'What?'
At that moment, Thales' mind was in a daze.
As he looked at Stake, who knelt respectfully on the ground, a few boring phrases from another world flashed in his mind.
'The aura of a bastard.
'Bow your head and worship me.
'Long Ao … Ahem.
'The 20th of May is here, and the only person who confessed to you is a man … Ahem, ahem, ahem.'
Thales shook his head vigorously to get rid of these boring thoughts.
'Don't forget, Yodel is still next to me.'
"Damn it."
The Prince of Constellation had a strange expression on his face. He looked at Stake with a complicated expression and ruffled his hair, which looked like a bird's nest.
"I really hope that I can be so popular when I'm in Dragon Clouds City."
Stake smiled again. He slowly raised his head and stood up.
"As I said, Your Highness, Shadow Shield cannot survive alone. It needs the support of power, needs the demand of power, and needs a gap in power."
Stake looked around, as if he was really worried about something. "Lasalle and the group of sword sellers were there, so I had to be polite and say some pleasantries. But when I'm alone with you, I can say something from the bottom of my heart. "
Thales raised his eyebrows. He wanted to see what else Stake could say.
Stake pursed his lips, and his expression darkened. A few seconds later, he managed to say something, "You're right.
A few seconds later, he said, "I don't like Chapman Lampard, Your Highness.
I didn't like him from the first time I saw him. "
The torch in Stake's hand crackled, and even the darkness in the corner swayed slightly.
When he heard that name, Thales subconsciously tightened his grip on his longsword.
He remembered the meeting between Chapman and Stake under Lampard's carriage six years ago, when he and Little Rascal were still in it.
Thales sighed and said sincerely, "Very well.
"Very good, then we still have something in common."
Stake nodded in understanding.
"Your Highness, you have been a hostage in Northland for six years. I believe that you know more than I do. The ambition in that man's eyes and his actual methods are too terrifying. If Shadow Shield wants to survive on its own, we cannot rely on him."
Thales narrowed his eyes. "So?"
Stake shrugged. "So we don't have much choice."
He did not have much choice …
Just when Thales frowned and felt that he had heard this sentence somewhere before, Stake continued speaking with conviction, "In my opinion, Your Highness, you, who represent Constellation, are the only one who can turn the tide in the future and fight against the kinslayer king in the Western Peninsula."
He looked at Thales sincerely, and his tone was firm.
At that moment, Thales curled his lips, and the expression on his face was very interesting.
But Stake acted as if he did not see Thales' expression. He shook his head. "And Shadow Shield can't keep hiding forever. We can't live in Constellation's pursuit for decades." Thales' expression did not change at all.
Thales blinked and shook his head stiffly.
"So, you're saying that your goal of 'capturing the prince' in Blade Fangs Camp this time is fake, and you're here purely to … look for a master?"
In his heart, he felt that even Aida would not believe what he said.
But Stake was not embarrassed. Instead, he smiled and nodded slightly.
When he said this, Stake seemed to be acting strangely. He looked around warily.
A thought flashed in Thales' mind. He was afraid that the other party would notice something.
Fortunately, Yodel was still silent and disappeared without a trace.
'Strange.'
Even though the Masked Protector was used to protecting Thales quietly and attacking from the shadows, for him to restrain himself for so long …
Thales felt a chill in his heart. 'Unless … the opponent is really difficult to deal with.
Such as … the Star Killer and the Raven of Death. '
Stake turned his head around.
"It's not safe here, Your Highness. Whether it's the Disaster Swords or Lasalle's Northlanders, they all want to harm you. Why don't you allow us to leave and find a safe place …"
'I knew it.'
Thales blinked. He wanted to know when Yodel would attack, but he had to continue speaking.
"So, you're saying that it's actually very safe to go with you, and that I don't have to worry at all? Because you came to capture me to become my vassal? Because you won't deal with me like how you dealt with Herman Jadestar eighteen years ago? "Thales' lips twitched, and he said sarcastically.
Stake was silent for a while, as if he was deep in thought.
"I won't deny that I killed your uncle, Your Highness."
This time, Stake looked like an old man who had experienced many things. He looked at the prince solemnly.
"But it's as I said." Stake frowned hard, and he mentioned the strange name with only one syllable again.
"The blood debt from eighteen years ago is all in Teng's hands. That is also the dark history that Shadow Shield does not want to bring up the most."
He stared at Thales.
"I was only acting under orders, and I had no choice. You are destined to become a king, and you must have the magnanimity to match it. Compared to the real culprit behind the scenes, there is no need for you to hate an unthinking blade and a sword without its own will."
Thales rolled his eyes. He did not speak for a few seconds.
The letter he stuffed in front of his chest seemed to have become a little heavier.
"Acting under orders, and I had no choice?
So you don't have to bear the blame. "
Thales chuckled and shook his head while clicking his tongue. He seemed to have sensed something.
"You are a soldier who obeyed orders from the country, so you had no choice but to slaughter unarmed civilians, and you don't have to bear the blame … You are an official who represents the ruler, so you had no choice but to carry out evil policies that bring harm to the people, and you don't have to bear the blame … You are a petty official who was hired by someone, so you had no choice but to follow orders and exploit your subordinates, and you don't have to bear the blame either.
"It's as if you can always find the main body at the top, be it the country, the king, the employer, or even the tradition of the system. You seem to be able to throw all the blame on it, as if everything can be solved as long as you can find the source of everything."
Thales spat in disdain.
"This is one of the excuses I despise the most."
Stake was slightly speechless.
"Unfortunately, there has never been a 'unthinking blade' in human society, and there has never been a 'masterless sword'."
Thales said coldly,
"Regardless of whether they are aware of it or not, whether they admit it or not, whether they accept it or not, everyone has to pay the price for what they have done. There is no escape. There is no Jesus in the world who has suffered for others."
Stake frowned slightly. He was slightly puzzled.
But he still let go of his doubts and sighed.
"Of course I am guilty, and I do not intend to run away from it. On the contrary, I am now trying my best to make up for it, whether it is by pledging loyalty to you or changing the fate of Shadow Shield." His voice became a little low.
Thales sneered.
"Make up for it? Loyalty? How? "
Stake bowed respectfully.
"Come with me, Your Highness. We can talk about many things and share a lot of information."
There was a sharp glint in his eyes. "Including the secret from that year, the secret that Teng hid from everyone for eighteen years, the secret that caused the Jadestar Royal Family to suffer misfortune."
Thales frowned.
"Similarly, we will show you our value."
Stake raised his head, and a rare hint of steel appeared on his cold face.
"Since eighteen years ago, the conflict between the Royal Family of Constellation and the great nobles has become increasingly intense. The Iron Hand King's ruthless and violent methods have exacerbated this situation. I believe that your path to being crowned king will not be smooth. Because of this, as the heir, you need a sharp blade that no one knows about.
"If there is no such thing as a masterless sword in this world, then let us become a sword that is willing and has a master. Let us become that blade in the darkness." Stake slowly pressed his hand against his chest. His words seemed to burn with boundless flames.
"To protect your crown."
"The future Supreme King of Constellation, Your Majesty Thales the First."
He said in a loud and clear voice.
Thales felt his eyelids twitch.
A few seconds later, the teenager exhaled and shook his head with the ghost of a smile.
"I can't believe it. Only six years ago, you tried to assassinate me under the fortress."
Thales rubbed the hilt of his sword and could not help but laugh.
But Stake shook his head.
"First of all, that was what Archduke Poffret hired us to do." Stake was still indifferent, as if he was unmoved. He raised his right hand. "Second, as a king, how can we not be tempered?
"Our hatred is indeed as deep as the sea. We are enemies, Your Highness."
Stake pointed at himself, then gestured respectfully at Thales. "But the most brilliant ruler not only destroys his enemies, but also turns them into friends, and uses them for his own use."
Thales stared at him in a daze.
'It's hard to imagine.
'This guy … is giving me a political lesson?'
Stake curled up the corners of his mouth, revealing a casual but not frivolous smile. "Besides, if we did not have that thrilling encounter during that assassination, how would we know what kind of king you are? How would we know that you are worthy of us entrusting our lives to you and serving our swords loyally after we got rid of Teng's nightmare?"
The next moment, Stake put away his smile, and bowed solemnly and cautiously.
"The fate of Shadow Shield is in your hands, Your Highness.
"Hold it in your hands to prevent us from becoming an unstable factor again, or let go of it and let the assassin organization, which has been in disunity for a long time, continue to fall into depravity and bring harm to the world. It is all up to you.
"Please show me the magnanimity of a king, the bearing of a ruler, be wise and decisive, and think thrice before you act."
'The magnanimity of a king?'
Thales stared at Stake, dumbfounded. His jaw almost dropped to the floor.
'Fortunately, he did not say King of Glory.'
But Thales still stared at him in a daze. He felt that his impression of Stake had been refreshed.
"My God, Quick Rope should have hired you to bring in business for him." Thales shook his head and clicked his tongue.
"Why would a person like you be an assassin? It's such a waste."
'Isn't it better to be a president?'
Stake only smiled humbly.
"So, what do you mean? Are you willing to come with us? We have too many things to report to you regarding your future and Shadow Shield's future. "
Thales exhaled and wiped the sweat off his forehead.
"Very well. Um, thank you for your kindness. You may leave now."
Stake narrowed his eyes slightly.
Thales waved his hand awkwardly. "When I return to Eternal Star City, you can send me a message. I'll be happy to talk to you about the future of Shadow Shield."
Stake smiled and shook his head.
"Of course we're willing to do that, but unfortunately, I don't think your father will be happy."
Thales snorted softly and said, "I'll convince him."
But Stake denied this. "I'm afraid that won't work. I'm sure that hatred and anger have blinded King Kessel's eyes. After Teng left, it's not that I didn't send a message to the Secret Intelligence Department, but every time, it was like a stone thrown into the sea."
Thales frowned slightly.
"That's why we had no choice but to come to you. We could not get close to you when you were in Eckstedt, and when you arrived in Constellation, you were locked in the palace and surrounded by layers of iron curtains. It was only at this time that we had the chance to meet you without being disturbed."
Stake was extremely respectful.
"Please do not worry. You will be safe, and you will return to Constellation. We will be your quietest and most powerful ally. We will only appear when you need us."
Thales stared at him for a long time. He clenched and unclenched his fists.
But the prince smiled at the last second.
"A prince with the surname Jadestar is in cahoots with Shadow Shield. Are you sure you're helping me, not threatening me or kidnapping me?" Thales sneered.
Stake's expression froze.
"You know, a long time ago, a damn old witch taught me this."
The image of a pouting girl with missing teeth flashed before his eyes. It was replaced by an ugly face with a bloody mouth.
It made Thales feel disgusted.
The Prince of Constellation raised his head and said happily,
"Betrayal is the true meaning of an alliance."
The Black Prison was silent. Faint sounds of fighting could be heard in the distance.
He did not know whether it was an assassin, a swordsman, or someone else.
Stake was silent.
"If that's what you're worried about, you don't have to."
The leader of the assassins took a deep breath.
"There were too many people in the tavern just now, so it was not convenient for me to say much. But you must know that I have followed Teng for a long time, and I have also learned some secrets behind his impenetrable and mysterious veil."
Thales thought about Yodel, and at the same time, he paid attention to the other party's actions vigilantly.
But Stake's next words made him frown.
"Your Highness, you are not the only one.
As far as I know, during the Bloody Year, one of Shadow Shield's employers … "
Stake sighed. The smile on his face was one of resignation and pity. He spoke slowly, and his tone was a little deep.
"… also has the surname Jadestar."
A few seconds later, Thales' expression slowly changed.
'What?
What does he know? '
He could not help but think this way.
'That map?
That weapon?
Or … '
But reality did not allow him to think too much. Stake gently extended his hand, looking sincere and pure.
"Your Highness, do you want to know … who that is?"
'Who … is that?'
At this moment, Thales thought of something.
In the next second, a dark figure with a purple mask instantly appeared behind Stake, as if he had emerged from a water curtain!
'Yodel.'
Thales tensed up.
He did not have time to react, and he could not react. He saw Yodel jump out of the shadows with murderous intent, and charge towards his target!
The Supreme Sword rippled in the air.
It mercilessly and cold-bloodedly pierced towards the smiling Stake.
The sudden change in the situation happened at this moment.
* Bang! *
There was a loud bang!
The sudden strong light and loud noise caused Thales, who was in the state of hell's senses and was paying full attention to the situation, to suffer greatly. He subconsciously closed his eyes and took three steps back in pain. Only the buzzing in his ears could be heard from both sides of his head.
The Sin of Hell's River surged into his body and alleviated Thales' embarrassment.
Thales could only use the most basic sense of touch to feel the ground. Fortunately, the Sin of Hell's River gave him waves of feedback, allowing him to sense the endless murderous intent that rose and fell in the distance.
'Hell's senses are not omnipotent.' This was the biggest lesson the terrified Thales learned. When one is strong, there is a weakness, and when one is strong, there is a weakness. The strengthened senses did not just bring him convenience.
The teenager did not dare to put down the sword in his hand for even a moment. His nerves were tense, and he was ready to swing his sword to counterattack at any moment. But he did not know whether it was because the enemy did not pay enough attention to him, or because he had no time to be distracted, even when Thales' senses gradually recovered, he was not attacked.
But this made him panic even more.
Because …
As expected, when Thales regained his sight and hearing, the moment he saw the situation clearly, he was instantly filled with rage!
Stake was sitting by the side. Half of his body was bright red, and his left arm, which held a strange awl, was trembling slightly. He was panting.
He looked very pathetic.
There were two assassins lying dead beside him. Both of them had their throats slit.
But the most important thing was that the masked Yodel stood in front of them. He held the Supreme Sword tightly in his hand, but he no longer had the strength to move forward.
His limbs were stretched taut, and each of them was entangled inch by inch by a strange metal chain with barbs on it. From his joints to his tendons, the barbs pierced into his flesh and bound the Masked Protector tightly.
The other end of the chain was held tightly by four different Shadow Shield assassins. Their gazes were cold, and they had great teamwork. They did not loosen their grip at all.
Thales felt a chill in his heart.
Yodel's limbs trembled slightly. He tried his best to fight back and held the Supreme Sword in a reverse grip, but because of the angle, he could not cause any damage to the chain.
'Shit.
'This is …'
Thales' heart clenched. His grip on the sword hilt became stiffer.
"You know … those in our line of work are inexplicably sensitive to our peers — where to hide, when to attack, who to target, what route to take."
Stake's voice rose faintly.
The leader of the assassins struggled to get up from the ground. He wiped off his cold sweat, as if he still had lingering fear from the dangerous situation just now.
"But I really did not think that one day, I would be able to use this experience to save my life."
Stake first looked at Thales, then at Yodel, who could not move. He patted the dust off his body.
He stared at the Masked Protector, who was restrained. He composed his expression and revealed a sincere smile that he had not shown for a long time.
"We've finally waited for you. It was so scary …"
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