Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 126 Valhalla

When Thales finally stepped into Dragon Sky City, what immediately caught his attention was not the city's rugged and bold architectural style.

In fact, unlike Yongxing City, which was built on the city walls and urban area, Longxiao City was built on a gentle slope of a mountain. The layout of the city followed the mountain's contours and stretched all the way up, appearing natural and smooth.

Similar to his experience in the Lombard camp, what impressed Thales most was the crowd of people from Dragonsky City, Exter, who were crowding around the city gates as if they were watching a spectacle to see the Prince of Stars.

"A prince of the Empire!" A rough shout rang out from the crowd, immediately triggering a noisy and chaotic response.

According to Putila, the area should be bustling with people preparing for winter, making their final trip into the city to exchange, sell, and buy things.

But he just happened to be there.

Thales could only bow his head and sigh.

He hasn't been this "popular" in a long time.

Although the civilians were in much better spirits than the soldiers, and the people of Dragon Sky City did not harbor the same hatred for Starry Sky as the people of Black Sand Territory, the news of the assassination attempt on the Dragon Sky City heir had obviously already spread far and wide.

This led to Thales and his companions being subjected to a barrage of comments, insults, and even flying debris—the Exter people were far more "enthusiastic" than the Star People.

“If that king has any guts, then don’t send…” A furious voice rang out from the crowd. Thales couldn’t see it clearly and was hurriedly escorted away by his entourage before he could hear the rest of the sentence.

I could only vaguely hear voices saying things like "Let that coward do it himself," along with countless approving or disapproving responses, echoing behind me.

"Maintain order and keep the crowd at bay! We need to get to Valhalla as soon as possible!" Nikolai reprimanded his subordinates and soldiers without any politeness: "You know what to do with those who rush in!"

Fortunately, the White Blade Guards and the soldiers of Dragon Sky City separated the crowd, otherwise Prince Star would have had to flee into Dragon Sky City in a sorry state.

Although it's not much different now.

“Their displeased expressions,” Thales sighed helplessly on horseback, looking at Wyatt and Rolf, who seemed on high alert, “were as if I had killed their prince.”

“Put yourself in my shoes,” Putile shouted in the noisy environment, “If you died in the North today, and then Exter sent someone to Everstar City to apologize tomorrow… I think I would probably be unhappy too.”

Thales rolled his eyes at Putila, who seemed completely unconcerned about the prophecy he had just made for the prince.

“Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Deputy Envoy.” Thales replied irritably, “If you become unemployed in the future, I suggest you try your luck in the Western Wilderness. I’m sure you’ll get along well with Duke Falkenhaus.

"The head of the four-eyed skull family, the 'unpopular' Duke of the Western Wilderness?" Putila chuckled. "Thank you for your recommendation."

Thales could only snort coldly.

But they both knew that the real test was far from here, and not with these simple, honest people.

"Ready, Imperials?" Nikolai's voice came from ahead, laced with disdain. "This is going to be tiring."

"What?" Thales looked up in astonishment.

Soon he knew why.

Longxiao City was built in layers, spiraling upwards, following the contours and slopes of the mountain.

They had to climb uphill through the city, passing through layers of barriers separated by thick inner gates—seven or eight such gates between each area.

“I’ve heard about the layout of Dragon Sky City,” Wyman said through gritted teeth, cautiously observing his surroundings. “It’s said that this inner city structure is easier to defend. Even if the enemy breaches the gates of Dragon Sky City, the archers on the city walls and gates can turn around and launch layer-by-layer attacks on the enemy rushing in. The warriors can block wave after wave of enemy attacks behind the city gates.”

"And because of the slope, the invaders also have to face the disadvantage of a steep uphill attack that consumes a lot of resources."

"I dare say that this situation was a great help when facing the siege of the Eastern Continent army in the Third Continental War."

“So, this city is no less impressive than Dragonbreaker Fortress,” Thales said helplessly, looking at his panting horse. The noisy crowd outside the guards’ cordon also annoyed him. “The citizens have to climb hills just to take a walk—not to mention the attacking enemies.”

“And the nobles had an excuse and a reason to hide in the city and tremble in fear,” Ada said, her steps light as she walked on the stone bricks, but she still snorted with dissatisfaction, “while their people outside the city suffered greatly.”

“I think the first people built this city purely for military purposes, but no one expected it would one day become the capital of Exter.” Thales glanced at the passersby who had stopped to look around. “Don’t the people who live here feel tired?”

"To some extent, this city is also naturally hostile to merchants. This kind of layout is not suitable for traveling merchants or shops, whether it is transporting goods or expanding business. Can you imagine that the cost of transporting a load of firewood into the inner city is enough to carry three loads of firewood?" Marquis Slays of Cornmas seemed to be used to this kind of road, but still shook his head and clicked his tongue. "Of course, this is when we Cornmas people step in."

"So the higher up in the inner city, the more it's a place where only the powerful and influential can live, right?" Thales sighed. "It's a very clear and easy-to-understand class division."

With Putila's introduction ("Compared to a few years ago, there shouldn't be much change. In fact, I suspect that Dragonsreach City hasn't changed much in over a hundred years - Putila"), they passed through many distinct areas along the way: the Shield District, which seemed like a slum; the Hammer District, where commoners lived; the Sword District, where markets and squares were located; the Bow District, where all sorts of things were available; the Arrow District, where temples and religious sites were gathered; the Spear District, where courts, prisons, and other departments were located; the Armor District, where workshops and shops were concentrated; and the Axe District, where nobles lived.

"Why don't they just build another area called 'Magic Gun Zone'?" Thales complained irritably about how all the areas in the city were named after weapon types.

“I imagine the magic gun probably hadn’t been invented yet when Nekaru renamed and renovated Dragonsreach,” Putila replied nonchalantly.

"When was the magic gun invented?" Thales' eyes darted around. "Who invented it? And why is it named that?"

“The magic gun has been around for almost three hundred years, and the other parts are easy to obtain,” Putila said with a smile, as if she knew what he was going to ask but was deliberately going against him. “Only the most core part is a strategic resource, and as for its source… you’ll find out sooner or later.”

"As for the name... nobody knows."

Thales curled his lip.

Magic Gun...

Magician.

Magic power.

magic.

He suppressed his doubts and tried to shift his attention to the matter at hand.

"Well... the people of Exter really lack imagination when they name their districts."

“If they don’t have enough material for naming their district, I have another suggestion,” Lian Thales said, watching his mount struggle to climb. He couldn’t help but feel a little tired and let out a long sigh: “Legendary Anti-Magic Armed District.”

“To be honest, you’ve been rambling on and on since just now,” Puttier finally took out his pipe again, gave Thales a meaningful look, took a deep drag, and calmly stated the truth: “It’s because of the situation we’re about to face…”

"And were you nervous?"

Thales was speechless for a moment.

Damn it.

Under the gaze of the rest of the delegation, Thales awkwardly shut his mouth.

They finally "crawled" out of the last stretch of road in the Axe District.

Wherever Thales went, the sky-blue cross and double-star banner held by Jenard behind him was the biggest focus of everyone's attention. Crowds of people came to watch him everywhere, and the soldiers maintaining order in Dragon City were overwhelmed. The naturally loud voices and fiery tempers of the Northerners made the scene even more chaotic.

This gave Thales no chance to carefully observe the city of Longxiao before he was escorted by the White Blade Guard into the innermost city, where the gates were closed, isolating the surging crowds outside.

Thales frowned and took a deep breath.

With Wyatt's help, he dismounted and stepped onto the rough, hard black stone bricks of the North, slowly raising his head.

Before me stood a palace.

So that means… Thales thought blankly.

"Please allow me to take my leave here, dear Prince Thales," before he could even take a good look at the palace, Marquis Slays of the Commas Alliance came before him, bowed humbly, and whispered, "You should be prepared."

"According to the plan……"

The Marquis of Cornmus chuckled:
"Your Majesty Nuen, there might be something about you..."

"rough."

Thales gave an awkward laugh, then took a deep breath of cold air and nodded.

rough?

of course.

Thales rolled his eyes inwardly.

From the moment I came into this world.

Has anyone ever been kind to me?
I almost thought this was a story about torturing the protagonist!

Marquis Slay and Nicolai exchanged a glance, then led Cornmus's men away in another direction.

Just as Thales was about to look up and take a closer look at the palace, which might be the palace of the King of Exeter, the palace gates slowly opened.

A group of northerners, dressed in rather ornate and neat clothes but still fully armed, filed out of the palace gates.

Thales felt a sudden tightness in his chest.

Sure enough, a loud voice rang out from the group:

"In the name of His Majesty King Nunn Walton VII, co-elected King of Exeter..."

"I am here on orders to welcome guests from foreign lands."

A man with a buzz cut, a rugged appearance, and a cold expression stared at Thales for a few seconds, his lips pressed tightly together, before speaking indifferently:

"His Majesty is eagerly awaiting your arrival."

"Your Highness, Prince of the Stars".

Thales clenched his fist.

coming.

Nikolai laughed and went forward to hug the leader.

"Have you completed your mission, dear captain of the guard, my friend Nicolai?" the man asked softly, as if with a deeper meaning.

“Of course,” Nikolai added, his words carrying a hidden meaning, “the Star Prince we’ve been looking for is already here.”

Thales frowned as he watched the two men's conversation.

Then, the leading man with the buzz cut came up to Thales and bowed to him.

"Welcome to Exter, and to her most dazzling jewel—Dragonrise City, Your Highness Thales from the stars." Thales, recalling Gilbert's teachings and Putila's advice on the way, quickly returned the greeting with a smile.

He looked like a bureaucrat, but his physique—Thales thought—was more like that of a warrior.

Or rather, most men in the North look like warriors.
“I am Lord Byrne Mailk,” said the northern man with a buzz cut, who was about forty or fifty years old, wearing a thick robe and with a serious expression. “Before I received my title, I was a member of the White Blade Guard. Now I am His Majesty Nunn’s aide, and I will be in charge of arranging all your reception in Dragonstreet.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Myrk.” Thales nodded, confirming his judgment in his mind.

"Allow me to introduce you, a first-time visitor," Myrk said, turning around with a straight face and raising his hand toward the magnificent palace behind him. "The residences of the lords of the North throughout history, from the humble mountain dwellings of the kings to the stone fortresses of the empire, and now to the magnificent palaces of today."

"For thousands of years, it has witnessed the history of the Northland, the rise of Exter, and the prosperity and enduring life of the children of the North Wind and the dragon."

Michael solemnly uttered the following words:
"The Palace of Heroes".

Valhalla?
The meaning of this name...

Is it really suitable for a living lord to live in?

Thales paused for a moment, then slowly raised his head.

It was a giant palace with a simple style and heavy colors, a grand layout and a rough shape. It was built against the mountain and was nearly eight or nine stories high, even from the ground of the inner city where he stood. The building materials were also quite unique - huge wood, rough stone, animal hides and metal were all present, and many parts were even roughly polished.

Typical of the northern style, powerful, bold and wild.

Ten towering pillars, each over ten meters high, stand before the massive palace gate, supporting the majestic palace roof. The pillars are carved with stories of heroes from the northern lands throughout history, in a simple yet unrestrained style.

The road from the inner city to the palace gate is lined with eight furnaces several meters high, which burn fiercely even in broad daylight, seemingly illuminating the small square in front of the palace gate all day long.

The area was filled with tall, fierce-looking guards and soldiers from Dragon Sky City. Unlike the well-organized and strictly distributed guards of Starry Sky, their positions seemed scattered and their patrols were irregular. However, after Ada's reminder, Thales was surprised to discover their "relaxed on the outside but tight on the inside, leaving no blind spots in their defense" characteristic.

Compared to the Starry Sky Palace, which has a creative design resembling half a pyramid, the Royal Palace of Dragon Sky City, from its architectural style to its staff, looks more like a magnificent palace from a story.

A black flag with a red dragon fluttered high above it.

Below the national flag, there is another flag: a dragon spear emerging from the clouds—the Walton family crest, the dragon spear in the clouds.

The red and black colors, combined with the natural snow, made it seem to Thales like the palace where the spirits of the fallen were most revered.

Thales shook his head: It truly lives up to its name, Valhalla.

And the lords, dukes, kings, and the like who live here...

Just then, Thales's gaze was suddenly drawn to the top of the palace, and he couldn't help but look up.

A stone bridge extends from the top floor of the palace, soaring through the air to another mountain peak.

Thales's gaze sharpened.

It's that stone bridge.

The stone bridge leading to the Sky Cliff—the palace of the "Sky Queen".

He then noticed that at the starting point of the stone bridge stood a huge statue, which he hadn't been able to see clearly from a distance before, perhaps due to the limited view.

It was a giant black stone statue of a male warrior.

The warrior on the statue was heroic and imposing, holding a frighteningly long spear in both hands. His armor was neat, his muscles were strong, and his figure was majestic as he looked down at Valhalla.

"I suppose," Thales thought, "from that angle, you could see the entire Dragon City."

Lord Myrk, who was in charge of receiving the prince, was very patient and waited quietly for the foreign prince until he noticed Thales's gaze.

“That’s the stone bridge leading to the Cliff of the Sky. There’s a statue of Nekaru I standing on it. It was built more than 600 years ago after Nekaru passed away,” Myrk said, looking up and introducing it earnestly. “It was just renovated a week ago.”

Thales' expression hardened.

That was... he was looking at the heroic man in the stone statue.

Human heroes in the final battle...

One of those who defeated the calamity and the mage.

The founder and first monarch of Exte.

Nekaru Ex?

The warrior on the statue was covered in snow, and his gesture of holding the gun was powerful and had a kind of tension-filled beauty.

For over six hundred years, Nakaru must have looked down upon his people, his land, and his country with such a resolute expression and profound gaze.

Thales nodded slightly to Miles.

A cloud drifted by, slightly altering the direction of the sunlight.

From a distance, the expression on the statue of the hero Exter seems to have instantly changed from resolute to sorrowful.

Thales squinted, inwardly marveling at the craftsmanship of the sculptor from six hundred years ago.

It was just renovated a week ago—was it to welcome itself?

Not too possible.

Perhaps the Exter people still hope that the legendary dragon queen, who disappeared after the final war, will return to visit her husband's statue.
Come visit the country that has her portrait on its flag, and take care of the Westland Blade that she and Nekaru left behind together.

“A room has been prepared for you in the Palace of Heroes—this will serve as your temporary residence during your stay in Dragonsreach,” Myrk said, raising his hand toward the palace gates to signal Thales to come forward.

Thales smiled and said, "Of course, thank you for your hospitality, His Majesty Nunn."

"And please follow me." The man with the buzz cut maintained his composure, but his words sent a chill down the spines of everyone in the Starry Sky Envoy delegation:
"His Majesty Nunn and the five Grand Justices await your arrival in the Hall of Heroes."

Thales and Putila exchanged a glance.

it has started.

But just as Thales, Putila, and Eda were about to step forward, Myrk gently raised his hand and stopped the thin deputy.

"Your Highness's entourage, please follow my men to your room," Myrk said softly.

“I don’t understand,” Putila stopped and looked calmly at Melk: “I am His Highness’s deputy on this trip and must stay by His Highness’s side.”

“I understand your responsibilities…” Myrk said slowly, his expression unreadable, “but this invitation comes with limitations.”

"This is a noble conversation, lords to lords, royalty to royalty."

"Canxing only wishes to see His Highness in person, just as His Highness will only see His Majesty and the five Grand Dukes."

"Therefore, please attend alone, Your Highness of the Stars."

Thales's expression changed.

Alone... facing King Nunn VII and the five Grand Dukes?

“As far as I know,” Putila said calmly, “this is not the usual etiquette between the two countries.”

Although they had reached a preliminary agreement with King Nunn...

But we must never jeopardize the prince's safety...

Starry Sky has learned its lesson well enough.

“These are extraordinary times,” Myrk shook his head.

"You want us to hand over the only heir of the stars, abandon our protection of him, and leave him isolated and helpless under your control?" Putila cleverly pointed out the most crucial point.

Behind Thales, Ada, Wyman, Rolf and the others tensed up and unconsciously reached for their weapons.

Nicolai gently raised his hand, and the guards with white blades subtly surrounded them.

“Just as you said before,” the Fallen One’s face grew even paler, “you still don’t have many choices, do you, little prince?”

Thales squinted.

“Believe me, this is necessary.” Myrk stared intently at Thales. “And speaking of being isolated and helpless, if I may be so bold…”

"The moment you stepped into the borders of Exter..."

"Aren't we already isolated and helpless?"

Thales let out a soft sigh.

Putila did not speak again.

This made the prince realize that his cooperative hunt with Nunn had already begun.

Ok.

Is King Nuen supposed to be very "brutal"?

Thales smiled inwardly.

Just wait and see.

Seeing Puttier's ashen face and Milek's uncertain expression, Thales suppressed his unease and forced a smile:
“Great! I can’t wait to see His Majesty Nuen.”

Thales turned to look at his companions and nodded slightly.

"no need to worry."

"I'll be back soon."

As soon as he finished speaking, Thales stepped forward, his small figure heading towards the Hall of Heroes, which was different in style from the Hall of Restoration, yet equally secluded and tranquil.

To urge for more updates!
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(End of this chapter)