Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 317 A Romantic Story

"Is this another joke of yours?"

After a long pause, among the shocked courtiers, Earl Curtson was the first to speak, his expression sinister:
"clown?"

Ian turned around, enduring the unfriendly gazes of the entire hall, and smiled graciously at the Grand Duchess.

“Answer carefully,” Kurtson said, his tone filled with anger and malice, before the other person could reply:

"This will kill you."

Silent Thales noticed that while most of the vassals looked surprised, a few stood out.

The Regent of Lisbon, who knew the most inside information, frowned deeply, while the elderly Nazel had a distant look in his eyes. The usually silent Kerkekor stared intently at the Grand Duchess, remaining motionless.

Thales's mind raced: Beside the Grand Duchess, Nicolai, with a chilling expression, glared unabashedly at the Star Prince in the corner.

That murderous gaze seemed to say: You.

I know it's you, Little Prince.

Faced with the ever-present vigilance and hostility of the Meteorites, Thales had no choice but to respond with a friendly and submissive smile.

“This is my most sincere sentiment,” Ian’s words interrupted his thoughts: “The reason I’ve come here is precisely…”

Ian's arrogant words were left unfinished.

"how dare you?"

This time, it was Earl Hearst with the golden beard who spoke. In his thirties, he was clearly less composed than his colleagues. He leaned forward, gripping his knees tightly, gritting his teeth, his gaze constantly shifting between the bewildered Grand Duchess and the smug Ian.

"How dare you humiliate the lord of Dragon Sky City in front of us?"

“I don’t see what’s so disgraceful about it,” Ian rolled his eyes at the ceiling, spreading his hands out in a helpless and casual manner.

"More than six hundred years ago, 'The Seeker of Truth' Kuricun was the most capable and trusted knight under King Nekaru. Is it strange that their descendants, the Ronnie family and the Walton family, intermarried?"

"At least I'm more qualified than all of you, right?"

Many nobles let out disdainful and hateful snorts, and Thales could even hear the cracking of their knuckles.

Thales glanced at the vassals in the hall and concluded:

Ian has incurred the wrath of the masses.

Count Nazel, who had been leading the conversation, coughed loudly, and the courtiers fell silent.

“I believe that Grand Duke Ronnie did not give us any warning,” the old count said slowly.
"So, I think this was just a momentary impulse on your part?"

Facing Nazel, Ian, unusually, restrained his disrespectful expression and nodded gently:
"Oh, about my father... I think he won't object."

Count Nazel's eyes flickered, and he glanced at the Grand Duchess, seemingly intentionally or unintentionally.

Selma just stared blankly at the conversation on the field, seemingly lost in thought.

“Madam, I think we should call it a day,” the Regent of Longxiao City’s voice came steadily.

"This visitor from Qiyuan City is asking for far too much."

Lisban, unusually, stood with the vassals. He looked coldly at the relaxed Ian and said bluntly, "The negotiations between Qiyuan City and Longxiao City need a different envoy."

Upon hearing this, the delegation from Qiyuan City became as anxious as ants on a hot pan.

But Ian just laughed it off.

"Demand?"

The Viscount of Qiyuan City seemed to have heard the most ridiculous joke: "Didn't any of you realize that my proposal to the Grand Duchess was a win-win situation for both of us?"

Immediately, some of the vassals spat in disdain, and some even cursed aloud.

"Win-win? A good deed? How can you even put that?" Earl Linna, always expressionless, continued to pinpoint the crux of the problem:

"Dragon Sky City does not need your filthy charity, nor will it allow anyone to take advantage of its weakness!"

"Serious thoughts?"

Ian snorted dismissively: "And who was it that just used military force as leverage to force the Grand Duchess into marriage?"

He squinted and shook his head:

"My lords of Dragon Sky City."

Count Linna looked at him quietly without saying a word.

Earl Curtson's expression gradually twisted.

A few seconds later, Earl Courtson's voice, filled with hatred and anger, rang out clearly:
"Listen up, you shameless clown."

Curtson glared at Ian: "Go back and tell your father: Dragon Sky City is not Qiyuan City. We don't practice marriage alliances with the lowly Xitao people here."

Upon hearing this, the vassals of Longxiao City let out low snickers.

Ian's eyes dimmed, and his shoulders trembled slightly.

Thales narrowed his eyes: Wait, the Ronnie family is clearly a prestigious family in the North, but Courterson said that...

A marriage alliance with the lowly, suffering people of Xitao...

Thales glanced at Ian's grim expression and, recalling what Ian had said about his mother being a "local" of Qiyuan City, suddenly seemed to understand something.

Lisban coughed.

“Lord Ian, we understand your purpose.”

“But you must know, we are not just talking about marriage, nor just about war,” Regent Lisban said to Ian, standing in the center of the hall, his eyes warning everyone.
"This is politics."

Ian took a breath, composed himself, and chuckled softly.
"What I'm talking about is politics—the politics of marriage and war."

Count Lisbon did not speak, but instead glanced at Thales unexpectedly.

The prince felt uneasy under Lisban's gaze.

This old guy seems to know what they're up to?

“Excuse my rudeness, Earl of Lisbon, but…” Ian shrugged before slowly beginning to speak:
"Why are you all rushing to speak on behalf of the Grand Duchess?"

In the hall, the expressions of the vassals, including Lisbon, changed slightly.

Many eyes turned back to Selma, but she just kept a straight face and didn't say a word.

The heir to Qiyuan City's gaze turned serious, as if he had reverted from the carefree young nobleman to the aloof Viscount Ian:

"Weren't you the ones who just claimed they would show her the 'cruel side' of this world?"

Ian raised his head and looked intently at the Grand Duchess on the platform:

“Selma, I am speaking to you as a representative of Qiyuan City.”

"I will only accept your answer."

The voice is cold.

Neat.

Selma subconsciously bit her lower lip.

Count Curtson, his anger flaring up again, was about to speak when Risban and Nazel simultaneously raised their hands to stop him.

Courterson understood their eyes:
This is not their turn.

Lisban and Nazel both looked up at Selma in unison, awaiting her response.

The air in the hall seemed to freeze, no longer moving.

On the steps, Selma, pale-faced and breathing rapidly, scanned the people in the hall.

Until he met Thales's gaze.

Thales understood her eyes.

That familiar look in his eyes, filled with panic and trepidation.

Prince Star smiled slightly, raised his fist, and gently clenched it at his heart.

You can do it, Selma.

你 Can 做 arriving.

The vassals continued to stare intently at her, their gazes filled with scrutiny and sizing up of a stranger.

In the chaos, Selma and Thales exchanged a fleeting glance.

Thales lowered his head and sighed inwardly: Of course, Selma, if you can't...

He looked at his right palm, where there were two scars from when he was a child, cut by a dagger.

He took a deep breath: It's okay, I'm here.

There is one last card.

A few seconds later, the Grand Duchess released her lower lip, her lips curling slightly as she nodded.

Her tense face finally relaxed a little.

“My vassals, their meaning is already very clear…” Selma exhaled and said solemnly, “Your Excellency.”

She spoke slowly, each word distinct: "A marriage between us is impossible."

Ian's expression shifted.

As if someone had opened a window, the stagnant air in the Hall of Heroes finally began to flow again.

Thales could sense that many of his vassals had breathed a sigh of relief without making a sound.

The six counts were particularly special: Nazel glanced at Lisban across from him again, but the Regent simply avoided his gaze.

This made Nazel think deeply.

Selma lowered her head and took a deep breath: "I am grateful for your pursuit, but you are, after all, the heir of Qiyuan City, while I am the Grand Duchess of Longxiao City. Even someone as shallow as me knows that this is an unprecedented precedent."

Under the much more friendly gazes of her vassals, the Grand Duchess cleared her throat, and with the same spirit she displayed in answering questions in Hixser's class, slowly said:
"Our marriage will have unforeseen consequences, throwing the entire Exter into disarray and causing unnecessary trouble..."

But she was interrupted by Ian's soft chuckles.

"And you're just going to let your vassals manipulate you like this? Selma?"

Thales saw that Count Nazel and Count Risban frowned again.

Ian clicked his tongue and shook his head, his voice rising in pitch.

“Oh no, no, dear Selma,” the Viscount raised his index finger and sighed, “Don’t think about your concerns first, think about the problem at hand—if you can’t even sit firmly as Grand Duchess, then there’s no point in worrying about the imbalance of the kingdom.”

Selma was taken aback, while the vassals' expressions grew increasingly grim.

Ian's gaze swept over the six counts, and he chuckled, "Your Excellency, 'Grand Duchess,' the facts are clear: your position is not secure, and this campaign against the Free Alliance is a rare opportunity for you in the last six years."

Ian's smile turned somewhat chilling, and his words sharpened: "But today, if you were forced to waste this rare opportunity at a council meeting where nobles are gathered, under the coercion of your vassals..."

“From this moment on, all of Exeter will know that you are nothing but a ruler with no real power, and after this day, your vassals will only become more powerful and influential than ever before.”

Thales saw that the expressions of the six counts changed one after another.

The Grand Duchess remained silent.

“Selma, avoid becoming a spineless, manipulated grand duchess,” the heir of Qiyuan City proclaimed. “Isn’t that what you want?”

“And then, good girl,” Ian said casually.

"Then consider my proposal: as long as Qiyuan City, as long as we win this victory for you, the silence and helplessness of the Grand Duchess of Longxiao City will turn into shy reserve. You will not disgrace the family, and Walton's reputation will not be damaged in the slightest."

Ian smiled slightly: "And after my victory, it will become a beautiful story for all of Exeter—from a heavy tale of a falling out between a monarch and his subjects into a romantic story of going to war for love."

The hall fell silent for a moment.

The Grand Duchess continued to stare at Ian with a complex expression, as if she were considering his proposal.

Earl Linna and Earl Curtson exchanged a glance, both sensing something was amiss.

It felt like an eternity before Selma slowly raised her head, her voice tinged with melancholy: "And when that time comes, both emotionally and logically, I will have no choice but to marry you."

"Because you are the one who upheld the honor of my father and grandfather, the most sincere pursuer, right?"

At that moment, all the vassals in the hall held their breath.

"Miss!"

The hot-blooded Earl Hearst could no longer contain himself, his golden beard trembling: "I swear, as long as the Hearst family exists, no one can force you!"

Selma gave him a forced smile.

"So you can count on these people?" Ian suddenly raised his head: "If you can regain your status through marriage, then why isn't Qiyuan City a better choice than them?"

"In fact, with the support of Qiyuan City," Little Ronnie, who seemed confident of victory, shook his head with a light laugh, "in the future, anyone who wants to disregard your authority in Longxiao City will have to consider the consequences first."

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall changed again.

The whispers of the vassals on both sides became quieter and shorter.

The Lisbon Regent and the Count of Nazel remained silent.

Thales took a deep breath, withdrew his gaze, and banished unnecessary thoughts from his mind.

So far, everything is going smoothly.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances...

No, we shouldn't be too optimistic.

He gritted his teeth.

Think about where accidents might happen.

For example, the relationship between Lisbon and his vassals was worse than we can imagine.

For example, the Northerners' views on women are deeply ingrained, far exceeding their loyalty to their mission, their emphasis on honor, and their obligations to Dragonrise City and the Grand Duke.

For example, what he was most worried about—Thales thought of this and glanced sideways at Ian—the Viscount of Qiyuan City's change of heart.

Perhaps, securing a marriage alliance with Longxiao City would be more profitable than directly asking Longxiao City to provide aid.
Thales racked his brains, considering every possibility.

I hope it doesn't come to that, I hope...

There should be no surprises.

if not……

Thales glanced back at the gate.

Rolf noticed his gaze and returned it with a questioning look:

【Now?】

Thales shook his head and made a gesture:

No, it's okay.

Everything is fine for now.

“Furthermore,” Ian sighed, shaking his head with great composure at Selma, “I hope you understand that, at least compared to your vassals, I have no intention of coercing you.”

"All we need is a symbol that Dragon Sky City is standing with Qiyuan City, and a sign that the Ronnie family is fighting for Walton."

He nodded amicably: “I’m not in a hurry—I can propose to you after I return victorious with your flag.”

Selma, who looked extremely solemn, was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.

She hesitated before speaking, "Your Excellency, you seem... quite confident."

Ian laughed and said, "Because I believe that no suitor is more qualified than someone who has personally upheld the honor of your family."

He surveyed the entire room, then burst into laughter amidst the wary gazes of the vassals of Longxiao City:
"And what other suitor could compare to the one who, in a moment of crisis, unhesitatingly steps forward to stand before you, shielding you from all harm, and fighting tirelessly for your safety and honor..."

"Who is more trustworthy to entrust with this task?"

In times of crisis...

Stepping forward...

Resist damage...

Fighting relentlessly...

Selma was momentarily distracted, and she subconsciously looked up in Ian's direction.

Ian frowned, seemingly lost in thought.

Thales lowered his head, uncomfortably avoiding the unconscious gaze that someone was casting at him.

He pried open his clenched fist, trying his best to shake off all unnecessary thoughts and suppress the unnatural feeling.

But as he looked down, he noticed Ian's boots: they were quite different from the aristocratic boots that were typical of the North.

But at that moment, Thales only thought the boots were ugly.

"This is an easy choice."

Ian straightened his collar and said calmly.

In the hall, the vassals all paled when they saw the Grand Duchess looking at the guests from Qiyuan City with a complicated expression.

The disgust in Earl Curtson's eyes had escalated into hatred, and Earl Hearst was grinding his teeth, desperately suppressing his anger.

“No, madam,” Earl Hearst’s breathing grew heavier:

"Please consider this carefully..."

“Count, I’m sorry.” But the Grand Duchess simply extended her hand and shook her head, interrupting Hearst.

She put away her thoughtful expression, cleared her throat, and turned back to Ian.

Selma Road:

"So, you used the pretense of proposing to me to win this battle, to protect my reputation and authority, and then we'll get married?"

Ian's eyes lit up, and he nodded.

“Indeed, for this reason, I will bring the Cloud Dragon Spear Banner to Freehold. You will not only be able to spread your prestige in Exster and restore your family's honor without losing a single soldier,” Ian continued slowly and deliberately.
"You might even gain the strongest support: the vast and magnificent territory of Qiyuan City will be your backing, and you will no longer need to be subject to... if you know what I mean."

He shrugged.

In that instant, the entire hall seemed like eternal oil flowing through a frozen wasteland; as it ignited, flames of rage and chilling hatred rose simultaneously.

"Who the hell does he think he is?"

With a gloomy face, Curtson gritted his teeth and said to Earl Linna, whose expression was equally stiff.

The expressions of the vassals of Dragonflight City plummeted to freezing point; Thales could even hear the cracking of some of their fists.

The envoys from Qiyuan City, who had been bewildered by their unconventional young master since the beginning of their journey, were now all deep in thought.

Thales frowned. He suddenly realized why Ian had deliberately sat near him—Lord Justin had deployed ample manpower in this corner to protect Prince Star, effectively isolating most of the vassals.

Otherwise, Exter would probably be reporting the tragedy of 'a nobleman of the Ronnie family dying in Dragon City' by tomorrow.

Thales breathed a sigh of relief:

At this moment, Prince Star was probably no longer the most unpopular person in Dragon Sky City.

But will they succeed?

Nazel, who had been silent for a long time, gave the Grand Duchess a meaningful look before turning to Ian.

“Kurikun Ronnie actually has a son like you,” the old count coughed.
"He really hit the jackpot by marrying a woman from a poor family."

Ian's face stiffened, but he then forced a smile.

"enough!"

Count Linna spoke coldly from the side:
"If it's to prove the positions of Longxiao City and Qiyuan City, I believe we can find a suitable candidate for marriage among the collateral bloodlines of the Walton family."

"But the Grand Duchess bears a heavy responsibility for Dragon Sky City, so she cannot marry you."

Ian scoffed lightly.

"Here we go again, you're all speaking up for the Grand Duchess, as if you were her husbands already," the Viscount said, waving his hand sharply.
"But can you really protect her?"

Boom!
Earl Hearst slammed his fist on the chair, his face contorted with rage, his golden beard trembling slightly.
Why are we still wasting time?

Earl Curtson grunted in agreement, "Guards! Throw this Westerner out!"

Just now.

"Everyone!"

The Grand Duchess's clear voice interrupted the impending conflict:

"As the host, maintain your composure."

Thales raised his head and, along with his vassals, turned his gaze toward Selma.

coming.

Final blow.

Hopefully, nothing unexpected will happen.

"Your Excellency Viscount"

“I must say, you’ve given me an interesting suggestion,” Selma sighed.

“It’s even quite tempting.”

The vassals' faces immediately turned ugly.

"Without firing a single shot, I can resolve the Freedom Alliance issue, restore my prestige and my family's dignity, and even gain the support of Qiyuan City," Selma forced a smile, her voice filled with exhaustion.
"All you need to give is a so-called romantic story."

Ian bowed respectfully:
"exactly."

Selma looked at him quietly and nodded.

The vassals could no longer sit still.

Hearst couldn't contain himself and exclaimed, "Madam!"

Earl Linna narrowed his eyes and looked at the Regent:
“Lisban, as the head… as the regent, you have a duty to dissuade the lady from her reckless actions.”

But Count Lisbon remained silent, continuing to look at Selma with a hint of unfamiliarity in his eyes.

"Damn it!" Courterson roared in fury.

“Lisban, we all know the lady listens to you. Stop playing dead and say something!”

Nazel frowned, but his gaze was fixed on Risban.

Only Kierkegaard, who was always silent, remained silent, quietly observing the situation.

The other vassals, both high and low, reacted in various ways: some were worried, some were anxious, and some were gnashing their teeth.

Thales stared intently at the expressions on the faces of his vassals, clenching his fists.

Selma smiled, still watching Ian.

“So, dear Selma,” Ian waved his hand excitedly:
Have we reached a consensus?

"The great marriage of Walton and Ronnie?"

Selma's smile grew even brighter, and even a hint of relief crept in.

Thales closed his eyes.

Under the watchful eyes of the entire Hall of Heroes, the Grand Duchess of Dragon Sky City leaned back in her chair and looked up at the dragon spear stone carving in the clouds above her head.

“Your Excellency Viscount,” the Grand Duchess’s voice seemed to drift from the horizon:

"Do not."

At that moment, the entire hall was filled with the sound of irregular breathing, and then it immediately fell silent.

Ian was stunned: "Selma, what?"

The next second, Selma straightened up from his seat, sat up straight, and became serious again.

Count Nazel narrowed his eyes, while Count Risban frowned.

“I said, Your Excellency: 'No.'”

“As the Grand Duchess of Dragon Sky City,” the Grand Duchess said coldly, looking at the heir to Qiyuan City, “I reject your proposal.”

"I will certainly not agree to a marriage alliance with you."

"A dragon never needs to rely on others to reclaim its dignity."

Ian frowned.

"Also, please address me as 'Grand Duchess' or 'Madam'," Selma said indifferently.
"We're not close enough to call each other by our first names."

(End of this chapter)