In the Hall of Heroes of Heroic Spirit Palace, the four archdukes looked at each other.
?
"He's in trouble. Otherwise, he wouldn't be in such a hurry." Watching Chapman Lampard walk out of the hall alone, Archduke Roknee furrowed his brows. "It's probably Prime Minister Lisban."
Archduke Trentida snorted softly.
His hurried rubbing of his hands revealed his emotions. He exhaled harshly.
"That's not the problem right now." The Archduke of Reformation Tower's voice was as sharp and strange as ever. Trentida gestured at Lampard's retreating back with his chin. "You know what I mean — how to choose?"
He looked at the other archdukes with a serious expression.
Roknee sighed. His expression was full of doubt. "Do you believe what he said?
"The Constellatiates are already … different?"
Roknee subconsciously clenched his fists.
The archdukes did not speak.
Only Archduke Olsius stood by the brazier and shook his head.
"I don't know, Kulgon. I really don't know." The bearded archduke looked worried. "But I think there's one thing we all know."
The three archdukes looked at him.
Reybien Olsius raised his head and slowly walked up to them.
At that moment, his heart was extremely heavy.
The Archduke of Prestige Orchid's voice was filled with an inexplicable force. "In the ten years or so that we are in turmoil because of the king's death, Constellation's enlistment age population will return to its pre-war level. Whether it's farming or trade, they will recover their vitality."
The archdukes moved slightly.
"In the past, it would just be another fight.
"But what Lampard said just now …" Olsius shook his head slowly. His gaze was solemn. "You all heard it."
Trentida's eyes brightened. He snapped his fingers. "So?"
Archduke Roknee's soft snort came from the side and interrupted them.
"I don't know if all of you have noticed." The lanky Archduke Roknee glanced at the other three archdukes. "But it seems that after Lampard finished telling his story, all of you have forgotten Eckstedt's pride and creed, and even the fact that he killed the king."
He shook his head lightly. "This isn't what we agreed on."
Archduke Lecco, who had not spoken for a long time, tapped the table lightly.
"Please believe me, Kulgon. Believe in my respect for Eckstedt." The old archduke raised his head. He spoke slowly but seriously, "But if even one percent of what Chapman Lampard said is true, I am also not willing to take the risk."
The three archdukes tensed up.
"Punishing Lampard is to maintain the balance and tacit understanding in Eckstedt, and to ensure that the rights of our families are not infringed upon," Lecco said flatly. "But if there comes a day when Eckstedt is no longer as strong as before, and foreign enemies can easily tear through our defenses and set foot on our territory …"
He slowly frowned, his hands clasped tighter and tighter.
"The family that we worked so hard to protect and maintain, the bloodline that we did our best to continue and glorify …"
"The descendants and grandchildren that I've tried my best to cultivate, and the territories that I've tried my best to manage …"
"And what will happen to them?"
All the archdukes fell silent.
Trentida snorted softly. "Do you still expect the Constellatiates to be like their ancestors of the Empire, to retain our rights and identities, and to let us continue to rule this land as suzerains?"
Roknee did not speak.
"In any case, it won't be Olsius," Archduke Olsius added coldly. "A few hundred years ago, Tormond almost killed us all. Then, he built Constellation on the Olsius Family's land and corpses."
There was another silence.
But everyone knew that they had to make a decision.
"Let me put it this way, I'm starting to consider Lampard's suggestion." Trentida turned around, spread his hands, raised his eyebrows, and said tentatively, "But after I'm done thinking about it, just in case, I'm saying just in case … I don't want to find an excuse to deceive all of you and sneak out alone to reach an agreement with Lampard. That's why I'm saying this up front."
He shook his head and looked at the other three archdukes. "What do all of you say?
"Do you know what this decision means?" Archduke Roknee's gaze became sharper and sharper. He said coldly, "Where do you place our common-elected king?"
"I don't know, but I'm certain that his soul and body are not together." Trentida shrugged and frowned.
"Come on, all of you have to admit that Lampard's suggestion is very tempting."
Roknee looked at him disdainfully. "A part of the land or a part of Constellation?"
Trentida blinked and smiled faintly. "Both."
Lecco and Olsius pursed their lips tightly and did not answer.
A few seconds later, Archduke Olsius raised his head. His expression was solemn. "I participated in that war, and I've seen how the Constellatiates manage their cities. But I've never thought as much as Lampard did.
"Until now."
His gaze swept across the others, his expression extremely solemn. "And Prestige Orchid Region and the Olsius Family are too close to Constellation."
Although it was not Trentida, Olsius' hint was obvious enough.
Roknee furrowed his brows tightly.
Archduke Lecco heaved a deep sigh.
"Very well," the old archduke said tiredly. He turned to Roknee. "I understand what you're thinking, but I think that Lampard's existence is still within our control. We can even delay dealing with him. But the threat of Constellation …"
"The unruly Lampard or the increasingly powerful Constellation," Archduke Lecco said slowly, "Who would we rather choose as our opponent?"
The three archdukes stared at Roknee with complicated gazes.
Roknee stared at the Soul Slayer Pike rack above the fireplace behind the long table.
A few seconds later …
Archduke Kulgon Roknee of the City of Faraway Prayers finally spoke slowly. He looked at the others with a sharp gaze. "Before that, you have to know that no matter what, I will not choose Lampard as king."
Roknee shook his head resolutely. "Impossible."
"Very well." Trentida heaved a sigh of relief and shook his head. "I won't either."
The archdukes looked at each other, exchanging mysterious and subtle emotions.
A few seconds later, they laughed in unison.
But their laughter slowly died down.
Lampard's footsteps could be heard slowly from outside the hall.
"It seems that your considerations have come to a conclusion." Chapman Lampard's voice rang in the hall.
The four archdukes turned to the Archduke of Black Sand Region.
Lampard's footsteps were still steady, his posture was still vigorous, but the vicissitudes of life on his face had only deepened.
"Is there anything we should know?" Archduke Lecco narrowed his eyes.
Lampard came before the long table, looked at his colleagues, and nodded slowly.
"Yes.
"Lisban exceeded my expectations." The Archduke of Black Sand Region sighed. "His men have already begun attacking the gatehouse."
The archdukes' expressions tensed up.
If it were before, this news would have been like a welcome rain from the sky.
But now …
"So …" Lampard's gaze became extremely sharp. "We must make a decision now."
He stared coldly at the four archdukes, but this time, his aura was unprecedentedly powerful and oppressive.
Lampard clenched his teeth. "Do you want to fight with me here, where both sides will suffer?"
"Or do you want to forge a new foundation in Dragon Clouds City with me and save Eckstedt?"
Silence.
A suffocating silence that lasted much longer than usual.
The archdukes' gazes met countless times in the air.
Finally.
Archduke Lecco nodded slightly.
"Chapman." The old archduke turned to Lampard, trembling. Wisdom and vigilance flashed in his eyes. "First, you have to understand something."
Lampard narrowed his eyes.
The other archdukes stared coldly at Lampard.
Archduke Lecco stood up slowly and paced to the center of the hall.
The old archduke slowly extended his hand and raised his palm sideways in front of his chest. He said flatly, "This is for Eckstedt."
"Rogers, Lecco," Archduke Lecco said flatly.
Lampard stared at Lecco, and a ripple instantly appeared in his eyes.
But his left hand pressed on the saber at his waist, and the ripple immediately turned into determination and cruelty.
"Of course." Chapman Lampard's expression was solemn as he strode forward.
"Chapman Lampard."
The Archduke of Black Sand Region extended his right hand and clasped Archduke Lecco's palm.
His tone was unquestionable.
"For Eckstedt."
As the two archdukes' gazes met, their tightly clasped palms shook forcefully in the air.
According to the ancient Northland etiquette, they formed an alliance with a palm oath.
Archduke Trentida raised his eyebrows slightly and walked between them.
"Porpheus Trentida.
"For Dragon Clouds City …"
The others furrowed their brows.
Trentida smiled softly, blinked, and added, "… and Eckstedt."
He pressed his palm against the two archdukes' tightly clasped hands.
Lampard sneered.
Olsius heaved a deep sigh and walked to the opposite side of Trentida.
His expression became extremely solemn.
"Reybien Olsius.
"For survival."
Olsius nodded at the others briefly and decisively. He clasped his right palm and joined the three of them in the palm oath.
The four archdukes clasped their palms tightly and looked at the only person left in the hall.
Archduke Roknee pursed his lips and stared at the ground.
One second.
Two seconds.
Just as Trentida began to worry, Archduke Roknee suddenly flung off his cloak, walked to Lampard's side, and looked at the Archduke of Black Sand Region.
Lampard stared back at him without flinching.
Roknee averted his gaze and glanced at the others.
In the next second, the Archduke of the City of Faraway Prayers extended his hand without hesitation and clasped the four archdukes' palms.
"Kulgon Roknee."
With a profound meaning, he spoke softly.
"For Northland."
Black Sand Region, Defense City, Reformation Tower, Prestige Orchid Region, and the City of Faraway Prayers.
The alliance between the five archdukes was thus completed.
— —
In a remote corridor on the upper floor of the Hall of Heroes, the soldiers of Black Sand Region guarded the perimeter tightly, leaving the empty space in the middle for their commander and captives.
"You know, after that conversation in the snow, I've been paying attention to you — Mister Vice Diplomat, Lord Nemain."
Viscount Kentvida of Black Sand Region looked at the captive before him and sighed. "I also asked some friends to investigate you."
Putray frowned slightly. "What did you find out?"
Viscount Kentvida approached the bound Putray and smiled faintly.
"Quite a lot." The Viscount of the City of Halting Light nodded slowly. "As Prince Midier's attendant, you are far more than what you seem on the surface."
Putray narrowed his eyes. "For example?"
"The people in the Secret Room don't really understand your system. They always treat you as Prince Midier's servant," Kentvida said with a light snort. "They don't care much about what happened in the Foreign Affairs Department after you left the palace.
"So, I focused on investigating your whereabouts after you left the palace during this period of time."
Putray's expression changed a little.
"Leerden from twenty-four years ago …" Kentvida said faintly.
Putray frowned.
But Kentvida continued.
"Long Chant City from twenty-two years ago, Steel City from nineteen years ago, Qilin City from fifteen years ago, Golden Passage from fourteen years ago, Broken Dragon Fortress from twelve years ago, Crystal Jade City from ten years ago, and the Ruins from five years ago." Viscount Kentvida smiled as he listed the names of the places.
He said happily, "You've been to so many places."
Putray stared at the viscount before him with a solemn expression and sighed slightly.
"The Foreign Affairs Department has a lot of work," he said briefly.
Kentvida shrugged.
"I'm afraid it's not just a lot of work." The viscount walked behind him and shook his head. "Do you need me to remind you?"
Putray did not speak.
Kentvida began to pace around him, and as he paced, he spoke.
"Twenty-four years ago, the Hanbol Royal Family's succession dispute. Twenty-two years ago, Anlenzo's annexation rebellion. Nineteen years ago, the feud between the Holy Tree Court and the Hall of King Chronicles. Fifteen years ago, King Yao ascended to the throne. Fourteen years ago, the civil war of the Alliance of Freedom that engulfed the surrounding regions. There's no need to mention the Bloody Year. There's also the Merfolk's attack on the ship ten years ago, and the Desert War five years ago."
Just like before, Kentvida said a few nouns.
The viscount stopped in front of Putray and stopped his narration. He looked at Putray's expression calmly.
But Putray only stared at him without saying a word.
"Lord Putray Nemain, Prince Midier's eldest son's attendant, former second-class civil servant in the Foreign Affairs Department, former viscount." Kentvida exhaled slowly and narrowed his eyes.
"It seems that wherever the war is, you will be there?"
Putray frowned slightly. "Is that so? I don't even remember. "
"Or …" Viscount Kentvida's gaze was strange, and he changed the topic.
Kentvida curled up the corner of his lips. "Wherever you go, there will be war?"
Putray burst out laughing.
"You really have a sense of humor." The vice diplomat shook his head and could not help but laugh. "Based on what you're saying, the current chaos in Dragon Clouds City is also because of my arrival?"
Kentvida's expression changed.
'What a watertight fellow.'
"You don't look nervous?" The viscount's tone turned cold. "Your Grace."
Putray arched an eyebrow. "Should I be nervous?"
Kentvida sneered.
He turned around and glanced at the decorations around him, taking in the rough and messy style of Heroic Spirit Palace at a glance. "I know that you've split up your forces in an attempt to divert our attention and cover a crucial step in the complicated palace. Perhaps you're one of them."
Putray narrowed his eyes and nodded in all seriousness.
"And you responded very well, Viscount Kentvida," the vice diplomat said in resignation. "You didn't easily mobilize us, nor did you rigidly defend the place. Instead, you correspondingly sent a small number of elites and used continuous harassment to hinder our approach."
Kentvida turned around abruptly. His gaze was as sharp as an arrow as he stared at Putray.
"Every path leading to the Hall of Heroes, including the top and bottom six floors, is heavily guarded." Kentvida's tone became cold and resolute. "We know every secret passage in Heroic Spirit Palace. Even the windows and the observation tower are being watched. I know that you have a Psionic who can fly. Believe me, our archers will leave a deep impression on him outside the window."
Kentvida asserted coldly.
"It doesn't matter if it's Nicholas or anyone else, even if the Kingdom's Wrath is here, you won't be able to get close to the hall and harm the archduke."
Putray met his eyes. There was a thought-provoking look in his eyes. "Really?"
Kentvida furrowed his brows.
'Why?
Why is he still so confident? '
Kentvida gritted his teeth and asked the biggest question in his heart, "Why did you walk right into our trap?"
Putray heaved a long sigh.
"Because I'm worried," the vice diplomat said flatly. "I want to make a final confirmation, especially here."
Kentvida thought of something. "Confirm what?"
Putray winked, a sly expression on his face.
"Confirm that you're not afraid of the cold and that you didn't transport firewood inside."
Kentvida's expression changed.
Putray smiled faintly.
In the next second, Kentvida's face became extremely pale. He turned around abruptly and asked one of his subordinates, "Have you checked the fireplace in the Hall of Heroes and the chimney leading to the top floor?"
Putray raised his eyebrows. "Oh, you're really quick to react."
Kentvida's subordinate came before him and frowned. "We've checked them all. To guard against assassins, there's a metal grid on every floor of the chimney in Heroic Spirit Palace. Normal people can't pass through at all."
He shook his head. "If they tried to sneak into the hall from there, they would have to break through at least six of the grids. Their movements would definitely be detected by us …"
At that moment, Kentvida felt as if he was struck by lightning.
"Grids, normal people … can't pass through?"
Kentvida turned to Putray with difficulty. His expression was unpleasant. "That prince, that boy …
"Where is he?"
— — —
In the Hall of Heroes, the five archdukes held each other's hands tightly. They looked into each other's eyes and nodded slightly.
"Very well." Lampard's gaze was firm as he looked at the other four archdukes. "This is the first step in our sincere unity.
It's time to explain the 'truth' of the king's death to our prime minister.
From today onwards, Eckstedt will open a new chapter. "
The four archdukes' expressions froze.
At that moment …
* Thud! * A strange sound suddenly came from the hall.
"Damn it, the rope isn't long enough …" A childish voice rang.
"This is the last one … Go over … Ah!"
The five archdukes were slightly shocked.
* Clang! * A strange sound of collision rang out.
Before the five archdukes could react, on the other side of the long table, in the large fireplace under the rack of the Soul Slayer Pike, a black, round ball suddenly fell?
A large amount of dust was stirred up.
The five archdukes turned their heads in unison and were stunned at the same time.
Amidst the stirring dust, the small, charcoal-like ball stretched out its limbs and climbed up abruptly.
As it coughed violently, the 'ball' waved its hands desperately and jogged out of the fireplace's area of effect. "Cough, cough …"
The 'ball' threw itself at the edge of the long table and barely escaped the attack of the dust.
The five archdukes were still holding each other's hands as they stared in shock at the small, swarthy 'ball'.
It stood up while cursing and pulled off a piece of black cloth from its black face, revealing the fair lower half of its face.
It coughed a few more times before it carefully folded the black cloth and stuffed it into its black pocket.
"Ah, Merry Christmas … Bah, bah, bah … Hello." The ball raised its charcoal-like head and wiped away the charcoal-like blackness on its face. It flashed a mouthful of white teeth at them. "My apologies, archdukes. The chimney is a little narrow."
The five archdukes slowly let go of each other's hands and stared in disbelief at the small, uninvited guest.
There was suppressed anger on Lampard's face, Olsius was extremely shocked, Trentida looked pensive, Lecco furrowed his brows tightly, and Roknee's gaze was cold.
"Do you mind if I join?"
The boy, whose face was covered in dust and was so black that the bottom could not be seen, flashed a smile at the five dumbfounded archdukes. As he wiped away the charcoal on his face, he imitated them and extended his right palm.
"Thales Jadestar."
"For Eckstedt?"
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
