to eliminate the layers of conflicts and obstacles. He distributed taxes, allocated resources, and borrowed money to repay loans. This allowed Constellation to retain its precious vitality in the war that severely damaged the countries on both sides of the Strait. "
A platform where the public power of the country appeared to deal with the conflicts between the upper and lower levels, reach a compromise, and condense a consensus among the social classes. Thales made another note in his heart.
"Let's not talk about the National Conference for now. The Higher Parliament of Constellation's nobles has been preserved after the Virtuous King. Constellation's major national affairs, such as the king's orders and laws that involve the entire territory, will be promulgated after the supreme king and the nobles have reached a consensus. This has become a tradition. In fact, after the Higher Parliament was formed, the discord between the upper and lower levels of the kingdom, the fighting among the nobles, and the phenomenon of overtly complying but covertly opposing has become much better, "Gilbert said calmly.
'The embryonic form of a representative system? 'No, it can't be something that advanced. It's a little like a feudal structure formed by suzerains in the process of changing from a hierarchical country to an absolutist one, but it's beginning to become a stage where local forces and central power compete.
"But with the arrival of the Bloody Year, the conflict between the Six Great Clans and the Thirteen Distinguished Families and the Jadestar Royal Family became more obvious. In the thirteen days after the late King Aydi the Second was killed, even though there were endless conflicts between the nobles, the capital of Constellation under the rule of the Higher Parliament actually decided to lock the city gates and withdraw its troops. It was only when King Kessel returned that they reached an agreement with him and crowned His Majesty. "
'A feudal parliament that operates independently, an organization where the feudal suzerains unite and speak out against the monarch. But to me, this is bad news.' Thales felt a chill in his heart.
The operation of the parliament can actually eliminate the role of the royal family.
This is a terrifying force. Once the time is right, it can become a stormy sea that overthrows the royal family.
"And King Kessel, who did not have an heir for twelve years, is in the eyes of the six great clans."
Gilbert's gaze was filled with vigilance. He answered in a mysterious but complicated manner,
"With all due respect, our strong northern neighbor, the kingdom of Hero Raikaru and Hero Chara, Eckstedt, which is known as the 'Blade of the Western Peninsula', adopts a system of suzerains electing a king. The king is chosen from among the suzerains who have the right to participate in the election."
As he spoke, Yodel's hoarse voice rose again.
"Enemy attack on the second floor! The third and fourth teams are dealing with it.
There are five more people. They are approaching the third floor. "
Thales did not move this time.
Gilbert sucked in a deep breath and pointed outside with his finger.
"Now, Sir Thales, do you understand where your enemies are?"
Thales remained silent.
'The hereditary king of Constellation.
'The system of selecting a king in a foreign country.
'The Six Great Clans and the Thirteen Distinguished Families.
'Enemies.'
Gilbert had basically told him the answer directly.
But Thales felt that this information was far from enough. At that moment, all sorts of possible speculations flashed through his mind.
He extracted effective elements from his high-speed brain while he continued to ask, "What's going on?
"If the royal bloodline is severed, the six great clans who guard the kingdom's borders will, of course, be the first choice to inherit the crown. However, does this also mean that the new king will inherit all of the Jadestar Family's territories, assets, vassals, and influence?
"If one of the six great clans, who were originally balanced and sitting on equal footing, suddenly becomes the royal family, rapidly expands, and possesses orthodox supreme power, what will happen to Constellation?
"The six great clans will become one giant beast and five great clans. Will they live together happily and move towards a better tomorrow, just like when the Jadestar Royal Family was still in power?"
Gilbert was used to his young master interrupting him at any time. But this time, the middle-aged noble did not say a word. He only stared at Thales solemnly.
Thales also stared back at him. His heart grew heavier.
"In order to work together to fight for the crown, they, the six great clans and the thirteen distinguished families, must have gone through complicated and headache-inducing bargaining and division of interests. At the very least, they must have discussed who should wear the crown." Thales' eyes shone brightly.
"Especially after going through twelve whole years without an heir. Perhaps in the eyes of many, the Jadestar Family's bloodline is already unavoidable.
"Phew." Thales exhaled deeply.
'It seems that my life and death really affect the peace and unrest of a kingdom.'
A thought suddenly flashed in his mind.
Thales was stunned for a moment.
"Gilbert." The prince stood up from the sofa and frowned. He slowly said, "In the Bloody Year, what role did these great suzerains play? I seem to have heard you mention it before. Forcing the king to abdicate? That disaster for the royal family … "
Gilbert only inhaled a deep breath, but his gaze was extremely complicated.
A chill crept into Thales' heart.
His Majesty was beheaded on the throne.
The princesses were strangled in their sleep.
The concubines were burned to death in the castle.
The princes' grandchildren even died in infancy.
The prince's eldest son held his sword alone and died at the palace gates.
The prince's younger brother was ambushed from behind on the battlefield.
And the four princes.
Thales opened his mouth wide and fell on the sofa in a daze.
After transmigrating, this was the first time he felt that life was so complicated. After all, even during the darkest and most difficult days in the Brotherhood, the former transmigrator was not discouraged.
The secret chamber was silent for a long time.
Then, Yodel's voice rose without warning again!
"Looks like this is the last elite group. They have broken into the third floor and are engaging in battle. "
But Thales did not care anymore.
His thoughts were flying to the possible employers of the intruders outside the secret door.
'Why is there such a useless royal family? They were actually killed by the suzerains under them!
'Then, my escape from the Brotherhood was practically suicide!
'Can my so-called father still sit on the fishing platform? Can he still wear his crown and sit safely on the throne? What is it? Who gave him such confidence?
Is it a Mystic?
'Wait a minute. My so-called father is still the king?
Why is he still the king now? Can he still be the king?
This means … '
"No!"
The next moment, Thales immediately sat up. His expression was solemn, but he firmly rejected his own guess.
"First of all, the Bloody Year was a total disaster from top to bottom, from the outside to the inside. Secretly assassinating a publicly acknowledged wise king will not help the chaotic situation of the nobles.
"Secondly, Gilbert, you said that the Higher Parliament ruled independently for thirteen days after the king was assassinated. Thirteen days without a king! Was it because they could not divide the spoils evenly and could not reach a unified opinion to support a new king, or was it because they were actually terrified and could not even react to the king's death?
"The key point is that my father, King Kessel, was crowned after reaching an agreement with the Higher Parliament. This means that he had sufficient support from the suzerains. Could it be that at that time, someone foresaw that Prince Kessel, who was in the prime of his life, would not have any children for the next twelve years, so that the suzerains could only dream of a crown that could only be fulfilled twelve years later? What kind of psionic ability could make such a guarantee?
"The last point of doubt is — you said that my father had already avenged all the vengeance that should have been avenged. The hidden danger has basically been dealt with. As for the rest of the revenge, it is either that it cannot be taken, or it cannot be done. Perhaps the Six Great Clans are indeed terrifying, but if they are really the murderers behind the royal family's murder, then during these twelve years, King Kessel, who is known as the 'Iron Hand', should have taken action, right?
"Also, in essence, the royal family is the same as the suzerains of the Six Great Clans. They are just great nobles with a long history.
"If they were really prepared to sit on the throne, they would know that they could not, at least not by conspiring against the royal family. The killing and slaughter of the royal family by the top aristocrats, if they were to one day enjoy the throne, who knows if they would repeat the same mistake? "
"The Six Great Clans are not the murderers who slaughtered the royal family!"
"Is that so? Gilbert? "
Thales stared at the middle-aged noble, as if he wanted to dig something out of his mind.
Gilbert raised his eyebrows and revealed a smile that sighed with emotion.
Gilbert cleared his throat, nodded, and said, "Yes.
"Originally, my plan was to direct your thoughts to the Six Great Clans as your opponents. That would be enough. But it seems that I have still underestimated you, my dear young Sir.
"I believe that His Majesty would be proud that you could think of this.
"But they, the suzerains in the palace, were definitely not without responsibility. At least, when the royal family was slaughtered, they chose to watch by the side and were even happy to see it happen."
Gilbert's gaze dimmed. He hesitated for a while, but in the end, he still insisted on speaking.
"There is indeed someone else behind the Jadestar Family's disaster.
"But I don't know the real truth either."
Only His Majesty knows all the details. This is a tragedy that belongs to the Jadestar Family, and he should be the one to tell you. "
Thales fixed his gaze on Gilbert.
But immediately after, he exhaled forcefully, as if a ball filled with air had suddenly deflated, and he fell on the sofa behind him.
"Tsk …" Thales did not care about his manners and rolled his eyes. "You should have said so earlier!"
Gilbert smiled.
The middle-aged noble bowed slightly, tacitly agreeing with his young master's words. He thought, 'Thales, this child … Perhaps Constellation will be different because of this.
Even though you, the Jadestar Royal Family's true enemies, might be even more terrifying than the so-called Six Great Clans and Thirteen Distinguished Families. '
The extremely abrupt voice appeared again.
"All settled," Yodel's voice traveled into his ears again. "No one was left alive."
Gilbert's expression became serious. He nodded, stood up, and slowly said, "Very good."
Thales had yet to react. He only widened his eyes.
'It's settled just like that? In the time it takes to eat a meal?
The stone just fell, why did it sink without even making a sound? '
Gilbert stood beside the secret door and gestured to Thales to ask him to go out. He said, "Do not worry, Sir Thales. We are only here to test the waters.
"We'll take care of these miscellaneous matters."
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