Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 656 Waiting for the Best Price

Chapter 656 Waiting for the Best Price
Under the night sky, Thales looked up at the lights of the entire Emerald City, watching them gradually brighten—according to tradition, the Battle of the Contest was about to end, and the Queen's Day, also known as the Emerald Festival, was about to begin.

“I understand,” Thales sighed. “The Emerald City is far more than just a city; it’s a history, a history spanning a century.”

Each place has its own unique shape.

The kingdom was far more complex than he had imagined.

The prince, lost in thought, said:
"In some respects, it is even more complete, unique, brilliant, and flawless than Yongxing City."

As the moonlight dimmed, the brightly lit Kongming Palace appeared even more like a divine messenger descending to earth, waving its giant arms to support the heavens and the earth, and protecting humanity with immense strength.

And now they stand on this giant arm, feeling the light of more than a century of the past converge, transforming into the lights of thousands of homes, gathering like stars at the feet of the divine messenger, illuminating the entire Emerald City and even the South Bank Territory.

"Indeed."

Jann's lips curved slightly as he leaned against the stone railing, gazing at the Queen's City before him with Thales.

"And you can't imagine the courage and sacrifice that each generation of the Iris family has shown in order to transform Emerald City into what it is today over the past century."

Courage.

cost.

Thales frowned and fell into deep thought.

A few seconds later, the smile on Jenn's lips disappeared.

“Unless the bloody year repeats itself, resorting to war and turmoil, or a calamity descends, repeating the events of Dragonsky City, I really can’t imagine what means could be used to destroy this Queen’s City, which is impenetrable and unassailable in the Star Kingdom, and to dethrone Kevindir from the throne overnight.”

A bloody year, a year of war.

Disaster, old stories of Longxiao City.

Thales' breath hitched as the scene of the Night of Dragonblood appeared before his eyes.

But... no.

Thales vehemently denies himself:
impossible.

This is not Exter.

He won't.

But—a voice deep inside him calmly reminded him—that he thought the same thing back in Dragon City: impossible.

That's your father, the Iron-Fisted King.

Are you sure?

Thinking of this, Thales felt a slight tingling sensation down his spine.

But if...

If that day ever comes...

Thales dared not think any further.

"so."

The next moment, the city lord of Emerald City turned around, his words filled with chilling intent:

"This makes me even more uneasy."

Jenn stared intently at Thales, his tone unusually unsettling:
"Extremely uneasy."

Thales frowned:
"You mean..."

“Thales, do you think the master of the Palace of Restoration, your father, the Iron-Fisted King, His Majesty King Catherine V—would not know these facts, which even we can discover and see?” The Duke of the South Bank’s voice was anxious and restrained, much like an archer drawing a bow to its fullest extent, his voice trembling with determination.

Iron-fisted King.

Thales' expression changed.

Even we can see the facts...

Wouldn't he know?

These words struck the prince like a thunderbolt, jolting him awake from the myriad lights of the city before him.

The wind was strong and the tall building made Jann's robes rustle loudly, momentarily drowning out the singing and dancing behind him.

“But…” Thales began instinctively.

The Duke continued, still gazing down at the city his family had ruled for generations, amidst the biting autumn wind:
“But our Supreme King still sent you here, to the Emerald City.”

“Send the Queen’s City.”

In that instant, looking into Jann's eyes, Thales suddenly felt a sense of horror, and even got goosebumps.

He is right.

A voice echoed softly from the depths of my heart:

That's your father.

The supreme ruler of the kingdom.

Perhaps he cannot have everything go his way.

But he was by no means making baseless accusations.

Think of Dragon Sky City.

Think about Baki Camp.

"Therefore, even though they knew this place was an impregnable fortress, easy to defend and difficult to attack."

Jenn stared intently at the town below, his voice trembling slightly:

"Yet your father remains so confident and decisive?"

"What exactly does he intend to do? What other means does he have that would be enough to overthrow Kevin Deer's centuries-old rule and seize this seemingly impregnable city?"

The wind grew stronger, and Jenn's tone grew colder.

"Or is it that the king has already calculated the stakes and made preparations, even at an unimaginable cost and sacrifice, willing to leave millions dead and bleed for miles, to conquer this special city?"

This was the first time Thales had seen Jenn like this.

At this moment, the Duke of the South Bank was like a warrior facing a thousand armies alone. He trembled, gritted his teeth, and raised his final sword.

Either fight to the death with all your might.

Either, for the sake of dignity, turn the sword in the opposite direction...

At that moment, looking at the man in front of him, Thales suddenly understood something.

"fear."

The Duke of the South Bank was slightly taken aback: "What did you say?"

the same.

Thales silently said to himself:

He and I are the same.

What you feel is not unease.

The prince turned to look out from the watchtower and slowly began to speak: “It is fear, the fear that comes when you realize you are facing the supreme king.”

"fear?"

Jann's voice still carried doubt.

Thales turned around, certain:
"Yes, believe me, I know it very well."

of course.

A voice deep within his heart spoke to Thales, tinged with profound fear and vigilance:

You know.

You know too well.

Jenn's expression shifted slightly, and the way he looked at Thales changed.

"So, have you overcome it?"

The owner of the iris said softly, "Or are you still feeling that fear every moment?"

At that moment, the prince's eyes were filled with complex emotions.

Thales did not reply.

He stood on the observation platform of Kongming Palace, as if he had landed in the huge, broad palm of the divine messenger.

Climb high and look far.

However, it was damaged by the cold wind.

Establish a firm foothold.

But there was no way to escape.

After a long while, Thales let out a breath.

"To put it simply, Emerald City is not much worse than Yongxing City, and in some aspects it is even better."

Thales pounded on the stone railing in front of him, his palm aching.

"But I have a vague feeling that it is still missing something—something that only the one sitting on the supreme throne of the stars can possess, use, and spread."

Jenn looked puzzled:

"You mean... the authority of the Supreme King?"

Thales shook his head:
"I don't know, I can't explain it. I'm like you, I don't know what he'll do."

Jenn's eyes flickered.

“But, Jan, to be honest,” the prince looked at him and said sincerely, “he will give you the most unpredictable and unexpected blow.”

"And you have to be prepared for the worst, the worst possible outcome."

The worst-case scenario plan.

Jenn was silent for a few seconds.

"What do you want?" the Jade City Lord suddenly asked.

"What?" Duke Starlake frowned.

Jenn took a deep breath and turned around:
“I know you don’t like your father. But you wouldn’t help me for no reason just because of that, not wanting him to have his way.”

Thales understood, but was somewhat puzzled:

"I thought we had agreed..."

Jenn interrupted him: "No, Thales, let's be honest: you and I have only made peace, but we've not cooperated, much less formed an alliance."

The Duke of the South Bank narrowed his eyes:

"I don't believe you're genuinely trying to help me. Of course, I dare say even you don't believe it yourself."

“You are just using me, and even using your father: Duke Starlake is watching from the sidelines, waiting for the king’s blade to fall, waiting for Emerald City to be stained with blood, so that he can use this as leverage to demand exorbitant prices.”

Thales' expression shifted.

Awaiting price.

Asking prices all over the place.

So, Jenn thought that I was only cooperating with him out of greed?
"So, name your price, Thales—what exactly do you want?"

At this moment, the Duke of the South Bank before me was incredibly cold.

"When it really comes to that final moment, what price would you be willing to pay to help stop your father, instead of standing idly by or even kicking him when he's down?"

Name your price...

What price range are you looking for...?

That's why I stopped your father...

For some reason, Thales suddenly remembered that passage from the "Covenant".

Those who betray this alliance will be abandoned by all.

[Burning in flames, his soul perished in the River of Hell.]

such a pity.

The voice deep within my heart rose again, tinged with sarcasm:

Unfortunately, Thales, you've already made your choice.

With that thought in mind, Thales gripped the "covenant" tightly.

or……

Now is the real choice?

Thales looked at Kevin Deer's master.

Jann also kept a close eye on the prince.

“I,” Thales began softly, “want something…”

King Kessel's words echoed in my ears once more:

Depose the Duke, destroy Jenn.

Destroy Jenn...

"Your Majesty the Duke?"

A soft call brought the two people back to reality.

Thales and Jann turned around at the same time: the butler Ashford stood behind them, smiling apologetically.

In his eyes, the two dukes paused for only a moment before turning around and revealing ceremonial smiles.

The posture was perfect and impeccable.

"Midnight is almost here."

Ashford whispered, glancing at the hookah beside the Duke.

The two realized what was happening and exchanged a glance.

“Of course,” Jann took a deep breath and patted his cigarette-smelling front. “Excuse me, Your Highness, I must go and make preparations to announce the start of the Emerald Festival.”

Thales returned the smile, gesturing for him to go first.

The Duke of Southbank did not stand on ceremony and immediately moved to the lounge. Ashford bowed to Thales and followed dutifully.

Thales looked down: the hookah stood alone by the watchtower.

It seems to have always been like this.

Another gust of cold wind blew by, and Thales couldn't help but shiver.

With a heavy heart, he turned away from the observation deck, not wanting to join the banquet anymore. So he turned onto the corridor, but before he had taken a few steps, two familiar figures floated out from the foyer and blocked Thales's way.

"Your Highness Thales!"

"Isn't this just a coincidence?"

Thales let out a heavy sigh, feeling frustrated and exhausted.

"Kasha, Qina, we meet again."

He turned back in despair, searching for a savior—where was Mira? Marius? Golova?

If all else fails, DD will do, right?

After Miranda's ordeal, the Karabyan sisters looked somewhat disheveled and exhausted. They blinked, giving off a strangely cunning air.

"You're looking for a fierce woman, aren't you?"

"She's quite the star of the party these days!"

"Men were all vying to please her, and women were all fighting to win her over..."

"Hmm, I might not be able to get away for the time being?"

"All our efforts and scheming have not been in vain..."

"Go ask the two customers from the grasslands where they came from..."

"To incite them to fight..."

"To create an opportunity for her to showcase her talents..."

what?
Thales's brow twitched.

"Oh no, sis, you let it slip!"

"Oh no, sister, why didn't you warn me!"

"Because I let it slip first!"

"Ah, that makes sense. I misunderstood you!"

"Now what?"

"Cough cough, it's alright. Look at him, he looks so silly, he probably didn't understand..."

“I heard you!” Thales protested loudly. “And I understood you!”

The two sisters' expressions changed, and smiles appeared on their faces:

"Oh, Your Highness, those details are not important!"

"Anyway, now..."

Kasha and Qina exchanged a glance, their faces lighting up with joy:

"You belong to us!"

Thales sighed heavily.

"I'm sorry, but I really don't have the mood to argue with you right now..."

He waved and continued walking, but the Karabyan sisters, lifting their skirts, skipped and jumped to catch up with him from both sides.

"It's alright, Your Highness!" "We won't bother you anymore!"

"Although that was two hundred and twenty-four gold coins."

"But since there's still a premium, we didn't lose too much."

"Although Kalabyan has barren land and tight finances."

"But we've always lived frugally and managed to survive."

"Although the heir is beyond redemption, born stubborn and foolish."

"Sigh, there's no excuse for this, we just have to accept it."

Kasha clicked her tongue and shook her head: "But, Your Highness, if we can't be husband and wife, at least we can make a deal!"

Qina winked playfully: "Yeah, even if we can't be friends, we can at least do business—Ah! Sister, why did you hit me!"

"Oh, sister, I'm so sorry, I thought you were going to say we should be friends with sex!"

"Ugh, sister! Your language is so filthy!"

"What about my idea?"

"Hehe, I really like it!"

"Ahem," Thales had to cough loudly, interrupting the two who were swaying shyly, "Excuse me, I need to go to the restroom now..."

But Kasha and Qina quickly caught up with him, full of confidence:
"Your Highness!"

"We saw you having an affair with the Duke!"

"Discuss it privately!"

"I saw you on a date with him too!"

"A meeting is to be arranged!"

Thales looked at him strangely and quickened his pace.

The Karabyan sisters stopped smiling and became mysterious:
"So, we know what you're here for!"

"Everything for politics, everything for the monarchy!"

Thales was taken aback.

"what?"

He looked in the direction Jenn had left, then glanced at the words "Stupid to the extreme" on their fans, and frowned.
"What do you know?"

Kasha's eyes flashed: "First of all, we know you're not here for a blind date!"

Kina raised an eyebrow: "Anyway, that bitch—isn't good enough for you?"

"You're definitely not here for tourism!"

"Otherwise, we wouldn't be this poor..."

Thales's brow twitched.

"Because you offended Father not long ago and were kicked out of Yongxing City!"

"Life is tough in the middle of nowhere!"

"I wish I could split every single copper coin in half to spend!"

Thales frowned deeply: "Um, well, don't believe or spread rumors..."

The next second, the Karabyan sisters' smiles vanished!
"But we know..."

"we know!"

"You are a prince."

"You are Shining Star!"

"You are the future heir to the throne."

"The future leader of the kingdom!"

"You will not be content with mediocrity."

"We will never compromise our principles and seek only a peaceful retreat!"

"You are gathering your strength."

"In an attempt to revive the flames!"

Forehead?
Thales glanced to his left, somewhat embarrassed: Kasha was filled with righteous indignation.

He glanced to his right with mixed feelings: Qina's eyes were full of fervor.

"Have you misunderstood something—"

“There is no misunderstanding, Your Highness, it is perfectly clear,” Kasha said coldly, “You took in the daughter of a disgraced official from the North, that fierce woman from House Aarond!”

“And there’s Paul, the ‘silly lion’ of the Bozdorf family, that pretentious little old-fashioned!” Qina’s eyes flashed with sharpness.

“No—” Thales’ expression changed, and he tried to explain.

"You even humbled yourself, lowered your intelligence, and befriended Karabyan's successor!"

"Although you may be disappointed, because my silly brother Cohen is a complete idiot and a fool!"

“Right now, just now, you put aside past grievances and resentments to negotiate privately with the Duke of the South Bank!”

The next second, Kai'Sa placed her hands on her chest and sighed deeply:
"Ah, wanderer of Yongxing City, how lonely you are!"

Qina bit her lip, her eyes glistening:
"Everything we do is for the sake of reclaiming the rights of Canxing!"

"Therefore, you are determined to achieve remarkable results."

Only then can I rival my father in the Fuxing Palace!

"You must win the alliance of the six vassal states."

"He'd even marry a prostitute and sell himself out!"

"It's a pity that love and politics have become so far apart!"

"My pillow at night is stained with tears!"

“Wait, wait, wait, I’ve seen this before,” Thales’s features contorted in confusion, “It’s a line from *The Cutter’s Palace*—”

But the Karabyan twins didn't give him a chance at all.

"Without a doubt..."

"Your journeys to all corners of the world are for the purpose of making friends across the land!"

"Your banner will surely fly high!"

"Bearing humiliation and heavy burdens, his grand ambitions are clearly revealed!"

"A young man's ambition will live up to the imperial bloodline!"

"What?" Thales tried to keep up with the other person's logic.

But then Kasha and Qina's expressions and movements changed again, their bodies trembling, creating an atmosphere of inexplicable tragedy.

"But..."

"But!"

"Your opponents are everywhere!"

"Your crisis shows no signs of abating!"

The twins waved in unison, one to the left and one to the right, one high and one low:
"The hope of the kingdom..."

"The Fate of a Shining Star!"

The two sisters switched places in perfect unison and waved again from the other side:

"The bloodshed of the throne!"

"A treacherous court!"

Kaisa flicked her fan, her expression wary.

"Enemies from the shadows are spreading rumors and slandering your heroic experiences as a hostage in the North!"

Qina clenched her fists and shook her head, heartbroken:
"Those despicable people lurking in the gutter, they dare to spout nonsense and maliciously speculate about your true purpose in coming to the south bank!"

Thales's brow twitched: Huh?
"They're spreading rumors that you're not good enough for that bitch—the beautiful and lovely Ms. Hillary!"

"They are utterly wicked. I've heard that you and Duke Janne are enemies, wishing the other dead first!"

"They want to drive you out of Emerald City!"

"Blast us out of the South Coast Territory!"

Thales took a deep breath, then exhaled painfully, deciding to resign himself to his fate and give up trying to explain.

"Fortunately..." Kaisa's gaze sharpened.

"Fortunately!" Qina said coldly.

"You still have Kai'Sa by your side!"

"And Qina!"

"Who cares if the road ahead is long and arduous!"

"The young man will eventually become king!"

Thales, who had initially given up on arguing and simply accepted his fate, was taken aback by what he heard:
"what?"

The two sisters exchanged a glance, one extending her left hand and the other her right, and said in unison, with resolute determination:
"We'll help you, Your Highness!"

Kaisa is full of confidence:

"Rebut these rumors: You are not an unwanted northern barbarian!"

Qina's eyes lit up:

"Find these adversaries and send them to hell one by one!"

"Show your royal demeanor and stand with us through thick and thin!"

"Raise your shining banner and spread the prince's authority!"

"Elevate your status: Stand tall and proud in Emerald City!"

"To honor you: The Queen is from the Vora region!"

"Oh, sister, you let it slip again!"

"Ah, this doesn't count, this doesn't count..."

The Karabyan sisters cleared their throats, looking as if they were enduring humiliation:

"In any case, Your Highness, do not be afraid!"

Even if you go against the world, we are not afraid!

"You two, wait a minute, wait a minute!" Thales quickly raised his hand, full of doubt. "No—why would I be at odds with the world?"

Kasha and Qina both shuddered.

"It's alright, Your Highness..."

They covered their mouths and exchanged a glance.

"It's alright, Prince..."

The twins took a deep breath, filled with hope and emotion, and nodded heavily:
"We'll help you!!!"

Looking at the two sisters with hopeful faces, Thales's expression darkened.

I knew it.

“Uh, thank you for reminding me, thank you,” Thales said, jogging a little, “but I have an appointment with Duke Jann…”

"But Your Highness!"

Kasha and Qina lifted their skirts and quickly followed:
"In Emerald City, we can offer you many things..."

"a lot of!"

"To realize your political ambitions!"

"ambition!"

"Anyway, that bitch isn't any better..."

"Except for a good older brother..."

"It's truly enviable!"

"Although his surname is Kevin Deer, he's surrounded by rumors..."

"It's said to be a deformed monster..."

"Unlike some better choices, she is reserved and dignified, virtuous and gentle..."

"And it also comes with a silly older brother who can hit anything you point at..."

Just then, as Thales was filled with endless melancholy, a strange, jet-black hair suddenly fell from the ceiling!

"what!"

The twins yelled, jumped back a big step, and instantly hugged each other.

A withered and terrifying human head slowly emerged from the long hair.

Thales frowned as he looked at the head that was trembling incessantly, as if it were alive:

"Again?"

But this time, Kasha and Qina were clearly prepared. The sisters huddled together and trembled for a while before finally mustering their courage:

"Don't panic, sister, it's fake!"

"Don't panic, sister, it must be fake!"

"Mmm, mmm, don't panic, don't be afraid, don't cry!"

The two sisters bravely pointed to the human head in the hair, gritting their teeth:
"Wisdom lies on the left!"

"Sword to the right!"

"Kasakina!"

"One on the left, one on the right, ahhhhh—"

Amidst the startled cries of Kasha and Qina, Thales' eyelids twitched:
A servant carrying a tray ran up from behind and accidentally knocked Kasha and Qina over. The tray fell to the ground with a loud thud.

"You—don't you watch where you're going?!"

The sudden accident drew Kasha's attention away, and she stopped noticing the head in her long hair.

Qina was also in so much pain that her eyes were filled with tears:

"Yeah, don't you have eyes?!"

The servant was terrified. He scrambled to his feet, too frightened to speak, and could only bow repeatedly.

"It's alright, Kasha, Kina..."

Thales quickly helped the twins up, but before he could say anything—

"Ahhhhhhh-"

Amid the terrified screams of the Karabyan sisters, Thales painfully covered his ears.

The next second, Kasha and Qina turned around and took a step, but they both fell face down with a thud.

"Oh no! My left shoe!"

"Oh no! My right shoe!"

The two sisters turned around and, trembling, discovered the key:
"They were tied together!"

"hateful!"

“Hey, that was just a prank, can you guys calm down—” Thales gritted his teeth and turned to look at the withered head in the long hair, but inadvertently, in the dim light, he saw the servant clearly.

The servant kept bowing, and with each bow, his face, illuminated by the candlelight, revealed his lips.

however.

The boy was stunned.

like……

In the flickering candlelight, the servant finally stopped bowing.

He raised his head.

grin.

Thales's breath hitched.

empty.

His mind went blank, and then he realized what was happening.

The skin on this person's face was completely smooth.

It has no ears.