The guests in the hall maintained a rare silence, as if everyone had forgotten how to breathe after the order for the duel was issued.
Until Doyle suddenly reached out and picked up Thales' wine glass!
Under everyone's surprised gazes, he recklessly and willfully downed half of the wine in one gulp.
Doyle tossed the wine glass away and took a deep breath amidst the sound of glass shattering.
Gradually regaining his senses, he looked at Anker's ceremonial attire.
In the next second, Doyle removed the leather armor and protective gear belonging to the Royal Guards in an orderly manner with an expressionless face.
"Old Leather, my sword."
Procca hesitated for a moment. Under Mallos' gaze, he retrieved the confiscated weapons.
"This will not be a pure duel — both sides seek defeat instead of victory, seek death instead of life."
Mallos walked to Doyle's side and watched him make his final preparations.
He said softly, "Are you ready?"
Sitting in his seat, Thales clenched his fists.
Both sides seek death …
Why.
Why!
Doyle took off his armguard and glanced at his superior indifferently.
"My Lord, Commanding Officer, or Tormond Junior."
Perhaps it was because he was tipsy, or perhaps he had no scruples, he casually addressed the other party.
"Do you know, you're such a bastard."
Tormond Junior — Mallos frowned.
"You look like you don't even give a damn about His Highness. You're asking for a beating," Doyle said and laughed.
But no one else in the guards laughed.
The watchman sighed.
"In the Rose branch, the follow-up thrust is a must-learn technique. It's known for its simplicity, sharpness, craftiness, and difficulty in blocking. It's hard for practitioners to change.
"If you find the right timing … it'll be less painful."
Doyle's smile froze.
He straightened his back and looked at Glover, who had been his partner for the longest time, with a desolate expression.
"Zombie, I'm sorry to bother you with my trash talk, but my father told me … to build a good relationship with the Glover family …"
Glover nodded, his face still expressionless.
"I know."
Doyle took a deep breath.
"Also, you never go to Red Street Market …"
"That's why I've been meaning to ask," Doyle ignored everyone's gazes and flashed a pale smile.
"Are you gay?"
The guards immediately fell silent.
Glover furrowed his brows, but he still replied,
"No."
Doyle snorted and shrugged.
"Alright, I want to say that it's okay even if you are. I'm very tolerant …"
"The Doyle Family," Anker interrupted Doyle from the center of the hall. He was at ease, completely disregarding the guards around him who were itching for a fight.
"What are you waiting for?"
Doyle laughed and turned around. "What's wrong?"
"Can't you wait to die?"
"Just like you." Anker looked at his opponent and smiled.
"Same here."
They watched the two sides, but their smiles soon disappeared from their faces.
He was calm and indifferent.
Without any warning, Doyle snatched the sword from Procca's hand.
"Your Highness."
"I know I've been exaggerating and overexerting myself in order to please you, but …" Doyle hugged the scabbard tightly as if he was drowning. He didn't even turn his head as he let out a heartless laugh as usual.
"You are a good man."
Thales moved.
Doyle looked at the dome and curled the corners of his lips.
"Compared to Renaissance Palace, it's easy here."
His smile disappeared.
"In the future, if my father … please remember this day."
Thales subconsciously opened his mouth, but could not utter the word "okay".
He could only stare at Doyle in a daze.
"His Highness is kind," Mallos took over the conversation calmly, dispelling the awkwardness of the moment.
"You know, he won't forget."
Doyle forced a smile and nodded in understanding.
'Kind.
'Kind …'
At this moment, Thales only felt that this description was extremely ironic.
In the hall, Baron Doyle hugged his wife and sobbed softly, as if no one else was around.
Doyle showed a helpless expression.
He no longer looked at Thales, but turned around, picked up his weapon, and walked down the stairs.
Towards his opponent.
His ending.
"Doyle …" Thales could not help but speak, but Mallos grabbed his arm and stopped the prince from speaking.
"He knows what he's about to sacrifice," Mallos said calmly.
"He also knows what he's trying to save."
The watchman turned to Thales.
"But the problem is, do you know?"
Do I know?
Thales was silent.
'What he's about to sacrifice …'
Thales watched Doyle's back as he slowly walked down the stairs. He did not have his usual relaxed and leisurely demeanor, only a heavy, out-of-place trance.
'What he's about to save …'
Thales slowly looked at Baron Doyle, who collapsed on the ground, his face ashen, and the baroness, who was sobbing and trembling.
'What I'm about to sacrifice.
'What I'm about to save.'
Thales looked at Anker, who was holding a short sword and looking calm, and was momentarily lost in thought.
He had a thought.
'So, is this how it feels?'
Thales said to himself.
He was the second prince.
The Duke of Star Lake.
He should sit on the high ground, gaze at the chessboard, watch the chess pieces fight to the death below, and save the entire game.
Devise strategies, order generals, and move pawns.
He should just accept the sacrifices he deserved, watch Doyle and the enemy in the duel, and try to die under the opponent's sword, no matter how ridiculous it was.
After that, according to the gains and losses, rewards, and punishment.
"Because if you want to enter this circle, Thales, and even climb to the top."
Quick Rope's words suddenly rang in Thales' ears.
[The first thing you have to do is to bow down to them. Open up your body and mind, and let their world and ideas rule over you. Turn yourself into something that you can't even recognize. Only then can you start playing this game, and only then can you play it well.]
Thales silently watched Doyle's back as he walked away.
"Remember."
Vice-captain Vogel caught up to Doyle and reminded him softly,
"If you survive, and he dies.
"Then both His Highness and your parents' fates in the future will be terrible."
Doyle's back trembled.
Just like how Thales stopped breathing.
But unlike Thales, Doyle quickly calmed down and walked forward step by step.
As if he had accepted his fate.
Just like a …
Chess piece.
At that moment, Thales suddenly understood.
"Think carefully. What did you become after you became a prince?
"Can you still choose your own path? Follow your heart? "
Thales lowered his head gently.
Everyone waited for Doyle's footsteps to converge with Anker's position.
"After you become a prince, are you still yourself, are you still Thales?
"Or have you … become something else?"
"You're right, Mallos," Thales suddenly said faintly,
"Doyle, he … he knows what he's sacrificing.
"And Anker, he also knows what he's trying to save.
"What did you gain, and what did you lose?"
Mallos tilted his head in confusion.
"Your Highness?"
Thales looked up, his gaze sharpening.
"But you're also wrong."
He sat in his seat and looked at every face in the hall: worry, anxiety, fear, panic, pride, anticipation, sadness, indifference, schadenfreude …
"He's not a chess piece."
Thales said calmly,
"None of them are."
He clenched his fists.
"No one is."
Maybe someone else could.
Move a chess piece without any burden or scruples, or willingly be a chess piece.
Maybe the Duke of Star Lake could, maybe the second prince could …
Maybe Doyle could, maybe Anker could …
Maybe Mallos, maybe Vogel …
But he couldn't.
Because he was Thales Jadestar.
He was Thales.
Just Thales.
"They're not chess pieces, they're just Doyle, just Anker, just … people."
Thales said profoundly,
"The purest, and also the most complicated … people."
The watchman asked in puzzlement,
"Your Highness, what do you mean?"
Thales took a deep breath and winked at the watchman with a smile.
"I mean, f * ck 'sacrificing pawns'."
Mallos finally sensed that something was wrong: At this moment, the prince's eyes were no longer as uneasy and anxious as before, and lacked the usual depth and bitterness.
Instead, there was unprecedented firmness and brightness.
"Wait," Mallos' expression changed.
"What do you want to do —"
But when he realized what the second prince wanted to do, it was already too late.
The next second, just as Doyle was about to reach Anker, just as the two men who hated each other finally faced each other fairly, just as the first debt between the two families was about to be settled with blood, Thales straightened his face and stood up proudly!
He shouted the order, "Go!
"Wait!"
The Duke of Star Lake's voice reverberated throughout the hall.
In an instant, everyone turned to look at him. Even Doyle stopped in his tracks.
Everyone looked at the prince strangely.
"Your Highness?" Anker frowned. Worried that things might change, he asked subconsciously.
Thales curled the corner of his lips and glanced at Mallos.
The latter felt uneasy for no reason, even ignoring Vogel's questioning look.
"Just now, my personal guard captain told me!"
Thales raised his voice and raised his arms.
"In this duel, whether it's you, Anker, or you, Doyle."
He looked at the two of them with a burning gaze. His words were sharp.
"He said, both of you will do your best to seek death!"
Thales yelled.
"Only seek defeat!"
As soon as he said that, the hall broke into a flurry of discussion.
Only those who had expected it, such as Count Godwin, the Duke of Iris Flowers, the One-Eyed Dragon, Duke Val, and the others, did not react.
Among the royal guards, Mallos and Vogel looked at each other, but could only see shock and bewilderment in each other's eyes.
What's going on?
Why, why did he have to make this matter so grand and overt …
In the eye of the storm, Anker and Doyle looked at each other and were equally at a loss.
"Use actual sacrifices in exchange for greater benefits, or smaller losses."
Thales smiled. He glanced at the two of them separately, his voice bright and confident.
"Fight a battle where you seek defeat, do you know how?"
"Do you!"
The prince's question stirred up more and more discussion in the banquet hall.
Anker and Doyle were stunned for a few seconds before they spoke almost simultaneously.
"Your Highness —"
And the prince's smile cooled.
"But I don't like that!"
Thales roared, interrupting the two men who were caught off guard.
"The Northland barbarians may be barbaric," Thales raised a goblet that belonged to an unknown person and held it in the air, his gaze sharp as a knife.
"But they never compromise."
Well, most of the time, they never compromise.
Thales gently let go, letting the goblet fall and shatter on the ground.
He looked at the hall full of people who were either bewildered or confused, solemn or happy, and chuckled.
"So, I would like to add some stakes as encouragement."
As soon as he said this, everyone in the hall was once again puzzled.
Only Thales remained smiling.
"To increase motivation for the two of you."
A glint flashed across his eyes as he locked onto the dueling duo in his field of vision.
"To ensure that this is a fight where every punch hits the flesh, every stab sees blood, brilliant, and strive for victory …
"An unforgettable …"
Thales' smile froze and his voice deepened.
"A duel to the death."
What?
In the next second, from the nobles to the guards and servants, everyone was shocked and unable to react, Thales roared angrily.
"Anker Byrael!"
Anker responded nervously.
"In the name of the Duke of Star Lake, the second prince, Thales Jadestar, I swear to the Sunset Goddess!"
Thales' expression was unprecedentedly solemn and cold.
"If you win the duel and kill your opponent."
"My father, His Majesty King Kessel," Thales said coldly.
"He and I, we will fully support you to reopen the court for your family and seek justice!"
Anker was shocked!
Not just him, Mallos, Doyle, Vogel … When everyone came to their senses, they were all shocked and in disbelief.
Anker said in shock,
"You … represent His Majesty?"
Thales sneered.
"Yes, the Jadestar Royal Family will speak up for the Byrael family!
"Until you're satisfied."
The guests in the hall burst into an uproar, their voices rising and falling.
Anker was taken aback. He stared at Thales' expression, breathing erratically and unable to control himself.
Fully support …
Speak up for the Byrael family …
Doyle, on the other hand, looked betrayed as he stared in disbelief at the prince he once served.
Vogel, who was beside Mallos, gritted his teeth and whispered in shock and anger, "His Majesty … How is he representing His Majesty?
"Still supporting Byrael … No, that's too rash …"
Mallos frowned.
But Thales quickly spoke again, his voice as solemn as before.
"But, Anker, if you lose the duel, you will die."
He said coldly,
"Then I promise on behalf of my father, on behalf of the Jadestar Royal Family.
"The Byrael family controversy …"
A cold glint flashed in Thales' eyes.
"It ends here."
The meaning of this sentence was unclear. The guests were puzzled for a while, until Anker, whose expression kept changing, tried to speak.
"Your Highness, I don't understand …"
But Thales immediately raised his voice, interrupting everyone's thoughts.
"As the price for witnessing your glorious duel, as punishment for your disrespect and overstepping your boundaries …"
The Duke of Star Lake's voice echoed between the pillars of Mindis Hall, making everyone stand in awe.
"If you lose.
"The Byrael family case will never be overturned, retried, or objected to."
Thales stared coldly at the increasingly bewildered Anker, his voice cold as ice.
"No matter how much grievance you have, how much legal evidence, how much reason you have.
"The kingdom will not question any of it.
"And that ends here."
Amidst the guests' discussion, Anker stood rooted to the ground.
He took a few seconds to understand the prince's "bet".
Fully support if you win the duel …
Never overturn the case if you lose the duel …
Anker looked up in a daze.
"But my family's land, never overturn the case. I don't understand …"
Thales' voice was cold as he cut off his question.
"Anker, you're saying that you're going to resort to a duel to recreate my legendary journey in the North?"
Anker frowned.
Thales snorted coldly. "Since you chose to solve the problem with the ancient style of the Empire, you should enjoy the convenience of solving the problem once and for all.
"You have to bear the price of its barbaric backwardness."
Anker was stunned.
Thales raised his head and looked around the hall at the people who were looking at him. Wherever his gaze landed, the guests lowered their heads.
He said in a deep voice,
"This is the truth of duels. This is the true way of the Empire and the Northlands."
As he stared at the two duelists who were both stunned, Thales curled up the corners of his lips and revealed a gentle smile.
"With this kind of bet, you will have the motivation to win, right?"
Discussions rose in the hall like a buzzing bee. Everyone was trying to figure out Thales' intentions.
"Alright, I think I understand a little."
Vogel thought hard and ventured, "That's not the case.
"That guy's path of retreat has been blocked by His Highness' tyranny of royal power. Now he must kill Doyle and cede the moral high ground to us in order to reverse the family's verdict."
The vice-captain looked at Mallos in confusion.
"But isn't His Highness afraid … that the Doyle brat will try to kill the other party to end the case in order for the royal family to fulfill their promise?"
Mallos looked at the Duke of Star Lake's profile and lowered his head.
"No," the watchman answered Vogel in a low voice.
"You don't understand."
The vice-captain was stunned.
In the hall, having figured something out, Anker and Doyle exchanged glances.
"What's the matter, Byrael?"
Color reappeared in Doyle's eyes, turning into a flame of eagerness.
"Are you afraid of losing?"
Anker did not answer immediately.
After a long period of silence, he finally let out a cold laugh.
"Alright, if that's what you want to see, Your Highness."
He raised his head and looked straight at Thales. His tone was as resolute as ever, but with a hint of murderous intent.
"Come on, let the duel begin.
"But, please remember your promise. If I win …"
Thales chuckled.
"I guarantee that the royal family will fully stand by your side!"
Vogel frowned when he heard this.
You guarantee …
Is it appropriate to say that?
"What does he want?" Vogel looked at the second prince in annoyance.
Only Mallos said calmly,
"Help."
Help?
Vogel responded with confusion.
"When we're ready to 'sacrifice the pawn'," Mallos turned his head, his eyes burning.
"He wants to save his life.
"Not just one."
Vogel's confusion only deepened.
But fortunately, he no longer had to wonder.
"Mallos, since the duel is about to begin," Thales ordered his personal guard captain loudly, so loud that the entire hall could hear him.
"Go get 'Sentinel'."
'Sentinel.'
Upon hearing this name, many people in the banquet hall felt their hearts skip a beat.
Mallos frowned and said,
"Sentinel? But Your Highness, isn't that … "
"Yes."
Thales interrupted him without hesitation. The prince turned to the guests with a piercing gaze.
"A gift from the Duke of Western Desert, a heirloom of the Fakenhaz family, a famous ancient sword of the Empire that represents their infinite trust and loyalty towards me. It should be worthy of this duel, right?"
Everyone was taken aback by these words.
"Your Highness?"
Anker from Western Desert asked doubtfully, "You want to lend your sword to one of us?"
He and Doyle looked at each other, exchanging a look of wariness and disgust.
Thales smiled, but he shook his head.
"You're from Western Desert, Anker," he looked at Byrael calmly.
"Then you should know that the tribal leaders in the Great Desert always treat their guards as their own, as their wings."
Anker nodded skeptically, but after Thales' next words, his expression gradually changed.
"Challenging them in a duel is no different from challenging the leader himself," Thales said indifferently.
At the same time he caused a commotion, he remembered an orc warchief he once met, and the duel rule of "buy one plus two and get one free" that left a deep impression on him.
"And unfortunately," Thales' expression was indifferent as he spoke calmly, drowning out the discussion.
"Danny Doyle happens to be my personal guard, the Duke of Star Lake.
"You challenged him.
"You challenged me."
Doyle was stunned on the spot.
Anker's eyes widened.
As soon as he said that, many came to a realization.
"Your Highness —"
But Thales ignored them and continued to speak loudly, not hesitating to use the Sin of Hell's River to drown out all other voices.
"As for Baron Doyle!"
He roared.
"You are also my esteemed guest."
Thales' expression was gloomy as he pointed at the stunned old Baron Doyle, who was in his wife's arms.
"Today, at my banquet, in my Mindis Hall, he shall not be threatened, harmed, or challenged."
"It is an affront to me personally!"
The dueling duo was no longer the focus of attention. All eyes were focused on the prince, whether in surprise or fear, uneasiness or apprehension, admiration or disdain.
Until Thales looked around with a murderous look, forcing away all the strange gazes.
"No —" Vogel instinctively wanted to step forward to stop the prince, but Mallos held his arm firmly behind him!
"Constellatiates, listen up!
"As Doyle's master, as the master of this banquet, and even more so as the master of this manor …"
Thales' expression was cold and murderous. His voice shook the dome, and his words were resolute.
"I, Thales Jadestar."
He stood on the highest seat in the banquet hall, raised one arm, fearless of the gazes of the audience, and spoke in a loud and clear voice.
"In accordance with the ancient custom of the Empire, I shall carry out my duties and rights as the master!
"I will represent Danny Doyle and accept the most legitimate challenge to a duel issued by Anker Byrael on his behalf."
Thales' gaze was cold as he lowered his arm and pointed at the two duelists who could no longer speak.
"Carry out this duel of blood vengeance.
"Until the winner is decided.
"Until the winner is decided.
"Until the ancient ritual is completed."
As soon as he finished, the banquet hall fell into a long silence.
Thales lowered his gaze and sneered.
"Don't worry, Anker." He smiled at the shocked Anker and the dumbstruck Doyle.
"The conditions and wager previously mentioned are still valid."
Thales lowered his head slightly. The firelight cast a dark shadow on his face.
"As long as you're in the duel …"
He put away his smile and uttered his last words coldly.
"Kill me."
It's the end of the month, I want sponsored partnerships, I want monthly votes! (Making typing noises)
(End of chapter)
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
