Glover and Doyle exhaled deeply.
For some reason, Thales also breathed a sigh of relief.
But Mallos changed the topic.
"But since we cannot reach an agreement, should we leave it to the captain or His Majesty to make a decision?"
Vogel grunted angrily.
"Enough."
He addressed them by their titles again.
"Watchman."
"Do you think that you can do whatever you want with Captain Adrian's indulgence?"
This time, Mallos was still calm and docile.
"No, I think you must have misunderstood something, sir. I was just saying … "
"I said." No matter how well-mannered Vogel was, he could not conceal his displeasure.
"Don't educate me."
Thales knew that he could no longer pretend to be dead.
"Erm, Lord Talon …"
"Perhaps you don't understand it very well." Thales turned his head and raised his glass as he happily inserted himself into their conversation.
"But honestly speaking, the number of people in this world who have a grudge against me, who have a conflict of interest with me, or who simply dislike me, can form a line from here to Dragon Clouds City."
Vogel looked at him. The coldness melted like ice and snow, leaving only a smile on his face.
"You are outstanding, Your Highness. Naturally, you will be hated and envied by petty people. You don't need to worry about it."
While Thales thought to himself, 'This guy's armor is even harder than mine,' he tried to smooth things over.
"Therefore, Lord Mallos' worries are not unreasonable."
"Of course, you're right. This banquet is very important."
"Why don't we both take a step back? Lord Mallos does not have to be radical and hastily interrupt the banquet, and you can investigate the hidden dangers in a more leisurely manner to ensure that nothing goes wrong."
Thales' smile was elegant, and his eyes were burning. The words "Give me some face" were written all over his face.
Mallos was silent for a moment before he bowed respectfully.
Vogel took a deep breath and suddenly smiled.
"Of course, Your Highness."
The atmosphere finally thawed.
Thales then turned around and exchanged greetings with the next bureaucrat who came to reminisce about the past ("Do you recognize me? I am the city gate officer who guarded the city gate on the day you went on a diplomatic mission …").
"That look, or the look you claim to have," Vogel adjusted his emotions and said softly,
"Is it against Prince Thales or His Majesty? Or is it someone else? "
"I don't know."
Vogel's gaze turned cold again.
Mallos narrowed his eyes.
"Because from the angle below, His Majesty and the others are also in this direction."
"I only know that it was a … man."
"Men?"
"That's great," Vogel said sarcastically as he looked at the crowd at the banquet, which was getting more and more unrestrained because of the alcohol.
"At least a quarter of our suspects are gone."
"So it's best to let His Majesty evacuate first …"
"Impossible," Vogel rejected flatly.
"Maybe your family has stayed away from politics for too long, Mallos, but do you think that banquets are only about having a meal?"
Mallos was stunned.
Vogel slowly raised his head.
At some point, the Blade King's Crusade Song had ended, and the background music had become long and majestic.
With the announcement of the Chief of Palace Staff, everyone shifted their attention to King Kessel's throne.
There, a few nobles who had come from afar knelt down sincerely, and one of them, an older man, was excitedly saying something.
The King nodded and comforted them with gentle words as he rose from his seat and walked towards them.
Thales felt his heart skip a beat.
King Kessel walked up to a young man kneeling on the ground.
The young noble straightened his back, raised his hands in excitement, and placed his palms in the king's hands.
King Kessel asked a few questions, and the young man answered them one by one.
Then, the King announced loudly to the four thrones that this person had inherited his father's glory and authority, and was officially a baron of a certain territory.
Thales had no choice but to raise his glass with the ministers to congratulate this grand occasion.
"It's the controversial illegitimate son of Blade Edge Hill. He actually bypassed the Duchess and came to the capital on his own to ask for a title and recognition …"
A whispered conversation at a long table was transmitted to Thales' hell's senses.
"Looks like His Majesty has made a decision. Duchess Lyanna must be very unhappy …"
"What nonsense, the Duchess and Renaissance Palace are of one mind …"
"Will his father's vassals obey?"
"That depends on the illegitimate son's methods …"
"They won't dare to disobey. Think about it, even His Majesty's heir is an illegitimate son raised by Lord Mahn …"
"Shh! It's fine if you drink too much, but don't talk too much! "
Thales' expression darkened.
Behind him, Vogel whispered to Mallos, "Did you see that?
Appearance, title conferment, audience, commendation, reward, reprimand … On this rare occasion, His Majesty has too many things to do.
"We can only ensure that he doesn't stray too far from his seat."
But Mallos was very dissatisfied.
"So during this period, there will be many people coming forward to interact with His Majesty at such a close distance." The watchman put down his glass and frowned.
"Whose idea was that? Are you crazy? "
Vogel scoffed.
"Don't push your luck, watchman.
"This was His Majesty's own decision — after he knew about the 'assassin' you saw."
Mallos choked.
Vogel snorted and looked in the direction of the King again.
"Look carefully."
Thales narrowed his eyes. The next noble came forward and knelt. The Chief of Palace Staff announced that this person was of noble birth and had sufficient merits. According to tradition, he was about to receive a gift from the King and become a royal knight of the kingdom.
King Kessel extended his arm. Behind him, two members of the Royal Guards came forward with a sword and a ribbon respectively.
Mallos' gaze froze.
"The person holding His Majesty's sword, that's …"
Thales hurriedly looked at the person holding the sword. It was a middle-aged guard who was not tall but had a stocky and kind demeanor.
"Chief Vanguard, Baron Stanley?"
Mallos said in surprise, "He's personally holding the sword for His Majesty's conferring ceremony?"
Glover, who belonged to the Vanguard Division, looked at Stanley and pursed his lips. He looked even more solemn.
Vogel snorted, seemingly dissatisfied with Mallos' slow reaction.
"There's also Chief Protector Bridge and Second Protector Marico. Their elite guards are already secretly in place, guarding the left and right sides."
Doyle's expression changed when he saw the people from the Vanguard Division, as if he remembered something unpleasant.
Vogel narrowed his eyes.
"Commander, Vanguard, and Protector. The core three wings of the Royal Guards are all here. The elites are all out. Everyone who comes forward is being closely watched. Assassins can't hide from more than thirty steps away."
Mallos' expression returned to normal.
Thales tried hard to search for something among the guests, but could not see anything. Only when he switched to hell's senses did he see dozens of different Powers of Eradication shining in the crowded banquet.
"If this is still not enough to reassure you …"
Vogel lowered his voice, but could not hide it from Thales' senses.
"His Majesty's secret protector, also known as the 'Royal Assassin', is also present."
No one noticed that the wine in the prince's hand spilled a few inches.
At that moment, Thales suddenly felt that the assassin hiding in the dark was no longer scary.
He raised his head and looked at the huge empty pillar. He looked at the shadow cast by the light, but he was no longer nervous.
"Coupled with Stanley and Marico's strength, no one can go against His Majesty," Vogel glanced at Thales.
"Or against the duke."
Mallos did not speak, but pursed his lips.
"As long as the nobles are safe, even if the assassin appears, we can react immediately and suppress it, turning it into a civil case of drunken misconduct or jealousy, a topic of conversation at the banquet."
Vogel scoffed.
"Of course, the premise is that the assassin exists.
"In addition to my men making inquiries, the Logistics Division and the Chief of Palace Staff are also checking the guest list, checking the guests' luggage and gifts, while the inner city police station is on the periphery, clearing out the area within a five-mile radius," the vice-captain spoke more assertively.
"It is reported that the Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Department is also mobilizing manpower to gather intelligence and try to find a suspect — if there really is one.
"There are even more people on the move, it can be said to be mustering a large force.
"Just because of your … 'maybe'."
Vogel stared at the watchman in displeasure.
Mallos was silent.
"See? As soon as he received your report, Captain Adrian led the entire guard team to respond and took adequate security measures.
"Don't make it sound like you're the only one dedicated to the country, and we're all villains who do nothing."
Doyle and Glover looked at each other.
At this moment, Mallos spoke slowly.
"This is … the captain's decision?"
Vogel glanced at him in displeasure, but did not deny it.
"I don't know why he trusts you so much, whether it's the watchman selection or this.
"Even if it's some bullshit like 'someone glanced at me'."
Thales could feel Mallos' breathing quickening.
"Of course, maybe he thinks you're born to be unlucky and attract trouble."
Vogel said sarcastically, "Be prepared to clean up the mess."
Mallos was silent for a moment. When the third person was conferred, he squeezed out a sentence.
"Thank you."
Vogel shook his head in disdain and turned to leave.
But he immediately turned back.
"Also, you'd better pray that the assassin is real, because if not …"
The vice-captain approached Mallos and said threateningly,
"You should know, watchman."
Vogel's gaze turned cold.
"You won't be the only unlucky one."
Mallos was as silent as ever, unmoved.
"See you later, Tormond. Goodnight, Your Highness. "
Vogel bowed respectfully to Thales and left discreetly, sticking close to the wall.
The Duke of Star Lake's dining table fell silent.
Thales exhaled and looked at the lettuce that he had unknowingly chopped into powder.
"See?"
Doyle, who finally dared to breathe, did not dare to look at his superior's expression. He shrugged at Thales.
"Bad guy."
Glover spoke cautiously.
"My Lord, since Renaissance Palace has taken action … then what we should do next …"
Mallos suddenly looked up!
"Gather everyone, set up the alarm and defense as usual," the watchman said with a dark expression.
"That's right, our colleagues in Renaissance Palace have taken action, but this is ultimately our territory."
Doyle and Glover exchanged glances.
Mallos turned around and looked at the curious Thales.
"We'll take care of ourselves."
Doyle and Zombie quickly left to carry out the order.
Thales and Mallos were left behind.
Fortunately, the conferment of the royal knights continued and attracted most of the attention. Fewer people came to visit the prince.
Thales stuck his head out and looked at Mallos, who had been frozen for a long time.
For some reason, looking at this personal guard captain who had always been unpredictable, Thales had an illusion:
He was in a good mood.
"So, your relationship with your superiors, especially the second-in-command of the guards …"
Thales looked at Vogel, who had returned to the king's side.
"Uh, not bad?"
Mallos tilted his head and looked at his' favorite 'Highness the Duke.
"In life, there are always things you don't want to do, but have to do," Mallos' expression did not change, as if he did not hear Thales' sarcasm.
"We call them — 'work'."
Thales snorted strangely.
"Just like your 'work' under my hands?"
"I didn't say that."
Thales was silent for a while, then forced a polite smile, "Alright."
'But that's what you think, right?'
He lowered his head and continued to work on the lettuce.
"But …"
Thales watched as the next royal knight kissed his father's ring excitedly, "Just now, the 'bad guy' said, your …"
"Pampered Squad?"
"What do you mean?"
Mallos looked up.
Thales looked at him and blinked.
"We may have an assassin hiding among the guests," the watchman said coldly, "But you're taking it easy."
"My favorite Highness the Duke?"
"Oh, my favorite personal guard captain," Thales looked at him thoughtfully and shook the fork in his hand like a pointer, deliberately acting like an elder who had gone through the vicissitudes of life.
"If you grew up like me, and experienced what I went through …"
Mallos looked back at him and frowned.
Thales shrugged and tapped the plate with his fork, his expression joyful.
"Hmm, this lettuce tastes good."
Mallos snorted and turned his head away.
Just as Thales thought this guy was as stubborn as ever and could not resist teasing, Mallos spoke.
"Doyle and Zombie, and the others.
"They did not join your guards without a reason."
Mallos looked at Guard Captain Adrian, who was next to the king from afar.
"The Doyle family has been away from power for a long time, unwilling to be just a rich man. They racked their brains to seek the king's favor, but failed to return to the center of the Seven Jadestar Attendants.
"The master of the Glover family holds an important position in the treasury. He serves the king loyally and trembles in fear. He wishes that he could stay away from all those with ulterior motives to show that he is noble, pure, loyal, and pure."
Thales' expression froze slightly.
"In the capital, family background is not only a bargaining chip to ride the wind, but also a burden that binds one's hands and feet."
Mallos' words were filled with the vicissitudes of life.
"It all depends on your choice."
Thales was silent for a while.
A bargaining chip to ride the wind, a burden that binds one's hands and feet.
His gaze shifted to the nine-pointed star pattern on his cuff.
"Lord Mallos," Thales said faintly.
"I was thinking that perhaps you should come for etiquette lessons, and let Madam Jines continue to guide me in martial arts?
"More than I could wish for.
"Unfortunately, the king's orders cannot be disobeyed," Mallos replied with a light snort. This made Thales even more certain that he was in a good mood.
Thales did not want to let go of this opportunity.
"What about you?"
The prince moved his eyes.
"Why did you join my guards, and even become the leader?"
Mallos paused for a moment.
"You know."
Mallos glanced at him from the corner of his eyes. He was as indifferent as ever.
"Work."
Thales twitched his eyebrows.
'Damn, so that's what you're thinking.'
"Then, when will you introduce your family to me?"
Thales said as if he was not paying attention.
"Let's see what 'Razor' Mallos Family, who is qualified to marry the princess, wants.
"Are they your burden, or bargaining chips?"
At that moment, Thales could not help but tremble.
'Just now, the Sin of Hell's River seemed to have … jumped?'
Thales looked up in surprise. Mallos' posture remained the same, and he looked at him with a frown.
"What's wrong?"
Thales looked at him and smiled awkwardly.
"I did not mention the grudge between you and my aunt. Alright, I'll mention it now."
Mallos frowned.
Thales shrugged and teased him in a tentative manner.
"So, am I still the Duke you like the most?"
Mallos stared at him for a long time. It was not a normal stare, it was the kind that made Thales' hair stand on end. In horror movies in his previous life, ghosts would unknowingly appear in the scene and "stare" at the protagonist.
Just as Thales could not help but turn his head back, Mallos spoke.
"Another day, Your Highness."
Thales was puzzled.
"Another day?"
Mallos nodded and regained his composure.
"Another day, I can take you to the East Mountain Cemetery on the Awen Hill outside the eastern district."
"To introduce my family to you."
"Sure …" Thales agreed readily, but immediately felt that it was inappropriate.
"Wait, did you say, cemetery?"
Mallos nodded and smiled in a refreshing and natural manner.
"Yes."
"My grandparents, parents, uncles, brothers and sisters …"
Mallos' voice was rather deep. Coupled with his smiling gaze, Thales felt a little creeped out.
"In the Mallos Family, all my blood relatives that can be found in the genealogy."
"Everyone."
"They're buried there."
Mallos' tone was very calm.
It was as if he was talking about someone else.
Except that he kept staring at Thales, unblinking.
"Shall I introduce you to each other?"
Thales chuckled and turned around stiffly.
"Hehe, that, you know …"
The prince pushed his plate and said awkwardly,
"This lettuce is really good."
Thales knew that the watchman's good mood ended there.
Just like his luck that night.
Because ten minutes later, a man came uninvited and sat down next to Thales, smiling at him.
"Do you remember the first time we met?"
"It's quite a coincidence. At that time, I happened to meet you being chased by an assassin and happened to save your life … Now that I think about it, maybe it's fate?"
Thales looked at the man helplessly. He waved at Mallos, who was looking over, to indicate that everything was normal, and asked him to calm down the Star Lake Guards who were on guard around them.
Why this guy …
Of all times …
"I'm a little busy, I don't have time to reminisce about the past and the present."
The prince did not hold back and called him by name.
"Zayen."
However, the master of Iris Flowers, the Duke of South Coast, Zayen Covendier raised his glass at him and smiled.
"Is that so? That's a pity."
"I thought that you, who have gone through so many life-threatening situations, would be particularly concerned about the current situation of your former enemy — I just got the information recently."
Thales was stunned.
"Former enemy?"
Zayen, he mentioned the assassination when we first met …
And the enemy who tried to assassinate me …
Thales subconsciously looked at Duke Arunde.
"Oh, no, not the Duke of the Northern Territory, and it's clear what his current situation is," Duke Zayen put down his glass, his eyes shining.
"I'm talking about that cunning, unpredictable, crazy and vicious …"
Thales was stunned.
"He has nothing, and is a fugitive …"
Zayen spoke softly.
"Yet, he still managed to catch you and me off guard with just a wave of his hand, causing us to be disgraced …"
The duke snorted coldly.
"Lady Serena Corleone."
Thales was confused for a second, followed by a daze.
Se …
In an instant, a sudden sense of unfamiliarity and long-lost familiarity struck him at the same time.
Serena …
Thales' expression changed slightly.
A blood vessel on his neck began to ache, just like it had many years ago.
Zayen deftly turned the glass in his hand and was also slightly lost in thought.
"What do you think, Your Highness, about this name …"
At that moment, the Duke of Iris Flowers' gaze was filled with dread and coldness.
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