Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 537 Beautiful Boy

The Mindis Hall was still filled with a persistent but restrained noise (except perhaps for the gruff voices of the Northland and Dwarf guests), and many important guests had arrived. The area around the banquet hall had become a social venue most familiar to the upper class of the capital.

Meanwhile, Thales, the host of the banquet, faithfully performed his duties.

"So, Your Grace, it is indeed a pity that we missed each other, but who knows if this was not the sunset's arrangement?"

Vicar Stilliards nodded politely to Duke Starlake; his frankness, humility, and understanding made him instantly likable.

"...This gave me the opportunity to reflect on myself: Was I concerned about this matter for the vanity and status that position represented, or for the determination and conviction to spread the faith...? Of course, the result of this reflection made me ashamed..."

Thales engaged in friendly conversation with this most promising young priest in the Sunset Church, exchanging polite greetings with a fresh and sincere smile, and nodding in agreement from time to time.

"As it turns out, I am far from possessing the qualities that God appreciates, and I am indeed unworthy to discuss God's teachings with you..."

Not far away, Doyle squinted and rubbed his chin, carefully observing Thales, who was chatting amicably with a guest.

"Hey, I recognize that expression."

Upon hearing this, Golov turned his head and glanced at Doyle: You recognize him again?

“His Highness is smiling,” Golov said coldly.

But DD shook his head and clicked his tongue:

"No, no, no, believe me, that child must be in turmoil right now, wishing he could scream and beg for mercy..."

Golov turned his head back and ignored him.

Doyle was left shaking his head, deeply moved:

"And in my experience, that's when the person you love has given their heart to someone else, and you're powerless to stop it..."

Golov snorted coldly.

Seeing that he was not getting a positive response, Doyle couldn't help but turn around and nudge his colleague.

"So, aren't you even a little bit curious?"

DD has some regrets:

"What exactly did Count Cassel say to him?"

Golov glanced at Doyle, then looked behind him, his face expressionless, and remained silent.

"I know."

Doyle paused slightly.

Hearing footsteps and a familiar voice behind him, he turned around stiffly, his voice unsteady:
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty the Duke?"

Thales had finished his conversation at some point and was now standing behind him with his hands behind his back, looking all smiles.

This kid looks like a street thief...

Doyle was silently depressed.

I'm speaking so softly, how can you still hear me?
“Gilbert just told me,” Thales said, mimicking Doyle’s tone, his voice filled with emotion:
"The one I love has given herself to someone else, and I am powerless to stop it..."

Doyle scratched his head and gave a silly, bewildered smile.

If he remembers correctly, perhaps it was this very thing that won over the young duke's heart, that foolish Cohen.

Until Thales' face turned cold instantly:
"Are you satisfied?"

Doyle's smile froze.

"Hehe, you're really joking. Who in this world is so blind as to dare to touch your woman..."

The next second, Doyle shuddered again.

He inexplicably felt that after saying those words, the Duke's aura...

It seems colder now?
Thales gave a soft snort before walking away.

Glov pursed his lips and dutifully followed.

"Hey," the zombie walked past Doyle, who had made a fool of himself, completely unconcerned.

“I recognize that expression.”

Doyle was taken aback, then gave him a fierce look.

Pah, zombie, I really misjudged you before.

So you're a gossipy guy who gloats over others' misfortunes too.

I will remember this grudge!

Thales ignored the glares and undercurrents exchanged between the two people behind him and continued on his way.

In fact, Doyle had hit the nail on the head regarding some of his concerns.

Thales couldn't remember how he said goodbye to Gilbert.

What he remembered was that he remained composed and courteous—like the most dutiful Duke of Starlake—as he appeared at the welcoming position to continue his duties.

But only the Duke himself knew.

From that moment on, his steps became much heavier in a daze.

The surrounding noise was all mixed together, blurring everything, and he could no longer sift through it to find the parts he wanted.

Calm down, Thales.

The Duke remained expressionless, silently reflecting on his thoughts.

Selma.

She'll be alright.

They captured the enemy commander-in-chief...

Their fate is unknown...

The muscles in Thales' arms tensed up involuntarily.

The sins of the River of Hell began to flow silently.

No.

Thales' breathing gradually quickened.

No.

Calm down, Thales.

The prince said to himself once again.

Cheer up.

Selma will be fine.

She was the Grand Duchess of Dragonrise City, and the Freedom Alliance understood that keeping her alive was far more valuable than killing her to vent their anger...

Or worse...

Thinking of this, Thales's breath caught in his throat.

Because you are a girl.

That means... in most games in this world, you'll have to pay a higher price than a man...

The thought of what he had said to the girl made Thales feel as if his heart was being torn apart.

At that moment, an endless, inexplicable anger rose within him.

Burning everything.

How did Longxiao City lose?

With Walton, Ronnie, and Lyco joining forces, combining the power of the three Exeter families, how could they possibly lose?

Nikolai.

Deadface, why couldn't he protect his lord? He was just grazed by the Death Crow and became useless?
Lisbon Regency.

The protector and guardian of Dragon Sky City, wasn't he the "Dragon Eye," the born king? Did all his schemes and plots go to hell with the late king?
Count Kierkegaard.

He's supposedly the fiercest general under King Nuen, so is all that boasting he did every day about losing an arm to conquer Freehold just shameless bragging?

Grand Duke Ronnie.

The mighty and resolute Lord of Qiyuan City could not even be subdued by the small Freedom Fortress.
And others...

The sins of the River of Hell flowed faster and more fiercely in his veins.

Exter's valiant northern army...

Are they all just for show?
His fist unconsciously clenched inside his sleeve.

The sin of the River of Hell gradually took shape and spread throughout his body.

No.

Thales thought to himself as he took a deep breath.

You can't count on Exter, you can't count on those stupid idiots to help Selma.

He had to do something.

but……

but.

Think, Thales, think, think what else can you do?
Seek help from Gilbert? Get the Star Kingdom involved? Contact the Kingdom's secret service?
but……

Thales sadly discovered that, as a prince, no matter what means he used or what path he took, he was powerless to change his fate.

The enormous shadow that could not be avoided still loomed over the Mindis Hall.

He finally escaped the hostile Exter and returned to the Star Kingdom, but he was still like a bird in a cage.

When faced with an old friend in need of help...

Nothing can be done.

Or is this the truth of his life in this world?
What will become of him?

For some reason, he suddenly thought of Megan, the priestess he had only known for a short time.

The setting sun bears witness that our destinies were already intertwined in the darkness.

Thales closed his eyes helplessly.

The setting sun.

If you truly exist, you wield power...

If you are truly the guardian of my family and my country...

please.

Please bless her, help her, and take care of her.

I pity that innocent girl who was caught up in my unfortunate fate.

and many more.

He does not understand the gods.

but.

Compared to the gods, those who truly exist and wield power...

Thales gently opened his eyes.

Maybe……

Perhaps there is another way...

only……

The price to pay...

Thales gritted his teeth.

Within his body, the sin of the Hell River roared fiercely.

But if, if this could save her from an even more tragic future...

Thales's eyes grew increasingly cold.

The River of Hell was intensifying its turmoil, nearly boiling over.

at this time.

Snapped!
Thales was slapped hard on the shoulder!
He instinctively tried to retaliate, but the person behind him gripped his arm tightly, leaving him unable to move forward or backward!

"Your Highness!"

Marius stood before him, grasped Thales' right hand, and lightly patted the prince's chest:

"really……"

Thales gritted his teeth, struggling to suppress the urge to pounce on his bodyguard captain.

The power of annihilation within him was suppressed, howling within his blood.

It's like an untamed wild beast being put back in its cage.

"I was wondering why something was missing here..."

The watchman still gripped the prince's right arm.

He examined Thales's flat, smooth chest, frowned, and pondered:

"I suspect that the Brilliant Star badge in Baron Barney's hand in the banquet hall wasn't stolen by him."

"It's simply because you're too wasteful, giving away a poor boy like that... Of course, it could also be because of a pretty woman..."

Upon hearing his superior's words, Doyle, who was not far away, gave his colleague a knowing smile, but Golov still gave him a cold reply.

"By the way, Your Highness, please allow me to introduce the guests below..."

Thales struggled to lift his head.

Then, with equal difficulty, he managed a smile.

At Marius's introduction, the Duke of Starlake warmly welcomed Burn Talen, the lord of Glacier City whom he had met once at the state conference six years earlier. Talen was one of the thirteen earls and a distant relative and close advisor to the Starlight royal family. In fact, the first Earl Talen had been granted the title of Duke of Starlake before being granted his own fiefdom.

This makes Count Talen's visit even more significant.

But this information, which he had memorized perfectly, simply flowed through Thales's brain meaninglessly, enabling him to put on a perfect smile once again and utter false pleasantries.

At that moment, Thales suddenly felt a sense of empathy and understanding for his enemy, Jann Kevin Deer.

The Iris Duke, who sought to use the vampires to kill him, was probably like that too, burdened with a heavy heart yet with a gentle smile.

Welcoming and seeing off guests.

The seasons remain the same?

He watched with great enthusiasm as Count Talen followed Marius away, his demeanor impeccable and flawless.

but……

Is this all he can do?

Thales thought ironically:
Standing here, leaning against the door, selling smiles for some foolish banquet of his own?

Meanwhile, the girl he owes so much to may be trapped in enemy territory...

Thales took a deep breath.

Just then, a sentence whispered into his ear.

"I'm thinking, maybe letting you practice your sword last night was a mistake?"

Thales paused, looking at Marius who had returned sometime earlier.

The latter leaned close to his ear and whispered:

“Unless you’re going to have a life-or-death duel with a guest tonight to demonstrate the fierce prowess you’ve brought back from the North,” Marius said sarcastically.

"Otherwise, please keep your restless power of ending in check."

Thales steadied himself:

"how do you know?"

"Don't forget, I'm your martial arts instructor," Marius said calmly.

He then casually turned around, shielding Thales behind him, and scolded DD for making faces at Golover.

Thales adjusted his breathing, and a realization dawned on him.

His power to end things.

Correct.

Wake up, Thales.

You're far from the point where you'll ultimately overturn the chessboard.

You know what to do, don't you?
Engage the enemy.

Observe the enemy.

To subdue the enemy.

Thales silently recited the three principles of dealing with the enemy, pondering them carefully.

The River of Sin seemed to be in sync with its master's state; at this moment, it flowed listlessly, dark and stagnant, devoid of its previous madness and violence.

Chaman Lumba.

A name flashed through his mind.

Exter's westward campaign ended in a disastrous defeat, with even his commander being captured. This was no longer just a problem involving the three territories.

It concerns the dignity of the entire Exeter.

If King Chaman wants to maintain his position, he cannot turn a blind eye and pretend to be deaf and dumb.

He must, in the name of the entire kingdom, reclaim Selma from the Free Alliance.

Of course, this might come at the cost of Black Sand Territory interfering in the internal affairs of the three cities and expanding its royal power...

and many more.

To expand royal power.

Thales' thoughts cleared up.

The Free Alliance is a small and weak nation, and it is not logically possible for it to fight against the powerful Longxiao, Qiyuan, and Jieshou three cities on its own and turn the tide of the battle.

They may have strong allies or external forces intervening in the situation.

Thales frowned.

King Chaman.

It's you.

You again?
That's not the case.

That man won't let go easily. He will use the captured Selma as a bargaining chip, squeezing every last bit of value out of her, dividing her up, bribing her, blackmailing her, deceiving her—he will stop at nothing.

Weaken Qiyuan City.

Deterrence and defense of the city.

Subdue Dragon Sky City.

As for the little rascal...

Be careful, Thales, when the enemies sense your weakness...

The voice of King Chaman faintly echoed in his ears, and Thales clenched his fist again.

How to do.

How am I supposed to face Chaman Lumba, who is thousands of miles away?
How to do?
Thales clenched his fist tighter and tighter.

The Sin of the River of Hell seemed to sense its master's mood. Upon discovering that it was showing signs of resurgence, it stirred and tried to once again engulf its master's entire body.

But the next moment, a newly arrived guest interrupted Thales's reminiscence.

The newcomer strode in, his cloak billowing slightly. His left eye was covered by a scar, and his remaining eye revealed a cold and stern look.

Thales paused slightly in his breathing.

It's him.

Six years ago...

Old friend.

The moment this nobleman appeared, the once noisy courtyard of the Mindis Hall fell silent, as if a conductor had waved his baton, bringing the music to a halt.

Even Doyle stopped joking around.

Upon seeing him, the guests fell silent. Those who recognized him, prompted by one another, approached him in twos and threes to pay their respects.

The middle-aged nobles were not enthusiastic, responding to the greetings of the lower-ranking nobles in a casual and arrogant manner.

The middle-aged nobleman entered the hall, handed his cloak to a waiter, dismissed the attendants who had come with him without question, took a pen and paper, scribbled a few lines on the guest list, and then looked around the Mindis Hall.

"Rudolph once told me that this is a good place and worth visiting often."

The middle-aged nobleman snorted and said coldly:
"Now, well, I still prefer the cliffside."

The next second, the one-eyed guest stopped looking and his gaze fell on Thales.

At Marius's prompting, Thales stepped forward slowly, a smile on his face.

"Your Excellency Duke of Southrest, welcome..."

But the other person interrupted him directly.

"Why are you so thin?" "You haven't grown much taller either?"

Thales' expression froze.

The Duke of Cliffland, the master of the giant antler deer, nicknamed "One-Eyed Dragon" Gustav Nanthrist, frowned and scrutinized him:
"Have the Yankees mistreated you for the past six years?"

As the Duke of Starlake, Thales remained silent for a moment, and could only return his polite smile.

Kusder snorted coldly:
"Then you'd better repay them in kind, and live up to the stars' expectations."

Having said that, the one-eyed duke didn't even glance at the prince, shoved the servant aside, and strode forward.

No.

Thales frowned slightly, but felt a surge of joy in his heart.

At least, there are still things he can do.

"Lord Kusder, do you know Levi Trudida?"

Gosd stopped in his tracks.

Thales made a downward gesture to Marius and the other two, then followed and stood opposite the one-eyed man.

"He is the son of the Grand Duke of Rebuilding the Tower, and he has also come to attend the banquet today."

Kusder squinted his single eye and scrutinized Thales closely.

"Trudida..."

The Duke of Cliffland scoffed dismissively:
"Some shameless northern bastard has fathered many sons, and quite a few bastards."

"Heaven knows which of his sons it is."

"God knows if it's his child."

Listening to the other person's emotionally charged confirmation of Trudida, Thales seemed to be deep in thought.

The rebuilt tower is adjacent to the northern border and is related to the border defense of the two countries.

But it actually has more mountainous territory, bordering the Clifflands of the Southrest family, where they both live and develop in the Sighing Mountains, and stand in opposition to each other.

(“They’re just two cowards, sitting on opposite peaks across a canyon, yelling at each other: ‘Come on over if you dare!’” — Nikolai, picking his nose dismissively while idly listening to two kids’ Northland history lesson.)
Thales took a step closer, forcing himself not to look at Kusd's scarred left eye, and whispered:

"Levyain, I'll help you. I need to buy some food to take home."

Food.

The one-eyed dragon stirred slightly:
"food?"

Thales didn't have time to ponder the other person's reaction; he simply nodded.

"The autumn harvest is over, and winter is approaching."

Thales looked at the one-eyed man, and their eyes met.

For the first time in six years, Kusder turned around and looked directly at Thales, his eyes filled with thoughts.

This is what their reunion truly is.

Thales smiled and raised his hand, gesturing for the other person to go first.

The two walked forward at a leisurely pace.

“But I think it’s not just about food,” Thales said calmly.

Kusder squinted his single eye.

Thales smiled and nodded.

One of them lived in the north for a long time, and the other had a border with another country, so they both had some understanding, which need not be fully explained.

As territory on the southwestern border of Exter, Rebuilding Tower is situated in the Sighing Mountains, a place that is easy to defend and difficult to attack, peaceful and stable, and rich in mineral resources, making it very profitable.

However, due to the terrain, their enfeoffment system was complex, their vassals were scattered, and they also had little arable land and poor soil.

In recent years, however, they have also taken in a number of immigrants who fled due to the increasing local conflicts within the kingdom.

Every year, the bitter cold of the dead of winter is a test for the lords of the Rebuilding Tower.

They have long been forced to rely on income from mining and metallurgy to import food.

“In the past, with Olesh of the Wilan Territory and Rumba of the Black Sand Territory by his side,” Thales said casually, yet his eyes were shrewd.

"The three territories are closely connected, and their alliance is strong."

"The Reconstruction Tower has its own way of importing supplies and storing grain for the winter."

Of course, if one is willing to pay the price, set aside one's dignity, and swallow one's pride (which is one of the personal strengths of Grand Duke Trudida), the powerful Dragon Sky City and the grain-producing Beacon City are not necessarily unwilling to condescend to lend a hand.

"but now……"

Kusder listened to his words, his expression shifting slightly.

Thales scoffed softly.

Since the death of King Nuen, King Chaman has been crowned...

The dragon's wings dimmed, and the beacon's light shone timidly.

As for places like Qiyuan, Jieshou, Binghai, Milu, and Shaowang, they are either too far away to help and can't quench the immediate thirst, or they are all preoccupied with their own ulterior motives and don't care about anything else.

But what's even more frightening is that the neighbor of the Rebuilt Tower—Black Sand Territory—has risen to prominence under the leadership of King Chaman, its ambitions obvious.

The balance of power within Exter was thus lost.

Thales carefully observed the one-eyed man's expression; they both understood the rest of the logic.

Rumba of Black Sand Territory, Aurelius of Wiran Territory, Trudida of the Tower Reconstruction...

South of Exter, three powerful dukes once united against a common enemy, resisting the dragons in the north and the stars in the south...

For eighteen years, these three families have been eagerly anticipating and eyeing the Fuxing Palace and Duanlong Fortress with their ambitions, causing them great anxiety...

They had long been estranged in name only.

Part ways.

Thales and Kusder strolled slowly, both deep in thought.

"So they turned to you? To the Starry Sky Royal Family?" Kusder said coldly.

Thales exhaled and began to think:
“As I understand it, someone as cunning as Trudida wouldn’t gamble so easily,” Duke Starlake said softly.

"He should be smiling and shaking hands with Rumba, continuing to trade and purchase grain through the old channels, as if everything were still the same."

"On the other hand, just like today, we will stockpile supplies in batches through channels including Xingchen to reduce pressure and accumulate them over time in preparation for unforeseen circumstances."

The one-eyed man snorted coldly:
"They've always been two-faced, so I'm not surprised."

"If it's true, then they must have started doing it at least six years ago."

Thales nodded:
"If they want to transport goods from the stars to the Reconstruction Tower and avoid the Black Sand Territory, they can't go through the Northern Border. They either have to cross the sea directly from the East Sea Territory..."

Kusde took over the topic without a care:

"Either take the land route, through my territory."

Thales sighed and nodded:
"Cliffside".

"smuggling."

Kusder seemed to be deep in thought:
"But since they've come to you, it must be..."

The one-eyed man's expression suddenly changed!

He suddenly turned his head:
"After you came back, what happened to the Freedom Alliance's war?"

"The Yankees lost?"

Thales sighed inwardly.

That guy reacted really fast.

Even Thales himself only managed to obtain sporadic information about the North by interrogating Gilbert.

“No, the Yankees can’t lose,” Kusd immediately realized, his expression grave.
"So it must be... Rumba won?"

Thales felt heavy-hearted.

He stopped and cleared his throat:
"Let me put it this way, the outcome is still unclear."

"But King Chaman... has a great advantage."

This news left Kusder pondering for a long time.

"You mean you want me to be kind enough to let the Rebuilding Tower's goods go, so that they'll be more confident in their ability to stand up to the king of Black Sand?"

"To weaken our great enemy in the future?"

Thales stared at the other man's single eye and remained silent for a long time.

It was this very duke who, six years ago, acted recklessly and spearheaded a coup at a state conference.

It was this same duke who, six years ago, glared and spoke out, planting the seeds of doubt in Thales's heart.

What exactly does he want?

"No, I'm just reminding you."

Thales said calmly:

"This is an opportunity."

"It's also a bargaining chip."

The one-eyed man's expression shifted slightly.

"If there really is such a plan to rebuild the tower, then you can set up roadblocks, extort money, threaten and blackmail, or even send people to ambush and kill people on the way."

The scene of Trudida speaking up for him in the Hall of Heroes, facilitating the election of the king, was still vivid in his mind, but Thales merely shook his head, dismissing his sincere apology to the Grand Duke with the bowl cut:
"Since there's profit to be made, why not?"

At this moment, Kusder's gaze towards him became more interesting, more lively and energetic, no longer so cold and indifferent, and unapproachable.

But Thales changed the subject:
"Of course, you can also let them pass through, or even actively reinforce them, making them more and more accustomed to and dependent on the benefits of this supply line—that's how King Nuen has dealt with Elk City for the past few decades."

Thales said coldly.

"King Nuen?" The playfulness in Kusd's eyes gradually disappeared, replaced by seriousness.

Thales nodded.

"First, clear the obstacles, re-establish trade routes, generously supply goods, and provide strong support."

Duke Starlake's fingers slowly closed in the air:

"Wait until the other person gets used to being intoxicated and becomes deeply dependent, then slowly withdraw and gently strangle them."

He suddenly clenched his fist!

"And so, Deer City was caught in a dilemma, at the mercy of others, and was completely suppressed by Dragon Sky City, with no power to fight back."

Kusder frowned deeply.

Thales lowered his hand, looked up, and smiled:

"Whether you advance or retreat, attack or defend, your intentions are entirely up to you."

The Duke of Starlake bowed in delight:
"Happy Holy Day, Lord Kusder."

At least, that's all he can do right now.

Thales thought to himself sadly.

If this can help Selma in her predicament, even in the slightest way, and prevent Rumba from concentrating...

But just as he turned around, the one-eyed man spoke in a low voice behind him.

"Born King".

“So,” Kusd paused slightly, his one eye narrowing slightly, “…”
"You learned a lot from him?"

Born to be king.

Thales's mood tightened for no apparent reason.

He felt as if he were back on that night, watching King Nuen indifferently reach out and reveal the "Triumphant" ring.

"Do not."

For some reason, Thales instinctively denied it, with absolute certainty:
"I've known him for less than a day."

"How can we talk about learning?"

Kusder walked leisurely up to him and stared at him for a long time.

It was as if this was the first time she had ever seen the prince.

The One-Eyed Duke spoke slowly:
"why?"

Although the other party was not referring to anyone clearly, Thales knew what he wanted to ask.

"Thank you."

Thales looked up, his smile unchanged:
"Indeed, I have seen a lot and grown a lot during the six years I have been away from home."

The Duke of Starlake expressed his gratitude with a degree of sincerity:
"And all of this is thanks to your honesty with me six years ago."

Honesty.

Kusder continued to stare intently at him, without uttering a word.

It was as if Thales was a large rock, and he wanted to sculpt it with his eyes.

"I can tell..."

"What happened six years ago in the north changed everything, didn't it?"

Has everything changed?
Thales's thoughts darkened.

"Yes."

"The born king is no more."

Nuen VII.

As the years went by and the impact became more and more apparent, Thales felt increasingly emotional:
That early morning, the Kingdom of Exter lost...

More than just a king.

Recalling the voice and smile of that unparalleled overlord, as if it were yesterday, the young man murmured in a daze:
"And on the vast continent, ten bloodthirsty beasts, once firmly tethered to him, submissive and suppressing their true nature..."

Thales' expression turned serious.

"They are vying to escape from their cages."

"Hunger will make you eat anything."

"A fight to the death."

According to the old crow's opinion...

It might even harm the neighbors.

It has caused immeasurable harm.

Kusder stared intently at him.

"No, more than that."

"Didn't you see? Six years ago, this wasn't the only thing that affected the Western Continent."

Thales snapped out of his daze, a wave of confusion washing over him:
what?
"Compared to a certain once-prominent king, who was buried and placed in a coffin..."

Kusder stepped forward slowly, put his hand on his shoulder, and lowered his voice:
"more importantly……"

The next moment, the one-eyed man's eyes narrowed, and Thales felt a sudden tightening in his jaw!
Then, Kusder opened his left index finger and thumb, grasped Thales' chin, and lifted the prince's face.

Doyle and Golov were both startled and were about to step forward to stop them, but Marius held them back.

Six years ago, a young star, after being tempered, shed its dust and obscurity.

Duke Starlake was astonished as he watched the other man's single eye press against his pupil, so close to his own, and heard the deep, subtle voice of Kosted seep into his eardrums.

That terrifying eye seemed to contain countless towering peaks, standing majestically.

Following their master's words, they broke through the fog and soared into the sky:
"Rising slowly..."

“Radiant and dazzling”.

Kusder's tone carried an eerie fervor.

one second.

two seconds.

three seconds.

The prince, who was stunned by the towering peaks in the other's eyes, suddenly awoke.

"You...that...I...can't..."

Doyle and Golover behind him exchanged glances, while Marius frowned deeply.

But the Duke of Cliffland persisted, steadily advancing with an aggressive air.

“The young star has returned to its place,” Kusder said calmly, his voice carrying an ancient, refined tone.
"Updated daily."

Until the one-eyed man's tone suddenly changed, like a sudden change in the flow of water, becoming rapid and dangerous:
"When will I reach the zenith of the heavens and shine brightly in the Milky Way?"

Reaching the zenith, shining brightly in the Milky Way...

Duke Xinghu's heart skipped a beat.

Thales steadied himself, calming the sudden panic that had gripped him.

"Your knowledge of the ancient empire's grammar is profound," the prince took a deep breath, finally managing to compose himself and avoid the other party's pointed topic:

"Unfortunately, grammar is not my forte."

Kusder stopped, ignoring the surprised and suspicious looks of those around him, and fixed his single eye on Thales.

A few seconds later, he gave a deep laugh:
"excusable."

The Duke of Cliffland let out an unsettling sneer:
"If the king is both a scholar and a warrior, he is proficient in everything, big or small."

"Then what's the point of having us vassals?"

Thales tried hard not to interpret the sentence in a way that was full of hidden meanings, and answered hastily in an awkward manner:

"So we each perform our duties, together becoming stars?"

Kusder squinted his eyes:
"So you agreed?"

"Our proposal?"

Our proposal.

Six years ago, we made you a promise...

The Earl of Wingburg's words faintly echoed:

It is still effective.

Thales felt a chill run down his spine.

At that moment, it was as if a giant black hand reached out from the void, gripping him tightly, making it difficult for the boy to breathe and rendering him unable to move.

Thales tried his best to regulate his breathing:

"I do not know what you're talking about."

The young duke straightened his face and glanced at the people around him out of the corner of his eye:

"What proposal?"

Kusder's eyes turned cold, and he took a step back.

But then he looked around the Mindis Hall, a sense of something dawning on him, and a smile crept onto his lips.

"Of course, hehehehe, of course..."

Kusder first chuckled softly, then raised his voice in a cold laugh, revealing his arrogance:
No proposals were made.

Thales felt slightly uneasy and uneasy.

A second later, the Duke of Southrest, having finished laughing, lowered his head, his single eye deep and penetrating:

"The journey is long and the sea is vast."

He spoke in a cold voice, his gaze piercing, yet his tone was filled with an unusual sense of satisfaction:

"But you just had to leave."

"Forced to set sail."

As soon as he finished speaking, the master of the cliff land, the giant antler deer of the South, the one-eyed dragon Köst, turned and left without hesitation.

He rudely pushed aside the two respectfully leading servants, showing no respect for anyone, and walked away with a cold laugh.

Thales stood there, his clothes slightly disheveled, lost in thought.

It drew the attention of countless people.

After a while, Doyle, who had been keeping his distance from the attendant, nudged Golov, who also had a strange expression on his face.

"Um, a zombie... I really recognize that expression..."

Golov turned his head and squinted.

Doyle watched Thales, who was straightening his clothes and lost in thought, and cautiously observed:

"You mean, the Duke of Southrest..."

"His preference, could it be..."

DD glanced at Thales with concern, then looked in the direction where Kosd had disappeared, his face full of doubt:
"A handsome young man, isn't he?"

(End of this chapter)