"Thank you, I'm fine, it's okay, it's just that I have to … Damn it, this chair was just ordered not long ago …"
Thales held Miranda's hand and used it to struggle up from the broken chair.
Miranda quietly watched the boy in front of her — perhaps he was a teenager now. She watched him pull the broken chair in a flustered manner with a rich expression on his face.
This reminded her of the Bright Moon Temple seven years ago, the little boy who stood on a wooden box covered in dirt, but still waved his young fists and roared, "Are you coming?"
Miranda could not help but curl her lips.
"Alright, I give up. Next time, I'll have to ask them to find another carpenter …" After a flurry, Thales could only raise his hands in resignation and announce the end of the chair.
The moment the young duke raised his head, Miranda's smile disappeared.
"Now, Your Highness, can we get back to the main topic?"
The main topic.
"What? Oh, yes, that's right. So what we were talking about just now is … "
"Do you want to marry me?"
When he thought of this, Thales' expression became solemn, and his voice deepened.
"Are you joking with me, Madam Miranda Arunde?"
Marry Miranda?
It felt like … the bargaining chip he used to threaten others had come true?
In the next second, he seemed to see Raphael Lindbergh appear in front of him. His eyes were glowing red, and he sneered maliciously.
This made Thales' expression tense.
In the face of the tensed duke, Miranda's expression remained the same, and she was as calm as ever.
"No, this is not a joke. Even if it is, it's not funny. "
'Looks like you know it too.'
At that moment, countless thoughts flashed through Thales' mind, including 'She's working with that Barren Bone boy to take revenge on me'. He took a deep breath and straightened his back.
"Alright, if it's not a joke, then my suggestion is: I'll look for Grandmother Valencia and Mallos, and maybe Stone from the Logistics Division. We have to hold a meeting to discuss the livelihood issues around Star Lake Castle, especially the quality supervision of traditional handicraft products. We'll also deal with this chair, or what's left of it."
Miranda did not speak.
"As for you, Madam Arunde from the Standing Military Camp of Broken Dragon Fortress, as a typical example to promote the closeness between the army and the people and the Central Northern Territory, go to the kitchen and order a cup of maté tea, then …"
Thales waved his hand and pointed resolutely at the door.
"Come find me when you're sober."
'What a joke, I'm in an important position with heavy responsibilities on my shoulders. I have to attend to a myriad of affairs every day, not to mention the end of the world and the pain in my tailbone …'
But Miranda did not leave.
Instead, she scrutinized Thales from head to toe, as if she was inspecting goods.
"But you haven't answered me."
The swordswoman's tone was cold, and her gaze was aggressive.
"You, Thales Jadestar, do you want to be my husband?"
Fuck me …
No, no, no.
Thales took a deep breath and kept reminding himself that he was now the Duke of Star Lake. He had to maintain his manners and grace, and pay attention to the rhythm of his speech.
"I'll f * cking be your sister."
Miranda was stunned and did not understand.
But in the next second, Thales grabbed the swordswoman's arm and pulled her to the side.
"Are you crazy?"
Thales lowered his voice and looked at the door warily.
"I'll marry you? Do you know that saying this will cause a huge uproar? Jadestar and Arunde, Renaissance Palace and the Northern Territory, the relationship between them …
"Do you know what will happen to the people outside if they hear what you say here? Do you know who is in charge of collecting and handling information and public opinion in the Kingdom Secret Department? "
Miranda looked at him. Her expression did not change, but she slowly loosened her grip on the hilt of her sword.
"You're the same as before, Your Highness," the swordswoman replied with a cold snort. "Once you're nervous, you're especially talkative, and you say crazy things that no one else can understand."
'I'm nervous? I'm talkative?
That's because you haven't seen the prince's ass. '
Thales' expression was originally cold, but when he looked at Miranda, he remembered how they went through life and death together, especially when he remembered her life experience and her father's misfortune. He could not help but sigh.
"Alright."
Thales pulled her to the window, as far away from the door as possible. Then, he exhaled impatiently.
"Tell me, what happened? Is it the anniversary of our breakup, or is it a revenge affair? Are you in such a hurry to find a new lover?"
Miranda stared at him carefully and frowned.
"Hey! Don't tell me it's Mr. Raphael Lindbergh who secretly went to Red Street Market to flirt. "
Thales clapped his hands and said sarcastically with great comfort, "In the end, he left behind records and witnesses, and you found out that you wanted to break up?"
When she saw Thales deliberately changing the topic with another name, Miranda snorted coldly.
"This has nothing to do with him."
Thales shrugged.
"Of course. Sorry, it's my fault. I forgot that you're an independent girl, so no matter what happens, you won't use other people's mistakes, especially your ex-boyfriend's, to punish yourself, and you won't trouble others —"
But Miranda's expression turned cold. She took out a letter and a portrait from her bag and stuffed them into Thales' arms.
"It has something to do with you."
Thales was stunned.
He lowered his head and opened the letter in his arms.
"This is …"
"A greeting letter from you 'personally'."
Miranda said disdainfully,
"Not only did the letter describe in detail the seven hundred years of friendship between the Jadestar and Arunde families, it also included many people who were of equal social status and were a match made in heaven. It also praised my family's reputation, appearance, and achievements. It even kindly inquired about my health and mental state. Finally, it quoted an ancient love poem to express your longing for me and lamented the loneliness of being single for so many years. It also asked for a recent portrait of me in the letter."
At that moment, Thales froze on the spot.
His previous endless dignity and coldness instantly turned into embarrassment and embarrassment.
"Well, maybe it's just a daily …"
Miranda ignored him and continued to speak.
"Scholar Alpasoni said that according to the kingdom's tradition, this is in fact a 'marriage notice'."
Thales gulped unnaturally.
"Actually, it's not that. Then …"
"Of course, Lord Bustamante removed all the polite words and rhetoric and helped me summarize a sentence." Miranda glanced at him from the corner of her eyes.
"Do you want to mate?"
'It's really my problem.'
Thales put down the letter with an expressionless face. The room became completely quiet.
'Kessel Jadestar, I will never forgive you.'
"Um, my dear Lady Arunde."
Thales tried hard to ignore the God of War who was unleashing his demonic energy to destroy the world in his mind. He suppressed the urge to barge into Renaissance Palace again and forced a smile. He was gentle and kind.
"If I say that this is my father's idea, and I had no prior knowledge of this thing — oh, it really drew me pretty well, would you believe me?"
"Your father's idea?"
Miranda stared at him. Her sharp gaze seemed to see through more things.
After a while, she untied her sword, supported herself with one hand, and sat on the windowsill.
"I believe you."
Thales sighed in relief. At least Raphael, whose eyes were glowing red, disappeared from the bottom of his heart.
"Ah, um, since the misunderstanding has been resolved … I am actually preparing to go on a long journey. Why don't we talk about it later …"
"So, Thales Jadestar," Miranda spoke again. This time, she was extremely serious. "Do you want me to be your queen?"
Thales paused again.
'Sh * t.'
Thales sighed. He was no longer as awe-inspiring as before. He could only smile helplessly. "You asked this question before."
"I did not," Miranda said coldly. "They are different questions."
Thales' smile disappeared.
It seemed that at this moment, everything was different.
"Which part is different?"
Thales leaned back and sat on the desk. "Is it 'mine', or 'queen'?"
Miranda sized him up for a while before she snorted and shook her head.
"It's a pity. If our marriage was real, it could solve many problems, from the right to rule to the right to inherit."
Thales fell silent.
'It can solve many problems …
'The key is, what problems?'
"You don't want to sit there."
Thales looked at Miranda, who was leaning against the windowsill.
He said gloomily, "When the sun is at its hottest, a few cats are used to coming to my study to cool off. The food and water in those bowls are prepared to feed them, so that they won't push their luck and enter my room."
'Cats?'
Miranda frowned and saw a few bowls by the window.
Thales crossed his arms and sighed. "If they find out that their old place has been occupied, they, especially that cunning old black cat, will be unhappy. Then, then they will start to give me a headache."
Miranda was silent for a moment.
"It's okay. That's why I'm carrying a sword."
Thales furrowed his eyebrows.
"Sword? Uh, isn't this a little too cruel? "
"Will it be crueler than the problem you encountered at the royal banquet?"
"Eh …"
"What happened?"
Thales took a deep breath and said seriously,
"Well, Madam Arunde, what I just said was not a political metaphor, but a literal meaning — there will really be cats wandering around here!"
Miranda was stunned.
After this interlude, the two of them once again fell into silence.
Miranda spoke again.
"By the way, I went to the Sunset Temple a while ago and met Aunt Liscia."
"Li Xi — who?"
Miranda ignored Thales.
"Priestess Melgen was there as well. For the sake of your reputation, they asked me to bring some words that were not convenient to say to the prince directly."
'Priestess Melgen …
'Some words to say to the prince …'
Thales was shocked.
"I'm writing, I'm really writing!"
The prince subconsciously pointed at the copy of the theology lesson on the table. "Tell her that she can hand it in tomorrow!"
"Not that!" Miranda glanced at him in disdain.
She said seriously,
"Priestess Melgen said that the period for the internal investigation of the temple is almost here. If you show some understanding to Sister Nia and don't want her to be so anxious that she has to rummage through chests and cabinets every day, quickly return the three books that were stolen from the forbidden book area."
'Hmm?
'Forbidden book area, stolen, stolen …'
Thales originally heaved a sigh of relief, but his smile froze on his face.
"One of them is' Arch Sea City Enlightenment Collection ', and the other is' Hidden Records of Exorcism '. The last one is …"
Miranda took out a note.
"'High Priestess Petruzeli's Top Secret Notes'. Wait, Petruzeli, isn't he the Sunset High Priestess during the era of the Ascension King? The one who presided over the killing of children as an offering to the gods — "
"Thank you!"
Thales snatched the note and forced a smile.
"I know now!"
Miranda pursed her lips.
"Aunt Liscia also said that if you want to borrow some books next time, you don't have to be a thief. You can just say it directly. Don't worry, she won't tell your father."
Thales felt as if his face was burning.
The atmosphere became a little awkward.
Then, Miranda spoke to break the silence.
"I heard from Wya that you are going to the south for an inspection?"
"Which Wya … Oh, you mean that Wya?" Thales nodded and sighed slightly. "Yes, it's obvious that everyone is busy with their work.
"Since even someone like me, who is known to be 'unsuitable for a house and home', has received it … I guess that quite a number of suzerains in the south have also received your 'Do you want to mate'?"
'Quite a number of suzerains in the south …'
Thales looked as if he had just eaten a fly.
"Regarding this, I cannot disobey my father's orders," he said sarcastically.
"And the king's orders cannot be changed," Miranda's voice was cold, and it made Thales' heart tremble.
'What is she trying to say?'
Thales said seriously,
"Listen, Miranda — I'm sorry, it's Madam Arunde. I'm very grateful that you came to see me, and I'm also very sorry that my matters have caused you inconvenience, but if there's nothing else — "
"Enough, I don't want to beat around the bush with you anymore."
Miranda cut him off directly, and her next sentence made Thales stunned.
"I'm here to help you."
"H-help me? Please forgive me, I don't quite understand. "
Miranda glanced at him, and it was just a glance, as if she understood everything.
But it made Thales very anxious.
"Stop pretending. You are definitely not going to the south for a blind date," the swordswoman said with certainty. "Based on your habits, everywhere you go — the capital, the fortress, Dragon Clouds City, Western Desert — will not be peaceful."
'Huh?'
Thales was stunned at first, and then he scratched the chair indignantly. "Star Lake Castle is very peaceful."
'Only a few rats died.
At most, I'll add two more chairs. '
But Miranda ignored him.
"And no matter what kind of shady business you want to do that is inconvenient to talk about, you need trustworthy and competent people. It would be best if they are acquaintances who have worked with you before, and have even gone through thick and thin with you.
"So, I'll go with you on this journey."
'Shady business that is inconvenient to talk about …
'Damn it, what does she know?'
At that moment, Thales and Miranda's eyes met.
"Since you don't like to beat around the bush, Madam Arunde," Thales said doubtfully, "I know that our experience in Dragon Clouds City is unforgettable, but our friendship doesn't seem to be so good that we can help each other from afar?"
Miranda did not answer immediately, but stared at him. Her eyes were different from the others. They were calm, cold, sharp, and had a vague sense of alienation.
'Right.' The duke suddenly remembered that although the lady in front of him was from Constellation, Arunde was from Northland. Most of the time, Thales could not help but forget this, and treated her more as a typical "Empire bigwig".
Finally, Miranda spoke softly.
"If you really want a reason, Kohen told me that the prince is in a difficult situation and urgently needs help, but unfortunately, he does not have enough people around him. Or to quote his own words, 'They are all idiots'."
"Kohen?"
Thales was stunned when he heard this.
'Did he ask Miranda to come?'
He subconsciously asked what was on his mind, "How, how is he recently?"
"Pretty good," Miranda said in a low voice, "First, he was transferred from the Highway Administration Maintenance Department to the Archives Management Department, and his daily work changed from sweeping to drinking tea …"
'Yes, thanks to me.'
Thales felt a little guilty.
'Maybe, maybe I should pull some strings and transfer him to Star Lake Fort as compensation?'
"… Until he tidied up the files without rest and found a lot of dubious old files, which involved a large number of retired police officers and magistrates who were enjoying their old age, and even quite a few former high-ranking officials. His superior had no choice but to transfer him to the police academy under the Academy of Knights to train reserve police officers. "
After a second of careful consideration, Thales decided to let Kohen continue to train in the police station.
"I understand."
A strange feeling surged in Thales' heart.
"I have to say, I am very grateful and honored, but, but you are Madam Sonia's right-hand man and a strong fighter. If I abduct you, she will not —"
"She will," Miranda interrupted him. "Madam, she will understand."
'She understands better than anyone else.'
Miranda stared out the window.
Thales paused for a second.
"Are you serious?
"You want to … serve me?"
"I don't have the habit of lying.
"So you are not good at lying, at least not as good as I thought."
In that second, Miranda's gaze turned fierce!
The Duke of Star Lake took a deep breath and felt the color in the room turn darker.
"You are not here because of Kohen's request."
Thales straightened his posture and looked at her seriously.
"It's not that he doesn't want to help me, but even if that blockhead has twenty brains, he will not think of saying that 'the prince is in a difficult situation and needs help'."
Miranda's frown deepened.
"Seven years ago in Dragon Clouds City, you did not manage to deceive Childe Vlad with this' Soaring Eagle '." The Duke of Star Lake looked at her coldly. "Seven years later, you will not be able to deceive me either.
"So, I want to ask you one more time, and it will be the last time."
There was a chill in Thales' words.
"Madam Arunde, why did you come here to 'help me'?"
Miranda leaned against the window and did not say a word.
She was like a winter plum flower facing the wind and snow.
But Thales was also very patient.
Finally, the swordswoman spoke expressionlessly.
"Because I am tired of it."
"Tired of what?"
Miranda raised her head suddenly!
"Waiting," she said coldly. "I am tired of waiting, tired of waiting for a chance to change, tired of going with the flow. I am tired of being a happy, pitiful, innocent, and pitiful woman who is content with the status quo and has no self-awareness."
'Just like the past twenty years.'
Miranda did not shy away and met the prince's eyes.
'Happy, pitiful, innocent, content with the status quo, these words …'
Thales slowly furrowed his brows.
"What are you talking about?"
Miranda let out a cold laugh.
"Everything."
She turned her head and looked at Lake of Stars under the sunlight.
"Seven years ago, my father was imprisoned for the crime of harming a foreign politician — that unfortunate Prince of Eckstedt.
"But everyone in the circle knew that Iron Eagle Val Arunde's crimes were far more than that. He had ulterior motives, colluded with foreign enemies, and committed the shocking crime of treason. He nearly caused the people of the Northern Territory to be plunged into misery and suffering, and caused the kingdom to be doomed eternally. His debt of sin was great, and he could not be punished."
Thales recalled the Hall of Stars seven years ago. He remembered the scene of the courtiers pressuring the prince to abdicate when the flames of war were about to descend. He did not speak.
Miranda's words became more oppressive.
"The Arunde Family suffered a blow, and their prestige was swept to the ground. Their reputation was ruined, and they were ridiculed countless times over the past seven years. The forces and families who were once on good terms with Cold Castle fought to keep their distance and draw a clear line between them."
She said dejectedly,
"The truth is, our family's name has gradually faded, and the Northern Territory no longer looks up to the White Eagle at the top of Winter Summit."
Thales spoke softly, but there was a faint uneasiness in his heart, "I'm very sorry."
"There's no need for that," Miranda denied flatly. "Since we've done it, we should bear the consequences. This is what we deserve."
Thales looked at her, but he remembered the archdukes of Eckstedt who fought against each other in Heroic Spirit Palace in another country.
"So this is why you came to me, and even wanted to serve me.
"You want to borrow the Duke of Star Lake's power, and the glory of the White Eagle?"
Miranda nodded, but then shook her head.
"More than that."
Her gaze froze.
"You know, you know what else he did."
'Him?'
'Him.'
For some reason, Thales understood that she was not talking about Duke Val.
Miranda left the windowsill and walked slowly towards Thales.
* Thud. *
Her voice was steady, but her words were piercing.
"He kept my father in prison for seven years, even though he deserved it. He did not take his life, nor did he strip him of his title and status. At the same time, he showed the king's mercy and Renaissance Palace's cruelty."
* Thud. *
"He never explicitly stated that I, a female first heir, was the legitimate heir. Similarly, he did not acknowledge that the other Arunde branches had the right to replace me. He allowed us to have disputes everywhere and cause dissension in the family."
* Thud. *
The swordswoman from the Arunde Family's footsteps seemed to have a certain rhythm. With every step she took, her imposing manner increased, and it complemented her words.
"He never mentioned or approved my marriage. He even rejected the suggestions of those with ulterior motives. He made me gradually become the fruit of power in Northland, the more it was delayed, the more tempting it would be for others to pluck it.
* Thud. *
"He also incited Zemunto and Friess and gave them small favors to boost their ambitions. He made these two families in the Northern Territory, who were second only to the Arunde Family, think that they could replace Cold Castle's position in front of Renaissance Palace."
* Thud. *
Thales felt the Sin of Hell's River stirring. A strong premonition forced him to take a deep breath and cut her off.
"The Northern Territory is geographically crucial, and the people there are fierce. When Renaissance Palace handles related matters, they naturally need to be cautious —"
"That's right!"
Miranda said sharply and cut him off.
"The Northern Territory has a special status. There are many traditions that are different from those in the kingdom. One of them is that the suzerains of Northland do not have to follow the Elam Law's system of inheritance of the eldest son. They can even follow the legacy of Northland and choose the best to inherit the legacy.
"Or in the words of the people in the land, they are barbaric and backward."
'Legacy of Northland.'
Thales suddenly thought of Black Sand Region and how Chapman Lampard obtained the archduke's position.
"But I know his plans." Miranda changed the topic, and her tone was piercingly cold. "You know it too.
"He used the difference in inheritance laws and disputes, as well as my gender to keep me, the Arunde Family, and the entire Northern Territory in suspense.
"So that he could continue the story of Blade Edge Hill. In the name of the royal family, he would carry out his laws in the Northern Territory, spread his authority, convey his will, and appoint officials who were close to the royal family. Until the rebellious Cold Castle did as he wished and became the second Northern Field Camp of Renaissance Palace after Broken Dragon Fortress."
Miranda finally stopped in front of Thales.
She said airily,
"Until the proud White Eagle at the top of Winter Summit became a parrot parrot in a pet birdcage."
Thales could not help but let out a long sigh.
"So now, I, Miranda Arunde, the daughter of a duke, have become a sacrifice for the kingdom, an abandoned child of history, and an obstacle to the Northern Territory. My status is neither high nor low, my authority is undecided, and my future is dark and uncertain."
Miranda snorted coldly.
"As expected of a father and son. Just like you, he knows how to make use of women, especially women who are vulnerable, right?"
Thales' gaze shifted.
'She …'
He resisted the urge to retort, but he could not stop his mood from sinking.
'So, Miranda, you came here for, for …'
At that moment, Thales only felt a deep sense of sorrow.
"And I am just … tired of it," Miranda said expressionlessly.
Thales sighed.
"So you asked me just now if I want you to be my queen. You are looking for … a way out."
Miranda's expression darkened. She nodded.
"Yes, this is indeed the fastest and most effortless way to solve the problem."
But then her gaze turned sharp.
"But I believe that you are not so stupid and short-sighted that you only see my value as a wife and mother."
As he listened to her words, Thales remembered his brief encounter with the shackled Duke of the Northern Territory, "Iron Eagle" Val Arunde, at the royal banquet.
"Please do me another favor: Don't marry her.
"If you have no choice but to marry her, don't plant a seed in her belly."
'Duke Val, you foresaw this. You knew this would happen, didn't you?
You know your daughter. You know that she is an Arunde.
She is the White Eagle of the Northern Territory.
Under the Day before the Bitter Cold Winter, she may temporarily retreat, but she will not remain mute for long, much less bow her head forever. '
"So, what do you want?" Thales asked softly.
"Hmph, what do I want?"
Miranda repeated this sentence. She slowly lowered her body and met Thales' eyes.
"It's very simple.
"I am a descendant of the White Eagle Arunde. What flows in my veins is the cruel blood of the First Marshal under the King of Renaissance, 'Wretched Eagle' Nolanur Arunde."
She said in a low voice,
"I went back and forth between Cold Castle and Broken Dragon Fortress. I fought against the Northland barbarians for a total of nine years. All the generals, captains, soldiers, messengers, cooks, porters, and even the prostitutes in the villages outside the fortress know me."
Miranda's expression became more determined.
"I am also the subordinate and comrade of the Fortress Flower. Be it fame, ability, status, experience, or familiarity with the Northern Territory, I am the best and strongest replacement and successor for the northern barrier of the kingdom."
In this second, Miranda's gaze was as sharp as a knife.
"In the entire kingdom, no one is more deserving of the title of the Duke of the Northern Territory than me."
Her voice was as cold as ice.
"No one is more qualified than me to rule that ancient land."
Her words were as heavy as a mountain.
"No one can use any reason to stop me from defending or even taking back what belongs to me."
Thales did not speak.
At that moment, he was in a daze, as if he had returned to the small Ballard Room.
"To defeat them, Your Majesty, you must change your strategy … You need them to jump out, stand out, and shine."
'Now, they jumped out.'
Thales' heart trembled.
He slowly raised his head and met Miranda's determined expression.
'This day has come so quickly.'
At this moment, the "Gurtaksa" was in his front pocket, as light as a feather.
"And I will give you unexpected great help, help you see through them, disintegrate them, and finally destroy them."
That night, when he reached an agreement with King Kessel, Thales knew the price of doing so.
Or rather, he thought he knew.
He thought …
"Now, what do you think?"
As he pondered, the daughter of the Arunde Family stared at him.
"Polaris?"
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