Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 609 The Rebellion Ends
Apart from the faint sound of breathing, the Ballard Room was quiet and still; you could hear a pin drop.

But as the chief commander of the Royal Guard, Lord Adrian felt that this was one of the most agonizing, torturous, and painful moments of his life.

Firelight and blades flashed, the lights swayed gently.

The setting sun casts its light on the wall, making it appear blood-red.

Separated by a table, the Supreme King and the Duke of Star Lake faced each other silently, without uttering a word.

Everyone else remained silent, caught in a chilling and tense silence, waiting in the eerie yet fragile stillness.

Finally, after an unknown amount of time, King Kessel's deep and restrained voice slowly echoed in the room:

"why?"

why.

The king spoke calmly and slowly.

Yet it contains an unbearable weight.

His response was the young duke's low laughter.

Thales rested his forehead on the hilt of the Heavy Bearer's sword, exhaled, and stopped chuckling.

"Shouldn't you have expected this to happen?"

“After you summoned me to the palace for an audience, and then ransacked the Mindis Hall.”

Thales raised his head, his eyes flashing like lightning:
"His Majesty?"

The prince's reply was light and calm, yet it inexplicably relieved many people who had been tense for a long time.

The king gazed at his son, the blue sea in his eyes regaining its unfathomable depth.

He didn't think for long before letting out a soft hum and turning his head away, as if the person in the opposite seat wasn't worth his attention.

"Adrian, Marico."

The head of the guard and the second-in-command bowed deeply, pressing their hands to their chests in unison:

"His Majesty?"

"His Majesty!"

King Kessel picked up the letter from the table and began to read it.

"The Duke of Starlake is suffering from exhaustion and mental instability."

The king's casual remark instantly changed everyone's expression!

Even Thales frowned slightly.

"Have the Royal Guard escort him back to Mindis Hall to recuperate."

"Keep a low profile."

"The Imperial Council continues."

Maric readily accepted the order, and even before he could eagerly wave his hand, one or two bold and resentful guards had already stepped forward.

Gilbert was horrified:

"Your Majesty! No!"

Even the Prime Minister of Cullen frowned:
"Your Majesty, have you reconsidered?"

The people in the Mindis Hall outside the door were equally anxious, but Wyatt and Rolf, who were the first to act, already had several swords held to their necks. Golov was pinned to the ground by several of his Vanguard Wing colleagues, barely able to breathe. DD, who was shouting, had his mouth and nose covered, and could only manage to shout "No!"

The battle-hardened Cohen used the black horse as a shield, struggling back and forth, which made the royal guards, who were hesitant to attack, scramble in a panic. But at some point, a scarred man who came out of Ballard's room appeared behind him. No one knows what he said, but the fierce big man suddenly froze and was then struck on the back of the head by the scarred man, falling straight down.

An uneasy Jenny bared her teeth fiercely, but an experienced old guard lit a blazing torch and pressed himself in front of her. The large black horse, despite its size, whimpered and immediately became docile, choosing to protect itself.

Thales withdrew his gaze, knowing he had no backup—even though they had entered the palace in a daze.

"But Your Majesty."

Adrian, as the captain of the guard, raised his hand to calm Marico, who was about to step forward, and tentatively said:
"From here to the Mindis Hall—"

“Fabio Adrian.” The king was engrossed in reading the letter, not even looking up.

When called by his full name, Lord Adrian immediately lowered his head and shut his mouth.

"I have been forgiving enough today."

"Regardless of who it is."

Although the speech was directed at the captain of the guard, everyone present, including Gilbert, his subordinates, and the guards, felt a chill run down their spines.

"Stop testing my patience."

Just now.

clang!
A sharp sound startled everyone, and they all turned their heads in unison:

Thales held the sword upside down by the hilt and tapped the tip of the "Bearer" on the floor tiles of the Ballard Chamber, checking the forging quality of the ancient imperial sword.

Clang, clang, clang!
In front of everyone, Thales ignored the gasps and, with the help of the River of Sin, hoisted the bearer onto his shoulders, clicking his tongue in amazement.

Several guards who were closest to the boy were about to step forward when they saw this scene and stopped in their tracks.

The load-bearer.

It truly lives up to its reputation as the family heirloom of that big, simple-minded guy.

It is not only of good quality, but also extremely heavy.

Just maintaining this posture without collapsing took a lot of his strength.

Not to mention, you also have to be careful not to accidentally hurt yourself with its sharp blade that's right next to you.

Just like his title.

"I always felt that this room was too monotonous."

Feeling the cold, sharp blade against his shoulder, the prince looked up at the tense crowd and said cheerfully, "Perhaps we should hang another painting, for example..."

Thales narrowed his eyes, his tone instantly turning serious:

"The King's Sacrifice to His Son at Denggao?"

At that moment, many people couldn't help but hold their breath.

Thales caught a glimpse of their reaction, gave a cold laugh, and became even more unrestrained:

"Still 'Iron-Fisted King Kills His Son'?"

Killing one's own child.

Everyone was taken aback at first, then looked nervously at the king.

"Stop fooling around, Your Highness!"

Seeing the situation worsening, Gilbert spoke sternly, his face contorted with pain as he addressed the prince by his first name, a stark contrast to his usual impeccable manners.
"Thales!"

But Thales simply returned his smile and remained silent.

Only the setting sun cast a crimson glow on his collar.

Faced with the prince's response, Lord Adrian sighed helplessly and looked back at the king.

At the end of the long table, Iron Fist King seemed to finally come to his senses, slowly raising his eyes from the letter.

"This is the Kingdom's Royal Council."

He glanced at his son and gave a dismissive snort.

"I don't have time to listen to a wronged little brat crying and wailing."

As the courtiers exchanged bewildered glances, King Kessel's tone suddenly turned cold:

"If he wants to commit suicide, let him."

Let him be.

Amidst his astonishment, Thales couldn't help but clench his teeth.

"A shining star doesn't need idiots."

Iron-Fisted King lowered his head, his gaze returning to the letter:
"Or a coward."

All eyes turned back to Duke Starlake.

The courtiers watched his eyes and words with bated breath, while the guards kept their eyes fixed on his movements and the edge of his sword.

Thales felt a chill run down his spine.

At that moment, he felt as if he had returned to six years ago, back to Dragon Sky City, back to the Hall of Heroes in the Palace of Heroes.

At that time, the eyes of the Heavenly King and the five Grand Dukes were just like they are now, like thousands of sharp arrows, aimed at the heavy sword in his hand that was difficult to hold.

They waited.

Waiting for him to commit suicide.

Or surrender.

Six years.

Nothing has changed.

Except for one thing.

Thales's gaze hardened, and the sins of the River of Hell gathered like a gentle stream, helping him to grip the heavy burden on his shoulders.

The sword in his hand was no longer too heavy to bear.

"Then you must be an idiot and a coward, Father?"

Thales spoke calmly, but his words were as sharp as a knife:

"Or perhaps you don't want to be a shining star anymore?"

"Is it?"

The words, which insulted the king, were met with a deathly silence at first, then sparked an uproar.

The king remained motionless, only his eyes gleaming with a cold light.

Eighteen years have passed since Kessel Star was crowned king after the Bloody Year.

During the reign of the Iron-Fisted King, the last time someone directly confronted or even insulted the Supreme King was at the State Affairs Conference six years ago.

The traitorous duke who spoke so rudely was already imprisoned and destined to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Many who were hoping for the situation to calm down were disappointed and couldn't help but sigh with regret.

The royal guards looked solemn as they gripped their weapons, nodded to each other, and made a final confirmation.

“Your Highness…” Gilbert looked ashen-faced, closed his eyes, and said nothing more.

Unexpectedly, the king hesitated slightly and put down the letter.

"Oh?"

King Kessel's questioning voice stopped several guards who were preparing to launch a sneak attack from behind.

The king gazed at the prince for a long, long time.

But this time, there was something more in Kessel's eyes.

"why?"

Despite having only a single, incoherent word, Thales knew what he wanted to ask.

It's like a unique telepathic connection between the stars.

"You know why."

Thales tapped the spine of his sword and said calmly:
"For whatever reason, if the heir to the throne dies in the Palace of Restoration, your reign will suffer an unprecedented and devastating blow."

"The stars are the same."

Heir to the throne.

He died at Fuxing Palace.

With just a few words, he caused all the ministers before him to frown, their minds filled with countless calculations.

King Kessel continued to stare at Thales, his eyes slowly widening.

“Forcing me to my death here, Father, is tantamount to cutting off your own path to survival and digging your own grave.”

“Of course.” Thales shrugged, relaxed and at ease.
"If you want to commit suicide, so be it."

In that instant, Iron Fist King's eyes turned icy cold.

But Thales did not flinch or back down; his gaze met the king's directly.
"Anyway, Star doesn't need idiots."

"Or a coward."

Thales finished speaking.

At that moment, everyone present stared in shock at their prince.

Lord Adrian pressed his forehead in frustration and pain.

There could be no more chilling conversation between a father and son.

The temperature inside Ballard returned to its lowest point.

A few seconds later, King Kessel laughed.

sneer.

"late."

He leaned forward slightly, emerging from the shadows, letting the setting sun etch his resolute silhouette.

"Too late."

Iron Fist King's laughter stopped abruptly:

"From the moment the heir to the throne trespassed into the palace with the intention of rebelling."

Upon hearing the word "treason," the ministers all turned their heads in disbelief.

"The kingdom's rule has already suffered a severe and irreparable blow."

Thales's face darkened.

Gilbert covered his face in pain, the Prime Minister pinched the bridge of his nose with a headache, and the Archdeacon Guy closed his eyes in a prayer-like gesture.

"It is because of your shortsightedness and folly, my child."

King Kessel said calmly:

"Your threats and bargaining chips are now worthless."

Thales exhaled, closed his eyes, and lowered his head.

correct.

Kessel hasn't changed.

He still has the same personality as when I first met him.

He will not compromise.

We will not back down.

We will not back down.

Only by becoming more resolute and decisive can we achieve this.

The sunlight disappeared through the prince's hair.

The hilt of the sword, which was supporting the weight, drooped down and rested on his knee.

Kaiser snorted and turned to the others:
"What are you waiting for?"

But the next second, before the royal guards could react, Thales suddenly opened his eyes!

"Then why?" "Why do you still say I'm mentally unstable?"

The Duke of Starlake's words rang out loudly, echoing throughout Ballard:
"Why are you taking me back to the Mindis Hall?"

"Since it's beyond repair, why not just give the order to kill me on the spot?"

Thales gripped the weight tightly and sat up straight again.

Facing his opponent.

King Kessel snorted coldly, reacting just as swiftly:
"Are you so sure I wouldn't dare?"

"Of course you dare!"

The prince responded sternly:

“You may kill me here, secretly send my body out of the palace, and then declare that Prince Thales has died of a sudden illness in the Hall of Mindis—just like the former ‘Mist King’ Mindis I!”

King of Fog.

“No…” Gilbert realized the worst possible outcome and turned pale.

Iron Fist King's eyes were like knives, piercing straight at Thales.

But before Thales could reply, he suddenly stood up!

"However, the premise is!"

Amidst the sounds of swords being drawn and commands being shouted, the prince, one hand on his sword and the other slamming forward onto the table, roared:
"Everyone who witnessed the king killing his son, whether officials or guards, must remain completely silent for years, decades, or even a lifetime! Even if it means killing them to silence them!"

At that moment, Viscount Connie, Lord Clapham, the advisor to Sordid, and the other ministers looked at each other in disbelief.

"what!"

Manager Qiu reacted quickly, pressing his hand to his eyes and stammering, "Um...I...I just came to the meeting and didn't see anything today—"

But before he could finish speaking, the Duke of Cullen, like a roaring lion, stopped the treasurer:

"Shut up, Qiu Ke!"

Before the treasurer could say anything, Sodor swiftly pulled him to his side and silenced him.

Lord Adrian made a hurried gesture, trying his best to calm the defense line, which was on the verge of losing control due to the sudden change in the situation.

The atmosphere was extremely tense.

"Only in this way!"

But Thales ignored everything else; he only stared intently at the king before him, gritting his teeth and panting:
"You will prevent the news from leaking out, repeating the disgraceful example of King Denggao sacrificing his son, endangering royal authority, and threatening your rule."

But he clearly miscalculated.

"The King of Ascents? A bad precedent?"

King Kessel on his throne laughed in fury:

"If we can truly replicate the great achievements of Elam I, what's wrong with sacrificing a prince?"

These words sent another chill down the spines of the assembled officials and guards.

Thales frowned deeply and gritted his teeth.

No one knew that his shoulder was aching from the pressure of Cohen's heavy sword and was beginning to go numb.

The sins of the River of Hell surged into his veins, easing his pain but tightening his nerves.

Compared to many enemies—King Nunn, King Chaman, Jann, Falkenhausen, Ashida, Giza, Uglyface, and Chip—Iron Fist King may not be the strongest, the strangest, or the most terrifying.

But he's definitely the toughest.

No threat whatsoever.

Not afraid of the worst outcome.

They were willing to perish together with the precious stones.

Compared to him, Roman Williams, whose skull was covered by a shoulder blade, was simply the gentlest, most considerate, and easiest person to talk to in the world.

"Your Highness Thales! Your Majesty!"

Seeing the situation deteriorate and spiral out of control, Prime Minister Kulen, who chaired the royal meeting, had no choice but to speak up to smooth things over.

"Both are shining stars, bound by the bond of father and son," the old duke sighed, his words carrying a profound meaning.
"Why is this so?"

Both are shining stars.

They were bound together by father and son.

These words made Thales clench his fists and re-examine the Iron Fist King's sharp face.

But at the same time, what echoed in his ears was the mournful question from Samir, the traitor, beneath the prison of bones:

Was it a son killing his father, or a brother killing his brother?

The son kills his father.

The sins of the River of Hell began to roar, like a ferocious beast tearing at the cage that bound him.

Thales stared expressionlessly at the Iron Fist King's neck.

He couldn't help but recall the night of the dragon's blood, when the head of the Heavenly King fell to the ground.

The facts told him that the king's head was nothing special; it was just like any other person's head, which would make a sound, roll, and bleed when it hit the ground.

It's like a hollow, rotten watermelon.

Thales gripped the hilt of his sword tightly once more.

“Sit tight in your seat, Bob,” Kessel said curtly, rejecting the Prime Minister’s offer.
"It's a family matter, what right do outsiders have to interfere?"

These words were blunt, vulgar, and merciless, and Kulen, a senior and highly respected man, immediately looked displeased.

The others dared not interrupt.

Household chores.

Thales scoffed softly, trying to dismiss it.

"Yes, for example, domestic violence."

Thales lowered his voice and spoke coldly:
"No one will listen unless you kill or take a life."

Perhaps because his tone was so different this time, the king paused.

On the other side, the advisor Sodor seemed to recall something and couldn't help but sigh:

“You remind me of His Highness Horace, Duke Thales.”

Lord Adrian frowned, and for the first time, put his hands behind his back, giving orders to his guards in secret.

"Horace. Horace?"

The king sneered:
He still has a long way to go.

The next moment, Catherine V gave him no more chances:
"The farce is over, kid."

"You have ten seconds to drop your weapons," the Iron-Fisted King said coldly, his smile vanishing as he raised his hands to the royal guard.

"Or their heads will roll."

The River of Hell boiled restlessly, and the senses of hell arose naturally, allowing Thales to hear the soft footsteps and the rustling of garments of countless guards as they quietly surrounded him.

Lay down your weapons.

Or a person's head will fall to the ground.

ten seconds.

All of these.

All he got in return was... ten seconds.

The sins of the prison river surged uncontrollably.

Thales stared intently into King Kessel's eyes, desperately suppressing the urge to leap forward and swing his sword.

He knew that King Kessel was serious.

But it's a pity.

So does he.

"I know, Father."

Thales' expression was stern, and his words were cold, just like his opponent.

"You disdain compromise and concession, never show weakness, and you still want to resolve this matter as decisively and swiftly as before."

Thales tapped the spine of the heavy-duty sword, producing a dull, metallic thud.

"But ultimately, you did it willingly."

The young man forgot the various gazes of the courtiers, forgot the guards' steps that followed the king's gestures, and even forgot the heavy sword at his shoulder. His eyes were only on the enemy at the end of the long table, an enemy he could not choose but could only face.

The sins of the River of Hell churned endlessly.

"You don't want to lose the whole game just because of one piece."

Thales stared intently at King Kessel, bringing the blade of his sword an inch closer to his neck.

"The entire game?"

Iron Fist King sneered.

"Ten seconds are up, and you're not as important as you think, child."

"Then you will be the same, Father!"

Unexpectedly, Thales roared, gripping the hilt of his sword with both hands and holding the blade horizontally in front of his throat.

The sins of the River of Hell surged wildly.

"Compared to a kingdom that has existed for 680 years and an empire that has lasted for 2,000 years, you and I are nothing!"

Thales' eyes widened in fury, his abdomen pressed against the table, his body leaning forward to its limit, the heavy sword on his shoulder trembling uncontrollably due to lack of strength:
"Nothing more than a speck of dust."

The River of Sin roared, filled with resentment and indignation.

King Kessel chuckled and raised his hand to strike.

“Unless, Father,” Thales gritted his teeth, ignoring the stinging pain in his neck, feeling everything around him blur except for those deep blue eyes:

"We were born for the stars."

Born for the stars.

Iron Fist King's expression changed.

His hand gesture froze in mid-air, motionless.

Time seemed to stand still at that moment.

"Stop! Backwards! Backwards! Backwards!"

Lord Adrian spoke up quickly, stopping several royal guards who couldn't contain themselves and wanted to act before His Majesty gave the order.

“Well,” Viscount Connie took a deep breath, mustering his courage to smooth things over, “how about we—”

But then Prime Minister Kulun slapped him hard on the shoulder!

He swallowed the Minister of Commerce's earnest advice.

The Duke of Donghai remained expressionless, simply placing his index finger to his lips.

Having seen many storms, he knew that this was a conversation only the Star could participate in, a language only the royal family could understand.

The silent repression lasted for a long time.

Until the king's voice drifted over.

"what are you up to?"

His voice was like fine, scattered sand, and his words were like a sharp blade hidden in a sheath.

Thales took a deep breath and smiled.

At that moment, his tone was relieved and relaxed.

"A quarter of an hour."

The prince said in a daze:

"Above and below the stars, throughout the entire kingdom, all that is needed is our solitude..."

"This quarter of an hour."

Gilbert's eyes widened: a few drops of scarlet blood seeped from between Thales's sword and his collar, landing on the council table.

King Kessel did not answer.

His gaze was fixed on the blood on the council table.

One second, two seconds.

Finally, the king slowly lowered his left hand, which was poised to strike.

Instead, he clenched his right hand into a fist and slammed it hard on the table!
"Everyone."

King Kessel's voice was cold and stern:

"Go back."

When this statement came out, everyone was lost.

Only Thales let out a deep breath upon hearing this.

Damn it.

The sins of the Prison River were unwillingly quelled.

The prince took a few deep breaths, leaned back in his seat, and lowered the person carrying the weight to his knees.

He then realized that although winter had arrived, the hilt of the sword he held in his palm was already soaked with sweat.

Just now.

"No, Marico!"

In that instant, the River of Hell within Thales suddenly awoke, surging and roaring!

Oops!

Thales instinctively reached for his sword.

But he was too late.

Just as Adrian exclaimed.

Boom!
Thales only felt a figure flash before his eyes, then felt a sharp pain in his chin, and immediately saw stars!

boom!
With another muffled thud, Thales felt a sharp pain in his abdomen, pulling all his strength away from his body.

"Clang!"

Under everyone's astonished gaze, the load-bearer landed on the ground, swaying incessantly.

Three seconds later, Thales, feeling dizzy and lightheaded, opened his eyes and gasped for breath.

"The rebellion is over, Your Highness."

Maric, the second-in-command of the royal guard, pinned him to the ground, locking his arms behind his back and pressing his knee against his neck, making it difficult for the prince to breathe and utter a sound.

"This punch is for the brothers guarding the palace gate."

The vanguard officer looked at the blood at the corner of the prince's mouth, angrily clenched his fist, and spat to the side.

"Little brat."

(End of this chapter)