Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 325 Sending Rescue
"No, Your Majesty, you cannot take him away!"

Ian stepped forward somewhat erratically, forgetting even the terror of Chaman Lumba and completely unaware that the man before him was the supreme ruler of the entire kingdom.

"Prince Thales cannot be taken away!"

Count Nazel frowned slightly and whispered to Lisban beside him, "Strange."

“Yes,” the Regent of Lisbon also looked puzzled amidst his solemn expression, “the situation will reverse once the hostage prince falls into the king’s hands, but…”

"As shrewd and ruthless as Rumba is, what makes him think that we—Dragon Sky City—would obediently bow to the king's might and hand over the hostages?"

“Unless,” Count Nazel narrowed his eyes, “he has something that forces us to compromise?”

No one noticed that Lisban's breathing paused slightly.

“Or,” Nazel was still pondering, unaware of his old rival’s loss of composure, “he thought that Prince Thales’ whereabouts were irrelevant and that he was just saying it offhand.”

This time, Lisban did not respond to him.

In the hall, King Chaman glanced sideways at the flustered Ian, as if looking at a clown.

"Humph."

“Prince Thales is related to the future of the two great powers of the Western Continent,” King Chaman’s eyes seemed to be frozen with unmelting winter snow. “If we are to use him as a bargaining chip to negotiate directly with the Palace of Restoration, then the king of a country should step forward.”

The king turned around to face the entire hall and said in a loud voice, "Don't you all think so?"

Ian took a deep breath and composed himself.

No one spoke.

Everyone looked at King Chaman with grave expressions.

Thales's thoughts raced as he sorted through the clues in his mind.

The prince knew that the turmoil he was facing, whether it was the envoy from Qiyuan City or the Grand Duchess's marriage, seemed to be taking place in Longxiao City, but the real key was actually focused on the struggle between King Chaman and his vassals in the Black Sand Territory to the south.

As Putila said, it all began with King Chaman’s newly issued decree of nobility: the king’s ambition caused his vassals to rebel.

While King Chaman was in a state of utter distress, he also revealed his biggest weakness, and Qi Yuancheng seized the opportunity to press his advantage and kick him while he was down.

The two sides then entered the game and began a game of gradually increasing stakes.

In the first round, the external forces led by Qiyuan City made the first move: the dukes, with Ronnie as an example, supported and incited the vassals under the Lombard family behind the scenes, giving them the confidence to continue to resist the king's decrees, attempting to completely send the already infamous patricide king into the abyss of losing prestige and being abandoned by all.

The second round began with the Black Sand Territory's counterattack: the strange accident of the Free Alliance caused a fire in the backyard of the Ronnie family, making the families of the Black Sand Territory, who were determined to "oppose tyranny," less confident. Who would dare to expect that Grand Duke Ronnie, who was embroiled in a long war, would spare the time to fulfill his promise and send troops to support them in case of emergency?
In the third round of this game, facing King Chaman's response, Qiyuan City revealed its next card: with the mediation of Ian Ronnie, Longxiao City, the most influential city in the kingdom but weakened for six years due to internal discord, finally reached an agreement.

The lords of Longxiao City gathered under the banner of the Grand Duchess, pledging to use their formidable military strength to conquer the west, resolve the worries of Qiyuan City, and thus join the ranks of those opposing the King, ensuring the continuation of the struggle among the ministers of Black Sand Territory.

After Longxiao City made its statement, the balance shifted back in favor of Qiyuan City—this was the key to the schemes of Thales, Selma, and Ian.

Thales silently watched the king facing the hall, and looked at the silent vassals, feeling that his power was growing stronger day by day.

Just like King Nuen back then.

"His Majesty!"

Ian, being a viscount of a city, composed himself and spoke decisively and firmly.

"We will handle the negotiations with the Star Kingdom ourselves," the annoying viscount, who had already gained a reputation upon arriving in Dragon Sky City, said coldly. "The same goes for the war with the Free Alliance; we do not need Black Sand Territory's assistance."

"There is no need for the king to concern himself."

King Chaman did not answer; he did not even turn to look at Ian.

For the first time ever, Earl Curtson, who had previously despised Ian the most, also spoke up without any politeness, as if echoing Ian's words.

Kurtson then said sarcastically, "You'd better mind your own business. His Majesty of Black Sand Territory—I heard that Earl Mende of Pine Sea Town is about to post proclamations condemning the King in Outpost Territory."

He scoffed, "We can't count on a king who can't even govern his own territory."

King Chaman raised an eyebrow slightly.

"His Majesty."

Selma, who hadn't spoken for a while, had a tense expression, unable to hide her nervousness.

"The ones with a long-standing feud with the Freedom Alliance are ultimately Dragon Sky City and Qiyuan City," the Grand Duchess said earnestly. "This is a battle that belongs solely to the Walton family and the Ronnie family."

"For Exter to win, Prince Thales would be more effective in Qiyuan City than in Black Sand City, both morally and logically."

Thales shook his head inwardly.

What King Chaman needs least at this moment is probably a reason that is "compassionate and reasonable".

The king stood silently for a few seconds before slowly turning around. He showed half his face to the indignant Courterson and the wary Ian, then looked at the Grand Duchess and nodded to Thales.

"You guys really like this boy, don't you?"

King Chaman's pupils contracted slightly, and he let out a rather unsettling whisper: "Are they all hoping to rely on him to force back the Stars' interference?"

Faced with the king's rebuttal, Ian had no choice but to bite the bullet and retort:
"This is the internal affairs of Qiyuan City."

"It has nothing to do with you."

Listening to the crowd vying for him, Thales couldn't help but sigh: whether it was himself or Selma, they were now facing an unexpected surprise.

It could also be said to be the fourth round of the game:
The sudden entry of the Star Army has made the clear balance of military strength uncertain again, shaking the overwhelming advantage that Qiyuan City originally had: Star Army has become the most crucial bargaining chip, and their attitude will determine how much trouble the Free Alliance can bring to Qiyuan City.

This put Thales in the spotlight.

Once Thales arrives in Black Sand Territory, it means that the bargaining chips with the Stars, as well as the initiative in the western war, will ultimately fall into the hands of the King. He can persuade the Stars to withdraw their troops and end the war as soon as possible—or prolong the war.

The outcome of this round of Qiyuan City's scheme against Black Sand Territory will be decided.

Worse still, because of Thales's departure—thinking of this, the prince couldn't help but sigh—the relationship between the stubborn Grand Duchess and her vassals has cracked again, making Dragonstreet, which was originally planning to send troops, back to a state of indecision.

Therefore, he could no longer sit idly by.

They had no choice but to reveal their hand.

“However, twenty years ago, His Majesty Nunn launched the campaign against the Free Alliance in the name of the entire territory of Exter,” Chaman sighed. “Now that the Free Alliance has changed again, how can I, as his successor and nephew, stand idly by?”

Upon hearing His Majesty Nuen's name, the vassals of Dragon City looked at King Chaman with increasingly hostile expressions.

"Why did the Freedom Alliance suddenly change its mind at this time..."

Count Linna remained indifferent, continuing to display his sharp wit: "Just like eighteen years ago, when your father, the former Grand Duke of Black Sand, inexplicably lost his life at the hands of a few defeated soldiers from the Star Realm, surrounded by guards and under your protection."

Don't you know the truth yourself?

"A king who has no moral bottom line and murders his own parents?"

At that moment, King Chaman's stubble twitched slightly.

Hearing Count Linna's blatantly malicious implication, murmurs of mockery rippled through the hall.

Cambida and Kroesi, who were standing beside the king, turned cold and were about to step forward to speak, but were stopped by Chaman's gesture.

Thales silently watched King Chaman, who remained silent. As he gazed into Rumba's calm and undisturbed eyes, his wariness and apprehension deepened once more.

"The lady has made herself very clear, and we understand her meaning very well as well."

“This is just a local conflict, an internal affair of the Grand Duke,” Count Kierkegaard said, his eyes blazing. “We didn’t summon you, Your Majesty.”

"Stop being so sentimental."

King Chaman's brow twitched slightly. He nodded and remained silent.

With the three Earls of Dragonsreach joining the battle, and together with the Grand Duchess and Ian, the King seemed to have nothing to say for the time being.

until……

Ian raised an eyebrow, seemingly regaining some confidence: "Now, Your Majesty, if you have nothing else..."

King Chaman abruptly turned his head, his cold eyes fixed on Ian.

Ian was startled; the heir of Qiyuan City seemed to have been interrupted, and he didn't continue speaking.

His Majesty the King simply shook his head with a cold smile.

"Local conflict?"

The king gently raised his head, and Thales noticed that the dark red gem in the center of his crown was reflecting light slightly.

"But the stars have already intervened, haven't they?"

King Chaman said casually in a low voice, "So, I'll confirm it one more time..."

"King Kessel has dispatched an army..."

He slowly turned his head and looked at the Star Prince again:
"Is it true that you've come for the Freedom Alliance?"

Everyone's expression changed. Once again, all eyes in the room were focused on the Star Guest.

Ian, Selma, and Nicolai were particularly affected.

Despite Ian's anxious gaze, Selma's puzzled look, and the Meteorite's angry expression, Thales remained calm.

He must do it.

"Yes."

The prince took a deep breath and spoke calmly:
"The Star Kingdom believes that the Grand Dukes of Exter, represented by Qiyuan City, should not interfere rudely in the internal affairs of the Free Alliance."

These words caused an uproar in the hall!
But Thales ignored all that and calmly but resolutely delivered the rest of his words:
"Therefore, for the independence and autonomy of the Free Alliance, and for the peace and justice of the entire Western Continent, Starry Sky has decided to take restrained but necessary military action to prevent the situation from deteriorating further."

"That's it."

Regardless of the incredulous expressions of the Dragon Sky City heroes in the hall, Ian's expression changed first.

“Tails,” Viscount Wind City of Qiyuan City said breathlessly, incredulously, “Are you kidding me… Could it be that you really… really stand on his side?”

Didn't you say... that you were unaware of it?

But you are now...

How can this be?

But Thales did not answer.

He didn't even glance back at Ian.

The next second, Ian lunged forward and grabbed Thales' collar!
Wyatt and Rolf, who were prepared, rushed forward and stood firmly in front of Thales.

Ian tried to step forward, but Monty behind him simply waved his hand and firmly gripped his shoulder.

"Calm down, Ian," Deathrattle said coldly.

Ian stared anxiously and angrily at the prince of the stars, the muscles in his cheeks twitching.

Seeing that he could not go any further, Ian took a few deep breaths and forced himself to calm down.

“Answer me, Thales.”

He rudely shook off Monty's hand, gritted his teeth, and said resentfully:

"We swore an oath—answer me!"

They swore an oath.

Thales closed his eyes and sighed.

“I’ve always stood by your side, Ian,” the prince said calmly, seemingly oblivious to Ian’s gaze. “Don’t you think that, for your own benefit, it’s the best way to hand this matter over to His Majesty Chaman, to the King you both serve?”

The entire hall watched this scene in silence, and many people frowned as they listened to Thales' words.

Ian stared blankly at Thales, shaking his head in pain: "You...you..."

Thales did not answer, his face remained calm, and he simply stared silently at the air in front of him.

At that moment, even Selma slowly lowered her head, her eyes filled with melancholy.

“It couldn’t be clearer,” Nazel said in a low voice to Risban, his eyes cold. “We’ve got this hostage, but he’s colluding with outsiders and manipulating us.”

Lisban looked at Thales from afar, said nothing, and only sighed slowly.

"Since His Highness says so, I think this is no longer just a conflict between a few local lords."

King Chaman's voice rang out, very soft and light, yet quite weighty.

"For the sake of the entire Dragon Kingdom, the disrespectful act of the Free Alliance will not be let off lightly," King Chaman said, no longer looking at Thales and the distraught Ian. His voice echoed again in the hall. "This is not just about the interests of Qiyuan City, nor is it just about the face of Dragon Sky City."

King Chaman walked slowly toward the Grand Duchess and said:
"Therefore, as the co-ruler of the entire Exter territory, I hereby declare—"

His words once again made many nobles anxious.

"To stabilize the Free Alliance, to deter our potential enemies, to uphold the enduring friendship between the Rumba and Ronnie families, and even more so for the dignity and glory of the dragons," King Chaman declared with triumph and confidence, his voice carrying an undeniable authority.
"Black Sand Territory will send reinforcements to Qiyuan City, joining forces with other ambitious men of Exter to conquer the Freedom Alliance!"

King Chaman's smile was a mixture of majesty and mockery, like a general with victory in his grasp, as he magnanimously spread his arms wide before the grim-faced nobles in the hall:

"As a response to and a counterbalance to the Star People's rudeness!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a commotion and gasps erupted in the hall.

Selma looked at her regent with a puzzled expression, but Risban only had a bitter look on his face and his lips were tightly pressed together.

Many of the vassals looked at each other in bewilderment, whispering amongst themselves, but none of them understood King Chaman's actions.

"Reinforcements? From Black Sand Territory to Qiyuan City?"

Ian murmured.

Thales felt a sense of doubt.

Black Sand Territory...is sending troops towards Qiyuan City?
At that moment, Thales frowned, deep in thought, his mind racing.

Wait, what does Rumba want most right now, and what is his most pressing problem?
Of course it is...

The next second, Thales figured out what was going on.

He stared intently at King Chaman, his expression grave.

It's been six years.

This old friend's methods...

They're still just as difficult to deal with.

King Chaman's powerful voice spoke again: "Just as I said, we are here to help..."

"Soon, from the northern plains to the tributaries of the Twilight Snow River, from the Sighing Hills to the Great Needle Forest of the East and West..."

“Every village, every castle, and every fiefdom noble in the Black Sand Territory will receive my summons.”

The king's face was grim as he surveyed each of the displeased nobles in the hall, giving Lisban and Ian a particularly peculiar look:
"For Exter, my vassals will stake their reputations, offer their wealth, conscript warriors, and send their sons westward to witness, from the folly and ultimate defeat of the Free Alliance, the unbreakable friendship between Black Sand Territory and Qiyuan City, and how we share a common love for this great nation!"

Upon hearing this, even seasoned vassals like Risban and Nazar were taken aback, exchanging astonished glances!
They had already figured out the king's plan.

The hall gradually quieted down.

Ian Ronnie, already reeling from Thales's unexpected betrayal, stared blankly at King Chaman, his mind a jumble of thoughts.

What is he doing?
Imitate Long Xiaocheng and earn a reputation with righteous indignation.
No, what kind of reputation can a patricide have?

Sacrificing ourselves for the benefit of others, to help us quell the Freedom Alliance?
how is this possible.

Or should they press on and try to take Qiyuan City by force?
Less likely.

A surge of anger rose in the Viscount's chest.

"What does it mean?"

Ian's face contorted, and he couldn't help but shout at King Chaman, "Peace? Appeasement? Or conditional negotiations? What do you want?"

King Chaman did not answer, but his smile remained unchanged.

But Ian suddenly noticed that many people were looking at him with sorrowful expressions.

A sense of panic rose in Ian's heart.

Viscount Wind City clenched his fist, turned back to the King, and said bluntly, "Help us? Hmph, at a time like this, who can you command?"

"The entire Black Sand Territory is against you, against a tyrant who disregards tradition, and against that bullshit feudal decree!"

"Who will answer your call?!"

Viscount Cambida, standing beside the king, snorted coldly, seemingly very displeased with the other party's disrespectful tone.

The Lisban Regent coughed softly.

“Your Excellency Ian,” Earl Lisbon said gravely, having seen through everything, “don’t you understand?”

“That’s exactly what he wanted.”

Ian was slightly taken aback.

But then he realized what was happening, and the viscount's expression changed drastically.

The next second, Ian, his face filled with panic, suddenly swayed and slumped into his seat.

I'll correct the typos tomorrow (actually, it's today). I'm going to take a shower and go to bed now (though I won't be able to sleep for long anyway).

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(End of this chapter)