Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 263 Children Who Can't Drink Alcohol

Chapter 263 Children Who Can't Drink Alcohol
Valhalla, Hall of Heroes.

“You know what? I have a theory,” Thales said absentmindedly. “The Year of Blood was a catastrophe that nearly destroyed the stars. The entire kingdom was teetering on the brink of collapse amidst internal strife and conflict.”

He raised his eyes, his voice trembling slightly:

"Until you head south."

In that instant, Thales caught a glimpse of a strange and questioning light in the eyes of the grand dukes.

"What do you mean?" Aurelius asked coldly.

well.

Thales silently told himself this in his heart.

Interests and threats—the two weapons that Rumba used to persuade the other Grand Dukes have now been lost: the Grand Dukes probably all understand that, to some extent, Rumba's threat is greater than that of Star.

And now.

Thales glanced at Selma, the girl clenching her trembling fist and slowly nodding at him, her eyes filled with feigned determination.

Now he also had to convince the dukes that the benefits Lumba had promised them were not as enticing as they had imagined.

Thales looked up.

“I have never witnessed the horrors of twelve years ago,” Thales said solemnly, recalling Gilbert’s vivid account of the bloody year. “But I can imagine it from the stories told by the elders: the calamity of the Star Kingdom brought the disaster to its peak: the nineteen vassals were all in fear, the nobles spread rumors, the army was leaderless, the people of the kingdom were indignant, and Eternal Star City was in the most critical state. Perhaps the Star Kingdom was on the verge of destruction.”

At this point, Thales sighed.

“Mandis III probably never imagined that the game he laid out would bring such a storm more than a hundred years later.”

The dukes exchanged worried glances, while Rumba gripped his sword tightly.

“But twelve years ago, in the autumn and winter, when Exter’s army—for whatever reason—marched south, especially when news of the fall of Dragonslayer Fortress arrived, the entire planet was probably stunned,” Thales continued:
"I suspect that the new war has disrupted the existing situation and injected new excitement into the dying star."

Grand Duke Lecco's cloudy eyes brightened slightly, and his expression became even more serious.

Aurelius and Trudida exchanged puzzled glances.

"The all-out invasion by Exter, the most powerful force in the West, is no less serious than the internal strife of rebels and the assassination of the royal family."

"While trembling with fear, most of the people of the Stars had no choice but to compromise—the great vassals, the lesser nobles, the officials, the merchants, the army, the peasants, and so on," Thales deduced the logic step by step based on the known intelligence and the ideals accepted by the grand dukes, racking his brains for the next sentence to make it sound more credible and convincing:

"Under the shadow of the dragon, they quickly reached a consensus: to end the current chaos as soon as possible, welcome the last prince back to the capital, and crown him amidst bloodshed and death. The forces that should have been scattered across the Star Realm were united into one, just to resist the greed of the Northern Dragon."

Grand Duke Lyco's eyes narrowed: "You mean?"

Thales took a deep breath, trying to appear neutral and less concerned about the stars:
"It's ironic, but also very possible—it was Exter's aggressive invasion that forced us to heal our internal contradictions and conflicts, saving the Star Kingdom from division and decline."

Upon hearing this, all the dukes changed their breathing.

Although the composure of those who had long held positions of power kept them from showing any emotion, Thales still sensed something unusual in the air.

“You are older than me, wiser than me, and more experienced in those days. Why don’t you think about this again: if you hadn’t gone south twelve years ago, what would the Star Kingdom, which had just lost its king and was in chaos without a leader, have become?” Thales said calmly.

"And just now, when Rumba advised you to frame Star and join him in the war, didn't he also coincidentally tell you that Star is in its most awkward and uncooperative phase, with the Northern Territory isolated and helpless, making it convenient for you to take it over?"

"Do you really think your deployment of troops to the stars will achieve the results you envision?"

“Unlike a certain grand duke who can’t wait to tell you the answer and tell you what to do,” Thales nodded slightly to the grand dukes, “I have raised the question, but I stop here. Please think about it yourselves and make your own decisions.”

A strange and complex expression appeared on Rumba's face.

The dukes all turned to look at him.

Thales breathed a sigh of relief, but a lingering gloom remained: his words about Exter's invasion were merely speculation, intended only to make the Grand Dukes reconsider the cost of invading the stars.

But—Thales kept trying to convince himself it was just a guess—what if it was true?
If Exter's invasion did indeed temporarily force the Star People to stand together again?
He couldn't help but recall the words of the Heavenly King when King Nunn recounted the death of Suliel to him last night:
[Tales, twelve years ago... there was a reason why we sent troops south to the stars...]

[They are assassins from your stars...]

At the most precarious moment for the stars, a mysterious assassination attempt from the stars ignited Exter's southward invasion.

King Nuen brought up the assassination attempt...

Prince Sulir died in that assassination attempt...

During Nikolai's negotiations with the Scarlet Witch, the assassination attempt was mentioned...

Even Putila, when parting with the prince, hinted that he was involved in the assassination attempt...

What secrets were hidden behind that assassination attempt?
Thales clenched his fist slightly.

Rumba stared intently at the prince.

If his gaze could kill, Thales would probably be nothing but bones by now.

But Thales ignored him completely.

“Therefore, I, a descendant of King Tormund of the Restoration, Thales Seranjalana Kessel Starlight from the Kingdom of Stars…” Thales raised his chest, straightened his posture, and imagined the scene in the Hall of Stars facing his vassals, striving to project the aura of a prince:

“I stand here with the most humble wishes and the most peaceful expectations, urging you all to reconsider the war between our two nations and to consider its costs and significance.”

At that moment, the four grand dukes, Leco, Ronnie, Trudida, and Aurelius, also looked back at him earnestly, their expressions solemn.

It was as if the person before them was not a weak and helpless child, but a ruler who was on equal footing with them.

“You can’t guarantee it will bring the most desired outcome—neither for you nor for us,” Thales said sadly, thinking of the many people whose lives had been altered by the war.

"No one can guarantee that."

The hall fell silent again.

Another brazier went out.

The dukes were all very sparing with their words, each lost in thought, and this time, they didn't even exchange glances.

Rumba didn't say anything either.

But the back of his hand, which held the sword, was pale at the knuckles and the veins were bulging.

A few seconds later.

"Okay."

Grand Duke Lyco closed his eyes and sighed softly, "Please don't say any more, Prince Thales. I think we all understand what you mean."

Thales felt a sense of relief, his legs went weak, and he swayed slightly.

Selma braced himself against his waist from behind, preventing him from making a fool of himself on the spot.

Thales turned around painfully and gave her a forced smile.

"What do you say?" Grand Duke Leco's voice echoed in the hall.

It appears empty and weary.

“It’s obvious, isn’t it?” Grand Duke Ronnie was the first to raise his head, his tone ethereal yet resolute: “I would rather fight against a lion than share a boat with a jackal.”

Rumba's brow furrowed more and more tightly.

these people……

“You know, Charman, although your offer is tempting,” Trudida shrugged slightly, his expression complex, “I don’t want my descendants to wake up one day and find themselves lying in ruins, so…”

Rumba gave a cold snort, his face expressionless.

these people……

Archduke Aurelius's expression remained frozen for a long time before he finally opened his mouth and bitterly uttered a sentence:
“We shouldn’t have come today, much less have attended this damned Grand Council.”

Rumba slowly lowered his head.

These are the people...

Grand Duke Raikkon tapped the table.

"I understand."

“Whatever we plan to do,” the old duke’s aged face seemed even more weathered, “let’s put aside the matter of framing Xingchen and sending troops to the northern border for now—of course, today’s matter must be handled properly.”

"Especially concerning the death of His Majesty Nunn."

His gaze refocused as he looked at Rumba: "If we're not going to frame the stars, we need a good reason."

His gaze was cold and indifferent.

At that moment, even Selma felt the atmosphere in the air freeze.

In the hall, everyone's positions had changed.

The four dukes stood together without realizing it, with Ronnie and Aurelius in the lead and Thales standing beside them.

Opposite them, Rumba stood alone in front of the brazier.

The firelight and shadows divided his face into two parts, one bright and one dark, creating an eerie and unsettling effect.

Rumba slowly raised his head.

These people... are the obstacles that hinder Ext's progress.

He glanced at the several dukes one by one, and they responded to him with varying expressions.

"You've all made your decisions, haven't you?" Rumba said in his most nonchalant tone, "The four shrewd and wise Dukes of Exeter had their situation turned around by a mere brat from the Star Realm with just a few words, and he managed to make you waver in your stance with just his mouth."

He gave a soft snort and glanced at Thales: "Pathetic." Thales gripped Selma's hand tightly, silently observing the interaction between the dukes.

He gritted his teeth, knowing that the situation was beyond saving.

“He can’t turn the tide with just words,” Grand Duke Lyco’s tone turned cold.
"No one can."

The bald old man squinted: "But wasn't it you, Chaman Lumba, who helped him convince us with actions and facts?"

Rumba said sarcastically and darkly, "So this is your answer?"

"First, for the sake of Exter, you decided to cover up the king's death together. A few minutes after swearing an oath, you rediscovered your conscience and decided to send me back to the executioner's platform once again?"

“We can still talk about this…” Trudida said gently.

Rumba's sharp gaze pierced him.

This left the bowl-cut lord speechless.

Rumba turned his head again, scanning the lords over and over again with exceptional care.

It was as if they could see right through their souls.

These are the people who have helped Exster get to where he is today.
ridiculous.

sad.

Finally, after a long while, Rumba lowered his head and let out a chilling laugh.

"Ha ha ha ha……"

Thales felt uneasy; he knew the matter was far from over.

“Chaman,” Aurelius frowned, uttering only one word: “No.”

Rumba suddenly raised his head.

"Do you really know what you're doing?" The Black Sand Grand Duke's tone had never been so terrifying as he addressed the Grand Dukes: "Your hesitation and retreat are letting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slip through your fingers."

"You heard what he said, about the current state of Starfall," Grand Duke Lyco replied calmly. "Your plans may not be the best choice for Exter."

"Thump!" Rumba's sword sheath slammed into the ground again.

"So you believe him?" Lumba said coldly.

"Don't you understand? As long as we work together, power, wealth, status—all problems can be solved with the spoils we plunder from our arch-enemy," his eyes seemed to burn with fire, "For Exter, we must..."

Grand Duke Ronnie's expression suddenly changed, and he shouted, interrupting Rumba: "Listen up, you regicide!"

“I am also the master of this country, and I also possess Exter,” the long-haired Grand Duke stood like an iron warrior in front of all the Grand Dukes, “and you have neither the right nor the ability to tell me what I must do for my country.”

"And don't force the rest of the people to be loyal to 'your' Exster in your way."

Rumba clenched his fist.

“There are ten Exsters out of ten of us,” the Grand Duke of Black Sands gritted his teeth. “That’s the problem!”

Grand Duke Ronnie sneered: "So you admit it after all—you want to kick the rest of us out?"

Rumba's expression was icy, and he almost tore his sword hilt apart.

Trudida sighed and interjected like a peacemaker: "Chaman, you have to understand us: imagine one day, a son or grandson of the Rumba family is left homeless, like the lowest of the low..."

"so what?"

Rumba suddenly spoke up, interrupting him like an enraged lion: "Could it get any worse?"

Trudida was speechless for a moment, and his expression toward Rumba became increasingly strange.

The other dukes frowned and stared at Rumba.

At that moment, the four dukes had a clear realization: this Black Sand Duke might not be one of their kind, but rather a being completely different from them.

Ronnie coldly picked up the thread: "It's certainly better for those who benefit from it—unfortunately, I'm not one of them."

silence.

Rumba took a deep breath, as if trying to suppress his rising anger.

"Hmph hmph hmph..." He let out an unsettling laugh from his nose:
"Six hundred years."

He coldly scanned everyone, not even sparing Selma:
"From the very first second of our birth, we are like hounds with collars on, racking our brains to scheme against our vassals and fighting openly and covertly against the king."

"Even if we ourselves become kings, we will only be repeating the same fate within this sad shackle."

"For six hundred years, generation after generation, we've been going around in circles like headless ants," Rumba said, his face contorted. "Don't you get tired of it?"

"A pledge of shared governance? To break this tragic cycle, for the future of this nation," the Grand Duke of Black Sands gritted his teeth, his hands trembling.

"I've staked everything."

"In the end, we can only watch as your selfishness and shortsightedness destroy Exter's way out."

The dukes exchanged glances, a strange feeling rising in their hearts.

Just now.

“Your Excellency,” Thales said softly, “please do not make excuses for yourself, as if you were so noble, selfless and great.”

Rumba turned around abruptly, his icy gaze fixed on the prince.

"If it's about saving Exter, why does it have to be you?" Thales said calmly. "Why can't it be someone else? For example... King Nunn?"

Rumba's breath hitched.

The other dukes also paused slightly.

“Yes, I only realized it later—you’re not the only one who has seen the state of the stars,” the prince sighed, recalling the scene a few minutes before King Nunn died when he spoke of the wise ruler to him: “And there was that supreme commander who led the army across the fortress back then, the born king, Nunn Walton VII.”

"If you truly only have the Kingdom of Exter in your heart and nothing else, why not simply hand over your power to King Nunn?"

Thales looked at Rumba's contorted face and said, word by word, "In the struggle between vassals and the monarchy, you can accept the king's officials, accept the king's orders, accept the monarchy's infiltration of Black Sand Territory, and willingly become the next Beacon City."

"Let all of Exter be more closely united under the banner of the Dragon Spear in the Clouds of Dragon Sky City," the prince suddenly raised his hand, pointing to the stone carving of the Dragon Spear in the Clouds on the ceiling: "Let the most powerful born king become the sole ruler of Exter!"

Silence fell over the hall once again.

Rumba's expression grew increasingly cold.

“But you didn’t want to, your family didn’t want to,” Thales replied softly, “which led to today’s tragedy.”

"Do you think that your past, the deaths of your brother and mother, gives you a reason to hate the co-governance oath—that this will make your actions different, unusually prominent, particularly tragic, and heroic?"

Rumba stopped in his tracks and abruptly turned around to face him.

His gaze was terrifying, his face contorted in a grotesque grimace.

My past?

How dare he.

How dare!
For the first time, Thales faced the almost suffocating aura of the Black Sand Grand Duke head-on without reservation.

But he simply took a deep breath, gritted his teeth, and raised his head.

In that instant, Thales recalled everything that had happened before Dragonslayer Fortress, and the sacrifices of Arakka and the Wrathguard.

He recalled the tragedy in Dragon Sky City, the destroyed Shield Zone, the fallen White Blade Guards, and their selfless figures.

“No, Rumba, strip away the shell, and you’re no different from anyone else.”

"They are all creatures who use the banner of 'for Exter' to serve their own interests, and who struggle and fight for power."

"A person who doesn't even care about the lives around him, who doesn't cherish the land he belongs to, yet talks empty words about the country and the future," the prince said coldly.
"I don't have the qualifications for nobility."

The prince closed his mouth, ending his sentence.

At that moment, the gazes of the Black Sand Grand Duke and the Star Prince met in mid-air, one overflowing with murderous intent, the other resolute and unyielding.

Rumba stood there, feeling as if the temperature around her was dropping rapidly.

"you."

Rumba stared at Thales, then slowly spoke, her voice filled with hatred and coldness, uttering the word through clenched teeth:

"you!"

Selma shrank back behind Thales in fear.

But she failed, because Thales held her hand tightly, dragged her back to his side, and forced her to look directly into Rumba's eyes.

“I don’t call you ‘you’,” Thales retorted coldly, showing no sign of backing down.
“Listen up, Chaman Lumba.”

“My name is Thales Star.”

Rumba's pupils constricted slightly.

“He’s a child who can’t drink,” the prince stepped forward, his face resolute.

"And your nemesis."

If nothing unexpected happens, this volume will end within ten chapters.