Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 326 The Five Grand Dukes
"Pah, pah, pah, pah..."

A solitary yet jarring applause rang out in the hall.

The nobles frowned and turned their heads: the king was relaxed and at ease, raising his hands and clapping lightly.

Thales felt a pang of unease: he remembered that bloody dawn six years ago.

At that time, Rumba also clapped lightly as he stepped out of the murderous army, walking confidently toward him and the little rascal.

“Indeed, thank you for reminding me, Ian Ronnie,” King Chaman said casually, clapping his hands. “My vassals have been somewhat unsettled lately.”

The king inhaled and slowly exhaled, his eyes gleaming coldly: "So this is the perfect opportunity, isn't it?"

"I will give them, who are filled with passion, an opportunity to serve their country, and it is the perfect time."

Kambida, standing behind the king, crossed his arms and chuckled softly.

Ian slowly raised his head and stared blankly at the king.

King Chaman did not speak; he merely curled the corners of his mouth into a cruel, vulture-like smile.

“As Your Majesty said,” Viscount Cambida, the second assistant advisor to the royal council of the Kingdom of Exter, stepped forward gently: “It was confirmed by that Star Prince… no, it should be said that it was after the appearance of that Star Army that this was no longer a local conflict.”

He grinned, revealing a bright and relaxed smile: "It's no longer about who the breaching alliance of free wills pledge allegiance to, nor is it simply a dispute between the Kingdom of Exter and its small vassal states."

“As I said to Her Majesty the Grand Duchess a few weeks ago in this hall,” Cambida said slowly, “our internal disputes are insignificant in the face of Exte’s honor or disgrace.”

Selma's face paled as she recalled their meeting a few weeks ago.

Kambida gently opened his arms and hummed, "Whether it's a small misunderstanding between dukes or a vassal's minor dissatisfaction with the king, they should all step aside, shouldn't they?"

"This is the supreme cause, the nation's war, and the inescapable righteousness of the co-governance oath."

"Some of the vassals of Black Sand Territory, faced with such a momentous occasion, if they dared to refuse His Majesty's summons, unwilling to conscript soldiers, unwilling to mobilize, unwilling to obey orders, if they were unwilling to come even for this..."

Viscount Kanbida seemed quite pleased to see the people of Qiyuan City humiliated. He shrugged and deliberately chuckled in a low voice, "Heh, heh, heh—"

boom!
Behind Kambida, Kroesh, who had disliked him for a long time, mercilessly knocked on the assistant consultant's head: "Speak properly."

Viscount Kambida scratched his head indignantly and said nothing more.

But nobody paid attention to them anymore.

King Chaman's voice rang out again, this time especially chilling:
"Northerners don't need cowards."

"Especially those people."

“Those who, in the face of national righteousness, refuse to set aside their internal strife, refuse to relinquish their discontent with the king, refuse to go to war with fervent passion, refuse to die willingly—cowards,” the king surveyed the crowd in the hall, his eyes gleaming coldly.
"What reason do they have to cling to the title and privilege of nobility and eke out a living?"

"And as their lord, what reason do I have to be lenient with them?"

Sighs and reluctant exhales echoed throughout the hall.

Thales watched all of this with a cold eye, his heart heavy.

Using the pretext of resisting foreign enemies to eliminate dissidents...

As a ruler, you're really straightforward, Rumba.

Ian stared blankly for a moment.

The next moment, as if he had been hit head-on by a carriage weighing over a thousand pounds, he was violently shaken.

The raven frowned and helped him up.

But the next second, Ian suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with anger.

"You're not going to make it."

“Your vassals are all hereditary nobles, the elite of men. It is with their support and loyalty that the Lombard family can maintain its position as Grand Duke,” he said, almost grinding his teeth, disregarding even the honorifics usually reserved for the king.

"And now that you're going to attack them, do you think they'll just sit idly by and let the Rumba army storm into their castles, plunder their wealth, and strip them of their titles? Do you really think the warriors loyal to you can handle the entire Black Sand Territory..."

However, what interrupted him was the king's faint, cold laugh.

"Ha ha ha ha……"

At that moment, King Chaman gently turned his neck and looked at the Grand Duchess on the steps.

The Meteorite frowned and stood firmly in front of Selma, his hatred undiminished.

Didn't I tell you?

Seeing the other party's tense expression, King Chaman narrowed his eyes, shook his head, and said in a mocking tone:
"The Grand Duke of Reconstruction Tower has stated that if Starry Sky really gets involved in the Freedom Alliance, he will not stand idly by."

His words made many nobles tense again.

"Perseus Trudida is a man of great principle, and he is happy to send troops to aid Qiyuan City."

"He and his army will come to Black Sand Territory to join me and the warriors of the Lumba family."

King Chaman spoke slowly, almost word by word, "Then let's see which traitors in Black Sand Territory are unwilling to serve their country."

Ian was stunned again.

what?
Rebuild the Tower and Black Sand Territory, together?
That means……

“Rebuild the Tower, Trudida?” Ian sighed, remembering something.

He finally closed his eyes in anguish: "That bastard."

“Rebuilding the Tower is closest to us,” Kambida added with a smile, “so of course we understand our sentiments best.”

Thales frowned deeply, recalling that bowl-cut figure, the cunning nobleman with the glint in his eye and the provocative words in his mouth.

Rebuilding the Tower Grand Duke.

Perseus Trudida.

Even in the most critical moments in Valhalla, when the great battle between Ronnie, Aurelius, and Rumba was about to erupt, the Grand Duke simply held a short sword and safely hid in the distance.

Him.

Has it already sided with Rumba?

“You planned this from the very beginning, didn’t you?” Ian’s face turned ashen. “When you issued your new decree, and the Black Sand families first opposed it…”

King Chaman and his two subordinates watched him coldly.

"Are you determined to use this war against the Free Alliance to purge your vassals?"

No.

Ian thought desperately:

How could this be?
At the other end of the hall, the delegation from Qiyuan City was immersed in sorrow.

The six Earls of Dragonsky City stared intently at King Chaman, their eyes filled with unprecedented caution and apprehension.

Ian said sadly, "You don't care if your vassals oppose you, you don't care if they have the support of Qiyuan City, because you never intended to play this political game with them properly."

"In fact, the Freedom Alliance's move wasn't even about stalling Qiyuan City, nor was it about weakening the opponents' external support..."

King Chaman watched the crowd in the hall intently, as if he were watching an interesting drama.

"You don't even care whether Longxiao City sends troops, the outcome of the war, or whether Qiyuan City can be defeated quickly."

“From the very beginning, you were determined,” Ian muttered to himself, “to use the most direct, brutal, and simplest methods to eliminate those disobedient old vassals.”

"What you lack is merely a name, a reason, a pretext written in the co-governance pledge that won't incite public outrage, will have the least consequences, and is perfectly acceptable..." He painfully uttered the next sentence:

"For example...fighting for the country, or cleaning up traitors."

Ian looked at Thales in despair, but the prince simply shook his head.

His Excellency slumped back in his chair, no longer looking at anyone.

Like a gladiator defeated in the arena.

They never recovered.

The Deathrattle beside Ian sighed softly, its lifeless eyes glancing at Thales.

Lisban sighed heavily: "Your Majesty, if your vassals accept the call to arms, it means enormous expenses and countless manpower. And if they follow you on your expedition to the west, it means entrusting the population, military strength, offspring, supplies, and rear areas—the lifeblood of these nobles—into your hands."

King Chaman did not answer; he simply stared coldly at Risban, the late King's most trusted and trusted advisor.

Lisban shook his head and continued:
"But if they refuse to be conscripted, are you prepared to use the combined power and military strength of the Rumba family and the Reconstruction Tower, with undeniable righteousness, to strip them of their titles and purge their rule?"

His Excellency the Regent sighed in a low voice:

"To truly make Black Sand Territory your own territory?"

Thales looked at Ian’s absent-minded look and at Risban’s face, which seemed to have aged several years in an instant, and felt a pang of sadness.

He knew that feeling; he had experienced it before, and it was unforgettable.

What makes a patricide truly terrifying is his ruthless methods, which, when unleashed, are earth-shattering: the bloody siege of the Dragon-Slaying Fortress, the horrific blow on the night of calamity...

As always, it was swift, direct, brutal, ruthless, decisive, and effective.

All that was left for the enemy was astonishment and regret.

King Chaman snorted softly:
"They are not without choices."

King Chaman turned his gaze to face the people in the hall.

But no one dared to look him in the eye.

"They can choose to be loyal to the King and obey the law, or they can choose to continue loving Exter, and that would be a happy ending for everyone."

The king said coldly, his sharp eyes seemingly concealing an irresistible blade: "Instead of secretly associating with forces outside of their lords, hoping to escape their inevitable fate."

"Of course, this also serves as a warning to those who meddle in my territory—behave yourselves, or I'll come after you."

At that moment, everyone in King Chaman's sight lowered their heads and looked down.

It was as if the person before him was not a king, but a ferocious beast patrolling its territory.

On Chaman's outer robe, the Iron Fist emblem representing the Rumba family stood out starkly at that moment.

Apart from the faint, uneven breathing of the nobles, the hall was completely silent.

Thales silently watched the dejected Ian, first sighing in his heart, then feeling a chill.

The Regent of Lisbon sighed slightly, then his expression turned serious: "You have absolutely no intention of holding back, nor do you possess any noble shame or bottom line, do you?"

"Chaman Lumba?"

"Mende, Devonsen, Peruno, Ica—these are the well-known northern families of Black Sand Territory, these illustrious clans that have served the bloodline of the rebel king and the Lombard family since the time of Necaru, families with histories spanning hundreds or even thousands of years," Risban said with regret. "They thought that, as usual, by uniting to force the abdication, they could compel the lord to retract his decree and stop you from expanding your power..."

"However, they ran into you."

"Faced with your ruthless methods and your uncompromising conscription order, they either have to acknowledge your decrees, bow their heads in submission, and obey your commands..."

"Either..."

Lisban couldn't continue.

With a hint of melancholy and regret, Risban's words also caused unease among the nobles.

Thales slowly exhaled and fell into deep thought:
In Dragonfall City, Selma, because of her status as Grand Duchess, lived in constant fear, struggling to maintain her meager prestige in exchange for the cooperation and obedience of her vassals.

In the Black Sand Territory, Rumba, bearing the infamy of a patricide and a reformer, ruthlessly paved his way with blood, leaving his vassals bowing and submitting.

Which one is better?

King Chaman placed his left hand on his old sword and gave a cold smile.

“There are many who want to serve their country, and a large portion of them do not have fiefs or titles,” the king’s voice, even in the height of summer, seemed to carry the chill of a cold wind, uttering words that sent shivers down the spines of the nobles:

“There are still too many people in this world who occupy high positions but do nothing.” Risban closed his eyes and did not answer.

The hall remained quiet for a long time.

The counts of Dragon Sky City showed no sign of seriousness, even in the face of the Grand Duchess's capricious and willful behavior.

“What kind of king are we facing,” Earl Hearst said, his face pale.

“The worst kind of king,” Earl Linna clenched his fingers tightly, “the absolute worst kind.”

“Hmph,” Kurtson shook his head dismissively, his eyes filled with disgust and wariness: “Scoundrel.”

Count Nazel watched the king silently, but occasionally he would glance thoughtfully at Prince Thales in the corner.

"Dragon Sky City, now you understand, right?"

King Chaman paid no heed to the gossip about him in Dragon Sky City: "If Qiyuan City really wants to win you over so it can continue to incite some of my foolish subordinates to oppose me..."

The king raised his head and looked towards the highest seat.

He looked at the girl who had been staring at him quietly, without saying a word for a long time.

“What a pity,” King Chaman said with a pleased smile, “because it’s all meaningless now.”

Ian kept his head down, looking at his knees, seemingly oblivious to the stares around him.

“You don’t need to get involved in this war,” King Chaman shook his head. “Black Sand Territory has already been taken over.”

At that moment, the three men led by Black Sand stood proudly in the hall, as if this were their home ground.

The vassals of Longxiao City clenched their fists again, their hearts burning with resentment and unwillingness.

"No matter how long this war of the Freedom Alliance lasts."

The king's expression turned somewhat ferocious: "The outcome on the chessboard is already predetermined."

Thales shook his head.

You seized the opportunity, Rumba.

You got what you wanted.

So……

From that moment on, Thales stared intently at King Chaman.

What will your reward be?
The next second, King Chaman seemed to sense Thales's gaze. He turned his head and looked at the prince, whose expression gradually changed from blank to serious, and frowned slightly.

Thales continued to stare at him coldly.

The king pursed his lips slightly upwards.

King Chaman let out a long sigh: "As for this prince, don't bother sending him to Qiyuan City. Send him to Black Sand Territory instead—as a true man who works with the stars, it is only natural for me to entertain Prince Thales."

Thales closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief.

At that moment, though he was in Valhalla in Walton, in the Hall of Heroes in Nekaru, King Chaman, like a true master, arrogantly addressed all his vassals:
"Is there anything else?"

No one answered.

"Are we really going to Black Sand Territory?" Wyatt looked at Rolf with a drastic change in expression: "This..."

Thales chuckled softly from the corner, reassuring the two behind him in a low voice, "Calm down, it's not over yet."

I called him over—the prince said quietly: He wasn't planning on visiting the Black Sand Territory.

He noticed that Nicolai's gaze was growing increasingly cold.

From the moment the meteorite appeared, the prince's gaze never left him.

It's as if they know Thales' role in this.

The hall was quiet; no one spoke.

Amid the chill brought by the king, everyone pondered the consequences of the unexpected turn of events.

The struggle between Qiyuan City and Black Sand Territory seems to have reached a conclusion. What should Longxiao City do next?

Then, a clear and pleasant voice suddenly rang out:
"Yes."

King Chaman's expression shifted slightly as he turned in the direction he had assumed would be straightforward.

Selma Walton, the nominal supreme ruler of Dragon Sky City, lowered her head and said weakly:

"As you say, Your Majesty."

“I will not send Prince Thales to the west, to Qiyuan City.”

The officials of Longxiao City all frowned.

King Chaman gave an approving look: "You are a smart girl."

But the next moment, the Grand Duchess suddenly stood up:

“But listen carefully, Your Majesty Chaman.”

"He won't go to Qiyuan City," the Grand Duchess said sternly, her tone turning sharply downwards amidst the puzzled and surprised gazes of the crowd. "But he certainly won't go to Black Sand Territory."

Thales smiled.

Yes.

She is a smart girl.

King Chaman was slightly taken aback.

“Thales is a guest of Dragonrise City. This was agreed upon by the six dukes in this hall six years ago,” Selma said coldly.

"He stays in Dragon Sky City and won't go anywhere else."

"Anywhere!"

King Chaman's expression turned cold again.

Just like six years ago.

"A joint agreement among the six grand dukes?"

He spoke slowly, yet with an imposing air: "So, you intend to defy the king's orders?"

But to the king's surprise, the girl who had trembled under his gaze six years ago now had a composed expression and a strong look in her eyes.

“Disobey? No, that’s too harsh. Please take it back,” Selma said softly, her voice gentle. “In accordance with His Majesty Nekaru’s sacred and inviolable co-rule oath, we have the utmost respect for the authority of the Co-ruled King.”

But the next second, the Grand Duchess of Dragon Sky City's words instantly turned sharp:
"Just as you have the utmost respect for our dignity and for the Northlanders' commitment to their oath."

Upon hearing this, all the lords of Dragon Sky City were startled.

Originally caught off guard by the king, they now became serious again, meeting King Chaman's gaze with increasing impoliteness.

Faced with hostility, the patricide king frowned deeply, and Kambida and Chloesh instinctively gripped their sword hilts.

In the silent standoff, Viscount Cambida frowned, while Chloeshe smiled.

King Chaman scoffed, "You're naughty, girl."

“I am sometimes, but fortunately you can tolerate my mischief, Your Majesty,” Selma shook her head without backing down, “Therefore, as wise as you are, you must know something else.”

King Chaman squinted his eyes.

"That is: no matter what Qiyuan City's attitude is, no matter what your attitude is, Longxiao City will send troops to conquer the Free Alliance—just like my father and grandfather personally pacified the Free Alliance twenty years ago. This is the responsibility of the Walton family and the honor of Longxiao City."

The girl kept a straight face and said firmly:
"It will not change because of any one person—whether he is a king or a beggar."

The atmosphere in the hall turned completely cold.

The counts watched the confrontation between the king and the grand duchess with mixed feelings.

King Chaman gripped his sword again, pursed his lips, and Selma met his gaze without flinching.

Finally, after several breaths, the king laughed coldly.

"An unmarried young girl, is she really going to bear the honor of the Dragon Spear?" King Chaman looked around: "Do your experienced and powerful vassals agree to this?"

Selma stepped forward, his expression unchanged: "My vassals, every single one of them..."

"Everyone supports my decision."

Under the king's gaze, the lords of Dragon Sky City frowned and exchanged glances.

At that moment, the Lisban Regent stepped forward without hesitation.

“The Grand Duchess’s will is our mission,” Count Lisbon said coldly. “She said Prince Thales will not go to Black Sand Territory.”

“Then he won’t go,” his old colleague, Nazel, sighed softly. “That’s it.”

Earl Curtson also snorted coldly.

“Since the lady says we’re going to help Qiyuan City, the patricide,” he sneered, “then we’ll sharpen our axes and prepare our swords—she can be as mischievous as she wants in this matter.”

King Chaman frowned and looked up at Selma high above—the Grand Duchess was still looking at him with a resolute expression, her gaze unwavering.

Earl Hearst looked at the Grand Duchess and nodded emphatically: "The lady's attitude is the attitude of Dragon City, no matter what bullshit orders that bullshit king has given us."

“If that king has any guts, he can bring his army and lackeys to Dragon City to strip us of our titles or our heads,” Earl Linna said sarcastically. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll just hand them over willingly.”

Kierkegaard's eyes turned cold, and his words were brief and clear:

"Welcome to Dragon Sky City."

Following the words of the Grand Duchess and the Earls, the vassals of Dragonsreach City reached a consensus through eye contact.

They all looked at His Majesty the King with the same cold and unfriendly gaze.

Kambida and Kroesi, who were guarding King Chaman, exchanged a glance and tightened their protection around the king.

“You heard what they said,” Selma said, still coldly staring at King Chaman. “Do you have any questions, Your Majesty?”

For the first time, King Chaman looked at the girl seriously.

It was like examining a weapon.

“Very nice, a girl,” he said softly.

King Chaman spoke softly, his voice carrying a deep chill: "But six years ago, regarding the agreement between the six dukes concerning Prince Thales, you still made one mistake, girl."

The next second, King Chaman turned to Thales with a strange expression.

Thales involuntarily tensed up.

Selma was stunned for a moment: "What?"

King Chaman waved his arm and turned around abruptly, facing the puzzled gazes of everyone in the hall.

"How I remember," the king's chilling voice echoed between the pillars, "six years ago, in this very hall, the truly legitimate, just, and orthodox grand dukes..."

"Only five?"

Selma's expression froze.

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Alas, through this incident, Wu Jian, a novice writer, has learned another lesson.

By Wujian, who looked utterly desolate.

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(End of this chapter)