In the tower, Cyril snorted coldly.
"I dare say that even the Virtuous King, when he sees the suspicious and hostile state of Constellation today, it is difficult to say that he will not feel a little regret for the decision he made back then.
This time, Thales listened quietly and did not speak.
But he remembered the words he used to convince the five archdukes in Heroic Spirit Palace when he tried his best to turn the situation around.
"'Constellation's current weakness and turmoil is not a coincidence, but an inevitable result of walking down this path.
"'This is what the Virtuous King left for Constellation."'
At that time, this was the "argument" he made with great confidence, racked his brains, and worked hard to pick out. It was only used to temporarily sway the archdukes.
To be honest, even he did not quite believe it.
But now …
Thales subconsciously clenched his fists.
But Cyril, who had been observing him quietly, did not seem to think that it was enough. After clicking his tongue and shaking his head, he raised his voice and said the next sentence.
"But do you know, we, the people who are on their last legs, may only be in the terrifying future when you 'overcome the obstacles' and successfully 'reach the top' …"
The duke's tone was very soft, as if he was talking beside a demon's ear.
"The most inconspicuous part."
Thales suddenly raised his head.
"What do you mean?"
The terrifying Duke of Western Desert no longer looked at him. Instead, he shook his head and sighed.
"Do you think that after we, the feudal suzerains, the old nobles who dominated the places, the commoners who finally managed to get seats in the National Conference and the new nobles who were used as weapons by you will be satisfied, satisfied, and will retire with success?"
Cyril's gaze slowly became murderous.
"When you ascend to the throne, subdue the vassals, and gather power, where do you think the regular army, which the royal family has spent a lot of money to support to keep the vassals in check, will go? What is the way out for a mad dog like Arracca Murkh? What can an immoral woman like Sonia Sasere do for you? What can a shameless bastard like Williams, who stirred up trouble, do for you in and out of court share your worries? "
Thales took a deep breath.
The three marshals of Constellation.
He remembered the boorish Kingdom's Wrath, the steady Fortress Flower, and …
The annoying Legendary Wing.
There were also countless regular soldiers from Broken Dragon Fortress to Blade Fangs Camp. They were mobilized frequently, and they had gradually become the norm in the kingdom.
"As for 'Cunning Fox' Caso, 'Moneybag' Kirkirk Mann, 'Soldier' Reid, and even old man Godwin and pointy-faced Kenney, who are supposed to be loyal to you and take down the powerful nobles as their duty, after they succeed, what will they leave you, and what will they ask from you?"
The duke's words became increasingly dangerous.
"Do you think that when the Jadestar Family sits on the supreme throne and there are no longer any threats in the country, when countless lowly people have already followed the king's will and wiped away their natural fear of those with higher positions, then gathered into a torrent that defeats the old vassals and becomes the new generation of nobles to serve the Supreme King …"
Cyril's voice was so sharp that it almost penetrated the door. To Thales, it sounded like a venomous snake hissing.
"So you can sit back and relax?"
Thales was silent for a long time.
However, it was clear that His Excellency the Duke had no intention of letting him go.
"What's even more terrifying is …"
When he said this, Cyril's tone became a little strange, and he sounded like he was trying to scare Thales.
"When the merchants who relied on you to sell official positions and titles to become nobles find that their gold coins can no longer buy more glory, when the hired knights who earned their titles by developing the wastelands at the borders find that their swords can no longer be exchanged for glory like the six Guardian Dukes who founded the kingdom …"
At some point in time, Cyril started pacing again. This was something Thales only noticed when he heard the man's voice coming from the left.
"When the professional bureaucrats who worked hard to learn how to read and write can only get a meager salary while they toil on their desk; when the creditors in the royal bank find that the king no longer has the intention or ability to expand by confiscating assets from within the kingdom or expanding outwards so that he can give them special privileges, increase their debts, and increase their profits …
"When countless new nobles yearn for more power, status, and benefits, but they can no longer find a big target like us, no enemies for them to plunder, and no targets for them to demand …"
It was still the sarcastic and harsh words that were exclusive to the duke, but Thales no longer felt that it was humorous.
* Thud! *
Cyril's walking stick hit the ground hard.
The Guardian Duke of Western Desert blocked the window. His back was against the light, and his wide but empty leather robe covered him like the shadow of a solar eclipse.
"Who do you think will be the new target for the nobles, who have lost their respect for those with high positions and are eager for power?
"Will it be upwards or downwards?"
Fakenhaz said coldly,
"Who will be upwards, and who will be downwards?
"What will happen if we go upwards, and what will happen if we go downwards?"
'Upwards.
'Downwards.'
Unknowingly, Thales' left hand had already gripped the JC dagger that was stabbed into the bedside table.
'Any change has a price.'
The teenager thought absentmindedly.
Some of the price might not be obvious at that time, but it was just like when Cyril talked about the chess game …
'After a hundred steps.
'Then, he, Thales Jadestar.
'Could it be that after a hundred steps?'
"Let's not talk about this first. These are all your guesses …"
Thales sucked in a deep breath and pulled himself together. He shook his head.
"If the general trend is really like this, then we can't avoid it.
"Then, we will definitely have a countermeasure, such as readjusting the situation and balancing our interests. There will always be a better way out."
However, Cyril sneered in disdain. It was not the kind of ridicule or sarcasm that he was used to using to offend people. Instead, it was a genuine disdain that came from the bottom of his heart.
"So, you have never been a ruler …
"Hmph, do you really think that your citizens are all sincere, loyal, and good people who know how to repay kindness? As long as the government is clean, they will live and work in peace and contentment? As long as you give them benefits, they will be satisfied. They will be grateful and support you, even if you have to go to hell? "
Thales turned his head away and frowned.
"I repeat." The prince was a little unhappy that he was choked.
"I don't like rhetorical questions."
But this time, Cyril did not fall for his "rhetorical questions".
"Go to hell," the Duke of Western Desert said coldly, not giving him any face.
Thales swore that he could even hear some of the local Western Desert accent that only the locals were used to speaking.
"This is not a face-to-face transaction. Your people are not merchants either. You give them money, and they will give you goods in return. This is not a bar fight, where you can regain your dignity and subdue your opponents with just your fists. "
* Thud! *
The duke moved and took a huge step forward. His robe fluttered in the cold wind, and it pressed down on Thales like a hunting vulture.
"This world is not that simple. It is not so simple that hard work will bring you rewards. It is not so simple that hard work will bring you rewards. It is not so simple that if you work together and pour your blood, sweat, and tears into it, you will be able to benefit the people for thousands of years.
"People are not so simple either. They are not so simple that they will repay kindness, give benefits to others, fear torture, and submit to authority."
Cyril's tone was anxious and sharp, as if he was reprimanding Thales for failing to live up to his expectations.
"No."
He looked at the slightly shocked Thales and hit the wall with his walking stick.
"I have been ruling Western Desert for more than twenty years, ever since I helped my uncle with political affairs. Believe me, your people will always give you unexpected and contrary feedback.
"One person may cooperate, be loyal, and obey, but a group of thousands of people?"
Fakenhaz snorted coldly. His gaze was cold. He was vigilant and on guard, as if he was facing a flame that could not be touched.
"A group of people are huge beasts with bottomless appetites. They are sharks that are never satisfied. They will always give responses to their rulers that are beyond their expectations, and they will catch you off guard."
Thales was slightly stunned.
'This Cyril …'
'He's not his usual self. At the very least, he's not like how he was during the National Conference six years ago.
If he wasn't putting on an act. '
Cyril turned around and gritted his teeth fiercely.
"If you hate your people, they will hate you even more. If you love your people, they will not necessarily love you back. A high-handed authority may bring about even more intense resistance, but benefits that benefit the people may not bring about true loyalty. Good intentions lead to bad things, and actions that go against one's wishes are even more common."
* Thud. * Thud. * Thud. *
The duke paced faster and faster. He tapped his walking stick against the ground repeatedly, and it released a dull sound that made people's hearts palpitate.
"At the end of the era of multiple kings, the first king to use messenger crows to replace courier messengers on a large scale brought about an unprecedented change to the world. But in the end, he died of the absurd crime of 'indulging in pleasures and abusing the people'.
"More than a thousand years ago, Emperor Bashir was benevolent. He reformed the old system in a bold and decisive manner. He wanted to provide protection to his people who had nowhere to live, but he died of depression amidst endless complaints and surging public sentiment."
Thales frowned as he listened to these historical stories that sounded unfamiliar yet familiar at the same time.
"Are you saying that we are walking on a path that we cannot control, and that we might be heading towards unexpected consequences that go against our wishes? We can't change it with human strength, and we can't turn around to avoid it either. "
The duke did not comment.
So, Thales simply and mercilessly snorted in response.
"Then, what you said just now about the unstoppable momentum of the general trend, the worry and wariness you spoke of, aren't they all nonsense?"
But Cyril seemed to be angered. He first snorted angrily and slammed his walking stick against the ground. He stopped moving.
"No, what I'm talking about is —
"Hoping to use simple and crude methods to obtain direct and effective results is often the opposite of what we should do."
He stared straight at Thales.
"Even if the goal is correct and the direction is not wrong, if the method is wrong and the method is wrong, it is very likely that it will be in vain, or even self-defeating.
"This is the problem we are facing. It is a mistake made by your father and his enemies."
'The goal is correct and the direction is not wrong.
'The method is wrong and the method is wrong.
'Your father and his enemies.
'A mistake made together.'
At that moment, Thales suddenly realized Cyril's meaning.
And his stance. '
Cyril said coldly,
"The powerful Ancient Empire guarded Thorn Land with a large number of soldiers. The Duke of Thorn Birds ruled the Southwestern Province, which was known for its rebellious spirit, with an iron fist. He killed them until they were submissive. It seemed to be a remarkable and effective political achievement, and the emperor was quite impressed."
But the duke's tone changed, and it became sinister and strange.
"However, when the moment of the empire's decline arrived, the people who raised the flag and rebelled were the strongest. In the end, they hung the heads of the provincial governor and the entire family of the Duke of Thorn Birds on the flagpole, destroyed the army of the empire, and shattered the empire's territory. It was none other than these Children of Thorn Birds!"
As his mind became more and more agitated, Thales took a deep breath and leaned back against the wall.
"If I remember correctly, the Fakenhaz who uses the Four-Eyed Skull as their emblem, your clan's saying is' power arises from violence '?"
He said softly and waited for the duke's response.
'Power arises from violence.'
The Duke of Western Desert froze for a moment.
He was silent for a long time, until a gust of cold wind blew.
"Yes."
The duke said faintly. There was a rare complicated look in his eyes.
"But the people outside only know this saying."
"This is the worst saying."
Cyril, whose face was so haggard that he did not look like a human, stared at Thales.
'Power arises from violence. The worst saying.'
"So …" Thales asked tentatively.
But Cyril Fakenhaz interrupted him rudely. He spoke coldly, and in his profound tone, he said a string of words that made Thales sit up straight.
"Power dominates interests. Interests lead to conflict. Conflict leads to violence. Violence leads to obedience. Obedience forms habits. Habits create order. Order affirms power."
Thales was stunned.
It was very strange. Fakenhaz, who usually had a sharp, unpleasant, and hoarse voice, spoke in a cadence, as if there was some form of respect in his voice.
"This is the logic of 'power arises from violence'. It is a perfect cycle that cannot be broken.
"As for power and violence, which the outsiders love to talk about, they are just two small pieces of the puzzle."
Cyril lowered his head and narrowed his eyes. He held onto his walking stick like a vulture perched beside a tree, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
"But too many people like to simplify and skip quite a lot of the steps in the middle. They think that by giving benefits, they can win obedience, and that resorting to violence can bring them power. This is the biggest problem.
"Especially those reformers who want to bring change to the world and change everything that people are used to."
'Power arises from violence.
But … they are just two pieces of the puzzle. '
Fakenhaz's words made Thales sink into deep thought.
Cyril snorted coldly again.
"And do you know what we call the group of great people who wanted, were the most eager, were the most confident, and were the best at changing the world?"
Cyril's next words attracted Thales' attention.
"Wizard."
The room was silent for a few seconds.
Thales let go of the dagger in his hand. He could not help but raise his head. He tried to hide his surprise and met the duke's gaze with a solemn expression, which also seemed to be burdened.
"And do you know what they brought to the world in the end?"
Cyril did not continue speaking.
Just like that, the two of them faced each other quietly in the ominous room at the top of the tower. One of them had a terrifying gaze, and the other was very puzzled.
But Thales quickly shook off the untimely question.
"Cyril.
"You are not here to help your vassals and speak up for them." Thales quickly returned to the current context.
"But you are also not here to stand on the king's side and show your sincerity to the kingdom's bloodline."
Thales said straightforwardly,
"Am I right?"
He used a definite sentence.
The two of them were silent for a while again.
Finally, a smile appeared on Fakenhaz 'face. It was not the fake smile that he habitually wore, but a cunning smile that was a little light.
Even though it was a little horrifying on his face.
"I told you, don't treat me as a stubborn and old-fashioned antique."
The duke exhaled a long breath, as if he wanted to make a brief conclusion to this conversation. "Fakenhaz is not a conservative who does not understand the current situation. If the tide is like this and the general trend is like this, then I will not be stingy in making changes, and I will accept my fate without complaint or regret.
"I also believe that both order and habits can be changed."
Under Thales' careful and serious gaze, Cyril's gaze moved.
"But this kind of change must be done step by step, bit by bit, drop by drop, and when the conditions are right, success will follow naturally, and it is only logical.
"And not like this."
Cyril raised his cane and pointed outside the window.
"There is a change in the north, and the prince has returned."
The duke said coldly,
"Therefore, one party took advantage of the situation and threatened the king with the life of the heir of the kingdom, forcing him to hand over the control of the Western Frontlines.
"The other party simply feigned civility, and then used underhanded means to destroy the suzerains of the Western Desert's army, supplies, and stations. They beat them up and exterminated them."
Thales listened to these two sentences that seemed to be said in a casual manner but were actually very shocking. His expression slowly changed.
"Didn't you notice? Compared to the petty actions of forcing the king to abdicate, framing, and creating momentum six years ago, the actions of both your father and the suzerains now are much more intense.
"And the irony is, do they really think that through this so-called victory …" At that moment, Fakenhaz was very serious.
"Can they get rid of their opponents' ambitions and hostility?"
Cyril waved his hand resolutely, and he looked rather imposing.
"No."
This was one of the rare moments where Thales felt that as a duke, Cyril did not lose to the heroic and grand archdukes in Northland.
"They will only make things worse for each other until the final step, which is either now or in the future."
Thales pursed his lips, and a myriad of thoughts ran through his mind.
"But aren't you the leader of the suzerains in the west, the suzerain of the Ruins who controls his vassals, and the Guardian Duke of Western Desert?"
The prince spoke slowly.
"When the game between Renaissance Palace and the Ruins that revolves around me and power is placed on the chessboard, shouldn't you be responsible for it and not be able to contribute to it?"
Cyril smiled.
"That is why you are not the king yet."
The duke cast Thales a sideways glance.
"Do you think that at every important point in history, a certain person's will dominates the tides?"
Cyril said coldly,
"You must know that when your vassals and subordinates are enraged, and the people's will is high, you do not have much choice but to go with the flow while you stand in front of the tides."
Thales' frown deepened.
The duke said in a gloomy tone,
"Unless you want to take the king's place and become the target of all who stop them from seizing back their hopes. If you don't become their leader, you will become their enemy, and you will be the first to fall when you are attacked from both inside and outside."
Thales was silent for a long time.
'So, what Cyril said means …'
The teenager suddenly remembered the National Conference a long time ago. It was the vote that decided whether he was an illegitimate child or a legitimate prince.
At that time, Cyril voted 'yes', but his nominal vassals, two of the Thirteen Distinguished Families, voted 'no'.
Thales took a deep breath and pulled his thoughts back to the present, which had become worse as he thought about it.
"Is it that bad?"
Cyril was silent for a while as well.
"Do not forget what I said. People will always respond to their rulers in ways that are beyond their expectations, and they will catch you off guard. Unfortunately, the suzerains of Western Desert are also included in the description."
Fakenhaz turned his head around and glanced at him faintly.
"Of course, to your father, you and I are also included in the description."
Thales did not answer when he heard Fakenhaz's words.
The duke turned his head around and looked at the gray sky outside the window again.
"There will be consequences when you draw the commoners to your side to fight against the nobles and do whatever it takes to restrain your power. The commoners are not chess pieces that you can manipulate, and the nobles are not sacrificial targets."
There was an endless chill in his voice, like the bleak autumn wind.
"The suzerains of Western Desert are no different from courting death if they try to stop the general trend, but Renaissance Palace may not necessarily get the results they want. Both sides are eager for quick success, and this is a great taboo."
Thales clenched his fists.
Cyril looked at the sky of Western Desert. He seemed to be at a loss.
He sighed softly with emotion, "More than a hundred years ago, the Virtuous King's chessboard was silent, gentle, and stable.
But today, the chessboard your father and them are playing on … "
The Duke of Western Desert paused for a few seconds.
"No, this will not end well. The Bloody Year will not be the end of the story."
The confusion in his eyes disappeared, and he returned to reality. He became sharp and vigilant.
"Unless His Majesty can slaughter all the living beings on this land and wipe out all disharmony from the roots … I don't know. Perhaps one day in the future, when Constellation can make it so that everyone has a Mystic Gun, they can send messages instantly, and the ruler on the throne only needs to nod his head to easily destroy the world, he might succeed."
Another gust of cold wind blew into the tower, and it brought with it a whistling sound.
But both of them did not seem to notice it.
This time, Thales was silent for a long time.
Very long.
"No."
After a long while, Thales spoke with a dry and hoarse voice, "You're right.
"Believe me, even if that day really comes …
"He will not succeed."
'Happy or not, happy or not, vote or not?' 'I've been typing words for the whole day, and I'm almost as tired as a swordless dog.'
(End of this chapter)
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