Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 508 A Spark
The royal guard moved swiftly, sweeping through countless city blocks, traversing the Twilight District and the Morning Star District, heading straight for the center of Everstar City.

Thales, on the other hand, was depressed and moved forward like a walking corpse, drifting with the tide.

Although there were only about twenty riders hurrying along, the number of guards and security personnel passing by gradually increased. It seemed like a coincidence, but they rose and fell one after another, inadvertently dispersing and separating obstacles and crowds on the road, allowing them to travel smoothly.

But Thales simply couldn't muster any interest in studying them.

“You know, Mr. Hicksser wrote me several letters over the past few months…”

Finally, after an agonizing silence, Gilbert spoke.

"They talked to me about your studies."

His equally deep voice carried a hint of unease.

Thales suddenly came to his senses.

"Oh, old crow."

The young Duke of Starlake roused himself and tried to tell himself that he shouldn't bring unnecessary emotions to those around him.

"Yes, I haven't thanked him yet. Dragon Sky City owes a lot to him..."

Sensing the prince's change, Gilbert's tone was slightly excited:

"He reminded me that your progress is a bit ahead of schedule."

Thiels, forcing himself to stay focused, tried to concentrate:
"Ahead?"

Gilbert nodded:
"Yes, although that's a rare compliment, but..."

The former foreign minister squinted, seemingly lost in thought for a moment:

"After receiving the teacher's letter, I sometimes think, maybe... maybe I, maybe we are all too impatient."

Thales looked at him, puzzled:
"about what?"

Gilbert sighed, and said earnestly:
"At least in Yongxing City, young noblemen your age... are more concerned with appearance and clothing, banquets and girls."

Appearance and clothing.

A banquet and girls...

Is it.

Thales paused slightly, reflecting on the past six years.

What was he concerned with during those years?

What did he go through?

The Duke was momentarily lost in thought, but he quickly regained his composure.

Sensing that Gilbert was about to offer some advice, Thales forced a smile and shook his head.

“You should go back a few years, when Wyman was just a teenager.”

Gilbert Cassel paused slightly upon hearing the familiar name.

The prince gazed at the northern sky and spoke slowly:
“However, during those years in the North, your son cared more about his sword… and me.”

Thales smiled, recalling the every move, voice, and smile of the valet, Wyatt Cassel.

Hearing the thunder of hooves around him and seeing his personal guards surrounding him, Thales suddenly realized...

Even though he had returned to the stars, back to Eternal Star City, the royal guards who protected him...

It was so unfamiliar.

This made him miss even more the familiar faces that had once surrounded him.

Wyatt, Rolf, Puttier, Gerard, Willow, and that guy who stole chicken legs and roasted rabbit...

From Yongxing City to the Birch Forest, from Duanlong Fortress to Longxiao City.

From the past to the present.

Where are they now?

Thales was lost in thought.

“I’m so glad you like him so much.”

Gilbert's words brought him back to reality.

"But regarding this topic..."

The cunning fox among the stars had a complex expression, yet spoke with pride:
"As you know, Wyman has returned to Yongxing City several times during the years he has been in the North."

Thales nodded.

Gilbert narrowed his eyes slightly:

"But he probably didn't mention to you that he came back to see his fiancée?"

Immersed in his memories of his deceased friend, Thales unconsciously repeated Gilbert's words.

unmarried……

Thales's expression suddenly changed!
what?
The prince turned his head in surprise.

Gilbert looked at him with a beaming smile.

“Wyatt?” Thales asked, his eyes wide.

Gilbert nodded, his eyes showing both relief and sadness:

"Wyman".

Wyman?
Thales stared at Gilbert, his mouth agape in astonishment.

Wyatt Castle?
That old-fashioned, serious, little old man...

That guy who always had a stern face, was overly polite, and just stared at Rolf...

Wyman, who always "overexerts himself" and is stiff all over?
Thales blinked subconsciously, trying to process the news.

Gilbert simply smiled faintly.

Thales took a deep breath and shook his head.

Wyah, oh Wyah!
I never expected this!

He couldn't help but find it both amusing and gratifying:
I never expected someone with thick eyebrows and big eyes like you to be like this...

Until Gilbert's next sentence:

"So, you've reached that age this year..."

Thales's expression changed again.

"Cough cough cough... cough cough..." The prince suddenly coughed, his figure on horseback hunched over in pain.

Gilbert's face stiffened, and he continued:
"You must know that you have a duty to ensure the continuation of the great kingdom's bloodline..."

"Cough! Cough cough cough—" The prince's cough grew louder and louder, drowning out the former foreign minister's voice, and even the royal guards who were quite a distance away on either side turned around in surprise.

In the end, Gilbert could only shake his head in regret.

"Ok."

Let's save this topic for now.

Thales' coughing stopped instantly, and his back was straighter than a flagpole.

Gilbert squinted at Thales, who was completely oblivious, as he calmly patted his chest on his horse, his face filled with a helpless "I knew it" expression.

"Then I hope the following news will interest you."

Thales then seemed to suddenly come to his senses, and it came to his natural and sudden realization:
"information?"

Gilbert nodded slightly, his expression turning serious again—at times like this, Thales would think of Wyatt and the expression on Wyatt's face when he saw Rolf.

But the former foreign minister's next words made the prince's thoughts turn serious.

"The newest cacophony crows came from the north."

north.

Thales frowned:
"Are they Putila and Wya?"

“No.” Gilbert shook his head, his expression showing no sign of relaxation.
"but……"

The former foreign minister rode closer on horseback, his voice deep and resonant:

“Several days ago, Dragon Sky City completed its war mobilization.”

Dragon Sky City.

Upon hearing this familiar term, Thales's knuckles clenched slightly.

Gilbert continued:
"The expeditionary force of 10,000 men has assembled and is ready to head to Qiyuan City to join the war and launch a westward expedition against the Free Alliance."

Thales frowned deeply.

In that instant, it was as if all the memories of the Northland came back to my mind—the war, the forced marriage, the mobilization, and everything that happened on the day of the Dragon Sky City hearing.

Ten thousand troops.

Thales recalled his impressions of Dragon City.

For Longxiao City, it's neither too much nor too little.

So……

"Who is the nobleman leading the troops?"

Duke Xinghu's expression was grave: "Who will fight this battle?"

Gilbert nodded and accurately relayed the information:

"Count Kahn Kerkegol, lord of Hunting County and Origami County, will serve as the deputy commander of the Dragonsreach Expeditionary Force."

Kierkegaard.

The image of the resolute face of the one-armed count in the Hall of Heroes flashed through Thales' mind.

He sighed.

"As expected, the commander is the most capable fighter in Dragon Sky City..."

But at this point, Thales paused slightly:
“Wait, Gilbert.”

"You just said—'vice' commander?"

The prince stared at Gilbert in astonishment.

Gilbert pursed his lips and nodded.

and many more.

Kerkegor was only the deputy commander, which meant...

No.

Thales's face showed growing disbelief and astonishment.

Gilbert's words were solemn:

"According to recent news, after twenty years of silence, Dragon Sky City is launching its first large-scale military expedition..."

"The young Duchess of Walton, dressed in military attire and carrying a sword, will lead the army."

"To personally lead the troops into battle."

Grand Duchess...

Go into battle...

Personally leading the expedition...

At that moment, Thales stood there, stunned.

Gilbert remained silent, simply watching him and waiting patiently to observe the prince's reaction.

The familiar figure seemed to reappear before Thales' eyes.

The figure crying in the darkness, asking him if he could escape.

emaciated.

thin.

Feeling wronged and helpless.

Weak and lonely.

She clung to his arm and hid behind him.

Shivering.

"Oh……"

"That's it..."

Duke Xinghu snapped out of his daze, nodded subconsciously, and muttered to himself.

"Wow."

His face was stiff, but he forced himself to let out a suppressed gasp.

But no one knew that at that moment, he felt so... strange.

Mixed feelings.

Indescribable.

But the next second, the figure in his mind turned around, revealing a face that was equally familiar yet completely different.

That face, glistening with tears under the intense pressure, its forehead damp with sweat, yet still stubbornly pouting its little lips.

tenacious.

stubborn.

Stubborn and unyielding.

Resolute and strong.

Standing before the highest seat, amidst thousands of troops, he raised his arms and shouted.

One call and a hundred responses.

It felt like an eternity had passed.

It was so long that even Gilbert couldn't help but speak up and remind them.

“So they succeeded,” Thales said quietly, trying to forget the unnecessary images and forcing himself to start thinking about more practical things:

"Ronnie of Qiyuan City, Lyco of Jieshou City, and Walton of Longxiao City—the alliance of the three cities of Exter."

"They finally stood together."

Thales' tone remained hollow, but his spirits gradually returned, and his mind began to work:
"Faced with the turmoil in the West stirred up by Rumba."

Thinking of this, Duke Starlake took a deep breath and raised his head.

"What about us?"

Anyone else might be baffled by such a question, but Gilbert knew what he was asking.

The former foreign minister let out a slow sigh.

"As you can see, now that you have returned and the turmoil on the western front has subsided..."

Gilbert's lips curved slightly:

"Then there is no reason for either the royal standing army under Baron Williams or the conscripts painstakingly recruited by the lords of the Western Wilderness to remain in the desert and waste time and effort patrolling."

Thales took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"Therefore, without the restraint of the stars, the Free Alliance, weak and isolated, faced the three mighty cities of the North and nearly half of the Kingdom of Exter..."

Duke Starlake opened his eyes; this time, he was calm and solemn.
"The outcome of the battle is decided."

"The Freedom Alliance... is finished."

Gilbert didn't speak, but simply nodded in agreement.

A few seconds later, Thales' lips curled up, and his mood lightened.

"Now, it's King Chaman's turn to have a headache."

He looked at Gilbert with a smile: "I escaped, and Starry Sky withdrew, so Rumba has lost both its bargaining chips and its justification."

"He could no longer use the stars as a weapon to force his vassals to submit."

Thales recalled the way the aggressive, murderous king had been humiliated, and the sorrow of losing his homeland vanished instantly, making even breathing feel exceptionally easy.

"On the other hand, with Longxiao City joining Ronnie's side, Qiyuan City's worries will be resolved."

"Black Sand Territory has gained another enemy, and the momentum against the king will only increase rather than decrease."

Thales chuckled and casually spread his hands on horseback:
"Rumba failed on both fronts."

He could even picture his old rival, his face grim, barely containing his anger, glaring at him with barely suppressed rage...

Gilbert coughed.

"In fact..."

"Your Highness..."

The former foreign minister's hesitant words caught Thales's attention:

“A few weeks ago, shortly after you fled Exter, and just as news of the Dragonsreaching City hearing had arrived…”

Gilbert glanced at him, frowned slightly, and hesitated to speak.

Thales' heart sank.

The former foreign minister let out an unnatural sigh:

"At that time, King Chaman rushed back to Black Sand Territory."

Gilbert lifted the reins and looked solemnly into the distance.

"In just a few days, Chaman I visited almost every vassal who opposed him."

Thales frowned deeply.

"visit?"

The prince recalled King Chaman's so-called "visit" to Dragonfall City—whether it was to him or to the Hall of Heroes—and suddenly felt something was amiss.

Observing Thales' expression, Gilbert sighed softly:
"The intelligence gathered by the secret service is limited..."

Under Thales's ominous premonition and unpleasant expression, Gilbert, with a stern face, revealed the truth:
"But clearly, as the king announced his intention to conscript their troops to the west, the Mende and Devonson families, who had been resisting taxes in the Black Sand Territory, were the first to yield and pledge their allegiance to the king—the reasons for which remain unknown."

Thales felt a chill in his heart.

"The Ika family, which is closest to the Reconstruction Tower under Lomba's command, was probably worried that Grand Duke Trudida was secretly colluding with Lomba. So, without waiting for the king to come to their door, they withdrew their call to resist the tax and took the initiative to send this quarter's grain tax to Black Sand City."

The prince gripped the reins tighter and tighter, his whole body unconsciously tensing up.

However, Gilbert's sigh continued:

“A day later, the highly respected Count Peruno, who had a life-or-death friendship with the former Grand Duke of Black Sands and was also the most vehement opponent of King Chaman, suddenly fell ill with a recurring ailment.”

Thales began to hear his own breathing.

"He was bedridden and unable to attend to affairs of state, so Peruno's son took over the reins of the territory, changed his father's policies, and personally went out of the city to warmly welcome King Chaman's inspection."

Under the almost shocked gaze of the Duke of Starlake, Gilbert said with less than pleasant displeasure:

"And the last two fiefdoms that stubbornly resisted and refused to open the gates to welcome the king... were punished."

Thales gritted his teeth.

"punish?"

Gilbert nodded, a rare hint of apprehension in his eyes, a glimpse of fear rarely seen in the Star Fox:

"With the support of the four major families mentioned above, King Chaman's army besieged the city and declared war with a blood oath."

"Two entire castles... Led by the Fire Knight himself, the Black Sand Army swept through the enemy lines with unstoppable momentum."

"Victory in one day, city fall in three."

Gilbert's solemnity and vigilance had reached their peak:
"According to the ancient customs of the northern people, they hang the heads of those who disrespect the king's orders on the city gate as a warning to others."

"While the king was still on the execution ground, he stripped a count and a viscount of their titles on the spot—and demoted their heirs to commoners."

Listening to Gilbert's words, Thales could hardly adjust his expression—it seemed as if every word the other spoke carried the icy snow drifting from the North.

Gilbert let out a slow sigh.

"Moreover, on that day, King Chaman, taking advantage of the conquest, violated precedent and exceptionally bestowed titles upon several new nobles of humble origins, and none of the vassals, large or small, in the Black Sand Territory dared to object."

Thales slowly relaxed his body and placed his arm on the horse.

The shock in my heart was beyond words.

Gilbert shook his head:

"To this day, apart from a few small families near the border who are insignificant in the overall situation—whether out of morality or self-interest—who are still loudly protesting and refusing to compromise within the Black Sand Territory..."

But Thales didn't let him continue.

"He succeeded."

The prince stared blankly at the northern sky, as if he could see that gloomy and cruel king.

"He won."

Gilbert watched Thales' expression with concern and couldn't help but cough.

"That's certainly true internally."

Star Fox forced a smile, and his tone shifted from apprehension to enthusiasm.

"But externally, both the Reconstruction Tower and the Weyland Territory immediately strengthened their defenses after receiving the news, deploying heavy troops along the Black Sand Territory's border..."

"Meanwhile, the other grand duchies within Exter were even more enraged, launching a united attack. From Qiyuan City to Fengzhao City, from Elk City to the Glacier Sea, many northerners even openly questioned the legitimacy of his throne..."

Gilbert spoke with a laugh, but Thales could sense a hint of disharmony in his laughter:

"Black Sand Territory has already provoked widespread anger, and King Chaman is struggling to hold it together, not to mention that their economy and people's livelihoods were already precarious..."

But the prince interrupted him.

"late."

In the group, the boy under the cloak stood up straight, but silently bowed his head.

"Chaman Lumba".

"Perhaps many people do not acknowledge that he is the King of Exter."

Thales pressed his lips together, imagining himself facing the other person face-to-face, as if he could feel that tangible pressure:
"But now, he has become..."

"The King of Black Sand Territory."

Gilbert paused, unable to reply.

Only the second prince looked up to the sky and sighed, then closed his eyes:
“I told them, back then, in the Hall of Heroes, I told them…”

"But I'm afraid they still don't understand."

Thales opened his eyes, not looking at the clear blue sky above, but his gaze fell on the distant, faintly visible, rolling layers of dark clouds.

"They don't understand that the wave they are facing cannot be easily stopped by resorting to the military or spending money."

Gilbert was slightly taken aback.

The prince gritted his teeth, his brow furrowed:
"And this is just the beginning."

“Chaman Lumba, he will become more and more powerful, more and more greedy, more and more…”

Thales paused for a moment, exhaling a resentful breath through his nose.

“Your Highness, you need not worry so much,” Gilbert said, seemingly unable to bear it.
"No matter how powerful King Chaman is, we can still..."

But Thales shook his head.

"Do not."

"not us."

He stared intently at the dark clouds looming overhead on the horizon:
"Killing, seizing, bestowing—these things King Chaman did... seem like mere sparks."

"Yet its momentum was unstoppable."

Gilbert listened to the prince's words and fell into a thoughtful silence.

"And it will eventually ignite..."

Thales lowered his head and stared straight ahead, his eyes filled with unparalleled seriousness:

"The entire northern lands."

Just now.

"Boom!"

The bells rang out.

Thales and Gilbert were both startled.

The bell tolled softly, rolling and deep, resonating in the heart and soul.

It can penetrate both the ground and the air, reaching both the underground and the sky.

The echo was deep and lingered for a long time.

Amidst the horses' uneasy neighing, many members of the royal guard also frowned and exchanged bewildered glances.

Only Marius at the very front remained calm, reining in his horse and steadily moving forward.

"That is……"

Sensing the roar in his ears, Thales slowly turned towards Gilbert.

After overcoming her initial surprise, the latter slowly nodded to the prince:

"The Clock of Stars".

Thales's mind raced.

Gilbert sighed, "The last time it sounded was when..."

"I know."

Thales, overwhelmed by the flood of memories, murmured in a daze:

Six years ago.

"National Affairs... Conference".

But his reflections didn't last long, as the procession soon turned into the next block and onto another avenue.

It was at this moment that Thales noticed:

Unbeknownst to them, they had already traversed countless blocks, and the surrounding crowds had gradually moved away, kept a hundred paces away by the increasing number of security personnel, leaving only curious heads and eyes behind.

Soldiers and guards, sentries and security personnel, countless people stood in neat rows in front, either forming their own teams to maintain order or acting as walls to separate passages.

We await our guests.

Meanwhile, the road beneath the feet of the royal guards had become a wide, broad avenue.

Of course, at the end of the avenue, what catches the eye most is...

Thales breathed heavily, then slowly raised his head.

I saw it.

it.

Classical, mottled colors, endless steps, thick, dark palace walls, towering grandeur, spanning centuries of vicissitudes, and a majestic presence overlooking the stars.

Fuxing Palace.

The Great Pyramid with its flat top, which had appeared countless times in his dreams, suddenly appeared before him like a silent yet all-encompassing giant, both foreshadowed and unexpected.

Like a tidal wave.

Yet it was quiet and peaceful.

Thales stared blankly at the colossal palace before him, and it took him a long time to come to his senses.

As they passed through the passageway formed by the palace guards, the royal guards unconsciously slowed their horses and lowered their speed.

It wasn't until Marius raised his hand high that all twenty-five members of the royal guard simultaneously lifted their cloaks.

Its silver helmet and gleaming armor reflected the sunlight.

The standard-bearer, Hugo, even raised a tall nine-pointed star flag, which fluttered in the wind.

In the distance, the people separated by the quarantine line began to make a fuss.

Countless eyes turned to the twenty-odd riders, and discussions arose.

Thales turned his head with mixed feelings, looking at the civilians tightly separated on both sides, at the soldiers standing ramrod straight around him, and finally at the heart of the kingdom before him, separated by the palace walls:
Fuxing Palace.

No one knows his state of mind at this moment, no one can describe his feelings, and no one can depict his current emotions.

He could only open his mouth in silence, lost in thought.

Thoughtful.

Something has been lost.

As Thales's troops arrived at the palace walls, a dense mass of crossbowmen and magic guns turned around by hinges and manpower, with sentries standing guard, their killing intent palpable.

A nobleman dressed like Marius and the others walked out of the palace gate, surrounded by a group of soldiers, and raised his right arm, showing his palm, towards Thales's group.

In an instant, following Marius's gesture, all twenty-five members of the royal guard reined in their horses. Golov and Doyle even stepped forward and stretched out their hands, stopping Thales and Gilbert's mounts at the same time.

At this moment, they all had serious expressions and solemn attitudes.

"Twenty-five members of the Royal Guard, acting on the King's orders, are escorting important officials."

Marius's voice rang out before the palace gates, bounced off the walls of the Palace of Restoration, and echoed across the wide avenue:
"Duke of Star Lake, Prince of Stars, first in line to the Nine-Star Crown and the Supreme Throne, the noble Prince Thales Starlight..."

"They have returned."

As soon as these words were spoken, everything fell silent.

The guards at the palace gates, the sentries on the palace gates, and the security teams on the main road all fell silent.

For a moment, only Marius's clear and calm voice could be heard, echoing in all directions.

At the palace gates, the nobleman who had stopped Marius straightened up and stepped forward.

"Password."

The nobleman in royal guard attire looked at Marius and said coldly:
"crown?"

Marius slowly rode forward, calmly facing the menacing giant crossbows used for city defense.

He squinted his eyes and spoke softly, his voice barely audible:

"dark."

Thales was slightly startled.

Time seemed to stand still for a moment.

The nobleman guarding the palace gate nodded, then turned and waved.

"boom……"

Amidst a deafening roar, the steel winch began to move.

The dark palace gates in front of Thales trembled violently, moving slowly with a powerful rhythm, as if trying to push aside dust that had accumulated for thousands of years.

Tearing oneself apart.

The true appearance of the Fuxing Palace was revealed.

As the sun sets, it transforms into gold.

Just like six years ago, when Thales became a prince, the setting sun illuminated the Palace of Renewal with a brilliant red glow.

But this time, under the blazing sun, Thales simply looked up in a daze.

He watched as the dazzling golden light spilled inch by inch onto the outer walls of the Fuxing Palace.

But all that could be reflected was pitch black.

Bottomless.

I don't know why I'm so diligent, maybe it's because of the monthly tickets?
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(End of this chapter)