Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 293 The Limits of Domination (Part 2)
"Hmm, garrison?"

Heathcliff touched his cane between his knees again, pretending to think seriously: "Using killing and fear, blood and death to intimidate the opponents and the dissatisfied, and to sever the people's dependence on and habit of the old order, is an interesting option."

Selma, who seemed to have caught up with the conversation, interjected with interest: "However, a long-term garrison in the North means high military expenses, extravagant supplies, the cost of long-term mobilization, and the complaints of vassals. These are not things that any Grand Duke can afford. Charles once told me that a strong man leaving home for a month is enough to affect local production and bring discontent among the people."

Thales understood perfectly: "Therefore, in the Year of Blood, although Exter defeated the Stars, he was unable to govern the North properly, nor could he use garrisons to hold onto their lands."

Hicksher flashed his ugly but kind smile again.

“A very interesting discussion, sir and madam,” the new teacher changed the subject again: “In that case, we have another question: since they cannot rule directly themselves, why don’t they support the existing local nobles in the North to rule the North in their place?”

Thales frowned.

Selma, however, rolled her eyes and said, "After King Nunn conquered Coldhold, he hanged several lords, from the Duke of the North to those who refused to submit, in an attempt to quell the resistance in the North."

Thales thought of Val Arend, who was in prison, and his vehement accusations in the Palace of Renewal.

The Grand Duchess recited the words like a memorized text: "But he could not exterminate them: old Aarond's son was still in the capital, so he could not sever the blood ties that connected him to the land of the North."

“Not only that, Exter did not conquer the area south of the River Mu, Everstar City still stands, and the robbed royal family quickly re-established a king,” Selma added. “For the North, for both the major families and the common people, their king and duke are still resisting in the war, their hope and beacon of resistance are still there, and the legal and righteous principles for fighting for them are still there. Exter remains an unlawful and evil invader—there is no point in supporting a puppet.”

"Just like Dragonsreach, which stood firm despite being under siege by the Nightwing King, this is an eternal battle flag."

Thales suddenly recalled the scene from six years ago when Miranda and Cohen were trapped in Dragon City.

It turned out to be the case.

Miranda Aarond, as the heiress of the Aarond family, was also a crucial pawn in the Rumba's conquest of the North six years ago, whether it was supporting a puppet or...

That's why she was targeted by the Black Sand Territory during the Dragonblood's operation: from Nun's death to the invasion of the North, it was a coordinated strategy.

“On the other hand,” Thales said unconsciously, picking up where Selma left off, “once Exter broke through Everstar City back then, the prisoners even severed the bloodline of the Aarond family and even the Starry Sky royal family…”

"Whether it's the Northern Territory, or the Clifflands and Western Wilderness that they've already encroached upon, it could become easier to rule and occupy them by supporting puppets or stationing troops."

Hicksor coughed.

The old man reached out and shakily picked up an overturned cup beside him.

Thales quickly stood up, picked up the kettle from the desk, and poured him some water.

“Hmm, that’s an interesting point—thank you, kind sir—as long as the family bloodline representing the right to rule is still alive and has not submitted,” Hexer said, smacking his lips behind his cup as he drank his water. “Invaders can’t really conquer; they can only occupy, using time and violence to eliminate discontent and maintain the status quo.”

“Or support local puppets and make them your vassal states to indirectly control the North,” Hexer said, suddenly raising his gray eyes and radiating a strange light, “like the Free Alliance to the Kingdom of Exter.”

The prince and the grand duchess were both taken aback.

Upon hearing the familiar place name, they exchanged a surprised glance.

But the old crow didn't continue that topic; instead, it returned to the main point.

"So, dear Thales and Selma, let's summarize our discussion: For the born king, the people and vassals of the occupied territories—the North—have not become his allies, and his own vassals who went to war with him have not received corresponding benefits. Do you agree?"

Selma's expression hardened, and she nodded: "Yes."

The old man coughed again and sighed, "You know, at my age, if you want to eat something good, you need a good set of teeth."

"You also need a healthy stomach."

Hexer put down his water glass, glancing at the two who had unconsciously sat up straight, and sighed deeply: "So, after conquering the North with overwhelming force, behind the seemingly dazzling victory, Exter was unable to rule the North for long. With the disadvantages outweighing the advantages, he could only abandon the lands he could not hold and was forced to withdraw his troops back home... It's not so hard to understand then?"

Thales took a deep breath and nodded, "Of course, that seems to be the case."

Looking at Thales, who was using his words cautiously, Hixser smiled slightly, his wrinkled lips curving into a gentle smile, and said, "Well, there's one more thing that I find a little strange."

Thales and Selma quickly leaned forward; they had gradually gotten used to the teacher's "chatting" style.

“I can’t eat tough meat, but I can manage some snacks,” Hickser said, squinting. The old man’s appearance at that moment inexplicably reminded Thales of Gilbert, and of the “fox’s” truly cunning eyes.
"Exter abandoned the North, but why did they abandon Dragonslayer Fortress as well?"

"Just like abandoning the North, are we going to let the Starfolk reclaim such an important fortress?"

Thales and Selma exchanged glances, both then lost in confusion.

“Because, Dragonbreaker Fortress is just a defensive fortress,” Selma tried to answer cautiously, “and a sentry post? So it needs to be garrisoned for a long time, and the benefits of occupying it are far less than the cost of maintaining it.”

“Using the fortress to monitor and suppress the stars is beneficial in itself,” Thales shook his head. “But conversely, abandoning it is also very harmful—the stars can use it as a base to move north at any time, so this reason may not hold true.”

Heathcliff smiled slightly as he looked at the two deep in thought.

"It sounds like a difficult choice," the old man shifted his posture, gently patting his right leg, as if sitting for too long was also bad for his health: "So, how did King Nuen consider his options when he made that choice?"

King Nuen.

Thales's thoughts jolted again, and the image of a stern and imposing old man appeared before him.

Correct.

King Nuen!
Thales' gaze refocused: "Because King Nunn will not allow it."

Selma and Hexer turned their gazes back to him.

“If Exter controls the fortress, whoever garrisones it, it will mean that the status and role of Black Sand Territory will be greatly enhanced. Faced with Starfall, Dragonbreaker Fortress can only rely on Rumba for supplies and support, which will increase its bargaining power and influence.”

"Secondly, with the fortress as a defensive line, the pressure on Black Sand Territory from Star will be greatly reduced, allowing Rumba to free up his hands, which will greatly enhance his threat."

Telstow stroked his chin thoughtfully: "So, if King Nuen takes the fortress himself and sends his confidants and troops to garrison it, it will not only be equivalent to blocking the threat from the south for Black Sand Territory, but also rely on the support of Lumba, which is equivalent to handing over the chips to Black Sand Territory."

"And if we were to hand over the fortress to Black Sand Territory—that would be even more impossible."

“Taking Starfall is for the sake of Exster,” Thales pondered, “but before that, he will not allow the North, or even the fortress, to become nourishment for any of Exster’s grand dukes outside of Dragonstreet.”

Selma gave a "wow" emoji from afar.

A weak but gratified laugh came from the other side.

“I think our discussion has moved beyond the realm of nations and rule, delving into the power struggles among lords. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. The good thing is that you can see more, and the bad thing is…” Hicks winked playfully at the two of them, his eyes behind his glasses becoming clearer: “You will see even less.”

The two students were taken aback at first, then fell into deep thought.

The old crow adjusted his glasses slightly, coughed once, and pulled his cane back from between his knees, placing it on his right side.

“Very good, we’ve talked for quite a while today,” Hicksor looked up, still with that kind but slightly weak smile. “May I say that we’ve reached a mutually agreed-upon, interesting conclusion: invading and occupying a place is completely different from possessing and ruling it?”

Thales and Selma exchanged a glance, and the latter nodded: "Of course."

Hicksor's eyes widened slightly.

“You know, this reminds me of chess and maps,” the thin old man said, tugging at his slightly crooked scarf. “On chessboards and maps, everything is very visual. You move a piece, a pawn, and capture an enemy, and the square it stands on will be marked with your flag and dyed with your color: that place is yours.”

"Some knightly bard poems are like this: the protagonist has a strong army under his command, charging around and conquering cities and territories: it seems that wherever his horse's hooves have passed, the territory is destined to be loyal to him."

The prince and the grand duchess both looked serious and listened attentively to their new teacher's words.

The old raven lowered its head slightly, its expression playful: "But in reality, Exter's example tells us that everything is complicated and requires more consideration: you may eliminate the enemy and achieve victory, but that does not mean you can keep that land."

"You can command an army to invade and win, but that doesn't mean you can accept the price that comes with it—even if it seems like a sweet reward."

Heathcliff looked up at the sky outside the window and sighed, "Perhaps this is the limit of rule."

“When you face war and peace, hostility and alliance, it’s never a bad thing to first understand what the boundaries of domination are and where they are,” he turned his head, and the look in his eyes behind his glasses made Thales unconsciously straighten his chest: “Do you agree?”

Prince Star took a deep breath and nodded solemnly: "Yes, I completely agree."

Selma nodded vigorously.

Hicksher turned his head, the momentary wisdom in his eyes seemingly vanished, replaced by a relaxed and cheerful smile. He chuckled and said, "Well then, we had a good chat, didn't we?"

As he spoke, the gaunt Hexer shakily leaned on his cane and stood up: "Perhaps... today... this is the end?"

Thales and Selma quickly stood up and politely bowed to him.

“Of course,” the prince said earnestly, “thank you, Mr. Hicks, you are a good teacher.”

Hicks laughed heartily.

"Oh, don't be so quick to say that. After all, I don't even have a bachelor's degree from the academy."

The old raven shook his head with his eyes closed: "By the way, everything we've been talking about today, why Exter withdrew his troops, why he gave up the land, to the limits of his rule... is very interesting, isn't it?" The two students nodded respectfully.

Hixser slightly opened his eyes, a sly glint in them again behind his glasses, and changed the subject: "In that case, how about this, next time we meet..."

"I hope you will tell me your reasoning and evidence again, just like you did today..."

The two students immediately listened attentively.

Hexer, hands on his cane, squinted and looked at the two solemn young men and women with interest: "Why, everything we've discussed today, from beginning to end, all the conclusions..."

The old crow spoke softly: "They're all wrong."

Time seemed to stand still for two seconds.

Two seconds later, Thales and Selma, who had just realized what was happening, were both shocked!
Selma couldn't help but exclaim, "What?"

Thales stared blankly at their teacher, unable to react for a long time.

Everything we've discussed today...

are all...

“Don’t be nervous, Selma. Like I said,” seeing the two of them staring in disbelief, Hixser raised her left hand and waved it, laughing like a child who had just pulled off a prank. “We’re just having a chat. This is the topic of our next chat: Why We’re All Wrong Today.”

The boy and girl stared blankly at the old crow, exchanged a glance, and still couldn't accept what the other had said.

A tutor tells you at the end of the first lesson that everything he just said was wrong?

At that moment, Thales suddenly felt that the nickname "Old Raven" was so fitting.

"We had a great chat today. The weather is nice, why don't you two go for a walk together?" Hicks took a leisurely breath, winked at the two students with special identities, then leaned on his cane and turned to leave.

"Don't waste your youth..." With the clattering of his cane, the memorable new teacher pushed open the door and left.

The two students were left speechless.

"What do you mean?"

Selma asked Thales with a puzzled look, "Is everything we've been saying today a lie?"

At that moment, Thales let out a long breath.

Looking at the leather chair that Heathcliff had sat in, he suddenly understood.

"Do not."

“I think he meant that the truth isn’t important,” Thales said thoughtfully, trying to understand the other person’s meaning. “What is important is…”

"He wants us to stand on the completely opposite side, facing an almost foregone conclusion, given the unfavorable circumstances with so many arguments already presented."

Thales narrowed his eyes: "Persuade him again."

and many more.

Using a completely opposite stance, with reason and evidence, to overturn a conclusion that has already taken root in people's hearts.

This rhythm feels so familiar.

Selma blinked, exhaled, slumped back in her chair, and pouted, "I don't understand."

Thales shrugged.

It's okay if you don't understand.

“But prepare to spend the whole night in the library,” the prince said with a faint sense of familiarity. “I have a feeling this question won’t be so simple.”

Selma sighed, pouting, and slumped onto the desk without any regard for her image: "But there's Lady Jinx's etiquette class tomorrow, and it'll continue..."

Thales chuckled, a hint of disdain in his eyes.

"Forget about etiquette class."

The prince turned around and looked meaningfully at the displeased Selma: "Do you remember what I said?"

"Your past education was all designed to mold you into a dignified and elegant duchess," he said calmly, his gaze intense, "to transform you into..."

Selma interrupted him.

"'but'?"

The Grand Duchess raised an eyebrow: "You're going to say 'but' again, aren't you?"

Thales's carefully built-up momentum was instantly extinguished.

“Well—but,” Thales nodded helplessly, then shook his head, gesturing towards the doorway where Hixser had left, “I think, this person…”

"This old crow... what are the limits of its rule?"

The prince glanced at Heathcliff's seat, then looked earnestly at the blonde girl before him, seeing her aggrieved gaze: "He is genuinely and earnestly teaching you how to become a qualified..."

Just then, the familiar sound of a cane suddenly rang out from outside the door.

"Clang...clang...clang..."

Under the strange gazes of the two, Hixser reappeared at the door with an apologetic smile.

“I’m sorry, I’m getting old and my memory is getting worse,” the old crow shook his head. “Although the time for our next lesson is uncertain due to my health, I still think I should tell you in advance what I hope you will do when we meet next time.”

Thales and Selma nodded respectfully in unison: "Of course."

Hicks smiled slightly: "First of all, I hope you will take some notes and carefully consider every word we have said in our discussion..."

Selma nodded and readily took notes in her notebook.

Secondly, remember that we are having a conversation, and you are welcome to interrupt, ask questions, or speak at any time; then, we should all express ourselves in an organized and logical manner, focusing on the key points;

Thales was slightly taken aback.

and many more.

These words……

Why……

Hicksor coughed and continued, "Also, we should be cautious and humble in discussions. Before questioning something, it's best to first examine our own position and viewpoint."

For a second, Thales was completely stunned.

These words……

impossible.

----

The following part of the main text has been placed in the author's notes at the end of the chapter.

It's free.

"Finally, mutual questioning is also an advantage and privilege of classmates. Please be prepared to ask each other questions and to receive questions from each other: truth is always born in collision and conflict."

The new teacher gave Thales a strange look and frowned slightly: "Well then, may you have a good day."

As Selma bid him a respectful and grateful farewell, the old crow stepped outside and slowly departed.

Only Thales stood silently in place, hesitatingly pulling Selma's notebook, his chest heaving with uncontrollable emotions.

These words—the prince looked at the notes in his hand with suspicion, then at the door where the old man had left—were carefully considered, interrupted at any time, expressed clearly, questioned themselves, and challenged each other.

These rules...

Thales suddenly raised his head.

Hicks...you...

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(End of this chapter)