'She's different.'
Thales stared at Miranda in a daze, and could not help but think so.
Thales had known Miranda for a long time, ever since they met as cellmates in Dragon Clouds City, and witnessed her fighting with her sword in Heroic Spirit Palace.
Without a doubt, the woman in front of him was a calm warrior, a powerful swordsman, a strong fighter, cautious and reliable, and a little aloof.
Like a flower on the precipice of a snowy mountain.
As expected of the White Eagle's descendant, Arunde's blood descendant.
But at this moment, at this moment …
Thales stared at her back. For the first time, he felt the heat and vitality emanating from her veins, as well as an unprecedented sense of oppression.
That was not something the Arunde Family of Cold Castle, nor the Tower of Eradication, or even the Fortress Flower could teach her.
It was …
Thales closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and returned to reality.
"If that's the case, why don't you go straight to my father, to His Majesty, and make the same promise to him?"
Miranda's hand, which was adjusting the sheath rings, froze.
Thales slowly opened his eyes.
"As long as, as long as you repeat what you told me to King Kessel, as long as you are willing to give up what your father and his generation did not want to give up …"
The Duke of Star Lake gritted his teeth.
"I believe, be it title or status, whatever I can give you in the future, the Iron Hand King can give it to you now."
And he would be happy to give it to you.
Thales picked up the ridiculous greeting letter, and his gaze was threatening.
"So, why not?"
Miranda did not speak. She began to adjust her belt and sheath rings again.
"Because you are the one who broke into the palace and rebelled."
Thales' expression changed.
"Cohen has always been slow, but the teachers in the tower said that as stupid and stubborn as he is, he has an extraordinary swordsman's intuition."
Miranda did not look up. She carefully adjusted the tightness of the sword belt and the height and angle of the hilt.
"And that idiot said that the reason he was willing to risk his life to break into the forbidden palace with you was because he saw your eyes in Lower City District that day."
Thales was stunned. "What? What eyes? "
Miranda chuckled.
"He said he believed in you. He believed that you were like Paladin Don Quixote, charging towards an impossible goal."
Thales was stunned.
"Don — Don what?"
Miranda adjusted her sword belt and shrugged nonchalantly.
"I don't know. I've never heard of this knight. But when Cohen said this, he had stayed up all night and was dozing off while flipping through the files. He probably got confused with the name in one of the files. "
At that moment, Thales' expression froze.
"But Kohen said that he believed that what you wanted to do at that time was more correct and more important than being loyal to the emperor. So, even if you wanted to barge into Renaissance Palace, although he was hesitant, he did not reject it.
"Just like Dragon Clouds City all those years ago."
Thales trembled slightly.
Miranda raised her head and looked straight into his eyes.
"That's why I know that even after seven years, you're still different from your father."
"You don't approve of the king's methods, be it forcing my father to rebel, setting up a shocking plot in Dragon Clouds City that is stained with blood, or the ominous conflict at the border in Western Desert a few months ago, or other filthy things I don't know about."
The swordswoman stared at Thales seriously.
"You, Thales Jadestar, you want to be different."
At that moment, Thales felt his heart skip a beat.
'Different?'
"'Thales, become a king … because I believe that you will be better than them and the other kings."'
"'You can prove that even in the shackles of power … there is a different way of living."'
Thales looked at Miranda in front of him and subconsciously clenched his fists.
'Damn you, Quick Rope.
'You bastard. Different way of living? That's easy for you to say.'
Thales took a deep breath.
He tried. He tried hard. He tried to abandon his emotions and weakness. He only saw Miranda as an ambitious vassal after an ordinary noble.
He thought that he could pull her into a trap without being blamed.
'But, but now, the current Miranda …
"'At that time, no matter how noble Jadestar is, he will not be able to save you. Constellation is too big for you. Even the king will not be able to protect you."'
Thales' gaze was bitter. His original determination wavered a little at that moment.
The duke had no choice but to take a deep breath to calm his agitation.
"Do you think that I can finally bring you what you want?"
"No, you can't." Unexpectedly, Miranda shook her head. "This is a battle that belongs to me alone. You are at most a stepping stone."
'Stepping stone, hmph.
Thales nodded sarcastically.
'You really know how to talk.'
"But compared to your father," the swordswoman said coldly, "perhaps you are a little more solid.
"By the way, your acting just now was terrible. 'My dear Mira, if you want to participate in the game, you have to pay more'?
"You don't even know how to pretend to be a pervert," Miranda said in disdain, "Virgin."
But Thales was not interested in bickering with her.
At that moment, he felt complicated. He lowered his head gloomily.
"Mira," Thales said in a daze, "what have you encountered all these years?
What made you become who you are now? "
Hearing that, Miranda froze.
"A lot."
She spoke slowly. Countless scenes flashed in her eyes.
"So many that I don't even want to count them."
But it was only for a moment. She quickly regained her determination and became that stubborn swordswoman again.
"But when I look back, I realize that everything started from that night."
'That night?'
Thales thought of something and looked up in surprise.
Miranda nodded slightly, confirming his doubts.
"That night in Dragon Clouds City."
Thales' eyes widened.
'Dragon's blood.
"Both the people we met that day," Miranda said, looking straight at him, "and the things we did."
"And don't call me Mira."
But Thales did not hear the rest of what she said.
He only stared at Miranda in a daze.
'Is there always a moment in your life when you inadvertently look back on the past and realize that the decisions you made based on local conditions and adaptability would bring about such a significant, far-reaching, and even change everything?'
Before he knew it, the dark clouds that covered the sky had dispersed.
The Star Lake became blue and clear again. It was sparkling.
After an unknown amount of time, Thales exhaled. With an emotion that he could not completely understand, he said, whether it was bitterness, relief, or helplessness,
"But you just said, Mira, that you want to make a deal with me, and that you want to keep the most utilitarian part?"
Miranda thought about it and suddenly smiled.
"Yes, I want to use the most utilitarian part of myself in exchange for the most ideal part of you. In this way, you are the one who is at a disadvantage.
"Now, other than don't call me Mira, do you have any other questions?"
But Thales only stared at her saber in a daze.
"Mira?"
Miranda sighed and was about to speak.
"I actually have ulterior motives for going to Jade City on this trip, and I even harbor ill intentions," Thales said absentmindedly.
Miranda was startled, but she still nodded. "I know. Don't call me Mira — "
"I want to deal with Zayen, shove him head first into my toilet bowl, and flush him into the moat."
Miranda frowned. "I know. I said don't — "
"So, if you come with me, it is very likely that you will have to do something, um, not so glorious."
"I know!"
Miranda could not help but raise her voice, but in the end, she could not help but sigh.
"Don't call me that again — Fine, so does this mean that you agree?"
Thales slowly raised his head and released a haggard but relieved smile.
Miranda was a little surprised by this.
"I understand, Mira, the question you asked me the moment you came in," the duke said softly.
Miranda was startled. "What question?"
The Duke of Star Lake also came to the window and stretched.
"About Roshanna Arunde, I just remembered her story."
Miranda's gaze moved slightly.
Thales looked at the boundless Star Lake and sighed.
"In history, 'Mathematician' Roshanna entered the Renaissance Court and eventually became the queen of the Virtuous King Mindis the Third. She was in charge of the royal family's finances, and even helped the newly established Department of Finance calculate the income and expenditure, and negotiated the accounts with the Virtuous King's creditors. Because of this, people called her the 'Shrewd Queen', and from then on, the story of how the king and queen knew each other well, and how they lived in harmony."
Thales quietly gazed at the intoxicating scenery before him.
'I was wondering why Gilbert always liked to tell me such nonsense in class. In the end, he was urging me to get married.'
"But she did not do it willingly," the swordswoman said.
Thales was startled.
Miranda leaned on the windowsill with him and looked at the blue sky in the Central Territory.
"Ever since the birth of his youngest son, the old duke was worried that his eldest daughter's status would be too high, and her ability and personality would be too strong, which would benefit her future husband's family too much. He was also worried that she would bear a grudge because she lost her right of inheritance, which would be detrimental to her younger brother and the family.
"So, he gave Roshanna two choices."
Miranda's voice was faint.
"She could either marry a knight of humble birth with a large amount of dowry to eliminate the threat of her husband's family in the future, or she could directly abandon her family name and right of inheritance and leave Cold Castle, depriving her of the possibility of interfering with the family through blood ties."
Thales was shocked.
'Is this part in the records about the Shrewd Queen?'
Miranda's gaze was mournful.
"Roshanna, who was strong-willed by nature, chose the second option, which led to the subsequent story. She did not become the queen because she was born in Arunde, but because she became the queen, the Arunde Family suddenly remembered her, and rushed to add her back into the family tree, announcing to the world that the new queen's surname was Arunde."
Thales listened to the story in astonishment. "I … I did not know that there was such a part."
Miranda nodded.
"The White Eagle Family has always taken pride in being united and rarely having internal strife, but … this disgraceful part of history was only recorded by the Sunset Priest, who was a secret witness to this agreement. It was hidden deep in the forbidden books section of Sunset Temple, and no one knew about it for a long time."
Or rather, how much of the "unity of the family" that the Arunde Family was praised for in history was formed by the old duke's exiling of his close relatives and suppressing of his children to prevent them from killing each other?
Thales' eyes turned and he clapped his hands.
"No wonder. No wonder the Arunde Family, as the number one family in the Northern Territory, was suppressed so badly by Renaissance Palace and the Imperial Conference during the reign of the Virtuous King. They were even used as a typical example of the Virtuous King's reforms."
'Damn it. Gilbert even analyzed a lot of high-sounding topics like' the balance of power between the relatives of the king and the courtiers'. The related papers were stacked up to three feet thick. '
Miranda smiled nonchalantly.
"Just like that, the first Duchess of the Northern Territory did not appear. She was replaced by the 'Shrewd Queen'. This is a happy and beautiful story that people can accept. A kind father, a filial daughter, brotherly siblings, a strong husband, and a happy and beautiful story."
The swordswoman crossed her arms. "But I feel that compared to the 'Queen Roshanna' in the stories that have been told for thousands of years …"
Thales took over the conversation.
"Or is' Duchess Roshanna 'more suitable to be sung by bards everywhere?"
Miranda glanced at him but did not speak.
"But are you ready?" the prince asked softly.
In the next second, Thales extended his hand without warning and touched Miranda's waist.
The swordswoman's gaze turned fierce. She immediately moved and pressed down on Thales' left hand.
But she immediately frowned. Thales' extended palm was pressed on the hilt of the saber at her waist.
Thales gave her an apologetic smile.
She looked at Thales warily, but she still let go of his hand slowly.
Thales then slowly raised his hand and drew out Soaring Eagle from her scabbard.
"I think the story of your ancestor — no, Roshanna is the queen, and also my ancestor — tells us that unlike Eckstedt, the Northlanders, who are inexperienced, caught off guard, and can only bite the bullet and accept an archduchess, the Constellatiates have learned from their mistakes. They are used to it, and they know how to deal with such situations."
The friction between the blade of Soaring Eagle and the leather gradually revealed itself.
Just like seven years ago, it shone with a cold light.
It was also different from seven years ago. It had gone through many hardships.
Thales looked at the blade and said slowly, "Just look at Duchess Lyanna of Blade Edge Hill.
"Just look at Duchess Lyanna of Blade Edge Hill. Compared to direct objections, they know how to tear you apart in a gentle and courteous manner within the current system of rules."
The prince sighed.
"After all, even the Queen of the Conquerors of the North, who ascended to the supreme throne three hundred years ago, did not end up well."
* Slap! *
Just when one-third of the blade was drawn out, Miranda pressed down on Thales' hand again. She slowly exerted force and sent Soaring Eagle back into its scabbard without any hesitation.
"That's because she was not strong enough."
Thales arched an eyebrow.
"Not strong enough? Queen Erica is an existence who invaded and seized Cold Castle six times and caused Eckstedt to suffer a great loss. "
Miranda narrowed her eyes.
"At least she was not strong enough to make those who opposed her bow their heads, such as her younger brother."
With a soft sound, Soaring Eagle's entire body sank into its scabbard. Thales could only sigh and let go.
Miranda shook her head at him.
"I have a question," the prince muttered. "If I really wanted you to marry me and become my queen, then I would accept you and be willing to help you take back the Northern Territory …"
Miranda thought for a while.
"Are you trying to say that you would only help me take back the Northern Territory if I offered myself to you and let you f * ck me to your heart's content?"
'Mira, Star Lake Castle is not Broken Dragon Fortress. When we have time, we should talk about your choice of words in front of the prince.'
Thales sighed.
"What if I did?"
Miranda sneered.
"If you really did that, then it would prove your character, and it would also prove that Kohen was wrong. Then, whether I submit to your father or surrender to you, it would be the same."
She said nonchalantly, "So, I will first break your legs, then go to Renaissance Palace with the grievance that I was' forcibly taken 'by the prince."
Thales furrowed his eyebrows.
"Go to my father to seek justice?"
The swordswoman shook her head.
"No, I will prove to him and the kingdom that after this incident, I have become enemies with the prince, and we cannot live under the same sky. So, in the fight between the two Jadestars, I must stand on the king's side. Then, I will conveniently give your father the same conditions: I will give up the Northern Territory for him, and he will grant me the title of duke. I will still get what I want. "
Thales looked incredulous.
"As I said," Miranda shook her head, "no matter what, I have to find my own way out."
'But … I'm missing a stepping stone.'
Thales gulped.
'As expected.
'Control your lower half and live happily for the rest of your life.'
"Then, Lady Miranda Arunde."
Thales sighed, turned around, and said with a serious expression,
"Are you willing to be my wife?"
Miranda was stunned when she heard this, but she looked at him for a long time and understood something.
"No, I'm not willing."
Thales nodded.
"Then, are you willing to be my queen?"
"No, I'm not willing either."
Thales met her eyes.
"If that's the case, Miranda Arunde, are you willing to be my knight?"
In the study room of Star Lake Castle, the teenager and the swordswoman looked at each other in silence.
After a moment, Miranda smiled.
She took a step back and faced Thales.
"I am willing, Your Highness."
Thales narrowed his eyes. "Even if I might order you to do something unpleasant, such as swinging your sword at Raphael? “
Miranda was silent for a moment.
"Raphael is very important to me, Your Highness."
Thales chuckled and shook his head. He waved his hand and said, "I know, Mira. So, I'm just playing — "
"But he is not everything in my life."
Miranda interrupted him with a sharp gaze.
"Far from it."
This was out of Thales' expectations. He looked at the swordswoman in front of him in surprise.
"So, Your Highness, if he stands in your way and our way, I will be sad."
At that moment, the Sword of Neverwinter of Broken Dragon Fortress reached for the hilt at his waist, his murderous intent overflowing.
"But I will never hesitate."
Thales was suddenly awestruck.
He stared at her for a very, very long time.
Miranda Arunde.
What is she?
A sword?
Yes, but not all of it.
A chess piece?
Perhaps, but there is a discrepancy.
A bargaining chip?
Possible, but is it light or heavy?
What do you think, King Kessel?
Thales held the Bone Ring in his lapel.
She is gathered under my banner, just like we planned.
But not, as we think, for power, at least, not as we think it is.
No matter how you look at it, she does not seem like a chess piece in your chessboard, an existence under your rules.
Thales curled up the corner of his mouth.
Because she is a person.
Damn it, a person … outside the chessboard.
What do you think, father?
His thoughts flashed past in a flash. In the next second, Thales smiled faintly.
"Then, Mira, welcome to Star Lake Fortress."
Even though we will soon be embarking on a journey.
Miranda smiled too.
"Wait."
She shook her head, pulled out Soaring Eagle from her waist, and pressed it against her palm, "An ancient Northland ritual."
Thales was stunned, and immediately sighed.
He pulled out the JC dagger from his waist, pressed it against his palm, and felt a headache-inducing familiarity in front of him, "An oath of alliance?"
"As expected of the prince who returned from the North." Miranda's eyes lit up, "You have seen a lot."
'More than a lot.'
Thales thought helplessly.
'More than you can imagine.'
In the next second, both of them exerted force at the same time, feeling the pain between their palms and the blade.
"So, Thales Jadestar, from today onwards, I swear loyalty to you and serve you."
Miranda put down Soaring Eagle and solemnly extended her hand. Blood flowed from her palm.
"In return, you will fully support me in inheriting the throne. If necessary, you will not hesitate to take the field personally. Announce to the kingdom that you will only acknowledge one Master of the Northern Territory …"
Thales exhaled, and similarly extended his hand that was covered in blood. He finished her sentence.
"Duchess Miranda Arunde."
With a clap, both of their palms clasped tightly.
"So, from today onwards, I —"
Thales was halfway through his sentence when he suddenly remembered the unpleasant memory of "Gurtaksa".
He could not help but sigh.
"You have said what I wanted to say. As for what I did not say …"
Blood flowed from their wrists.
Thales gestured with his lips listlessly.
"Here, it's all in the blood."
Miranda frowned, but still shook her hand in annoyance to seal the oath.
But when he thought about it, Thales could not help but ask,
"Are there any restraining measures, such as swearing a poison oath or placing a curse? What if someone betrays me? “
Miranda shook her head in disdain.
She tightened her grip. "There is only one situation where I will break my promise.
When you are not strong enough. "
'Damn it, it hurts a little.'
Thales looked at her suspiciously.
"Don't misunderstand, Your Highness. Although we have reached an oath, if you don't meet my expectations, or even drag me down," Miranda uncharacteristically blinked her eyes maliciously, "I will abandon you without the slightest hesitation."
Thales' smile was a little stiff.
'How heartwarming.'
The prince rolled his eyes.
"Then what if I betray you?"
In the next second, Miranda pulled her hand away, and Thales could not help but be pulled forward by her!
The prince finally stopped moving. He was about to complain when he realized that Miranda was right in front of him at that moment.
And they were so close that they could almost kiss each other. Thales could even see the swordswoman's eyelashes clearly, and he could also see the determination hidden behind her eyes.
"Your eyes, they are gray. How rare." Miranda observed him carefully and said faintly.
Thales had a strange expression on his face.
"Is that so? Urk, your eyes are also very beautiful —"
But Miranda's voice quickly turned cold.
"Remember, you are a descendant of Jadestar, and I am a descendant of Arunde.
"It is unfortunate, but betrayal is destined to be a part of our lives."
Miranda's gaze turned cold.
"Just like revenge."
Thales froze.
"That's why, little brat …"
In the next second, the hostility on Miranda's face disappeared.
It was replaced by a bright and beautiful smile that had never been seen before, but it made people feel a chill in their hearts.
Before she turned to leave, she smiled and pinched Thales' stunned face.
"Be good, don't be naughty."
— —
Thales was dumbfounded and exasperated ("I am your master! You have to have the attitude of a subordinate, understand? Star Lake Castle is not a place outside the law! ") With an expression on his face, Doyle walked into the study and watched in surprise as Miranda left with a smile on her face.
'Could, could it be …'
"Wow, Your Highness!"
Doyle seemed to have understood something. He looked pleasantly surprised and clicked his tongue repeatedly, "Tsk tsk tsk tsk tsk, congratulations!"
Thales looked at him suspiciously.
"What's wrong? What are you congratulating me for? "
"Nothing, nothing, it's just, hehe …"
In the next second, Doyle quietly pointed at Miranda's back and proudly gave her a thumbs up, revealing an evil smile that said everything without saying a word.
"Awesome!!!"
At that moment, Doyle's smile was so bright, so dazzling, and so sincere.
So much so that he did not notice that Prince Thales' expression had unknowingly become more and more terrifying.
"Doyle, I heard from Officer Sonia that you met her during your night patrol?"
"Huh? Oh, yes! Your Highness, the Fortress Flower. Heh, she was discussing some academic topics with Zombie. You know, 'academic' topics! Don't worry, I didn't disturb you. Hehehe, after all, it's an important diplomatic victory for Star Lake Castle … "
"…"
That night, Star Lake Castle was not peaceful.
It was said that the Duke, who had always been good-tempered, was enraged. He personally instructed Penal Officer Patterson to execute the most horrifying and inhumane punishment since the establishment of the Star Lake Guards, First Class Vanguard Officer Danny Doyle, or D.D, as soon as possible:
Confiscated the teddy doll on his bed.
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