Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 329 The Final Journey

Accompanied by his attendants and guards, Thales walked toward the stables.

The palace guards standing at the palace gate saw Prince Xingchen and snorted disdainfully.

“It was him, colluding with Lombard,” one of the guards said to his colleague with a grim face as he looked at Thales from a distance. “He caused Tim to lose his job and his eligibility to be selected for the Royal Guard... all because he didn’t find the King at the palace gates.”

The guards all cast unfriendly glances at him.

Thales took a breath and pretended not to see it.

As the prince and his entourage passed by the guards, the palace guards saluted Lord Justin, the deputy commander of the Grand Duke's personal guard.

"Hey!"

As they passed by, one of the guards, his face contorted with rage, finally couldn't help but shout out viciously:

"May our king pamper your little bottom!"

"Imperial!"

The others laughed without any attempt to hide it, including the Northman guarding Thales.

Their eyes were filled with disgust, and their resentment was hard to dispel.

But Thales seemed not to hear these words, his expression unchanged, and continued walking.

Lord Justin pursed his lips and said nothing.

"Hey, you northerner, aren't you going to do anything about this?" Ada, who had been missing for a long time, tugged at her cloak and protested to Justin in front of her.

“My duty is to protect the prince’s safety—until His Majesty’s ‘White Blade’ Guard arrives to escort you out of Dragonhill City,” Justin said coldly, emphasizing the “White Blade Guard” with a sarcastic tone. He gestured towards the group of rude guards.
“Unless they draw their swords and charge at me, reasonable protests are not within my purview.”

“You call this ‘reasonable’—” Wyatt was about to retort, but Rolf stopped him in time and shook his head.

“Hmph, Northerners.” Ada turned her head away, displeased, and distanced herself from them.

Thales remained silent, his expression somber.

Less than a few hours had passed since the decisive meeting that morning, but some news had already spread: Thales clearly felt that the atmosphere in Valhalla dropped sharply as he stepped out of the Hall of Heroes.

From guards to nobles, everyone who came into his sight and knew about the matter seemed to want to devour the Star Prince alive.

This includes Justin, who had protected him for a long time and was considered relatively easy to talk to.

The prince sighed inwardly.

They finally arrived at the stables, and Jenny's loud neighing rang out joyfully.

But Thales was slightly taken aback.

Someone is already waiting for them.

Justin nodded calmly to the man in the stable: "Boss."

Nikolai the Meteorite was there, carrying the black-handled saber given to him by Tuleha, leaning against the stallion of the black horse Jenny with his arms crossed, coldly watching them.

Just like countless times before.

Thales turned his head away helplessly and let out a sigh.

It's him again.

"Are you in such a hurry to go find Rumba?"

Amidst the frowns of the Star People, Nikolai stared at Thales with an unfriendly expression: "You couldn't even wait for the people from Black Sand Territory to come and pick you up?"

Thales shook his head.

“As you said, I’m going to the Axe District, to the Black Sand Territory’s post station,” the prince said calmly, “and to talk to His Majesty the King about the arrangements to come.”

This time it was Nicolai's turn to frown.

He snorted in dissatisfaction through his nose, then laughed dismissively.

"After turning against me, you really became unscrupulous."

The Meteorite's sarcastic tone was filled with unspeakable anger: "What, you think it's no longer safe in the Palace of Heroes, so you're hurrying to hide behind Rumba? The sooner the better?"

Thales silently watched Nikolai, then raised a hand to stop Wyatt from speaking.

Nikolai lowered his arms and slowly walked to Thales, looking him straight in the eye.

"Listen, you treacherous little prince."

"Don't even mention going to see Lumba..."

Nikolai enunciated each word slowly, his voice filled with the chilling aura of a commander: "As long as I'm here, until the people from Black Sand Territory come to pick you up with a warrant, you'd better stay obediently in Valhalla."

Behind Thales, the people from the stars watched the Meteorite with wary expressions.

Nicolai bent down, his forehead almost touching Thales' hair, his gaze growing sharper:
"You don't need to go anywhere."

"Hey! Pretty boy," Ada made a menacing gesture of rolling up her sleeves and leaned closer, "You think I won't beat you up...?"

Nikolai gave a sinister smirk, then turned to the side, revealing the hilt of his sword behind his back.

The golden saber on his back reflected a strange light.

The surrounding temperature seemed to have risen a bit.

Upon seeing the knife, Ada's voice instantly softened, becoming weak and feeble: "That..."

Thales shook his head and pulled Ada behind him.

“Ada, let me do it.”

The usually unruly female elf was now quite obedient, following Thales's arm and being lightly pulled back. She didn't forget to make a fierce throat-slitting gesture at Nikolai, as if to say, "I'm not afraid of you."

Thales stepped forward and silently looked at the Meteorite.

Nicolai snorted and leaned back against the pillar, shaking his head at Justin: "Take him back and make sure he doesn't contact anyone again."

But at that moment, Thales suddenly exhaled and shook his head slightly:
"Do you hate him?"

Nicolai was slightly taken aback: "What?"

“I’m saying you must hate him.” Thales took a deep breath, recalling the guards who had sacrificed themselves six years ago to protect them from a crossbow barrage. He looked up, his eyes clear: “I’m talking about Chaman Lumba.”

"Your King".

Nicolai's gaze was fixed on Thales' face.

His expression grew increasingly terrifying, his gaze slowly drifting away as if looking into the distance.

"I have only one king."

“And that was definitely not Chaman Rumba.”

A few seconds later, Nikolai's eyes slowly focused, and his words were firm and powerful: "Whether in the past or now."

"As for Rumba, the only reason he appeared in Dragonsreach and is still alive is..." The Meteorite's enunciation was clear and short, but Thales could sense the hatred and anger behind every word Nikolai uttered:

“It was because I was still concerned about the city left by the late King that I didn’t cover my face, carry a knife, and send him directly to the prison river.”

"So you'd better choose carefully. Neither chatting with him nor standing next to him is a good idea."

Thales stared intently at Nikolai, then nodded seriously, as if he had understood something.

"So you told Lisban, didn't you?"

Nikolai was taken aback again.

Thales raised his hand to signal Wyah and the others to step back, then stepped forward to face Nicolai alone.

“You told Risban about the fact that Lumba has already seized control of Dragonsreach—the Grand Duchess’s identity,” Thales sighed, speaking softly in a voice only the two of them could hear.
"That's why Lisban was so restrained in the hall this morning—he didn't want to see Dragonstreet destroyed in the power struggles between the Grand Dukes, and neither did you."

Nicolai's gaze toward Thales grew increasingly displeased.

"I don't want to waste any more words with you."

He gestured towards the direction of the Bloodstained Courtyard with his lip: "Now, get back to your..."

But Thales suddenly looked up!

"But this is far from over."

The sudden increase in volume slightly surprised Nicolai.

But what made him even uglier was what Thales said next:
"Rumba and I chatted for a while after the meeting."

Thales said coldly, "I can see that he is not satisfied with the current benefits; he wants more, and he needs more."

"As long as he remains in Dragon Sky City, he will never be content to remain in a neutral Dragon Sky City."

"Just like six years ago—he was unwilling to stop at a dead King Nunn."

The prince looked at the meteorite with unusual seriousness:
"So you are aware of the Grand Duchess's situation, and you are aware of the predicament that Dragon Sky City is currently in?"

“Do you know what he’s going to do next?” Thales continued solemnly, “And now, I’m going to go and talk to that terrible king again, and try to persuade him to stop for now.”

The Meteorite was silent for a moment, then his brows furrowed even deeper.

“What else does he want?” he asked softly.

Thales shrugged, recalling the king's methods, and felt a headache coming on.

“Clearly, he is very dissatisfied that I withheld the threat from Black Sand Territory from the Grand Duchess,” the prince said, lowering his head in a somber tone. “I think he would prefer to meet the Grand Duchess directly, lay out the bargaining chips and threats before her, and thus turn Selma into his puppet.”

Nikolai didn't speak, but his already frightening face turned even paler.

Thales raised his head, his gaze intense:
"And I need to persuade him that there is no need to force the Walton family to take sides, no need to secretly contact the restless vassals of Dragon City, and no need to greedily tear another piece of flesh from Dragon City."

“I need to persuade him that the Grand Duchess’s position does not conflict with his interests.”

"I need to persuade him that we might as well give the Dragonlance family some support if needed."

“I need to convince him that Longxiao City has not been a threat to him in the past few years.”

With each word Thales spoke, Nicolai's expression grew more unpleasant.

"I need to persuade him to leave the negotiations to me, instead of going to innocent Selma and cruelly laying that matter bare before her, coercing and entice her to make a choice!"

“Now, Seri Nikolai, the Meteorite Guardian of Dragonsreach, you can let me go find Lumba now,” Thales raised his head and took a step forward, his sharp eyes staring directly at Nikolai, almost touching him:
"Or try every means to delay the schedule and cause me trouble... and then wait for him to come to Selma in person again."

"Come find Long Xiaocheng."

The prince finished speaking.

The air returned to stillness.

Nicolai's gaze toward Thales grew increasingly cold.

Under the stable's awning, Meteorite and Thales silently gazed at each other.

The others, whether they were Star's attendants or the guards of the Northerners, waited quietly for the outcome of their negotiations.

The atmosphere was tense.

Until Nikolai chuckled and shook his head.

His smile seemed to warm the air, which was almost freezing.

“You know, you have to thank Count Risban,” Nicolai said casually. “Even though you brought in Rumba and almost ruined the day of the Regency, he still seems to believe that you have no ill intentions toward Dragonhill City.”

Thales was slightly taken aback.

Lisbon?
The Meteorite continued, "Even if you still slander him, saying that he secretly colluded with the Scarlet Witch and Rumba, betraying Dragon City."

Thales let out a slow sigh: "Is that so?"

“And you also have to thank her,” Nicolai sighed.

“I think she is one of the reasons why Lisban believes in you.”

The moment Thales raised his eyebrows, Nikolai turned his head and looked in another direction.

Following his gaze, Thales froze.

In the distance, accompanied by guards and maids, the Grand Duchess of Longxiao City stood silently in the western sunlight, looking at this side with a complicated expression.

Golden light bathed the girl's entire body, making her look even more dazzling.

Thales couldn't help but sigh deeply.

“She’s waiting for you,” Nikolai said as he turned and walked away, his gaze sweeping over him meaningfully as he left. “Don’t linger when you say goodbye. Be mindful of your words.”

Watching Nikolai's retreating figure, Thales closed his eyes, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him.

The next moment, he suddenly opened his eyes, decisively took a step, and walked towards the Grand Duchess.

Selma remained calm as she slowly stepped forward, with Lady Jinx following behind her.

The prince and the grand duchess finally faced each other again.

Thales forced a smile and nodded to the lady-in-waiting: "Thank you, Ms. Jinx."

But despite the implied dismissal behind those words, Ms. Jinx remained unmoved, staring at him coldly without uttering a word.

Selma managed a weak smile and a nod.

The court lady's almost frozen face finally stirred slightly. She gave the Grand Duchess a standard bow, then turned and left respectfully.

“Even now, she still doesn’t like me,” Thales said, scratching his head awkwardly. “It’s really hurtful.”

Clearly, his terrible opening remarks failed to achieve the desired effect.

Selma continued to stare at him intently, and the inexplicable emotion behind her pince-nez glasses made Thales quite uneasy.

"So, you're going to Black Sand Territory?"

She asked very directly.

Thales let out a breath, avoided the other person's gaze, and nodded: "Yeah, get used to it sooner rather than later."

But Selma seemed quite composed at this moment: "You didn't expect that either, did you?"

Thales raised his eyes with a hint of doubt.

"I thought about it again later."

"You told me to choose the path that best suits the Grand Duchess, and you would handle the rest."

“Chaman Lumba,” the Grand Duchess said calmly, “he should be your solution to the ‘remaining problems,’ your last and worst trump card, right?”

Thales didn't speak; he exhaled through his nose and nodded.

The Grand Duchess's face was somewhat somber.

"If everything goes well, if I choose not to be so stubborn, if I choose to disregard your life and death, and calmly gain the support of the vassals..."

“If Dragon City can successfully send troops, if we can form an alliance against the King…” Her voice trembled slightly, “then you wouldn’t have gone to Lumba, wouldn’t have betrayed Ian, and wouldn’t have sold yourself to Black Sand Territory.”

Selma seemed to want to smile, but ultimately failed.

“You know, the moment you spoke up in support of Rumba, I almost didn’t recognize you.”

Thales hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

“So, just like six years ago,” the Grand Duchess turned her head, no longer dwelling on the topic, “you took the final risk to save me.”

Thales could only close his eyes: "You shouldn't have been so stubborn, Selma. There was no need to do this for a hostage..."

"Put yourself in a dangerous situation where everyone abandons you."

The Grand Duchess suddenly raised her head, her eyes resolute, as if she wanted to argue something: "But you are not a hostage, Thales."

"Regardless of what others think..."

"At least in my eyes, you are not."

As if remembering something, she lowered her head, her voice filled with unspeakable sorrow: "I'm sorry, Thales." At that moment, Thales's gloomy mood, which had been heavy since the hearing, suddenly stirred slightly.

Like a mountain climber in winter snow, greeted by a ray of sunshine after reaching the top of the slope.

“Apologizing to me for protecting me,” Thales took a deep breath, feeling the air was exceptionally refreshing today. “I can’t accept this apology.”

“But you’re going to Black Sand Territory. Do you remember those soldiers in Rumba? They fired crossbow bolts at us without hesitation…” The girl’s voice was strained. “Can you imagine what you’ll face in that man’s territory?”

“If we’re going to count on Rumba for help, this is the price,” Thales sighed. “Wish me luck—could it be worse than being tied to a battlefield or torn to pieces?”

But Selma's expression remained stiff.

Thales opened his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Hey, listen up."

“This is not your fault, Selma, well… it was the Star Kingdom’s interference, I mean, my father,” the second prince shrugged, “He caught me off guard and had to improvise.”

The two were silent for a while.

“That’s great,” Selma forced a smile, trying to crack a joke: “I never knew what it was like to have a father.”

The prince looked at the Grand Duchess with a bitter expression and gave her a bright smile.

"So, do you want to switch identities with me?"

Thales seemed to be in a good mood:

"You are always welcome, Princess Selma from the Kingdom of Stars."

They both laughed.

But Selma's laughter only lasted a few seconds.

“Princess,” she repeated instinctively, “Princess Selma?”

Thales realized something was wrong. He took a deep breath, turned his gaze away, and coughed heavily: "So..."

The prince's expression turned serious: "Listen, at least for the next few years... Rumba will not be your primary threat."

"The struggle between the king and the grand dukes will only intensify, and the extent and methods will gradually exceed expectations."

Selma looked at him quietly and nodded silently.

It was as if the two of them had returned to the library and the classroom.

"Under the rule of the Grand Duchess, the seemingly weak but internally divided Longxiao City will be the object of their intentional or unintentional neglect, and perhaps even their attempts to win over. You can even stand in the position of a third party, playing both sides in their confrontation and seizing benefits."

“Just like this time, be cautious in the face of their outstretched hands, but don’t bet lightly,” Thales said very seriously. “Your top priority right now is to hold your position.”

"To be a competent, qualified, and even excellent Grand Duchess, Selma."

The Grand Duchess smiled, but her expression was somewhat forced.

“King Nunn has left you with a fine team,” Thales recalled the scene at the council meeting: “Nazaire is wise and shrewd, with superb skills; Kerkekor is taciturn but quite prestigious; even the seemingly unpleasant Cortson and Linna, and even those outside the six earls…”

“They will all be useful to you if you show the spirit and skill that a Grand Duchess should have and prove to them that you are indispensable to this territory.”

“As for Risban…” Thales paused here, then sighed, “He is an excellent regent, but… perhaps you should consider the feelings of the other vassals, and the balance of power in Dragonsky City.”

Selma frowned: "You don't like him? Why?"

Thales shook his head.

“Your enemies will still be within your own ranks,” the prince thought, a heavy feeling settling in his heart. “They may appear in various forms: the discontent of your vassals, the contempt of the people, the obstacles of tradition, the sinister rumors… but ultimately, your greatest enemy is yourself.”

Selma scoffed softly, her gaze remaining fixed on Thales.

It seems like this is the last time we'll see each other.

She smiled and said, "The greatest enemy is oneself... Hmph, that sounds like a pretentious, empty piece of trashy encouragement from a chivalric novel."

Thales couldn't stand her gaze and had to lower his head: "Because you're a girl, Selma."

Selma was slightly taken aback by these words.

Thales let out a long sigh, his words filled with deep sorrow: "You're a girl, which means that, not only in the North, but in most games in this world, you'll have to pay a higher price than men, put in more effort than men, and achieve better results than men in order to get the same harvest, results, and recognition from the outside world as they do."

“In other words, if the Grand Duchess cannot produce a better answer than the late King Nun, or even just be on par with King Nun,” the prince gritted his teeth, looking at the rugged, grand, and imposing Valhalla, which gave people a heavy sense of oppression: “then you will always be ‘that little girl’.”

Selma remained silent for a long time, her mood becoming somber.

Finally, the Grand Duchess gave a cold, expressionless laugh: "That's really unfair."

“I know this is very unfair,” Thales frowned as he looked at her, his worry barely concealed in his eyes, “That’s why you can’t give up.”

"Do you know what happens if you don't fight back when beggars beat you up in a crowd of beggars?"

Selma raised her eyes.

“They will continue to bully you, beat you, laugh at you, and isolate you,” Thales said, his nerves tightening as if he had just remembered something. “They will repeat this scenario over and over again, creating the impression that ‘you deserve to be bullied.’”

The Grand Duchess's heart stirred, recalling the story Thales had once told her about the prince from the lower city: "I know."

The prince stared intently at her, his expression grim: "But that's not the worst part."

"The worst part is that everyone else, everyone, whether newcomers or old friends, whether they beat you or not, becomes increasingly accustomed to this scene and takes it for granted. Thus, in the life of eating and living among beggars, this impression is deepened and spread to everyone's consciousness."

"Until they intentionally or unintentionally treat this situation as part of the rules, and fabricate and deduce bullshit reasons such as 'it's just how it is,' 'survival of the fittest,' and 'there will always be someone who bullies someone, and there will always be someone who gets bullied,' making everyone—newcomers, old-timers, the strong, the weak, and even yourself who is being bullied—subconsciously believe: this is the environment, this is the rule, this is the norm, you can't change it, so the best choice is to accept it, adapt to it, acknowledge it, and go with it, so that when you are beaten up again, you will suffer less."

“There came a day when people felt that it was abnormal for ‘no one to be bullied,’ and they were justified in making excuses for the bullies, as if that was the truth.”

"The worst thing is that everyone subconsciously gets used to the environment and the rules."

In the prince's mind, the hazy sea of ​​memories rippled slightly.

For a moment, Thales's gaze was unfocused, as if looking into the distance: "It will make you forget that the individual and society are unified and inseparable, and that your actions are also one of the factors that shape the environment and rules."

He exhaled, pulling his thoughts back to reality.

“It might be a bit complicated, but…” Thales looked at the girl with a puzzled expression.

“If you don’t dare to change things, and choose to remain silent or even exile yourself,” he pursed his lips, “then the unfair environment will never change.”

The prince said softly, "A girl."

Thales looked at the girl who was gradually falling silent and sighed softly.

“You’re right, Selma, I shouldn’t have treated you like a weakling waiting to be rescued.”

He smiled again.

“And you must learn to grow on your own, learn to believe in yourself, learn to listen to the old raven’s lessons on your own,” Thales said quietly, “even without me.”

"Your Excellency the Grand Duchess."

"Take care of yourself."

After saying that, Thales couldn't bear to look at the girl's expression any longer and turned to leave.

Just now.

"Tails!" the girl suddenly cried out, her voice filled with deep worry: "Be careful!"

Thales paused slightly in his steps.

He didn't turn around, he just smiled and said, "Yes, I will..."

But Selma interrupted him relentlessly.

"Do not."

“On the eve of the hearing, Charles… I mean, Count Lisbon came to see me privately,” Selma seemed anxious, glancing around unconsciously. “He advised me to stay away from you, to stay away from the ominous Star Family.”

"To convince me, he told me some secrets beforehand."

Thales was stunned; he turned his head to the side.
"What secret?"

The next second, the words Selma uttered sent a chill down his spine:
"Disaster."

Thales' expression stiffened slightly.

what?
At that moment, no one knew what he was truly feeling.

He slowly turned his head, maintaining a normal expression.

Selma's tone was somewhat hurried, her expression just like when she was a child secretly skipping school: "In the countries established by those who participated in the final war, such as Exter..."

"Although each family's lineage and version differ, at least the descendants of the Ten Knights, and the heirs of at least ten grand ducal families, will be told some secrets about the final war when they come of age..."

Thales turned completely around and stared blankly at Selma.

“The final battle…” Selma pursed her lips, hesitated for a few seconds, and then resolutely began to speak: “After the great war more than six hundred years ago, we became more vigilant, and the remaining calamities became even more intelligent…”

"We lurk at opposite ends of the world with a more complex, secretive, and dangerous relationship, maintaining a careful balance in all sorts of situations..."

The Grand Duchess raised her head, her voice soft yet resolute: "But... the final battle is not over."

"And we and they are ultimately enemies."

Thales' breathing quickened, and he involuntarily clenched his fists.

The girl stared at him intently, her eyes filled with worry and wariness: "Thales, eighteen years ago, the Bloodstained Year of the Stars..."

"Why you were attacked from both sides and ran out of ammunition and food, why Exter invaded southwards without any scruples, why the Bone Tribe and the Orcs also stirred up a great commotion... even your rebel army, and even the tragedy of the Starry Sky Royal Family... it's all related to this, all related to the disaster."

In that instant, Thales' pupils constricted sharply, and he couldn't help but raise his voice: "What's the matter?"

But the Grand Duchess shook her head.

“I can’t say any more. I only told you this because I trust you…” Selma’s expression was sad and hesitant: “This is… this is a secret that only the Grand Duke of Dragonsreach knows.”

She turned her head away: "Don't forget, I am now... after all, a Grand Duchess."

Telston stayed.

After a while, Thales finally managed to catch his breath and recover from his lapse in composure: "Is that so?"

The Grand Duke of Longxiao City... only just learned the secret?
So... that means the previous Grand Duke of Dragon Sky City...

King Nuen, who decided to invade the south eighteen years ago...

King Exter, who told himself there was more to the story than met the eye, also...

He stared blankly at Selma.

“But I think you’ll eventually find out, Thales,” Selma said, sounding somewhat guilty, “After all, you’re the Star Family…”

Thales closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and buried the lingering gloom in his mind deep in the corner: "Thank you, Selma."

"I know, six years ago, those two people, a man and a woman... disaster came for you..."

Thales swallowed hard.

Selma's voice trembled slightly: "I won't ask you unnecessary questions, but whatever their reasons are for looking for you..."

"It's all definitely related to that, it's all definitely... not a good thing."

Not a good thing.

“You know,” the girl murmured, “that although life in Dragon City isn’t happy… at least I can protect you. Nikolai has legendary anti-magic weapons, and the Soul-Slaying Spear in the Hall of Heroes is always on guard…”

"But in Black Sand Territory..."

The two fell silent.

A gentle breeze blew by, and Jenny behind them let out a disgruntled neigh, breaking the silence.

After a long pause, Thales sighed deeply:

"I'll remember that."

In the distance, Nicolai coughed loudly and said without any hesitation, "Madam!"

The urging startled Selma awake, as if she had suddenly remembered something.

“Also, that man with the black longsword, although he saved us, but,” Selma said urgently, as if she wanted to say all her worries in just a few minutes, “since he was involved in what happened eighteen years ago… then he must be related to these things.”

“As an enemy of your family, I can’t think of any reason why he would let you go or even protect you.”

"Unless... he has ulterior motives and grand ambitions."

Thales stared at the ground, saying nothing.

The figure wielding the sword, along with countless questions, surfaced in my mind.

The girl continued, "Nikolai and the Grand Duke's guards... but the furthest they could trace it was that the man, nicknamed Black Sword, was connected to a foreign gang called the 'Brotherhood'..."

Thales took a deep breath.

He turned his head:

"Selma, I understand."

The prince said with a hint of bitterness:
"Thank you."

Thank you……

Thank you for not asking why.

In that instant, Selma saw the prince's bitter and terrible expression and was slightly taken aback.

Nikolai is urging us again.

Goodbye, Selma.

The next second, Thales closed his eyes, turned and left.

"Goodbye, you little rascal."

I heard soft breathing behind me... and faint sobs.

The sky was very blue and clear.

The few clouds were gradually tinged gold by the sunlight.

The command of Lady Jinx came from behind.

The Grand Duchess's footsteps sounded and gradually faded into the distance.

Thales resisted the urge to turn back and walked towards Jenny the Black Horse, managing a weak smile at Wyman and the others.

But he paused slightly.

Nikolai slowly pulled out another horse and deftly arranged the equipment.

“Although we’re not going to the card room,” he instructed Justin, “the rules are the same: the patrol will clear the way, and the Grand Duke’s personal guards will be on board…”

"Hey, you're going too?" the prince asked, puzzled.

Nikolai turned his head.

“As the Grand Duchess commands, little prince.”

The Meteorite coldly snorted, his expression unfriendly, "I'll hand you over to Rumba..."

"Here you go..." He revealed a sinister, malicious smile.
"The final journey."

Thales rolled his eyes.

The final journey.

That deadpan face...

Can't you use another word?

Note: In addition to meaning "princess", "princess" also means "royal consort".



(End of this chapter)