"Anker Byrael!"
Amidst the chaos, Thales' voice rang out clearly, echoing throughout the hall.
The duke's words carried a lot of weight. The entire banquet hall fell silent.
Anker's longsword stopped at Old Doyle's neck, leaving the baron panting nervously.
Thales pushed away Mallos, who subconsciously tried to stop him, stepped out from the crowd, and spoke from the seat second only to the king.
"Your words, your story, your experience, the entire Mindis Hall has heard it."
His tone was stern.
"Isn't that enough?"
Anker looked up, and for the first time, met the heir of the kingdom's gaze without interference or hindrance.
"So, Your Highness, are you going to be like everyone else, using perfectly valid reasons and excuses to obstruct the justice you deserve?
"So, your past, your reputation, including your opening speech just now, are all lies?"
Mallos and Vogel looked at each other, exchanging only worry and apprehension.
Thales could feel that at that moment, everyone's gazes were focused on him without the slightest scruple.
Whether it was guardian dukes like Zayen, Koshder, Val.
Seven Jadestar Attendants and Central Territory dignitaries like Viscount Adrian and Lady Eleanor.
Or the king's loyalists and new nobles like Count Godwin and Viscount Kenney.
And all kinds of conscripts, officials, chiefs, and other distinguished guests from all walks of life.
Their gazes were like boulders weighing down on his vocal cords.
It was as if they were trying to cancel out the respect and reverence he received throughout the banquet.
Damn it.
"I'm not a judge, I have no right to define justice."
Thales looked at the pair of eyes filled with determination and death, and frowned.
"But what you've done today is already shocking enough."
"But you're only blocking your way out."
Anker breathed absentmindedly.
"Killing and taking lives might make people listen."
Thales glanced around and tried to stabilize his voice, which was still undergoing puberty.
"But if the audience is only here for novelty, there's no benefit in listening."
The crowd buzzed.
"And abandon yourself to depravity!"
Thales said loudly,
"Even if you can avoid suffering for a while, the outcome is bound to be miserable and regretful."
Anker turned his head and looked at Old Doyle, who was trembling under his sword.
He smiled.
"Your Highness, your words are as sharp as the rumors say. I can't refute you."
"No wonder he could protect Constellation's dignity and interests in the barbaric and dangerous Northland."
Anker's gaze sharpened.
"But I'm not here to listen to your lecture."
"What I've come for is revenge."
"Then trust me. Put down your weapons and wait for a fair judgment." Thales tried hard to maintain the dignity of the Duke of Star Lake.
"There's no need to resort to private punishment and harm more lives."
He said sternly,
"Revenge without justice is no different from despicable murder."
Behind him, Vogel and Mallos were conversing, but Thales could not hear them clearly.
Anker subconsciously looked around, looking a little lost amidst the chatter of the banquet guests.
Until he looked at the Duke again, casting a questioning gaze at the latter.
"Murder."
Anker stared at Thales and was distracted for a moment.
"Murder? Justice? "
He gritted his teeth and his voice trembled.
"No, Your Highness Thales, no.
"My father held his weapon tightly in his arms, filled with remorse for his ancestors and his bloodline. He died on his sickbed, in his ancestral land. I didn't even have the time to bury him. I had to travel thousands of miles to find him, and only today can I stand before you."
He roared.
"That's murder!"
"Where's his justice?"
Under his sword, Baron Doyle interrupted with a trembling voice.
"I didn't do anything. Your father died of his own illness …"
Anker turned his head abruptly, frightening the baron back into his stomach.
"After you took everything away from him!"
"After you used despicable methods to make use of merchants," Anker shouted at the top of his lungs.
"After you forced him into a dead end!"
Thales reached down and stopped Mallos from sending someone to pull him back into the group.
Anker roared.
"Everyone, open your eyes and see. How is this trap and humiliation any different from murder!"
The crowd erupted.
The chatter became more chaotic, but the focus of the discussion was different.
Baron Doyle trembled. Seeing that the situation was unfavorable, he struggled to speak.
"Your father had no money, so I lent it. He mortgaged his land, so I accepted it …"
Doyle, on the other hand, watched nervously as his father defended himself under Glover's restraint.
"Your people had no work to do, no food to eat, so I hired laborers and paid them wages. What's wrong with that?
"This is the suzerains' normal operation. You should open your eyes and see how many years it's been …"
Old Doyle closed his eyes, trying not to look at the sword that terrified him.
"The entire kingdom, from the center to the blade, be it the East Sea or the South Coast …
"How is it not so?"
As soon as he said that, the crowd broke into an uproar.
Count Godwin tried his best to maintain order, but with little success.
Thales frowned.
And Anker, who held the baron's life in his hands, was even more furious.
"Damn it, Western Desert is not!"
His roar shook the entire Mindis Hall.
"Crow Caw City, where I was born and raised, is not!"
The noise from the guests grew louder and louder. The guards had to work harder to separate the people who were standing closer and closer.
Until, at the dukes' table in the distance, Koshder Nanchester opened his single, sharp eye.
"Neither is the Land of Cliffs."
He looked at the shackled Val Arunde, who was still drinking by himself under the strict guard of the royal guards. He was obviously in a good mood.
"And the Northern Territory."
The One-Eyed Dragon Duke let out a long sigh. His words reached everyone's ears.
"In the past, the entire kingdom, was not."
The Seven Jadestar Attendants had different expressions. Duke Zayen raised his eyebrows, looking amused.
Thales clenched his fists and glared at the ruler of the Land of Cliffs, who was fanning the flames.
But Koshder only looked at him from afar and shook his head slightly.
This made Thales feel puzzled.
The guests' discussion slowly quieted down, leaving behind an indescribable sense of solemnity and caution.
Encouraged, Anker's eyes rekindled with hope.
"That's right!"
Young Byrael clasped the baron's shoulder and pointed the tip of his sword at the top of his head.
"Don't all of you feel the same way about this!"
Seeing that he had caused trouble, Baron Doyle had no choice but to shut up.
"Damn it, he came prepared."
At the back, Vogel watched the changes in the guests' expressions and was exasperated.
"He turned this case into a confrontation between His Majesty and Western Desert, between the central government and the local government."
But Mallos only shook his head.
Thales knew that he could not allow the situation to develop. His rebuke echoed throughout the hall.
"Then prove it!
"Anker Byrael, if you think you're doing the right thing, then prove it to me: You're here for justice for your father, and not just for momentary pleasure and self-satisfaction."
Anker looked at the Duke of Star Lake again.
"Pleasure and satisfaction?"
The hostage-taker took a deep breath.
"I'm here because I believe in you, Your Highness."
Thales had a thought and said cautiously,
"Me?"
Anker put on a respectful expression and knelt on one knee, but his left hand did not leave Baron Doyle's shoulder blade.
"Personally, Your Highness.
"Your adoptive father, Lord Mahn, was born in Western Desert and served His Majesty loyally for many years.
"My father and him were schoolmates and fought side by side in the Desert War. Our friendship runs deep."
Thales' breathing stopped.
"And the Byrael family once risked their lives for you, opening the way for your return.
"You quelled the war in Blade Fangs Dune, and your reputation spread throughout Western Desert, becoming a legend."
Anker's eyes were bright.
"The Legendary Wing served by your side, the Four-Eyed Skull gifted you a treasured sword, the Kroma family sent you a thousand troops, and even the famous Black Lion of Brave Souls Fort traveled a thousand miles to lead the way for you."
The guests started discussing again. It was the first time many of them had heard such "first-hand" information.
Thales' expression did not change, but he sighed internally.
He just realized that the weight of the treasured sword gifted by Fakenhaz was indeed extraordinary.
"Officially, Your Highness.
"You left the country for six years and went north as a hostage, sacrificing yourself to protect the people.
"When you defended the dignity of the kingdom, the Northland barbarians dared not oppose you."
As Thales listened to these words and felt the gazes of countless people back and forth between him and Anker, he felt very uncomfortable.
"You personally experienced the perils and witnessed the most legendary succession of Eckstedt's throne.
"The Northland barbarians see you as an enemy, but the Constellatiates worship you as a hero."
Anker became more agitated as he spoke, and his voice became hoarse in the end.
"Your Highness, your glorious deeds in Northland prove that you are a rare new trend in the kingdom — you are the last hot-blooded hero of the great empire in this inherited kingdom.
"Everyone is looking forward to your return.
"Including me.
"And my father."
As soon as he said that, discussions broke out again.
But the smart ones kept their mouths shut and remained silent.
The only consensus was that everyone was looking at the Duke of Star Lake.
In a place where no one could see, Thales clenched his fists.
In Eckstedt, in Dragon Clouds City, he was living under someone else's roof. The Northlanders looked at him with either hatred and hostility, or vigilance and disdain due to proper etiquette. Nicholas was a representative of the former, Regent Lisban was a manifestation of the latter, and the officials of Dragon Clouds City were even more unbridled.
That was not a good feeling.
In the past six years, Thales preferred to stay alone in the library, or in a corner of Heroic Spirit Palace, reading, sleeping, or even in a daze. Even Wya was sent twenty meters away.
He used to think that was bad enough.
But.
At this very moment, when Thales stood in Mindis Hall, on his own soil, facing his compatriots, feeling countless gazes mixed with anticipation, admiration, caution, and even probing …
"No."
Vogel vaguely sensed the severity of the problem.
He said in a low voice, "His Highness is the heir to the throne, belongs to the Jadestar Royal Family, and is the representative of Renaissance Palace.
"But he is not His Majesty, not the king, not the official ruler of the kingdom."
Mallos first nodded, then shook his head.
"But he is the master of Mindis Hall, the Duke of Star Lake who has the power to assist in state affairs.
"And he has just returned to the kingdom. He is famous, yet has no foundation and is easily manipulated."
The vigilance in the watchman's eyes increased.
"That's why they came for him."
The vice-captain turned his head.
"Them?"
Mallos did not speak.
Listening to their private conversation, Thales became even more solemn.
"Duke Thales!"
Anker's gaze was solemn as he raised his voice.
"This man under my sword, and his accomplices …"
He stretched out his short sword and forced the old baron, who had just taken the opportunity to catch his breath.
"They violated the 'Sacred Constellation Covenant' signed by 'Black Eye' John the Second in Year 50 of the Calendar of Eradication, and set up a conspiracy to murder a hereditary noble with the title of baron!"
Thales' eyebrows twitched!
"They violated the 'Absolute Law' set by 'Jackal' Sumer the Third in Year 340, and privately conferred with each other outside of the legitimate Byrael family. One official has many masters!"
Facing hundreds of people, Anker said angrily,
"They ignored the 'Creditor' Alan the Third's' King's Tax Law 'in Year 414, and went behind the king and suzerains' back to conceal their production and evade tax!"
'Sacred Constellation Covenant', 'Absolute Law', 'King's Tax Law' …
Thales clenched his fists.
Damn it, he only knew the names of some of these laws, while Gilbert had yet to teach him about some of them.
Amidst the discussion, Vogel looked displeased.
"The situation is clear. They really came prepared."
He took a step forward and whispered behind Thales,
"Your Highness, no matter what he says, you must take a stand now, and stand in line with His Majesty and Renaissance Palace …"
But Mallos was expressionless as he cut him off.
"No."
Vogel looked back in surprise.
On the other side, Anker's voice continued to reverberate through the hall.
"They violated the 'Virtuous King' Mindis the Third's' General Rules for the Selection of Officials' in Year 512, disrespected local customs, interfered with town autonomy, and bribed the servants of the king!"
He stared intently at the composed Duke of Star Lake.
"They disobeyed the 'Land Measurement Order' issued by your grandfather, 'King of Changzhi' Aydi the Second in Year 655, rented land in other places, transferred privately, and tarnished the sacred fiefdom!
"They even openly flouted the 'State of Emergency Control Order' passed by your father eleven years ago for the Desert War, which is still in effect at the border, and illegally smuggled Western Desert's strategic foodstuffs out of the country, and resold them to the desert and Eckstedt!"
Baron Doyle's expression grew increasingly grim, his face full of disbelief.
'General Rules for the Selection of Officials', 'Land Measurement Order', 'State of Emergency Control Order' …
Faced with the increasingly noisy crowd, Thales had a bad feeling.
This had far exceeded the knowledge he had crammed for the past few months.
Behind the prince, Mallos' voice rang softly.
"Doyle is one of the Seven Jadestar Attendants under Renaissance Palace, and Byrael is a local vassal under Fakenhaz.
"Doyle is a deep-rooted old noble with a long history," the watchman's expression was indifferent, but his tone was solemn.
"Byrael is a new noble who rose to power through war, just over a hundred years old."
Vogel's gaze flickered.
"Doyle used the merchant's style, resorted to new methods such as market contracts, annexed land, and changed ownership …" Mallos continued.
"And Byrael invoked the 'Land Measurement Order' and other royal decrees to defend himself, only to protect his old fiefdom and maintain the old legal system."
Vogel reacted. He looked at Mallos in disbelief.
Mallos looked back at him and nodded.
"Doyle is far away from the political center, and only tried to curry favor with the royal family after His Highness Thales returned to the country.
"And Byrael boldly bypassed the Duke of Western Desert, entered Eternal Star City, and asked the central government of the kingdom to adjudicate local affairs."
After the royal guards thought it through, their expressions changed drastically. Mallos sighed softly.
"Can you imagine how many people, how many things, and how much stake are involved in this?
"Who represents the central government, and who represents the local government? Who is the new order, and who is the old legal system? Who is upholding the royal government, and who is subverting the kingdom?
"Can anyone say for sure?"
Mallos looked towards Anker, who was standing in the middle of the hall, loudly listing the crimes of his enemies.
"This is no longer as simple as choosing one of the two.
"New and old, monarch and vassal, father and son, central and local government, financial and local laws, governing methods, countless factors are involved, constantly intertwined. It's not something that can be resolved by choosing a side."
As Thales listened to his personal guard captain, he felt his body stiffen.
"Any choice and solution are mutually beneficial and difficult to be perfect. Just like flour and sand mixed together, you can't possibly keep it pure and single out one.
"This is politics that's more typical than typical."
The watchman's face was once again covered in solemnity, no longer calm.
"Those who set this trap, no matter who they are," Mallos said softly.
"They're all ruthless characters."
In the middle of the hall, amidst the mess, Anker slowly got up and stood upright.
It was as if, at that moment, he was the master of the entire hall.
"Everyone, their evil intentions are unforgivable, their crimes are intolerable, their actions have shaken the rule of the throne and the foundation of the kingdom!"
The hostage-taker paused for a moment and turned to stare at Thales.
"But you're right, Your Highness."
Anker retracted the despair and defeat in his eyes, replacing it with determination and decisiveness.
"Don't worry, I won't commit murder at your banquet," Anker removed the tip of his sword from the old baron's shoulder, allowing the latter to breathe a sigh of relief.
"That's not the Byrael family's teachings."
Thales said solemnly.
"Then what are you doing?
"What else do you want?"
"I said, Your Highness," Anker smiled as if he had seen through the ways of the world.
"Revenge.
"Or as you put it, justice."
Thales' heart skipped a beat.
Behind him, Mallos turned his head anxiously.
"Has the messenger we sent to Renaissance Palace reported back? Prime Minister Cullen? Count Caso? Or Sir Kirkirk Mann? Any of the important figures in the Imperial Conference? In the current situation, they can only endorse and make decisions … "
The guards looked at each other. Only Vogel shook his head gloomily.
"Count Caso left early due to his alcohol tolerance, the Minister of Finance followed suit, and the Prime Minister was one of the first to leave.
"Besides …"
Even if His Majesty was here …
Vogel shut his mouth and kept his next words to himself.
"I can't just listen to your side of the story and make a hasty judgment here," Thales said with difficulty.
While maintaining the dignity of the royal family and the dignity of a duke, he also took into account Anker's emotions, hoping that he would not slit his throat in a fit of anger.
"All I see is you …"
Anker looked up abruptly and interrupted him.
"No need, Your Highness, no need."
His smile became bright and open, like a lost traveler who had found a way out in the desert.
"I know, I understand. You are in a high position, you have many scruples, and you bear the hopes of the entire kingdom. I cannot and will not force you to stand up for me, and put you in a dilemma, with many parties to blame."
Anker lowered his head and looked at the old baron, who did not even dare to breathe loudly, with a look of hatred on his face.
"But I also know that this person has deep connections, and has eyes and ears everywhere, while I am but an ordinary man with a single sword.
"Once I leave this hall, all hope will be lost," he said with a bitter smile. His words were filled with deep helplessness and clarity.
"When it comes to delving into the laws, weighing the pros and cons, and playing political games, how can I win against this bunch of sly old foxes?"
Amidst the discussions and gazes of the crowd, Thales gritted his teeth.
"So there's no need to trouble others, involve all parties, or be in a dilemma, Your Highness."
Anker looked at the short sword in his hand, slightly lost in thought.
"I just need to be simple, clear, and straightforward, end our feud."
He looked up at Thales, his eyes full of longing.
"Just like what you did."
Thales reached out for the arm of the chair, but in his shock, grabbed nothing.
No.
But it was too late.
"Your Highness, I beg of you. Please allow me, Anker Byrael of Crow Caw City. "
Anker spoke harshly and bellowed,
"Allow me to follow in your footsteps, emulate your deeds, and recreate your legend!"
His footsteps, his deeds, his legend …
Thales stared incredulously at the fanatical Anker.
No.
"Please allow me to awaken the ancient legal tradition of the Age of the Empire, follow the grand and heroic ancient customs of the Rudollians, and rewrite your epic journey in Eckstedt …
"Allow me to Doyle of Mirror River, to this despicable scum of the nobility who killed my father and stole my home …"
At that moment, Thales' palms went cold.
Anker threw away his cumbersome coat, pointed his sword at the ceiling, and his voice shook the pillars, causing the Everlasting Lamp to flicker.
"Issue a challenge."
For a moment, the hall was dead silent.
Anker's gaze was sharp, and he was unprecedentedly high-spirited.
"Let us, here, in the reopened Mindis Hall eighteen years later, complete a great and glorious, fair and just … between nobles, between families, between nobles, between families …"
"A duel to the death."
Thales' heart was empty, his face expressionless.
"What the —" Before Vogel could ask his incredulous question, the crowd erupted in a buzz!
In the span of a few seconds, the discussion reached its peak.
Shock and dissatisfaction intertwined and were indistinguishable.
"That's too much …"
"The barbaric customs of the Northlanders? Are you kidding? "
"But I heard that it's a tradition originating from the Empire …"
"So the rumor is true? His Highness once challenged King Nuven? "
"As a witness, His Highness witnessed King Nuven taking revenge on an archduke, it should be true …"
"What about King Nuven himself? Was he defeated by King Chapman in a duel? Did His Highness witness it too? "
In the crowd, Jorge of Elaphure City squeezed past two guests who were blocking his way with his size advantage, and with a fanatical expression, he raised his arms and roared, fanning the flames.
"Alright, a duel! If you have the guts, f * ck him up! Long live the Empire, long live! "
He ignored the angry glares of the Constellatiates around him.
But the guests' discussion did not stop for a moment, "I think it makes sense … Revenge and reputation, I'd do the same if I were him …"
"What a joke! Then you bastard seduced my daughter, wouldn't I be able to challenge you to a duel to the death for revenge? "
"Why do you still remember this? Aren't we friends? Aren't our families old friends? What's there to talk about …"
"Old friends? How? Will you hand over my daughter? Bah! "
"Hey, do you think I don't know that when my father passed away, you and my mother were in the study …"
"Shut up! Bastard! Come on, a duel to the death! "
"Ah, no, this is too barbaric! I'm just a lady, I can't stand it anymore. Bart, I'm going home. Uncle, Gages, remember to tell me the result of the duel … "
"Alright, niece. At your age, you should take care of your health. I'll visit you another day …"
"Bastard! You're not allowed to say another word to my daughter! "
Even though the Constellatiate nobles were known for their restraint and respect, Mindis Hall was still in chaos.
The guards had to divide their energy to be vigilant against the hostage-taker, and at the same time, to persuade and suppress the noisy crowd of guests who still refused to leave.
"Your Highness, please bear witness to me with the entire kingdom."
Anker exhaled slowly, his expression relaxed, as if he had finally completed a difficult task.
"Witnessing bravery and passion is not exclusive to Northlanders.
"Witnessing justice in the hearts of men, and revenge is a matter of course."
On the steps, Thales tried his best to regulate his breathing, his head aching.
He felt mentally exhausted and mentally drained.
The duke's voice rang with difficulty, "Your request is not in line with Constellation's tradition …
"But you have a precedent!
"So, Your Highness, this is not murder — as long as it is with your permission, approval, and even witness, it is not murder."
Anker's voice seemed to come from the sky, full of hope and anticipation.
"But you witnessed it with your own eyes in Eckstedt, it was you who set an example in front of the Born King, it was the courage and qualifications you relied on to become famous, it was the method you used to protect the dignity of Constellation and the safety of the kingdom, it was a method that has existed since ancient times and could not be more justified —"
Anker gritted his teeth.
"Blood vengeance!
"As you said, if there is a second way, I do not want to commit murder. Your Highness, please don't make me do that. "
Thales turned his head mechanically and looked at the old baron, who could no longer speak.
"No, Your Highness!"
Behind him, Doyle struggled to break free from Glover's restraints and knelt beside Thales, speaking in a panic.
"My father, he's old, he can't …"
"If you think it's unfair," Anker raised his voice and looked at Doyle eagerly, full of provocation,
"Then let the other Doyle — the son of this old varmint fight for his family and name, and fight me. He's skilled, this will be a fair and exciting duel. "
He gritted his teeth with cold eyes.
"Until life and death is decided."
Anker took a deep breath and raised his short sword.
"After that, if I am still alive, I will surrender and accept all the punishment I deserve.
"I will not go back on my word."
Doyle was shocked and furious. He stared at the opponent who had forced his father and his family into a corner.
"Your Highness, I can …"
Doyle subconsciously reached for his weapon, but was held down by Mallos and pushed back to his colleagues.
"We were wrong again. This assassination," the watchman's expression was grim, "was indeed directed at Your Highness.
"In another way."
Vogel's brows were heavy. He stared at the spoiler of the banquet, deep in thought.
The crowd's discussion grew louder.
Thales stood alone and powerless on the spot, enduring everyone's gazes.
There were the observing gazes of a few dukes. Some were waiting for a good show, some were deep in thought, and some were indifferent.
There were also the gazes of the Seven Jadestar Attendants. Most of them were solemnly and anxiously waiting for the prince's reaction. There was anticipation and vigilance;
There were also the gazes of the others.
But Thales was no longer in the mood to distinguish.
At this moment, the conversation between him and Jines not long ago rang in his mind.
"So? They can still eat me? "
"No."
"But they will tear you apart."
"Even if I am the king's son, the heir to the kingdom?"
Thales pressed his forehead.
"That's right."
[That's why they're gentle and courteous …]
"Tear you apart."
'Tear me apart …'
Amidst the endless noise, the prince inhaled absentmindedly, closed his eyes and sighed.
"So, please bear witness to our duel, Your Highness."
Anker faced death calmly, but he was overwhelmed with emotions.
"Just like what you experienced in Eckstedt as the Prince of Constellation."
He said with relief and satisfaction,
"After that, I will have no regrets no matter what the outcome is."
Anker Byrael, the man who single-handedly disrupted the banquet of Thales' return, took a deep breath and his voice pierced through the crowd.
"Because I believe that you are the hope of this kingdom.
"If the present and the past cannot be changed, at least in the future, you will definitely be better than your father …"
Anker's eyes were bright. His voice was unique and clear amidst the incessant chatter.
"Better."
At that moment, it was as if Mindis Hall was a well-trained performance team, and a conductor had just made a gesture, causing the noisy chatter in the hall to disappear.
Mallos closed his eyes deeply. 'Oh no.'
"I believe, just like many people believe, that you will be better than him …"
Anker took a step forward, looked at everyone, and raised his voice.
"King of Constellation."
Thales tensed up!
In the span of a few seconds, from dukes to counts, from guests to guards.
No one dared to speak. No one even dared to breathe loudly.
Everyone fell silent.
In the next second, the chatter started again.
But it had completely lost its previous arrogance and ease of watching a good show.
They became restrained and nervous, like a low, heart-wrenching whisper.
Heart-Wrenching.
And the gazes that had almost crushed Thales earlier were now retracted and looked elsewhere in the hall, as if it was a sin to look at him one more time.
Thales took a deep breath and slowly sat down on his seat.
He did not even look at the royal guards behind him — he did not have to guess to know how they would react.
Discussions, gazes, emotions, they filled Mindis Hall to the brim, leaving no space.
Only an inch of space was left for the master of the hall to stand on.
Like a vacuum.
But Thales did not feel relaxed at all.
On the contrary, in this inch of vacuum, he seemed to feel countless chains protruding from the void, from top to bottom, left to right, front to back, locking him tightly without leaving any gaps.
Getting heavier.
Tighter and tighter.
Deeper and deeper.
Damn it.
Thales was expressionless as he maintained his elegant sitting posture. Only his nails dug into his palms.
"Your Highness?"
Anker pulled the pained old baron to his feet and said eagerly, "That's right.
"Duel?"
For a moment, Thales missed the days when he was a hostage in Northland.
Duel?
F * cking duel.
Now it seemed that in those six years …
Even on the day of the council hearing, even when the Northland barbarians gathered in the Hall of Heroes, even when the vassals of Dragon Clouds City gnashed their teeth and wanted nothing more than to tear Thales to pieces, even when the ill-intentioned Nuven the Seventh and the overbearing Chapman Lampard …
They were so amiable, friendly, and adorable.
"Your Highness." Beside Thales, Doyle looked at his master in panic. There was a pleading tone in his voice, "Your Highness,
"Prince Thales? Your Grace? If … I want to … I can win … I can make that son of a b * tch … "
Thales sighed again.
That's right.
You can win.
And then?
Behind the distraught prince, amidst the heart-palpitating atmosphere, the royal guards moved.
"Tormond?"
Vogel, who had been deep in thought, suddenly called Mallos by his name instead of his surname or title.
The watchman turned his head solemnly.
"That sniper team of yours …"
The vice-captain was livid. He stared at the expectant Anker Byrael and spoke cautiously and with great difficulty.
"Are they still there?"
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