"No, Your Majesty, you can't take him away!"
Ian lost his composure and took a step forward. He had even forgotten how terrifying Chapman Lampard was. He was completely unaware that the man before him was the supreme ruler of the entire kingdom.
"You can't take Prince Thales away!"
Count Nazaire frowned slightly and whispered to Lisban, who was beside him, "Strange."
"Yes." Regent Lisban also revealed a solemn and puzzled expression. "Once the hostage prince falls into the king's hands, the situation will be reversed, but …
"Lampard is shrewd and ruthless. Why does he think that Dragon Clouds City will obediently bow to the king's might and obediently hand over the hostage?
"Unless …" Count Nazaire narrowed his eyes. "He has something that he can use against us, forcing us to compromise?"
No one noticed that Lisban's breathing froze for a moment.
"Or …" Nazaire was still thinking and did not notice his old opponent's loss of composure. "He thinks that Prince Thales' whereabouts are of no importance to the overall situation, and that's why he said it casually."
This time, Lisban did not respond to him.
In the hall, King Chapman cast a sideways glance at the anxious Ian, as though he was looking at a clown.
"Hmph.
"Prince Thales is related to the future of the two great kingdoms in the Western Peninsula." King Chapman's eyes were like frozen snow that would not melt. "If we want to use him as a bargaining chip to negotiate with Renaissance Palace directly, the king of the kingdom should step forward."
The king turned around and faced the entire hall. His voice was loud and clear. "Don't you think so?"
Ian took a deep breath and adjusted himself.
No one made a sound.
Everyone stared at King Chapman with solemn expressions.
Thales' thoughts raced as he sorted out the clues in his mind.
The prince knew that the storm he was facing, whether it was the envoy from the City of Faraway Prayers or the archduchess' marriage, seemed to be happening in Dragon Clouds City, but the actual key was actually focused on Black Sand Region in the south — the fight between King Chapman and his vassals.
Just as Putray said, everything started with King Chapman's new enfeoffment decree for the nobles. The Archduke of Black Sand Region's ambition caused his vassals to retaliate.
While King Chapman was in a terrible predicament, he also revealed his biggest weakness. The City of Faraway Prayers seized the opportunity to attack him while he was down.
Both sides of the chessboard had entered the game and began to gradually increase their stakes.
In the first round, the external forces led by the City of Faraway Prayers made the first move. With Roknee as an example, the archdukes supported and instigated the vassals under the Lampard Family from behind the scenes, giving them the confidence to continue fighting against the king's decree. They attempted to send the already infamous king of kinslayers into the abyss of complete disgrace and desertion.
The second round began with Black Sand Region's counterattack. The Alliance of Freedom's strange accident had caused the Roknee Family's backyard to be on fire, causing the families of Black Sand Region, who had vowed to 'oppose tyranny', to lose their confidence. Who would dare to count on Archduke Roknee, who was trapped in a long-term war, to fulfill his promise and send troops to support them at the most crucial moment?
In the third round of this game, the City of Faraway Prayers revealed its next card in response to King Chapman. Under Ian Roknee's mediation, Dragon Clouds City, which was the most important city in the kingdom but had been weakened for six years due to internal discord, finally reached an agreement.
The vassals of Dragon Clouds City gathered under the archduchess' banner and promised to use their powerful military force to launch an expedition to the west to solve the City of Faraway Prayers' worries. They also used this as a gesture to join the list of those who would fight against the king, ensuring that the vassals of Black Sand Region would continue fighting.
After Dragon Clouds City expressed its stance, the balance returned to the side of the City of Faraway Prayers. Thales, Saroma, and Ian's plan was at this step.
Thales silently looked at the king, who was facing the hall. He looked at the silent vassals in the hall and felt that the king's power was increasing day by day.
Just like King Nuven in the past.
"Your Majesty!"
Ian was, after all, a viscount of a city. He adjusted his emotions and spoke resolutely and firmly.
"We will complete the negotiations with Constellation ourselves," the annoying viscount, who had just arrived in Dragon Clouds City but was already famous outside, said coldly, "The same goes for the war with the Alliance of Freedom. We don't need Black Sand Region's help.
"We don't need the king's concern either."
King Chapman did not answer. He did not even turn around to look at Ian.
For the first time, Count Cotterson, who hated Ian the most, spoke rudely at this moment, as if he was echoing Ian's words.
Cotterson mocked him fiercely, "You'd better mind your own backyard, 'Your Majesty' of Black Sand Region. I heard that Pine Sea Town's Count Mend is about to put up a notice denouncing the king in Sentry Region."
He snorted softly. "We can't count on a king who can't even manage his own territory."
Obviously, the words mocking Black Sand Region's internal instability worked. When Viscount Kentvida, who stood behind King Chapman heard this, he could not help but furrow his eyebrows tightly.
King Chapman raised his eyebrows slightly.
"Your Majesty."
Saroma, who had not spoken for a long time, had a tense expression on her face. She could not hide the nervousness in her heart.
"The ones who have a grudge against the Alliance of Freedom are, after all, Dragon Clouds City and the City of Faraway Prayers," the archduchess said seriously. "This is a battle that only belongs to the Walton Family and the Roknee Family.
"For the sake of Eckstedt's victory, Prince Thales will be more effective in the City of Faraway Prayers than in Black Sand City."
Thales nodded slightly, but his gaze was gloomy.
'You're right, Saroma.
But the last thing King Chapman needed right now was probably a reason that was "based on reason".
The king stood quietly for a few seconds, as if he wanted to savor the air at this moment.
Only then did he slowly turn around and show half of his side profile to the furious Cotterson and Ian, who looked as if he was facing a great enemy. He then looked at the archduchess and nodded at Thales.
"All of you really like this boy, don't you?"
In the quiet hall, King Chapman's pupils shrank slightly, and he let out a rather uneasy voice. "All of you are counting on him to force Constellation to intervene?"
In the face of the king's retort, Ian had no choice but to bite the bullet and reply,
"This is the City of Faraway Prayers' internal affairs.
It has nothing to do with you. "
As he listened to the people in the hall fighting over him, Thales could not help but sigh. Be it himself or Saroma, they were now facing an accident that they had not expected.
It could also be said that this was the fourth round of the chess game.
The sudden entry of Constellation's army made the clear balance of military power uncertain again, and shook the City of Faraway Prayers' initial overwhelming advantage.
Constellation's army was a threat that could not be ignored in the battle against the Alliance of Freedom. Their attitude determined how much trouble the Alliance of Freedom could bring to the City of Faraway Prayers.
This put Thales at the heart of the struggle.
Once Thales arrived at Black Sand Region, it meant that the bargaining chip with Constellation and the initiative in the war in the west had finally fallen into the king's hands. He could make Constellation retreat and end the war as soon as possible, or prolong the war.
This also meant that Black Sand Region had the City of Faraway Prayers under its control. In the face of the undeniable failure of the Roknee Family behind the scenes, the suspicious vassals of Black Sand Region would lose their confidence and hope and give up resisting the king.
Then, the scheme the City of Faraway Prayers set against King Chapman to ruin his reputation had basically failed.
But what was worse was that because of Thales' decision to stay or leave, the prince could not help but sigh. A crack appeared in the relationship between the stubborn archduchess and her vassals. It also made Dragon Clouds City, who had originally planned to send troops, become uncertain again.
So, he could no longer sit by and watch.
Thales stared at King Chapman, who should not be standing there. With a heavy heart, he thought, 'I have to use this final trump card.
A dangerous trump card with a price. '
"But twenty years ago, King Nuven used all of Eckstedt to attack the Alliance of Freedom, didn't he?" Chapman sighed. "Now that the Alliance of Freedom has changed again, as his successor and nephew, I can't just sit by and do nothing."
When the vassals of Dragon Clouds City heard King Nuven's name, they stared at King Chapman with increasingly hostile expressions.
"Why would the Alliance of Freedom change at this time for no reason …"
Count Lyner's expression was cold. He continued to use his sharp tongue to hit the nail on the head. "Just like eighteen years ago, when your father, the former Archduke of Black Sand Region, lost his life in the hands of a few defeated soldiers of Constellation while he was surrounded by guards and under your watch.
"Don't tell me you don't know?
A kinslaying king who has no bottom line? "
At that moment, the stubble on King Chapman's face trembled slightly.
When they heard Count Lyner's extremely obvious and malicious hint, a sneer rose in the hall.
Beside the king, Kentvida and Kroesch's expressions turned cold. They were about to step forward and speak, but they were stopped by Chapman's hand gesture.
Thales stared quietly at King Chapman, who did not say a word.
Ever since this man was crowned as a 'kinslayer', especially after his coronation, no matter if it was a noble family or a commoner, the entire kingdom had never stopped talking about him, regardless of whether it was true or just pure malicious slander, slander, or slander.
'Eckstedt's kinslayer.
'Chapman the First, the kinslayer.'
Other than power and power, this name would accompany him throughout his life. It would even be written in the history books, followed Chapman to his grave, and passed down to the future generations.
'But even so, this man …'
Thales stared at Lampard's eyes, which were as calm as still water. The wariness and wariness in his heart deepened.
"The Lady has spoken very clearly. Our intentions are also very clear."
"This is just a local conflict." Count Karkogel's eyes were spitting fire. "We did not ask you to come, Your Honorable Majesty."
"Don't flatter yourself."
King Chapman's eyebrows twitched slightly. He nodded and did not say a word.
As the three counts of Dragon Clouds City joined the battlefield and joined forces with the archduchess and Ian, the king seemed to have nothing to say for a moment.
But Thales sighed. He knew that if Lampard was such an easy person to deal with …
Then the second prince would not be here right now.
Ian raised his eyebrows and seemed to have regained some confidence. "Now, Your Majesty, if there is nothing else —"
King Chapman turned his head abruptly and stared at Ian coldly with a pair of cold eyes.
Ian was shocked. The heir of the City of Faraway Prayers' words seemed to have been choked, and he did not continue.
The king sneered and shook his head.
"Local conflict?"
The king raised his head slightly. Thales noticed that the dark red gemstone in the center of his crown was slightly reflecting light.
It reflected the light in the entire hall.
"But Constellation has already intervened, hasn't it?"
The king said softly in a relaxed manner, "So, let me confirm it again …
"King Kessel seems to have some complaints about the Alliance of Freedom, so he sent an army to the Alliance of Freedom?"
He turned his head slowly and looked at the Prince of Constellation again.
"Thales?
"Is that so?"
Everyone's expression changed.
Thales took a deep breath.
Once again, everyone's gaze was focused on the guests from Constellation.
Many people seemed to have figured something out and looked at the prince nervously.
Among them, Ian, Saroma, and Nicholas were the most nervous.
But in the face of Ian's anxious gaze, Saroma's puzzled gaze, and the Star Killer's angry gaze, Thales' expression remained the same.
Even the prince's eyes did not waver. As if he was in a trance, he calmly opened his mouth and uttered the only word.
"Yes."
When he said that, Ian's expression was the first to change.
"Thales," the Viscount of Dual Wind City of the City of Faraway Prayers' breathing quickened, and he said in disbelief, "Are you really … really on his side?"
Ian stared at the Prince of Constellation with anguish and anxiety.
'How is this possible?'
Thales did not speak.
Ian seemed to be very indignant. His facial muscles twitched violently a few times.
In the next second, Ian suddenly pounced forward and grabbed Thales by the lapel!
Wya and Ralf, who were already prepared, rushed forward and stood in front of Thales to block him.
Ian wanted to go forward, but Monty, who was behind him, only swung his hand and grabbed Ian's shoulder firmly.
"Calm down, Ian," the Raven of Death said coldly.
Ian, who could not take another step forward, took a few deep breaths and calmed down. He rudely flung Monty's hand away, gritted his teeth, and said indignantly,
"Answer me, Thales!"
Thales closed his eyes and sighed.
The entire hall watched this scene in silence.
"I have always been on your side, Ian." The prince did not seem to see Ian's half-reprimanding and half-surprised gaze. He said faintly, "Don't you think that handing this matter to King Chapman, to the king you both serve, is the best way to handle it?"
When they heard Thales' words, many people frowned.
Ian stared at Thales in a daze and shook his head with a pained expression. "You … you …"
Thales did not answer. There was no change in his expression, as if he had lost the ability to change his expression.
He only stared at the air in front of him quietly.
At that moment, even Saroma slowly lowered her head. Her eyes were filled with disappointment.
Nazaire's gaze was deep and cold as he whispered to Lisban, "It can't be clearer. We have this hostage, but he colluded with outsiders and played us in the palm of his hand."
Lisban stared at Thales from afar and sighed slowly.
'So, this prince is indeed the king's ally?
'How … ironic.'
King Chapman laughed. His voice echoed in the hall again.
"So, that is the country's action. This is no longer a local conflict!
"For the entire Kingdom of the Dragon, the Alliance of Freedom's disrespectful actions will not be easily forgiven." The king snorted coldly and no longer looked at Thales and the dejected Ian. "This is not just about the interests of the City of Faraway Prayers, nor is it about Dragon Clouds City's reputation."
With an imposing and sarcastic smile on his face, like a general who already had victory in his grasp, he waved his arms grandly at the nobles in the hall who had unpleasant expressions on their faces.
"This is my answer to you and your father, Thales, and I will definitely take action."
King Chapman's voice was soft, but it carried a lot of weight.
Thales closed his eyes and quickly opened them again. There was still not a hint of emotion in them. "Very good."
It was as though Chapman was not talking about the country behind him.
King Chapman smiled again.
He was usually stingy with his smiles, but it was as if he was going to use half of his smiles on this day.
He paced towards the Archduchess and said slowly, "I'm not sure.
"Then, as the common-elected king of all of Eckstedt, I hereby declare —"
His words made many nobles nervous again. What was he going to do?
And the king did not let the people down.
"For the sake of stabilizing the situation in the Alliance of Freedom, intimidating our potential enemies, and for the sake of the everlasting friendship between the Lampard Family and the Roknee Family," King Chapman said loudly with delight and confidence.
"Black Sand Region will send reinforcements to the City of Faraway Prayers to deal with the Alliance of Freedom!"
As soon as he finished speaking, cries of surprise immediately rose in the hall!
Saroma looked at her regent in confusion, but Lisban only had a bitter expression on his face and tightened his lips.
Many of the vassals looked at each other in confusion. They discussed among themselves, but none of them understood King Chapman's actions.
"Reinforcements? From Black Sand Region to the City of Faraway Prayers? "Ian muttered.
Ian Roknee, who had already suffered quite a blow from Thales' unexpected betrayal, stared at King Chapman in a daze. His mind was a mess.
'What … What is he doing?
'Imitating Dragon Clouds City and righteously earning a reputation?
'No. What reputation can a kinslayer have?
'Harming oneself to benefit others and help us quell the Alliance of Freedom?
'Impossible.
'Or is he trying to conquer the City of Faraway Prayers with violence?
'That's even more impossible.'
Thales was also puzzled.
'Black Sand Region … will send troops to the City of Faraway Prayers?'
At that moment, Thales frowned and thought hard. His mind spun madly.
'Wait, what does Lampard want the most right now? What's the most pressing problem?
Of course it's … '
In the next second, Thales, who had figured out the inside story, opened his mouth wide in shock!
Very soon, he would not be the only one.
Because King Chapman's sonorous voice spoke again, "As I said, we are here to help …
"Very soon, from the Northern Plains to the tributary of Sunset Snow River, from the Sighing Hills to the Eastern and Western Pine Forests …
"Every village, every castle, and every noble in Black Sand Region will receive my summons."
The king looked at every noble in the hall with a gloomy expression. He especially cast a special glance at Lisban and Ian.
"For Eckstedt, my vassals will stake their reputations, offer their wealth, recruit warriors, and send their children to the west to witness the unbreakable friendship between Black Sand Region and the City of Faraway Prayers through the Alliance of Freedom's foolish actions and ultimate failure. They will also witness how we love this great kingdom together!"
When he said this, the shrewd and ruthless vassals, Lisban, Nazaire, and the others were shocked. They looked at each other in shock!
They already understood the king's plan.
'No way?'
The hall slowly quietened down.
Ian took a few deep breaths before he frowned.
"Stake our reputations and offer our wealth?"
A surge of anger immediately rose in the viscount's chest.
"Impossible."
Ian's face contorted. He could not help but shout at King Chapman, "Do you think that by using the name of assisting the City of Faraway Prayers, you can make the world believe that we have secretly made peace with you and are in cahoots with you?
"That you can make the vassals in Black Sand Region, who have been opposing you, waver?
"That will destroy their confidence in fighting against your tyranny?
"That's impossible!"
The viscount trembled slightly. The indignation in his eyes was plain to see.
"The entire Black Sand Region despises you, spits on you, and opposes your bullsh * t decree!"
Ian glared at Thales angrily, as if he still bore a grudge against Thales' betrayal.
The Viscount of Dual Wind City turned to the king again and said rudely, "Assist us? Hmph, at this moment, who can you order around? No one in Black Sand Region will care about your summons! Tyrant who doesn't respect tradition! "
Beside the king, Viscount Kentvida snorted coldly. He seemed to be very dissatisfied with the other's disrespectful tone.
Thales frowned and stared at King Chapman.
'It's been six years.
'Your methods …
'Are still as terrifying and terrifying as before. In fact, they're even more terrifying than before.
'Old friend.'
Regent Lisban coughed softly.
"Sir Ian," Count Lisban, who had seen through something, said solemnly, "Do you still not understand?
This is exactly what he wants — disobedient vassals. "
Ian was slightly taken aback at first.
But then, he gradually came to a realization.
'Disobedient vassals?'
Ian looked as if he was struck by lightning. His indignant face first turned from red to white, then from white to green.
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