Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 141 Goodbye
Dragon Sky City, Armor District, alleyway.

"Don't you even have the thought of explaining?" In the setting sun, Cohen's breathing quickened, and he gripped the hilt of his sword tighter and tighter.

Before him, Raphael, dressed in white, smiled slightly: "For the sake of the past, Cohen, leave Dragon City immediately—this is advice from our old colleagues."

Cohen took a deep breath, suppressing his resentment and doubts.

For a moment, he was at a loss for words and expressions to use when facing his old friends from the Tower of Destruction.

“Miranda’s here too, she’s nearby,” Cohen said, trying to sound calm. “You know that?”

“Never mind, the city gates are already closed,” Raphael ignored him. The young man in white looked at the sky and sighed. “Find a place to hide. No matter what happens tonight, don’t come out. Leave Dragon Sky City as soon as it’s light tomorrow, the sooner the better.”

“She doesn’t know yet,” Cohen lowered his head, letting the shadows cover his face, “Miranda doesn’t know about you… about you… The Tower sent us out because…”

“Whatever your reasons for coming here,” Raphael said expressionlessly as he sheathed his sword, “give up. These next few days won’t be your lucky days—in fact, you shouldn’t have been here at all.”

"Damn it! Raphael Lindbergh!"

Cohen could no longer contain himself. He raised his head and roared indignantly, "Put away your arrogance of a clever man—don't you understand? We're here for the sword of calamity!"

Raphael's pupils contracted.

“I’ve seen a Blade of Calamity on Red Street and experienced its power of termination. I’ve also witnessed that power of termination on you in the Hall of Stars—” Cohen said through gritted teeth, “Do you know what orders the Tower gave us regarding the Blade of Calamity… Investigate carefully, trace it back to its source, and kill it without mercy if you can’t capture it alive!”

"You still have nothing to explain?"

Raphael looked at him with a complicated expression for a full three seconds.

Finally, the young man in white chuckled and looked at him with a playful expression: "So? You suspect I've joined the Sword of Calamity? You want to capture me and take me back? Or just kill me outright?"

The two stared at each other for a few seconds until Cohen raised his fist and angrily swung it in the air.

"No!"

Cohen was panting, then lowered his gaze.

"I don't care about the Sword of Calamity or the centuries-old grudges."

The guard slowly bent down, picked up the scabbard from the ground, then looked up, sheathing his sword as he spoke:
“But I care about my friend—I want to know what happened to you.”

"I want to help you."

Raphael looked at Cohen and chuckled softly: "You haven't changed, Cohen."

“Tell me everything that happened in the past three years, from your contact with the Sword of Calamity to how you entered the Black Prophet’s secret department,” Cohen sighed in relief, then stepped forward and said solemnly, “Whatever it is, let’s work together to find a solution… The people in the tower, neither Master Shao nor Jedi, know that you are… As for Miranda, if it’s for her own good, I can help you keep it from her…”

Raphael took a deep breath and clenched his fist.

“And the Sword of Calamity, they are not just the sworn enemies and adversaries of the Tower of the End,” Cohen stared intently at Raphael, “their purpose is not simple. From the assassination of the Exter delegation two months ago to the recent assassination of the Second Prince of the Stars in front of the fortress, they are all related to them!”

These words caused the young man in white to change his expression.

Raphael put away his usual smile and frowned deeply.

“These things… I don’t know if you know, or what kind of people you’re dealing with,” Cohen sighed, looking directly into Raphael’s eyes, “but I’m willing to believe you, to believe you have reasons that can be understood!”

"But before disaster strikes, before it's too late..."

"Is this why you came to Dragon Sky City?" The young man in white interrupted him, pondering, "The Sword of Calamity plotted to assassinate two princes?"

"It's said they're collaborating with a certain Grand Duke of Exter," Cohen nodded, his voice heavy. "So this is no longer just the Tower of Endings and the Sword of Calamity, but also the Stars and Exter! It's war and peace!"

"Why you two?" Raphael raised his head, his eyes calm and collected. "Why are you the two of you investigating this matter?"

"Because we've all had experience with the Sword of Calamity!" Cohen punched his chest. "And because we've all rolled around on the battlefield, because we're all 'seeds'!"

“Hmph, seeds,” Raphael snorted and shook his head. “I am a seed, Misadun is a seed, Croesus is a seed, and there’s Eklin from Erenbia, Igor from the Eastern Continent, and Bekov. Why not send us? Why send you two pampered and noble young masters and ladies?”

“Speaking of which, good heavens, I thought the dispute between commoners and nobles was resolved after your fight with Misadun.” Cohen sighed. “Kroeshe lost her right hand while investigating the Blade of Calamity… I think that’s one of the reasons why the Tower sent Miranda.”

The last rays of the setting sun illuminated Raphael's face; he remained silent, yet his gaze was profound.

Speaking of the tragedy of his old classmates, Cohen lowered his head, his tone desolate: "Yes, that guy who was punished by having to run while biting his sword, but he still gritted his teeth and persevered, that girl who dreamed of one day becoming a female knight, becoming the next 'Heart of Rain'..."

"I can no longer lift a sword."

"So, I don't want you to become like that."

“So, just like before, let me help you!” Cohen took a breath, took a sudden step forward, and put his hands on Raphael’s shoulders: “If you’re really doing this, even if you’ve done something unforgivable, then let me be your accomplice!”

"Whatever it is, we'll solve it together!"

You are not alone!

Raphael was silent for two seconds, then his expression changed.

“You have to leave immediately, immediately! Whether by scaling the city walls or going through tunnels,” Raphael smiled again, but his eyes gradually turned cold: “Something’s not right, and this isn’t a situation you can interfere with…”

He shrugged, only to find he couldn't break free of the guard's arms.

“You know me, Raphael,” Cohen said, his gaze hardening, his voice strained, “If you don’t agree…”

The guard raised his eyes, his gaze resolute: "Don't even think about leaving here."

Cohen was taller than Raphael, but the young man in white did not look up; he simply turned his gaze to meet Cohen's eyes.

This made his gaze appear even more gloomy.

“This is the last time, Cohen Karabyan, the future Earl of Vora,” Raphael’s smile grew even brighter in contrast to his gaze and tone, “Times have changed, mind your own business… especially the secret affairs of the Secret Service.”

He suddenly stretched out his hands, and Cohen's arms locked tightly around his shoulders.

"Thump!" A dull thud was heard.

Both men were startled!
But the two did not separate.

Cohen held on tightly to Raphael, refusing to let go.

"Really, Officer Kalabyan?" Raphael felt the increasing force on the other's body and his tone turned cold: "You thought I was just joking when I said 'I'll wipe you all out'?"

Cohen's face also darkened.

“It’s the same in the Hall of Stars, and it’s the same in Dragon City,” Cohen gritted his teeth and gripped Raphael’s shoulders tightly. “You just appear out of nowhere, make some inexplicable expression, and tell me to ‘mind my own business’ for no reason?”

"Becoming the Sword of Calamity, joining the Secret Service... has it really changed you that much?" The warden's temper flared. "You're not even willing to offer a few words of explanation to your old friends?!"

The two men were wrestling hand-to-hand in the alley, and the struggle became increasingly frightening as the force increased.

“You said it yourself, we’re ‘old friends’,” Raphael said lightly, maintaining his smile and narrowing his eyes. “We’re on different paths, that’s all.”

Looking at Raphael, an indescribable sadness welled up in Cohen's heart.

What could have turned brothers, who were once as close as siblings, into this?

“If something unfortunate happened to make you like this,” Cohen’s breathing became heavier, “I haven’t experienced it myself, so I may not be able to understand how you feel, but as long as you’re willing to talk about it, we can still…”

“Cohen Karabyan, Earl of the Star Kingdom of Vora in ten or twenty years,” Raphael said coldly, “Do I look like I’ve experienced some misfortune?”

"Not like."

A strange yet familiar female voice came from inside.

Both men were stunned!
Cohen turned his head.

Raphael flashed his most perfect smile.

Together, the two watched a pretty figure standing under the moon that had risen sometime earlier.

Miranda Aarond, the seed leader of the Tower of Endings, slowly walked into the alley under the moonlight. Her hand rested on her sword hilt, her expression cold as she looked at the two men embracing.

"Is there anything you need to explain?"

Explanation?

Cohen had a sudden thought. He turned his head and looked at Raphael, who was standing very close to him.

He suddenly realized...

My posture with Raphael...

The guard abruptly released Raphael's shoulder and shoved him away!
“Miranda, let me explain,” Cohen chuckled sheepishly, scratching his head. “Don’t be angry, we’re not…”

But Miranda coldly interrupted him.

“Shut up, Cohen,” the Arendt family swordswoman said, her face as cold as ice. “I’m not asking about you.”

Cohen's expression and words both froze.

Miranda's gaze was fixed on the man.

The man who hadn't appeared for three years.

Under Miranda's gaze, Raphael lowered his head, and then... laughed out loud.

"Long time no see, Mira." The young man in white slowly shook his head. "You're still so...cold?"

"It's so cold it's heartbreaking."

In that instant, Cohen Karabyan, the guard officer who was touching his head, suddenly felt somewhat superfluous.

“Mira? Don’t call me that anymore,” Miranda walked slowly to Cohen’s side, her tone flat, as if she were not facing her former lover: “Raphael Lindbergh.”

Cohen sighed.

“I said…” the guard looked at the two awkwardly, “we should find a place to sit down; there are some things that need to be discussed…”

“Also, Miranda,” Cohen winked at Raphael, trying to make him understand his good intentions, “you don’t know this yet… Raphael is now a high-ranking official in the Kingdom’s Secret Service…”

But he was interrupted again, this time by Raphael.

“You’re not angry at all,” the young man in white said with a smile, not even glancing at Cohen, but staring straight at Miranda’s pretty face. “That really surprised me.”

"You know, I thought you'd be more excited..."

Once again, Cohen felt his existence was utterly superfluous.

"Then she'll throw herself into your arms, lightly pound your chest, and cry out in a weak voice, 'Where have you been? Why haven't you come to find me? Do you know how much I've missed you these past few years?' and then close her eyes waiting for you to kiss her?" Miranda sneered, "Read less romance novels—they'll damage your brain."

Raphael clicked his tongue: "I told you that, didn't I?"

Cohen looked at the two of them helplessly, his expression awkward.

“Besides, I’m not one of those weak and incompetent women—why should I be angry?” Miranda lightly flicked the hilt of her sword. “What right does a man who clearly has the ability to come back but has been gone for three whole years have to make me angry?”

She was furious—Cohen conveyed this message to Raphael with his eyes from behind Miranda.

Raphael was still smiling.

Miranda stared intently into Raphael's eyes, but couldn't detect even a hint of familiarity.

This made her heart tighten.

Finally, Raphael raised an eyebrow.

“Okay,” he said slowly.

“Cease all your activities in Dragon City and keep a low profile,” Raphael said calmly. “Leave first thing tomorrow morning… Agree to this condition, and I will explain everything to you after this is over.”

"During this period, no matter what happens..."

Cohen frowned; this time it was his turn to interrupt Raphael.

“Hey, Raphael,” the guard said, raising his right index finger, “I swear, if you ever act like that again…”

Miranda interrupted him again.

"No need. I won't listen to your explanation, nor will I believe it."

Miranda's expression was blank, and her tone was indifferent, yet it sent a chill down Cohen's spine.

For the third time, he felt he shouldn't be standing there.

"Oh?" Raphael curled the corners of his lips, and said with great interest, "So what are you going to do?"

Miranda took a step forward and looked directly at the person she once knew best.

Raphael looked at her calmly.

Miranda narrowed her eyes and, in the most ethereal and elusive voice she had ever possessed, softly said:
"I'll knock your sword away first..."

"Then I'll beat you to a pulp..."

Cohen frowned: What?
The voice of Arund's daughter continued to drift slowly:

"I'll break your legs..."

"Dislocate your joints..."

"I'll break your nose..."

"I'll smash your front teeth..."

"I'll stomp you into the mud again..."

"When you're on the ground, crying and begging for mercy..."

"I will tell you the truth of the matter, bit by bit..."

"Get it... out of your mouth!"

Miranda finished speaking calmly.

There was a few seconds of silence in the room.

"well,"

Raphael gave Cohen a wry smile, then closed his eyes and sighed, "It seems..."

She was really angry.

Cohen felt an immense headache coming on.

Under the moonlight, the two began their actions simultaneously.

Miranda slowly drew her sword.

Raphael smiled indifferently and touched the hilt of his sword.

“Um, if it’s a boyfriend-girlfriend argument…” Cohen stood behind Miranda, peeked out, and said cautiously and awkwardly, “Could it be later…”

The next moment, Miranda delivered a powerful back elbow strike, causing Cohen's nose to bleed.

I've recently become obsessed with a great foreign fantasy novel, the Kate Daniels series (translated as "The Magic Mercenaries" series in Taiwan). There's no simplified Chinese translation available yet, but there is a traditional Chinese translation, which can be purchased in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. The authors are a husband-and-wife team.

The tough, witty female lead wielding a greatsword is the most lovable!
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(End of this chapter)