Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 447: Enemy with the World

Many people have shared the idea that mage can coexist peacefully with other races, and even benefit each other.

In that instant, Thales's mind flashed back to a conversation from long ago.

That was Longxiao City six years ago.

Giza has just vanished under the Blade of Purification.

Amidst the swirling ashes, as Thales vowed to find a new future for magic users, the scholarly and refined Ashida casually, seemingly unintentionally, said to him:
Whether it's magic users, humans, or even elves, countless similar efforts and attempts have been made...

They all failed.

That beautiful voice still lingers in my ears, but the cruel truth before my eyes shakes my heart.

They all failed.

Thales looked seriously at Sacel in front of him, but was thinking about another figure.

Aishida.

Just how many things have you been hiding from me?
Eighteen years ago, what exactly did you, Giza, and... you did?
"Your Majesty, you've... made an alliance with the calamity?" Tardin asked incredulously in the utter silence.

"Qi and blood? Oh, I remember, the Blood Bottle Gang, right..." Nai said thoughtfully.

Their voices broke the silence, and the shocked crowd began to speak up.

Amidst the uproar, Barney suddenly stepped forward and shouted:
"Quiet!"

The dungeon, which had been noisy for a while, was immediately quiet.

Barney's expression remained stiff, but Thales could tell that beneath his calm exterior lay a turbulent emotion.

Barney said coldly, "That's it?"

"The Alliance of Three Calamities?"

Opposite him, the Knight of Punishment withdrew his gaze from Thales, seemingly lost in his own world, and murmured:

“Those calamities…they have no good intentions. They don’t care about the future of the stars. On the contrary, they only want to achieve their own goals through the kingdom, regardless of what misfortune and disaster they will leave us.”

"And that was just the beginning."

Then, Saxeel's dry, hoarse voice rang out, like a dream shattering:

"As if overnight, the kingdom was struck by a series of natural disasters, resulting in crop failures, blocked cargo routes, and a blockade of sea routes. Commerce and agriculture were thrown into chaos, all industries were abandoned, conflicts broke out frequently, and eventually rebellions erupted one after another, leading to a state of utter deterioration that was beyond control..."

Everyone in the room fell silent upon hearing this.

"At this very moment, while we were busy quelling rebellions and suppressing uprisings, and eager to appease the nation, the entire world seemed to have received a command at the same time..."

The Knight of Punishment stared blankly into the air:

"Our allies and companions are strangely silent: whether it is the Three Kingdoms of the Misty Sea, the Sacred Tree Court, the Hall of Kings, or even the Tai Xuan Palace on the other side of the sea, they all keep quiet about aiding the stars."

“Our enemies and adversaries are united as never before: from the trade boycott by Commas to the military incursions in the Great Desert, the sea raids by the Casse, the blockade of the sea lanes by Hambul, and the provocations by Ext in the north, even the rebels seem to have a steady stream of support behind them, as if they have agreed to launch an attack together.”

He recounted the history of those bloody years, and the sorrow in his words affected the atmosphere, making the faces of the royal guards grow increasingly grim.

Thales, without realizing it, frowned.

"Unfortunately, the supply of magic guns purchased from the Empire has been cut off for no reason, and the supply of eternal oil and crystal ore is also insufficient, making the supply of conventional weapons and military equipment extremely difficult."

Sacel continued, his voice growing increasingly strained, as if he were slowly suffocating:
“We lost more than just the war… The king and his vassals are growing increasingly distant, protests from the nobles are erupting one after another, the relationship between the three great temples and the Palace of Restoration has reached a freezing point, and the shameless Tower of the End has even sent a letter criticizing His Majesty’s rule.”

"Everything came together, creating a situation that was most unfavorable to us..."

Pain and sorrow welled up in his eyes:
"What you will see is that the brothers in the guard are decreasing one by one. For duty and honor, they leave behind their wives and children and follow you bright stars, one batch after another, fully equipped and going to the battlefield. Some will send back a letter every half month to let you know they are safe, while others will never hear from them again."

At that moment, no one in the royal guard, including Samir, spoke, but they each reacted in their own way, some bowing their heads deeply, others looking away uncomfortably, and Cannon even sobbed softly.

"But do you really think that all of this back then was just a coincidence?"

Sakel stared intently at the firelight in Naki's hand, and as his memories unfolded, his words slowly became sinister:
"I know, I know why, I know why we've become the target of everyone's criticism."

"Regardless of Your Majesty's original intentions, walking alongside calamity—this is the origin and beginning of our disaster, plunging the stars into an unprecedented predicament and turning the entire world into our enemy."

"Damn it!" Naki slapped his thigh and cursed.

I don't know if it was for Eddie King or for Sackel.

The whole world will become our enemy...

Thales' breathing became erratic involuntarily.

"why?"

Upon hearing this, Barney interrupted Sackel coldly:

"If you believe this is the root cause and the reason..."

"Why didn't you tell us back then? Why didn't you ask the old captain, or even my father, for help?"

"They'll definitely have a way!"

"Why did you act on your own initiative?"

Sacel's eyes flickered.

The knight slowly swept his gaze over the royal guards present.

Thales noticed that many people subconsciously avoided his sharp, piercing gaze.

A few seconds later, Sacel gave a mocking chuckle and lowered his head:
"You do not understand."

"By the time I really wanted to do something, it was too late."

He trembled slightly:
"The situation is deteriorating and getting worse. Even the most elite guards protecting the princes are receiving bad news from time to time."

"In less than a year, the rebels have grown stronger, conquering cities and seizing territories. Our army's morale has plummeted, and we have suffered defeat after defeat. The flames of war in the western wilderness and southwest have spread to the interior, engulfing the entire kingdom. The people of the kingdom are filled with fear and live in constant anxiety..."

With each word Sakel uttered, the guards' brows furrowed more deeply.

"Until Exter—that terrifying dragon that had just subdued the Golden Corridor and the Comas—also bared his fangs and joined the ranks of those kicking someone when they were down, sparing no expense to mobilize the entire nation's army of 100,000 elite troops, unstoppable, their iron hooves rolling in, surging forward."

"I think that is the final blow our enemies have prepared for the kingdom, the final chapter of this epic of national destruction."

Thales couldn't help but think of Nunn VII.

That king, though old, still exuded power and authority.

That cunning, shrewd, fierce, and powerful lion.

He also recalled the purpose of Ext's army's southward march, as revealed by the Death Raven.

Thinking about this, Thales couldn't help but wonder: Was King Nunn's decision to send troops so decisively back then really just for political purposes?
"We are already overwhelmed and at our wits' end, unable to even muster a decent army..."

Sakel's words grew increasingly painful and distressing:
"And so, the Star Kingdom, which had borne the glory of the empire and stood for seven hundred years, came to the brink of destruction, just one step away from falling into the abyss and ending completely."

"Even so, even though the calamity has led the kingdom step by step toward the River of Hell, you can hardly imagine His Majesty's willful obstinacy and stubbornness..."

At this point, the Knight of Punishment suddenly looked up, his eyes blazing with anger as he stared ahead:

"It's hard to imagine his unwavering trust in the woman beside him... or that monster."

"And it all started that night."

Sakel slowly fell silent.

Barney closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"So you betrayed His Majesty and rebelled? You defected to His Majesty's enemy?"

His Excellency the Vanguard seemed to be trying his best to suppress his shock and shift his focus to the present.

Sacel remained silent for a long time.

Seems to be hesitating.

"His Majesty has been misled."

Finally, the Knight of Punishment spoke calmly:
"He couldn't see that disaster was the root of everything."

"He must be sober."

The Knight of Punishment's gaze gradually cleared:
"As long as we stay away from those treacherous monsters, reject their sinister plots, stop placing our hopes on taboos, and return to the kingdom's right path..."

He was like a traveler struggling in agony at the bottom of an abyss, who saw hope at the last moment:

"The enemy's treacherous alliance, which is based on taking advantage of our misfortune, will collapse without a fight. Even the two legendary, high and mighty forbidden beings will turn their attention away..." "The supply of magic guns and eternal oil will be restored, the attitude of our allies will return to normal, hostility unrelated to interests will be eliminated, the rebels' behind-the-scenes support will cease, our predicament of being attacked from both sides will be alleviated, the hearts of the people who are divided and scattered will be reunited, the precarious situation on the front line will improve, and all we need to worry about are our old adversaries."

"The Star Kingdom will be able to survive this catastrophe."

Sacel's expression grew increasingly agitated, but then dimmed in an instant.

"But before that, someone must step forward, shoulder the responsibility, and turn the tide, even if it means the most unforgivable betrayal and the most unforgivable stigma."

A deep sorrow radiated from his eyes as he stared intently at his fist.
“Someone must save us—before His Majesty turns the whole world into an enemy and drags the entire kingdom into the abyss.”

"Someone must put an end to this hopeless and unnecessary confrontation."

No one spoke. Even Samir, who had a mocking expression, kept his lips tightly shut. Little Barney at the front had his eyes closed, seemingly deep in thought.

Beside Thales, Naki let out a deep sigh. Not only him, but everyone else also looked worried and preoccupied.

The prince was in a state of utter confusion.

He recalled the hesitant encouragement Yodel had given him in private when they confronted each other about becoming mage in the Mindis Hall.

I have witnessed those calamities, more than once... Your family, from the moment of its birth, was destined to be entangled with those calamities...

More than once.

That certainly includes more than just Ashida; it might also include Freyran, or even Giza.
When he talked about Yordle, he thought of the Mysteries and the Black Prophet. What role did they play in that catastrophe?

Thales recalled six years ago, when Duke Aaron of the North, after his conspiracy failed, hysterically questioned and accused King Kessel in the Palace of Restoration.

Just like your damned father, you both knew what your choices would bring, but you never cared... If it weren't for you bringing that monster back...

They're probably talking about the new queen, Freylan.

He had seen what Kessel looked like, especially the scene when the Iron-Fisted King coldly sent him as an envoy to Dragonsreach City, which was still vivid in his mind.

Was his grandfather, Eddie II, like that?
Thales also recalled the comments made by Archduke Peffert, who had lost a duel, about Eddie II in the Hall of Heroes in Valhalla.

[Sooner or later, we'll see a madman like Eddie II of the Stars, dragging his entire country down to hell!]

Thales stared blankly at Sacel in front of him.

As a trusted watchman in the royal guard, he should have been the most loyal protector.

but……

"Do not."

In the dungeon, a low, emotionless murmur echoed in everyone's ears:

"Even if it has to be someone..."

"That shouldn't be you, it shouldn't be you who does it."

Thales turned his head in surprise and saw Barney slowly raise his head, his eyes shooting out a sharp, cold light, pointing directly at the Knight of Punishment.

“Imanu Sakel”.

Sakel remained silent.

"You are not His Majesty."

“You are not Crown Prince Midil, not Prince Horace, not the Prime Minister, not a political officer, and certainly not His Majesty’s military and diplomatic advisor.”

Barney Jr. seems to have moved past the betrayal of his colleagues and the shock of the truth from back then.

He seemed to have figured something out; his voice was low, but his words were firm and resolute:

“You are not even the captain of the royal guard, but merely His Majesty’s servant, the second son of Viscount Sacel!”

Barney took a deep breath and gritted his teeth as he questioned:

"What right do you have to arrogantly and presumptuously predict the future of the entire kingdom?"

Sakel didn't speak, but a deep pain welled up in his eyes.

The vanguard officer's voice grew louder and more resolute:

"What right do you have to stand in the depths of filth and darkness and presume to 'save the world'!"

The guards were taken aback for a moment, exchanged glances, and their scattered gazes gradually unified before they simultaneously turned to face the executioner knight.

Seeing Sackel struggling with a furrowed brow, Barney snorted coldly:
Do you still remember the Guardian Oath?

The Knight of Punishment was slightly taken aback.

The oath of the Guard.

But before he could react, Barney opened his mouth and shouted:
"I swear that I will dedicate my life to the throne, serve the imperial power forever, and have no other master."

"I swear that this sword will only be wielded by the Emperor's command, and will only be broken by the Emperor's decree; it will have no other use."

"I swear that my body will either be buried where the throne rests or be buried halfway through the imperial mission, or I will have no other end."

Just three sentences, but Barney's voice was loud and clear, echoing between the four walls, sweeping away the previous hatred.

He seemed to have reverted to being that composed, calm, and dignified vanguard officer.

As Sacel listened to the familiar words, he slowly began to drift into a daze.

"They did it."

“Captain, Tony, and even my father,” Barney said, his voice steady as he tried to suppress the lump in his throat, “as well as all the guards who sacrificed their lives inside and outside the Palace of Restoration, and even on the front lines.”

"Wherever His Majesty goes, they will follow him to the death, without questioning his intentions or suspecting anything else."

Sakel's body trembled.

Captain Kulen...

Chief Bodyguard Tony...

Deputy Captain of the Guard, Big Quill Barney...

In Thales's eyes, not only Sacelle, but also the other members of the guard were in different situations:
Samir lowered his head, lost in deep melancholy and struggle.

Cannon leaned against the wall, his face trembling slightly as he covered his chest. Big Bree clutched his chest tightly, while Naki stared blankly at his torch, as if it held some kind of magic trick.

Tardin, Belletti, and Nai were all lost in thought.

"I believe that even on the way to the River Prison."

Barney's voice also began to tremble:
"They will also do everything in their power to secure a ferry boat for His Majesty."

"what about you?"

The Knight of Punishment's chest heaved.

But Barney's words were like a sharp sword, piercing his heart:

“Nothing you say, Sacel, can absolve you of your sins.”

"It's just your selfishness, your self-deception, and your delusions."

Barney finished speaking, leaving only a look of disgust and contempt in his eyes.

His words were clearly very powerful, and the members of the royal guard seemed to have figured something out.

They cast aside their hesitation and reluctance towards their former comrades, their eyes now filled with the same disgust and rejection.

This time, Sacel remained silent for a long time.

Until he opened his lips with difficulty:

“I have no intention of absolving or shirking responsibility, nor do I expect forgiveness.”

“You said you wanted an answer,” the Knight of Punishment said softly, “and this is my answer.”

"Everything from back then, all the guilt..."

"I will take full responsibility for it all."

Barney stared at him for a long, long time.

Once Barney's expression returned to normal, he seemed to have figured something out, and shook his head with a bitter smile: "No."

"You can't handle anything."

(End of this chapter)