"Is this another one of your jokes?"
After a long while, amidst the shocked vassals, Count Cotterson was the first to speak, "Clown?"
Ian turned around. Under the hostile gazes of the entire hall, he smiled cheerfully at the archduchess.
"Answer carefully." Cotterson's tone was filled with anger and malice. Without waiting for the other party to reply, he said, "Because it might cost you your life."
The silent Thales noticed that even though most of the vassals were surprised, there were still a few people who stood out.
Regent Lisban, who knew the most inside information, furrowed his brows. The old Nazaire's gaze was unfocused. Karkogel, who had always been silent, stared at the archduchess this time. He remained motionless.
Thales thought of something. Beside the archduchess, Nicholas glared at the Prince of Constellation in the corner with a cold expression.
His murderous gaze seemed to be saying, 'You.
'I know it's you, young prince.
'What are you planning to do now?'
In the face of the Star Killer's vigilance and hostility, Thales had no choice but to give a friendly and weak smile.
"These are my most sincere thoughts." Ian's words interrupted his thoughts. "I came here to —"
Ian did not finish his arrogant words.
"How dare you?"
This time, the one who spoke was the golden-bearded Earl Hearst. In his thirties, he was clearly not as composed as his colleagues. He leaned forward, clenched his knees tightly, and gritted his teeth. His gaze kept moving back and forth between the archduchess, who was at a loss, and the smug Ian.
"In Dragon Clouds City? Insulting our king in front of us vassals? "
"I don't see how it's an insult." Ian rolled his eyes at the ceiling and spread his hands helplessly and casually. "Six hundred years ago, the 'Truth Seeker' Kulgon was King Raikaru's most capable and trusted knight. That's why he was sent to conquer the most remote and untameable west. Is it strange that their descendants, the Roknee Family and the Walton Family, are married?"
Quite a number of nobles snorted disdainfully and hatefully. Thales could even hear the sound of their knuckles cracking.
Thales swept his gaze over the vassals in the hall and came to a conclusion.
'Ian has probably incurred public wrath.'
Count Nazaire, who had been leading the conversation, coughed loudly, and the ministers fell silent.
"I believe that Archduke Roknee did not give us any relevant reminders," the old count said slowly.
"So, this is just your personal impulse?"
When he faced Nazaire, Ian put away his disrespectful expression, which was a rare sight. He nodded gently.
"Oh, about my father … I think he won't object."
Count Nazaire's gaze shifted, and he glanced at the archduchess, intentionally or unintentionally.
Saroma only stared blankly at the conversation on the field. She seemed to be lost in her thoughts.
"Madam, I think we should call it a day." The Regent of Dragon Clouds City's voice traveled steadily into her ears. "This visitor from the City of Faraway Prayers is asking for too much."
It was rare for Lisban to stand together with the vassals. He stared coldly at the relaxed Ian, and his words were blunt. "I'm afraid we'll need to change the envoy for the negotiation between the City of Faraway Prayers and Dragon Clouds City."
Once he said that, the diplomat group from the City of Faraway Prayers became as anxious as ants on a hot pan.
But Ian just laughed.
"Asking for something?" The Viscount of the City of Faraway Prayers acted as if he had heard the most boring joke. "Can't you see that me using the victory against the Alliance of Freedom to propose to the archduchess is a good deed that will benefit both of us?"
Some of the vassals immediately spat in disdain. Some even cursed out loud.
"Win-win? Good deed? Only you can say that. " Count Lyner, who had always been expressionless, continued to hit the nail on the head and hit the nail on the head. "Dragon Clouds City doesn't need your charity, and we're not so kind as to let someone take advantage of the situation to satisfy the City of Faraway Prayers' dirty intentions."
"Dirty intentions?" Ian snorted in disdain. "Who was the one who forced the archduchess to marry by sending troops as a condition? Who's the dirtier one? Only you … only you can say that. "
He narrowed his eyes and shook his head. "My lords of Dragon Clouds City."
Count Lyner stared at him quietly and did not speak.
Count Cotterson's face gradually contorted.
A few seconds later, Count Cotterson's voice, which was filled with hatred and anger, rose clearly.
"Listen up, shameless clown."
Cotterson glared at Ian fiercely. "Go back and tell your father this: Dragon Clouds City is not the City of Faraway Prayers. Here, it is not popular to form a marriage alliance with the lowly Troubled West Billow citizens, even if they only have half of our bloodline."
Once he said this, the vassals of Dragon Clouds City let out low, mocking laughter.
Ian's gaze darkened, and his shoulders trembled slightly.
Thales narrowed his eyes. 'Wait a minute, the Roknee Family is obviously a noble family in Northland, but Cotterson said that …
'To form a marriage alliance with the lowly Troubled West Billow citizens …
'Half of our bloodline …'
Thales glanced at Ian, who had an unpleasant expression on his face. He remembered that Ian had mentioned before that his mother was a 'local' from the City of Faraway Prayers. He immediately fell into deep thought.
Lisban coughed.
"Your Excellency Ian, we all understand your intentions. But you know, we are not only talking about a marriage proposal and war. "Regent Lisban stood in the middle of the hall. He warned everyone with his gaze as he said to Ian," This is politics. "
Ian sucked in a breath and put away his unnatural expression. He chuckled. "What I am talking about is the politics of marriage and war."
Count Lisban did not speak.
'The politics of marriage and war.
'I see.
'You are …'
Lisban cast an unexpected glance at Thales.
The prince's heart skipped a beat.
'This old man seems to know what we are up to.'
"Forgive me for my rudeness, Count Lisban, but …" Ian shrugged and slowly said, "I'm sorry, Count Lisban.
"Why are all of you so anxious to speak up for the archduchess?"
The expressions of the vassals in the hall, including Lisban's, changed again.
Many gazes shifted back to Saroma, but the latter only pulled a long face and did not say a word.
The gaze of the heir of the City of Faraway Prayers became stern. It was as if he had turned from a frivolous young master to the cold and aloof Viscount Ian.
"Just now, weren't you the ones who claimed that you wanted to show her the 'cruel side' of this world?"
Ian raised his head and stared at the archduchess on the stage seriously.
"Saroma, I am speaking to you as the heir of the City of Faraway Prayers.
I will only accept answers from you. "
His voice was cold.
Clean and decisive.
Saroma subconsciously bit her lower lip.
Count Cotterson, who was furious again, was about to speak, but Lisban and Nazaire raised their hands at the same time to stop him.
Cotterson understood their gazes.
'This is not their turn.'
Lisban and Nazaire raised their heads at the same time and looked at Saroma, waiting for her response.
The air in the hall seemed to have frozen. It no longer flowed.
On the steps, Saroma, whose face was pale and breathing quickened, swept her gaze over the people in the hall.
Until she met Thales' gaze.
Thales understood the look in her eyes.
It was a gaze he was once familiar with, one that was filled with panic and anxiety.
The Prince of Constellation smiled faintly. He raised his fist and clenched it gently over his heart.
'You can do it, Saroma.
'You can do it.'
The vassals still stared at her closely. Their gazes were filled with judgment and sizing up strangers.
In the chaotic hall, Saroma and Thales' gazes met for a moment before they looked away.
Thales lowered his head and sighed in his heart. 'Of course, Saroma, if you can't …'
He looked at his right palm. There were two scars left by a dagger when he was young.
He took a deep breath. 'It's okay. I'm here.
And me. '
A few seconds later, the archduchess relaxed her lower lip. The corners of her mouth curled up slightly, and she nodded slightly.
Her tense face finally relaxed a little.
"My vassals, their intentions are very clear …" Saroma exhaled and said with a serious expression, "Your Grace."
She slowly said, enunciating each word clearly, "The marriage between us is impossible."
Ian's expression changed.
As if someone had opened a window, the frozen air in the Hall of Heroes finally flowed again.
Thales could feel that many of the vassals breathed a sigh of relief without batting an eyelid.
Among them, the six counts were especially special. Nazaire glanced at Lisban, who was opposite him, again, but the regent just avoided his gaze.
This made Nazaire sink into deep thought as well.
Saroma lowered her head and took a deep breath. "I am very grateful for your appreciation and pursuit, but you are, after all, the heir of the City of Faraway Prayers, and I am the Archduchess of Dragon Clouds City. Even someone as shallow as me knows that this has never happened before."
Under the vassals' gazes, which were much friendlier than before, the archduchess cleared her throat and brought out the spirit she used to answer questions in Hicks' class.
She slowly said, "Our abrupt marriage will bring about unexpected consequences. Eckstedt may have an archduke in the future, and he will have the right to inherit two territories and titles at the same time. This will cause the entire kingdom to lose balance, and it will also bring us unnecessary trouble —"
But she was interrupted by Ian's chuckle.
"And you are just going to let your vassals do whatever they want to you and make decisions for you? Saroma? "
Thales saw Count Nazaire and Count Lisban frown again.
Ian clicked his tongue and shook his head. Then, his voice rose.
"Oh, no, no, my dear Saroma." The viscount raised his index finger and waved it. He sighed and said, "Don't think about your concerns and worries first. Think about the consequences you are about to face right now. If your current position is shaky, then worrying about the 'imbalance of the kingdom' is meaningless."
Saroma was stunned, and the vassals' expressions became even more unpleasant.
Ian's gaze swept past the six counts. He chuckled and said, "Your Grace, you know very well what the predicament you are facing is. The expedition to the Alliance of Freedom is a mission that you must complete. If you are unable to send your troops, it will not only damage your reputation, but also your family's reputation."
Ian's smile became a little terrifying. His words also became fierce. "Your situation has always been difficult, but today, if you still let this matter pass, you can only stand by and watch helplessly in the face of your family's mission, and you can only let your vassals do as they please without doing anything …
"Then from now on, the whole of Dragon Clouds City, even the whole kingdom, will know that you are just a ruler whose words carry no weight. Even your vassals look down on you, even though they do not think highly of you to begin with."
The heir of the City of Faraway Prayers said loudly, "Saroma, in order to avoid becoming an archduchess who has no opinions of her own, is manipulated by others, and is surrounded by wolves. Isn't this the reason why you gathered the vassals to attend the council hearing today?"
The archduchess did not speak.
Thales saw the expressions of the six counts change one after another.
"Then, good girl," Ian said faintly, "think about my proposal.
"Then, think about my suggestion. Think about what you can gain. As long as we, the City of Faraway Prayers, fight for you in this war, then the indifference of the Archduchess of Dragon Clouds City will turn into a romantic and bashful reserve. You will be freed from the weak accusation of 'humiliating your family', and the Walton Family's reputation will not be damaged in the slightest."
Ian smiled faintly. "And after I win, this will become a beautiful story in all of Eckstedt. It will change from a heavy story of a ruler and her vassals falling out to a romantic story of going to war for love."
The hall was silent for a moment.
The archduchess still stared at Ian with a complicated gaze, as if she was thinking about his proposal.
Count Lyner and Count Cotterson looked at each other. They both felt that something was wrong.
After what felt like a century, Saroma slowly raised her head. Her tone was a little desolate. "Yes, when that time comes, I might have no choice but to marry you, the most sincere suitor who defended my father's honor for me, am I right?"
At that moment, all the vassals in the hall held their breaths.
"My Lady!" The young and vigorous Count Hearst could no longer stand it. His golden beard trembled inch by inch. "I swear, as long as the Hearst Family is still around, no one can force you!"
Saroma forced a smile at him.
"Then, can you count on these people?" Ian raised his head abruptly.
"If I can use marriage to redeem my family's reputation, then compared to them, why isn't the City of Faraway Prayers a better choice?"
The young Roknee, who looked like he had victory in his grasp, chuckled and shook his head. "In the future, no matter who it is, if they want to look down on your authority in Dragon Clouds City, they will have to think about the price they have to pay."
As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall changed again.
The whispers of the vassals on both sides became softer and shorter.
On the other hand, Regent Lisban and Count Nazaire were both silent.
Thales took a deep breath, retracted his observant gaze, and chased unnecessary thoughts out of his mind.
'So far, everything is going well.
'As long as there are no accidents …
'No, I can't be too optimistic.'
He clenched his teeth.
'Think about the places where accidents might happen.
'For example, the relationship between Lisban and the vassals is worse than we can imagine.
'Or, the Northlanders' deep-rooted view of women far surpasses their loyalty to their mission, the importance they place on honor, and their obligation to Dragon Clouds City and the archdukes.
'Or, what I'm most worried about …'
When Thales thought of this, he cast a sidelong glance at Ian.
'Like the Viscount of the City of Faraway Prayers changing his mind midway.
'Perhaps obtaining a marriage alliance with Dragon Clouds City is more profitable than directly asking Dragon Clouds City to send reinforcements?'
Thales desperately thought about every possibility.
'I hope it doesn't come to that. I hope …
'There are no accidents.
'Otherwise …'
Thales turned around and glanced at the door. Ralf noticed his gaze and returned it with a questioning look.
"Now?"
Thales shook his head and gestured.
"No, it's fine."
'It's fine for now.'
"Besides," Ian sighed and shook his head at Saroma in an extremely gentlemanly manner, "I hope you understand that, at least compared to your vassals, I have no intention of forcing them.
"What we need is a symbol that Dragon Clouds City is standing together with the City of Faraway Prayers, and a symbol that the Roknee Family is fighting for the Waltons."
He nodded in a friendly manner. "If the marriage is too hasty, we can also skip this step first. With this step, I will first obtain your permission to bring the Walton Dragon Spear Flag. I am not in a hurry. When I return victorious from the war, I will deliver that romantic request. "
When Saroma, who looked extremely solemn, heard this, she could not help but be slightly stunned.
She hesitantly said, "Your Grace, you are … very confident."
Ian laughed. "Because I believe that no suitor is more qualified to stand by your side than a person who has personally defended your family's honor."
He looked around the hall and laughed under the vigilant gazes of Dragon Clouds City's vassals.
"And which suitor is more trustworthy than the person who, in times of crisis, stands in front of you without hesitation, withstands all harm for you, and fights endlessly for your safety and honor …
"Who is more trustworthy?"
In times of crisis …
Stands up …
Withstands harm …
Fights endlessly …
Saroma's mind wandered for a moment. She subconsciously raised her head and looked in Ian's direction.
Ian furrowed his brows.
'No.'
The viscount narrowed his eyes and observed the archduchess' gaze. 'She's not looking at me.
She's looking at the person beside me … '
Ian was deep in thought.
Thales lowered his head and uncomfortably avoided a certain someone's subconscious gaze.
He opened his clenched fists and tried his best to get rid of all unnecessary thoughts and suppress the unnatural feeling.
But the moment he lowered his head, he saw Ian's boots again. They were not quite the same style as the Northlanders' usual noble boots.
But at that moment, Thales only felt that the boots were very ugly.
'Wearing such ugly boots … to propose?
'Damn it.
I really want to …
I really want to step on them. '
"That's an easy choice." Ian straightened his collar and said in a calm and unruffled manner.
In the hall, the vassals saw the archduchess staring at the guests from the City of Faraway Prayers with a complicated gaze. Their expressions changed.
The disgust in Count Cotterson's eyes had escalated to hatred. Count Hearst gritted his teeth so hard that they made cracking sounds. He desperately suppressed his anger.
"No, My Lady." Count Hearst's panting grew louder. "Please consider carefully —"
But the archduchess only extended her hand and shook her head to interrupt Hearst. "Count, I'm sorry."
She put away her contemplative expression, cleared her throat, and turned to Ian again.
Saroma said, "So, you will fight this battle in the name of proposing to me, protect my reputation and authority, and then, we will be connected by marriage?"
Ian's eyes lit up and he nodded.
"Yes. With this reason, I will bring the Cloud Dragon Spear Flag to Fort Liberté. Not only will you not need a single soldier to spread your prestige in Eckstedt and restore your family's reputation, "Ian continued to speak slowly.
"You can even obtain the most powerful support. The vast and magnificent territory of the City of Faraway Prayers will be your backing. You do not need to be controlled by … if you know what I mean."
He shrugged.
At that moment, the entire hall was like Eternal Oil flowing in a world of ice and snow. At the moment it was ignited, the flames of anger and the chill of hatred rose at the same time.
The expressions of the vassals of Dragon Clouds City dropped to the freezing point. Thales could even hear the cracking of some people's fists.
The envoys of the City of Faraway Prayers had been confused by their young master, who did not play by the rules, since the beginning of the journey. This time, they all sank into deep thought.
Thales furrowed his eyebrows. He suddenly knew why Ian had purposely sat near him. To protect the Prince of Constellation, Lord Justin had arranged sufficient manpower in this corner to block off most of the vassals. Otherwise, the tragedy of a noble from the Roknee Family dying a violent death in Dragon Clouds City would probably spread throughout Eckstedt tomorrow.
Thales exhaled. At this moment, the Prince of Constellation was probably no longer the most unpopular person in Dragon Clouds City.
'But …
'Will they succeed?'
Nazaire, who had not spoken for a long time, cast a profound glance at the archduchess, then turned to Ian.
"Kulgon Roknee actually has a son like you." The old count coughed. "Marrying a local as a wife, he really profited."
Ian's expression froze, but he then forced a smile.
"Enough!" Count Lyner said coldly.
"If it's for a marriage alliance and to prove Dragon Clouds City and the City of Faraway Prayers' standpoint, I believe we can find a suitable candidate among the Walton Family's collateral bloodline.
"But the archduchess has important responsibilities in Dragon Clouds City. It's impossible for her to marry you."
Ian snorted softly.
"Here we go again. You're speaking up for the archduchess again, as if you're her father or husband." The viscount swung his arm, his gaze sharp. "But can you really protect her?"
* Thud! *
Count Hearst punched the chair with a fierce look on his face. His golden beard trembled slightly.
"Why are we still wasting time here?"
Count Cotterson snorted in agreement. "Guards! Chase this Westerner out! "
But the Archduchess' Guards only stared at him sternly and did not move.
Ian smiled nonchalantly.
At this moment …
"Everyone!"
The archduchess' clear voice interrupted the conflict that was about to erupt. "As masters, we must maintain our demeanor."
Thales raised his head and, together with the vassals, turned his gaze to Saroma.
'It's here.
'The final blow.
'I hope there are no accidents.'
"Your Grace."
"I have to say, you've given me a very interesting suggestion." Saroma sighed.
"It's even quite tempting."
The vassals' expressions immediately became very unpleasant.
"Without sending a single soldier, I can solve the problem of the Alliance of Freedom, restore my prestige, my family's dignity, and even obtain the support of the City of Faraway Prayers." Saroma forced a smile with great difficulty. Her voice was filled with exhaustion. "I only need to pay the price of a so-called romantic story."
Ian bowed respectfully. "That's right."
Saroma looked at him quietly and nodded.
The vassals could no longer sit still.
Hearst could not help but exclaim in surprise, "Lady!"
Count Lyner narrowed his eyes and looked at the regent. "Lisban, as the leader … as the regent, you have the duty to stop the lady's blind behavior."
But Count Lisban was indifferent. He continued to look at Saroma. There was a hint of unfamiliarity in his eyes.
"F * ck." Cotterson was furious. "Lisban, we all know that the lady listens to you. Don't play dead. Say something!"
Nazaire was also frowning, but his gaze was on Lisban.
Only Karkogel, who had always been silent, did not say a word. He watched the situation in the hall quietly.
The other vassals had different reactions. Some were worried, some were anxious, and some were gnashing their teeth.
Thales stared at the vassals' expressions and clenched his fists.
Saroma smiled and continued to stare at Ian.
"So, my dear Saroma." Ian waved his hand excitedly. "Have we reached a consensus?
The great alliance between the Waltons and Roknee? "
Saroma's smile grew brighter, and there was even a hint of relief in it.
Thales closed his eyes.
Under the gaze of the entire Hall of Heroes, the Archduchess of Dragon Clouds City gently leaned against the back of her chair and looked at the stone carving of the Cloud Dragon Spear above her head.
"Your Grace." The archduchess' voice was indistinct, as if it came from the horizon.
"No."
At that moment, the entire hall was first filled with rhythmic breathing sounds, then immediately fell silent.
Ian was stunned. "Saroma, what?"
In the next second, Saroma straightened her back from her chair. She sat upright and still, and her expression became stern again.
Count Nazaire narrowed his eyes, while Count Lisban furrowed his brows.
"I said, Your Grace, 'No'."
The archduchess stared coldly at the heir of the City of Faraway Prayers and enunciated each word clearly. "As the Archduchess of Dragon Clouds City, I reject your suggestion, and I don't need the City of Faraway Prayers to stand up for us.
I will also not form a marriage alliance with you. "
Ian furrowed his brows.
"Also, please address me as' Archduchess' or 'Lady'," Saroma said indifferently.
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