Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 536 Times have changed
The most incongruous thing in the world is probably that an Exter person suddenly appears at a Starfolk banquet.

She's also someone who can't keep her mouth shut.

Under Thales's subtle prompting, Golov and Doyle, with a combination of urging and pleading, finally managed to pull the bewildered bearded Jorge to a corner outside the hall, escaping the curious and inquisitive gazes of the surrounding guests.

"If you ask me, you Southerners just make trouble out of nothing. You get a few words out of place and you make a huge fuss about it..."

Jorge complained without restraint.

“I once mistakenly wrote the salutation of the Grand Duke’s letter of appeal to King Nuen as ‘Respected King of Dragon Sky City,’ but the Heavenly King didn’t do anything to me. He still provided money and manpower to help us suppress the bandits. He’s really great…”

Doyle pursed his lips, while Golov looked away.

Even though the former was as free-spirited and unrestrained as the latter, and the latter as quiet and reserved as the former, they couldn't quite stand the guest's casualness and rudeness.

Only Thales listened to the other man's rough and heavy northern accent, smiling without saying a word.

It was truly rare to hear such an accent in the orderly Mindis Hall and at a banquet where etiquette was paramount.

It was as if he had returned to the passionate, unrestrained, and straightforward North.

The officer Jorge laughed loudly:
"Haha, perhaps you've forgotten, Polaris, but we've met before!"

Thales asked suspiciously:

"When?"

"Wow, you have a really bad memory, don't you?"

Listening to the other person's casual tone, Thales felt a strange sense of familiarity, even though it was abrupt.

But he was clearly just a passerby in Exter's life.

This is his home, the Star Kingdom, Eternal Star City, isn't it?

Jorge was in high spirits:
"At the Dragonshine City hunting ceremony a few years ago, the Walton family's little girl took your hand—hey, I have to say you were really bold—all the northern lads present were envious, and they rushed up to you in droves, wanting to spar, have a deep exchange, and have a friendly duel..."

Thales' expression changed drastically.

Jorge was very happy and spoke with great enthusiasm:

"The scene was chaotic and noisy. Maybe others didn't see it, but I have sharp eyes. She hid you in her skirt..."

Thales turned pale.

Ignoring the expressions on the faces of his guards behind him, he rushed forward in a few steps and grasped Jorge's waving hand.

"Ahem! Thank you! Officer Jorge!"

Thales interrupted the other person with enthusiasm and emotion.

"I truly felt the hospitality and enthusiasm of the Deer City!"

He gripped Jorge's hand tightly, sincerely hoping he would stop talking.

Jorge was taken aback at first, then squinted and looked down, his face showing understanding.

This made Thales even more frustrated.

As a listener, Doyle nudged Grover with amusement, but the latter merely frowned and showed no intention of sharing his interests.

"Hehe, speaking of which..."

Jorge casually put his arm around the Duke's shoulder, as if they were good buddies whispering secrets:
“Grand Duke Gadro has a son—Igor, the heir to the city of Elk. He’s a fine young man. Among the gifts I brought are seal and bear skins he hunted. You are of similar status and both are intelligent; you should get along well…”

The official, with an encouraging look, vigorously shook the prince:

You'll definitely like him!

Thales was so shaken that even his fake smile became unrealistic:

“Igor, right? I guess I will…”

But Jorge smiled, his eyes narrowing:
"But that's not all. You must know that the Grand Duke also has three daughters..."

Thaleston sensed something was wrong.

"Although the first one has been married twice, she is a fertile woman. I guarantee you will have many children before you are twenty, and your descendants will be worry-free..."

"The second one is amazing. She's skilled in archery and horsemanship, hitting the bullseye every time she's out of range. Even veteran soldiers would give her a thumbs up. With her in bed, you don't even need to arrange for guards to stand watch at night..."

Thales' smile gradually froze.

"The third one, the third one..."

Jorge paused for a moment, hesitated, and then stammered:
"Well, well, it's alright..."

The official then patted Duke Starlake on the shoulder in a very "northern" manner, making Thales's perfectly styled hair, which he had messed up during his escape and which had finally grown back after returning home, look completely disheveled:
"I know, you grew up drinking...cough cough, feeling the cold winds of our North, so you must prefer something harder..."

"How about it?"

Jorge's eyes lit up:
"Think about it?"

The prince forced a smile.

It took Thales several minutes to escape Jorge's enthusiasm, escort the bear-like guest back to the banquet hall, and promise to get him a larger chair.

The prince's guards, however, had amusing expressions.

Marius, who had remained silent all along, stepped forward and reminded the prince of the list of guests he was to personally greet, but after he finished speaking…

"By the way, about the story he told you, you know, the one where you hid in your skirt..." The Watcher hesitated.

The usually easygoing Thales looked up instantly.

With a fierce expression, it chooses its prey to devour.

"Don't ask," Duke Starlake gritted his teeth.
"You are still my favorite captain of the bodyguard."

Marius narrowed his eyes, a knowing look on his face, and gave a knowing bow:
"Well then, I'll go and arrange other things now. I hope you enjoy the banquet."

Watching the other person turn and leave, Thales sighed in frustration.

"Your Highness..." came Doyle's voice from behind.

Thales remained wary, giving him a cold stare.

"Don't worry, I... I won't ask..."

DD awkwardly shook his head:
"All I want to say is that I understand; I've been through those terrible situations too..."

"Cough—cough, hum!"

On the other side, Golov seemed to have caught a cold, coughing repeatedly and interrupting Doyle's rambling:
"Cough, cough, cough!"

Doyle awkwardly shut up, but Thales's expression worsened.

Ok.

Thales stiffly pulled his head back, his mood gloomy.

The first thing he will do after becoming king is to lead his army north...

They destroyed Exter.

They walked back silently.

"Yankees, cough... are all the northerners in Exter like this?" Doyle finally brought up a less provocative topic.

Thales nodded sullenly.

"Half yes."

"As for the other half..."

Just then, a shout filled with surprise and excitement came from the side:

"Tales Shining Star!"

The three of them were all startled.

Amidst footsteps and shouts, in the distance down the corridor, Zonevid and Piloga of the Star Lake Guard held off a guest who was trying to rush toward the prince—the latter waving his hands, unable to get close to Thales.

Thales looked at the other person's appearance—a bowl cut that reached his ears—and felt a strange sense of familiarity.

Until he saw the gleaming sword emblem on the guest's clothing.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Lievi Trudida, son of the Rebuilding Tower." The guest smiled obsequiously, speaking with the same familiar northern accent, though much less pronounced than Jorge's.

Rebuild the tower, Trudida?
That's interesting.

Another man with a bowl cut, much more mature and cunning, with an even greater presence and authority, appeared in his memory.

Thales nodded, instructing the guards to release the unruly northerner who had come to their door without any guidance, and to let him approach.

"Levy, right?"

Thales forced a signature social smile: "I know your father, Grand Duke Trudida..."

“What a coincidence,” Levy smiled, his eyes narrowing.
“I know him too.”

Thales remained silent for a moment after hearing the terrible joke.

Little Trudida?
He glanced at Levy's fake smile and the glint in his eyes.

Yes, they are definitely his biological children.

"Very good, please give my regards to your father."

Thales sighed and resolved not to pursue the matter further.
I hope you enjoy the banquet.

The prince turned and left.

"Your Highness!"

Levy spoke up in desperation.

But Zonevid, standing behind him, held his shoulder firmly, the warning clear.

Thales turned around.

“I know you’re a busy person, so, well, I’ll get straight to the point.” Levi sighed, looking like he was ready to take the plunge.

Thales blinked.

Amidst the noisy background of the banquet, Levy squinted his eyes:
"You know, it's not easy for me to come all this way. I was planning to buy some souvenirs to take back, but I ran into some trouble... Those damn market bureaucrats and merchants colluded to suppress sales volume and raise prices, and they're deliberately causing trouble..."

"A souvenir?" Thales was taken aback.

“You know, travel,” Levy shrugged, like a spoiled young master:
"Buy some of this, buy some of that, and bring back some local specialties."

"A local specialty?" Thales raised an eyebrow.

Levy gave an awkward smile:
"Nothing much, just some food, clothes, and toys."

"Food?" Thales' tone became increasingly suspicious.

He stared intently at the other person.

“Yes, that’s my favorite.” Levy’s smile remained unchanged.
"I just need some local officials to do me a favor..."

Thales stared at him for a few seconds.

"It can't be done."

Damn northerners.

Thales said coldly:

"I am just a prince who has just arrived and is cultivating his character."

Thales was about to turn away again after speaking when Levy quickly spoke again:
"I know I know!"

"But don't worry, Your Highness, you don't need to do anything! You don't need to do anything!"

Thales looked at him questioningly.

Levy broke free from Zonevid's grip, ignoring the other's look of disgust:
"At the banquet later, all I need to do is stand next to you for a while and appear to be chatting and laughing—the official who's been giving me trouble is also here today; he's been trying his best to get close to you."

Levi looked at Thales with an anxious expression.

“Sorry,” Thales shook his head, preparing to leave.

"Perhaps you should use your official credentials and go to the Foreign Affairs Department to see if they can help."

"but……"

Levy spoke again, this time with a hint of pleading.

"Firstly, it's too high-profile and attracts too much attention, you know..."

"Secondly..."

He shrugged sheepishly.

"The exchange rate has been bad lately, and I... have limited funds."

Too high-profile...

The exchange rate is bad...

and many more.

Rebuild the tower.

Trudida.

Bring local specialties?
The prince pondered for a moment, then seemed to understand.

“Fine, but if I help you,” Thales turned around and gave a snort:
"What can I get?"

Levy paused for a moment, then gave an awkward smile:

"Friendship from the Reconstruction Tower and the Trudida family?"

Thales raised an eyebrow.

The rebuilt tower and the friendship of Trudida. Sounds good.

Just ...

Thales chuckled softly.

How much is it worth?
Judging from the other party's reaction, Levi seemed to be aware of the extent of his family's reputation.

"Okay, please listen to me..."

Levi took a deep breath, ignoring the expressions on Golov and Doyle's faces, and whispered something in Thales' ear.

Thales's expression changed.

Unexpectedly, a few seconds later, Thales nodded solemnly.

"make a deal."

Levy's eyes lit up, and he snapped his fingers.

Little Trudida said with a grin:

“I knew you were easy to talk to. It’s no wonder my father always praises you, saying there’s a Thales among the stars…”

But the Duke of Starlake interrupted him.

“I remember your father was a cautious man, always thinking things through carefully before making a bet,” the prince said calmly.

"He doesn't mind you coming to see me at Xingchen at this time?"

Levi paused for a moment, then looked at the prince with a meaningful gaze.

“As a son,” Levy stared at him, his smile meaningful, “if you are always controlled by your father in everything…”

"Then they'll never grow up, won't they?"

Thales remained silent for a moment.

He suddenly remembered another son of a duke, the Viscount of Wind City in Qiyuan City, the "Annoying Guy" Ian Ronnie.

“Thank you for your frankness. I will convey this to Grand Duke Trudida,” Thales said calmly.

“I couldn’t be more excited,” Levy said without a hint of panic, instead giving a sly smile.

"Then he will know that not every son is worthy of being mentioned by the famous 'Polaris' who turned Exte's fate around."

Upon hearing this address, Thales frowned.

"Is that what you... people from the North call me?"

"Of course there are others, but this one sounds the best..."

Levy glanced cautiously at Thales, then grinned:
"Or would you rather be called 'Grand Duchess's Little Star'?"

Thales's face darkened.

The guards around them exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions turning strange once more.

Thales sighed.

Polaris.

This nickname...

Sunset, is it that you think a prince who has returned from Exter has already caused enough trouble in the Star Kingdom?

People from the North, thank you so much.

Just as Levy was about to leave, Thales suddenly spoke up:
"So, King Chaman has no objection to you attending my banquet?"

Upon hearing that name, Levi's expression changed.

He remained silent for a few seconds.

"Your Grace, today is your joyous day..."

Little Trudida looked around and whispered:
"Let's not talk about unlucky things."

Thales politely said goodbye to him, and a satisfied Levi then turned and left, "escorted" by Zonevid and Piloga.

But when the prince turned around, his expression turned cold.

“Golover,” Thales said grimly.

"Go find Gilbert and bring him to me."

Golov frowned slightly.

Doyle, standing nearby, was taken aback:
"Now? But Your Highness, according to reports, the Duke of the East Sea, who is also Prime Minister Kuren, will be arriving soon and needs your..."

However, Thales suddenly shouted:
"To hell with the prime minister."

The Duke of Starlake spoke in a cold voice, each word deliberate and unsettling:

"Now, immediately, right now..."

Thales glared coldly and angrily:

"Bring me Gilbert Cassel."

The two, who were used to the prince's gentle nature, were both taken aback.

Without saying anything more, Golov turned and left, leaving behind an uneasy Doyle by Thales' side, glancing at him worriedly every now and then.

Gilbert soon appeared before him, looking puzzled.

But Thales dismissed Doyle and Golov, and went straight to the point:
"What happened to Exter?"

Gilbert was taken aback:
"What's going on? Everything should be normal... After eliminating dissidents, King Chaman I has been busy appeasing internal dissent..."

But Thales impatiently interrupted him:
"Gilbert!"

“Just now, two northerners rudely stopped me, and one of them even called me ‘King of the Stars’ in full view of everyone.”

Gilbert's expression changed.

Thales stepped forward, his gaze sharp:

"Do you understand it?"

Gilbert and the prince exchanged a glance for a second, then sighed softly:

"You know, today is your big day. Only after today will you officially enter the social circles of Yongxing City and step onto the stage of the kingdom. If anything happens, it won't compare to..."

But Thales just stared intently at the other person:

“Gilbert, six years ago, you brought me to Mindis Hall.”

"So I believe you."

“Even more so than others.”

Seeing the prince's expression, Gilbert hesitated, his expression complex.

A few seconds later, Count Cassel sighed slowly.

“A few days ago, Exter sent a battle report.”

Thales' expression tightened.

really.

Gilbert's cheerful and relaxed demeanor vanished from the banquet day; his expression turned serious, and he entered full-on work mode.
"Longxiao, Qiyuan, and Jieshou, the three cities joined forces, with nearly 20,000 northern warriors, and marched westward across the border with great momentum. They were unstoppable all the way, and the Free Alliance suffered repeated defeats. The entire Golden Corridor trembled."

"Not long ago, the Exter people finally launched a massive attack on Freehold."

Thales nodded.

As one of the participants in the event, he clearly remembers the internal and external causes of the war, the forces involved, and the dramatic twists and turns.

“I know that Exster wants to reaffirm their dominance and status in the Golden Corridor…”

The small Free Alliance has stirred up the political situation of the Western continent—whether it's the sixteen cities of Cornmas, the white elves of the White Mountains, or other kingdoms along the Golden Corridor, since they overestimated themselves and rashly intervened twenty years ago, they have all been slapped by King Nunn with ease, losing their teeth and suffering serious injuries...

Faced with this crisis and the renewed alliance of the three northern cities, all forces preferred to remain neutral and stand by, with no one daring to provoke the dragon.

This includes the Star Kingdom, which took advantage of the Freedom Alliance to cause trouble.

But Thales realized something.

“Your expression, Gilbert.”

"what happens?"

The former foreign minister glanced at Thales's reaction and sighed:
"As you know, just a few months ago, the Kingdom's intelligence outpost in Exter suffered a major blow and is still rebuilding..."

"The information we've received is very disorganized, and we're still verifying it piece by piece. The secret service has been extremely busy these past few days..."

Thales skipped over these platitudes:
"Then what do you know?"

Gilbert remained silent for a moment.

Thales stared intently at him.

"Although not fully confirmed, it is generally true..."

Gilbert's tone was calm:

"The Extermen failed to capture the city and suffered heavy losses."

"In just a few days, they suffered a series of defeats and were severely damaged."

"Furthermore, supplies were cut off, and their rear was attacked."

"Forced to abandon the objective..."

"The entire army retreated in disarray."

Thales froze.

"That's right, Your Highness."

At this moment, Gilbert sighed softly, his words conveying a sorrow and感慨 that only those well-versed in history could truly understand:

"Since the reign of King Nunn VI, they have risen to power with overwhelming force, conquering all before them and winning every battle..."

"Under the rule of the born king, his hegemony is strong and his power shakes the Western Continent..."

"That man who conquered countless battles, was invincible, and drove us to a dead end, leading to the destruction of our country and the loss of our homes..."

"The Kingdom of Exter..."

Gilbert sighed:

"Lost."

Thales was lost in thought for a moment.

Ext.

People from the North.

The Kingdom of Dragons.

The North Wind and the Dragon's Children.

The descendants of the hero Nekaru.

Lost?

Gilbert was still speaking, but Thales seemed to be listening through a curtain, nodding absently.

Throughout his long life, he constantly worried about his own life, running around tirelessly to protect himself, struggling to navigate the endless political games and the vortex of the times...

But this was the first time he had ever felt this so clearly:
The times have changed.

Thales took a deep breath.

“So I think that makes your appearance today even more important…” Gilbert’s words echoed in his ears.

But Thales was no longer listening.

"Little... Sai..."

Thales instinctively opened his mouth, but could only utter a few monosyllables.

Gilbert frowned.

Until the second prince indifferently looked up:

"Dragon Sky City...Where is the Grand Duchess?"

Gilbert remained silent for a while, as if he had expected it, or as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

But the Duke of Starlake's gaze was far too intense.

It's irresistible.

"According to current information..."

Gilbert began with difficulty: "After the great victory, the Liberal Alliance claimed..."

"They captured the enemy commander."

"His fate is unknown."

At that moment, Thales heard nothing.

It was as if the entire Mindis Hall had been completely silenced.

Today is the author's birthday, so this is an extra chapter. — By Wujian's Neighbor's Dog

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(End of this chapter)