Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 286 The Dragon's Glory and Shame (Part 2)
"Intelligence from the west."

Kambida straightened his back, his face serious:

“Three days ago, our Western ‘little friends’ held a closed-door secret meeting, where at least three elders suggested that it was time to renegotiate and adjust the amount of goods and tribute paid to the Kingdom of Exter each year.”

“The west…” At that moment, Risban’s eyes narrowed: “You mean—the Free Alliance?”

"The Free Alliance on the Golden Corridor, southwest of Qiyuan City?"

Upon hearing this word, Nikolai on the other side suddenly looked up, his face grim.

Kambida nodded expressionlessly.

"Although the Free Alliance has not yet made a final decision, and the positions of several elders are wavering," Kambida began coldly, his words carrying a chilling aura, "there is no doubt that they dared to even entertain the idea in their foolish and cowardly minds, to raise a proposal at that round table where Prince Sulir tested his knife..."

“Ext’s dignity has already been violated.”

After Kambida finished speaking, he closed his mouth and waited quietly for a response.

Thales noticed that the people of the North, whether they were guards like Nicolai and Justin or high-ranking nobles like Risban, all held their breath slightly.

The air in the hall seemed to freeze for a moment because of those words.

but……

Freedom Alliance.

Rather than the Kingdom of Stars.

Thales breathed a sigh of relief; thankfully, it wasn't the part he was most worried about.

He cast a questioning look at the Grand Duchess, but Selma simply shook her head silently with a hint of worry: clearly, she knew something about the term.

After a few seconds.

Count Lisbon slowly raised his head, his gaze drifting into the distance as he recalled the glorious past, his words revealing an undeniable authority: "Twenty years ago, we generously 'taught' these children of the Golden Corridor: to keep to your place."

"Under the dragon's wrath, even the self-proclaimed noble white elves could not protect them—have the Free Alliance not learned this lesson?"

Kambida chuckled, his eyes holding a deeper meaning.

"Clearly, compared to twenty years ago, the children seem to have a misconception: that the Kingdom of Exter, without a born king, is more benevolent."

A cold glint flashed in Viscount Cambida's eyes: "It's time to teach them a lesson again."

Kroeshe chuckled softly behind him.

Silence fell over the hall.

what happened.

Ext and... the Liberal Alliance?
Thales calmly recalled the geography he had learned from the Northern nobles' lessons over the past six years, centered on Exter—which the prince had jokingly called "Little Sly Sees the World," earning him three whole days of eye-rolls from Selma.

After the final war, the western border of the Western Desert, far from the conflict between the two newly emerging powers—Star and Dragon—became a peaceful haven in the early years of the Final Era. Large and small countries and city-states rose up, forming a long strip of land that stretched from north to south across many powers in the Western Desert: extending east to the desert inland and rocky valleys, north to the North Sea Kingdom and the Northern Lands, west to the Devil Sea and Despair Sea with countless ports, south to the Dragon's Kiss Land and Thorn Land on the long coast, and southeast to the Misty Twin Seas and even the Star Kingdom.

Until the Commas Alliance gradually rose to prominence during several continental wars, this corridor was known for its numerous small states along its route, the independent autonomy of various powers, and its distance from the influence of powerful nations. When several city-states further west—later the Commas—began trading across the continent, they called this intricate, interconnected, and bustling land corridor the "Golden Corridor."

The Free Alliance that Cambida and Risban mentioned is located at the northeastern end of the Golden Corridor, bordering Qiyuan City in western Exter to the east and Shanliu City of the Commas Alliance to the west. If one is bold enough, one can even reach the Western Wilderness Territory of the Star Kingdom by crossing a stretch of desert to the southeast.

For a considerable period, this land, which marks the end of the Golden Corridor, was in chaos. It wasn't until after the Fourth Continental War that a regime of compromise and co-governance among multiple forces—the Freedom Alliance—emerged. For the past hundred years, it has barely managed to maintain its existence amidst a complex situation where numerous internal and external forces are intertwined.

Clearly, from Risban's words, it can be inferred that the Free Alliance sided with the Kingdom of Exter in the most recent struggle. The powerful Northerners, relying on their terrifying record of violently suppressing Star and Cornmas, seized influence and dominance over the Free Alliance and also seized a large amount of profit at the northernmost end of the Golden Corridor.

So, if the Free Alliance is trying to break free from Exter's control... Thales thought: Is Rumba going to wage war to the west?
But clearly, people led by Grand Duke Ronnie are criticizing his rule. This is exactly the time when Lombard should be racking his brains and scratching his head. Does the king really expect to use this battle, which is destined to be arduous and thankless, to wash away his reputation?
Since that incident six years ago, the conflict between the king and the grand dukes has long been irreconcilable, hasn't it?
Viscount Kambida raised his head and looked expressionlessly at the thoughtful Selma: "Madam, this is King Chaman. He is the one His Majesty entrusted to me to bring important intelligence."

"The dignity of the people of the North... can only be upheld with blood."

Kambida's gaze sharpened, carrying a subtle sense of pressure: "What is Dragon City's attitude towards this?"

Selma frowned at Cambida's seemingly polite yet aggressive questions.

In that instant, Thales saw a fleeting look of helplessness and bewilderment in her eyes.

But the girl quickly coughed lightly and habitually looked at the Lisban Regent.

"Charles, what do you think?"

Count Lisbon pondered for a long while.

"Your intelligence work must have been quite a feat," the Regent finally said, raising his deep, seemingly weightless eyes. "Black Sand Territory is clearly far from the desert, far from the Golden Corridor..."

"But for such a big matter, you actually reacted earlier and sent people to inform us earlier than Qiyuan City, which is right next to the Freedom Alliance."

"Was it Grand Duke Ronnie's oversight, or were you all being too thoughtful?"

Lisban particularly emphasized the word "with intention".

Upon hearing this, Thales raised an eyebrow slightly.

Viscount Cambida couldn't help but subtly change his expression as he re-examined the Earl of Risban.

So that's how it is. Prince Star realized the suspicions surrounding the envoys from Black Sand Territory—this shouldn't have been something they were informing them about, and they shouldn't have been so enthusiastic.

Kroeshi, standing behind Kambida, snorted and said coldly, "Serving a king with ambitions that reach far and wide, we must certainly live up to his aspirations and grand plans."

Kambida smirked and nodded slightly to Chloesie, but the female warrior didn't even glance at him, her eyes fixed on the Grand Duchess.

Lisban gave a faint hum.

"Leaving aside Exter's influence on the Golden Corridor..." Count Risban straightened his back slightly, his tone solemn: "The Free Alliance connects to abundant trade and huge profits, and it is adjacent to Qiyuan City. Once it falls out of our control, the one who will suffer the most and worry the most should be Grand Duke Ronnie, right?"

"You're all so generous to go to such lengths for him."

In the increasingly tense atmosphere of the meeting, the Earl directly pointed out the suspicious points.

Kambida smiled slightly: "The losses of the Ronnie family and Qiyuan City are Exter's losses..."

But Risban interrupted him loudly: "Even if Lord Ronnie is tirelessly and unequivocally condemning King Chaman's rule? Even if he calls on us to refuse to pay taxes to the king, to that unconventional heretic?"

Kambida seemed to have his temper flared up as well, and his previously smiling expression turned cold: "The people of Exter are all one, we share the same fate, we share the same fate!"

"This is the future that His Majesty the King hopes for and is striving for—we certainly hope that Grand Duke Ronnie can understand his good intentions, and we also hope that you can understand."

"Ha! That's quite a tale." Count Lisbon seemed prepared to shoulder all the pressure so the bewildered Grand Duchess could relax: "The patricide was actually a patriot!"

The moment Count Lisbon uttered that nickname without hesitation, both Cambida and Kroesi's faces turned cold.

Thales sighed inwardly: a patricide, this would probably be a stain and shadow that Rumba would never be able to shake off for the rest of his life.

But—Thales recalled Chaman Rumba's expression in the firelight—the greater shadow must have been in his own heart, compared to how others perceived him.

This can be considered the mark that King Nuen left on Lumba, a mark that accompanied him throughout his life.

“Believe me, His Majesty Charman always keeps Exter’s dignity and interests at heart,” Cambida said coldly.

"I can't tell you exactly how much His Majesty wanted to gather all of Exeter's forces and tear down the Free Alliance's walls to use as their tombstones the moment he received the news..."

But Lisban snorted angrily without any politeness.

"Stop with the nice words," the old regent said calmly, yet his tone carried an unsettling pressure. "When Grand Duke Ronnie of Qiyuan City led the nation in rallying the people and calling for a revolt against the king's unjust actions..." "the Free Alliance west of Qiyuan City inexplicably became unstable and caused trouble for Ronnie?"

Lisban's straightforward attitude made Thales frown.

But the prince couldn't understand Cambida's purpose: this was a struggle between the king and Ronnie, so why did he specifically inform Dragon City?

Does King Chaman still expect Dragon City to stand on his side?

“Ronnie has to choose, doesn’t he?” Risban pulled his hands from behind his back, hugged them tightly to his chest, took a step forward, and looked down at Cambida on the steps with immense pressure.
"For the greater good, if he wants to resolve his immediate concerns and maintain his prestige as the Grand Duke of Qiyuan City, he must abandon his protests and opposition to Chaman, and even cooperate with the King, in order to free up his hands to deal with the internal strife of the Free Alliance and reclaim the interests that belong to Qiyuan City."

Kambida was silent for a few seconds: "I don't understand what you mean, Your Excellency."

Lisban scoffed, "We're all from the North, so let's stop playing those imperial power games with the Star People."

Star People?
Imperial power politics?

Thales couldn't help but raise an eyebrow: the prince swore he saw the corners of Selma's mouth twitch upwards.

“Tell me,” Risban said seriously, “how will King Chaman react if Ronnie doesn’t make the choice you expect?”

Kambida stared at Risban for several seconds.

Finally, the envoy from the Black Sand Territory laughed:
“I think His Majesty must still respect the co-governance oath: after all, the Free Alliance is closest to Qiyuan City, so in how to handle alliance matters, he respects Grand Duke Ronnie’s attitude, and even more so the interests and autonomy of Qiyuan City—denouncing those children is one thing, but rashly interfering in the internal affairs of the dukes is undoubtedly unwise.”

“Hey!” Risban exclaimed sarcastically, “Now our king remembers the co-rule oath, remembers this is ‘the Grand Dukes’ private affair’.”

Kambida did not answer; he merely bowed slightly, and the Regent also fell silent.

An eerie silence returned to the hall: Thales saw Nikolai with a furrowed brow, while Selma seemed to be deep in thought.

strangeness.

During this bizarre audience, Thales quickly identified several puzzling points:

The Black Sand Territory proposed a Free Alliance—but according to Risban, this was merely one part of a power struggle between King Chaman and his opponents, such as Grand Duke Ronnie.

But what does this have to do with Dragon City? Why did Lumba send someone to inform Selma about this?

More importantly, what does this have to do with him, and with Thales Star?
If Gilbert's claims that "there are no meaningless words in diplomacy" and "testing our steps and strengths" hold true...

Thales frowned: He had too little information.

A few seconds later, Count Lisbon's expression shifted, and he raised his gaze.

“I know why you came to Dragon Sky City,” the Earl said gravely, “and there’s what happened yesterday…”

Lisban narrowed his eyes: "You...sent Dragonsky City into the eye of the storm."

what?
To send Dragon Sky City...into...the eye of the storm?

Thales was slightly taken aback, somewhat unable to keep up with their train of thought.

Clearly, he wasn't the only one who didn't understand Risban's words: Selma's eyes widened—a common reaction for a young girl when confused.

The girl and the boy exchanged a glance, both seeing the confusion and bewilderment in each other's eyes.

“‘Dragon Eye’ Charles Risban, very good,” Kambida’s expression turned completely serious as he looked at his opponent again: “Now, we are truly beginning our dialogue.”

He was met with a cold snort from Lisban.

At that moment, Thales had a feeling: today's meeting was a clash between Risban and Cambida, a game of chess that only they could understand.

“That concludes the audience, my lady,” Risban said coldly.

Selma stared blankly at Lisban, but she still nodded obediently.

"Are you sure?" Kambida sneered. "This concerns the honor and disgrace of the dragons, and His Majesty is awaiting the Grand Duchess's reply."

The Viscount added meaningfully, "Instead of the Regent's reply."

Thales sighed inwardly.

"enough."

“You know better than anyone how this is going to go.”

Risban looked at Cambida with a cold expression, not even bothering to maintain a semblance of friendliness: "Her Majesty the Grand Duchess will give you an answer, but not now."

The count said in a cold voice, "At least, not before the envoy from Qiyuan City came to visit."

Kambida took a breath, regained his composure, and bowed slightly.

“Then we’ll take our leave, Your Excellency Grand Duchess,” the Viscount of Black Sand Territory said softly, “and by the way…”

Kambida glanced meaningfully at the somewhat puzzled Selma and said:
"The new glasses are beautiful."

Selma's expression changed involuntarily.

Thales felt a chill run down his spine: the Regent's gaze upon him was incredibly oppressive.

Count Lisbon scoffed, "That's enough, Your Excellency."

Kambida smiled, gave the Star Prince a slight bow, and turned to leave.

At this moment.

“Meteorite, my superior sent his greetings,” Kroeshe, who had been silent all along, suddenly raised her head and looked at the warrior on the other side of Risban: “'That sword is really hard to use,' those were his exact words.”

Nicolai on the steps scoffed.

"Then you might as well tell him."

“This knife is quite useful,” the Meteorite said, shaking his head as he looked at his old friend’s daughter. “What a pity.”

Kroesi nodded and turned to the Grand Duke's seat.

"Your Excellency, please take care."

Her gaze toward Selma was gentle and hopeful, which made Thales pause slightly.

“Ah, thank you for your kindness,” Selma replied instinctively.

"Please believe me: your weight and value are far greater than you imagine," the female warrior seemed to only want to say what she wanted to say, and then Chloe said softly, "In any case, your existence is a miracle that has not been seen in the North for thousands of years, and it is the banner that allows us to move forward."

"Please seize the power that belongs to you, be self-reliant and strong, and become a true Grand Duke of Exeter."

"Because you are no worse than anyone else."

After saying this, Chloeshe bowed deeply, then ignored Selma who hadn't had time to react, decisively turned and left, following in Cambida's footsteps.

The hall was filled with astonishment and solemnity.

I'm going home tomorrow.

Tired.

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(End of this chapter)