Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 640, the most pragmatic part

Thales remained silent for a long time, his mind filled with countless thoughts. Part of his thoughts were his adventures with Miranda in Dragonfall City, while the other part was largely related to the "Covenant" bone ring.

Finally, he sighed, turned away from Miranda's burning gaze, stepped over the now-dead chair, and plopped down on the desk.

If Granny Valencia were here, she would probably be sternly reprimanding the Duke for his unseemly and improper manners.

But she wasn't there.

Fortunately, she wasn't there.

“So, Ms. Arendt, you have come to me seeking titles, land, and power.”

Thales sat at his desk, absentmindedly stroking the scar on the palm of his left hand.

Miranda didn't move, but just watched from afar as the Duke of Starlake was lost in thought.

"I have to say, this is really, wow, impressive."

Thales made up his mind. He took a deep breath: "But unfortunately, I refuse—"

“That’s strange,” Miranda interrupted him.

Thales frowned and looked up.

The daughter of the Aarond family spoke softly:
"Isn't it only natural that an heir to a ducal family would strive to be the best for titles, land, and power?"

Thales frowned and looked up.

Miranda shook her head and said:

"Then why do you say 'impressive' when it comes to me? As if it's something rare and special, something worth making a big deal out of?"

Thales was stunned and didn't react immediately:

"What? No, I, I didn't think that."

Miranda gave a cold laugh.

“If I were a male heir, would you still say, ‘As the son of a duke, all you seek are titles, land, and power? Wow, that’s truly impressive!’”

Thales was increasingly astonished.

But Miranda stepped forward, aggressively:

"What, is it that I, or someone like me, am unworthy, unsuitable, or incapable, or that I am not often so ambitious for power and should not appear so 'impressive,' Duke Thales?"

what?
Somewhat stunned by her retort, Thales took a deep breath.

“Please don’t misunderstand, Ms. Arend, I meant no harm,” the boy tried to ease the tension, “and I didn’t mean to look down on you, it was just… a polite remark.”

This time, Miranda stared at him for a long time, as if trying to see through his eyes, until Thales felt embarrassed and couldn't help but cough to remind her, at which point she looked away.

"I know."

Miranda's voice softened, no longer aggressive.

“I know you mean no harm, Your Highness.”

Based on the feedback from her hellish senses, Thales vaguely felt that she was now more gloomy and depressed.

"At most, you're just indifferent, you're just used to it, you don't feel anything is wrong, you just think it's a perfectly normal polite phrase, you might even think I'm being too sensitive."

Miranda gazed wistfully at the Star Lake, its surface rippling with a languid numbness, softened by the warm summer breeze:

"But that's the problem."

The cold light in her eyes slowly froze:

"That's why I had to come here."

After he finished speaking, Thales looked completely bewildered.

But for some reason, as he looked at Miranda's profile, he felt that the study was eerily quiet.

"Ms. Aarond, I really didn't..."

Thales wanted to explain further, but after a pause, he changed his tune:
"I'm so sorry, ma'am. If I—in places I wasn't aware of—said something wrong or expressed the wrong attitude, then I apologize to you, really."

Miranda remained silent for a long time, like a statue, before slowly turning her head.

She smiled slightly at Thales, raising the corners of her mouth.

That smile was so natural and bright that even the sunlight behind her couldn't hide it.

This made Thales somewhat dazed.

She's beautiful, isn't she—a voice whispered in his heart—that smile was like the first new bud sprouting on a snow-capped peak in early spring, greeted by the rising sun as the snow melts.

But that feeling was fleeting.

Just like that smile, fragile and easily broken.

"To be fair, you shouldn't be the one apologizing."

The female swordsman's expression returned to its blank state, as if she had never smiled, pulling Thales back to reality:
"But to be fair, I accept your apology."

Thales was stunned again.

The Duke snapped out of his reverie and quickly coughed to change the subject:
"So, madam, you want to join me on this southern tour, to let everyone see that you've chosen a side, to stand under the Duke of Star Lake, who is also the future king, thereby accumulating experience and prestige to invest in your future?"

Miranda thought for a moment, then crossed her arms.

“No, not to join you,” she gently raised her index finger, pointing at Thales, “but to help you.”

Thales frowned.

“As your supporter,” Miranda said, her eyes gleaming, “not as your dependent.”

It's not about joining, it's about helping.

It's not about dependence, but about support.

As Thales pondered the other person's choice of words, he also crossed his arms and adopted a serious expression.

A few seconds later, he took a deep breath.

“Dear Madam Aarond”

Thales' voice was somewhat hoarse: "You know, after Dragon City, although I haven't been in much contact with you—"

“It’s not that we haven’t had much contact, it’s that we haven’t been in touch at all,” Miranda suddenly said.

Thales choked on his words.

Miranda sneered:

"In contrast, I've seen Wyah at least a few times in the past seven years, yes, that Wyah. Although I don't know how many Wyahs there are here, or if everyone is Wyah."

If only Mother Valencia were here—be mindful of your court etiquette, child, and keep quiet when His Highness the Duke is speaking—she would certainly say that.

He casually waved the pointer in his hand.

"Ok."

Thales suppressed his annoyance at being interrupted and continued:

"This may sound a bit hypocritical, but, madam, I cherish the experience of Dragon Blood Night. I have always regarded you as an old friend and a comrade-in-arms who once shared life and death with me."

Miranda nodded slightly:
"It is indeed somewhat hypocritical."

Thales sighed, thinking that the girl should go and have a proper talk with Marius.

"So I don't want to lie: what you just said, ma'am, is not—not a good idea for now."

Miranda's expression changed.

"What's not a good idea?"

She chuckled softly, "Marry you? Or join you? Or fight for what I deserve—"

"neither!"

Thales suddenly raised his voice, causing Miranda to frown.

“You said you wanted to come south with me, but,” the Duke sighed, fiddling with the bone ring in his pocket, “you don’t understand. You thought I had your answers here, that you could win back the North, that I could reclaim what your family had lost, but you—”

Thales paused here.

But you are wrong.

Deep inside, a voice slowly uttered the words he wanted to say but hadn't:

You will only fall into a treacherous trap carefully laid by the king and personally crafted by me, becoming a self-righteous but helpless pawn, sinking deeper and deeper until you become the next victim.

Just like your father.

Just like...me.

Thales closed his eyes.

Under the witness of Gortakssa… you will help me advance the kingdom… remove obstacles, break shackles, and do whatever it takes.

He could not refuse the king.

But he didn't want to hurt her.

Former friend.

Even if it's just self-deception.

"Your Highness?"

Miranda asked, puzzled, "What are you trying to say?"

Thales snapped out of his daze.

"Feel sorry."

He opened his eyes, and his thoughts became clear again:
“In fact, madam, I met your father not long ago.”

Sure enough, Miranda's expression changed slightly at that moment.

Thales tried to make his voice sound more sincere: "Lord Val asked me a favor. He doesn't want you, he doesn't want you to get too involved... in matters concerning me and the royal family."

Miranda remained silent for a long time.

But when she spoke again, her words were full of disdain.

"My father, right?"

"So you obediently listened to him, did whatever he said, and became a puppet outside the prison of a traitor, a compliant little pawn?"

She seemed to see through everything, looking at Thales defiantly:
"He forbids you from having sex with me, so you dare not have sex with me? You can only lock yourself in with an iron chastity belt, and you don't even dare to go to the toilet?"

Hold.

Thales felt a lump in his throat.

How should he answer this?
After working under the Fortress Flower for so long, hasn't she taught you anything good?

In comparison, Raphael and Cohen, both from the Tower of the End, are so much more endearing.

His Highness the Duke had to take a deep breath and reorganize his persuasive logic:

“What I mean is, you, Miranda Aarond, are the eldest daughter of the Duke of the North, the heir to Coldhold, a person of extraordinary status, of great importance, involving all parties. We carelessly overlooked this point on the Night of Dragonblood seven years ago, and thus learned a bloody lesson.”

Miranda frowned.

"Therefore, whether you can serve under me is not something that Sonia and I can decide alone. As for my father, His Majesty—"

“He’s a complete bastard.” Once again, Miranda interrupted him.

Only this time...

what?
Thales was taken aback by what he heard, and then he was shocked.

what?
Who's the bastard?

Miranda gave a cold laugh, her words utterly unrestrained:

"Isn't that right? As a father, he uses you as a bargaining chip for deception, a breeding pig for mates. He can disregard your wishes and ignore your safety for this. He can casually pick you up and show you off to the whole kingdom, as long as it brings even the slightest benefit—whether it was seven years ago or seven years later."

She picked up the greeting letter and slammed it onto the table.

The setting sun.

Thales took a deep breath.

If Sister Valencia were here… no, thankfully she isn’t.

Regardless of his status or position, Thales could only keep a straight face and remain silent at this moment.

“而你无论被揍得多惨，都还只能乖乖为他说好话——'父爱如山，打完有糖。'”米兰达讽刺道。

Thales took a deep breath.

Damn.

He thought he was the most outspoken critic of the iron-fisted king in the country.

result……

"For the sake of the past, I'll pretend I didn't hear those words."

Thales spoke in a deep voice, without looking at the other person.

"And you, Lady Aaron, perhaps you should be more respectful and behave yourself, and show the respect due to His Majesty the King."

Miranda shook her head and scoffed.

She glanced at Thales sideways, as if looking at the most unlikely thing.

"And what about you, as the king's son, Thales Star, why didn't you know your place, behave yourself, and maintain the respect you deserved?"

Thales was taken aback.

"On the contrary, you acted recklessly and impulsively, trespassing into the palace, leading a rebellion, threatening the king with death to force him to compromise and back down. What for? Just for the so-called justice of a mere gentryman from the Western Wilderness?"

In that instant, Thales suddenly looked up!
But Miranda didn't flinch, staring intently back at Thales, as if she were the one in control of the conversation.

Leading a rebellion and threatening suicide, the local gentry of the Western Wilderness...

Okay, maybe the news couldn't be suppressed that day, but the details here...

“Madam Arendt,” the Duke began, frowning, his tone carrying a warning, “rumors are not to be trusted.”

The sound of the guards changing shifts could be heard outside the window.

“Your Highness Thales,” Miranda said sharply, her eyes like knives, “self-deception is not worthwhile.” In that instant, the air in the study seemed to freeze. The two, one sitting and one standing, one with a calm and icy demeanor, the other with sharp eyes that pressed closer with every step.

But just when the situation was at its most tense, Thales's eyes lit up.

"Cohen Karabyan".

He stared intently at Miranda:
"Did that guy tell you all this?"

Upon hearing the name, Miranda hesitated for a moment, then snorted and shook her head: "Don't worry, Cohen kept his promise and kept his mouth shut. He denied everything that should be denied."

Thales was taken aback at first, then realized what was happening and sighed:
"In other words, his denial is tantamount to admitting everything he shouldn't have admitted?"

Yes, certain sentences like, "I didn't lend the sword to His Highness, nor did I follow him into the Palace of Restoration, and I would never be stupid enough to rebel, let alone see some little brat threatening his father with suicide. It also has absolutely nothing to do with the previous royal banquet. So, Miranda, do you understand?"

As for the rest, with Miranda's intelligence, figuring out the truth wouldn't be a problem at all.

Miranda remained silent for a moment, seemingly wanting to defend her friend, but she ultimately realized it was futile and could only sigh:
“We all know him.”

Thales could only sigh softly.

"Next time we meet, I'm going to beat him up," the Duke said helplessly.

“Then you have to wait in line,” Miranda said, scoffing. “First come, first served.”

Upon hearing this, Thales and Miranda couldn't help but exchange a knowing smile.

This seems to be one of the few places where they can find common ground.

But this also made Thales sigh inwardly:

His desperate gamble at the Palace of Restoration had a far greater impact than imagined.

No, if that's the case, then he can't possibly take Miranda with him when he's in danger, he absolutely cannot...

Thales looked up and became serious.

"You choose to join my ranks, pledge personal loyalty to me, or, as you say, help me and support me. But do you know the cost of doing so?"

Miranda chuckled softly.

“Of course,” the daughter of the Aarond family spread her hands and looked around, “just like the treatment you received after being exiled by the king.”

Thales gently closed his eyes.

No, you don't know, girl.

You have no idea.

Success or failure, a single misstep could send you flying from your horse and overturned by your chariot.

Not only will he be forever barred from the crown, but he will also face enemies everywhere, with hatred at every turn, and even his life and possessions will be in grave danger.

Thales tried to shake off King Kessel's words and made another effort:
“I understand your current predicament and resentment, and I am honored that you chose me as your answer, but please believe me, it’s not that I don’t want to help you, it’s just… there are better options besides Starlake Fort.”

But Miranda shook her head.

"I once thought that the Dragon-Slaying Fortress was the way out."

"My best role model is there, isn't he? As long as I stay by Commander Sonia's side, learn her military strategies, inherit her prestige, shoulder her responsibilities, and prove to the kingdom my swordsmanship and my indispensability to rule the North, I will be able to..."

"But I was wrong."

Miranda lowered her head, looked at the letter stamped with the nine-pointed star seal, and smiled sarcastically:
"Commander Sonia can teach me everything on the battlefield, but there are some things she can't teach me."

She raised her head again, staring at the silent Thales:

"There are many more things that I couldn't get on that battlefield."

Thales looked at her with a complex expression, sensing her determination and resolve at that moment.

But the more resolute and determined she became, the more he felt...

Those who supported you after being deceived by you will form a surging tide, using reputation, stance, camp, interests, relationships, and the situation to force you forward, allowing no room for argument, no room for your control, and no room for regret.

The two fell into a long silence.

Until Thales took a deep breath, breaking the silence:
“I saw Raphael in the Secret Service not long ago.”

Miranda trembled slightly.

"He, well, although he won't admit it, he cares about you a lot."

They can't even take a joke.

Thinking of this, Thales couldn't help but smile.

But that smile was pale.

Just like Miranda's expression.

“Don’t do this, Your Highness,” the female swordsman said slowly, but her words carried a hint of danger. “First it was my father, then it was that man.”

"Given our status, we shouldn't be resorting to such amateurish sentimental tricks."

But Thales ignored her.

"If Raphael could see you now, see you here bargaining with me, saying nothing but... things."

"As a member of the Secret Service, and as a tool for loyalty to the Restoration Palace, what will he think? Most importantly, what will he do after he finds out?"

Thales stared straight at the other person.

Miranda gazed at him silently, her eyes fixed on him, lost in deep thought.

But when she spoke again, she reverted to being the calm, aloof, and unapproachable female swordswoman.

"Tales Shining Star".

"I've noticed that you're not as cute as you were when you were little."

Miranda stared at him coldly:
"So impulsive, so adventurous, so naive, so simple and direct."

Thales frowned, sensing that he had failed to persuade her once again.

Ok.

At least I was cute at one point.

"But one thing remains unchanged, just like everyone else."

The next instant, Miranda's eyes turned cold:
"When will you be able to see me as an independent and complete 'person'?"

Thales, who was sighing, was taken aback by what he heard.

"Instead of someone's daughter, someone's friend, someone's lover, someone's wife, or someone's future mother?"

Thales stared at her blankly.

A complete person...

“If you can’t even do this, Your Highness, then you might as well just keep the most utilitarian and ruthless part,” Miranda sneered, “and only see me as a tool, a sword, a pawn.”

Upon hearing this, Thales trembled slightly.

That sounds so familiar.

Let me step forward, Your Majesty. Let me be your enemy... your spy, your pawn, your bargaining chip... your sword.

Utilitarian.

cruel.

“At least that would make us both feel better,” Miranda said coldly, “instead of putting on a hypocritical show of ‘I consider you a friend’ and ‘it’s for your own good’.”

For your own good.

Thales gritted his teeth.

She was very determined.

The voice in my heart resounded:

She won't give up.

In other words, this is something she brought upon herself, and no one else is to blame, right?
Thales clenched his fist unconsciously, his fingertips touching the scar on his palm.

And you have to do it.

As she said, leave behind the most utilitarian and cold-blooded parts.

A voice deep inside him reminded him:
Compared to your pitiful "affection" with her, think of King Kessel, and the covenant you made with him.

Think about the path you envision taking, and imagine the chaotic future the stars will face if you don't intervene and allow the Iron-Fisted King to act with impunity:
Conflict, contradiction, war—how much cost, how much bloodshed, how many families torn apart and destroyed?
And she was right; she will become a fine sword, a fine piece of chess.

The next second, Thales suddenly opened his eyes!

"very good!"

His eyes were cold and dark, and the sins of the River of Hell flowed faster in his veins.

“Miranda Aarond, if you have thought everything through and are determined to pledge your allegiance to me and serve me, of course you can, I would even welcome it.”

Miranda slowly raised her head upon hearing this.

His gaze was as sharp as a sword.

Thales abruptly changed the subject, as if winter had suddenly arrived:
"But you should know that you are not the first person to come to me. The Duke of Starlake's list of visitors in the past few months was so thick that it could be used as toilet paper."

With me, you can pinpoint your enemies: the banner of the rebel king flies high, and all who gather beneath it will fall into our trap and be wiped out in one fell swoop.

Thales's expression was indifferent, and his words were cold.

"If I take you in, accept you, allow you to join the Duke of Star Lake's ranks, and grant you the privilege and glory of being a close advisor to the prince."

The Duke narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the female swordsman before him:

"What benefits will I get?"

I will give you unexpected and tremendous assistance, helping you to see through them, dismantle them, and ultimately—destroy them.

Thales forced a cold laugh and said in an unfamiliar tone:

"As you said, beyond her value as a wife and mother—or, to put it more pragmatically, as sexual release and reproduction, or, to put it more coldly, as a vagina and womb—..."

The prince's words were flippant and presumptuous, and Miranda instinctively clenched her fists.

Thales leaned over the desk, elbows resting on his knees, feeling the chilling coldness that made him extremely uncomfortable, and a smile curved his lips:
What else can you give me?

A dark cloud drifted across the sky, completely obscuring the sun.

The shimmering light on Star Lake faded, leaving only a deep darkness.

Miranda's expression turned serious.

"So, this was a transaction?"

Thales bent his fingers.

"I took your advice and kept only the most utilitarian parts."

Filled with unease, he brazenly began to scrutinize Miranda:

"Does this make you feel any better, dear Mira?"

Mira.

Miranda tensed up.

This is clearly an affectionate nickname, but it sounds...

“Even Cohen wouldn’t dare call me that,” she said coldly.

Thales chuckled, then his gaze turned cold.

"So I am not Cohen, but your master. If you want to stay, you'd better get used to it sooner rather than later, Miss Mira."

Miranda frowned as she looked at Thales.

She was silent for a long time.

Thales was happy to have some peace and quiet and didn't urge him.

A few seconds later, Miranda released her fist and unexpectedly smiled.

“Very well, I like trading,” the female swordsman licked her chapped lips, as if she were licking the blood of her prey, “making everything direct, simple, naked, and bloody.”

Thales was taken aback at first, but then he smiled.

“You know, I’m thinking that if Raphael knew what we were talking about right now,” Thales shook his head sarcastically, “he would definitely kill me.”

"Then he, or anyone else, will have to step over my sword first."

Miranda spoke in a cold voice:
"Or a corpse."

The two men in the study locked eyes, their gazes meeting as if swords were clashing.
"This is the first benefit my loyalty brings you, Your Grace."

Thales looked at her expression and remained silent for a moment.

“Yes, you are quite skilled in martial arts,” the Duke said, seeing her raise her eyebrows. “In fact, you are quite skilled.”

But he immediately sneered in disdain.

"But do not forget: the Star Lake Guard are all elites carefully selected from the Royal Guard, most of them have the title of Royal Knight, and they are all heroes."

Thales spoke as usual, without blushing or panting:

“I have no shortage of experts under my command. There are plenty of people in Xinghu Fort who can go toe-to-toe with you, or even be better.”

(Somewhere in the castle, a captain of the guard sneezed violently: "This damn cat hair...")
Miranda did not answer, but her expression was serious.

Thales straightened up and, with a cold smile, raised the stakes:

"And they would go through fire and water for me without hesitation. Even if it meant raising a flag in rebellion, they wouldn't even blink an eye."

Miranda swallowed hard.

Thales stared intently at his opponent, a slight smile playing on his lips:
"My dear Mira wants to participate in the game..."

"You need to give more."

"More."

I recently switched to a different word processing software. Everything works fine when I'm writing, but when I paste, the double and single quotes always seem to be wrong. I did a quick proofread, but there are bound to be some errors, so I'll have to go back and fix them one by one. Please bear with me.

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(End of this chapter)