The Royal Guards did not stop. They passed through countless streets, Twilight District, Morning Star District, and went straight to the center of Eternal Star City.
Thales was in low spirits. He moved with the crowd like a walking corpse and was escorted forward.
Even though there were only around twenty of them who hurried on, the number of police officers and public security teams who passed by them increased without them noticing. It might seem like a coincidence, but it happened one after another, inadvertently dispersing and separating the obstacles and crowds on the road, allowing them to move forward without any obstacles.
But Thales could not find the interest to study them.
"You know, over the past few months, Mister Hicks has written me a few letters …"
Finally, amidst the unbearable silence, Gilbert spoke.
"He talked to me about your studies."
There was a hint of awkwardness in his similarly deep voice.
Thales snapped out of his daze.
"Oh, Old Crow."
The young Duke of Star Lake perked up and tried hard to tell himself that he should not bring unnecessary emotions to the people around him.
"Yes, I have yet to thank him. Dragon Clouds City is all thanks to him …"
When he sensed the prince's change, Gilbert's tone was slightly excited.
"He reminded me that your progress is a little ahead of schedule."
Thales tried his best to focus his attention.
"Ahead of schedule?"
Gilbert nodded.
"Yes, although that is a rare evaluation, but …"
The Foreign Affairs Minister narrowed his eyes. At that moment, he seemed to be in a daze.
"After receiving my teacher's letter, I sometimes think that perhaps … perhaps I, perhaps we are too impatient."
Thales looked at him, puzzled.
"About what?"
Gilbert sighed and spoke in a sincere and heartfelt manner.
"At least in Eternal Star City, the young nobles at your age are more concerned about their appearance, clothes, banquets, and girls."
'Appearance and clothes.
'Banquets, and girls …
'Is that so?'
Thales paused for a moment and recalled the past six years.
'What did he care about during those years?
What did he experience? '
The duke could not help but be slightly absent-minded, but he immediately composed himself.
Thales had a feeling that Gilbert was going to advise him about something. He forced a smile and shook his head.
"You should go back a few years. At that time, Wya was only a teenager."
When he heard the familiar name, Gilbert Caso was slightly stunned.
The prince looked towards the northern sky and smiled.
"However, during those years, your son cared more about his sword … and me."
Thales smiled as he recalled Wya Caso's every move, voice, and smile.
As he listened to the sound of the horses' hooves around him and looked at the personal guards surrounding him, Thales suddenly realized …
Even though he had returned to Constellation and Eternal Star City, these Royal Guards who protected him …
It was so strange.
This made him miss those familiar faces that used to surround him.
Wya, Ralf, Putray, Genard, Willow, and the one who stole the drumstick and roasted rabbit …
From Eternal Star City to the birch tree forest, from Broken Dragon Fortress to Dragon Clouds City.
From the past to the present.
But where were they now?
Thales could not help but be lost in thought.
"I'm glad you think so highly of him."
Gilbert's words brought him back to reality.
"But about this topic …"
Constellation's Cunning Fox's expression was complicated, but there was pride in his words.
"You know that Wya returned to Eternal Star City a few times during the past few years in Northland."
Thales nodded.
Gilbert narrowed his eyes a little.
"But he probably never mentioned to you that he came back to see his fiancée?"
Thales, who was immersed in his thoughts of his old friend, subconsciously repeated Gilbert's words.
'Fiancée …'
Thales' expression changed!
'What?'
The prince turned his head around in surprise.
He saw Gilbert looking at him with a smile on his face.
Thales widened his eyes and asked, "Wya?"
Gilbert nodded. There was gratification in his eyes, but there was also sadness.
"Wya."
'Wya?'
Thales opened his mouth wide in shock and stared at Gilbert.
'Wya Caso?
'That old-fashioned, stern, and little old man …
'The one who always put on a stern face, was polite, and stared at Ralf …
'The Wya who always used too much force and was stiff all over?'
Thales blinked subconsciously and tried hard to digest this news.
Gilbert only smiled faintly.
Thales took a deep breath and shook his head.
'Wya, Wya!
I didn't expect this, I didn't expect this! '
He could not help but feel a little amused and gratified.
'I didn't expect that you, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, would also …'
Then, he heard Gilbert's next sentence.
"So, you have reached your age this year …"
Thales' expression changed again.
"Cough cough cough … cough cough …" The prince suddenly coughed. His figure on the horse's back was hunched in pain.
Gilbert's old face stiffened, and he continued speaking.
He continued, "You must know that you have an obligation to continue the bloodline of the great kingdom …"
"Cough! Cough cough cough … "The prince's coughing became louder and louder, drowning out the Foreign Affairs Minister's voice. Even the Royal Guards, who were quite a distance away from him, turned their heads around curiously.
In the end, Gilbert could only shake his head in pity.
"Alright.
Let's not talk about this anymore. "
Thales' coughing instantly disappeared. His back was straighter than a flagpole.
Gilbert narrowed his eyes and looked at Thales, who did not seem to have any self-awareness. His face was filled with a resigned expression that said, "I knew it".
"Then, I hope that the next piece of news will interest you."
Thales seemed to have suddenly snapped out of his daze, and he came to a natural realization.
"News?"
Gilbert nodded slightly. His expression became stern again. Every time this happened, Thales would think of Wya and his expression when he saw Ralf.
However, the Foreign Affairs Minister's next sentence made the prince's thoughts turn solemn.
"The newest messenger crow came from the north."
'The north.'
Thales frowned.
"Is it Putray and Wya?"
"No." Gilbert shook his head, but his expression did not relax in the slightest.
"But …"
The Foreign Affairs Minister moved his horse closer. His voice was deep and his words were heavy.
"A few days ago, Dragon Clouds City completed the mobilization for war."
'Dragon Clouds City.'
When he heard this familiar term, Thales clenched his fists slightly.
Gilbert continued speaking.
"The expeditionary army formed by ten thousand men has been assembled. They are prepared to head to the City of Faraway Prayers and join the war against the Alliance of Freedom in the west."
Thales frowned deeply.
At that moment, it was as if all the memories of Northland returned to his mind — war, forced marriage, mobilization, and everything that happened during the state affairs hearing in Dragon Clouds City.
'Ten thousand men.'
Thales recalled his impression of Dragon Clouds City.
To Dragon Clouds City, it was neither too little nor too much.
'Then …'
"Who is the noble leading the army?"
The Duke of Star Lake's expression was solemn. "Who will fight this war?"
Gilbert nodded and reported the information accurately.
"The suzerain of Hunt and Origami Counties, Count Kahn Karkogel, will be the vice commander of Dragon Clouds City's expeditionary army."
'Karkogel.'
The one-armed count's determined face in the Hall of Heroes appeared in Thales' mind.
He sighed.
"As expected, the commander of the army is the best fighter in Dragon Clouds City …"
But when he said this, Thales was slightly stunned.
"Wait, Gilbert."
Did you just say … 'vice' commander? "
The prince stared at Gilbert in surprise.
Gilbert pursed his lips and nodded.
'Wait.
Karkogel is only the vice commander. That means …
'No.'
The incredulous surprise on Thales' face became greater.
Gilbert's tone was solemn.
"According to the latest news, Dragon Clouds City is going to launch its first large-scale expedition after being silent for twenty years …
"The young Archduchess Walton will be wearing her martial attire and carrying her sword. She will lead the army.
"Personally lead the expedition."
'Archduchess …
'Personally lead the expedition …
'Personally lead the expedition …'
At that moment, Thales was stunned on the spot.
Gilbert did not speak either. He only looked at him quietly and waited. He took in the prince's reaction.
A familiar figure seemed to appear in front of his eyes again.
The figure that cried in the dark and asked him if he could escape.
Thin and weak.
Frail.
Wronged and helpless.
Weak and lonely.
She grabbed his arm and hid behind him.
She trembled.
"Oh …
"Is that so …"
The Duke of Star Lake retracted his expression in a daze. He nodded subconsciously and mumbled to himself.
"Wow."
His face was stiff, but he forced himself to let out a suppressed cry of surprise.
But no one knew that at that moment, he felt so strange.
He had mixed feelings.
It was indescribable.
But in the next second, the figure in his mind turned around and revealed a face that was equally familiar to him, but completely different.
Her face was covered in sweat, but she still tried her best to pout even though she had tears in her eyes.
Tenacious.
Stubborn.
Stubborn and unyielding.
Determined and unyielding.
Standing in front of the highest seat, standing among thousands of soldiers, raising his arms and shouting.
Hundreds responded to his call.
It felt like a long time had passed.
It was so long that even Gilbert could not help but remind him.
"So they succeeded," Thales said faintly. He tried hard to forget the unnecessary images and forced himself to start thinking about more practical things.
"Roknee of the City of Faraway Prayers, Lecco of Defense City, and Walton of Dragon Clouds City — Eckstedt's Alliance of Three Cities.
"In the end, they stood on the side of everything."
Thales' tone was still empty, but his spirit gradually recovered. His brain started working.
"To face the turmoil in the West stirred up by Lampard."
When he thought of this, the Duke of Star Lake took a deep breath and raised his head.
"What about us?"
If it were someone else, they might be confused when faced with such a question, but Gilbert knew what he wanted to ask.
The Foreign Affairs Minister exhaled slowly.
"As you can see, since you have returned and the storm at the Western Frontlines has calmed down …"
Gilbert's lips curled up slightly.
"Then, regardless of whether it is the regular soldiers of the royal family under Baron Williams or the recruits that the suzerains of Western Desert painstakingly gathered, there is no reason for them to stay in the desert and waste time and energy patrolling."
Thales took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
"So, without Constellation to keep them in check, the weak Alliance of Freedom has to defend itself against the three great cities in Northland and almost half of Eckstedt …"
The Duke of Star Lake opened his eyes. This time, he became calm and solemn.
"The outcome of the war has been decided.
"The Alliance of Freedom … is finished."
Gilbert did not say anything. He only nodded in agreement.
A few seconds later, Thales curled up the corners of his lips. He was in a good mood.
"Now, it is King Chapman's turn to have a headache."
He looked at Gilbert with a smile on his face.
"I escaped, and Constellation also retreated, so Lampard lost his bargaining chip, and he also lost his reason."
He can no longer use Constellation as a blade to threaten his vassals to obey his orders. "
Thales remembered how the aggressive kinslayer king looked when he was forced into a corner. He felt the melancholy from losing his home disappear. Even his breathing felt exceptionally comfortable.
"On the other hand, Dragon Clouds City has joined Roknee's side, and the City of Faraway Prayers' problem will be solved.
"Black Sand Region has one more enemy, and the opposition against the king will only increase."
Thales snorted and spread his hands gently on the horse.
"Lampard has failed on both sides."
He could even imagine his old opponent's gloomy face as he suppressed his anger and glared at him.
Gilbert coughed.
"In fact …
"Your Highness …"
The Foreign Affairs Minister's words were a little hesitant, and it caught Thales' attention.
"A few weeks ago, not long after you fled Eckstedt, and the news of the state affairs hearing in Dragon Clouds City just arrived …"
Gilbert glanced at him and frowned slightly. He wanted to say something, but stopped.
Thales' heart sank.
The Foreign Affairs Minister exhaled unnaturally.
"At that time, King Chapman rushed back to Black Sand Region."
Gilbert lifted the reins and looked into the distance with a grave expression.
"In just a few days, Chapman the First visited almost every vassal who opposed him."
Thales frowned hard.
"Visited?"
The prince remembered King Chapman's so-called 'visit' to Dragon Clouds City, regardless of whether he visited him or the Hall of Heroes. He suddenly felt that something was wrong.
As he observed Thales' expression, Gilbert sighed softly.
"The information obtained by the Secret Intelligence Department is limited …"
Under Thales' bad premonition and unpleasant expression, Gilbert told the truth with a straight face.
"But obviously, when the king announced that he wanted to recruit their army to the far west, Black Sand Region's Mende and Devinson Families, who had been resisting the tax, were the first to yield. They declared that they would return to the king's banner. The reason behind this is unknown."
Thales' heart sank.
"Under Lampard's command, the Ica Family, who is the closest to Reformation Tower, was probably worried that Archduke Trentida was in cahoots with Lampard. They did not wait for the king to visit them and withdrew their call to resist the tax. They took the initiative to send this season's grain tax to Black Sand City."
The prince's grip on the reins grew tighter, and his entire body subconsciously tensed up.
However, Gilbert's sigh continued.
"One day later, the old Count Peruno, who was highly respected, had a life-and-death friendship with the former Archduke of Black Sand Region, and was also the person who opposed King Chapman the most, suddenly fell ill."
Thales began to hear his own breathing.
"He was bedridden and could not attend to matters. So, Peruno's son took over the power of the territory and changed his father's policy. He personally left the city and warmly welcomed King Chapman's inspection."
Under the Duke of Star Lake's almost shocked gaze, Gilbert continued in a displeased manner.
"And the last two families who resisted stubbornly and refused to open the city gates to welcome the king … They were punished."
Thales gritted his teeth.
"Punishment?"
Gilbert nodded. His eyes showed the rare wariness of a cunning fox in Constellation.
"Under the protection of the four great families, King Chapman's army arrived at the city gates and declared war with blood.
"A total of two castles … The Fire Knight personally led the army, and the Black Sand Region Army broke through like a hot knife through butter.
"They won the war in one day, and conquered the city in three days."
Gilbert's solemnity and vigilance had been raised to the maximum.
"Based on the ancient etiquette of the Northlanders, they hung the heads of those who did not respect the king's orders on the city gates as a warning to others.
"The king also stripped an earl and a viscount of their titles on the execution ground, and demoted their heirs to commoners."
As he listened to Gilbert's words, Thales could barely adjust his expression. It was as if every word Gilbert said was accompanied by the snow that came from Northland.
Gilbert sighed slowly.
"That's not all. On that day, King Chapman used the power of his conquest to go against the rules and made an exception to confer titles to a few new nobles who were of humble birth. None of the vassals in Black Sand Region dared to say anything."
Thales slowly relaxed his body and pressed his arm against the horse.
The shock in his heart could not be any greater.
Gilbert shook his head.
"Up to this day, aside from a few small families who are near the borders and do not affect the overall situation in Black Sand Region, they still shout loudly and refuse to compromise because of morality or benefits …"
But Thales did not let him continue.
"He succeeded."
The prince stared at the northern sky in a daze, as if he was looking at the gloomy and cold king.
"He won."
Gilbert observed Thales' expression worriedly and could not help but cough.
"Internally, it is indeed so."
The Cunning Fox of Constellation forced a smile. His tone changed from wariness to enthusiasm.
"But externally, regardless of whether it is Reformation Tower or Prestige Orchid Region, they immediately strengthened their defenses after they received the news. They deployed a large number of soldiers at the borders of Black Sand Region …
"The other archdukes in Eckstedt were even more agitated. They called for a crusade against Chapman. From the City of Faraway Prayers to Beacon Illumination City, from Elaphure City to Glacier Sea, many Northlanders even openly questioned the origin of his throne …"
Gilbert spoke with a smile, but Thales could sense a hint of discord in his laughter.
"Black Sand Region has already provoked public anger. King Chapman cannot do anything alone. Besides, the economy and people's livelihood in their region are already shaky …"
But the prince interrupted him.
"It's too late."
In the group, the teenager under the cloak straightened his back, but he lowered his head quietly.
"Chapman Lampard.
Perhaps many people do not recognize him as the king of Eckstedt. "
Thales pursed his lips tightly and imagined the scene where he and Chapman were enemies. It was as if he could feel the heavy pressure that felt like it was real.
"But now, he has already become …
"The king of Black Sand Region."
Gilbert was stunned. He did not know how to answer.
Only the second prince sighed at the sky and closed his eyes.
"I told them before. In the past, in the Hall of Heroes, I told them before …
"But I am afraid that they still do not understand."
Thales opened his eyes. He did not look at the clear blue sky above his head. Instead, his gaze landed on the layers of black clouds that were faintly discernible in the distance.
"They do not understand that the wave they are facing is not something that can be easily stopped by appealing to the army or by paying with money."
Gilbert was stunned for a moment.
The prince gritted his teeth and frowned.
"And this is just the beginning.
"Chapman Lampard, he will become stronger, greedier, and more …"
Thales paused for a moment and exhaled indignantly through his nose.
"Your Highness, you do not have to be so worried." Gilbert seemed to be unable to bear it.
"No matter how strong King Chapman is, we can still …"
But Thales shook his head.
"No.
Not us. "
He stared at the black clouds that pressed down from the horizon.
"Killing, seizing, granting … King Chapman's actions may seem like sparks of fire.
But they are unstoppable. "
Gilbert listened to the prince's words and fell into a contemplative silence.
"And they will eventually be ignited …"
Thales lowered his head and looked straight ahead. The seriousness in his eyes could not be any more intense.
"All of Northland."
At that moment …
* Dong! *
The sound of a bell rang.
Thales and Gilbert trembled at the same time.
The sound of the bell rose indistinctly. It was long and heavy, and it shook people's hearts.
At the same time, it pierced through the ground and the air, reaching the underground and the sky.
The echo was deep and lingered for a long time.
As the horses neighed in unease, many of the Royal Guards frowned and looked at each other at a loss.
Only Mallos, who was at the very front, remained as calm as ever. He lifted the reins and stepped on the pedals while he moved forward steadily.
"That is …"
As he sensed the roar in his ears, Thales slowly turned to Gilbert, as if he had sensed something.
The latter got over his initial shock and nodded slowly at the prince.
"The Bell of Constellation."
Thales' thoughts moved.
Gilbert sighed and said, "The last time it rang, it was …"
"I know."
Thales sensed the memories that surged into his mind.
He said in a daze, "Six years ago.
The … National Conference. "
But his sentiments did not last for long, because the group soon turned into the next street and stepped onto another main road.
It was also at that moment that Thales noticed.
Without realizing it, they had already passed through countless streets. The citizens around them were also gradually moving further away from them. They were kept at a distance of one hundred steps by the public security team, which was slowly increasing in number. They only had curious heads and gazes.
Soldiers, guards, police officers, public security teams, and countless people were already standing in an orderly manner in front of them. They either formed their own teams to maintain order or acted as walls to block off the passageway.
They were waiting for the guests.
On this side, the road under the feet of the Royal Guards had already become a broad road.
Of course, at the end of the road, the most eye-catching thing was …
Thales breathed in a daze and slowly raised his head.
He saw it.
'It.
'The classic mottled colors, the endless flight of stairs, the thick and black palace walls, the grandeur that rose from the ground, the vicissitudes of a century, and the awe-inspiring might that looked down on the stars.
Renaissance Palace.
The Great Pyramid with a Flat Top that had appeared in his dreams countless times was like a giant that walked silently but blocked out the sky. It had appeared before his eyes without warning, but it also appeared without warning.
It was like an avalanche.
But it was silent.
Thales stared at the huge palace in front of him in a daze. It took him a long time to snap out of his daze.
When they passed through the passageway formed by the palace guards, the Royal Guards subconsciously lightened their horses' hooves and slowed down.
Then, Mallos raised his hand high, and the twenty-five Royal Guards lifted their cloaks at the same time.
They revealed their silver helmets that reflected the sunlight.
Flag Bearer Hugo even raised a tall Nine-Pointed Star Flag. It fluttered in the wind.
In the distance, the citizens who were separated from the line of separation started to make a ruckus.
Countless gazes were cast on the twenty or so cavaliers, and they discussed among themselves.
Thales turned his head with complicated emotions. He looked at the citizens who were separated from the two sides. He looked at the soldiers and guards who stood straight around him. Finally, he looked at the heart of the kingdom before him, which was separated by the palace wall.
'Renaissance Palace.'
No one knew his current state of mind. No one could describe his current feelings. No one could describe his current emotions.
He could only open his mouth and fall into a daze.
He was deep in thought.
He seemed to have lost something.
As Thales' group arrived in front of the palace wall, the black mass of city defense crossbows and Mystic Guns turned around with the help of their hinges and manpower. There were many sentries, and they were filled with murderous intent.
A noble dressed in the same attire as Mallos and the others walked through the palace gate while being escorted by a group of soldiers. He raised his right arm high and showed his palm to Thales' group.
In an instant, as Mallos gestured, the twenty-five Royal Guards reined in their horses at the same time. Glover and Doyle even took a step forward and extended their hands to stop Thales and Gilbert's steeds.
At that moment, their expressions were stern, and their attitudes were stern.
"Twenty-five Royal Guards. We have received orders from the king to escort an important person."
Mallos' voice rose in front of the palace gate. It bounced off the palace wall of Renaissance Palace and echoed on the wide road.
"The Duke of Star Lake, the Prince of Constellation, the first heir to the Nine-Pointed Star Crown and the supreme throne, the noble Prince Thales Jadestar …
"He has returned."
Once he said that, all was silent.
Regardless of whether it was the guards in front of the palace gate, the sentries on the palace gate, or the public security team on the road, all of them fell silent.
For a moment, only Mallos' clear and indifferent voice could be heard echoing in all directions.
In front of the palace gate, the noble who stopped Mallos straightened his body and took a step forward.
"Password."
The noble dressed in the attire of the Royal Guards looked at Mallos and said coldly,
"Crown?"
Mallos slowly urged his horse forward and faced the ferocious city-guarding crossbow in a relaxed manner.
He narrowed his eyes and spoke softly. His voice was very soft.
"Darkness."
Thales shuddered slightly.
Time seemed to have stopped for a moment.
Then, the noble guarding the palace gate nodded, turned around, and waved his hand.
* Boom … *
Amid a deafening roar, the steel noose moved.
The dark-colored palace gate in front of Thales trembled violently. Then, with the rhythm of a great force, it moved slowly, as if it was about to push away dust that had accumulated for a thousand years.
It tore itself apart.
It revealed the true appearance of Renaissance Palace.
The setting sun turned into gold.
It was just like six years ago, when Thales became a prince, and the setting sun illuminated Renaissance Palace in a bright red light.
But this time, under the bright sun, Thales only raised his head in a daze.
He watched the dazzling golden light shine on the outer wall of Renaissance Palace inch by inch.
But he could only see darkness.
It was so deep that he could not see the bottom.
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