The sun set in the west.
Although the main banquet had yet to begin, the early arrival of the two dukes made the atmosphere in the banquet hall lively.
Outside the hall, Logistics Officer Stone and Mindis Hall's Chief Steward counted the carriages and gifts on the list, arguing back and forth with the coachmen and attendants who spoke with various accents.
In the hall, the personal attendants who came with the guests were coming back and forth. From time to time, they would quarrel with the servants in the hall because of their master's needs and their requests.
Gilbert had no choice but to arrange for the clowns, dancers, and minstrels to enter earlier. They played music and served wine and food to repay (distract) the guests' enthusiasm (attention). It was said that there were quite a number of people who did not receive an invitation and could not enter the venue hurriedly, wanting to try their luck on this special day.
Mallos, on the other hand, skillfully and professionally acted as the mediator. He arranged the seats, managed the servants, discussed matters on the spot with the Chief Steward sent by Renaissance Palace, and dealt with unexpected incidents (such as when a certain low-level noble brought six daughters who were not on the list over, or when Jorge, who was excitedly chattering with everyone, "Do you know the famous North Star?" with his saliva flying everywhere, he was rearranged from the foreign guest seat to the honored elderly seat).
Thales could only groan inwardly. As the nominal owner of Mindis Hall, he should sit at the main seat in the hall and quietly wait for the guests. However, firstly, even someone as noble as the king would be attending today's banquet. It would be inappropriate for the second prince to sit calmly. Secondly, Thales' status was special. He had just returned to the kingdom and needed to establish a good first impression.
Hence, after the Seven Jadestar Attendants and the two Archdukes, Thales had no choice but to continue dragging a large group of attendants and guards around Mindis Hall according to Mallos' arrangements and Gilbert's instructions ("Your Highness, come here quickly, go there quickly, where did His Highness go …" — Thales' private grumbles). He welcomed the designated important guests, placated the guests who were dissatisfied with their seats, and responded to the greetings (whether sincere or not) along the way with (definitely fake) smiles and salutes (regardless of whether they were sincere or not) in order to display the royal family's demeanor and dignity, as well as the new Duke of Star Lake's "warm hospitality, cordial and appropriate behavior".
"Your Highness, your complexion is very good. You look very healthy."
Eastern Sea Hill's Duke Bob Cullen, who had a head full of white hair and a potbellied body, greeted Thales with a radiant face as he was supported by two attendants.
Thales coughed.
"Welcome, Prime Minister. I'm glad to see you in good health."
Duke Cullen spent three of the four seasons recuperating in Eternal Star City. But seeing him today, he was still stout and charmingly naive. He was still the good-natured roly-poly of the kingdom.
No. That was not the case.
Thales glanced down.
"Cullen," Thales said.
"Of course. Once I knew that you had escaped from the devil's den of the northern barbarians, my illness immediately improved."
The guardian of the Eastern Sea Hill looked at the portraits of the Three Kings of Constellation and said with a smile,
"God bless Constellation. I miss this mansion so much — I used to come here often when it was still open, but I didn't know how to cherish it. Now that I'm old and don't have many chances, I'm nostalgic."
"I'm sure you'll like my gift. I've brought you many pearls from Splendor Harbor, spices, tea, and cloth from the Eastern Peninsula, and all sorts of good stuff. They're definitely better than those from South Coast Hill. You know, if we head east, the ocean currents and trade winds will be on our side …"
Compared to Zayen's insincere words and Koshder's harsh words, Duke Cullen's incessant chatter was probably unique in the kingdom. Unfortunately, it was all correct and well-spoken nonsense, and there was nothing one could say to refute or interrupt him.
In the past, Thales might have treated it as a routine business and sent it off with a gift.
But now …
Thales sighed and had to interrupt the plump duke's kind and gentle monologue.
"Just now, Administrator Jorge from Elaphure City wanted to introduce his lord's three daughters to me."
Duke Cullen's footsteps paused. The Sun Sword and Shield family emblem on his body trembled slightly.
"Daughters?"
He adjusted the string of inlaid jewels on his waist, but could not bear the weight. It looked like the precious belt was about to snap from his stomach.
"Three?"
Duke Cullen paused and looked at Thales from head to toe. He sighed deeply.
"It's good to be young …"
Thales smiled awkwardly.
But the old duke continued, his tone full of nostalgia.
"Back then, I also had three in one night …"
"The madam of a brothel — ahem, I mean, the mistress of Laurel Club wanted to add one more for the sake of her status and tips, but I refused. After all, Sunset has taught us that as nobles, we have to set an example, keep ourselves clean, and restrain ourselves …"
The old fatso's ability to change the topic was probably the best in Constellation.
"Of course, I'm still not as good as your father. It's said that he once fought thirty in one night in Red Street Market …"
Thales' face darkened as he listened.
He hurriedly interrupted.
"No, that's not what Elaphure City meant, and it's not three at once, it's all at once …"
The Duke of Eastern Sea was still looking at him with a smile.
The prince sighed and gave up on trying to explain the situation, which would only make things worse.
"About this news, about Elaphure City's marriage proposal, do you have anything else to say?"
Cullen froze for a moment and seemed to be thinking seriously.
A second later, he came to a realization.
"Oh!"
"I'm really sorry, my daughters have married and had children a long time ago, some of them are even grandmothers."
The Prime Minister looked regretful.
"As for my granddaughters, alright, I'll go back and count them … Hmm, I'll have to spend some time painting them, preferably a full-body one. I'll give you a list later … Whichever one you like, or which ones …"
Thales closed his eyes and sighed deeply.
When he opened his eyes again, the prince rudely interrupted the duke.
"Eckstedt's coastline is actually not short, and its maritime territories are even bordering ours.
"That includes Elaphure City."
Duke Cullen stopped in his tracks.
He patted his attendant's shoulder, and the latter bowed and retreated in a practiced manner.
Thales felt relieved.
There's hope.
"Whether it's Reformation Tower or the Glacier Sea, the former is limited by the Sighing Mountains, and the latter suffers from the frozen coast, both lack good ports.
"Only the Gadro Family of Elaphure City holds the only two Elaphure Harbors, which are connected to inland traffic and have hinterland towns, enough to support long-distance fleets …"
Thales slowly stated his main point.
"They have the qualifications and ability to sail the Sea of Eradication, and Constellation …"
Thales' eyes shifted, and his tone changed abruptly.
"To be precise, it's to share the huge profits of the Eastern Sea Route with the Seven Eastern Sea Ports under your command."
The Duke of Eastern Sea steadily straightened his back and smiled.
"Your geography lessons are not bad, huh?"
The Duke of Star Lake took a deep breath.
"For a century, because of Dragon Clouds City's unprecedented strength, Elaphure City has been under control everywhere. They yearn for the support of Heroic Spirit Palace, but fear the majesty of the king. They have always been content with their lot in Eckstedt, keeping a low profile and biding their time."
Cullen shook his head.
"There are benefits to growing up in Northland?"
Thales frowned.
Playing dumb.
But he had no choice.
He had to make the best use of today's meeting.
The prince chose to go straight to the point.
"But today, Archduke Gadro took the initiative to send someone to visit Eternal Star City and attend my banquet."
Cullen chuckled.
"To propose marriage to you as a sign of friendship?"
Thales shook his head.
"Their visit, including the childish marriage proposal, is mostly to put on a show and probe."
The Duke of Star Lake's eyes flashed.
"Waiting for the right price."
The Duke of Eastern Sea paused for a few seconds.
When the owner of the Sun Sword and Shield spoke again, his tone was less murky and slippery, replaced by vigilance and shrewdness.
"Waiting for the right price … Waiting for whose right price?"
Thales sucked in a deep breath and chose the most appropriate words to describe himself.
"Your Grace, you have ruled the Eastern Sea and operated Bay of Light for nearly half a century.
"I believe you know the answer better than anyone.
"I believe you know better than anyone what Elaphure City's actions mean today, and what the pros and cons are."
The Duke of Star Lake looked straight at Cullen.
The plump old duke was silent, the emotions in his shrewd eyes unclear.
After a long while, he slowly spoke.
"When King Nuven passed away, I didn't see them so anxious …"
But the next moment, Duke Cullen narrowed his eyes with a cunning look.
"So, Dragon Clouds City, who has been supplying them with supplies and reselling goods, and backing up their plundering at sea …"
"What's wrong?"
Thales sighed in his heart.
Damn that old fox.
Thales had no choice but to show him the answer expressionlessly.
"The Alliance of Freedom won."
"Lampard … might also win."
Duke Cullen stuck out his big belly and made an "aha" expression of realization.
Thales observed the other party's expression and revealed what he had learned.
"Without the strong support of Heroic Spirit Palace, Elaphure City has reverted to the original form of the Northland barbarians: no trade routes, and no way to plunder.
"More importantly, they have no king behind them, and no confidence in their hearts.
"Since the land route is blocked, the sea sails will surely sink."
Cullen frowned deeply.
Before King Nuven passed away, Dragon Clouds City had used an appropriate and lenient method, sometimes generous, sometimes strict, and sometimes generous. They had accumulated power by granting benefits, and restricted their power by increasing their power. They had subdued the self-righteous Elaphure City, which relied on the sea border's trade route, and did not dare to act rashly.
The latter was also full of ambivalence towards the Walton Family's rule: they coveted the king's strong support from the central government, but were worried about their independent status as a Northland port.
("Hmph, they want to beg with their faces swollen, but they don't even bother to offer a bowl. How can there be such a good thing in the world! That goatee doesn't have the confidence, and he's unwilling to accept it, so he can only use words like 'King of Dragon Clouds City' in his letter to mock us. Your grandfather only laughed after reading it, and then opened up more supplies for the guilty Elaphure City, and resold more goods, "Regent Lisban blurted out when he was explaining the history of Northland to the archduchess.)
But now, the strong support behind them had not only lost its king, but was also on the verge of collapse.
Thales was resolute.
"Elaphure City's business on the sea will be affected."
Duke Cullen did not speak.
But Thales took a step closer, smelling the duke's body full of exotic spices.
"So, you don't have to be merciful. When Archduke Gaddro is troubled by domestic politics, and hesitant …"
Thales' heart sank, and he silently recalled his intentions.
When they were hesitating about whether they should abandon Dragon Clouds City and turn to King Chapman …
When they were waiting for Constellation to react, and waiting for Black Sand Region to make an offer to rope them in …
The second prince said decisively,
"Take the initiative to strike first. Take back the maritime interests we lost after the Bloody Year due to the power of the nation, and the profits from the trade routes taken by the Northlanders' fleets …
"Take them all back."
Duke Cullen blinked his small eyes, looking amiable and confused.
"Prove to those Northlanders with holes in their foreheads, and those Northlanders who think they can sail just because they know how to row a boat: Who should be the boss of the Sea of Eradication."
Thales' gaze was firm.
He did not know how effective his words were today.
But if they saw even a trace of Eastern Sea Territory's mercenary attitude of adding insult to injury, then Elaphure City would soon understand:
Distant water cannot quench present thirst, it is not too late.
Even if the Dragon Spear is worn out, and the heroic spirit is dim …
But the help and support that King Nuven and Dragon Clouds City can give them, no matter how many King Chapman and Black Sand Region …
Cannot be exchanged.
"I believe that this is very much in line with the interests of Eastern Sea Territory."
Thinking of this, Thales looked solemnly at the Duke of Eastern Sea, and returned the greeting.
"The opportunity has come, God bless Constellation."
As soon as he finished.
The Duke of Eastern Sea stared blankly at the Duke of Star Lake.
He was a little surprised.
It was like meeting Thales for the first time.
After a while, the old duke pressed his waist quietly.
"Tsk tsk, take advantage of his weakness and kill him …
"You really hate the Northlanders, don't you?"
Hate the Northlanders.
Thales was slightly stunned.
He slowed down his pace.
Thales remembered the faces of the past: First, it was King Nuven who laughed and lured him into his trap, and then King Chapman who raised a glass at him with cold eyes.
There were several archdukes with prominent positions in Heroic Spirit Palace, each with ulterior motives.
And the Star Killer who beat him until his limbs were seriously injured, on the verge of death several times, and even left him with a permanent disability.
Thinking of this, Thales rotated his slightly blocked left wrist.
Fortunately, he ate with his right hand.
"Hmph, you know, in these six years …"
In a bad mood, Thales subconsciously ground his teeth.
"I really hate those … Northlanders who like to bully children."
The Duke of Eastern Sea was silent for a while.
For some reason, Cullen looked at him with a strange expression.
The duke even subconsciously glanced at Thales' buttocks.
After being noticed by Thales, Cullen coughed awkwardly and retracted his gaze.
"It's understandable, but …
"Maybe you should tell His Majesty about this?
"After all, Eastern Sea Hill is the throat of Constellation, and it concerns the entire kingdom."
Thales' heart sank.
He took a deep breath and chuckled.
"Yes, I should."
Thales looked at the innocent-looking Duke of Eastern Sea.
"But I'm just his son."
He said seriously,
"And you're his prime minister.
"And the governor of Port City, and the suzerain of the entire Eastern Sea Hill."
Duke Cullen was silent for a long time before replying.
But this time, he was no longer joking and acting as if it had nothing to do with him.
"Thank you for your reminder, I'll keep it in mind."
But the Duke of Eastern Sea's gaze shifted.
"But why? Why are you saying this? "
For …
Serving the kingdom?
Thales put away this lame reason and sighed in his heart.
"For repayment."
The graceful figure who stood up and protected the Prince of Constellation at all costs when the crowd was in a state of turmoil flashed before Thales' eyes.
He pulled his thoughts back to the present and smiled leisurely at the Duke of Eastern Sea.
"Thanks to you coming to your senses during the National Conference and voting for me, we are where we are today.
"This is my repayment."
Duke Cullen pursed his lips.
He suddenly came to his senses. These words …
"Be careful, Your Highness."
He still looked at Thales with a smile and patted the latter's shoulder as if he was looking at a beloved nephew.
"Mindis Hall is not like Renaissance Palace. The carpet here is very new, and every step …
"It's very slippery."
Thales was silent.
He thought of Little Rascal, whose whereabouts were unknown and whether she was dead or alive.
But in the next moment, what appeared in front of him was Madam Eleanor, who was leading her silly son into Mindis Hall despite the strange gazes that were directed at her.
Tiny iron thorns.
"But this is our family tradition, isn't it?"
Thales snapped out of his daze and said softly,
"Not to mention that the carpet is only slippery …"
He looked up.
"Even if there are thousands of iron thorns hidden beneath it …"
Thales smiled.
"I have to keep my composure too …"
"Walk calmly."
The Duke of Eastern Sea's eyes lit up.
Duke Cullen laughed and gestured for his attendants to come forward, but waved his hand to reject Thales's company.
"As for their marriage proposal, Your Highness, remember, even if it's the North …"
Duke Cullen strode away, unconcerned.
"Lust is still harmful."
Thales' heart sank when he heard the other person's words that seemed to imply something else.
Little Rascal.
He watched Duke Cullen's receding figure and was lost in thought.
'Now …
'The things I can do for you …'
'That's all I can do.'
"Wow, so that Northlander was serious when he said he wanted to introduce you to the Archduke's daughter?"
Doyle came forward and draped Thales' cloak over his shoulders.
Thales put on the cloak absent-mindedly and hummed.
Doyle pursed his lips.
"Your Highness, you know, there's a saying among the Seven Jadestar Attendants: never marry a Northlander woman."
Thales walked back slowly and asked in confusion.
"What's wrong?"
Doyle shrugged.
"It's said that the 'Wild Horse' Barney Family fell like this. Back then, the youngest son of the old lady, Little Iron Spike, stubbornly wanted to marry a Northlander woman. Little Iron Spike strongly objected, but to no avail. In the end, they removed him from the family tree and chased him out of the family. But the curse brought by this woman still implicated the family. Look at Barney now. "
Stubbornly wanted to marry a Northlander woman …
Implicated the family …
Look at Barney now …
Thales felt suffocated and said unhappily,
"Why don't you look at yourselves?"
Perhaps the prince's tone was too harsh, Doyle was shocked.
Glover took a step forward without batting an eyelid and pushed Doyle, who wanted to relieve the prince's boredom with a joke but was snubbed, behind him.
Could it be …
Doyle walked behind gloomily.
His Highness stayed in the North for six years and really took a fancy to a …
Northlander woman?
My God, what about the mission my father gave me?
As a miser, his stingy father had promised him a lot of pocket money this time!
At this moment, a low commotion came from outside the hall and attracted everyone's attention.
Thales turned to look and was shocked.
A lonely man without loyal attendants and only accompanied by vigilant guards slowly walked into the hall.
He was dressed in luxurious clothes and had an extraordinary presence.
But he was alone and looked lethargic.
Along with the man came the sound of metal clanking.
It was out of place in the elegant and luxurious Mindis Hall, and it was especially piercing to the ears.
The people who did not know what was going on discussed. The nobles who knew a little kept quiet out of fear, but they all subconsciously made way for the new guest.
Mallos received the report and hurried over from the inner hall, just in time to see this special guest.
The watchman frowned and looked at the slowly approaching guest. His gaze focused on the other party's hands.
There was a pair of dark-colored, floor-dragging chains locked there …
Shackles.
The guest raised his head, revealing a thin and weathered face and a beard that reached his chest.
He stared blankly at the brightly lit and bustling Mindis Hall.
Mallos quickly stepped forward and gestured for the guards to quickly bring him through the door to avoid the countless curious gazes. At the same time, he held down the penal officer, Gray Patterson, who led the guest in.
"Gray, what's going on …"
"He refused," Patterson answered hurriedly with a look of exasperation and helplessness.
"It didn't work no matter what we said. He insisted on attending the banquet in shackles."
The penal officer said fiercely,
"And that beard too …"
Mallos looked at the distracted guest and the headache-inducing shackles with a grave expression.
"Can't you be more forceful?"
Patterson shook his head awkwardly.
"His Majesty has instructed that he must not have any injuries on his face to attend the banquet."
"Very difficult."
Mallos snorted in displeasure.
"Cover him with a piece of cloth and lead him directly to his seat …"
"Send him back when the time is up."
Patterson nodded and turned to look at the new guest with a business-like attitude.
"Sir Val, welcome to Mindis Hall. Please follow me …"
But the silent new guest spoke at that moment.
"When your family was still prosperous, Tormond Mallos …"
Mallos' expression changed as he turned to face the guest.
The guest's voice was clearly majestic and deep, but his tone was like an old horse that had been sick for many years. It sounded old and lifeless.
"Your father once asked for the Arunde family's daughter's hand in marriage for you."
Mallos frowned slightly.
"He probably thought that Nolanur would eventually inherit the family business, and that my brother had a close personal relationship with the two princes. No matter who became king, the Duke of the Northern Territory would be in high demand. As for you, with the help of the duke's in-laws, your status among the Seven Jadestar Attendants would naturally be higher. "
As soon as he said that, the guards in charge of escorting the guest stiffened. They looked tentatively at their officer.
Mallos only paused for a moment before he put on a smile and looked politely at the strange guest.
The guest smiled sadly and raised his hands, causing the metal shackles and chains to ring again. Mixed with the faint cheerful music in his ears, it was like a touch of coldness was injected into a spring scene.
"Now … look at us.
"The family has become shackled prisoners." The man slowly raised his head and looked at Mallos, then at Mindis Hall. His lips moved, causing his gray beard to move.
"The family has become shackled guards."
'Shackled guards …'
Mallos furrowed his eyebrows and forced himself not to care about the other person's overtones.
"Your Grace, we have already arranged a seat for you in the banquet hall …"
But the guest's words were filled with authority that had been accumulated over the years. It seemed to always be able to interrupt him at the right time.
"You know, many years ago."
The man in luxurious clothes stared at the layout and furnishings of Mindis Hall in a daze.
"My brother is just like you. As a glorious Royal Guard, he once stood here and dutifully guarded this Virtuous Monarch's residence."
"And I passed by the garden countless times and watched that crazy girl run towards me."
The man put down the chains. His gaze was dazed.
"Now, Mindis Hall has reopened.
"But my brother is no longer there."
Mallos did not speak.
The man snorted softly and looked up at the statues of the Three Constellation Kings. The colors in his eyes grew stronger.
Mongrel king, wife king, bad debt king — the man thought and subconsciously curled up the corners of his lips.
But a few seconds later, the man's gaze turned cold.
"And he is not the only brother I have lost."
He looked at the Three Constellation Kings and said disdainfully,
"No."
Mallos was silent for a while before he finally exhaled and looked at his subordinates.
"Go through the side door and 'invite' His Grace into the banquet hall. Remember to keep a low profile. Of course, be 'polite' too."
His tone was cold and his gaze was stern.
Penal Officer Patterson understood his commanding officer's intention. Having had enough of being bullied along the way, he waved his hand. Two of the guards had cold expressions and were about to step forward to restrain the man.
But the man suddenly turned around, his hair and beard bristling!
"I am Arunde's descendant, the master of Cold Castle, the Guardian Duke of Constellation's Northern Territory!
"And I saw the old fatty's carriage. He entered from here! Upright and aboveboard! "
The authority he exuded in that instant made the people around him frown.
Arunde stared coldly at Mallos.
"If your master wants to prove to the kingdom that I am still breathing and that he is not ruthless, then at the very least, he should respect the position of a duke."
Mallos' gaze turned cold.
At that moment.
"Mallos!"
A young but gentle voice rang. Thales walked in from another side door and nodded at the watchman.
"I will do it.
"All of you may leave."
Patterson looked at Mallos warily.
Mallos paused for a moment and looked at Glover and Doyle behind Thales before nodding at Patterson.
"As you wish, Your Grace." The penal officer bowed to Thales and retreated to the side with the guards.
Thales exhaled and walked towards the new guest.
"Long time no see, Duke Val."
From the moment Thales appeared, the guest's gaze was locked on the young master of Mindis Hall.
He sized up the Duke of Star Lake's figure in a daze. He was first surprised, then relieved.
"So you are back."
Val Arunde, the Duke of Northern Territory who was imprisoned after his conspiracy was exposed six years ago, looked at the second prince with a complicated gaze.
"How is Eckstedt?"
'How is it?'
The prince looked at him and sighed slowly.
"Cruel wind and frost, but hard to shake."
Thales was also carefully sizing up Val. He could not help but notice that Val's once majestic figure had become much thinner and bearded.
For some reason, he suddenly remembered what Josef, who belonged to the Disaster Swords, said when he was still in the Prison of Bones.
"This is the effect imprisonment has on a person … no matter who you are, no matter how powerful you are.
"They are forever lost in the lonely void, never to return."
Thales' gaze focused in front of him.
In the past, the impassioned and heroic Duke of Northern Territory …
Was gone.
Val was silent for a few seconds.
"Lampard, how is he?"
'Lampard.'
Thales' heart sank.
Back then, how did Val feel when he met Chapman Lampard, who was only the Archduke of Black Sand Region, and worked together?
Six years later, the two of them were in completely different situations. What was he thinking?
"Cruel wind and frost," the prince said softly and answered word for word.
"Hard to shake."
After the strange question and answer, Val fell silent.
But then he chuckled softly and stepped forward, walking towards the banquet hall with ease.
Like a wanderer returning home.
Patterson and the guards belonging to the Discipline Division immediately followed.
But when Val reached Thales' side, he stopped.
Glover and Doyle nervously moved forward, trying to separate the duke and the prince, but were held down by Mallos again.
"Thank you."
Thales was slightly shocked.
The gaunt Duke of the Northern Territory did not even look at Thales.
He only whispered, "Someone told me.
"Six years ago, everything you did for my daughter in Eckstedtian territory."
In Eckstedtian territory …
Miranda?
Thales recalled the Night of Dragon's Blood and the cold swordswoman, and his heart was filled with emotion.
The imprisoned duke turned his head expressionlessly.
"But, please do me another favor."
Val's expression was gloomy.
"Don't marry her."
Thales was stunned.
"If you have no choice but to marry her."
Val snorted softly, like a desperate gambler who had seen through everything after losing all his chips.
"And don't plant a seed in her belly."
Thales blushed and immediately adjusted his expression.
"Mira, she was unfortunate in her early years."
Val looked at the ceiling and said desolately,
"I've seen enough of blood."
When Thales heard this, his expression froze.
A second later, Thales sighed in his heart as he looked at the Duke of Northern Territory, who was lonely and looked like an old man.
"I promise you."
Val smiled. He lowered his head, and a smile appeared on his wrinkled face.
"Thank you.
"You're different from him.
"You haven't … become him."
'Different from him.'
At that moment, Thales suddenly realized something.
He remembered that before they parted ways in Blade Fangs Camp, the former watchman of the Royal Guards, the Knight of Judgment, Zakriel had said something similar to him.
This made Thales, who had been welcoming people with a smile all night, realize that the thin, weathered man in front of him, who did not care about anything, might be the only person who would tell him the truth in this night filled with laughter and chatter.
"Perhaps."
Thales answered with a forced smile, hoping that his words could give some comfort to the man who had no hope in life.
But Val shook his head. His smile was desperate and sarcastic.
"Just like in the past, he also thought that he was different from the master of this place."
Thales' expression changed.
"What do you mean?"
Val did not answer him. He just turned his head.
He looked at the noise and liveliness outside the hall. He looked at the bustling Mindis Hall, where people came and went. It was as crowded as a marketplace.
"Do you see it?"
The Duke of Northern Territory looked at the magnificent scene in front of him and listened to the decadent music. Under the illumination of the dazzling Everlasting Lamp above his head, he seemed to see a different scene. He smiled and spoke after a long time.
"This scene …
"The magnificent scene of hell."
'Hell?'
Thales could not help but frown.
Val looked around with an infatuated look on his face.
"Some people are hypocritical and pretend that everything is peaceful; some hypnotize themselves and deceive others and themselves; some hide their indignation and force themselves to endure it; some see through the ways of the world and watch from the sidelines.
"Under the lights of the dark night, everyone pretends to be happy and harmonious."
His sneers gradually became louder, and there was a chilling tone to them.
"They don't know that they are already trapped.
"Adding oil to the fire."
Mallos let out a cough that was neither light nor heavy.
Thales' expression turned cold.
Recalling his experience after returning to Constellation, his heart felt inexplicably heavy.
He knew that his conversation with the Duke of Northern Territory was coming to an end.
Thales knew that he knew what the duke was trying to achieve by saying these words.
Just like so many others.
And he would not be easily swayed.
But …
Thales gritted his teeth.
Val lowered his head and sneered.
"Boy, you are very similar to me in the past."
Thales' heart skipped a beat.
"Similar? For example? "
"For example …" Val continued his words, his gaze was misty.
"For example, it seems that you have a deep relationship, have the same interests, and share honor and disgrace. It is the right time.
"In this life, you will never be enemies."
At the right time.
Thales could not help but think of what Viscount Patterson had said to him before.
"The kingdom is young, it is the right time.
"But only you know …"
Val's words became profound.
Like a traveler looking for his way in the fog, he could not see the future, and there was only emptiness.
"In front of you is a precipice.
"Behind you is a bottomless abyss."
At this moment, a considerable commotion and noise came from outside the hall again.
Everyone in the hall moved. Having expected it, they knew that they had to get ready to welcome the next important person.
However, this time, the sound of uniform footsteps, stern and stern orders, mixed with excited noises, all came at the same time, and it was impossible to distinguish them clearly …
Mallos was slightly puzzled, and then his expression changed.
Until a dignified and imposing order that could not be disobeyed came from afar like an oracle from heaven, and penetrated the wall.
"In the name of the Supreme King of Constellation, Kessel Jadestar —"
Thales' thoughts went blank.
The expressions of the people present all changed.
Many muffled sounds came from outside the hall.
"And in the name of the Supreme Queen, Keya Jadestar —"
The herald's voice echoed throughout the hall.
Whether it was the cheerful music in the banquet hall, the heated debate among the attendants in the corridor, or even the distant neighing of horses, all of them quieted down at this moment.
Everything was silent, and only the flickering lights could be heard.
"My subjects …"
The right to breathe was completely relinquished to that majestic voice.
"Your Majesty the King and Queen —"
"Salute!"
The messenger's voice came to an end.
But it echoed endlessly.
It could not be dispelled.
The next moment, Mallos, Patterson, Glover, Doyle …
Whether it was the royal guards, attendants, servants, nobles, bureaucrats, or ordinary civilians, everyone subconsciously adjusted their posture and held their breaths.
Everyone retreated to the side and made way. They solemnly and respectfully turned to look out of the hall.
They knelt on one knee.
Pressed their hands to their chests.
Hung their heads.
As if it was a natural instinct.
Unshakable.
Used to it.
Only Thales stood blankly under the Everlasting Lamp. Under the gaze of the Three Kings of Constellation, he looked out into the deep darkness outside the hall.
"And you have no way out."
Unknowingly, Duke Val's cold voice and the sound of shackles came from behind him at the same time, and drilled into his heart.
"You can only make the leap.
"Do your best."
The herald's order and the Duke of Northern Territory's voice lingered at the same time, intertwining endlessly.
Thales, whose mind was in a mess, took a deep breath.
A few seconds later, he took a step back with difficulty.
He knelt on one knee.
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