Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 137 Kidnapping the Grand Duke?

“Therefore I need your help, my loyal subordinates,” Thales said with a smile.

Putila sighed helplessly: "You are truly a prince who cares deeply for his subordinates."

Thales masked his unease with a bright smile and said, "Thank you, Lord Putila Neman."

His attendant, Wyatt Cassel, frowned, pressing his left rib wound from the previous serious injury inflicted by the vampire, and said, "According to you, if the five dukes behaved remarkably consistently and without any flaws when facing King Nunn in the council hall... how can we determine who the murderer is?"

“If the murder of Prince Moral was to weaken the royal family, namely the Walton family,” Putila’s eyes darted around, but Thales knew that this was the look on his face as he pondered, “then the murder of you through the Rumba family was also to weaken the Rumba family, a favorite to be crowned king, and also for… war?”

Thales paused in thought.

No wonder... King Nuen was willing to risk his own life to test the five dukes' attitudes toward the war between the two countries.

"Faced with the option of war, their reactions differed," Thales paused for a second, recalling the scene just now, and murmured, "If it were five people..."

"What did you see?" Putila asked calmly, her gaze sharpening.

“First of all, he had a thick beard, and his emblem was a circle with an equilateral triangle inside. That guy was a nasty talker,” Thales said, intently searching his memory. “He made no attempt to hide his hostility towards me, and every word he uttered was aimed at humiliating me.”

The bearded lord who made him kneel and beg for mercy—Tales was the first to put him on the suspect list.

“Grand Duke Rebien Olesh of the Wilan Territory, the one of the three Grand Dukes of the South who has the best relationship with King Nunn,” Putilae replied quickly. “The Olesh family did not follow the Nine Knights of Nekaru—in fact, only six of the nine families are still Grand Dukes now—but only two hundred years ago, with the support of Walton, did they become the rulers of the Wilan Territory, bordering our Watchtower City.”

“He certainly has reason to humiliate you,” Putila continued. “The land where the Central Territory of the Stars is located is the former province of Chavin of the Empire—a territory that the Aurelius family has been ruled since the ancient Empire until His Majesty the King of Restoration’s army drove them out of their homeland. In this respect, Aurelius and the Stars are sworn enemies.”

“That’s really strange,” Wyman shook his head. “Is there really someone who’s showing hostility towards you because of a family feud from over six hundred years ago?”

“Perhaps it’s an act, done under pressure to protect the family’s reputation… but it’s hard to say. After all, there are still people who hold a grudge against the ancient empire from a thousand years ago,” Thales shrugged helplessly, ignoring Putila’s cold expression. “Truly, he is deeply patriotic.”

Wyman nodded thoughtfully.

"The second one was a middle-aged man with a bowl cut, embroidered with glowing sword blades, who spoke in a sarcastic tone and did his best to provoke King Nuen's dislike for me," Thales said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "His tone was strange, ranging from mockery to sneer, but I always felt that his sarcasm was a bit too much and lacked finesse."

"That bowl-cut man," Thales muttered to himself, "that grand duke who dared to openly declare to everyone that he would not send troops without any benefit."

Thinking of this, Thales chuckled: "I don't have the natural ease and precision of Duke Cyril Falkenhausen, nor do I have your directness and sharpness that leaves people helpless."

Whether Putilas was completely unconcerned or pretending not to hear the prince's direct criticism of him, he simply nodded and replied, "That is Perseus Trudida, who rebuilt the tower, and one of the three Grand Dukes of the South. He is said to be cautious and wise, but is often ridiculed as selfish and conservative."

"So, it seems he'd rather you died at King Nunn's hands?" Wyah looked up. "Could it be him?"

“The Reconstruction Tower is on the northeast side of the star, and its territory is adjacent to our Lonely Tower,” Putila exhaled. “Compared to local conflicts, a full-scale war between the two countries would actually bring him limited benefits… and of course, the damage might also be limited.”

“The third person was an old bald man, very old,” Thales took a deep breath. “This man gave me a complicated feeling. He was no less talkative than the first two, but he rarely showed any specific emotions. He was more often just agreeing and encouraging.”

“The bald Rogers Lyco, the Grand Duke of the Guardian City, is known by his chains,” Putile tapped his pipe, his eyes gleaming. “He is one of the two Northern Grand Dukes of Exster, and he rarely participates in Exster’s central affairs. It’s quite suspicious that he’s accepted the invitation this time.”

“Sounds like a neutral party who has nothing to do with it.” Wyatt wiped his sword.

“If I were the mastermind behind all this,” Thales spread his hands, noncommittal, “I would probably be happy to remain neutral.”

Putila did not reply.

“The fourth Grand Duke had long hair and his clothes were decorated with a book,” the second prince said, reaching out to grab the armrest and pulling himself up from his chair. “He gave me a feeling similar to that of the Duke of the North, bold and magnanimous, and seemed to value… at least outwardly, his honor.”

That long-haired man who didn't want to tarnish his family's honor seemed to have no reason... but didn't the Duke of the North also betray King Kessel, betray his North, and betray the stars?
“Kurikun Ronnie’s territory is Qiyuan City, which is adjacent to the Commas Alliance, in western Exter, near the northern edge of the Great Desert,” the gaunt Starry Sky Deputy Envoy stopped in his tracks. “He has cooperated with the Starry Sky’s western wilderness territory from time to time… The orcs and skeletons in the desert are our common threat. If the two countries go to war, or weaken Starry Sky, it will only increase our own pressure.”

“Don’t forget, Duke Aaron of the North and Lumba of the Black Sand Territory have also cooperated, their target being Prince Moral,” Thales said, his gaze sharp. “Even a war between the two countries would damage the former’s North.”

“And then there’s the last one, the youngest, Conkley Peffert, who looks rather immature,” he jumped off Exter’s hardwood chair, “who speaks very gently and hesitantly, and seems to respect King Nunn, and considers things from the overall interests of Exter… He even said a few words for me.”

The thirty-year-old man who was speechless after being choked by King Nuen's harsh words.

“Immature? Coming from your mouth…” Putila chuckled and shook his head: “That’s Conkley Pefit of Bloodhoof, the Grand Duke of Beacon City, whose territory is close to Dragonstreet. The Pefit family is a newly established Grand Duke family, having ruled Beacon City for less than a century, yet they are one of the Walton family’s most trusted generational allies. Young people are often hot-blooded and impulsive, and have a natural aversion to intrigue.”

“That’s not necessarily true. We have a young duke in our country,” Thales said, recalling the Iris Duke and the unexpected events along the way. “I’m sure you’ve experienced it too—his cunning is no less than that of any old man.”

“From what you’ve said, any of the dukes could be suspects,” Wyatt frowned. “We still can’t determine who it is?”

Thales and Putila fell silent.

“Wailan Territory and Reconstruction Tower, like Black Sand Territory, are adjacent to the stars, and the relationship between the two countries has the greatest impact on them,” Putilai said in a low voice. “Qiyuan City is in the west, Jieshou City is in the north, and Fengzhao City is close to Longxiao City in the center... In short, if we analyze the advantages and disadvantages to see who will ultimately benefit, the dukes are suspected in this order.”

“Sigh, but suspicion is suspicion, it can’t be confirmed,” Thales scratched his hair and said dejectedly, “We desperately need a detective who can solve cases.”

In the armored district of Dragon Sky City, Officer Cohen, who was locked in fierce combat with his opponent, sneezed and had an inch of his hair shaved off by his opponent's sword.

“If we fail to help King Nunn find the murderer who killed his son,” Wyatt turned his sword over from his knees and asked worriedly, “will the consequences be serious?”

Thales rolled his eyes, recalling the majestic expression of the born king and the icy demeanor of Nikolai. "It's best not to imagine that possibility... a father determined to avenge his son..."

“It’s not just his son,” Putilai added, “Moral is also the heir to Walton and Dragonsreach, a hatred far beyond our imagination. Furthermore, King Nunn must be doing everything in his power to eliminate dangerous rivals for the family…”

"After all, given his age, Walton hasn't held the crown for very long, and the Walton family might be inherited by a distant relative he has no idea how to determine, or even..." Putila said calmly.
"Under the new king's decree, Dragon Peak City, having lost its direct heir, was granted to another family, and it is possible that Walton will decline from then on."

Thales sighed.

Of course, I also used this to threaten Nikolai.

Frustrated, Thales sat on the floor, leaned his head against the edge of the chair, and rubbed his face helplessly.

“Speaking of which,” Thales opened his eyes, recalling his encounter in the library, the image of the slovenly little girl with glasses and the unruly girl appearing before him: “I met King Nunn’s granddaughter in Valhalla, have you heard of her?”

“Alex Walton?” Putila frowned as he listened to Thales’s account. “I have indeed heard of him. Prince Suril, who died twelve years ago, was the eldest son of King Nunn. He left behind a daughter. But perhaps because of her father’s fate, King Nunn has always kept his granddaughter very well protected.”

"If you hadn't mentioned it, many people probably wouldn't even know her name."

"Is she unable to inherit the Walton family fortune?" Thales sighed, recalling the elegantly dressed little princess. "Just because she's a woman?"

Putila shook her head.

"In the damned ideology of the Northerners, women are nothing but appendages and property, their only value being to become mothers and give birth to children."

The three of them turned around at the same time, only to see Ada sitting unreservedly on the bed that should have belonged to Thales, wiping her exquisite scimitar, her tone unusually cold: "From hundreds of years ago to now, it has never changed."

“She’s not important in the struggle surrounding Walton,” Puttier shook his head. “Let’s think about how to deal with the problem at hand…”

“Fortunately,” Thales said, closing his eyes and pouting, “we’re not in a rush…”

Just then, the door to the room suddenly rang.

Rolf frowned and opened the door.

The recruit that Thales had rescued, Willow Ken, stood in the doorway, scratching his head and smiling.

“Um… that Marquis of Cornmas sent word,” Willow seemed delighted to have the opportunity to meet the Prince, and he said with a smile, “His subordinates say it seems to be quite important…”

Thales frowned.

"He said there are two grand dukes, early tomorrow morning..."

"I'm about to leave Longxiao City for some business."

Willow finished delivering the message with a smile.

But the next second, he was surprised to find that almost everyone in the room—including Thales—had changed their expressions drastically.

tomorrow.

One.

early.

Thales looked ashen-faced, as if he had received the worst possible news.

No way?
Did the dukes... come and glance at me, and then leave immediately?
After Willow left, looking completely bewildered, Rolf, who also frowned, gently closed the door.

"Tomorrow morning?" Wyman's face was full of worry.

Thales' breathing quickened, his eyes vacant: "So that means..."

“Yes,” Putilae said worriedly, clutching his pipe, “the time we have left…”

He didn't speak again, but everyone silently thought the next sentence:
There's only one night left.

“I’ll say it again,” Wyatt Cassel said, her face pale as she sheathed her sword, “if we fail to help King Nunn find the murderer of his son… will the consequences be severe?”

Putila shook her head and sighed.

Wyman asked no more questions.

“The welcome dinner tonight is our last chance,” Thales gritted his teeth. “We need to find that guy out of the five of them!”

Damn.

Why am I so unlucky?

“Relying solely on King Nuen’s probing and observation will likely yield no results.” Putila gripped his pipe tighter and tighter: “Your experience this morning proves that point.”

“Then…” Thales pondered.

at this time.

“Then let’s go find them!” Ada jumped off the bed angrily.

Everyone looked toward the elven guards.

"Have Nun send some men to help us. We'll go masked tonight and secretly kidnap all those grand dukes!" Ada fiercely raised her blade, brandishing it twice, reflecting a series of cold glints.

"They were all subjected to brutal torture to extract confessions!"

"Let's see how long these so-called grand dukes can withstand swords and spears."

Everyone was stunned when they saw Ada looking like this.

Two seconds later.

Everyone turned around as if they hadn't heard her.

“Let’s look at it from a different angle,” Thales said, rubbing his hands together and frowning at Putilai. “The person we’re looking for worked with Lumba to kill King Nunn’s son.”

"Hey! Why are you pretending you can't see me?" Ada gritted her teeth, clearly dissatisfied with being ignored. "At least give me some kind of response!"

“However, he also reached into the Lombard army, trying to frame the Black Sand Territory for your death,” Putilae replied instinctively.

"Are there any clues inside?" Wyman asked curiously.

The elven guards behind them futilely waved their scimitars twice in the air in protest.

“King Nunn and we only know this much,” Thales shook his head and said, “It doesn’t seem to be of much use.”

"Do not."

“Perhaps we shouldn’t be getting caught up in King Nuen’s thinking.” Putila put down his unlit pipe, his eyes gleaming with confidence.

Ada slumped down, sighed, and threw herself back onto the bed that belonged to Thales.

Thales suddenly paused, taken aback.

He looked at Putila, frowning. "You mean..."

"Do you remember when we were besieged by the Lumba army at Broken Dragon Fortress?" Putila said calmly.

“Of course, it was impressive,” Thales sighed, his mind flashing with countless splatters of blood and glints of cold light, and the roaring Arakka Mu. “It was a complete mess.”

Ada lay on the bed, listlessly fiddling with her scimitar.

"Then you should remember what Baron Mu said to you before the charge?" Putila gave a mysterious smile: "King Nuen is not our only option."

Thales was jolted.

Before the charge...

The image of Alaka wielding his greatsword appeared in his mind.

A few seconds later, he nodded.
“Since there’s no way to retreat,” Thales took a deep breath, his expression resolute and determined, “why not go all out forward?”

Thales looked at his deputy, his gaze intense: "He knows?"

Putila smiled and nodded affirmatively: "He knows."

Wyatt and Rolf looked at the two men's cryptic explanation with utter bewilderment.

“So,” Wyman swallowed hard, “what should we do?”

Thales and Putila exchanged a glance and both laughed.

“Eda is right,” Thales said, glancing at the elf on the bed and nodding under Putila’s gaze.

“Ah,” Ada, whose name was mentioned, looked up abruptly, clearly at a loss for words: “What?”

Amid Wyatt's surprise and Putila's amusement, Thales took a deep breath:

"us……"

"...Go find them!"

Ada's mouth was agape wider than ever before.

Putila's expression turned serious, and he put away his pipe: "I'll go make preparations right away and contact the others... We might need some 'insider' help."

"Also, Wyatt, Rolf, come with me."

Thales nodded and sat back in his chair, quickly considering the feasibility of the plan.

"that……"

He raised his head and looked behind him.

Ada's voice rang out weakly:

"You really intend to kidnap the Grand Duke?"

(End of this chapter)