Blue sky, white clouds, a clear sun, and a gentle breeze.
Under the banner of the Double Cross-Shaped Star, the regular soldiers belonging to Central Territory went around the city wall in an orderly fashion and headed to the military camp in the southern suburbs of the capital.
Among them, dozens of riders wore cloaks and surrounded a carriage. They left the group early and headed to Eternal Star City.
At the city gate, the city defense team who received the notification had already taken action. They limited the flow of people, cleared the path, and chased the citizens, who were used to it, to the other side of the main road according to the rules for special messengers. Once the city defense officer saw the leader's warrant and badge, he respectfully and quietly welcomed the dozens of knights with hidden identities into the city.
Quite a number of passersby, from the coachmen who drove leisurely to the merchants who were in a hurry, curiously looked at this group of people, and they especially pointed at the carriage among them. However, no one seemed to be particularly surprised.
Compared to the local people, the citizens of the capital could be considered to have seen a lot of things. They were calm, and they were born to be superior to others. They had even experienced something as major as Constellation's National Conference acknowledging the second prince. What else could possibly alarm them?
Hence, the carriage surrounded by the knights successfully passed through the city gate and entered the main road. It continued moving forward under the curious gazes of the citizens by the road.
In the group, a figure who looked even frailer than the others stuck his head out from the saddle.
"Your Highness." Gilbert caught up to him slowly and nodded in understanding.
"Welcome back to Eternal Star City.
Welcome home. "
The frailer figure did not answer. He only trembled slightly.
'Eternal Star City.
'Home.'
He stared at the city defense sentry tower above his head in a daze and sighed under the cloak.
A few seconds later, Thales turned his head around and forced a slightly absent-minded smile.
"Thank you."
The group of knights moved forward hastily. The prince under the cloak did not speak anymore, and the tactful Gilbert also did not say anything.
'Home.'
Thales felt the tremors of the horses' hooves on the road. He quietly looked at everything around him through the gaps between the figures of the Royal Guards.
The main road connected to countless alleys and forks, the rows of houses that were cut like cakes, and the various shops that were opened under the signboards that swayed in the wind …
The chattering citizens who surrounded the municipal bulletin board, the women who held a wooden basin in one hand and went to Shepherd's River to wash their clothes, the ignorant outsiders who stood in the middle of the road with their eyes wide open …
The exasperated coachman whipping his horse to hurry up to the destination, the priest standing on the wooden box in the corner, trying his best to preach with a flushed face, the orderly formation of the public security team and police officers …
It was like a frozen picture.
But …
"Strange …"
He felt that his eyebrows were a little heavy, and his lips subconsciously pursed.
A wondrous and indescribable feeling surged uncontrollably into his heart. However, just as it was about to gush out, it was cut off halfway.
It was like a bucket of water that was drawn to the edge of a well suddenly knocked against the wall, loosening its rope and falling back into the well.
Only countless splashes and echoes could be heard.
It made him feel as if he had lost something.
After experiencing the "sword delivery", the Royal Guards around him, including the glib-tongued Doyle and the expressionless Glover, became high-spirited. They stood straight and kept a distance from Thales. They no longer stole glances at the Duke of Star Lake from time to time like they did on the road.
Only Gilbert remained by Thales' side and spoke softly, "Thales, Thales.
"Your Grace, you've been living in the north for a long time. It's normal that your memories of Eternal Star City have faded …"
Thales snapped out of his complicated thoughts.
Gilbert's expression remained calm as he continued to speak.
"For example, the road we took to enter the city is part of the Avenue of Blessings. It's a little messy, because this place is closer to —"
At that moment …
"The Western City Gate."
The prince's voice traveled into his ears languidly.
"I know."
Gilbert paused for a moment.
Thales raised his head slowly and looked into the distance with an emotion that even he could not understand.
"This place is closer to the Western City Gate …"
'Western City Gate.'
The Duke of Star Lake's voice was like the echo in an empty valley, like a clear stream washing stones.
There was an inexplicable melancholy in his voice.
Gilbert was slightly stunned.
Against his expectations, the duke only paused for a moment before he snorted softly.
"This can be considered the most interesting place in Eternal Star City. Farmers, peddlers, messengers, government officials, police officers, soldiers, priests, beggars, brave adventurers, curious tourists, despicable foreigners …
"You can find everyone in the capital here."
Thales stared at the crowd that moved along the two sides of the road to avoid the knights like he was reading the most interesting storybook. The corners of his lips curled up slightly.
"But you have to be careful. Don't accidentally squeeze into the clean and tidy main road and then refuse to leave.
Otherwise, the dedicated city defense team and public security team will show you what the king's authority is.
"Because in this world, even a strand of the mane of a famous horse might be more valuable than the life of a street kid."
'Or more than one life.'
Thales stared at the floor tiles under the horse's hooves in a daze. His thoughts were distant.
At that moment, Gilbert looked at Thales with a complicated expression.
"There …"
With a barely noticeable smile, Thales pointed at a fork in the road in the distance.
"I remember. That direction leads to Lower City District."
The duke's voice rose faintly.
"If you take that road, you will first reach the grand bazaar."
Gilbert frowned slightly. He wanted to say something, but he did not.
But Thales only stared in that direction in a daze.
"The prices are cheap, and there are many kinds of goods. It is a paradise for the local poor to earn a living, but it also has its own rules, and there are many inside stories. It is a hell for outsiders who have just arrived.
"The roads in the grand bazaar are not easy to walk on. The geography is messy, and the layout is complicated. Many of the vendors' stalls have already taken root on the ground and turned into spikes. But on the other hand, it is easier to hide and conceal. Of course, there are also street barricades and group fights.
"Half of the fixed vendors have dealings with Black Street Brotherhood, and some have secret dealings with Blood Bottle Gang. Since the source of goods is complicated and difficult to track, the grand bazaar is also the best channel to deal with illegal goods and wash away stolen goods."
'It is also the place with the most tourists and fat sheep.'
Thales thought quietly.
"Your Highness …" Gilbert was about to say something, but Thales interrupted him again.
"If you continue north, after the grand bazaar, there will be a dirt road that leads to the sewers and sewers."
Thales' eyes were filled with sadness as he reminisced.
"That territory belongs to Iron Bat Association. The earliest members came from the lowest rung of the society, and they were cleaners and canal diggers. They made a living in the sewers that were distributed throughout the city. They used the geographical advantage to do all sorts of shady things like human trafficking, smuggling, and distributing drugs."
Thales said in a daze,
"But they are very adaptable to circumstances. They were one of the first gangs to surrender to Black Street Brotherhood, and that is why they have been able to struggle at death's door until now. If you have illegal goods in your hands and are not afraid of death, you might be able to get a good price from them."
'Or deep regret.'
The group took a turn and turned into another main street. The bustling noise in front of them grew louder. At the same time, rhythmic music and excited shouts could be heard.
"Run! Ignorant Northlanders! Run! Because all of you will be destroyed here! Because I have descended, and I will bring disaster! "A loud voice rang and pierced through the crowd.
A row of tall stone houses appeared in front of the Royal Guards. A stage was set up in the square in front of the houses. Quite a number of people surrounded the stage and pointed at the actors on the stage.
"Dark Night Temple." Thales looked past the backs of a few knights and watched the actors perform with all their might on the stage. As he listened to the exciting music in his ears, he once again looked at the temple that did not even have idols to worship, and was specifically in charge of funerals.
"It is the only temple in Eternal Star City outside of Morning Star District."
This time, Gilbert listened quietly.
"They never care about the cost of their plays, and they renovate them every year. The sound effects on the stage, the props, and the actors are all excellent. They also have no lack of audiences. There are too many people in the capital who like to watch a good show."
But Thales snorted.
"It's a pity that the plays they put on are all terrible scripts. It's either Dark Night descending to the mortal world to save mankind, or Dark Night will eventually rule the world. Perhaps Dark Night Temple thinks that as long as they repeat it enough, the people will treat it as the truth."
'Of course, they might be right.
'Wait a minute.'
When he said this, Thales looked at the plump actor on the stage who was wearing a costume with a lot of red tentacles and looked like an octopus. He was sweating profusely, but he was still shouting at the top of his lungs. Thales noticed that something was off.
"What are they performing today?"
At that moment, a calm and indifferent male voice cut into their conversation.
"Night Descends on Dragon Clouds."
Thales and Gilbert turned their heads around at the same time. They saw the leader of the group, watchman Lord Mallos, ride his horse to their side.
"Today is Monday. They are going to put on a big show."
Mallos looked at the stage, which was so crowded that not even a drop of water could trickle through.
"The play is about a calamity appearing in an unknown continent. It wreaked havoc in the north and even killed a king."
'Calamity.
'North.
'King.'
Thales' expression changed slightly.
Mallos looked at the comical actor who was dressed like a big octopus and continued to speak.
"At the last moment, the God of Dark Night descended. It showed its might and summoned the Great Dragon. Hence, at the end of the night, the calamity was defeated and disappeared without a trace."
Thales raised an eyebrow.
'Great Dragon.
'Night.'
"Really?" the prince asked with a frown.
Mallos snorted softly. Gilbert took over the conversation.
"A few years ago, when the news of the change in Dragon Clouds City reached the capital, all sorts of rumors were spread."
The Foreign Affairs Minister shook his head in resignation.
"Since then, the plays about calamities and the end of the world have become popular again."
'Calamity.
The end of the world. '
Thales looked at the big red octopus who was "massacring" on the stage.
"Then, Dark Night Temple thinks that the calamity is that monster, the hydra?"
Mallos was silent.
The stage was left behind them, far away from their line of sight.
A second later, the watchman nodded and cast a sideways glance at the prince.
"What else?"
Thales had no choice but to avoid his gaze, which had suddenly become sharp. He nodded.
"True."
Mallos still had that calm look on his face.
"And if you do not mind, Your Highness, Your Grace."
Thales raised his head slowly.
"After six years, you should not still have such an understanding of Eternal Star City, especially Lower City District." Mallos was expressionless, but there was a profound meaning in his words.
"After all, everyone knows that you were raised by Lord Mahn."
Once he finished speaking, Mallos lifted the reins and spurred his horse forward. He only showed them his back.
'He should not still have such an understanding of Eternal Star City …'
As he stared at the watchman in front of him, Thales' gaze became solemn.
"He knows?
My past? "
Gilbert seemed a little awkward. He coughed.
"Lord Mallos was sent to be your personal guard and lead your personal guards. His Majesty … naturally trusts him."
'Lead my personal guards.
'Yes.
His Majesty trusts him.
'His Majesty.'
Thales continued to stare at Mallos' back. After a long while, he slowly opened his mouth.
"Is that so?"
Thales tightened his grip on the reins.
"So …
He is Thales' personal guard.
Or the prince and duke's … personal guard? "
Once he said this, Gilbert was instantly rendered speechless.
His expression became very unsightly.
But the Foreign Affairs Minister only lowered his head and did not say anything in the end.
The Royal Guards continued to move forward. They went up a slope and arrived at another street.
The strange thing was that the street was very wide, but it was empty even though it was daytime. There were only a few people who seemed to be in a hurry.
They could not help but think of Ghost Prince Tower.
'But …
'Why is this place so …'
This time, Thales was stunned.
At that moment, countless memories surged into his mind.
"I know this place, Gilbert."
The teenager looked around him and said with a myriad of emotions,
"If we enter through that opening, it will be …"
Thales said in a daze.
"It will be …"
Gilbert looked at the direction Thales pointed and immediately blushed.
"Your Highness, perhaps you do not know …"
Thales shook his head.
"I know." The duke retracted his finger and calmly stared at the indistinct houses in the depths of the street. "That is …
"Red Street Market."
Thales only felt as if his blood had stopped flowing for a moment.
"It is the southernmost street of the Western Ring District, along with Linhe Street. Although it is not in a good location, it is the most popular place for the nobles and officials at night."
He said in a daze,
"In the past, Blood Bottle Gang practically monopolized the business here.
That was until six years ago. "
Gilbert sucked in a deep breath before he slowly sighed.
"Your Highness, Lord Mallos just reminded me …"
But Thales completely ignored him.
The young duke stared at the opening that was getting further and further away. He subconsciously pressed his hand against his chest, and his eyes were glazed over.
"In the past, if the child beggars were lucky, they would be able to obtain unexpected rewards here."
'For example …
'A coin that can change your fate …
'A silver coin.'
Gilbert sighed in resignation again. He no longer tried to persuade the prince, who could not get over his emotions. Instead, he schooled his expression and listened quietly.
The knights did not stop moving forward. Soon, there were more and more things that caused Thales' emotions to surge.
"Do you know that if you walk straight in this direction, you will reach Lower City District after you walk past three residential streets filled with low-class people."
Thales gestured at a tattered doorway in the distance.
"Then, you will see Black Street."
'The legendary Black Street.'
Thales shook his head slowly as he faced the silent Gilbert. His tone was low.
"The people who want to settle down there are either ruthless or brave enough.
Or … desperate enough.
"There is a low-lying street not far from it. Everyone calls it Underground Street."
'Underground Street.'
Thales breathed absentmindedly. Unknowingly, the person he was talking about had already left his sight.
"Every time it rains, it floods. That is why the houses and shops there, including the Grove Pharmacy at the corner, always have a moldy smell."
'Grove Pharmacy.'
The more Thales spoke, the more complicated and chaotic his emotions became.
"Aside from Sunset Pub, it is located at the highest and best location. Aside from a back alley that is often filled with trash, it is rarely flooded. But even better, few people dare to cause trouble there. You have to be careful of your targets and not provoke the wrong person."
'Sunset Pub.'
The teenager paused for a moment. He was a little speechless for a moment.
Before a graceful figure entered his mind, he managed to suppress his emotions in time.
"And beside the Underground Street …"
Thales sucked in a deep breath and looked at the streets of Eternal Star City. He felt his right hand tremble slightly.
Beside him, Gilbert pursed his lips tightly.
"Beside …"
Thales gulped.
"That is a group of abandoned stone houses."
His voice trembled a little.
"They are all homeless people who have gathered in half of the city …
"Street children."
The sound of horse hooves could still be heard from the group. The guards were still on guard.
But the Duke of Star Lake slowly lowered his head.
Even Gilbert's expression was solemn.
A few seconds later …
"Gilbert, I did not have the time to ask you before."
The teenager's voice rose faintly from the horse.
"But regarding the things I asked you to do during the past six years …"
Gilbert's expression changed slightly.
"Oh, of course, your search for certain books, including gifts for the archduchess …"
But Thales interrupted him.
"No, Gilbert."
The prince raised his head. His gaze was a little dazed, but a few seconds later, he regained clarity.
"You know what I am talking about."
Thales stared at Gilbert, as if he was the only way out for those who were lost.
Gilbert sighed.
"Just now, Lord Mallos said —"
But the duke interrupted him again.
"Gilbert, I am begging you."
"I am begging you." There was a slight eagerness in Thales' eyes.
"Please."
The group was still moving forward. At some point in time, they had already left the western part of Eternal Star City. The messy paths and forks had disappeared. In their place was a wide, flat, and straight road.
"No, Your Highness."
In the end, Gilbert exhaled. He could not hide his fatigue.
"I am very sorry."
Thales did not speak.
He only waited quietly.
"I asked for favors from the City Hall and even the police station to launch a few raids against Lower City District and Western District in the name of clearing the market and cleaning up the streets."
As expected, Gilbert spoke. There was shame in his words.
"But just as you know, every time that happened, aside from capturing a few 'evil forces' to appease the people so that they could continue praising the stability of society and that their lives would become better …"
Gilbert paused for a moment.
"In just one night, those ugly and filthy people and things mysteriously disappeared without a trace. There was no way to investigate."
Thales stared at the ground.
Gilbert stared at the teenager's expression, and he did not dare to face him.
"My friend, they especially searched through the underground street and the Abandoned Houses that you mentioned."
Gilbert shook his head in disappointment.
"Of course, according to the usual practice …
"That day, the underground street turned into an antique shop and a burial area. There was also a foul-smelling garbage dump. The gazes of the grave diggers and corpse carriers were ignorant, sincere, innocent, and helpless. No matter how much the police nitpicked and interrogated them, they could at most only catch some petty thieves. They even lured out a large group of poor people who struggled to eat and wear. Their complaints filled the air, and they forced the officials to stop.
"As for the Abandoned Houses, just like the dozens of inspections conducted by the City Hall, they turned into an empty garbage dump and an ominous place to dump corpses. There were only a dozen vagrants and lunatics who could not even speak clearly.
"No one was found."
Thales clenched his fists.
At that moment, he felt a dull pain in his chest.
It was as if the wound from six years ago was still burning.
The group passed by a group of people who seemed to be gathered to watch a circus. The prince's steed neighed, causing the horses around it to become restless and agitated.
The Royal Guards quickly quelled the commotion caused by their steeds. They changed their formation and moved away from the circus.
But Thales did not care about this.
He thought about other things.
When faced with power, Black Street Brotherhood and Blood Bottle Gang had their own ways.
They split up and cut off their tails to survive.
They waited for the commotion to die down before they left their nest.
And everything would go on as usual.
Thales tried his best to breathe.
"Then … Red Street Market?"
Gilbert paused again.
"Your Highness, I am afraid that …" Count Caso shook his head.
"My friend's level of power is not at the level where he can openly investigate Red Street Market … It involves …"
Thales closed his eyes and lowered his head.
"I understand, Gilbert."
The teenager opened his eyes.
"You need people who know the business. You need people who truly understand the situation in the market, not government officials who are high above the masses and do not understand the suffering of the people."
Gilbert did not immediately answer. He seemed to be thinking about something.
But a few seconds later, he still spoke.
"My friend did suggest to me, Your Highness, that if you put up a reward on the black market that they yearn for even in their dreams, but of course, it is insignificant to us, then within a few months, useful clues will grow on your table like mushrooms after a spring rain."
But Gilbert's gaze changed slightly.
"And that also means that we will leave behind traces that cannot be covered for those who are paying attention to us."
Thales frowned.
"We discussed this six years ago."
Gilbert nodded resolutely. His gaze was stern.
"And the conclusion we reached at that time is still applicable today."
Thales sighed.
Gilbert continued to speak in a low voice.
"With your current status, it is not a good thing for your friends to form a connection with you. The best ending for them is to disappear into the crowd where no one can find them and forget everything related to you."
As he spoke, Gilbert's tone became more and more serious.
But Thales' mind was in a mess, and he did not know where to start listening.
"What about the Secret Intelligence Department?"
Thales ignored his words and continued asking.
"Have you looked for them? They are the most suitable people to do this. "
Gilbert furrowed his brows.
"Gilbert?"
Thales urged him.
A few seconds later, the Foreign Affairs Minister finally sighed and answered.
"A few years ago, before you returned to the country, when there was not much news about you, I tried to ask for help from Lord Hansen."
'Lord Hansen.'
When he heard this name, Thales felt a sense of discomfort out of nowhere.
"But over the past few years, his appearances, which were already few to begin with, have decreased significantly. He almost never shows up, even during the Imperial Conference."
Thales' eyebrows furrowed even tighter.
"Then let's try the one in the Secret Intelligence Department —"
Without waiting for him to finish his question, Gilbert took over the conversation.
"Young Barren Bone man, your old friend who went through trials and tribulations with you?"
Thales glanced at him and nodded.
"I tried."
Gilbert shook his head expressionlessly.
"But from the top to the bottom of the Secret Intelligence Department, all the people I came into contact with denied that they have a cadre called Raphael Lindbergh."
Thales was stunned.
"Denied?
Even if he showed up publicly in the Hall of Stars six years ago? "
In the face of the prince's incredulous question, Gilbert still shook his head.
"At least in Eternal Star City, this person does not exist.
Or he is not allowed to exist. "
Thales understood what he meant.
The teenager asked in disbelief,
"The Secret Intelligence Department rejected you?"
Gilbert sighed slightly.
"Not exactly."
"What do you mean?"
Gilbert patted the horse beneath him, as if he was trying to find a way to change the topic.
"You know, Your Highness, spying and planning are Putray's specialty, but my specialty is to pay attention to the people who do these things … And I can tell from their attitude and actions that the Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Department seems to …"
Gilbert raised his head slightly and cast a glance at Thales.
"They have a very deep … prejudice against you."
Thales was stunned.
"Me?
Prejudice? "
The prince reacted. At that moment, he actually felt as if he was so angry that he wanted to laugh.
"What kind of joke is this?
I am the pitiful person who was forced to leave home for six years because of them! "
But Gilbert only shook his head worriedly.
"I do not know what they think, but Your Highness …
"Forgive me for being blunt again, but in the history of Constellation, every king and his Chief of Intelligence maintained a good relationship with the Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Department …"
The group continued, but Gilbert's words had already traveled into Thales' ears.
The duke scratched his neck in annoyance. He felt indignant.
"But all I want is to search for a few people …"
Gilbert shook his head.
"Are you talking about the few homeless children who went missing for six years during the chaotic night in the infamous Lower City District? No one paid attention to them, and they were nameless?"
At that moment, Thales raised his head swiftly.
"Yes."
He looked at Gilbert seriously. There was a stern look in his eyes, and it caused the Foreign Affairs Minister to be slightly stunned.
"And … a female bartender."
Gilbert quirked an eyebrow and nodded in an obedient manner.
"And a female bartender."
The two of them were silent for a few seconds.
'Missing for six years.
No one paid attention to them.
Nameless. '
Thales repeated Gilbert's words in his heart.
"And they are not unnoticed," Thales said in a low voice.
"They are not nameless."
A few small figures appeared before his eyes.
When Gilbert saw his expression, there was a gratified look in his eyes, but there was also a hint of regret.
"Your Highness, forgive me for being blunt, but it is very easy to find their whereabouts as long as we make a big move."
Thales looked up.
"But what about after we find them?"
Gilbert's expression became solemn.
"Have you ever thought about the effect your rewards, repayment of gratitude, and even just observing them in the dark might have on them?
"It is very easy to do one thing, but it is incredibly difficult to perfectly deal with the countless consequences brought about by this matter."
Thales wanted to say something, but he was momentarily at a loss for words.
Gilbert said solemnly, "Especially after you have returned in the limelight.
"Especially after your return in the limelight. If this continues, someone will notice your actions sooner or later, and we can't count on their kindness and principles."
"No matter who it is, this is not a good thing."
Thales closed his eyes in pain.
"Perhaps the day you find them …" The Foreign Affairs Minister's tone became tense.
"Is the day you cause their deaths."
'Find them.
Cause their deaths. '
Gilbert said with a pained and hateful tone,
"So, I sincerely suggest to you, Your Highness, for your own sake, and even more so, for their sake, give up.
"Don't investigate any further."
'Give up?
Give up. '
After a while, Thales opened his eyes.
He watched the ground under the horse's hooves slowly move backwards, and he could not help but feel a little dazed.
"Gilbert."
Thales opened his mouth slowly. His voice was hoarse.
"You knew from the start, didn't you?"
Gilbert asked curiously.
"Knew what?"
Thales sighed.
"Six years ago, when I was in Mindis Hall, you told me that once the curfew was lifted, I could look for my friends …"
Gilbert's expression changed slightly.
"And after I became a prince, you said that I had to wait for the limelight to subside before I could look for my friends …"
The Foreign Affairs Minister was silent.
"When I arrived in Northland, you wrote me a letter. You said that you found a few useful clues, and you were investigating them …"
Thales sucked in a deep breath.
"At that time, I believed you, but now …"
The Duke of Star Lake raised his head and looked straight at the silent Gilbert. He said with certainty,
He said with certainty, "You knew a long time ago."
With emotions that Thales himself did not know, the prince spoke in a hoarse and calm voice.
"From the beginning, from the moment I came to Mindis Hall, you knew that I could not look for them.
So at that time, you were just … just … "
Thales choked on his words for a moment, and he did not continue.
At that moment, everything in Mindis Hall from six years ago suddenly became unfamiliar.
Gilbert closed his eyes and turned his head away.
He did not answer.
Thales also lowered his head and did not pursue the matter.
But he knew.
Eternal Star City.
The Abandoned House.
Mindis Hall.
Those familiar hometowns …
He was already …
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