Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 619 Legends and the Throne

Thales walked alone in the corridors of the Palace of Renewal, the ever-burning lamps passing by, casting an ever-changing light and shadow on his face.

Along the way, the guards and servants all had complicated expressions when they saw him and kept their distance.

But Thales didn't care.

He simply took a step, pressed a paving stone under his foot, dragged it behind him, took another step, and repeated the process.

The space ahead was dark, cold, and narrow.

Where is he going?

Where to go?

where?

"Your Highness?"

A familiar voice came from behind, and Thales paused in his tracks.

He turned around, emerging from the darkness and cold, revealing a gentle smile and nodding slightly.

“Gilbert, I thought you had left first.”

The Foreign Minister, leaning on his cane, approached Thales and bowed respectfully to the prince, his manner impeccable.

Just like when they first met.

"You know I won't leave."

Gilbert gazed at him, his words tinged with both relief and bewilderment:

"Before you and His Majesty..."

Thales didn't speak, he just smiled slightly.

Gilbert and Thales' eyes met in mid-air, one with complex emotions, the other with subtle feelings.

They remained silent for a full three seconds.

Guy Stilliandes, the vice-bishop of the Church of the Sunset, who was standing next to Gilbert, smiled at the sight and wisely stepped back a few paces, leaving them some space.

Gilbert gave his friend an apologetic smile, then turned back, seemingly wanting to say something but stopping himself:

"So, His Majesty..."

Thales nodded, his voice completely calm: "He let me go."

"that's it?"

Gilbert showed a moment of surprise: "Excuse my bluntness, but His Majesty didn't, didn't, the Royal Guard didn't..."

"No."

Thales did his best to make the sarcasm in his words less obvious:
"I guess His Majesty is tolerant and kind, and loves his son as much as his people."

The two were quiet for a while, then fell into deep thought.

“Is that so?” Gilbert, unconcerned by the minor flaw in his words, let out a breath and murmured absently:

"That's fine, that's fine..."

Thales remained silent.

At that moment, he suddenly felt that Star Fox had aged a lot.

But the image of Gilbert calmly carrying a lantern and driving his carriage to lead that dirty and disheveled beggar into Mindis Hall seemed as if it were only yesterday.

"By the way, it's quite a coincidence."

Gilbert snapped out of his daze and smiled again:
"While you were having a heart-to-heart talk with His Majesty, I felt a bit stifled, so I went for a walk outside the palace. I happened to wander near the Mindis Hall, so I just looked around and casually asked a question..."

Mindis Hall.

Thales's heart skipped a beat, and he spoke in surprise:
“Gilbert…”

Gilbert's smile grew wider and wider, just like his wrinkles:
"The Gaitan standard-bearer in charge of the investigation assured me that after a thorough investigation, the unpleasantness at the banquet was just an accident, and there was nothing wrong with the guards and servants around you. They should be released immediately, and the Mindis Hall should be unsealed immediately—of course, some necessary 'security measures' have been strengthened. I hope you don't mind."

Thales stared at him in surprise.

“It’s not possible to get from here to Mindis Hall by walking alone.”

“Oh,” Xingchen’s cunning expression remained unchanged:

"Looks like I'm not old yet, I can still walk fast."

Thales did not speak.

Gilbert suddenly remembered something, and his eyes lit up:
"By the way, I just ran into Vanguard Commander Maric in the corridor. He was with your men—the ones who followed you into the palace, including Wyatt. I asked them about it, and well, they seemed to be getting along well and having a pleasant conversation."

Enjoyed talking.

Thales remained silent for a long time, his emotions complex.

"Thank you."

Gilbert shook his head, his smile unchanged, and looked back:
"Thank you, Guy. I didn't mean to say that, but I'm grateful that people still believe in the sanctity and majesty of the sunset and are giving the archdeacon special face."

In that instant, Thales felt a tightness in his chest:

“Gilbert”.

The Foreign Minister turned around and sighed:

"And I hope this will put your mind at ease."

Thales took a deep breath, feeling his voice tremble:
"me……"

But Gilbert, always adept at reading people, seemed oblivious to the prince's embarrassment and hesitation. He simply clapped his hands and said apologetically:
"Oh, my apologies, Your Highness. You must be tired. I've just called a carriage; why don't we go back together..."

"Gilbert!"

Thales had to raise his voice and use all his strength to interrupt the other person:

"Aren't you curious?"

The prince was breathing heavily, staring intently at his teacher.

"Regarding why I violated the rules and trespassed into the palace."

"Why...rebel against the king?"

Gilbert paused, his smile slowly fading, and he silently lowered his head, seemingly avoiding Thales's gaze.

Thales took a deep breath:

"And what I just said to His Majesty inside."

----

"This is no joke."

In the Ballard Chamber, Thales listened quietly to King Kessel's words.

"Whether you succeed or fail, if you make a single careless move or make the slightest mistake, you may be overturned by your warhorse and abandoned by your chariot."

"Not only will he never be able to attain the crown, but he will also make enemies everywhere he goes, and his life and property will be in grave danger."

Enemies are everywhere, and the situation is extremely precarious...

The king's warning was palpable:
"At that time, even the most precious star cannot save you."

"The stars are so vast that they cannot contain you."

“Even a king,” King Kessel paused, glancing at the Star Staff leaning against his chair, his expression complex:
"I can't save you either."

Even the king's dignity cannot protect you.

Thales's gaze sharpened, and Ashida's words echoed in his mind:

What I expect, Thales, is not your ultimate success... but rather... being caught between your own nature and the gaze of others... ultimately torn apart by contradictions, destroyed by conflict, and devoured by regret...

"So what if, I mean what if..."

Several seconds later, the boy finally looked up, his smile somewhat stiff:

Do you think Longxiao City will accept political asylum?

King Kessel did not respond to the joke; his gaze remained deep and unfathomable.

"Ok."

Finally, the boy sighed and wiped the ease and mockery off his face.

"It seems you really don't have much of a sense of humor."

The king stared intently at him, without saying a word.

As night fell, the lights became dim.

Two shadows, silently facing each other, were cast on the stone ground, extending into the walls, dark and cold.

Bottomless.

"Then for me, Your Majesty."

The prince gave a soft hum and focused his gaze on the spoon in his hand:
"Please, please be healthy and live a long life."

King Kessel's eyes flickered.

"At least finish the play, don't abandon it halfway through and leave me alone on the stage, unable to defend myself."

At that moment, Thales looked at King Kessel, but thought of King Nunn.

And his head, rolling in a pool of blood.

"Believe me, the feeling of taking your final bow alone," Thales said with lingering fear and emotion.

"It doesn't feel so good."

Kessel did not reply.

Perhaps it was because it was late at night, but the indoor lights became softer.

The interplay of light and shadow between the two was no longer as sharp and distinct as the lines of a sword.

Instead, it is a seamless whole, with light and shadow complementing each other.

"you know."

King Kessel suddenly spoke up: "You didn't have to do this."

Thales's eyes flickered.

“Behave yourself, follow the rules, don’t show any attitude, don’t get involved in any trouble, and don’t act impulsively or behave in a frightening way like you did at the banquet or today.”

"Then you shall wear the nine-star crown and reign supreme over the entire kingdom..."

Iron Fist King said softly:

"It's only a matter of time."

Nine-star crown.

Thales paused, taking a breath.

The word seemed to possess a magical power, seeping from the air into Thales's mind and transforming into a constantly growing thought.

"At that time, you will rule the entire star system."

The entire cosmos is yours to rule...

The king's voice was long and deep, carrying an indescribable meaning.

The boy gripped the spoon tightly in his hand.

“Too late,” Thales shook his head, banishing the inappropriate thought:
“I blatantly broke the law and stormed the palace so that everyone could see it. Now it’s too late to turn back and pretend to be a harmonious family, with loving fathers and filial sons.”

The king didn't care at all:

"That's not important..."

Thales shook his head: "No, besides, what if the kingdom falls into chaos before my coronation..."

But the Iron Fist King's voice drowned out his:
"that's not important!"

Kaiser V leaned forward, his imposing presence commanding attention.

"The important thing is that at that time you were no longer constrained and had nothing to worry about."

“You may overthrow the old system and set things right, shifting all the blame onto the Iron-Fisted King, using my mistakes to consolidate your rule, and using my tyranny to highlight your benevolence, just like the ‘wise king’ after the ‘Red King’.”

Thales noticed his breathing was quickening.

"Then, piece the kingdom together the way you want it to be."

The king's words were seductive:

"Where the stars go or where they go is entirely up to you."

"Do as you please, do whatever you want."

No more constraints, no more worries...

Do as you please...

Thales swallowed hard.

In a daze, he saw again the young man wearing a crown, standing alone facing the towering palace walls, that familiar yet unfamiliar figure.

But this time, the young man stood behind King Kessel, dressed in magnificent robes and exuding an extraordinary air.

He surveyed the bustling city outside the window with the composure and indifference of someone examining a chessboard.

Thales felt a tightness in his chest.

"But, but..." he began, but struggled to speak.

In the dead silence, King Kessel's voice drifted into my ears:

“My mother said this when I was a child.”

"The blood of the imperial lineage can only shine like gilded gold and possess boundless majesty in two places."

It gleams like gilded gold, and possesses boundless majesty.

King Kessel slowly raised his head and looked at the portraits of famous ministers in the Ballard Chamber:
"legend."

Despite the dim lighting, the historical figures in the portraits remain vivid, their gazes fixed intently on them.

It has never faded.

Never to move.

Thales pursed his lips.

Iron-Fisted King lowered his head and absentmindedly tapped his chair:

"throne."

A night breeze swept across the window sill, causing the ever-burning lamps inside to tremble and tilt in the same direction.

neat and tidy.

with no exceptions.

Thales held his breath.

"Four hundred and fifty years ago, the 'alien' who questioned the church's scriptures became a legend."

"When a king ascends to a high position, he reigns over the stars and dwells securely on his throne."

In the cold wind, the king and Thales met eyes, their tone indifferent:
Which one do you want to choose?

----

"I...I understand, Your Highness."

Gilbert simply closed his eyes gently, but the movement seemed to have used up all his strength.

Thales frowned:
"Really? You understand?"

Gilbert let out a long sigh.

"Yes."

When he opened his eyes again, he seemed to have aged many years:
"Whether it was at the royal banquet or after the Mindis Hall was raided, you were young and impetuous, and you naturally felt resentful when you were wronged."

Young and impetuous, he felt wronged and resentful.

Thales listened silently, unconsciously clenching his fists.

Is this what Gilbert's actions today mean?
Gilbert tried his best to smile:

"Clearly, after six years in Dragon City, you've gotten used to the way the Northerners interact, which is why you were so... Ha, I know, I've encountered it. The first time I met King Nuen, he almost forced me to jump off the fortress walls... The way the Northerners express their opinions is always, well, impressive."

Thales did not speak.

But the Foreign Secretary just looked at him with loving kindness, as if he could tolerate all his audacity.

“Gilbert,” the prince said calmly, “this morning, I, who had caused such a great disaster, was still able to attend the royal council with dignity.”

"My father said it was because of your advice and persistence?"

Gilbert paused for a moment, then smiled wryly:
“You know, when I woke up this morning, I thought nothing could be worse than a hangover—until I heard the news that you stood up for me at the royal banquet last night.”

He sighed:

“Your Highness, I just feel that if you and His Majesty have any misunderstandings, there is no better way than to clarify them face to face.”

"If you want to explain what happened at the banquet to His Majesty, then make an appearance in front of the officials at the Imperial Conference first. That will help you to some extent."

Thales remained silent for a long while before finally managing to utter a sentence:

"Thank you."

"teacher."

"For...all of this."

Gilbert smiled with satisfaction and waved his hand:

"It's just my job, nothing to mention."

Thales had mixed feelings.

He intended to end the conversation and leave as soon as possible, but couldn't help but blurt out:

“But you know, Gilbert, what I’m doing today has consequences.”

Gilbert paused for a moment.

“No, Your Highness,” the Foreign Minister took a deep breath and smiled.

"Prince Thales yearns for freedom, defies the betrothal, and pursues true love, which is why he breaks into the palace and interrupts the royal council—this is probably a classic love story that people love to see, romantic and bold, and it also echoes your experiences in the North."

He looked intently at Thales:
"Everyone, everyone will understand."

Thales frowned: "But that's not what I wanted to say—"

Gilbert chuckled and raised his hand to stop him from speaking:
"But I don't recommend using that Bloodthirsty Lady as a front. Hmm, it has a bad influence, especially after she led the Northerners to a great victory..."

Thales' brow furrowed more and more:

“Gilbert, you know that my coup is tantamount to treason—”

"Your Highness!"

The usually mild-mannered Gilbert suddenly raised his voice, interrupting him.

This surprised Thales.

Gilbert took a few deep breaths, finally managing to calm his contorted expression.
“I must admit that I was negligent before.”

Gilbert forced a smile:

"Six years have passed. Whether it's you, me, Yongxing City, or even His Majesty, we all need a process of readjustment and mutual adaptation." "It's not advisable to rush things."

“But,” Gilbert looked at him with eager anticipation, “Is this not true?”
"Now that you and His Majesty have cleared up the misunderstanding, the biggest problem has been solved, hasn't it?"

Thales stared back at him blankly, unsure how to respond.

"As for everything else, such as getting to know each other, we, and the entire kingdom, can take it slow."

"Take it easy."

Unconsciously, Gilbert's gaze took on a pleading tone:

"Just like...as before."

just like before.

This made Thales feel completely unfamiliar.

And guilt.

"What if it's not?"

Thales heard his own voice echoing through the palace:
"If I were to storm the palace, it wouldn't just be because I felt wronged."

He cannot deceive him.

"What if His Majesty and I didn't clear up the misunderstanding?"

You can't pretend everything is fine to please the other party.

"What if we can't go back to the way things were?"

Gilbert fell silent, and with him, his enthusiasm vanished.

"Your Highness..."

The Foreign Minister took a deep breath, seemingly trying to bolster his courage with this gesture:

"what happens?"

Thales forced a smile:
"To put it simply, my conversation with him... didn't go very well."

Gilbert did not answer immediately; he looked Thales over, hesitating several times as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

“No, I mean,” Gilbert’s voice trembled slightly after a long hesitation:
"What's wrong, Your Highness?"

Thales looked back at him, maintaining his smile:

"what?"

"Something's wrong with you."

Gilbert shook his head, looking at Thales with a complex expression:

“You look completely different from this morning. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I would have suspected that someone had impersonated you.”

Perhaps you are right.

Thales thought to himself.

What happened to you after you left the palace?

Thales paused for a moment, then answered truthfully:
"I went to the lower city area."

Gilbert was taken aback:
"The lower city? But that's not where you are..."

"Yes."

Gilbert was silent for a moment, then said:

"You are being reckless, Your Highness. You should know your noble status; every move you make must be carefully considered..."

But before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Thales's ethereal and dreamlike reply.

"I'm afraid of him."

Gilbert was taken aback:
"what?"

Thales looked at him, smiled, and then turned to look at the end of the deep corridor.

“When I was still abroad, even though my life and fortune were in the hands of others, and I was constantly in danger, I was never afraid, whether I was facing a treacherous vampire, a powerful natural king, or a ruthless Chaman Rumba.”

Yes, most of the time I'm not afraid.

"But it wasn't until I returned to China and saw him that..."

he.

Thales stared into the darkness at the end of the corridor, gradually becoming lost in thought.

Gilbert frowned.

"When I was in the same room with him, I always felt like an idiot and a coward. I couldn't help but try to figure out the meaning behind his actions and the intention behind his words. I was suspicious and uneasy."

The prince scoffed lightly:
"Yes, I know it sounds ridiculous, but yes, I'm afraid of him."

Thales turned and looked directly at Gilbert, his words painful yet sincere:
"But tell me, Gilbert, why am I afraid of him?"

Gilbert just stared blankly at Thales, at a loss, a stark contrast to the usual confidence and composure of the Star Fox.

"That's right, he is the supreme king of the stars, but is he more cunning than vampires, more powerful than King Nunn, more ruthless than King Chaman? Is he more unpredictable than the Shadow Shield that's always trying to mess with me?"

Thales's gaze sharpened, and he unconsciously quickened his pace of speech:
"More insidious, vicious, deadly, and terrifying than the countless jackals and tigers that have tried to harm me along the way?"

Gilbert couldn't comprehend the question; his lips parted in disbelief.

"But he is your father, Your Highness!"

Thales smiled.

"do you know."

“In the lower city, I met a respectable businessman who was absent-minded and insincere in the face of a tall, imposing, and gruff police officer,” Thales said absentmindedly, “but when faced with a shady gangster, he was trembling with fear and panic.”

"In the same place, there was an ordinary girl who resolutely refused the promise of a life of luxury from a wealthy man, preferring to stay with her mediocre, incompetent, stingy, and cowardly husband, living her mundane and unremarkable life, which is puzzling."

Thales' voice drifted away:
"In my hometown, a former gangster was unfortunately disabled and lived a miserable life in a dilapidated shack, giving up on himself. He refused the help of his gang friends and would rather die than return to the brotherhood that had once given him glory and prestige."

Hearing these words, Gilbert became puzzled again.

"Like you, I don't understand these things either."

Thales looked at Gilbert, his resolve hardening:
"But I finally understood."

"The guards have considerable authority, but the small business owner has been able to do business on the street for so long without any trouble. It's not because of the lazy and ineffective guards, but because of the long-standing relationship and tacit understanding he has built with those gangsters who bully and dominate the market."

“It is good to be given fine clothes and delicacies by a nobleman, but if this does not change the girl’s fate of being subordinate to others, then I am not much better than her husband—at least she understands her useless husband and knows how to deal with him.”

"As for that ruthless gangster, although he was full of resentment, he knew better than anyone that his past glory was earned with his fighting spirit. Without that body, returning to the gang would only be a disgrace."

Thales stepped forward, looking directly into Gilbert's eyes:
"Between what they can do and what they can't do, they all understand what truly controls them."

Gilbert instinctively took a step back.

"So I think it's probably time for me to understand."

Thales stood in the deep, cold corridors of the Palace of Renewal, and spoke softly:
"What exactly controls me?"

"And what can it control?"

----

"Perhaps you are right, Your Majesty."

In Ballard's room, Thales lowered his head slightly.

"Perhaps I can wait quietly until that day comes, and then there will be no more constraints and no more worries."

Thales unconsciously tightened his tone and quickened his pace.

“Back then, I sat high on the throne, wielding immense power. Whether I wanted to grant amnesty to the kingdom or ease tensions, I could do as I pleased, carry out my will, and achieve everything you have rejected today.”

King Kessel stared at him silently.

Thales stared blankly into the darkness outside the window.

"As many 'smart people' say, if you don't like the system, join it, influence it, build it, and ultimately, change it from the inside out."

The next second, Thales's gaze refocused.

"But we all know that it was just the most despicable and shameless lie."

At the end of the long table, Iron Fist King's brow twitched.

Thales looked firmly straight at the King:

"Just like how you are unwilling to compromise even the slightest bit with the feudal lords and nobles, even if it would actually help your short-term rule."

"'Join it, change it'—this nonsense is just how it deceives and bewitches you, thereby restricting your freedom, undermining your resistance, taking away your weapons, softening your will, and ultimately thwarting all your efforts."

Thales' tone became increasingly firm and unquestionable:
"If you believe that, you've already lost."

"Because once you compromise and conform, the first thing to be changed will be you, not it."

Thales stared intently at the king, enunciating each word clearly:
"Because you are just one person, all alone."

King Kessel silently watched the prince, his face expressionless, and then suddenly spoke:
"it?"

The king snorted coldly:
Where is it?

Thales stared intently at the king, as if the king's eyes held the most terrifying beast.

"Then take a look around, Your Majesty."

Thales spread his hands, chuckled, and asked in return:

"Where is it not?"

The lights flickered, and a gentle night breeze blew.

The two faced each other in silence.

Everything in Ballard Room seemed normal, unchanged.

King Kessel did not turn around, but he frowned deeply.

But Thales didn't notice his reaction, instead leaning back in his chair and continuing to talk to himself.

"Six years ago at the Broken Dragon Fortress, that was the first time I met the Black Sand Duke."

Thales drifted into a daze, as if transported back to that winter six years ago:

"He truly deserves to be called a great hero of his time. He had a broad vision and extraordinary demeanor, and countless heroes were willing to serve him to the death."

The boy paused for a moment, then hummed softly:
"To be honest, she's much more charming than you."

King Kessel's expression remained unchanged.

Thales became serious again:
"Six months ago in Dragon City, I saw him again—Chaman Lumba."

Thales's expression changed:
"But guess what I saw this time?"

King Kessel remained unresponsive, as always.

“I met the co-ruler king of Exte, the kinslayer, Charman I.”

Thales continued, his gaze growing increasingly serious:

“I saw him sitting in the seat that belonged to King Nuen, and he began to think, play chess, and strategize like King Nuen.”

"He began to enjoy the same pleasure as his uncle, to enter into the same perspective, to walk the same path, to encounter the same troubles, and to fall into the same vicious cycle."

"The chains that once bound King Nuen are now slowly binding him as well, and have begun to leave him breathless and drenched in sweat."

Thales stared wide-eyed, as if watching the most incredible drama:
"King Chaman believed that he had taken a desperate gamble by murdering the king and seizing the throne, successfully overthrowing King Nuen and utterly destroying the latter."

At this point, Thales' eyes dimmed:
"Physically, yes."

"But in spirit, in value, and in a broader and more significant sense..."

Thales gritted his teeth:
"He didn't."

The boy suddenly looked up and met Iron Fist King's eyes:
"Because he was forced to be ruled by the values of the born king, imprisoned by his vision, oppressed by his methods and habits, and dominated by his way of thinking. Day and night he was haunted by the ghost of Nún, thinking what Nún thought and doing what Nún did. He was caught up in it and could not extricate himself."

“Until he lives forever and becomes a slave to Nún—just as Nún was a slave to the kings who preceded him during his lifetime.”

In that instant, Thales suddenly remembered the Black Prophet from the Kingdom's Secret Service.

He sat in a wheelchair made of those demonic vines, relying on them to sustain his life, but also being firmly bound by them, unable to leave.

"Six years, just six years."

Thales's gaze held an unusual mix of sorrow and apprehension:

“I am surprised and saddened that King Nuen, who has been dead for a long time, has devoured his nephew, the former Chaman Lumba, from head to toe, in just six years.”

Not a single drop is left.

King Kessel remained silent, but his gaze was incredibly serious.

"Of all the people I have ever met, Charman is a top-notch talent."

Thales exhaled, filled with emotion:

“From the night of the dragon’s blood, he knew very well that his enemy was not Nurn, but those things that had once dragged down and defeated Nurn—greater, higher, and more terrifying enemies.”

“He killed King Nun not for revenge or for personal gain, but to prevent another Nun from appearing.”

Thales' eyes dimmed as he recalled his meeting with King Chaman in the carriage.

[Thales, you know better than anyone that in six years, the Exter of my dreams has drifted further and further away.]

“Until he himself became Nun’s successor, put on the crown, sat on the throne and took his place, becoming the second born king.”

"He was aware of it and struggled hard, but to little avail and was powerless."

King Kessel snorted coldly.

Thales realized what was happening, chuckled, but his words were tinged with sadness and helplessness:
"Don't get me wrong, Chaman Lumba is still dangerous and terrifying."

"But as far as I can see, this man has very little left that truly belongs to him."

Thales stared at his plate with a complicated expression, watching the spoon sink into the soup.

“It started when he had to compromise with reality and rules, and bow to the pledge of co-governance.”

“It started when he ‘temporarily’ abandoned his grand vision.”

"He was put on the collar again."

Thales said quietly:

"To become another Nun VII."

King Kessel fell into deep thought and remained silent.

On either side of the long table, the king and the prince stood silently facing each other.

At this moment, the Ballard Chamber was completely silent; even the wind had stopped its clamor, as if this scene was not to be disturbed.

It wasn't until Thales took a deep breath and looked at Iron Fist King seriously again that things changed.

“In the Stars, I can’t stand your methods and I don’t accept your will. Of course, I can lie low and endure, slowly plotting and seizing the opportunity to take power and wait to rise to the top.”

"This may be the more acceptable and praised approach, the so-called 'smarter' approach, the one that will be praised by history books and future generations—just like it was two months ago."

But Thales changed the subject, revealing hesitation:

"But after what happened at the banquet, I became afraid."

King Kessel scoffed:
"Fear?"

Thales took a deep breath and nodded:

“I’m afraid that with each instance of acquiescence and concession, with each silence of ‘I actually disagree but I don’t speak,’ I will gradually get used to it, slowly become numb, and compromise with ‘it’.”

He said dejectedly:
“I’m afraid that I’ll get used to your ruthlessness in silently destroying countless families, that I’ll get used to your cold indifference when faced with desperate pleas for help, and that when I’m punished and pay the price for what I’m doing today, I’ll start to hesitate and be indecisive when I encounter the next Anker Bailar or the next injustice.”

Thales' voice trembled:

“I’m afraid that one day I will become oblivious to everything, take things for granted, and eventually lose myself and accept the status quo.”

King Kessel's gaze slowly changed.

“I am afraid that when I finally sit on the throne and put on the crown, I will sit on the throne without any burden, without any hesitation, and with a clear conscience and watch others die for me.”

“And I not only took it for granted, but I also felt it was a matter of course and even went so far as to escalate it—as long as someone was unwilling to sacrifice for me, unwilling to die for King Thales, I would feel dissatisfied and angry, and I would think that he did not love me, did not love his country, and was a traitor, or even a traitor.”

Thales stared directly into King Kessel's eyes, as if trying to see through all the defenses behind them:
"I'm afraid I'll become someone I don't even recognize."

“I will no longer be Thales Star, but an empty shell occupied by the ‘King of Stars’.”

Thales' tone softened, leaving only emptiness and exhaustion:

"That terrifies me more than death, failure, or disgrace."

The words fell.

Ballard Chamber fell silent once more.

But this time, the surrounding lights seemed brighter.

A few seconds later, King Kessel gently raised his head and his gaze fell on the portrait of "wise minister" Halvar on the wall.

"It seems you've already made your choice," he said quietly.

Thales scoffed softly.

“I won’t play by your rules,” he said firmly, “nor by theirs.”

Thales looked up, his gaze solemn and resolute:

“I will not become the next Chaman Rumba.”