In the spacious Starlight Courtyard of Star Lake Fortress — commonly known as the lumberyard — soldiers, guards, workers, farmers, and many others gathered together to form an open space. The atmosphere was lively.
"Go, go, go! Give her a good one. Yes, that's it, float — wow, that's a good fall! It's okay, believe in yourself, lad. Get up and continue beating her up! Aiyoh, your sword is so soft. Are you always like this? Are you having too much fun, or are you hoping for your wife to cheat on you? "
In the center of the open space, Miranda Arunde's figure moved agilely between two warriors — she was engaged in an unfair one-versus-two duel with the guards of the Star Lake Guards, Ness and Bastia. As usual, the young vanguard trainee attacked like a tidal wave and became more courageous as the battle progressed, while the iron tower-like guard officer stood firm and impenetrable.
"And what's that, an iron bucket or an iron tower?" On the wooden watchtower, the Fortress Flower Sonia leaned against the railing and leaned half of her body out. She waved her arms enthusiastically and cheered for the battle below, "Don't just stand there, pick up your hammer and hit her head with all your might! Eh, that's right — what, that's it? Does it get into a pit when you pee? "
In the storeroom on the second floor, Thales sat by the window and watched the battle with great interest while oiling and maintaining the ancient sword "Sentinel".
He quickly realized that although it was one against two, Miranda was the one leading the battle.
The swordswoman of the Arunde family deliberately instigated Ness to continue attacking to deplete his stamina, while forcing Bastia to act as her shield to block Ness's blazing attacks. Unfortunately, Ness and Bastia's teamwork was not smooth, and their hands and feet were tied. There was no sign of the advantage of a two-man pincer attack.
Just like that, Miranda skillfully controlled the pace of the duel, and as the battle progressed, she became more and more proficient.
She's different — The feedback from hell's senses allowed Thales to make a judgment: Compared to seven years ago, her movements and footwork appeared disorderly and casual, no longer displaying a distinct rhythm and style. But whether it was Ness or Bastia, the moment they initiated an attack, they would find themselves in the worst possible situation, giving Miranda the biggest opportunity.
It felt as if Miranda was not the one taking the initiative, but the opponent was rushing to attack her, shaping the environment and situation of the battle, stimulating a bunch of originally messy and meaningless notes into a lively and orderly movement, waiting for Miranda to play it.
"She's improved." Thales stopped what he was doing and was slightly lost in thought. "Seven years ago, her movements clearly showed the style of the Northern offensive and defensive. The transition between offense and defense was like an undeniable stress that could instantly turn the tide, but now …"
"No. Although the style of the Tower of Eradication's Pegasus Faction is rather influential, her foundation of the Northern Faction is still there." Mallos sat next to Thales and sharpened a short knife without raising his head. "It's just that the tactical style on the surface is hidden in a deeper tactical style. You will understand once you see more of it."
'Here it comes again, King of Constellation Yuyan.'
Thales curled his lips sarcastically. "So, you've seen quite a lot?"
"It's not that bad," Mallos replied calmly. "When I was still a young probationer, I did record work.
"So, which battle left the deepest impression on you?"
"Here."
Thales raised his head.
Mallos did not stop moving. He only switched to another side and continued to polish his blade.
"A long time ago, an elite from Star Lake Fort sparred with a senior of the Royal Guards. I was ordered to be the flag bearer's assistant. I listened to his explanations while observing and recording. "
'An elite from Star Lake Fort, a senior of the Royal Guards.'
Thales narrowed his eyes.
"Due to the limitations of the conditions, they did not attack each other. They only shifted their positions on the flat ground to attack and defend. Their Power of Eradication was like a flash in the pan, like a dragonfly skimming the surface of the water. It stopped abruptly before it was fully displayed, so they could not enjoy themselves to the fullest."
Mallos' gaze was slightly dull.
"But in those short twelve seconds, the two of them advanced and retreated, back and forth. Every detail was at the peak of supreme class or even higher. It's enough for me to reminisce for the rest of my life."
Thales was about to ask further when he heard boos erupt from the crowd.
Miranda sheathed her sword nimbly and turned around elegantly. The crowd consciously parted to form a path for her to leave.
Behind her, Ness and Bastia collapsed to the ground, one exhausted, the other bruised and swollen.
"The outcome has been decided, Your Highness." Mallos did not even turn his head. "Now, follow the essentials I taught you and focus on maintaining your weapon."
Order was restored on the training field. Everyone returned to their positions. Those who practiced practiced and those who were on duty. Only in a small corner, a few Star Lake Guards were still gathered together in a heated discussion. They were not satisfied with this exciting and asymmetrical battle.
"Quick, quick, quick. The outcome has been decided. Those who bet must accept their losses." Doyle squeezed through the crowd with a righteous look on his face, but he flashed a coin pouch under his elbow. "Before Mallos comes down — don't try to cheat. I remember who bet how much."
"Damn it. Losing when it's two against one. How unlucky." Vladivostok painfully counted a few coins and threw them into Doyle's coin pouch.
The others who lost the bet — including Ralf, who snorted in dissatisfaction — also took out their money reluctantly and stuffed the coins into the coin pouch.
"I know she's in Broken Dragon Fortress and belongs to the Fortress Flower." Paul Bozdorf, the son of the Count of Black Lion calmly handed over a gold coin. "But I didn't expect — you don't have to keep the change — that she's fighting one against two, and she's actually not at a disadvantage."
"You bastards, how did you know to bet on her?" Kursta asked in annoyance.
"It's obvious that she's killed before. Her sword is stained with a lot of blood." At the front of the team, Glover rejected the coin that Doyle handed over. He looked at Miranda's receding figure with a sharp gaze, eager to fight. "Quite a lot."
"Chief Miranda's swordsmanship is quite profound. I've experienced it before. But, gambling is still wrong." Wya looked around nervously.
"I don't know the Arunde Family's girl, but I saw Old Kong bet on her, so …" Logistics Officer Procca shrugged.
"Uh, actually, I don't know Miss Arunde either. But when the Fortress Flower let them fight two against one, I knew that Ness would lose. Don't ask me why —" Kommodore, who was on the Winner's side, coughed. When he saw the dejected Ness walking over sullenly, he immediately went up to console him. "Hey, Ness! You fought well, just a little unlucky. Keep up the good work! Oh yeah, I'll treat you tonight! "
Doyle, who pretended to be indifferent from the waist up and happily counted money from the waist down, was the shortest.
"Prince Thales is up there, staring at that girl."
Everyone looked at him.
"What's wrong?"
Doyle raised an eyebrow and hurriedly put away the money pouch, as if it was a matter of course. "This is very telling. Alright — His Highness is finally paying attention to women!"
Everyone hissed in disdain.
"You'd better not let His Highness or Miss Miranda hear that." Wya sighed and shook his head. "I'm speaking from experience."
"Of course." Doyle confidently weighed the money pouch in his hand. He was in high spirits.
In the storeroom on the second floor, Thales, who had already heard this through hell's senses, turned around indifferently.
"Thor, how many people in the Star Lake Guards do you think can defeat Miranda?"
"I don't know — why Thor?"
"Tormond's nickname — take a guess."
"Nicknames have to be agreed upon by the person herself. After all, the people in the Star Lake Guards have never fought against Miss Arunde directly, and battles are also affected by the environment." Mallos was meticulous in his sharpening of his sword. "In terms of one-on-one duels in the arena, I dare say that Glover and Doyle, who have undergone strict knight training, can take on Miss Arunde."
Thales raised an eyebrow.
“D.D？ Is he that fierce? "
Mallos did not answer. He only twitched the corner of his mouth.
"But if Doyle were to encounter Miss Arunde in a battle of life and death in the wilderness," the watchman put down the sharpened blade and cleaned the crumbs on the table, "I hope she'll be merciful and give him a quick death."
"That exaggerated?"
Thales frowned, but he rolled his eyes.
"What about you? You, against Miranda? "
Mallos took out the oil to protect his blade and smiled when he heard that.
"Miss Arunde and I … hmm, it's fifty-fifty."
"Wow, Thor, you have such a long face."
"Pardon me?"
"Oh, my face is long. I mean, literally."
"Your Highness, I'm even more curious about what you mean by literally."
"Don't. You must know that curiosity killed Thor."
"Thank you for your teachings, Your Highness. I dare not forget it."
Thales snorted mockingly. But in the next second, he suddenly said,
"Did you know he was coming?"
The question caught him off guard. Mallos' hand that was oiling the knife paused for a moment.
"Know what? Who's coming? What for? "Mallos continued his work. His tone was calm and unperturbed.
Tormond Mallos.
Thales stared at the watchman in front of him who he could not fathom. He recalled the moment they first met and pondered the identity and position of this personal guard captain.
He was the personal guard appointed by King Kessel, the watchman of the royal guards, and the person with the highest status by his side.
But, Mallos, what kind of role would he ultimately play between Thales and the king? Attendant? Protector? Instructor? Watcher? Or —
Traitor?
Thales stared at Mallos for a long time and finally shook his head, "Nothing. Then, do you know what I'm going to do now? "
Mallos' expression did not change. He was unperturbed.
"Sharpen the knife. You have to learn how to take care of your weapon."
Looking at him and listening to his ambiguous answer, Thales could not help but sigh. He handed the oiled Sentinel to Mallos for inspection.
"Alright, Thor, let me ask you this: Who can you trust in the current Star Lake Guards?"
When he heard this nickname, Mallos sighed as well. He took the Imperial Sword and helplessly checked Thales' maintenance.
"People I can trust … Why are you asking me this?"
Thales raised an eyebrow.
"Because I'm the one paying your salary?"
In the face of Thales' answer that changed the focus, Mallos clearly wanted to probe further into the question of whether he was the one paying his salary or his father, but the duke's covetous gaze made him give up on the idea.
The watchman raised his head and sighed.
"People I can trust? Your Highness, are you saying that I can trust that they will bow down and work hard without complaint, or that they will go through fire and water without hesitation? "
"If it's the former?"
Mallos swung his longsword and his expression became stern, "The Star Lake Guards are carefully selected elites among the royal guards. Most of them have the title of royal knights, and they are all heroes."
Nodding and bowing, working hard without complaint, every single one of them was a hero …
'Relying on the guards under you whose defense is practically non-existent, and who can't even notice that the prince is being beaten up on the balcony?'
Thales nodded. His expression was rather thought-provoking.
"What about the latter?"
"Oh," Mallos instantly regained his indifference, "Toledo, Tang Xin, and Cefanov from the Command Division are my old subordinates. Glover from the Vanguard Division is alright, maybe there's also Morgan … "
"Morgan, that old soldier with a sour face all day long? Where did he serve in the past? "
"Throat Cutter Guards from Blade Edge Hill. Yes, there aren't many times when he's not angry, but fortunately, he's not responsible for warming your bed. "
"Warming my bed, really?"
"In the Guard Division, I can pick out Bastia and Kursta. Doyle can also be considered a bonus …"
"Doyle counts as well?"
"Forgive me for being dull, but I can't tell if you're frightened or surprised. Other than that, Vincenzo Itariano from the Logistics Division can be used, and Francisco Capone from the Punishment Division. "
As he muttered these names, Thales scratched his chin.
"Among your old subordinates, Attendant Caso and the mute — thank you, I know his name is Ralf — are both good. Willow is fine too, just don't let him do anything that requires him to use his brain. Hmm, in fact, don't let him do anything other than throwing his life away."
'Just these few people.
'But we're going to take down Jade City.
'How reassuring!'
Thales counted with his fingers and was all smiles.
"Hmm, that sounds great. Then, is there anyone who, what if, what if, the kind of person who would raise the flag and rebel for their master, and isn't afraid of losing his head? "
Mallos inspected the Empire's ancient sword without raising his head.
"How much did you drink last night?"
Thales pretended not to hear him. He picked up a rag and began to wipe his hands.
"Very well, then bring all the people mentioned above, pick a few 'good-looking men', leave the guards behind, and get ready. We're going on a long journey."
Mallos was not surprised by the words "going on a long journey". His tone was calm.
"As you wish. Not bringing anyone else? Maids? Chefs? Coachmen? Jadestar's private soldiers? And Nanny Valencia? "
"It's not that I don't want to bring them." Recalling the nanny's cat-chasing stick, Thales exhaled, "Let me put it this way, if … I want the people around me to be able to fight, use their brains, and run."
Mallos nodded, "Then I suggest that we bring Oscar Son from the Vanguard Division. He's a southerner, and is more familiar with the climate and terrain."
Thales frowned, "I didn't say we're going to the south."
"Is that so? Then I must have remembered wrongly." Mallos weighed Sentinel in his hand, "Then I won't bring him."
Thales stared at him, and after a few seconds, he sighed dejectedly.
"Forget it, you … better bring him along."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Mallos twirled his sword and put Sentinel back into its scabbard, "Then, this martial arts lesson ends here. You've done a good job in maintaining your sword. I mean, the thickness is still a little uneven, but at least you're starting to get used to it."
Thales stood up to receive his sword, but paused the moment his palm touched the scabbard.
"I realized that I missed a question, Tormond."
'Thank God.' Mallos was glad that he did not call for Thor.
"I'll be happy to answer, Your Highness." “
Thales raised his head and looked straight at Mallos.
"Is this scabbard useful?"
Mallos frowned slightly.
Thales pointed at the scabbard with Sentinel in it and said meaningfully, "After all, since ancient times, swords cannot escape from their scabbards."
Mallos was silent. His fingers stroked the scabbard.
"It looks like good leather, but you'll know when you use it."
But Thales stared at him.
"Then I'll be straightforward. Among so many people in the Royal Guards, can I trust you, Tormond Mallos?"
Mallos' gaze sharpened.
At that moment, the two people in the storeroom stood opposite each other. Both of them extended their right hands and held up the ancient sword, Sentinel, which lay horizontally in the storeroom.
Mallos was expressionless. He was silent for a long time.
Finally, he gently loosened the scabbard.
"Perhaps you should ask me in return — can you not trust me?"
Thales stared at him for a long time, let out a long sigh, and took Sentinel.
"I hope that your skill with the sword is as good as your skill with sarcasm, my dear head of the personal guards."
"Then you've underestimated me."
"Oh? Could it be that your swordsmanship is actually not bad, but you're hiding it? "
"No, I mean, I haven't even used half of my skill with sarcasm."
Thales pursed his lips and was speechless.
"Coincidentally, I also have a question to ask you."
Mallos turned around, put away the short knife he had sharpened on the table, and inserted it into the scabbard in front of his chest.
"When you have a rendezvous with someone late at night, you don't like to go through the front door, and would rather climb over the window?"
At that moment, Thales, who was holding Sentinel, froze.
Mallos narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms.
"I remember telling you that the 'Air Corridor' will turn you into a meat pie one day?"
Thales widened his eyes and used all his strength to blink.
"You, you, I-I don't really understand …"
"Oscar and Doyle were just sentries in the open," Mallos said calmly. "When you met the Fortress Flower, Lady Sasere, Itariano from the Command Division was on a hidden sentry duty in a deeper area. He saw all of you clearly through his binoculars and immediately reported everything to me."
'F * ck.
He really knows, he's not lying to me! '
Thales was exasperated in his heart.
Mallos snorted softly.
"Wait a minute, Your Highness. You wouldn't be so stupid as to think that the defense of Star Lake Castle is useless, right?"
'Who knows?
Right, little dummy? '
Thales came to his senses and coughed.
"Of course not. Well, I know that all of you are nearby, so I'm not worried. "
But Thales thought of something, and his expression changed.
"Wait, so all of you must have seen Sonia attack me, but you did nothing?"
"Attack?" Mallos looked nonchalant. "I'm sorry. You're so famous that we all thought that was your new trick."
'This pen is so annoying.'
Thales resisted the urge to roar.
"Why do I have this feeling that one day, I will be killed because of you?"
"In fact, Your Highness, I think this should be my line."
'If it is, then that's great.'
Thales smiled sarcastically, waved his hand and turned around.
'Alright, that's the arrangement here.'
Next, he would head to South Coast …
"So, Your Highness, in the future —"
"Alright, alright, alright, I got it. I won't climb walls anymore. I swear, the next time I want to play with women, I'll walk out of the front door openly, beating drums and gongs …"
"I had Tang Xin pull the safety rope outside the window."
Mallos' voice rang behind him, "Next time before you climb walls, remember to tie it up first."
'Safety rope.'
Thales' waving hand stopped in midair.
He turned around in a daze.
"Safety rope? Tormond, you … "
Mallos sighed softly, feeling helpless.
"We've been together for a while, Your Highness. I know I can't stop you from being silly, stupid, sick, and jinx …"
Thales' expression darkened.
'Alright, this pen is really annoying.'
"Just like that day, I couldn't stop you from getting out of the carriage, or rushing out recklessly to fight someone.
"But I don't want to order a coffin for you, Your Highness, or for me, or for anyone in this castle."
Thales furrowed his eyebrows.
"So, before you go on this long journey, if you can be merciful and take pity on us …" Mallos crossed his arms and pointed outside the window with his thumb. "Safety rope?"
Mallos nodded lightly, turned around, and left.
Staring at his back, Thales felt complicated for a moment, and did not know how to react.
Thales lowered his head and looked at Sentinel in his hand.
The size of the scabbard was just right for holding in his hand.
'It should be the same when I unsheathe the sword?'
Thales took a deep breath.
"Hey."
Thales called out to Mallos.
"After returning from Renaissance Palace, I haven't had the chance to say it, but … thank you, Thor."
'Damn it.'
Mallos sighed in his heart. 'Why did you change the way you addressed me?'
Thales walked forward and pursed his lips.
"I know, I'm a boss who's not easy to serve. I'm impulsive, childish, self-righteous, and always make stupid decisions to embarrass you. I'm almost terrible."
"You can remove the word 'almost'." Mallos' expression did not change.
'This pen …'
Thales used his strength to flatten his eyebrows, which were scrunched together tightly.
He took a deep breath and said, "But thank you for helping me all this time. You've … covered my back."
Thales gulped.
Fortunately, he did not blurt out "covered my back".
'Damn the Secret Intelligence Department.'
Mallos stared at him with puzzlement in his eyes.
Thales tried hard to speak, "Especially the day I barged into Renaissance Palace. Thank you for leaving manpower and contingency plans for me, thank you for reminding me before I entered the palace, and … the matters after that, all these, and so on."
Mallos furrowed his eyebrows. He looked at him as if he was looking at a lunatic.
Thales forced out a smile.
'Alright, it's not really suitable for me to say these sensational words.'
The duke had a stiff smile on his face. He spread his hands, turned around mechanically, and left.
"Anyway, thank you.
"And the royal banquet just now," Mallos suddenly said.
Thales stopped while he was in the middle of turning.
"What?"
Mallos exhaled through his nose, "I have to add this to the list of things you should thank me for."
Thales reacted and coughed awkwardly.
"Oh, yes, and this, uh, thank you.
"And the days in Mindis Hall."
Thales could only nod in agreement, "And the days in Mindis Hall.
"And the day I came back from Western Desert."
Thales closed his eyes and sighed, "And the day I came back from Western Desert.
"And the management of Star Lake Castle."
Thales repeated numbly, "And the management of Star Lake Castle.
"And —"
"That's enough from you." Thales could not take it anymore. "How much longer do you have to count?"
Mallos smiled.
"You're welcome, Your Highness. This is part of my duty."
His smile at that moment was very much like his usual polite and slightly sarcastic professional smile.
It was very similar.
"I dare not accept your generous thanks," the watchman said faintly, turned around, and left.
'Thank you, my foot.'
Thales rolled his eyes at his back and swallowed the words' then I'll have to trouble you this time '. He also threw the tiny bit of gratitude and a tiny bit of guilt towards the watchman into the bottom of Hell's River, and prayed that they would never be reincarnated.
Mallos was very efficient. In just the next day, everyone knew that Prince Thales was about to leave for South Coast Hill to visit. The entire Star Lake Castle was thus in operation. Everyone was busy preparing for the duke's long journey. Many people also began to be curious about the duke's goal and mission. Unfortunately, such a top secret could only be known by the informant B.B., who was buried in the deepest part of Star Lake Castle.
But Thales did not expect that after the news of the duke's journey spread, the first person to come to him would be this person.
"Forget about the Fortress Flower. She also thinks highly of herself, and is as unapproachable as the rumors say."
At the door of the duke's room, Paul Bozdorf, the son of the Count of Black Lion, who was patrolling past, looked at the cold back of the person who entered the room and sighed, "I was thinking of exchanging some pleasantries."
Doyle, who was chewing on a sausage, closed the door and shook his head in denial.
"No, no, no. I'm not arrogant, and I'm not unapproachable. Trust me, no one is born with a sour face."
Doyle swallowed a mouthful of sausage.
"Girls at this age are forced to be blunt and aloof. They are also the best and most direct form of protection, especially for women who have to work with men. Compared to being approachable and smiling, doing so can save a lot of unnecessary trouble."
Paul frowned.
"How did you know?"
Doyle stroked his hair and made a cool pose. "I wish I didn't know, but I can't help it. I'm gifted."
Paul sneered and shook his head.
"You understand a girl's mind so well. It should be easier for you to please them and be popular." Paul stared at him. "But why is it that when I arrived in the capital, everyone in the circle said that you are pompous and frivolous, so much so that you have a bad reputation? Even unmarried girls from good families stay away from you?"
When Doyle heard this, his smile froze.
But in just two seconds, his expression changed. He turned around and winked at Paul.
"Hey, that's because you don't understand the good things about a mature girl."
Paul was speechless.
"But, she's not married yet." Paul sank into deep thought. "Coming to Prince Thales in private at this time is a little …"
Doyle's expression became solemn.
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that. Ha, I asked Wya before. Hmm, it's' True Wya '. Oh, you don't know what True Wya is. It's okay, it's Wya anyway. First of all, Prince Thales and Doyle are old acquaintances. They fought together.
"Secondly, I believe you can see that she's not one of those rich young ladies who only have love in their minds."
Doyle blinked. He chewed and swallowed the last mouthful of sausage. He was confident and resolute.
"So, I'm sure of one thing. She and Prince Thales, meeting at this time, will definitely not talk about romance, marriage, or love!"
In the room.
"Miranda?"
Thales, who was copying the Sunset Scripture (making up for homework before class), was surprised and delighted when he saw the newcomer.
In front of him, the cold swordswoman picked up the cup of tea on the desk that he had yet to drink without hesitation.
"Madam."
"What?"
"It's Lady Arunde," Miranda said coldly. "You're a prince, so you should address me appropriately."
Thales' face darkened.
Really? "Again?"
Isn't it enough for you to mess with me? You want it too?
"Alright, honorable Madam Miranda Arunde, the daughter of the Duke of the Northern Territory, the glorious descendant of the Snow Eagle Family, the proud Chief Seat of the Pegasus of the Tower of Eradication, the Sword of Neverwinter of Cold Castle, the Flying Falcon in the Sky of Broken Dragon Fortress." Thales had no choice but to push the scripture aside and lean back.
"Welcome, what can I do for you?"
Miranda put down the teacup expressionlessly and stood in front of his desk like a sharp blade in the snow, cold and sharp.
"Yes."
Miranda stared at him with an indecipherable gaze.
A few seconds later, she took a deep breath. Her gaze was firm.
"Do you want to marry me?"
With a bang, the legs of the chair shattered. Thales fell on his butt on the floor.
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