When enemies meet, it's like a spring breeze.
When bosom friends reunite, their eyes turn red.
During the days when he was living under someone else's roof in Dragon Clouds City, Thales had dreamed of returning to Constellation countless times.
But if there was anything that could extinguish his homesickness, it would be the elegant and perfect smile of the Duke of Iris Flowers, Zayen Covendier.
Prince Thales would never forget the crazy scenes he encountered in Constellation Realm when he went north as an envoy six years ago. Regardless of whether it was the mummy-like Demonic Vampire who opened her bloody mouth and black eye sockets at him while howling shrilly, or the limbless, pure white bloodthirsty monsters who pressed him under their bodies in an irresistible manner and tore at his neck.
These two were the surprise scenes at the end of most of his six years of nightmares, second only to Giza, who occasionally appeared as a hidden boss (in the ultimate nightmare), urging him to sleep early and wake up early, and to stay optimistic.
Every time he thought of this, Thales felt a dull pain in his neck.
It felt like it was being strangled, but also like it was being bitten through.
So Thales would never forget the culprit of all that.
"I didn't expect you to come, my friend the duke." Thales smiled like a flower. His right arm wrapped around Zayen's back and rested on his other shoulder. In the eyes of others, he and the Duke of Iris Flowers were like brothers, holding each other's arms as they traveled together.
"At least, not so early."
Zayen also smiled gently. His left arm wrapped around Thales' neck, as if he was hugging his own younger brother, naturally and affectionately.
"These few months, I've missed Your Highness very much.
"I can't wait to see you.
"My friend the prince."
Zayen's voice was as gentle, elegant, friendly, and easygoing as before.
Even better than before.
'Missed very much …'
Thales burst into laughter.
"So, what is it this time?"
Thales brought out Quick Rope's profound business promotion skills. His smile was as bright as the sun, and his tone was elated.
"Poison? Assassination? Framing? Spreading rumors? Framing? "
Thales' voice was so soft that even Glover, Doyle, and Zayen's old butler, Ashford, did not hear him clearly.
He moved closer to Zayen.
"Or are you going to learn from the Northlanders, roll up your sleeves and — f * ck me?"
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Zayen laughed out loud.
The guests who were stopped by the guards and servants outside and were waiting to enter saw this harmonious scene and nodded in relief.
Many people were talking about the scene. It was obvious that the Duke of South Coast had just laughed at one of the prince's humorous jokes. It was rare that the Duke showed his true feelings without any pretense.
The prince was also sincere and honest, without any pretense or pretense.
You see, the great people are actually ordinary people too. They live the same life as us, have similar joys, suffer similar troubles — if you don't believe me, look at their natural and friendly smiles, how is there any difference between them and you?
'So, we are only different from the princes and dukes. We are not superior or inferior. We are all important members of the kingdom, and we are working hard for Constellation's future.
Since they are working so hard for the kingdom, we should have hope and confidence in them.
Even if they have some shortcomings, we still have to put ourselves in their shoes and be tolerant and patient.
This is true love … Sigh! My dear friend, don't push any further. There's no space left. It's none of my business whether you can see or not! I came here today to see His Royal Highness and the Duke in person! Sigh, they are leaving, hurry up! Oh, those in front, move aside! You guys are blocking, I can't see! Prince Thales! Duke Zayen! You guys walk slower!
"Thales! You … "
Zayen ignored the little twists and turns outside the arena. He affectionately shook the prince under his arm and lowered his head to the latter's ear.
"You know, for the past six years, I have also been thinking …"
He whispered softly, like the spring rain.
"If you return with glory, how should we get along?"
There was a hidden meaning in his words.
'How should we get along?'
Thales snorted almost inaudibly. Inexplicably, the scene of King Nuven challenging the enemy who killed his son to a duel flashed in his mind.
"We have to respect each other and do our own thing …"
They continued to move forward steadily.
But in the next moment, Zayen's gentle whisper suddenly cooled down.
"Or entangled in hatred and fight to the death?"
Thales' footsteps paused slightly.
Even Zayen slowed down.
It sounded like a request for a truce.
But …
Thales turned his head slowly. His smile remained, but his gaze gradually turned cold.
"Don't worry." Zayen patted him on the shoulder in a friendly manner, like an elder brother encouraging the younger generation to move forward.
"You have plenty of time to think about it, because what you have to worry about today …
"Isn't me."
At an angle where no one could see, the smile in Zayen's eyes faded slightly.
At least.
It's not just me.
Thales was silent.
But in the next second, the prince's eyebrows twitched slightly, then he burst into laughter!
Zayen also lowered his head, the corners of his mouth curling into a smile.
Their strides returned to normal.
In the eyes of the onlookers, the Duke of South Coast and the Duke of Star Lake's jokes were getting more relaxed and easy-going — they were laughing their heads off.
Mallos, who had been leading the way, frowned slightly.
Behind him, the butler, Ashford, was still expressionless.
The watchman signaled to Thales that he could take over and led the duke to the banquet hall. But the overjoyed prince waved his hand and insisted on accompanying the duke to the end of the journey.
The guests on the other side noticed the scene and were moved by the friendship and affection between the two.
"You know, there was a time when I didn't understand why you wanted me dead — even though we no longer had any conflict."
Thales' laughter gradually faded. He spoke softly and patted Zayen's back vigorously at the same time.
The Duke of Iris Flowers' body swayed slightly, but his smile remained.
"But later, I figured it out."
Thales leaned on Zayen's shoulder and winked slyly.
"What do you think?"
Figured it out?
At that moment, Zayen's footsteps became fragmented.
The duke lowered his head slightly, as if thinking about something.
Thales cooperated with his pace considerately and waited for the other's response with a smile.
"A little advice, Your Highness."
A few seconds later, Zayen looked up. His expression did not change, but the corners of his lips moved slightly.
"Take care of yourself, child. Don't meddle in other people's business."
Despite the smile, the warmth in Zayen's tone was transmitted to Thales' ears, giving him the illusion of a slight chill on his back.
Zayen glanced at him lightly, but a cold glint flashed across his eyes.
"Don't look for trouble.
"Only regret."
Thales' heart skipped a beat.
The Duke of Star Lake was silent.
The next moment, they walked into the banquet hall.
Many of the guests who entered earlier were already seated and were waiting elegantly and patiently, greeting each other from time to time. There were also quite a number of people in groups of three to five, standing together and chatting happily and politely.
The arrival of the Duke of South Coast and the Duke of Star Lake undoubtedly attracted everyone's attention. First, the guests who were closer to them saluted, then the people who were further away stopped chatting. Perhaps they did not expect to see the important figures take their seats so soon. A few seconds later, a small uproar broke out in the banquet hall.
The guests of higher status — Mr. and Mrs. Doyle who smiled obsequiously, Viscount Lozano Glover, and Eleanor Barney who brought along her child (after seeing the nine-pointed star badge on the baron's hand, the number of noblewomen surrounding Lady Eleanor suddenly increased) — all stood up and bowed to her.
The atmosphere immediately became lively.
Zayen and Thales naturally let go of each other, tacitly and cooperatively returned the greetings to the guests, and occasionally responded to their greetings.
Unlike the National Conference six years ago, which could be said to be a mix of good and bad people, those who were invited to Holy Pursuit Day and the prince's homecoming banquet were naturally not ordinary people. Even the guests at the periphery were neither servile nor overbearing, friendly and appropriate. The attendants and guards fulfilled their duties responsibly, making way for the duke and the prince, watching them leave without disturbing their conversation.
However, only Thales knew.
In this warm and harmonious moment where the host and guest were well-matched, his invisible confrontation with Zayen reached its peak.
The youth's footsteps were short, and his pace was slightly faster.
Zayen's strides were longer, and the frequency was slightly lower.
The two of them walked side by side, occasionally adjusting their pace for each other. But for some reason, the rhythm of their footsteps could not be matched.
But at that moment, Thales smiled from the bottom of his heart.
Does he know, Zayen?
Thales thought silently.
The revered ruler of the Iris Family and South Coast Hill, Duke Zayen Covendier, Constellation.
His threat, his warning, his tone of voice …
Compared to those people …
Many faces flashed across Thales' mind.
King Nuven rubbing his ring, King Chapman caressing his sword, the sinister and ruthless Stake, the creepy and strange Ricky, the Legendary Wing processing heads, the chuckling Duke of Western Desert …
Compared to them …
The youth chuckled in his heart.
The excitement caused by the two of them in the banquet hall subsided slightly. The guests dispersed again, returning to their original state of groups of three to five.
In the next second, Thales' smile faded slightly. He put down his greeting hand and grabbed Zayen's shoulder unceremoniously.
"You know, I've been attending Scholar Julio's mathematics class recently.
"So I'm very curious."
It looked as if the prince had thought of something very interesting, leaned over, and told the duke in a low voice.
Thales' mouth did not move, but he spoke through his teeth.
"I'm very curious. Six years ago, when I went north and encountered an accident, and you transferred those baronies and the Crystal Drop Mines to the royal family to ask for my father's forgiveness …
"How much income do you lose every year?"
As soon as he said that …
Zayen's breathing became slightly erratic.
The baronies.
The Crystal Drop Mines.
Income …
Zayen's arm muscles tensed slightly.
"About this matter."
He smiled and turned to Thales.
"I thought we had already settled it …"
But the prince responded with an even brighter and brighter smile.
"And do you know how I survived these six years in the fierce and treacherous Northland?"
At that moment, the master of the Covendier family felt his shoulders tighten.
"Times have changed, Zayen."
Thales put his mouth close to the other's ear and flashed a malicious smile.
"Don't look for trouble.
"Only regret."
Zayen stared at him steadily.
His expression slowly stiffened.
In many people's eyes, Prince Thales was extremely happy. He was whispering something into Duke Covendier's ear along the way, while the latter patiently and dotingly listened to the youth's words. There was not the slightest hint of displeasure, let alone a cold expression.
Like brothers.
It made people feel gratified, and the corners of their lips curled up.
Since the prince and the duke, one was young and pure, lively and cheerful, the other elegant and wise, gentle and honest, together built a friendly and warm atmosphere …
Then the guests on the periphery would naturally be deeply affected and sincerely resonate with them.
They wished they could be one with these two noble role models who led the masses and set an example for the world.
So the banquet hall suddenly became a sea of joy: The bloodthirsty feuds that used to see blood when they met were no longer at odds, and they smiled away their enmity. They embraced each other and tolerated each other like brothers. Strangers who usually did not interact with each other also felt like old friends at first sight. They chatted happily, and only lamented that it was a pity they met too late.
At this moment, Mindis Hall truly displayed the unique spirit and style of the times of the nobles and commoners inside and outside the palace of Constellation. They were united and full of fighting spirit.
Thales and Zayen finally stopped.
But the two of them still stared at each other with smiles, as if they understood everything without words.
Mallos, who was in front, had to raise his voice to remind the two people who were immersed in their gazes: The guests have arrived, His Highness should go back to greet the other guests.
Finally, Zayen smiled and put his hands around Thales' shoulders. His tone softened.
"I understand, Your Highness.
"Please don't worry."
Zayen lowered his head and pursed his lips.
"As long as Constellation exists, so does the Empire."
Thales raised his eyebrows.
Then, Thales grinned happily. Without holding back, he stretched out his arms and hugged Zayen tightly!
"That's good, may we rather die because of our friendship …"
Zayen's expression froze. He felt his waist being held tightly, and the strength gradually increased.
Thales buried the side of his face into the duke's chest and said coldly from an angle where no one could see,
"We will not perish with our enemies."
In the next second, the prince let go of the duke and turned back into the cheerful and sincere Thales, laughing loudly.
Zayen looked at him and laughed as well.
In order to cooperate with the prince and the duke, the surrounding nobles with good etiquette raised their volume while secretly peeping, so that the two people's laughter would not be so abrupt.
Thales seemed to be really happy. He laughed so hard that he was rocking back and forth. He waved at Zayen, then turned and left. He quickly walked between Glover and Doyle (who was looking at the prince strangely).
When no one was looking, the teenager loosened his facial muscles that were almost numb from laughing too much.
But he let out a long breath in his heart.
'It's a little strange.'
Sensing Zayen's gaze from behind, Thales, who had become tired again, thought to himself.
Zayen Covendier.
As one of the enemies he hated the most, this guy was still as sinister, as profound, and as abominable.
But in his memory, the former Duke of Iris Flowers did not seem to be this …
Proactive?
Thales pondered as he walked towards the exit of the banquet hall, accompanied by the guards. He was ready to return to his original position and continue his duty of welcoming guests.
However, before he could finish his thoughts …
Something unexpected happened.
When he passed by a group of foreign guests, a tall and majestic figure, even more imposing than Glover, suddenly appeared!
The other party rushed into his line of sight with a fierce aura!
In an instant, Glover and Doyle's expressions changed.
But the two guards were well-trained. They immediately bent their knees and pressed their swords. Before the other party could get close, they were ready to draw their swords and kill the assassin!
Until Mallos' strong hands stretched out at the perfect time.
He pressed down on their shoulders!
It avoided the awkward situation of the Prince of Constellation's first appearance in front of everyone and causing the guests to bleed.
"Steady," Mallos reprimanded in a low voice.
At the same time, a deep and rough voice, with a tone that Thales was all too familiar with, rang in the banquet hall.
"Look who this is?"
The majestic guest stood in front of Thales and laughed heartily.
The nervous Glover and Doyle were shocked. The two of them glanced at Mallos, who stopped them, and only then did they notice that even though Mallos had a frightening figure, he was unarmed, and he was standing at a safe distance.
They overreacted.
Thales, on the other hand, looked at the stranger in front of him in shock. This man had a body as thick as his beard, and his clothes were thick but slightly rustic. He looked like a bear.
"An old friend of the people of Eckstedt!
"Prince Thales …"
The bearded man in front of him happily opened his thick arms and shouted the next word in a vigorous voice, "I'm going to kill you!"
"North Star!"
Thales was stunned.
Wait a minute …
'North … North what star?'
He turned around in confusion and glanced at the guests around him. They, who were watching curiously, immediately turned around and went back to their own duties.
But this did not stop Thales from recognizing the familiar accent.
He came from …
"Look!"
The bearded man's laughter was rough and strong, full of energy.
"A prince who grew up drinking the milk of us Northlanders is indeed different!"
Thales was dumbfounded again.
What … what milk?
"Excuse me?"
The prince finally adjusted himself and responded politely and appropriately.
"In fact, when I … when I arrived at Dragon Clouds City, I was already …"
Thales continued awkwardly in his heart.
Weaned.
Wait, in this world, when he was young …
Did he drink milk?
But what greeted him was still a burst of rough laughter.
"I am Jorge, no surname."
The Northlander who called himself Jorge patted his chest hard, like the rumbling of a drum, startling a few Constellatiate nobles nearby and subconsciously distanced themselves.
"I am the administrator of Archduke Gaddro, and I bring you the pride and hospitality of Elaphure City!"
Thales' expression changed.
Archduke Gaddro.
Elaphure City?
The once familiar northern geography returned to his mind again.
Among the ten territories of Eckstedt, if the City of Faraway Prayers was in the extreme west, then Elaphure City was in the extreme east.
In fact, the Gaddro Family of Elaphure City was located in a remote area, but it was built on mountains and cliffs, bordered by ice and the sea. With a lack of high-quality ports and a harsh coastal environment, they struggled to guard the narrow and long coastline rarely seen in the entire Eckstedt Kingdom.
To the north, they could support the Sentinel Region and the Glacier Sea by sea by sea.
To the south, the fleet of Elaphure City could communicate with Reformation Tower and Black Sand Region, and control the Eastern Sea ports of Constellation.
To the east, the vassals of the Gaddro Family had to fight against the Casse Pirates, the "Sons of the Maiden" who dominated the islands.
In some extreme times, they had to face the threat from the other side of the Sea of Eradication, and sound the first horn of war in the peninsula.
Six years ago, Archduke Gaddro did not respond to King Nuven's invitation to Dragon Clouds City to witness the night that shook the Western Peninsula.
But Thales remembered how Count Lisban called him — "that sanctimonious man with a goatee".
However …
Thales looked thoughtfully at the familiar yet unfamiliar Northerner Jorge in front of him.
He came to attend … his homecoming banquet?
"It is the honor of three lifetimes to meet you. Even the bright moon is startled!"
Jorge spouted bullsh * t grammar, but he laughed heartily and happily extended his arms towards Thales.
"My North Star!"
Thales raised his eyebrows.
"North, North Star?"
Thales repeated in confusion.
What kind of name is that?
"Yes!"
Jorge's every call seemed to shake the floor tiles under his feet.
"You stayed in Dragon Clouds City for six years, Jadestar boy!"
He clapped his hands fiercely, ignoring Glover and Doyle's contemptuous gazes.
"So after you returned to the country, everyone called you North Star …
"Because you are the most courageous person in the past few hundred years, and the one who lived the longest in the north —"
Jorge looked excited, and his voice shook the dome.
"The King of Constellation!"
At that moment, it was as if the entire banquet hall fell silent.
Everyone turned and stared at this corner.
One second, two seconds.
Jorge noticed the silence around him and froze for a moment.
He looked left and right cautiously.
The administrator of Elaphure City took a deep breath and looked at the prince in front of him, who had a stiff face and looked like he had nothing left to live for.
He seemed to have realized something.
"Err, what I mean is …"
Jorge grinned and awkwardly rubbed his protruding belly, like a big bear taking a bath.
He spread his hands innocently and smiled awkwardly.
"King-to-be?"
()
Stealing Fragrance
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