In the Hall of Heroes, the ashen-faced boy stared in shock at the five indifferent archdukes.
Cold sweat rolled down his forehead.
The five archdukes' gazes were still cold.
* Thud … thud … *
The footsteps outside the hall were getting closer.
Thales breathed absentmindedly. He felt his mouth go dry and his heart beat faster.
At that moment, many people's figures flashed through Thales' mind.
Nicholas, Putray, Mirk, Cohen, Miranda, Raphael, Ralf, Wya …
And Little Rascal.
These people …
No matter what the reason was, they believed in him and followed him to this point.
'No.
'Wait.'
Thales clenched his fists. 'I can't fall here.'
* Thud … thud … *
The footsteps of the guards outside the hall could be heard clearly.
He could not fail.
'No!'
"Alright, this is just a small interlude." Archduke Lampard looked at Thales' expression and shook his head coldly. He turned to the others.
"We have more important matters to attend to …"
Thales made up his mind and looked up at the archdukes.
"Believe me, I don't want to do this either."
In the next moment, the second prince pulled out JC's dagger without hesitation.
The archdukes were startled and looked at each other.
Lampard's expression grew colder.
"What?" Trentida shook his head, amused.
"Are you going to duel with us again? Young prince? "
Thales stared at the archdukes without saying a word.
Two guards appeared at the entrance of the hall. Archduke Lecco had already turned to them and was about to order Thales to be taken away.
Thales turned around and stared resolutely at the brazier closest to him.
He watched it burn on the triangular high speed rail frame.
'Time …'
'I need more time.'
The second prince took a deep breath. The Sin of Hell's River obeyed his call and surged up his arm.
At that moment, Thales felt his hand brimming with power.
Jala's action of throwing the sniper knife in Red Street Market appeared before his eyes.
In the next second, the second prince swung his arm with a resolute expression and threw JC with all his might!
The dagger shot towards the brazier with great force.
The archdukes' gazes froze at the same time!
* Clang — *
The dagger hit the brazier squarely. The crisp sound of metal echoed in the hall.
All the archdukes watched Thales' actions in shock.
The brazier was knocked askew by the dagger. It lost its balance and finally fell from the iron frame.
"Clang clang … clang … dong long!"
The sound of braziers falling to the ground could be heard continuously.
The firewood and charcoal on it fell to the ground, and sparks flew everywhere.
Archduke Olsius frowned. "Hey, are you …"
But before he could finish speaking, he was surprised to see Thales cover his mouth with his palm and turn towards the door of the stone hall.
Under the five archdukes' incredulous expressions, the second prince roared furiously in a hoarse voice, "Assassin!"
"Protect the grand duke!"
The archdukes' expressions changed simultaneously.
"Clang …"
The sound of the brazier hitting the ground reverberated throughout the hall. It was so loud that it could be heard clearly from outside the hall.
The moment they entered the hall, the two confused soldiers of Black Sand Region looked at each other in astonishment.
The next second.
Clang!
Clang!
The sound of countless swords being unsheathed could be heard from outside the hall!
Archduke Lampard's reaction was the fastest. Once he recovered from his shock, he immediately turned around and ordered the people outside the hall, "Steady —"
But before he could finish speaking, an uproar broke out outside the hall and drowned out his voice.
"Make way!"
"Step back! Black Sand Region! "
"Stop them!"
"Hold your positions! Two of you, follow me in! "
"Your Grace, please answer me …"
"Hold the crossbow properly, don't panic!"
For a moment, there was a hubbub of orders, the sound of shoving, and even the sound of blades clashing and metal clashing could be heard from outside the hall.
It was extremely chaotic.
Thales panted. He grabbed his right arm with his left hand to relieve the soreness and cramping from overexertion.
"As the heir to the throne of Constellation," the prince said painfully, "did you think that I, as the heir to the throne of Constellation, risked my life and paid a huge price to come here just to play a joke on you?
I was prepared to sacrifice everything a long time ago. "
Thales raised his head and glared at Archduke Lecco, who had an unpleasant expression on his face, without flinching.
"I know what Lampard said to you that made you choose your current stance." Thales panted laboriously. He felt the pain in his arm getting worse. "But at least listen to what I have to say. Then, you will know the full picture of the situation. Then, you can make your decision wisely.
"Because we all know that your next move concerns the future of our two kingdoms, and even more so, the fate of all of you."
At that moment, Lampard clenched his fists tightly. He looked at Thales with endless murderous intent.
Olsius glared at Thales. The expression on his face was extremely terrifying.
Trentida, on the other hand, showed an amused expression, as if he was meeting Thales for the first time.
Roknee's eyes lit up.
Archduke Lecco did not say a word. His eyebrows twitched and his nostrils flared.
The chaos outside the hall continued.
A warrior who looked like a White Blade Guard rushed into the hall with a sword in hand. He mercilessly swung his sword at the two Black Sand Region soldiers who had just entered.
Clang!
The Black Sand Region soldiers gritted their teeth and withstood the attack. The two of them looked at each other, hesitating whether to counterattack.
"Archduke Lecco, we heard an unusual sound …" The White Blade Guard raised his sword with a ferocious expression.
"I knew it. If the bastards from Black Sand Region tried to barge in, nothing would happen …"
At this moment …
Bang!
A loud noise rang.
In the chaos, Archduke Lecco slammed his fist on the table, startling everyone.
"Northlanders!" he roared furiously, "Eckstedtians!"
Thales was stunned. He had never seen the old archduke in such an awe-inspiring moment.
It was as if the old man who had one foot in the grave was just an illusion.
Archduke Lecco was like an enraged elephant as he roared at the people outside the hall, "If you're a warrior, hold your ground!
"Whether it's us or Chapman, we're not dead yet!"
A few seconds later, the sounds of argument outside the hall died down.
The White Blade Guard was slightly stunned. He looked around the hall and saw the archdukes' current situation. Then, he sheathed his sword and retreated.
On the other side, Lampard said coldly, "Lord Justin, just take care of the people outside. I only need to take this child —"
"Chapman!"
Archduke Lecco turned his head and stared at Lampard with a stern gaze. His urging was very obvious. "Not now."
The Archduke of Black Sand Region frowned.
"I thought you've already made your choice," Lampard said with a hostile expression. "Don't forget, he's the heir of Constellation, Constellation!"
Lecco's expression turned cold.
Trentida raised his eyebrows.
Thales' heart skipped a beat.
"Then you have even less to worry about, don't you?" Archduke Roknee, who had been silent all this while, raised his head. His gaze was sharp. "In this game of chess, we already have their heir in our hands. We have the chips for victory in our hands."
"Foolproof."
Thales moved slightly.
'I'm the' bargaining chip of victory '?
'In other words, these archdukes are indeed prepared to …'
The archdukes looked at the Archduke of Black Sand Region with complicated gazes.
Lampard did not say a word. His gaze moved back and forth between Lecco's stern expression and Roknee's indifferent face.
"Your Grace, if there are any difficulties …" The two Black Sand Region soldiers who were present sensed the strange atmosphere in the area. One of them glanced at the few archdukes, held the hilt of his sword, and said to Lampard with a cold expression, "As long as you give the order, no matter who we are facing, we will not hesitate."
The White Blade Guard who was confronting them snorted coldly.
Archduke Roknee glanced at Lampard in annoyance.
Thales tried his best to suppress the throbbing of his heart.
'Very well.
'This situation means that both sides are still in a highly tense standoff. The alliance between Lampard and the archdukes has just been formed.
'There's still a chance.
'Even if there's no chance …
'Just like what Lampard did under Broken Dragon Fortress.' Thales bit his tongue. His expression was firm. 'I have to create a chance too!
'Never give up.
'Never admit defeat.
'Just like how Serena taught him to be vigilant and suspicious in the failed alliance.
'Just like how Zayen Covendier taught him to be hypocritical and sanctimonious in the Friendly Trap.
'Just like how Nuven Walton taught him to be decisive and cautious with his power as a king and his death.'
'This is that man.' Thales raised his head and stared resolutely at the Archduke of Black Sand Region, who had an uncertain expression on his face. 'This is the most valuable lesson he taught Thales in the bloody darkness, horror, and nightmares.
'Chapman Lampard!'
Silence.
The chaos and noise outside the hall continued.
After a few breaths, the Archduke of Black Sand Region unclenched his fists.
He exhaled slowly and put away the coldness on his face.
"We're fine. You may leave first." Lampard looked at the two soldiers and nodded stiffly.
Archduke Lampard turned his head again and roared towards the outside of the hall, "Those outside, have Lhasa defend his position and remain vigilant!"
Only then did Archduke Lecco's expression soften.
Roknee flashed a smile.
"Lord Justin, please leave first too," the old archduke said flatly, "As you can see, we have some things to discuss."
Lord Justin of the White Blade Guards was momentarily stunned before he nodded slowly.
He glanced at the charcoal-faced little boy who suddenly appeared. Suppressing the suspicions in his heart, he followed the soldiers of Black Sand Region and walked out of the hall.
Ten seconds later, the commotion outside the hall stopped.
It was as if the atmosphere had returned to that tense moment.
Thales watched all of this and slowly calmed his breathing. He could only feel cold sweat dripping down his back.
'As expected.
'Nicholas was right. Welcome to Northland.
When faced with the tough Northlanders, you must act like an iron warrior to win their respect. '
In the next second, Archduke Lecco sat down heavily on his seat.
"You have one minute to finish what you want to say, bold troublemaker." The old duke stared at the Prince of Constellation with a frosty expression. "Otherwise, I don't mind personally 'escorting' you out."
Olsius glanced at the brazier and dagger on the ground and added coldly, "Then, I'll send you to the gallows with the crime you've 'dreamed of'.
"For example, assassinating an archduke."
The other three archdukes had different expressions.
Thales swallowed hard.
Out of habit, he forced a smile and took three deep breaths.
It was as if a soft and pleasant voice was ringing in his ears again.
'"Just treat it as another game."'
The prince raised his head and faced the five archdukes. They were standing on both sides of the long table, facing each other in silence.
On one side was an extremely thin and frail little boy with a ruined appearance.
On the other side were five tall and mighty men dressed in extraordinary clothes.
"Assassinating an archduke? I'm not surprised by your threat, Archduke Olsius. "
Olsius pursed one side of his lips.
Thales could feel the blood in his body still surging, but he still spoke slowly in the calmest voice.
"I know that Lampard will definitely suggest that you push the blame of the king's death on me and Constellation. Then, you will unite and conquer Constellation's land and wealth."
The prince's voice echoed in the stone hall. "In the name of avenging King Nuven, you will start a war to seize Constellation's land and wealth, isn't that right?
"Compared to this, the crime of assassinating an archduke is nothing."
His voice faded away.
Other than Lampard, the four archdukes had different reactions.
Trentida looked at Lecco with interest, but the old archduke only stared straight at Thales without saying a word.
Roknee snorted and nudged Olsius beside him.
Archduke Lecco coughed.
"Based on what I heard last time, Prince Thales, someone meticulously planned this assassination, and the Secret Intelligence Department is behind the calamity. No matter what, Constellation cannot absolve itself from the blame," the old archduke replied in a straightforward but polite manner.
"At this very moment, as the spokesperson of Constellation, Thales Jadestar …" A strange light flashed in Archduke Lecco's eyes.
"You are the one responsible for His Majesty's death — there is no doubt about it."
Thales frowned.
The archduke's words avoided the peculiarities and loopholes. It was ingenious and perfect.
And judging by their attitude, a direct rebuttal would be ineffective.
The charcoal residue on the ground burned out and slowly extinguished.
'What should I do?'
Thales forced himself to chuckle and glanced at each archduke.
"We, Constellatiates, bribed the 'Assassin's Flower', who holds a deep grudge against the Jadestar Family, to carry out the assassination?"
Archduke Roknee frowned.
The prince continued, "And Lampard coincidentally brought his army into the city, captured the First Gatehouse and Heroic Spirit Palace, and met all of you here?"
Olsius stared at him coldly.
"But all this is not important." The Second Prince of Constellation puffed out his chest and said seriously and cautiously, "My dear archdukes, I do not take you for fools.
"Therefore, please treat me with sincerity as well. Cast aside unnecessary words and hypocrisy, and place all your chips and conditions on the table." Thales gritted his teeth and said coldly, "After all, based on our statuses, everything that happens in this hall will not spread."
Lampard showed an impatient expression. "Hmph."
The archdukes turned their heads and looked at each other. At least two pairs of eyes were filled with astonishment.
"This is too interesting." With a contemptuous yet thought-provoking emotion, Trentida shook his head and clicked his tongue.
"A little boy wants to join the adults' chess game?"
Thales was in a highly nervous state and did not pay attention to him.
He had to find a breakthrough.
Most importantly, how did Lampard convince them?
Was it really as he thought …
Thales took a deep breath and gritted his teeth. "I want to know what Lampard said to all of you."
Archduke Olsius crossed his arms and looked at Lampard, only to find that the latter's face was stiff.
"What did he promise you?" Thales clenched his teeth.
"Land?
"Wealth?
"Power?
"Future?"
With every word Thales uttered, he carefully observed the archdukes' expressions.
When he heard this, Trentida narrowed his eyes and flashed a malicious smile.
The prince clenched his fists and gulped. "Or …"
Thales frowned.
"Those things that might threaten your survival?"
At that moment, Thales felt a chill run down his spine.
Chapman Lampard's gaze was like that of a predator. It was filled with aggression as it locked onto Thales' body.
But compared to the discomfort in the military camp, the fear in Shield District, and the nervousness in the carriage …
At this very moment, Thales felt extremely calm as he faced Lampard's gaze.
He was like a scout who finally found the enemy's position on the eve of a battle between two armies.
Watching Lampard's reaction, the blood in Thales' heart began to boil. He had a vague feeling that he had grasped the key.
Compared to Lampard, the other archdukes' expressions were also very interesting.
"This is beyond the scope of our conversation," Trentida said impatiently. "What do you think?"
Thales recalled what Shiles and Little Rascal said, and he became even more certain of his suspicions.
Now, he had to know how much Lampard had told them, what he had said, and to what extent did he have to go to make these archdukes reach an agreement with him?
At this moment, Lampard's cold laughter came from the hall.
"Your performance left a deep impression on me, young prince." The Archduke of Black Sand Region was obviously smiling, but his face, which had always been unsmiling, did not let anyone feel that he was smiling.
"But the adults' game is very cruel."
Trentida furrowed his brows slightly and exchanged glances with Olsius beside him.
Thales was slightly startled.
Lampard slowly paced to the side of the hall, blocking the firelight on one side. He left a long and dark shadow that covered Thales' expression.
"But when you grow up a little, when you can command a country with a wave of your hand, you can question us again," the Archduke of Black Sand Region said coldly.
Hearing this, the archdukes' expressions suddenly froze.
Thales furrowed his brows. 'Lampard is starting to retaliate.
And the weapon he's using to retaliate is not his age, but … '
"I look forward to it. I look forward to the day a few years later, a dozen years later, or a few decades later." Lampard turned his head around and his eyes shone with a dangerous light. "When you become a wise and wise king, what kind of interesting opponent will the Constellation under your rule be?"
The moment Lampard finished speaking, Thales felt that the other archdukes' gazes had changed.
"Just thinking about it makes me excited." Lampard looked down at him, turned to the other archdukes, and said coldly, "What do you think?"
The temperature in the hall seemed to have dropped by half in an instant.
The archdukes looked at each other, then at Thales in unison, as if sizing him up.
But this time, their expressions were far less pleasant and relaxed than before.
'Not good.'
Archduke Trentida coughed softly.
"Prince Thales, I admire your courage, but you haven't said anything meaningful. All you've done is to sow discord and frighten us. I even suspect that you're stalling for time." The Archduke of Reformation Tower lowered his head, making his gaze look even more sinister.
"Northlanders are not people who can be easily fooled."
Trentida looked at Lecco.
The latter's expression was solemn. He nodded slightly and turned towards the outside of the hall. "I think we should stop here."
Thales' heart skipped a beat.
'What did Lampard just say? 'Constellation?'
But Archduke Lecco had already opened his mouth.
Seeing that he had fallen into a bad situation because of a few words from Lampard, the second prince shuddered and spoke without a care for anything else.
"Wait!"
The archdukes paused for a moment.
"I don't know what my future will be like." Thales' breathing began to quicken. He could not help but furrow his eyebrows. His right arm had started to ache again. "Chapman Lampard, but you're a terrifying opponent. There's no doubt about it."
Lampard's gaze was ferocious.
Thales gritted his teeth and stared at Trentida's smile and Lecco's solemn expression. "What kind of glib tongue did you use to convince the archdukes to accept your justification, to accept your regicide with a clear conscience, to turn a blind eye to your sin of disregarding Raikaru's Joint Ruling Pledge, and to turn a blind eye to the internal threat you brought to Eckstedt?" Thales gritted his teeth.
The second prince's words made the archdukes frown.
Thales adjusted his breathing. Feeling incredibly anxious, he could no longer care about probing Thales. He rudely revealed what he knew. "Now I understand. They're not afraid of you, but the fact that you're trying to convince them. Sooner or later, Constellation will become —"
The archdukes' expressions changed.
At this moment …
"Enough!"
Thales paused. The rest of his words were stuck in his throat.
The one who interrupted him was neither Lampard nor Trentida.
It was Olsius.
The Archduke of Prestige Orchid coldly said, "Who do you think you are? You can stand here and sow discord among the archdukes without any qualms? "
Thales frowned. 'It looks like Prestige Orchid has become a staunch supporter of the Archduke of Black Sand Region.
'This is bad.
I haven't found the key breakthrough point, and I haven't figured out my opponent's trump card.
'I can't use that' General '.
Judging by the archdukes' expressions … If I act too early, it might even backfire. '
"Sow discord?
"You're standing here now, advancing and retreating together for Eckstedt. You're as close as a family." Thales struggled to find a point to continue the conversation. He pointed at Lampard. "But did that jackal who killed the leader think the same? Did you know that his plan to assassinate King Nuven was to — "
He was cut off again.
"Here we go again." Archduke Trentida raised his head and pointed his chin at Thales, whose expression was distorted. He said in a strange tone, "Prince Thales of Constellation, with what identity do you have to say these words here and cry out for King Nuven's innocence?
"Don't make wild accusations anymore."
Thales stopped talking.
"You're right."
"Even if we put aside the suspicion of assassinating the king, you're just a foreign prince. You shouldn't be here." Archduke Olsius sneered and shook his head at him with an unfriendly expression. He said coldly, "Don't butt into our internal affairs."
'Not good.
'Not good at all.'
He had already opened the conversation and tried to make the archdukes talk to him as an equal, as if they were his opponents.
Then, they would find the conditions Lampard gave them and launch a counterattack.
'But …' Thales clenched his lips, feeling anxious. 'Lampard has turned things around and made use of my intentions. The archdukes really see me as a dangerous opponent in the future.'
'Because we don't have enough bargaining chips, because the situation is terrible, and because of my special performance just now, Lampard provoked the archdukes' hostility towards me with just a few words. 'Thales clenched his fists and looked at the three archdukes, Lecco, Trentida, and Olsius, with a troubled expression.
'What should I do?'
Lampard sighed. "With all due respect, Prime Minister Lisban still has a misunderstanding with us that needs to be resolved. He's already waiting for us at the gatehouse."
The archdukes glanced at each other and nodded slightly.
Archduke Lecco nodded expressionlessly. "It's time to let the guards in, or we'll personally send him out.
"Then, go and do what needs to be done for Eckstedt."
At that moment, Thales felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave.
As he watched Archduke Lecco slowly get up, his heart beat faster and faster.
'So many sacrifices …
'The future of two countries …
'Is it going to be decided here …
'What should I do?
'What should I do?'
At this moment …
A familiar but terrifying voice rang in Thales' ears.
"I can help you."
The second prince shuddered violently!
'That's …'
Thales' hair stood on end. Under the archdukes' strange gazes, his face was pale and he was drenched in cold sweat.
The archdukes did not seem to react to the voice, as if they did not hear it.
The prince forcibly suppressed his desire to look around.
Thales' heart beat vigorously uncontrollably!
'It's him.
'It's him!
'He hasn't left yet.
'He hasn't left yet!'
"As long as these people die here, the truth about Dragon Clouds City will be covered up." The pleasant male voice continued to travel to Thales' ears. It was filled with a deep temptation. "Everything you worry about, the people you care about, will have an acceptable ending.
"But …"
The prince's breathing became increasingly rapid.
Fear and hesitation appeared on his face.
Thales clenched his fists tightly and stared at the ground.
When the few archdukes who knew nothing saw Thales' expression, they looked at each other and could not help but laugh.
'It looks like he's just a child.'
Lampard did not even bother to hide his sneer.
"Do you want to go out yourself, or do you want us to send you out?" Archduke Olsius asked coldly as he walked in front of the distracted Thales.
Thales did not answer him. He only panted and trembled.
In a place where the others could not notice, the voice traveled faintly into Thales' ears.
"The condition is that you give up everything and come with me."
'Come with me.'
At that moment, the absent-minded Thales suddenly remembered what High Priestess Holme had said to him in Bright Moon Temple.
"One day, you will face an important choice again, perhaps even a choice.
"At that time … you may recall what I said today.
"Be careful with your choice."
"Make up your mind quickly. I can't wait for you for long." The voice beside his ears urged him softly. "The legendary anti-mystic equipment is right before your eyes."
Thales raised his head with difficulty and stared at the five archdukes in front of him with an incredibly grave expression.
'Kill them all?
Go with him?
How … should I choose? '
"How is it, Thales Jadestar?"
In the air, which no one noticed, the Air Mystic, Asda Sakern, who had left and returned, said faintly, "Do you want to accept your fate as a Mystic, or end your future here?"
?
? If you were Thales, what would you choose?
?
?
Chapter 66 has been overhauled. Those who subscribe can go take a look.
?
????
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.
