Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 69 The Instigator (Part 1)
Inside the hall, the high-ranking officials and lords began to whisper among themselves, and many even smiled.

“Good girl,” Duke Cullen said with a smile, and whispered to the “unpopular” Duke Falkenhaus beside him, “did you teach me how to be sharp-tongued?”

“A sharp tongue? Not at all,” Cyril Falkenhaus chuckled slyly, “but as I see it, it’s a natural ability of women.”

In the hall, Russell's expression froze for a moment, then his eyes flashed with anger: "Using such tricks to sow discord between the king and his ministers of Exter? That's truly the style of the Star Empire—just like how you shamelessly plotted to murder our Prince Moral!"

Thales' heart skipped a beat: The main course is here!

Upon hearing this, most of the Starry Nobles in the hall showed expressions of resentment and anger!

But a few people began to think deeply.

“That duchess is incredibly quick-witted; she’s already retaliated with a sword strike before anyone could react,” Gilbert said with an approving smile before Thales could even process what was happening. “Your Highness, Duchess Tebak’s sword strike has already yielded results.”

Thales turned to look at the beautiful duchess.

As if sensing Thales' gaze, Lyanna turned her head sharply, her eyes piercing like blades!

Thales snapped to attention, quickly put on a smile, and then casually glanced around—as if he had only inadvertently caught sight of the Duchess.

Gilbert chuckled softly: "This is not a simple attempt to sow discord, but rather a test to see if King Nunn and the Grand Duke of Black Sand share the same will and purpose in this crisis—this is extremely important!"

Thales's brow twitched!
Gilbert patiently explained, “Russell’s hasty return to the main point is an answer—he clearly knows himself that he can no longer dwell on the question of whether King Nunn or the Grand Duke of Black Sand is stronger.”

"In the first round of the sword fight, he was already the one who was forced to strike first."

Thales suddenly realized, recalling Gilbert's deduction in the carriage earlier—the assassination of the Exter mission was also the work of certain people within their own country. It seemed…

Although there is no evidence.

but no matter……

At least in the eyes of many, the conflict between the Black Sand Grand Duke and King Nun was indeed significant.

Let's return our focus to the hall.

"We... murdered your prince?" The one-eyed man from Southrest chuckled. "Even a fool could see that the assassination of your delegation was a conspiracy to instigate war between the two countries—does Exster really enjoy being used as a sword? Even my hunting dogs aren't as obedient as you!"

“Star People, do you think we care whether you are innocent or the mastermind?” Russell said slowly.

"Since you're not interested in the truth—then why did you come here? Why not just cut off a few heads off in the street and hand them over to King Nunn?" Duke Jann of the South Bank Territory said with a sneer.

Upon hearing this, Russell's eyes blazed with anger and hatred. Under the watchful eyes of the nobles in the hall, he took a step forward and raised the scroll of the Crimson Dragon Fire Lacquer high in his right hand!
On his throne, Kaiser V clenched his hands, his chin slightly lowered, his gaze somber and profound.

"Whoever has so despicably murdered His Highness—we will tear him to pieces! Exter will uphold justice himself, without needing anyone else's help!"

"But our prince! The only son and heir of King Exeter and Grand Duke of Dragoncity! Died within the borders of your Star Kingdom!"

Russell spread his arms, turned around abruptly, and his fiery gaze swept fiercely over every lord, nobleman, or official in the hall.

"His last blood fell on the land of stars, his last breath was the air of stars, and his last sight was the view of stars—he came to the stars with a benevolent mission, yet you failed to protect him!"

"Whether intentional or unintentional, it was your incompetence and indulgence that killed him!"

"that's enough!"

"The stars must take responsibility and pay the price!"

Russell glared angrily and ripped open the seal of the Crimson Dragon wax—pulling the scroll open with a bang!

"Both Exter and King Nunn must get an explanation from the stars!"

The six dukes frowned almost simultaneously!

Thales' pupils contracted as he saw that the scroll, covered in writing, had no signature or seal at the bottom.

Some of them are just a handprint.

Bright red handprints.

Could that be—King Nuen's bloody handprint?

The hall erupted in another uproar!
"He didn't sign or stamp it. I watched him cut open his own palm and pressed his handprint on it!"

"This is King Nunn's anger and despair! Do you understand, Starman?"

Russell's last few words were almost spat out through gritted teeth.

The uproar in the hall began to subside gradually.

Thales had only heard about the assassination of Exter's delegation before, and the unfamiliar foreign prince seemed insignificant to him—but now, he finally understood the seriousness of the matter.

Until the Supreme King's deep voice rang out once more:
“I understand King Nunn’s anger and despair—believe me, I’ve felt that way—and Star will never shirk its responsibilities.”

"Kathel said calmly."

One-eyed dragon Köst clenched his back teeth almost imperceptibly.

Is the king about to back down?

How could that be? How could the dragons of the North be satisfied without paying a sufficient price and taking a piece of meat from the North?
If he backs down, Catherine V will not only gain a reputation for weakness and incompetence, but will also inevitably worsen his already strained relationship with the North.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but look at Val Arend across from him, but the man in military uniform just frowned and remained silent.

It was like the calm before a volcanic eruption.

“Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty,” Russell said coldly, lowering his hand. “Yes, I remember now. As for you, well, of course I can understand your words.”

Many people showed strange expressions.

But Kessel ignored his sarcastic remarks and said directly, "Stop with the nonsense—what are King Nunn's conditions?"

Under the complicated gazes of everyone, Russell snorted coldly, reopened the scroll, and began to read aloud.

"Upon learning of the tragedy, the entire Exeter, from His Majesty Nunn to the nine Grand Dukes, with great reason and enduring terrible grief and despair, unanimously agreed that the Stars must bear responsibility for Prince Moral's misfortune."

After saying that, Russell looked up and glanced around.

Until Kessel nodded slightly:
“It is quite reasonable. It is a disgrace to all Star People that the noble Prince Moral has met with misfortune within the country.”

Russell's cold eyes narrowed slightly before he lowered his head and continued reading.
"First, we must comfort the dead. The remains of our delegation, especially Prince Moral, must be returned to the stars intact, with dignity and honor."

"Second, uphold justice. Assist us in identifying and handing over the murderer and the mastermind behind it."

Falkenhaus scoffed, “Assist them? Good heavens, that sounds like a superior ordering a subordinate around.”

He complained to Duke Cullen beside him.

But the latter, preoccupied with his own thoughts, simply stared intently at Russell.

The emergency envoy from Exter continued speaking:
"Third, restore honor. Your Majesty Kessel, please personally issue a public apology to the entire Kingdom of Exter."

Thales's brow twitched.

Gilbert's words resurfaced in his mind.

Whether it's war or peace, His Majesty cannot escape accusations of being cold-blooded and ruthless, indifferent to the people, or weak and easily bullied, disgracing the stars. This will severely damage His Majesty's and the Starry Sky Royal Family's prestige and authority within the country.

But Russell's cold and blunt words continued:
"Fourth, compensation for losses. Whether it is land or resources, we must receive appropriate compensation. Exster should receive compensation no smaller than the size of Pinecone County, two northern border counties adjacent to our country, or 30% of the priority quota of high-quality perpetual oil for whaling in the East Sea Territory of Starry Sky, or 20% of the priority quota of first-grade asphalt ore in the South Shore Territory of Starry Sky, one of the three."

"Fifth, uphold fairness. Exter and Star must renegotiate the Fortress Treaty, especially the unreasonable border line from twelve years ago—Pinecone County, Zaratan County, Revol County, Bear County, and Deer County should be unconditionally returned to Exter's rule. The Earl of Watchtower should withdraw their reclamation teams from the Great Needle Forest in the north, and the number of hunters and herders released into the Great Needle Forest each year should be jointly decided in consultation with the Grand Duke of the neighboring Black Sand Territory. The Earl of Lonely Tower should withdraw their scout patrol line by six miles and cease unreasonably obstructing Exter people from entering the public hunting grounds."

The hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

But Thales knew that this was just an illusion.

Russell gently lowered the scroll.

"These are the conditions of His Majesty Nunn and the Kingdom of Exter."

The terrible silence in the hall was finally broken.

"What the hell are you talking about!"

Count Zemuto could no longer contain himself. He roared, "Watchtower will not retreat an inch! Nor will it hand over Pinecone County and Bear County! Tell that bastard of Black Sand Territory: if you want our territory, bring your own troops and take it!"

Earl Fores also said coldly, "The same goes for Deercry County! Moreover, Old Tower can patrol wherever he wants!" But the Duke of the North, who had the most authority to speak, remained silent at this moment, only staring at King Kessel V.

The people in the hall, each with a different expression, all looked at the Supreme King.

“Nun, Nunn,” Kessel stared at the steps beneath his feet, his face indifferent, as if it were a trivial matter: “Exter wants to exchange a dead prince for our seven counties. How greedy!”

Russell raised his head and stared at Kessel, saying defiantly, "Exter has lost more than just a prince; our honor has also been damaged!"

"A mission made with goodwill, yet treated like this! Who will wash away Exter's shame? Who will quell the dragon's wrath?"

"Moreover, Star Kingdom! What you have taken away is a father's only son!" Russell said through gritted teeth, his voice filled with resentment, "King Nunn's only legitimate heir, who came to the Star Kingdom with friendship and peace, only to die in a despicable assassination!"

"King Nunn has lost his blood relative, his only son, his sole heir! And Exter has lost the next Grand Duke of Dragonsreach, the future hope of the Walton family!"

In the end, Russell practically yelled it out:

"Even after such a blow, King Nuen did not retaliate with anger, but instead put forward conditions—wasn't this the most restrained and rational choice?"

The hall was filled with the resentful gasps of the nobles.

Kessel's tone remained calm, but it carried an undeniable air of authority: "The first three conditions can be met, but the fourth and fifth..."

The king's cold voice echoed through the hall: "The stars will not cede our land, nor are they prepared to relinquish their resource quotas—if I say so, what are you prepared to do?"

Val slowly frowned.

Duke Cullen sighed deeply, while Falkenhaus gave an awkward laugh.

Lyanna and Janne both pursed their lips and remained silent.

Thales lowered his head bitterly: Was war truly inevitable after all?
“Hahahaha, Your Majesty Kessel,” Russell laughed in fury, “when we came to Everstar back then, we also brought the demands of King Nunn and the nine Grand Dukes, but King Eddy rejected us as well.”

"And then what happened?" Russell asked, stretching out his arms and looking around the hall.

Many of the older lords, nobles, and officials present tensed up.

"Yes, we 'generously' sent troops."

“As for what it is rightfully yours,” Baron Russell said through gritted teeth, his breathing quickening and his face growing colder.

"The dragon will come and take it itself."

Those in the main council chamber began to ponder the consequences of those words.

The war and disaster that swept across most of the planet twelve years ago are still fresh in our minds.

"If justice cannot be served, fairness will unfortunately be tarnished."

Russell raised his right hand with an air of oppression, then slowly clenched it: "Extremely, we have no choice but to use war to uphold our honor and His Majesty's dignity."

He threatened, enunciating each word clearly:
"At that time, it was not a problem that could be solved by a few counties or some eternal oil."

"enough!"

Kessel seemed to say meaningfully:
"In your view, in King Nuen's opinion, is there no other way for the stars and the dragons to resolve this matter in a dignified manner?"

"Do you really want to see the people of both countries bleed on the border?"

"War or peace, that depends on you, Your Majesty," Russell responded swiftly. "Will you endure hardship and show compassion to your subjects, or will you risk everything to wage war?"

He coldly glanced at the Starry Sky courtiers, especially Count Zemuto, and said sarcastically, "Especially since your Northern Territory didn't even have enough troops to defend the Dragon Fortress against the Black Sand Duke's army."

The Duke of the North clenched his fist.

“During the Blood Year, the North faced the most powerful forces of Exter and suffered heavy losses, second only to the Blade's Edge in the southwest,” Gilbert sighed in Thales’ ear. “There was a time when there were more widows than children in the North.”

"You expect me to make such a difficult decision?" Kessel scoffed. "Why don't you just let the Star Kingdom change its king?"

“Your Majesty, you are the supreme king of the stars, destined to bear this responsibility.” Russell raised his head and smiled softly.

“If you can’t do that, then as you said—among all the nobles in the hall, let’s find someone more responsible to lead Star. Exeter would be happy to see that happen.”

The entire council hall erupted in commotion!
Many people shouted and cursed!
But Exter's urgent message was not yet finished!
“Anyway,” Russell said maliciously, “the next king of the stars is destined not to bear the name of Starlight, is he?”

Many nobles looked at Kessel with strange expressions, while many more looked at Thales.

Does this envoy not know about the State Affairs Conference?

Thales's mind suddenly clicked!
As expected, the assassination attempt on the delegation, the lord's coup, and the arrival of the dragon envoy—all of these were connected. If I hadn't appeared, this would have been a meticulously planned scheme, as Gilbert said, with both Star and Exter having their own agendas and tacit understandings, all aimed at determining the succession to the Star throne after the Iron Fist King.

But why did Kessel, his father, bring up this topic?

The words that came to Thales's ears sent a chill down his spine:
"So, Exter, or rather, those nobles of Exter," amidst the astonishment of the room's inhabitants, Kessel raised his head and coldly looked at Russell, "prefers some Star Noble to be the Supreme King of the Stars?"

“Excuse my bluntness,” Russell chuckled dismissively, “none of you here meet our expectations.”

“The Exter people only admire heroes on the battlefield—even our enemies.”

"Does any of you meet these conditions?"

“Yes, my vassals are either too far away or unwilling to send troops,” Kaiser sighed inexplicably. “Those who can gain prestige and recognition on the battlefield…”

"Is only the one left who has to fight for his own territory?"

The entire hall fell silent at the king's inexplicable remark.

Russell realized something, and he looked at someone, a look of doubt gradually appearing on his face.

wrong.

King Kessel...

He was...

While everyone else was confused, the portly Duke Cullen realized what was going on. He sighed deeply and looked at the man, his face filled with pain.

Under Thales's astonished gaze, Gilbert let out a soft exclamation as if suddenly realizing something, but then gritted his teeth, lowered his head, and sighed.

Amidst the hall's confusion and astonishment, King Catherine V took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and said:

"I see."

The king said silently:

"From colluding with Exter's ambitious schemers to assassinating the mission and stirring up conflict."

"To present to me the possibility of war and propose the issuance of a general decree."

"Then they incited the restless lords to force me to appoint an heir, and watched us fight amongst ourselves."

"Until this envoy from Exeter forced me into a dilemma, and whichever step I take will be the biggest blow to me."

"By successfully instigating the war and colluding with Exter, you were able to easily gain prestige on the battlefield and force me to abdicate."

"For this, they are even willing to sacrifice their own land, their own people, and their own country."

"Is that so, traitor?"

The words of the Supreme King were more terrifying than the last.

Thales listened to all of this with rapid breathing.

The Iron-Fisted King, Kessel V, opened his eyes forlornly and looked toward a man who had been silent for a long time on one side of the hall.

The king's eyes were filled with gloom at this moment:
"It is you."

He said slowly:

"The mastermind behind all the conspiracies."

The king, in a low, hoarse voice, uttered a name that no one had expected:
"Val Aarond".

(End of this chapter)