In the corridor of Heroic Spirit Palace, Thales tidied his sleeves with a headache, trying to straighten the nine-pointed star emblem on his upper arm to his shoulder as he walked beside Saroma.
"Based on the experience of the past six years, don't the king's envoys usually only come when the seasons change?" the second prince said, feeling vexed and worried. "And they usually come to check on you …"
"To check on your situation." Saroma nodded absentmindedly. She looked at the flustered Thales, sighed, and rolled her eyes. She extended her hand to help him straighten the emblem on his shoulder and said in annoyance, "To make sure that a certain unlucky prince is still in his pet cage."
"Oh." Thales frowned and snorted expressionlessly. "Thank you for the reminder."
Behind him, Count Lisban coughed softly.
The regent quietly extended his hand and pressed on Thales' shoulder.
"… as well as monitoring, reminding, and warning Dragon Clouds City that we are the greatest threat in King Chapman's eyes." Lisban pushed him two steps away without a trace and said solemnly, "Even when the Waltons lost their throne and the people of Dragon Clouds City were in a state of panic, this never changed."
"Especially when the future of Jadestar and the Waltons is in Dragon Clouds City."
Thales raised his eyebrows and looked at Lisban, who had unknowingly walked between him and Saroma.
When it came to dealing with Thales, Count Lisban's attitude had always been full of alienation and vigilance. There was even hostility that was difficult to ignore. However, when it came to Black Sand Region and King Chapman, this vassal and assistant that Nuven trusted the most when he was alive showed rare trust and kindness towards a common enemy. He even reminded Thales from time to time that they were on the same side.
Thales remembered what Putray had once told him. "If I remember correctly, Roknee and his allies from the City of Faraway Prayers are waving their flags and shouting war cries, denouncing the king's disrespect for tradition throughout the entire territory …
"That seems to be the top priority for Chapman to worry about, and not two powerless brats?"
Saroma rolled her eyes at him.
"So this is the interesting part." Lisban did not seem to understand Thales' sarcasm. He swept his gaze over the two teenagers. "Guess why they are here?"
Thales exhaled. "Win over Dragon Clouds City, fight for support for Lampard's pitifully poor reputation in the country, and fight against Roknee and the other opposers?"
Saroma's expression darkened.
But she immediately took a deep breath and tried her best to put on a solemn and indifferent expression, just like she did for the past six years. "Then they have the wrong idea. Dragon Clouds City is the most unlikely force to stand with him. We all know what happened six years ago."
"No one can forget."
Thales recalled that night and could not help but smack his lips. He sighed and said, "So this is what I am worried about."
Lisban snorted coldly. His gaze was filled with vigilance. "We will find out."
The next moment, they turned a corner. Nicholas and Justin, who had been waiting in front of them for a long time, nodded at them and pushed open a door that both Thales and Saroma were very familiar with.
The Prince of Constellation walked behind the archduchess and the regent under the protection of his personal guards behind him and on both sides. He stepped into the oval stone hall, which had a solemn atmosphere.
The Hall of Heroes had changed a lot compared to six years ago. The biggest difference was that the heavy, rectangular table that represented the king and the nine archdukes had been removed.
It seemed to have disappeared from history along with the reign of the Born King.
There was only one simple and heavy chair made of cedar wood in the hall, which was located on the third flight of steps.
The famous Soul Slayer Pike was still lying quietly on the rack on the fireplace at the back of the hall.
Thales consciously stopped in front of the steps under the chair. Nicholas and Lisban, on the other hand, went up one step before they turned around to face the hall. Only the archduchess lifted her skirt with a serious expression and walked up the steps step by step towards the chair.
The prince watched with complicated emotions as Saroma skillfully and anxiously sat on the chair that was almost as wide as four or five people. It was the chair that belonged to the suzerain of Dragon Clouds City. She first carefully placed her arms on the armrests on both sides like a kitten that had stepped into an unfamiliar territory. Then, she took a deep breath, straightened her back and puffed out her chest. With a forced arrogance and aloofness, she raised her head and looked at the hall.
Like a lion cub that had just learned how to walk, she let out an immature roar at the pride of lions.
But judging from the girl's expression, it was probably not very comfortable to sit on it.
'It's been six years.
She's still not used to it.
'Because of me, she sat on this seat.
'Because of me, she had no choice.'
Saroma seemed to sense something. The girl turned her head stiffly to look at Thales. There was an uneasiness in her eyes that only the prince could understand.
For a moment, Thales did not dare to look at the chair and its owner. He turned his head slightly and stared at the floor tiles with a gloomy expression.
The next moment, the herald's sonorous and melodious voice rang in the hall.
"The Viscount of the City of Halting Light from Black Sand Region, the King's Special Envoy and Goose Keeper, and the Second Assistant Advisor of the Imperial Conference, Lhasa Kentvida!"
The atmosphere in the Hall of Heroes instantly became tense.
Nicholas intentionally or unintentionally flung the hilt of the sword on his back to his right shoulder. Lisban, on the other hand, put his hands behind his back out of habit.
The guards on both sides puffed out their chests and raised their heads. They pursed their lips tightly. Even the veteran personal guards who had served as White Blade Guards subconsciously adjusted their breathing and put on the most serious and fierce expressions.
They knew who the newcomers were.
As the sound of two footsteps drew closer, a man and a woman appeared at the entrance of the Hall of Heroes.
Thales narrowed his eyes.
It had been six years since they last met. Kentvida, King Chapman's number one strategist, the tall viscount who once "escorted" the prince to Dragon Clouds City with two thousand soldiers, appeared to have matured a lot. Compared to his military attire back then, he was currently dressed in plain clothes, but his footsteps were still agile. Coupled with his polite smile that seemed to be examining him, Thales could not help but feel that he was more difficult to deal with than before.
But the person who attracted the most attention was not him.
Kentvida's companion walked past the herald, but stopped.
"What's wrong?"
It was a female warrior with a buzz cut, fully equipped with light armor. Her presence was in no way weaker than Kentvida's. The longsword hanging from her waist had a familiar white hilt.
The female warrior turned her sharp gaze and stared straight at the herald at the entrance.
"Don't you have the habit of registering female guests?"
At the far end of the hall, the few people around Saroma looked at the entrance curiously.
The herald stared back at the female warrior warily, but he did not show any signs of weakness. He snorted softly through his nose. "Welcome to Northland."
The female warrior chuckled. "Is that so?
Even though all of you have been ruled by a woman for six years? "
The herald furrowed his brows, as though he was choked by this sentence.
Kentvida, who was walking in front, had no choice but to stop.
"Esch," he placed a hand on his forehead and said softly to his companion in a rather resigned manner.
"It's alright." The female warrior did not seem to hear Kentvida's reminder. She continued to stare at the disdainful herald. "I'll do it myself."
The next second, the round-faced female warrior turned around and faced the entire hall!
She stared straight at the other end of the hall and said loudly without hesitation, "The deputy commander of the White Blade Guards from Peck Village in Flatiron County, Dragon Clouds City, and Flatiron County, King Chapman's administrator and personal guard …
"Lady Kroesch Mirk!"
"I'm here to seek an audience with …
"The Archduchess of Dragon Clouds City!"
The female voice was mellow and bright. It echoed in every corner of the hall.
Even Thales, who was standing at the other end of the hall, could hear this voice clearly.
The expressions of the personal guards on both sides of the hall changed. They stared in surprise at the deputy commander of the White Blade Guards who had registered herself, as though they were looking at a rare object in a market.
Thales furrowed his brows slightly, but then the corners of his lips curled up.
'A lady has an audience with the Archduchess.
'Could the Northlanders have imagined this scene six years ago?'
"Have you learned it now?"
Kroesch raised her eyebrows and calmly stared at the herald, who was so surprised and bewildered that he could not speak. She snapped her fingers in front of him without bothering to hide it, startling the dazed herald. "And …
"Welcome to Northland."
The herald stared at her in a daze. He could not react for a long time.
Viscount Kentvida sighed. He closed his eyes and urged the person behind him with a pitiful tone, "Esch —"
But before he could finish speaking, Kroesch pushed him mercilessly on his shoulder and he staggered forward!
"Focus on what you need to do." The female warrior strode forward again and snorted coldly. "And don't call me that again."
Kentvida, who was caught off guard and pushed, smiled awkwardly. He turned around and waved at the herald in embarrassment. "Sorry, Esch has always been a little … hot!"
With a cold expression, Kroesch pushed him again. The viscount could only smile in compromise. He straightened his clothes and walked into the hall.
In the distance, Saroma furrowed her brows and stared at the two people who had just caused a commotion. "Did they do it on purpose?"
Lisban shook his head. "I don't know, but at least the viscount did not deliberately stop them.
"This explains a lot of things."
Thales shrugged. He stared at Kroesch from afar and could not help but lament, "But … she's really a special lady."
'Especially in Northland.'
"Elegant and bold. I can't help but be amazed."
The prince stared at Kroesch in a daze as she walked elegantly. He could not help but think of Sonia Sasere, the Fortress Flower who laughed boldly in a pool of blood and played with his hair.
In the next moment, Thales realized that the three people on the stairs were looking at him with strange expressions.
The prince's smile faded and he coughed softly.
"I'm sorry."
Kentvida and Saroma finally stood five meters away from the main seat. The viscount stared at the young archduchess with great interest.
Saroma silently endured his gaze. Her grip on the chair grew tighter and tighter.
Count Lisban furrowed his brows slightly.
"Good day, Madam, Miss, Archduchess Walton." Viscount Kentvida bowed slightly, as if he did not feel the tense atmosphere in the hall. "Please allow me to convey the king's greetings and blessings. I wish that everything goes smoothly in your reign in Dragon Clouds City."
Thales clearly felt that this etiquette was not very respectful. In comparison, Kroesch's bow was more sincere.
Saroma nodded slightly. She first glanced at Lisban and said cautiously and emotionlessly, "Of course, please also convey my gratitude to His Majesty."
She leaned back in her chair and said nothing else.
Viscount Kentvida's eyes moved. He swept his gaze past the silent archduchess and the stern-looking Lisban. A profound smile appeared on his face.
"I don't seem to see those familiar important ministers of Dragon Clouds City." The viscount looked around in a dignified manner. "Where are the counts other than Regent Lisban? Wasn't yesterday the day of the state affairs hearing? "
"This is not an official diplomatic mission," Lisban himself answered. The former prime minister said coldly, "There is no need to alarm them."
"Is this really alright?" Kentvida put on a slightly surprised expression.
"I heard that they were still discussing the archduchess' marriage yesterday? I heard that Count Hearst and Count Nazaire are both good candidates for the archduchess' husband?
Yet, when the king's special envoy came, they left them behind? "
Thales' breathing instantly froze.
"You're really well-informed. Only the direct vassals of Dragon Clouds City would know so accurately."
Count Lisban quickly followed up after a barely noticeable moment of astonishment. His tone was unfriendly. "Could it be that you've bribed another rat in the Hall of Heroes?"
Kentvida laughed. "How would I dare? The vassals of Dragon Clouds City have always been loyal. Why would they be bribed by us?"
"I'm just saying that the rats in the palace are infested with rats," Lisban replied without a trace. "Why would you think of vassals?"
Kentvida raised his eyebrows.
Ciel Lisban, the former prime minister who served the kingdom for decades, the Born King's most capable assistant, and the man who was once known as the 'Eye of the Dragon'.
He lived up to his name. He was a difficult opponent.
And he became even more determined as he aged.
"It's been years since we last met. I'm glad to see that you're healthy and healthy." The next second, Kentvida cast his gaze on the only teenager with the Nine-Pointed Star emblem in the hall without hesitation. He flashed a smile. "On behalf of the king, may I ask how you've been?"
"Prince Thales."
Lisban and Nicholas furrowed their brows at the same time.
They looked at Thales.
Saroma blinked. Amidst her surprise, she actually breathed a sigh of relief. She seemed to be a little glad that the prince shared the burden of the opening scene.
Thales furrowed his brows. He endured the stares from everyone present, especially from Lisban. With a face full of suspicion, he stared back at the smiling Kentvida.
'Damn it.
'This guy …
'He makes it sound like I'm very familiar with Lampard.
'Even though I'm indeed' very familiar 'with him.'
"It's true that we haven't seen each other for many years, Viscount Kentvida, but …"
Thales braced himself and said, "I'm healthy and healthy …
"Why do your words … sound like you're comforting those old people who are about to die soon?"
The aloof Saroma snickered.
Kentvida's polite and complacent smile froze on his face.
Beside him, Kroesch did not bother to hide it. She seemed to be mocking Kentvida.
Coincidentally, Count Lisban, who usually did not smile much, actually laughed coldly in cooperation with him at that moment.
"You're still as eloquent as before."
Kentvida looked around at the hostile gazes around him and had no choice but to put away his smile. He said stiffly, "His Majesty misses you very much, Your Highness. He often mentioned that you still owe each other a glass of wine."
Thales sighed in his heart again.
Lisban's gaze swept towards him again.
"You know, eighteen years ago, my uncle Herman died from a glass of poisoned wine." The prince scratched his head. "Owe each other a glass of wine. Are you sure these are the king's exact words?"
Kentvida shut his mouth.
'Looks like His Majesty is right.
'This journey of ours will be very interesting.'
At this moment, Count Lisban laughed.
"Cut the useless nonsense and provocations, and get straight to the point.
"As the 'Night Falcon' of Black Sand Region, Viscount Kentvida, who has risen to fame in recent years, why have you come?" The regent's laughter rang through the entire hall.
'Night Falcon?
'Can't you Northlanders come up with a slightly more imaginative nickname?'
Thales could not help but ridicule in his heart when he remembered that Duke Arunde's nickname was' Iron Eagle '.
Lisban tilted his head and sized up Kentvida.
"King Chapman wouldn't have sent you just to sow discord when he is in a terrible predicament because of Roknee's alliance against the king, right?" There was an indescribable majesty in the count's voice. It reminded Thales of the Born King who had passed away many years ago. "You can't save your king, who is in dire straits and in constant trouble with just your glib tongue.
"So, what important information did you bring?"
Kentvida raised his head. The smile on his face gradually faded.
His gaze on Lisban slowly became serious.
"I must admit that a small disagreement has arisen between the archdukes and His Majesty."
Thales sneered in his heart.
'A small disagreement?'
"But I believe that we can stand together for the common future of Eckstedtians.
"For the common glory and disgrace of Eckstedt, no matter what difficulties and obstacles we face, we can work together to overcome them."
Viscount Kentvida's expression turned cold. He uttered a sentence that moved the expressions of all the people present.
"Like now."
Thales' heart skipped a beat.
'Now?
'Wait.
'He said that for the common glory of Eckstedt …
'That means …'
The silence in the hall lasted for a few seconds.
The shrewd and perceptive Count Lisban had already realized something.
"Common glory and disgrace?" The old count stared intently at Kentvida's expression. He enunciated each word clearly and slowly said, "What is it?"
He immediately jumped to the conclusion he came up with. "Is there going to be a war?"
Thales' eyelids twitched.
Kentvida raised his eyebrows slightly, as if he was surprised by the count's answer.
What made Thales rather uneasy was that in the next second, Kentvida smiled and said …
He nodded.
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? Wake, farewell, funeral, cremation, burial. Up until now, the funeral for his grandmother's funeral had gone smoothly.
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Tomorrow was the seventh day of her death. After some traditional worship ceremonies and banquets, even if the funeral was held, the matter would come to an end.
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When I was guarding the memorial tablet, I took some time to write this chapter. Thank you, my readers, for your understanding and support over the past week!
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There were probably no other books that could remain in the top ten bestsellers list of fantasy novels after not updating for six consecutive days.
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Of course, "The Kingdom" had its fair share of twists and turns this week. The plagiarism incident had just ended when the book encountered another supernatural incident. On the 11th of July, between 12: 30 pm and 14: 30 pm, "The Kingdom's Bloodline" received more than 500 negative three-star reviews on Qidian's PC page by a bunch of smurfs who had zero fan points.
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Swordless could only express that he didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
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The editor also said helplessly, "I'm probably being targeted, and it's allowed by the rules. Even the technical backend can't do anything about it. I can only spread my hands and wait for the day when my rating drops to zero. Sigh."
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Haha, just kidding.
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Just like Thales' experience, Swordless Sword believed that only blazing fire could forge true steel, and only by constantly updating could a good chapter be written.
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What's more, it was just over five hundred negative reviews. This was still far from the "Raging Fire".
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(Patting the commenter's shoulder earnestly) The revolution has not succeeded yet. Comrades, you still need to work hard.
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Everyone, wait for my return!
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BY was guarding the memorial tablet alone, preparing to continue the incense.
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