Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 659 Sharing the Cold
If we set aside the experiences and feelings of the individuals involved, last night's banquet was undoubtedly a great success: it was grand in scale, well-hosted, with distinguished guests, a lively atmosphere, and the final celebratory fireworks display was dreamlike. Most of the guests who visited Kongming Palace were satisfied and had a great time.

Furthermore, as the heir to the kingdom, Duke Thales's long journey to visit demonstrates the Emerald City's and the entire South Shore's foundation and roots within the kingdom, bringing honor to Duke Jann and the Kevindir family.

As for Miss Hilla's glamorous appearance and grand finale, it was an even more dazzling highlight, stunning everyone and generating a strong response. Attendees from all over the world praised her and talked about her with great interest, setting off a fashion trend that combines mystery and nature.

From the moment Duke Jann announced the start of the celebration at midnight, the entire Emerald City entered a state of revelry:

Taverns and inns were packed to capacity, forcing owners to add seats outside, bring out food and drinks stocked up three months in advance, and offer seemingly attractive discounts and exclusive packages. Minstrels could take to the streets, wave their hands and start a tune in crowded places, and a chorus of various accents would be roused, forcing more people to join in in order to drown out the off-key wailing. No matter how bad the skills or how unprofessional the street performer was, as long as they had a loud enough voice, sang and danced, and greeted people with a serious attitude and a smile, they could always earn a round of applause and a few coins.

Market vendors set up new stalls mainly selling festive and celebratory goods, hoping to capitalize on the atmosphere and make a fortune. The number of patrol officers in the dock area increased significantly to deal with drunken brawlers from other places—a polite way of saying it, as most of the time it was locals who were drunk. Theater and circus owners in the Goddess District were working hard, setting up stages at crossroads, just inches from their competitors. Around the clock, different batches of actors took turns performing, showcasing their most important and signature plays of the year in the most brutal yet dreamlike way. The surrounding crowds, and the frequency of their applause, were the most primal and direct evaluation, and the reward that playwrights and actors longed for most in their lives.
Children, unusually free from the constraints of their homes, rushed into the streets in groups to frolic and play. They begged for food here and trinkets there, and as long as it wasn't too outrageous, the shopkeepers and vendors pretended not to see. They would even chase after the horses of those wearing green hats and follow the police officers on patrol. In these special times, the helpless civil servants could only laugh it off. Couples, lovers, and families went out hand in hand, whether joyfully, excitedly, elegantly, or dignifiedly, enjoying various activities along the way, which kept them from returning home until midnight...

As night falls, even the poorest families light their brightest lights, smiling and reminding their family members who have gone out to play to return late, wishing them a bright future and a promising outlook. The wealthy, on the other hand, set off endless fireworks, illuminating the streets and city at the cost of disturbing people's sleep, decorating the festive atmosphere and flaunting their wealth. The fire brigade in the police station has to keep up with the green hats on horseback, cursing these guys who set off fireworks in prohibited areas while secretly rejoicing that the police calls and overtime bonuses during the celebrations are five to ten times higher than usual...

"Stop talking," Wyatt said with a worried look, nudging Neshi, who had just returned from outside and was talking excitedly, spitting everywhere. "Can't you tell?"

Ahead of them, Thales rested his hands on the windowsill, staring intently at the bustling Emerald City district, his face so gloomy it looked like it was about to drip water.

"Oh, right? Your Highness seems a little unhappy again?" Neshi lowered her voice, realizing what was happening.

"It seems so—why say 'again'?"

"Hmm, were you quite satisfied with that young lady at first sight?" DD came in from outside, holding a bag of pork floss cakes he bought from the market, and handed one to everyone. "So you're now worried about how to make up for the trouble you've caused these past few days and salvage your relationship with your brother-in-law?"

"Nonsense, is His Highness that kind of person?" Wyman swallowed hard and took the cake.

"of course not."

DD spoke with righteous indignation, then his expression changed:
"But their family is really rich. Look at the banquet last night, the food was so lavish..."

Just then, Marius pushed open the door, followed by Golov and Miranda, as well as guards such as Caqueret, who served as Thales' guide and security officer.

Wyatt quickly stood up straight, threw the half-eaten cake back into Doyle's bag, and DD tossed the bag to Neshi, who frantically tried to hide it—unfortunately, Marius still saw it.

Thales turned around from the window, his expression serious.

"Mira, zombie, I'm sorry to trouble you with this trip."

Golov nodded, about to speak.

“Not at all, Your Highness,” Miranda said, having changed out of her formal attire and back into her everyday clothes, looking radiant. “It’s better than a banquet.”

The zombie frowned:

"I...yes."

Thales turned to the guest:
"Officer Caquere, thank you for taking them to the prison."

Officer Caquere beamed: "During the Emerald Festival, my duty is to provide His Highness with the necessary assistance, but I am at your beck and call."

Thales nodded and looked at Miranda and Glov.

"How about it?"

“Wrist-cutting,” Miranda concluded. “Last night, before and after the celebratory fireworks, Dagory Moss sat in the corner of his cell, and blood flowed down the wall into the drain, so no one noticed. By the time the guards and fellow inmates found him, he was already dead.”

Thales frowned:
"Was it suicide?"

Golov snorted coldly:
"That's what the prison guards think."

Caquere quickly added:
"By the way, a sharpened piece of wood was found in Moss's pocket. It was probably broken off from the handle of a utensil and was stained with blood. It was evidence that he had cut his wrists."

Thales remained silent for a long while.

"Is it evidence?"

The prince said in a deep voice, "Or is it misleading information left behind by others?"

These words cast a shadow over everyone's mood.

Upon hearing this, Officer Caquere couldn't help but say:

"By the way, the guards said that Morse has been very depressed these days. He knows what he's done, and he knows he's in deep trouble now that he's caught. Rather than live in torment and bring trouble to his family, he'd rather..."

Thales' expression remained unchanged:
"That's it? Suicide out of guilt?"

Golov snorted coldly:
"No, those jailers are lying."

Caquere's expression changed.

"The scene looks like a suicide, but there are many suspicious points."

Miranda stepped forward, extended her wrist, and gestured to Thales: "There are two arteries in a person's wrist, one superficial and one deep, located on either side of the thumb and little finger. Most people who attempt suicide by cutting their wrists can only sever the superficial branch on the thumb side, so the bleeding is slow, and if it is discovered in time, they can still be saved."

"But the wound on Morse's hand was so deep that the bone was visible, and it even ruptured the deep artery, causing a lot of bleeding in a short time. It was both discreet and effective."

Miranda tapped her wrist:

"Even if he only had a sharp piece of wood in his arms, or even if he used a sharp metal blade..."

At this point, she glanced at Marius, leaving him even more bewildered.

"This requires skillful and powerful techniques, but even more so, the courage to be ruthless."

Golov's gaze sharpened: "But that wine merchant has neither."

Thales' expression was serious, and he exchanged a glance with Marius:
"Is it."

Hearing this, Officer Caquere was somewhat embarrassed. He hesitated for a long time before finally taking a deep breath and speaking.

“In fact, I couldn’t say too much to my colleagues in prison just now… but since that’s the case, Your Highness, yes, Ms. Arend is right.”

Thales's eyes flickered:
"Officer Caquere?"

“Before being transferred to the guard post, I also worked in prisons and have seen many such cases,” Caquere sighed. “When prisoners die unexpectedly while under guard, in order to shirk responsibility and keep their jobs, many guards will agree to tell the same story and insist that it was suicide—I think that wine merchant’s death was most likely murder, and then disguised as suicide.”

Thales's eyes flickered: "So, in your opinion, who did it?"

Caquere hesitated for a moment:

"When Morse died, the prisoners present were all habitual petty thieves who went to jail every few months. And coincidentally, they came in again during the few days Morse was in jail."

"You mean they did it? Why?"

Caquere coughed:
"According to my colleagues in the Security Bureau who were investigating the Morse case, that wine merchant ruined the lives of many people, the vast majority of whom were workers owed wages, farmers owed money, and business partners who lost everything... But when Morse arrived in Emerald City, he lived a life of luxury, surrounded by attendants, and refused to give them a single penny."

Thales' gaze was somewhat lost in thought:

"Yes, he does owe quite a few people."

Caquere continued:

"But Emerald City has strict laws, and Morse is too cunning. He can afford a defense attorney, and besides, he has been bribing officials, contacting old friends, and currying favor with the powerful... His enemies probably know that even going to court won't bring him justice..."

Thales's mind raced:
"Should we just take the risk and kill him to get revenge?"

Caquere shook his head:

"I dare not say whether it was for revenge or to collect a debt, whether it was intentional or impulsive killing, but I am sure it is related to them."

DD couldn't help but ask, "They dared to kill someone in Emerald City? And they're still in prison?"

"Precisely because of the Emerald City, and the prison."

Caquere bowed.

"It's embarrassing to talk about, but the Blood Bottle Gang and the Brotherhood both have this kind of way: if you want someone to disappear, you can't do it on the street because of the endless trouble. So usually you lure them to the docks and make it look like they've fallen into the water while drunk to avoid being tracked down... And it's even more different once they're in prison. Suicide out of fear of punishment is a good cover-up."

Marius suddenly asked:
"So, it was Morse's enemies who hired someone to kill him?"

Caquere nodded in agreement:
"It seems so at the moment, but how should I put it? If he hadn't been so eager to curry favor with the powerful and influential, he might not have been so unlucky."

"Why?" Thales asked curiously.

Caquere glanced at Thales:
“Morse’s case involves many parties, and by convention he should be kept in solitary confinement and subjected to severe interrogation, but because of his relationship with His Highness…”

“Prince Thales has nothing to do with him,” Marius reminded him expressionlessly. “They just met on the road, nothing more.”

Officer Caquere immediately changed his tune:

"Of course. Anyway, the wine merchant was transferred to a temporary cell for minor offenders. The treatment was good; he had three meals a day, someone to chat with, and he could be let out for fresh air regularly... and that's how this happened."

Thales's gaze slowly focused.

"If you...the Emerald City Police Department investigates further, will you be able to find the person who hired the killer?"

Caquere nodded at first, then looked troubled.

“If you want to find it, of course you can, but, Your Highness…”

Thales looked at him.

"To put it bluntly, Morse, who usually bullies and exploits workers, and then runs away with the money when things get a little wrong, causing countless people to lose their fortunes and break up their families, deserves his fate," the guard coughed. "Your Highness has already suffered from him once, why go through that again... Whether it's Morse himself, or those he has harmed, or even those he will harm in the future, it's better for him to be dead than alive."

"The same goes for the Guard Hall, right?" Thales suddenly asked.

Caquere looked puzzled, but Thales quickly smiled and gestured for Koumto to see the guest out.

"I understand. Thank you very much for your help, Officer."

After Caquere left the room, Thales let out a long sigh:

"So, you believe that Morse was murdered in a revenge killing, and that it was a hired killer?"

The group exchanged glances.

Miranda, who had been watching the direction Caquere had left, let out a soft hum upon hearing this:
"This guard is very slick; no wonder he was assigned to be your guide."

"Mira?"

Miranda turned around:
"He was very familiar with the prison guards and could lead us in with ease. When I questioned Golover, he was always the one who would smooth things over and exonerate us."

"As for just now, seeing that we judged that Moss did not commit suicide, he immediately changed his tune, putting on an act of reluctantly but determined to tell His Highness the truth, and told a reasonable and effortless story—hiring a hitman for revenge, which would both exonerate the jailers and put an end to the case."

DD crossed his arms:

"And in the middle, he didn't forget to let slip a hint that Moss's fate was due to his close relationship with Your Highness?"

Thales shrugged.

Marius sighed:
“I guess nobody wants to commit murder during the celebrations, especially a sensitive figure caught between the Duke and the Prince, and one that involves official negligence and economic disputes in other places.”

"As for his deduction, no, the story he told..."

Miranda Mo stroked his black gloves, his eyes flickering slightly: "Revenge killing means they no longer need to bother investigating the motive for the murder to search for clues, because it all stems from Moss's old grudges; hiring a killer means that even if the 'killer' they find in the end has no grudge against Moss, they can still convict and close the case, because it's a hired killing anyway."

"If we were to investigate this further, this would be the explanation that best serves the interests of all parties."

Komto closed the door and sighed softly upon hearing this:

"No wonder the major police stations in Emerald City are known for their high efficiency, speed, and high crime-solving rate. Seeing this today, I am truly envious of my colleagues."

DD shrugged:

"And he was indeed following the rules and regulations. What's that saying again? 'Emerald City believes in justice and the law'?"

“Perhaps it’s precisely because we believe too much,” Marius’s eyes flickered, “that law and justice are always mentioned together, equated with each other. This is not wrong in itself, and it is indeed the ideal state, but in reality…”

The watchman didn't continue.

"If we place too much faith in the law, justice risks being ignored; if we are too superstitious about justice, the law may be trampled upon."

Everyone turned to look at Wyman, who had said those words, and were utterly astonished.

“Durant Enpiuu’s ‘Conventions and Customs’,” Wyatt snapped out of his daze, feeling bewildered by everyone’s stares. “I’m currently preparing for the Royal Guard’s entrance exam, and this is the reading list for the ethics section… What’s wrong? Don’t you guys read when you’re not on duty?”

Golov frowned, DD rolled his eyes, Rolf snorted disdainfully, and Neshi unconsciously shifted his position to cover the cake bag at his feet even more.

Kommuto shook his head and muttered to himself:
"As expected of the son of the Caso family."

"Alright, let's get back to the topic."

Thales sighed and took out the little teddy bear:

"Who killed Morse? Why? What are the consequences for us?"

Golov took a deep breath: "The people who want to kill him..."

But Miranda spoke up from the other side:
"According to you, Morse is someone who secretly works for Emerald City to make money. Now that he has messed things up and knows too much, it is reasonable for Duke Iris to want to silence him."

Golov's expression froze.

Thales nodded.

Yes, that makes sense.

But is that all?

Thales couldn't help but think of the girl from last night.

Moreover, Morse had another identity... an identity that could not be made public.

“But Jenn promised me,” Thales frowned, “that he would spare Morse’s life and observe him.”

“Perhaps, but that was before Miss Hilla appeared,” DD answered instinctively.

But he soon realized that everyone had turned to him with amused looks, especially the prince's gaze.

"Uh, sorry." DD had to take a step back.

"Perhaps we shouldn't delve into it."

Unexpectedly, it was Marius who spoke.

"Forgive my bluntness, but in the public eye, Morse was imprisoned as a 'merchant who followed the prince,'" the Watchman said cautiously. "Now that he is dead, it may not be such a bad thing for His Highness."

"But if we delve too deeply... I'm afraid we'll get a bad reputation again."

Delving too deeply...

But Thales remembered something.

"Cacquer said that Moss died around midnight last night?"

Miranda nodded. "That's what they said."

"Was Kongming Palace setting off fireworks at that time?"

Marius frowned: "What's wrong?"

Thales took a deep breath:

"Cacquer also said that Moss was making connections in Emerald City, contacting old friends, and currying favor with the powerful?"

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, wondering what His Highness was thinking.

"Thor, find out who Morse contacted before he met me."

Marius was taken aback:
"Your Highness?"

“I know you don’t want me to delve into this,” Thales said, clutching the small teddy bear in his hand, his gaze lost in thought. “But there are some things here…”

This needs to be clarified.

Marius sighed upon seeing this:
"I understand."

After everyone left, Thales collapsed onto the bed, feeling a splitting headache.

The King, the Secret, the Emerald City, Janne, Hilla, the Emerald Festival, Morse...

The setting sun.

After giving instructions for today's itinerary, Marius stepped forward to inquire:
"Are you okay?"

"It's nothing. It's just that it's been a long time since I've had this feeling where I don't have to do everything myself, and my subordinates can bring me results just by talking to me."

“Very good,” Marius nodded, quite pleased. “This shows that you have finally found your place and stopped sneaking onto rooftops at night.”

Thales exhaled:

"Oh, right, Thor, just a reminder, what are we supposed to do on the first day of the Emerald Festival?"

"On this day in history, Hyman I, the 'Southerner,' and Queen Regina entered the Temple of the Sunset, witnessed their vows before the gods, and became husband and wife," Marius replied slowly. "Therefore, today is the day of prayer for the Emerald Festival, and the temple and the church will hold their own events to connect with believers, attract the masses, and promote the faith of the Sunset."

"public?"

Thales's hope was rekindled: "Does this mean I'm no longer involved?"

Marius then changed the subject:
"As for the upper class of Emerald City, led by the Duke, they must go to the altar of the Sunset Temple to participate in public prayers, offer sacrifices to the Sunset Goddess, and then go to the church of the Sunset Church to listen to the priests and monks preach, as well as a series of religious ceremonies... Of course, most importantly, you must appear in front of the people to show your piety and respect for the Sunset Goddess."

Thales rubbed his face in pain.

"Thor, may I send you in my place?"

Marius squinted at him for several seconds, then picked up the little teddy bear from the bed and turned to leave.

"You have five minutes to get dressed, Your Highness."

"Don't be late."

----

My brother, old friend, and comrade-in-arms, Your Excellency Thales Starlight, Second Prince of the Star Kingdom and Duke of Starlake:
Seeing your letter is like seeing you in person.

Seven years have passed since we parted. I often think of you and hope you are well. Please excuse me for not exchanging pleasantries.

Though separated by vast oceans, I often heard tales of the North Star from within the Blood Sea Palace:
He went north alone to halt the army's advance, and the heavens and earth collapsed to witness the king's death.

Wang Yan fought bravely to save a life, displaying extraordinary courage and defying fate by storming the palace.

Others may marvel at your youthful achievements, admire your extraordinary courage, or even question the veracity of such deeds, but I assure you, Thales, your loyal friend, Cortrina Corleone of the Sea Throne of Blood, is absolutely not among them.

In fact, I am not surprised at all by your legendary deeds, let alone astonished. I even think that your real experiences must be even more numerous than what is written on paper, and the strange and wonderful things are beyond the imagination of ordinary people. This is because the experience of fighting alongside you in the birch forest in the North seven years ago made me realize that heroes are born to ride the waves.

However, great heroes are inevitably accompanied by endless sorrows. I believe you have already felt this after experiencing the storms, not to mention that the ancient charm of the Fuxing Palace should give you even more to think about.

Unfortunately, such troubles are destined to be unspeakable, because only those who are equals can understand the difficulties of being in that position and making those moves.

Judging by the passing days, you should be in the Emerald City by the time you open this letter. I wonder if the Queen's City suits your taste? Is its prosperity and grandeur pleasing to your eye? Is a marriage alliance fitting for you? Does its empty palace bring you peace of mind?

A century ago, Federico Kevindir, the "Parrot Lord," sent an envoy to the Throne of Blood Sea, initiating communication between the Blood Fang and the Iris, linking maritime trade and facilitating political exchanges. It is because of this that the Corleone family has witnessed this for a century and has gained a deep understanding of its profound mystery, complexity, and uniqueness, which makes the Void Palace stand out among the stars and even the Western Continent.

In my view, from Federico the Parrot to Kirk the Goat Horn, from Mela the Old Woman to Bella the Witch Queen, and more recently the brothers Lenster and Sonner, and even the current generation of Kevin Deer, the generations of the Iris family each have their own unique characteristics, but they also share common traits that cannot be ignored: shrewdness, forbearance, ruthlessness, sensitivity, resilience, deep-seated cunning, and a greed hidden deep in their hearts that they themselves are probably unaware of.

I want you to know that it is people like these who built Emerald City, and it is people like these who are facing you.

Of course, I know you are always quick-witted, resourceful, and adept at using schemes; you have your own ways of dealing with irises.

Six months ago, Jann Kevin Deer wrote me a letter. In addition to once again requesting the restoration of our relationship, he also mentioned our common enemy, my cunning, despicable, and manipulative sister, the disgrace of the Bloodfang family, the wicked Serena Corleone.

As far as I know, Serena is still active in the West, and she was recently involved in the war to quell the Liberal Alliance in Exter, which doesn't surprise me. Given her vile nature, she's bound to be unwilling to be second to anyone, and creating chaos to create opportunities has always been one of her specialties, just like the schemes she plotted against us back then.

I also heard that she has climbed up to our relatives in the Westlands and is flirting with ambitious men from the six clans of Feastland. To be honest, when I heard this, I didn’t know whether my sister or my relatives in the Westlands was more unfortunate. But greed will inevitably lead to self-destruction.

However, Thales, there is no doubt that, given Serena's extreme and vindictive nature, she will one day come after you to avenge the thwarting of her plot.

I don't think you, as one of the people who have faced her, need to be warned of her dangers, but I am worried that she will take advantage of the situation you are in and take advantage of your vulnerability when you are in trouble. At that time, please do not believe anything she says or does.

Please remember: given your past with her, Serena's sweet words to you are only for exploitation and revenge, nothing more.

Fortunately, you are not alone, Thales. We stand together on this point, and I will not allow my wicked sister to harm my ally, just as she has harmed me.

Stars and night are destined to accompany each other and share the cold.

Finally, Thales, though you stand on the earth, the stars are above you. When the sun sets and night falls, reach out and you may very well reach them.

Just as I walk in the darkness, but when I open my eyes and look around, all I see is starlight, illuminating the road ahead as if it were daytime.

Therefore, you must hold onto the power you have and use it when necessary to expand it. This is the best way to get out of trouble and avoid defeat.

This letter should be delivered to you personally by my most trusted regent, Le Corleone. He is restrained yet astute, knowledgeable, reliable, and adaptable. Therefore, I have entrusted him to deliver my gift to you, and I hope you will accept it.
Although old feelings are hard to let go, hatred and separation are ultimately detrimental to survival. An Emerald City that maintains friendly relations and mutual trust with us should meet our shared expectations.

I hope you like my gift.

May your bloodline be forever restored, just as your empire endures forever.

—Your sister, old friend, and comrade-in-arms

—Cortrina L.A. van Corleone, who stood by you through thick and thin, a loyal and trustworthy woman.

—Written in Nightfall Fortress, Blood Sea Palace, in the Kingdom of Night

P.S.: Time flies, you should be all grown up now, and your teeth should have been replaced by a new set by now. This reminds me of my two old teeth, I wonder where they are now.

(End of this chapter)