Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 313 Opening

In the hall, as the Grand Duchess took her seat, the twenty-odd nobles present also sat down.

Thanks to the Grand Duchess, Thales received a great deal of Northern aristocratic education during his six years as a hostage. Compared to the somewhat faded knowledge that Gilbert taught him in a brief month, he was much more familiar with the glorious history of Exter.

For example, the day of the court hearing in Longxiao City.

It originated ninety years ago, from the Grand Duke of Longxiao City and the forty-third co-elected king, Nuen VI—the grandfather of the late King Nuen VII, a king worthy of remembrance.

The initiator of the Walton family's golden age and the founder of three generations of monopoly on the throne.

The Dragon Kingdom under King Nunn VI clashed with the Star Kingdom after the death of the "Wise King" on the border several times. Facing the three great families of the North, the Arend, the Zemutor of Watchtower, and the Forrest of Lone Tower, this king was undefeated, pushing the southern border of Exter to the front of Dragon Fortress and turning the East and West Great Needles into the exclusive territory of the Northlands.
He fostered the nascent Freedom Alliance in several wars, and with a strong hand, he thwarted the expansion of the rapidly rising Comass Alliance, firmly controlling the eastern end of the Golden Corridor.

He even renovated the historic Quegur Glacier defense line, driving the ferocious and brutal glacier orcs back north of the Thirty-Eight Watchpoints.

Domestically, starting with the shrewd King Nunn VI, it became a custom for the vassals of Dragonstreet to regularly greet and report to the Grand Duke: the vassals would demonstrate their loyalty to the Grand Duke, report important matters of their territories, and seek the Grand Duke's permission and support. In return, the Grand Duke would display his authority and benevolence, listen to the reports from his vassals, and maintain and strengthen the relationship between the monarch and his subjects—this was the day of plebiscite.

It was also proof of the expansion of Dragonsky City's rule, Thales thought.

but now……

The Grand Duchess's voice rang out clearly in the hall, pulling him back to reality.

“Risban, Kerkekor, Nazel, Hearst, Linna, Cortson,” despite her pale face, Selma called out the names of her vassal families one by one, according to their seating order. Each lord nodded slightly when called: “Banner, Hudson…”

Selma rattled off the names of nearly twenty families in one breath, including two families with the same name, which had to be distinguished by their territories.

Almost every nobleman with a seat nodded respectfully—or at least with a respectful expression.

If this were in the Star Kingdom… Thales couldn’t help but recall the grand occasion of the National Conference, the six powerful families, the thirteen noble clans, and the Star Kingdom’s own direct vassals. Just calling out the names of these families…

The prince sighed.

Good heavens, I hope they have a roster.

"Welcome, everyone," Selma took a deep breath under the sharp gazes of the northern nobles, glanced at Risban at the head of the table, and said slowly, "Once again, on this glorious day of court hearings, the great families of Dragonstreet City gather together. Because of your presence, the Dragon Spear in the Clouds shines even brighter, and with your loyalty, the Walton family grows ever stronger."

A clear, crisp female voice echoed in the stone hall, gradually fading and disappearing.

Just as the Grand Duchess finished speaking—as if by prior arrangement—almost all the vassals solemnly raised their right fists and pounded their chests three times in succession!

Boom!Boom!Boom!
As a response to the lord who had been granted the title.

The dull thuds resonated throughout the hall, seemingly shaking the entire Valhalla.

“See, you get what I mean,” Ian said with a bored expression that said, “I already told you,” and tapped his chest as he whispered in Thales’ ear, “Gorilla…”

Thales coughed softly.

Selma remained motionless amidst the knocking, but Thales, who knew her intimately, could sense that beneath the girl's composure lay a tension and unease.

"The day of court hearings shall now begin," the Grand Duchess cleared her throat. "Charles?"

The Earl of Lisbon, seated at the head of the table to her left, bowed slightly in his chair and turned to look at the entire room.

The five earls at the front finally turned their gaze to the regent, but Thales noticed that those gazes were not as friendly as he had imagined.

Six years ago, at King Nuen's funeral... what were the attitudes of these five crucial figures?

Thales recalled.

“As is customary,” Regent Risban’s steady and gentle voice rang out in the hall, just as it had countless times in the past thirty years at the Royal Council for King Nunn, “Do any of you gentlemen have anything to ask the lady?”

No one speaks.

Within Thales's field of vision, the twenty-odd vassals didn't even whisper among themselves.

They simply unleashed countless sharp gazes, fixed firmly on Lisban, as if trying to sever the old count.

Especially the five most powerful vassals.

Thales clenched his fists involuntarily.

Lisbon surveyed the entire room, but still no vassal answered.

It was as if it had been planned.

His expression gradually turned grim.

“Politeness is dead,” Ian’s annoying voice reached Thales’ ears, tinged with a hint of schadenfreude. “I guess nobody wants to say 'hello' to the Grand Duchess.”

In the deathly silence, Ian's words sounded rather harsh.

Many people from the north turned to look at him, their gazes icy.

Ian gave them an apologetic smile, looking like he'd been caught doing something wrong.

This was the first time Thales had participated in a day of hearings in six years, and the first time he had seen the attitude of the lords of Dragonsreach City towards their lords. Looking at Selma, who was trying to remain calm on the stage, Thales felt a pang of pain in his heart.

In the six years since he stepped into the Hall of Stars and became the second prince of the Star Kingdom, his journey has been arduous.

But at this moment, all the hardships he had imagined paled in comparison to her, to Selma, to Exeter's first Grand Duchess...

“Very well, it seems everyone is doing well, no bad news,” Risban said coldly, bowing slightly to Selma at the head of the table: “Madam.”

All eyes that had been focused on Lisban turned to the Grand Duchess.

Thales looked at the lonely Selma with pity: the girl cleared her throat awkwardly, subconsciously avoiding the gazes of the vassals.

“Gentlemen…cough cough…ladies and gentlemen, I know you don’t like nonsense,” Selma’s voice was fast and trembling, “so I’ll get straight to the point…”

In contrast to the complete silence that followed when Lisbon spoke, many vassals lowered their heads and whispered among themselves the moment the Archduchess opened her mouth.

“That’s a good sign; at least the Grand Duchess has the ability to defuse tensions,” Ian whispered sarcastically in Thales’ ear.

The Grand Duchess continued speaking:
"As you all know, last month, the King's envoy came from Black Sand Territory, and a few days ago, a delegation from Qiyuan City also visited Dragon Sky City..."

Someone interrupted her.

"Are you referring to that farcical audience, madam?"

Sitting third to the left of the Grand Duchess, the Earl of Ferrenburg in full military attire, said coldly, "Of course, it's very entertaining—the majestic Dragonstreet City is being run around like a baby."

Earl Curtson's words were very rude, and many people chuckled softly, but most scoffed.

Selma's face turned even paler.

Thales frowned slightly and turned his head—the Viscount of Wind City, the culprit, was grinning foolishly, seemingly finding it quite amusing.

"Funny?" Thales's gaze shot out like a sharp sword.

Under Thales' displeased gaze, Ian realized something and instantly wiped the smile off his face. He coughed lightly, seemingly seriously, and said, "Sorry."

"Dragon Sky City faces a choice," the Grand Duchess continued after catching her breath, "and I respect the lords who have served under my grandfather for many years, so we will be here today, on this most important day of hearings, to discuss our choice."

Just when Thales thought the vassals were about to fall silent again, unexpectedly, a clear male voice rang out.

“We respect you, madam, just as we respect your grandfather,” said the Earl, who sat second to the right of Selma. His tone was unusually friendly and respectful, and his golden beard rose and fell with his words. “So we have come, Ironshire, to answer your call.”

The Earl of Hearst from Ironshire looked gently at the Grand Duchess and said this.

As if she had found a savior, Selma smiled and looked at the person who had spoken with gratitude: "Thank you, Earl Hearst."

Hearst, in his thirties, twitched his golden beard and smiled, nodding.

Thales frowned, looking at the enthusiastic Hearst, and shifted his position awkwardly.

This damn chair is so uncomfortable to sit in.

“Good heavens, Thales, did you see the way he looked at that girl?” Ian interrupted inappropriately, “I bet every time he goes out with a woman, he imagines her as…”

Thales, whose mood had soured, suddenly turned around.

"Will you die if you don't speak?" the prince replied coldly.

Ian quickly raised his hands, stuck out his tongue innocently, and silently mouthed: Yes.

Thales was so angry that he didn't want to talk to him anymore.

Earl Hearst's words seemed to ignite the conversation among the vassals: Curtson, who had just spoken sarcastically, stroked his chin and gave a soft snort.

“Felenberg is the same,” Kotsen said slowly, “but I’ve noticed that it’s not just us who have answered the call…”

Earl Curtson moved his finger and pointed to a corner of the hall.

That is……

All eyes followed the movement of his finger.

Thales' heart sank.

"Why is he here, madam?" Kurtson twisted her wrist, pointing coldly at the prince of the stars: "This imperial man, at the most important meeting in all of Dragonsky City?"

A considerable commotion, even a commotion, immediately erupted in the hall.

In that instant, Thales became the focus of attention.

The Grand Duchess's face showed worry and tension, Risban narrowed his eyes, and Nicolai, who had been wearing a cold expression, frowned.

Okay, no matter how much I want to keep a low profile...

Thales sighed.

“I have come at the request of Her Excellency the Grand Duchess and at the invitation of the heir to Qiyuan City,” the second prince of Xingchen said coldly, “as a third party to witness this meeting concerning the honor of Exter.”

After he finished speaking, the argument in the hall grew even louder.

Thales could even hear their conversation clearly:

"So that's..."

"This is ridiculous..."

"Guess what, he's here, and that girl is here too..."

"Dragon Sky City...how ironic..."

Thales clenched his fist.

Ian shook his head helplessly at him, looking like he couldn't help him.

“I don’t recall ever being with the Imperials,” Courterson said coldly, without even glancing at Thales. “Where are the guards? Throw him out.”

A considerable number of voices of approval erupted among the vassals.

"Order, adults!"

Nicolai's voice broke the silence. As a member of the Grand Duke's personal guard, the Meteorite looked down at the chaotic nobles with utter disdain:
"You are standing on the land of Dragonsreach, Earl Curtson, you are standing in the Hall of Heroes of Nekaru, and here is the Hall of Heroes, before the Grand Duchess..."

Nikolai's expression hardened: "It's not your place to give us orders."

Perhaps it was because the Meteorite was indeed renowned, or perhaps it was because of his more than twenty years of experience following King Nuen that the arena gradually quieted down.

Until Curtson replied without any courtesy.

"Shut up, lord."

“You have no right to talk to me about the fucking order,” Kurtson gritted his teeth, staring at the Meteorite on the steps as if he were an enemy. “His Majesty Nunn has promoted you, a lowly and insignificant person, to his personal guard and bestowed upon you a title.”

“You repaid him with dereliction of duty and incompetence, causing His Majesty's death and also causing us, and causing Longxiao City to fall into this state.”

At that moment, a rare flush appeared on Nicolai's pale face.

Thales had seen him like this before: it was a sign of the Meteorite's wrath.

“If I were you, an incompetent person, I would find a secluded place to commit suicide instead of shamelessly clinging to the Grand Duchess and pretending nothing happened,” Earl Curtson’s words clearly reached everyone’s ears.
"The shame of the blade that killed the king!"

"Pooh!"

Many northern nobles snorted in unison.

Nikolai abruptly lowered his head, obscuring his expression.

But he said nothing.

But Thales could see that his fists were clenched together and trembling violently.

The prince knew that what Courterson was referring to was the greatest shadow of the Fallen One's life.

In the hall, Ned Monti, a member of the Qiyuan City delegation, frowned. This 'Death Raven' looked at the abnormal Nikolai and sighed softly.

“Enough, Courtesan.” The Grand Duchess finally spoke, her words unconsciously tinged with anger: “Lord Nicolai fought the calamity to the last moment for the King, he does not deserve such praise.”

“Of course, if this good-for-nothing hadn’t failed in his duty,” Kurtson scoffed, “you wouldn’t be here either, would you?”

Selma swayed slightly, biting her lower lip.

The vassals began to murmur amongst themselves again.

"Everyone, let go of the past..." an old voice rang out.

“However, according to what my clerk has told me, madam, this Prince Thales is arguably the most troublesome Starman in the world; he even caused that ugly brawl on the last day of court,” the eldest Earl of Nazel began slowly, his words sounding fair and rational, steer the conversation back to the prince:
"I sincerely suggest that when we are discussing our own affairs, perhaps we should let him go to his room to rest?"

The old count narrowed his eyes slightly: "You know, even if we don't care, there are still a lot of rumors about this prince."

All eyes turned back to the prince, occasionally glancing back and forth between him and the Grand Duchess.

Selma's expression changed, and she was momentarily speechless.

Thales closed his eyes.

Ian, standing beside him, made a variety of expressions and opened his mouth as if to whisper something in his ear.

“Not now, Ian.” Just as Ian was about to speak, Thales spoke coldly, silencing his enthusiasm.

They did it on purpose, the vassals of Dragonfall City.

Thales recalled the sordid behavior of the nobles in the Hall of Stars at the Palace of Renewal six years ago and told himself: So they are methodically undermining the Grand Duchess's prestige.

And now...

No, he couldn't speak or argue, otherwise it would only make the situation worse.

Thales gritted his teeth.

“The prince is the lady’s guest, Curtson, Nazel,” Regent Risban spoke up at the opportune moment, coldly observing the two counts: “It is the lady’s promise that he will stay, and if you disregard the lady’s honor and cannot bear to have him in your sight, then close your eyes or leave on your own, choose one.”

Kurtson snorted coldly, seemingly disliking the Regent.

“Don’t forget your blood feud, madam. Your predecessor, Prince Moral, died under the stars, his body barely cold,” Count Linna, sitting third to the left of the Grand Duchess, said expressionlessly, “and all the tragedies since then have stemmed from the arrival of this little prince.”

"The body is still warm, really?" Ian whispered again, oblivious to the danger. "Six years. Even a dragon's corpse should be cold by now."

Thales didn't even bother to pay him any attention.

Selma took a deep breath, as if trying to compose herself.

“That tragedy is over, Linna,” the Grand Duchess said through gritted teeth, glancing at Thales from afar. “It happened when the late King was still alive, and Prince Thales is now our guest—we should get back to business.”

"You don't consider the death of your blood relative to be a 'serious matter'?" Linna suddenly raised her voice.

“I must say, you have disappointed me somewhat,” Earl Linna said, his face still frosty and his gaze unwavering, but his words, which sounded like the spitting of a venomous snake, were hard to ignore: “Dear Lady Selma Walton.”

Selma met his gaze, and her hand on the armrest trembled slightly.

Inside the hall, the chatter of the twenty-odd nobles grew louder and louder.

“Take back your words, Linna,” the Regent of Lisbon said, his tone clearly tinged with emotion, “especially to Her Majesty the Grand Duchess.”

"How dare you say such a thing to His Majesty Nunn, to the granddaughter of the Heavenly King—'You have chilled my heart'?"

Lisban glanced at Count Linna: "His Majesty spent thirty years, starting from his time as a prince, elevating you, the Linna family, from the brink of decline..."

“That’s what I was worried about, Risban,” Linna retorted without fear: “His Majesty Nunn, who inspired such devotion, the great and born king, is no more!”

"Only us old bones are left to guard a woman..."

"Linna!" It was Earl Hearst with the golden beard who interrupted him once again.

Linna paused for a moment, glanced at the Grand Duchess on the seat, and after a slight hesitation, changed his words: "...to maintain the dignity of Dragonsky City."

Upon hearing this, Selma lowered her head and pursed her lips.

Silence fell over the hall.

Earl Hearst coughed lightly.

“I’m sorry, madam,” the Earl of Ironshire said gently, looking at Selma’s embarrassed expression, “but I think Earl Linna simply misses His Majesty too much and values ​​the future of Dragonsreach too much.”

“But he respects you, respects your bloodline, just as I do,” Hearst nodded slowly and respectfully, “Madam.”

“Ugh,” Ian said, feigning disgust, “I’m about to throw up at this hero-saves-the-damsel-in-distress pickup line.”

"But it actually worked, look at the girl's expression..."

That's so damn long-winded.

For the first time, Thales found himself wanting to strangle Ian.

His incisive words were stuck in his vocal cords.

The prince stared intently at Selma.

Selma looked at Hearst, who had come to her rescue, and gave him a forced smile.

Thales frowned.

“You are facing the bloodline left by the born king, little Hearst,” Risban interrupted their eye contact. “Without a doubt, she will lead the future of Dragonrise City.”

Hearst smiled and nodded slightly to the Regent: "Of course."

“You’re starting to sound more and more like His Majesty Nunn, ‘Prime Minister,’” Earl Linna, who had been expressionless but whose words were cutting to the heart, slowly enunciated, “Just like six years ago, you, the great Regent, stood there, beside His Majesty’s body, telling us without a doubt that the Grand Duke had been replaced, and that all we had to do was kneel down obediently.”

“Don’t bring your personal grievances here, Linna,” Risban said, his face ashen. “This hall of honor should not have a place for selfishness and darkness.”

Linna smiled slightly in response.

“I’m starting to admire your girlfriend a little,” Ian sighed, patting Thales on the shoulder. “How has she managed to survive among these people for the past six years?”

“I don’t know,” Thales shook his head, looking at the unruly counts with barely concealed worry. “This is my first time attending a hearing, but in the past, important counts would send their officers—I guess their presence here in person makes things even more difficult.”

Ian raised an eyebrow: "Oh, you didn't argue with me?"

Thales, who was observing the counts, looked puzzled: "Refute what?"

“It’s nothing.” Ian replied seriously, shaking his head earnestly.

An elderly voice rang out again in the arena.

“Relax, Linna, show some respect,” sighed the most senior Nazel. “You are facing the most powerful earl in Dragonstreet, ‘Dragon Eye’ Risban, who has controlled Dragonstreet for six years—you don’t want to mess with the regent of Dragonstreet, he has countless ways to deal with you.”

Lisban and Nazar exchanged a glance in mid-air, and even the air seemed to grow colder.

“Oh, I think what he really meant was,” Ian squinted, “'Fuck you, Lisban.'”

Thales wholeheartedly agreed.

“Since he wants the Star People here, let him be,” Nazel said softly. “Anyway, Dragon Sky City isn’t what it used to be.”

Lisban looked at Nazel, who was the same age as him, from afar, and spoke softly but with unparalleled clarity: "Really, Nazel, old friend?"

“My old friend died six years ago,” Count Nazel said slowly, “along with His Majesty, in the vortex of power.”

During the time that Lisbon and Nazar stared at each other, the counts remained silent.

It was as if this were their arena.

Selma, sitting in her seat, was at a loss.

“If you ask me,” Ian’s whisper interrupted again, untimely, “when they were young, did one of them sleep with the other’s wife?”

Thales slowly shook his head, looked down at his right hand, and sighed.

The situation is very unfavorable, worse than we imagined.

Before the five counts, the Grand Duchess couldn't even find an opening to speak.

Even with Risban's help—no, it's clear that Risban's presence only made things worse, as the Regent of Dragonrise was a position that was envied by many.

This cannot go on.

Go, Ian.

We need you.

The next moment, a scream suddenly echoed throughout the entire hall:

"what--"

"you you you--"

The sound was so loud that it was like a whirlwind in the silent Hall of Heroes.

All the nobles, including Selma and Risban, turned around in surprise and looked toward the source of the sound.

Suddenly, one of the nobles and vassals in the hall jumped up.

Viscount Ian Ronnie, from Qiyuan City, was standing on a chair, clutching his lower back, his expression contorted, staring incredulously at the person beside him.

Beside him, Prince Thales withdrew his hand expressionlessly and sat upright with a serious expression.

It was as if he wasn't the one who had just grabbed Ian's waist and twisted him with all his might.

Ian gritted his teeth in exasperation and mouthed "How dare you?" to Thales.

But the prince didn't move an inch, as if he didn't recognize him at all.

Ian took a deep breath and looked up.

He then noticed that all eyes in the room were on him.

Viscount Fengcheng gave an awkward smile: "Um..."

The five earls all frowned.

“Lord Ian,” Risban’s gaze swept over Thales before silently returning to Ian, “is there something you need?”

Ian exhaled and glared murderously at Thales.

The prince remained calm and gave a thumbs-up near his knee.

Good luck!

Ian could only sigh.

“While I’d love to see the unexpected twists and turns within Dragon City,” he said with a reluctant expression, first bowing slightly to the Grand Duchess, then turning his head to look at the counts, “shouldn’t we talk about business first?”

Ian smiled, revealing his white teeth: "You know, lunchtime is important and can't be delayed."

The members of the Qiyuan City delegation, sitting together, had ashen faces.

Only Monty, the old friend of the Fallen One, watched Ian's performance with amusement.

The vassals of Dragonsreach looked at the dissolute young man with suspicion and uncertainty—many of them were seeing Ian in person for the first time.

"And where did you come from?"

“How dare you disregard our honor in the halls of Nekaru,” Earl Curtson said with a murderous look, glancing sideways at Ian and sneering, “Clown?”

Ian blinked.

Faced with this insulting title, his smile only widened.

Where did I come from?

The viscount opened his arms wide, laughing like a child: "Of course, it's the circus!"

At that moment, Earl Curtson's cold smile froze on his face.

Thales let out a breath, feeling an instant release from the oppressive atmosphere.

"I've come here specifically to remind all of you actors that it's time to get into position."

Ian glanced at the Grand Duchess on the steps, then at Thales beside him, shrugged, and loudly and gleefully announced to the assembled vassals:
"We're about to begin!"

On the other side of the hall, everyone from Qiyuan City except for Ned Monty bowed their heads and sighed loudly.

His face was filled with sorrow.

(End of this chapter)