In the next twenty days, the weather in the capital city turned cold, and winter arrived.
Under Jines' fierce training, Thales learned three defensive styles, seven offensive styles, and one combined style of the Ancient Northland Military Sword Style at the cost of more than two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening, under the prerequisites of exhaustion and backache. Only when his arm began to get used to the shape and weight of the shield and sword did he finally change to a larger sword and shield. Listening to Jines' words, he began the process of "passively getting beaten up" to "learning to get beaten up", which was still what Jines said.
"In the past, you were the one getting beaten up. Now, you need to know why you are the one getting beaten up." This was the extremely strict Jines.
"Isn't I still getting beaten up? Hey, Madam, you haven't shouted to start yet … Hiss!" This was the flustered Thales.
Under Gilbert's strict supervision, Thales basically learned the advanced grammar of the common language and the basic usage of the Ancient Empire's language during his culture classes in the afternoon and evening. He began to come into contact with the rhetoric of Constellation's nobles and some necessary foreign languages (such as Far Eastern proverbs and elven warnings). He also learned some basic knowledge of Errol from his tireless history classes.
"In Constellation, a noble who does not know how to use the Ancient Empire's alphabet and ancient grammar as rhetoric is not qualified. And Mister Thales, I believe you will need some time to familiarize yourself with the complicated and ever-changing Ancient Empire's alphabet … "
In the next second, as he watched Thales casually write down the Ancient Empire's alphabet, Gilbert sighed gloomily and threw away his dignity as a teacher into the Sea of Eradication.
"… Umm, alright. Let us enter the next chapter, the basic rhetoric of the Ancient Empire's language."
In Thales' eyes, other than the pony that enjoyed throwing him around and the various strange noblemen's etiquettes, there seemed to be nothing else that did not go his way. Even the Corleone Blood Clan trio and the loli archduchess did not bother him.
'So …' Thales nodded slightly in his heart. 'It's time to explore the mysteries surrounding me.'
On a slightly warmer afternoon, Gilbert, who was holding a book and a cane, saw Thales standing on a chair in the study room and searching for something on the thick bookshelf.
He could not help but ask curiously, "What are you looking for, my young Sir?"
"Ah, Gilbert, wait for me for a moment. According to this alphabetical order, it should be here … Eh, why is this book so thick …"
Gilbert chuckled softly and walked to the bookshelf. He helped Thales, who had just finished training with his sword in the morning and was physically weak, pull out the thick book from between the books on both sides.
"Thank you, Gilbert. Ah, now all the books are here." Thales tiredly tossed the thick book onto the cedar wood study table and placed it together with the few books that were already on it.
"This is …" The middle-aged noble walked forward and saw the titles of the books at the top clearly: 'Jadestar Family History', 'Constellation's Royal Family Pedigree', 'Constellation's Decrees and King's Decrees from 1012 to 612', 'Constellation's Palace Collection', and a few other books, including the 'Chronicles of Constellation's Kings' that he had just obtained.
"Oh, these are some books that I've found according to the letters and words that I've learned in the past few weeks. They might be able to record my family's history. I plan to study them slowly after I can read them fluently." Thales scratched his head and said a little awkwardly, "After all, as my father's only son, it doesn't seem right for me to know nothing about Jadestar, the royal family, and my bloodline and family."
Gilbert raised his eyebrows slightly, but he soon felt relieved. When he thought about their conversation in the secret chamber, he knew that he should not underestimate this young man's adaptability and precociousness.
"This is especially so after I heard you talk about the 'King of Renaissance', Tormond, and Madam Jines told me some things about the late king's eldest son, who is also my uncle, Prince Midier."
Thales spoke excitedly as he arranged the books on the table. Without batting an eyelid, he piled a few books under the other books.
The prince continued to speak, "So, I am even more curious about Jadestar and the family that I come from."
Gilbert looked at Thales, flashed a smile, and nodded slightly.
He did not notice Thales' slightly abnormal breathing rate.
"Your eagerness to learn and your diligence really gratifies me … Did Madam Jines tell you the story of the late king's eldest son?"
"Yes, although not much." Thales nodded and pushed the book to the side. "I roughly know that Midier Jadestar is a good person with a gentle smile. He seems to be very popular among the people."
Out of Thales' expectations, Gilbert's gaze darkened, as if he had recalled something. "He is more than popular …"
But he quickly recovered and nodded thoughtfully. "I am afraid that you will not be able to find any records about him. After all, he is not the king of Constellation, and it has not been long since he passed away."
Thales rolled his eyes and naturally flipped open a book to block the back of the pile of books beside him. With a curious expression, he asked, "If that is the case, Gilbert, do you know him? In your impression, what kind of person is my eldest uncle, Prince Midier? "
Gilbert froze for a moment, then sank into deep thought. He no longer paid attention to the pile of books beside Thales.
"Crown Prince Midier …" A few seconds later, Gilbert sighed softly and said in a nostalgic tone, "When the late king Aydi was sixty years old, he had already begun to assist in the country's politics. At that time, no one doubted that he would be the next Virtuous King after Mindis the Third.
"He supervised foreign affairs for a period of time, and I was once fortunate enough to work under His Highness.
"At that time, because I did not cooperate well with my colleagues, I messed up the mission of receiving Steel City's diplomat group. I used the Crystal Drop wine goblet with the emblem of the Sacred Tree to entertain the dwarf prince from the Hall of Kings.
"At that time, Prince Midier used humorous words to convince the enraged prince that the goblet of the Sacred Tree had appeared at the banquet to commemorate the prince's grandfather, who had once repelled the army of the Sacred Tree Kingdom.
"And I could only feel ashamed.
"After the incident, Prince Midier naturally did not punish me. He was as benevolent as the rumors said. However, he personally passed me the Crystal Drop wine goblet with the emblem of the Sacred Tree and said to me …"
When he said this, Thales looked at Gilbert in astonishment as he repeated the former crown prince's words with an emotional tone, "Yes, Your Highness.
"Kiel, the current value of this Crystal Drop wine goblet is equivalent to the friendship between Renaissance Palace and the Hall of King's Chronicles. This is the debt you owe to the kingdom. When you have performed enough meritorious deeds to repay this value, return this goblet to me to clear your debt."
Gilbert stared into the distance and did not speak for a long time.
Thales was the only one left. Based on the story told by Jines and Gilbert, he tried his best to paint the image of his uncle in his mind. He was a prince who was skillful and had a noble character.
A few minutes later, Gilbert muttered to himself before he continued, "Everyone in the world says that he is kind-hearted and treats people gently, but to us officials, His Highness' talent and wisdom are actually not inferior to his character and temperament."
"It is difficult to imagine how a person can be benevolent and dignified, gentle and decisive. But Prince Midier is such a person." Gilbert put down his book and placed his hands behind his back. His eyes were filled with admiration. "It is a little exaggerated to say this, but until now, I still feel that the citizens of Constellation are not worthy of such a good prince."
"It is a little too early to say this." Gilbert seemed to have recovered from his daze. With a burning gaze, he looked at Thales and said, "But if it is possible, young Sir Thales, I hope that you can also use Prince Midier as a role model.
"Constellation needs an heir like this." Gilbert's stern and serious gaze made Thales tremble slightly.
At this moment, Thales suddenly remembered something.
"Gilbert, my uncle …" Thales lowered his head and hesitated for a moment. Then, he immediately raised his head and asked, "How did he die?"
"You only said that he wielded a sword alone and died together with his guards in front of the palace gate."
There was silence.
"Haih …" Gilbert closed his eyes and heaved a heavy sigh. He then said, "During the Bloody Year, he ordered his guards and soldiers to retreat and walked into the crowd alone. Without wasting a single soldier, without harming a single person, he quelled the crisis of the mob charging at the palace gate.
"Unfortunately, even though his guards reacted in time, the assassins hidden among the mob had planned for a long time and prepared six hidden swords and knives smeared with poison. At that time, I was busy with my diplomatic work, which was going from bad to worse. When I found out that the royal family had been assassinated … Haih."
Thales looked into Gilbert's eyes and did not speak for a long time.
The boy then recalled the story of Prince Midier that Jines had told him a few weeks ago in an abnormal manner.
Especially the last two sentences she said.
"Thales, I know what Gilbert said to you today, but I do not know what you think. However, I still remember that Prince Midier gave me a letter in the past. I only wish to pass it to you in its original form.
"Madam, I forgive you out of admiration, not out of pity.
I admire your courage to break free from your shackles and break through your shackles.
But since you have made your choice, please do not hesitate. Do not weakly return to the birdcage that once suffocated you. Do not let the birdcage of your spirit shackle your wings of freedom. Do not sacrifice your true self for an illusory rule.
I sincerely hope and bless you. I hope that your life will only belong to you from now on.
I wish that you will pass the police qualification test smoothly. "
Thales was engrossed in thinking about the meaning of these words. What kind of state of mind did a crown prince, who was born in the birdcage that he spoke of, say these words?
Then, Gilbert called him back from his reminiscence and absent-mindedness to begin their afternoon lesson.
As Thales listened to Gilbert explain the four different voices of the common human language using ancient proverbs and poems as examples, he glanced at the pile of books beside him.
He did not tell Gilbert the truth just now.
He was not looking for the Jadestar family's history, nor did he want to understand his uncle, who was like a saint.
What Thales wanted was information about Mystics.
From the first day he arrived at Mindis Hall, Thales had been planning to explore 'mystic energy'. After experiencing the unstable but effective explosion in Vine Manor, his desire to explore his own secrets became even more urgent.
Gilbert's narration of the history of the Battle of Eradication, as well as his attitude towards the 'calamities' — the so-called 'Mystics' like Asda — made him even more apprehensive.
'Even though …' Thales whispered to himself, 'Yodel might have heard my conversation with Asda.'
'The Battle of Eradication: Heaven's Fall and Earth Rend', 'From the Final Empire to Constellation', and 'Cahill Yarrow's Travels: Supplemental Collection of Past Events of the Great Rift and Sink' were his real goals hidden among the many deceptive history books. They were the truth about the Battle of Eradication and the 'calamity' Mystics.
No matter what, before he could ensure his safety, it was best not to reveal the secret about the strange 'mystic energy' in his body to anyone. Once he learned how to read and write, it was the safest way to start investigating from books.
And now, Thales began to copy the different voices of the nobles according to Gilbert's request.
Compared to pretending to be relaxed and natural, at the same time, he silently muttered in his heart, hoping that Gilbert would not personally read these books, leave after the lesson, and not help him carry the books back to his room.
If everything went smoothly and these peaceful days continued, perhaps he would soon be able to make some progress regarding his own secrets.
But Thales would soon find out that for people like him, a peaceful life was forever just a façade.
For example, what Thales did not know was that not far away from Mindis Hall, a meeting regarding his hidden secrets was unfolding.
And his secrets were in danger of being exposed.
Under the shade of a tree, Yodel stood quietly, as if he was respectfully waiting for the person in the pitch-black carriage in front of him. However, those who had seen him fight knew that Yodel was currently in a highly tense state, ready to attack at any moment.
"Long time no see, young Yodel."
As an old and hoarse voice rose, an old figure walked down from the carriage door that the king had pushed open.
Even though Yodel's senses in supreme class had already allowed him to know who the other person in the carriage was.
But when he saw the person himself, Yodel could not help but furrow his brows behind the mask.
This was an old man dressed in a plain black robe. He held a black wooden walking stick. His hair was sparse and white, and his face was full of wrinkles. However, his face was ordinary and inconspicuous. It could not even leave an impression on the sharpest person.
"Won't you say hello to your father?" An old and hoarse voice slowly rose from the old man's throat, as if it had been nurtured in the darkness all year round and was completely emotionless.
Yodel answered the old man's question in silence.
The old man grinned, revealing his gums with only a few teeth left. "Well, I almost forgot. Even though my blood flows in your veins, your surname is Cato, not Hansen."
Yodel still did not move.
"I just came back not long ago." The old man seemed to be used to Yodel's attitude. He did not mind it at all and continued speaking.
"My children brought me the results of their investigation into Red Street Market, as well as something interesting."
Yodel still did not answer.
The old man chuckled softly and said slowly, "You're right.
"The Air Mystic, Asda Sakern, who the Secret Intelligence Department has been searching for for twelve years without any leads, has been confirmed to have returned to the capital and appeared in Red Street Market.
The gears behind Yodel's mask began to turn without anyone noticing.
"Although Blood Bottle Gang was founded by him and that homicidal maniac, the famous Air Mystic obviously did not come here just to exterminate the Brotherhood and cut off Black Sword's wings."
Yodel did not say a word, but the gears behind his mask turned faster and faster.
"Don't be nervous, Mister Cato." With an aged and hoarse voice, the old man let out an unpleasant laugh. "I'm just following His Majesty's orders to investigate how you managed to seal Mystics while carrying the royal family's bloodline."
Yodel raised his head abruptly!
The pair of Crystal Drop lenses on the mask instantly turned from dark to bright yellow. They stared fixedly at the old man in black.
"This mask is still so annoying. I've long since advised His Majesty to throw it away as soon as possible …"
The old man in black leaned on his walking stick, as if he did not notice the gaze directed at him from behind the lenses.
He walked in front of Yodel shakily and let out two unpleasant laughs.
"Then … as one of the bearers of the legendary anti-mystic equipment, the Supreme Sword and Shield, Mister Yodel Cato …"
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