At that moment, Thales swept his gaze across the tense confrontation between the two parties. If he stopped here, perhaps Lampard's plan and goal would be destroyed, and the two countries would be able to avoid war.
But it would also cost the prince himself and so many people who were fighting in Heroic Spirit Palace.
Saroma stared at him worriedly under the table and quietly asked him to stop.
But — Thales clenched his fist lightly — his battle was not over yet.
There was still one last step left.
During Constellation's National Conference, when Thales fiercely rebuked the Guardian Duke of the Land of Cliffs, the One-Eyed Dragon Koshder, Gilbert praised him, but also sighed and told him that the carefree counterattack that forced the opponent to a dead end was actually "not a brilliant way of governing".
Later on, Thales understood through his many experiences that in the game of power, only inexperienced newbies and hot-headed fools would act like the main characters in popular knight novels who would seek revenge for the smallest grievance. They would be greedy for temporary benefits and use fierce, ruthless attacks to attack their political enemies. Take Thales as an example. At that time, he seemed to be winning, but in the end, he forced Koshder to become his sworn enemy. The prince's merciless style also made many of the vassals who were watching by the side feel sympathetic. In the end, they unanimously chose to stand on the One-Eyed Dragon's side, and unanimously refused to acknowledge Thales' right to inherit the throne as an illegitimate child.
Politics was not a sword duel to the death between two people, but a chain of actions between a group of people in the same domain of power. From the methods used to the results, every move would involve the interests and attitudes of many parties. After Thales mercilessly refuted Lampard until he was speechless, he inevitably intensified the conflict between the archdukes and Lampard, which would bring about disastrous consequences to himself. To protect himself, the Archduke of Black Sand Region would annihilate all of them here.
This was what Gilbert wanted to tell Thales in the Hall of Stars — a perfect ending was far more difficult to achieve than a carefree victory, but it was also more important.
This was because victory often meant a further confrontation, and ending the battle required the greatest compromise.
Thales took a deep breath.
But he had to do it.
As for the 'suggestion' given by Asda, he did not even think about it and threw it to the back of his mind. If he chose Asda, the consequences would not be any better than falling out with Lampard.
But just as he was about to speak …
Clang! The ear-piercing sound of metal resounded!
No one knew who made the first move, but Lampard's half-sword had already collided with Ronnie's sword.
The sounds of a fierce battle could be heard from outside the hall.
"Stop them!"
"Deal with the light armor first!"
In the hall, which was equally dangerous, Lampard and Ronnie had exchanged two sword strikes in an instant. Both of them had fierce expressions on their faces as they paced back and forth, ready for battle.
Thales, who was standing on the square table, widened his eyes and almost vomited blood.
F * ck!
This bunch of Northerners!
Don't you listen to me?
Thales glanced anxiously at the gate. Even though he could not see anything, he knew that Lampard had an overwhelming advantage in terms of military strength. Even if they could make Black Sand Region pay the price, they would still die.
No …
No!
He did not care about the others' gazes. When Roknee and Lampard clashed their swords for the second time, Thales raised his head and roared again.
"Chapman Lampard!"
"Are you going to give up on your ideals and the chance to save Eckstedt just like that? Are you going to let Eckstedt sink into chaos and let Constellation overshadow all of you?"
'How ironic.' At that moment, Thales, whose heart was beating rapidly, ridiculed himself. A few minutes ago, he was still talking about the dangers of Lampard's ideology in front of the disdainful archdukes. A few minutes later, he was actually trying his best to encourage the desperate Lampard to pick up his ideals again!
Lampard frowned slightly. He took two steps back and parried Olsius' heavy slash that came from the side.
"You told me that what you want is a little more than self-preservation, revenge, and the destruction of King Nuven and Dragon Clouds City!" Thales took the opportunity when they were temporarily separated to shout with all his might, "For that 'little', you have sacrificed so much, snatching the last chance of survival from a hopeless situation that has long been beyond redemption!"
Due to the unusual movements in the hall, the sounds of fighting outside the hall were still incessant.
In the chaos, Thales shouted at the top of his lungs, "Then why don't you take another risk and see if you can snatch a new chance of survival?
"Think about your brother and father!"
Lampard raised his head abruptly, his face contorted.
"Brat! I've had enough of your nagging! " The Archduke of Black Sand Region gritted his teeth and returned the blow to Olsius. "You just want to save your own life, don't you?
"Get lost!"
'F * ck!'
A surge of anger surged in Thales' heart.
In the next second …
"Thales!"
As Saroma cried out in alarm, Thales took a deep breath and resolutely jumped off the table!
Amidst the sounds of fighting outside the hall, the prince recklessly stomped on his aching feet. Under everyone's shocked gazes, he crossed his arms over his head and rushed forward!
He rushed straight into the battle between Lampard, Roknee, and Olsius!
Saroma's outstretched hand could only brush past his sleeve.
Lecco and Archduke Trentida widened their eyes in disbelief as they watched the prince's suicidal move.
Roknee's pupils shrank! Just as he was about to stab, he abruptly stopped in midair. Even Olsius, who was beside him, stopped moving.
Lampard opened his mouth in surprise and did not move forward.
* Thud! * The agitated Thales came to a halt.
He stopped in the middle of the three people. Suppressing his pounding heart, he raised his arms at the same time towards the three sword-wielding men on both sides!
Like the most valiant and fearless warrior, he stood firmly in the middle.
"You're crazy," Roknee angrily rebuked with an unpleasant expression. "Do you have a death wish?!"
The furious prince roared back rudely, "So what if I am? We're going to be surrounded and killed anyway! "
Thales felt the cold blades on both sides. He turned his head and shook his hoarse voice. He felt tears and snot coming out of his eyes. "Lampard, if you have the chance to return to the starting point, to the position where you started, to gamble with us again, to try to rebuild your Eckstedt again, instead of accepting your current failure, why don't you give it a try?
"You still want to save this country!"
Lampard stared at him in disbelief. He gritted his teeth and the tip of his sword trembled slightly.
"My fellow archdukes!"
The prince, who could not care less about panting, turned his head. He first swept his gaze over the dissatisfied Olsius and Roknee, then fixed his gaze on the astonished Archduke Lecco behind the table, and Trentida, who had slipped away at some point. He swung his fist fiercely. "I swear on my life that we have a way to save ourselves. We don't have to die in vain here!"
Roknee and Olsius looked at each other. Their bulging muscles were still tense.
The sounds of fighting outside the hall were still intense.
No one knew how many casualties there were.
The short confrontation was immediately broken by Lampard. The Archduke of Black Sand Region suppressed his emotions. His chest rose and fell as he shouted, "What the f * ck are you planning to do?"
Thales took a deep breath.
"Like you said, I want to save 'your' life." The prince racked his brains with all his might. "And save the lives of the rest of us!"
"Prince Thales, we all have a deep impression of you." Archduke Lecco's voice was filled with displeasure.
"But from now on, this is Eckstedt's internal affair!"
He was obviously dissatisfied with the prince's claim of 'saving lives'.
"Of course!" the exasperated Thales shouted.
"So, I am only responsible for making suggestions and trying to convince all of you!" Thales said loudly, "The choice is up to all of you!
"Can't we kill each other two minutes later?
"Northlander!"
No one knew whether it was his crazy actions that won respect and attention, or whether the insulting term 'Northlander' had an effect, but the moment Thales finished speaking, the hall instantly fell silent.
For a moment, only the sound of everyone's heavy breathing could be heard.
At this moment, the sounds of fighting outside the hall became even more ear-piercing as the background.
"Two minutes!" Thales repeated anxiously.
Archduke Lecco glared at him furiously. His nostrils flared.
Lampard's gaze was sharp. He was hesitant.
Saroma looked at him worriedly.
Just when Thales, who had his arms raised high, felt that he could not hold on any longer …
Lampard took a deep breath and exhaled heavily. He seemed to have made up his mind.
He put down the tip of his sword and stabbed it into the ground.
"Black Sand Region, hold on!" Lampard shouted rather angrily, "Do not attack without my order!"
The noises outside the hall instantly became much quieter.
Thales immediately turned his intense gaze towards Archduke Lecco.
The old archduke had a strange expression. He first slowly closed his eyes, then abruptly opened them.
"Lord Justin!" The bald archduke's voice was loud and clear, which was rare for him. "Please hold back for the time being!"
"Your Grace," Lord Justin's voice rang out, "do you need help?"
Lecco and Lampard's gazes met in the air. "No."
A few seconds later, the noises outside the hall completely stopped.
Roknee and Olsius looked at each other. One was indignant, while the other put down his weapon in resentment.
Seeing this scene, Trentida whistled softly, seemingly pleased and content — until Archduke Lecco's piercing glare came at him.
"Two minutes," Lecco said coldly.
Thales heaved a sigh of relief and put down his aching arm.
But he could not rest.
Because all the gazes in the hall were once again on him. This time, it was heavier, colder, and more unbearable than before.
The prince pinched his thigh and forced himself to be alert. He raised his head to look at the emotionally unstable and unpleasant expressions on both sides.
'Damn it.
One side wants to break the system of the Joint Ruling Pledge, end the division of archdukes, and rebuild the centralized Eckstedt.
The other side wants to maintain the framework of the Joint Ruling Pledge, eliminate the abnormalities and traitors among them, and protect their own interests.
Two minutes.
And he only had two minutes.
To convince the two sides whose fundamental goals and basic interests greatly conflicted …
To shake hands and make peace!
And …
He was the one who pointed out this huge divergence and contradiction!
Facing the murderous gazes from both sides, Thales sincerely felt at that moment.
Compared to this, the seemingly unreasonable Giza and Asda were like docile kittens and puppies, obedient and easy to coax.
But he had no choice.
He and Saroma were still here, and his other companions were still struggling hard. He did not know how many people had already fallen.
He had to succeed!
In the next second, without waiting for the others to speak, Thales straightened his chest and spoke anxiously.
"Lampard!"
He quickly said, "You are worried that after you leave this place, the archdukes will join forces to deal with you, harm you, or even destroy you?
Am I right?! "
Leaning on his sword, Archduke Lampard pursed his lips tightly. His gaze was cold, and he did not speak.
But Thales did not have time to consider his response.
The prince turned his head abruptly to look at the other four people.
"My fellow archdukes, your most urgent wish now is to walk out of Heroic Spirit Palace, which is tightly controlled by Lampard, alive from his oppressive encirclement, return to your territories, and protect your families!
Am I right?! "
The four of them looked at each other. Dissatisfied and angry, they did not say a word.
Saroma stared at Thales in a daze, worried about his situation between the two sides.
Thales shook his head and blew out a breath to make himself more clear-headed.
He gritted his teeth and raised his head, staring at the stone carving of the Cloud Dragon Spear at the top.
"So, one side wants to live in the present, and the other side wants to live in the future.
"For this, you have to come to a consensus here: Cover up the true cause of King Nuven's death." Thales felt a tightness in his chest, but he still forced the words out of his throat. "The archdukes will ensure that Lampard will not walk out of Heroic Spirit Palace with the crime of being a kingslayer, and give up any plans to harm him in the future."
Archduke Lecco snorted coldly.
"At this moment, Lampard will spare our lives and let us leave this place alive," the prince said coldly. "We will use the present to exchange for the future."
Lampard grinned, baring his teeth.
"It's useless." The Archduke of Black Sand Region shook his head in disdain. "Thanks to you, they are now wary of me, afraid of me, and will not let me go."
Lampard glanced at the archdukes coldly. "Even if it's not the crime of being a kingslayer, sooner or later, for one reason or another, they will lead their troops to attack me and destroy me."
Roknee pointed at the blade of his sword in a timely manner. "Smart."
At that moment, Thales had never hated the tactless Roknee so much.
'Damn it.
I need to get straight to the point as soon as possible! '
Thales raised his head abruptly and spoke to Lampard. He spoke faster, "That's right, they will not let you go, because you are the one who trampled on the Joint Ruling Pledge by killing the king, and even tried to destroy the pledge with a revolution.
"To protect the Joint Ruling Pledge, and for their own interests, the four archdukes will definitely join forces to destroy you!"
Looking at Lampard's increasingly hostile gaze, Thales' expression became solemn, and he changed the topic, "Unless …"
Under everyone's gaze, Thales said seriously,
"Unless Chapman Lampard's life is already tied to the Joint Ruling Pledge. Destroying you is equivalent to destroying the Joint Ruling Pledge!"
As soon as he said that …
"What?"
The four archdukes, including Lampard, all widened their eyes and looked at Thales in disbelief.
Only Saroma shook her head thoughtfully, as if she had understood something.
But the prince surprised the men again.
Thales Jadestar took a deep breath. His gaze was resolute, his tone firm, and with anxiety and decisiveness, he swung his arm!
"I suggest, everyone!"
Archduke Lecco raised his eyebrows slightly and looked at him in puzzlement.
But the prince had not finished speaking.
"Following the great tradition of Eckstedt since ancient times, and the eternal practice of Raikaru's Joint Ruling Pledge …"
Thales clenched his teeth and closed his eyes.
'A perfect ending.
'A political compromise.
'A binding of interests.'
"After the unfortunate passing of King Nuven, all the archdukes present here, at this time and place …"
The prince suddenly opened his eyes and said resolutely,
"Convene the King Selection Congress!"
At that moment, the expressions of the five archdukes changed!
"You will jointly elect the Archduke of Black Sand Region, Chapman Lampard …
"For the great Eckstedt …"
Thales pointed his arm at the shocked Archduke of Black Sand Region and said in a loud and stern voice,
"The next common-elected king!"
At that moment, the flames in all the braziers in the hall seemed to tremble at the same time.
The room instantly fell silent.
After Thales finished speaking, he pressed down on his violently beating heart and panted hard.
One second.
Two seconds.
In the quiet hall, Trentida blinked in surprise and took three deep breaths.
Roknee and Olsius were like stone statues, frozen on the spot. Only their gazes were fixed on the prince.
Archduke Lecco was expressionless, but his eyebrows and upper lip kept twitching, and his wrinkles rose and fell.
The hostility from their life-and-death duel seemed to have been dispelled in an instant.
Even Saroma, who was deep in thought, forgot to think for a moment. She stared at Thales with wide eyes.
As for Chapman Lampard, the person Thales was pointing at, he stared at the Prince of Constellation with a strange gaze that had never been seen before.
'This …'
The Archduke of Black Sand Region, who was brimming with killing intent, gulped with difficulty.
'This boy …
'He just said …
'What did he say?
'The common-elected … king?
?
? 'I keep feeling that little Thales could not finish talking in those two minutes …
?
?
'What do you think?
?
????
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.
