Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 709 Ace
"Jade Legion, riot control mission!"

Upon receiving the Duke's order, the Seychelles knight shouted the command.

"First team, clear the area and get rid of any contestants blocking the way! Second team, surround the stage; that guy in black armor below is the tough one, leave him to me! Third team, go straight up to the stage and take care of that guy who claims to be a relative of the Duke, don't be too polite! Fourth to eighth teams, isolate the crowd, search for accomplices, spare no expense, be prepared to shed blood!"

The Emerald Soldiers below the stands responded in unison, their movements perfectly synchronized. This made the guards surrounding Thales extremely nervous. Wyatt looked around anxiously, trying to find a gap in the ranks.

"No, Jenn, wait!"

In a moment of desperation, Hilly interjected, "If you make a big fuss and escalate the situation, you'll only confirm Federico's accusations—"

"And what right do you have to speak?"

Jenn turned around instantly, his gaze cold, shifting between Thales and Hilly:
"All these years, the only thing you've ever been good at is running away from home!"

Hilly paused in his speech.

But Jann ignored her, only staring at Federico in the distance, and coldly snorted a reminder:

“Remember, Seychelles, if the prisoner resists…”

“Yes, sir, absolutely no mercy.” Seychelles solemnly repeated the Duke’s order and strode toward his men.

However, a hand suddenly landed on Seychelles' shoulder, abruptly halting his momentum.

“Believe me, old friend,” Cassandra appeared behind Seychelles, looking worried, “now is not the time for you to show your loyalty for the sake of Emerald City.”

Upon seeing this scene, the Emerald Soldiers, fully equipped and ready to go, looked at each other with hesitation.

Hilay and Thales both breathed a sigh of relief.

“You are no longer a member of the Emerald Legion, Cassandra,” Seychelles said, gazing ahead without even glancing at his old friend. “Let go, or you will lose even worse than last time.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Seychelles remained in the same position, but Thales felt the Sin of the River of Hell jump slightly!
The soldiers on standby sensed something was wrong and moved closer in groups, forming a cover.

"Maybe."

Cassandra frowned slightly, but did not let go of his hand:
"But it's better for me to lose alone than for an entire city to lose."

In that instant, the two did not face each other, yet a subtle pain stung the eyes of Thales, who was watching from the sidelines.

“I knew it! They must have some old grudges!” Behind Thales, DD clapped his hands and said smugly to his colleagues.

Cassieon's words made Seychelles frown. He looked around the arena and saw that all the spectators were facing the Duke's stands, pointing and talking excitedly, the atmosphere even more heated than when watching the match.

Seychelles hesitated for a few seconds before looking back at the Duke of Iris.

“I’ve already said, Seychelles,” Jenn said, without bowing his head and keeping his eyes fixed on Federico, “if anyone tries to stop me…”

“Jane!” Hilly shouted.

"Jan, calm down!"

Thales pushed aside Wyman, who was trying to pull him back behind her, and joined the conversation:

"Don't forget, you are still the Duke, still the one who holds the initiative and the advantage at this moment. It's far from a point of mutual destruction. And that guy over there, no matter how eloquently he speaks, is just someone who barged in halfway through the election and is spouting nonsense—"

"That's exactly why!"

Jenn interrupted him rudely:
"Suppress him with swift and decisive action, leaving no future troubles. This is the simplest and most efficient method!"

He paused after speaking, then became blunt and rude:

"And, if I may be frank, this is none of your business!"

Telston was speechless for a moment.

Okay, little flower, are you still angry about what happened earlier?

"I know, I know you've always had a problem with me, but please, brother, calm down and get your senses back!"

Hilly hesitated for a moment, but finally took a deep breath and made up her mind. What she said made Jenn frown:

"The guests attending the election will include not only your vassals, but also foreign vassals from the towns outside the city, nobles from the kingdom's outer territories, guests from the thirteen prominent families, envoys from across the sea, merchants, travelers, and scholars with the means to travel far, including the Iris family's neighbors, allies, trading partners, and competitors..."

“There are still enemies,” Thales couldn’t help but add.

“Like you?” Jann turned and glared at Thales, forcing the latter to raise his hands and step back.

The Emerald Soldiers surrounding the stands and the Star Lake Guards beside Thales were already hostile to each other and on the verge of exchanging blows. Seeing their masters clash again, both sides quietly put down their weapons.

"And they're all waiting to see you make a fool of yourself!"

Hilly waved to Thales to stop making trouble:

“Jane, they want to see if what you’re about to do is just a harmless, minor security incident that can be handled by following the rules…”

“It’s a political storm of great importance that requires the mobilization of the military to suppress,” Thales added.

"So stop being—stop looking at that little brat! I'm your sister!" Hilly said angrily, pulling Jenn's murderous glare away from Thales. "Where was I... So stop being fooled by the enemy! Haven't you suffered enough?"

Despite repeated attempts by both sides to dissuade him, Jenn remained silent, only glaring angrily and breathing rapidly.

Just then, Ashford’s butler slowly walked up to the stands and whispered a few words to the Duke behind his back.

Jann's eyes flickered, and he gently turned his head.

Thales turned his head as well and saw that the nobles and vassals in the nearby stands were leaving their seats one after another. Some of them were hurriedly looking for an exit to leave, while others were heading towards the Duke. Some sent servants to greet Janne, while others secretly summoned guards to protect themselves. Some were indignantly denouncing the villains, while others were shouting slogans to save the king. Some were even calling out Prince Thales's name. But no matter what they were doing, they were putting great pressure on the guards who were maintaining order and the cuckolds.

At this moment, all eyes in the arena were focused on Jenn.

Duke Iris took a deep breath and swallowed hard.

"see it?"

Hilly nodded to Ashford and said to her brother:

"He'd love for you to send people to arrest him, or even kill him, in full view of everyone! That's his goal!"

Janne stared intently at his cousin, his eyes bloodshot, without uttering a word.

“Yes, remember Anker Bailar and his duel?” Thales chimed in, suppressing his own doubts. “The enemy is forcing you to choose: act impulsively and kill, becoming an unjustly stigmatized duke, or—”

"Are you done?"

Jenn interrupted him coldly:
"You care about us so much, Your Highness. I thought you were the Duke of the South Bank!"

Thales paused involuntarily.

Meanwhile, the standoff between Seychelles and Cassandra continued, and the atmosphere became increasingly tense. Soldiers instinctively put their hands on their weapons, ready for battle, while the Starlake Guard, unaware of the situation, were caught in the middle, feeling uneasy and preparing to prioritize their own safety should the situation change.

This strange scene sparked curiosity and speculation among the audience.

"Think about it, Jen, what if they misled you from the beginning, making you consciously or unconsciously cover up the murders, and then used that as grounds to frame you..."

Thales had no choice but to grit his teeth and continue:

"Then we must assume that everything you did afterward, including covering up the murder, was pre-planned by them, including your so-called swift and decisive actions! And they must have laid many more traps ahead of you!"

Jenn didn't speak, but his fists remained clenched tightly.

“That’s Federico! You two grew up together, went to school together, even shared teachers!” Hilly nodded warningly. “He knows you too well! Remember that broken vase from when you were little?”

Jann's expression shifted slightly; he continued to stare at Federico, but the anger in his eyes gradually subsided.

Several seconds later, under everyone's gaze, the Duke of the South Bank took a deep breath.

“Wait a moment, Seychelles, check the situation first,” Jann ordered softly. “And you, Cassie, let him go.”

Below the stage, Cassandra smiled slightly and released his hand from Seychelles' shoulder. The latter frowned tightly, but finally waved his hand reluctantly, signaling the soldiers who had finished lining up to wait.

Hila breathed a sigh of relief and nodded to Thales from where her brother couldn't see her.

"and……"

Seeing that things were looking promising, Thales quickly changed the subject. He looked at Federico and voiced his concerns:
"From repeated revenge murders to misleading the public and framing others, has Federico done everything just to appear and accuse you at this moment?"

Jenn's eyes flickered, and he slowly raised his head:

"What do you mean?"

“Anyway, I don’t believe he’s just that. No, based on my understanding of the Secret Society, Federico must have a backup plan,” Thales shook his head, his tone resolute. “He’s quite dangerous, and not just another Anker Bailar who gave his life for justice.”

Jann narrowed his eyes, lost in thought.

But at that moment, Federico spoke again, addressing the entire arena:
"What's wrong, cousin? What are you still hesitating about?"

He looked at Jenn and the Emerald Legion, fully prepared for battle, and burst into laughter:
"Why aren't you urging your lackeys—whether it's the Emerald Legion, the Blood Bottle Gang, the Watchmen, or some mercenaries from who-knows-where—to hurry up and tear me to pieces and bury me in the sea to cover your tracks?"

Jann frowned.

"Just like you do to all dissidents—kill them to silence them, and that will solve the problem?"

As Federico finished speaking, the audience began to murmur, and the noise from the entire arena grew increasingly chaotic.

More and more people looked at the "green hats" that filled the entire area—some soldiers were focused on their duties and maintaining order, while others were sharpening their knives and rubbing their hands together, waiting for their superiors' orders—and observed their weapons, their eyes revealing both fear and anticipation.

Jenn's previously relaxed expression tightened again, and he frowned:
"Seychelles--"

But before the Duke could utter his order, Federico on the platform changed the subject:
"Then don't worry about it. I'll do you a favor and lend a hand!"

Federico leaned out and loudly announced to the entire stadium:

“Listen up, Emerald City! Under the witness of the goddess of the setting sun, I swear that Federico Cavendish, son of Sona Cavendish, will surrender here and never resist!”

As soon as Federico finished speaking, Jann, Thales, and Hilly were all taken aback.

Not only them, but also Seychelles, Cassienne, Wyah... countless people were stunned.

"Look, cousin!"

Federico roared, "For justice and truth, for fairness and the law, I dare to entrust my life to you!"

"But you, you patricide coward, do you dare look me in the eye, in the entire Emerald City, in the light of the setting sun and the bright moon? Do you dare, Jann Kevin Deer?"

The next second, the murmurs in the room suddenly intensified, as if a snowball that had been rolling ever larger had finally burst open.

"Is he serious? Is he going to surrender?"

"No way! I'm actually looking forward to a big battle or an assassination!"

"How stupid..."

"No, this is quite a clever move..."

"What's so clever about that? If I were Duke Janne, I would have taken the opportunity to kill him and be done with it..."

"Do you think the Duke is as stupid as you?"

"Stop dawdling, let's go!"

"Damn it... they won't let anyone use that exit either, there's a green hat guarding it..."

"No, don't argue with them. In this situation, they could kill you with a single sentence like 'suspected traitor,' and you'd have nowhere to seek justice..."

“Why is that? He wants to… surrender?” Hilly murmured.

“Did he see you hesitate and no longer intend to kill him on the spot?” Thales guessed. “So he changed tactics and decided to fight a protracted war of attrition?”

Jenn's gaze was unfocused, his expression uncertain.

"Don't be ridiculous," Morgan said angrily from the Star Lake Guard. "That fugitive young master went through a lot of trouble, plus an extreme expert who fought his way through the area, just to get onto the stage and show his face, and now he's 'surrendered'?"

“I don’t believe it either,” Golov agreed, “unless he gets the assassin to surrender first…”

But the zombie's words suddenly stopped.

"That's strange," he said, puzzled.

Everyone, including Thales, noticed something was wrong and looked closely:
No one knows when, but that black-armored warrior who once broke through the enemy lines to escort Federico to the podium, and then stood guard below the podium, impenetrable to thousands...

It has long since vanished without a trace.

"Where is he? Where is he? Where is King Lausanne II?" Miranda realized what was happening. She climbed up the railing in two steps and stared in astonishment at the empty steps below the stage. "When did he disappear?"

In an instant, everyone, including the guards and sentries who had been surrounding the platform, gasped in surprise, as if they had just realized that the enemy standing in front of them had vanished.

“I don’t know, it’s unbelievable,” Paul said incredulously, looking around. “I’ve been using the ‘sky-watching method’ to keep an eye on the movements over there. It’s a technique the Bozdorf family learned from the ‘Sun Shooters,’ and they’re masters at locking onto their prey. Logically, it’s impossible for them to suddenly lose their target…”

“Logically speaking,” Wyatt took out his notebook and began to write solemnly, “but don’t forget, everything about Lausanne II defies common sense.”

Thales was equally astonished upon witnessing this scene.

He just disappeared like that?
Strange, and eerie.

Was this planned?
“Wait a minute, if he loses the protection of a master,” Paul gazed into the distance, lost in thought, “then Federico will…”

The next second, with the biggest obstacle gone, the guards and soldiers who had been looking miserable below the podium finally woke up as if from a dream, and instantly became energetic and full of motivation. They rushed up to the podium and pounced on Federico!
Federico obediently raised his hand, but before he could kneel down, he was tackled to the ground by several guards and subjected to a barrage of beatings and subjugation.

"Surrender immediately!"

"lay down your weapon!"

"Don't move!"

"Put your hands up!"

"Get out of the mouthpiece!"

"Stay where you are!"

In an instant, chaotic shouts and warnings rose and fell, spreading throughout the entire arena via megaphone.

"To be able to fight his way through the crowd of contestants and take down so many guards," Golov said with a grim face, glancing at the exits below the stage, "that must be King Losang II, right? He just abandoned his employer and ran away with his tail between his legs?"

“The loyalty of mercenaries,” Morgan spat.

"Phew, thank goodness he got away," DD breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing everyone's expressions, he quickly straightened up, looking smug and triumphant. "I mean, we actually let him get away! Otherwise, we wouldn't have let him get away..."

"Shall we go after them now?" Neshi asked, eager and excited.

The others exchanged glances, looking at the bandages on my body and the wounds on your hands. They all turned away in tacit agreement, remaining silent.

“Let’s prioritize His Highness’s safety,” Miranda sighed.

“Ah, what about the honor of the guard? What if, what if Commander Marius wakes up…” Neshi said incredulously.

“In fact,” DD interrupted him seriously, “it is precisely for the honor of the Guard.”

Everyone fell silent.

Soon, the figures of guards and sentries filled the entire platform, and the blood-red frieze flag on the platform was roughly torn down, as if to indicate that this accident was nearing its end.

"Get down! Get down!"

"No, kneel down!"

"Slow down, keep your hands where I can see them!"

"Got him!"

"Press it down! Press it down!"

"Tie them up!"

Should we gag him?

"No, so many people are watching... Stop fighting!"

“We are the guards. According to Emerald City law, you have the right to defend yourself and stand trial…”

The situation took a dramatic turn, sparking a new round of discussion among the audience, and the arena became chaotic and noisy again.

“I don’t understand, this young master Federico caused such a big mess,” Paul asked, echoing the doubts of many, “and then just surrendered like that? That assassin was his strongest henchman, his biggest bargaining chip for ensuring his safety, right? And he just let him go so easily?”

Correct.

Thales frowned as well: the other party had wreaked havoc in the arena, accusing the current duke of the most heinous and terrible crimes, and now...

Just surrender?

“No, quite the opposite, he has seized his biggest bargaining chip.” Miranda gazed thoughtfully at Federico in the distance.

"At least he survived," Golov said dismissively.

“But…” Paul hesitated.

But that doesn't make sense.

Thales nodded, silently accepting his words.

Yes, perhaps Federico's actions will save his life.

Under pressure, Jenn will not kill him, at least not in public.

But didn't he know that if he fell into the hands of Kongming Palace like this, he would have no chance of winning?

Thales subconsciously turned his head: Jenn was observing the situation on the court, his brows furrowing, his thoughts unreadable.

“He actually surrendered…” Hilly said incredulously. “Jane, what are you planning to do?” Jane stared blankly at the chaos on the podium, but quickly took a deep breath and calmly gave the order:
"Seychelles, mission canceled. Let the Emerald Legion return to their posts and continue maintaining order."

Seychelles was taken aback:
"But sir, this prisoner is guilty of heinous crimes..."

"Summon Lieutenant Cherki and have him lead the guards out to bring the prisoner over," Jenn said, not allowing him any room for argument. "Remember to be polite, behave respectfully, and don't disturb the audience."

Seychelles hesitated, but Cassandra shook his head at him.

“Send out your best trackers,” Jann continued, “to chase after that escaped expert. Even if you can’t catch him, you have to find out where he is.”

Seychelles remained silent for a few seconds, then turned around and called for orders.

“Ashford, get the organizers to work, appease the audience, and set the mood. The election is still undecided; it’s time to prepare for the next one,” Jann calmly issued the orders one by one. “Also, summon the vassals and dignitaries present. They need an explanation, or rather, they need to ‘know correctly’ what’s going on here, rather than unnecessary speculation.”

The butler smiled and nodded.

“Good, Jenn,” Hilly said with relief as she saw her brother regain his senses. “Don’t forget who you are and who we are—don’t let his nonsense affect you.”

She took a deep breath:

"Remember: Kevin Deer did not die because of the enemy."

But Jenn said nothing; he just glanced at his sister with a complicated look in his eyes.

"So what are you going to do? Throw him in jail, or send him to international waters?" Thales asked.

Jan turned around and glared at him.

“That guy thought he could ruin my reputation and incite the public, that he had the biggest bargaining chip, which is why he dared to step out from behind the scenes,” Jann said with a sharp look and a series of cold snorts. “But he also forgot his biggest weakness.”

Thales' eyes flickered.

“This is Emerald City, and he has stepped into my game,” Jann said coldly, “so he must abide by my rules.”

That's right.

Jenn's rules.

Given Janne's influence, control, and dominance in Emerald City over the years—whether it's a simple and brutal hanging order, a complex series of political and legal maneuvers, or even sophisticated manipulation of public opinion—no matter how eloquent Federico is inciting the public, or how reasonable, justified, and legitimate he is, he is destined to suffer a crushing defeat in the end.

Didn't Thales know this? He looked at Federico with a thoughtful expression.

Why... did you surrender so readily?

In the arena, the host, trembling, stepped back onto the stage and, reluctantly (thanks to the guards standing below), reminded the audience and contestants in as calm a voice as possible that the competition would be interrupted for some reason and would now resume.

But no one cares about martial arts competitions anymore.

The guards and the Emerald Legion moved again, clearing the crowds, maintaining order, and making way around the arena to escort the prisoners to the Duke's Stand.

Bound hand and foot, Federico was bruised and battered, looking utterly disheveled. As the procession escorting him passed each stand, the audience was incredibly excited. People either stood on tiptoe and craned their necks, or shouted and pushed forward, eager to catch a glimpse of the culprit who had caused the election disturbance.

The atmosphere seemed to have returned to the time before the accident, when the contestants were fiercely competing.

On the way, Federico was quiet and obedient, neither shouting in protest nor struggling in resistance, but as the procession drew closer, the crowd in the Duke's stands grew increasingly tense.

"Be on guard! Watch out for crowds!" Seychelles shouted the order, and the Emerald Legion responded in unison.

“Strange, he really didn’t resist at all.” DD looked at Federico in the escort team and whispered to his companions.

"There was no sudden appearance of an alchemical ball to surprise the entire audience." Wyman was completely focused.

“No assassins have appeared.” Golov scanned his surroundings warily.

“There are no accomplices lying in wait,” Morgan said.

"Even among the heavyweight spectators, no one echoed or stirred up any emotions," Paul observed, focusing on the aristocratic stands.

"No twists, no surprises, even more boring than the stage play at the Temple of the Night," Neshi sighed in disappointment.

"So, this fugitive young master did all that just to rush onto the stage and shout, to smear the Duke?" Morgan said disdainfully.

“Then he’s being too naive,” Paul said. “No matter how big the trouble gets, once the Emerald Legion catches him, he’ll be helpless.”

“Foolish,” Golov shook his head. “His greatest advantage was his ability to hide in the shadows, and now he’s completely at the mercy of the Emerald City…”

“But he still looked so confident, I always felt something was off.” Wyatt rubbed his notebook.

“Sigh, that’s how the Kevin Deer family is,” DD shrugged. “I suspect they have an ancestral rule: no matter how panicked they are inside, they always keep a straight face.”

“Unless he has another trick up his sleeve,” Miranda suddenly said.

The entire guard turned to her.

Miranda looked at Federico and said seriously, "Worse, and more powerful ace."

Wyatt seemed to be thinking: "Even if he is caught by the Emerald Legion and sent to prison, he will not be afraid at all. He is a trump card that is fearless?"

That's right.

Thales, who listened silently to these things, was equally skeptical.

An ace.

“So…” Paul pondered, “Where is that trump card? And how do we play it?”

Miranda shook her head.

"do not know."

Miranda reminded the people at Starlake Castle:
"But this matter must have been planned for a long time. He will not admit defeat easily. Even if he surrenders, there may be something fishy about it."

That's right.

After hearing what they said, Thales looked around.

He wanted to find some familiar figures, or to sense a familiar conspiracy.

It's not that simple.

Based on experience, Federico must have more leverage, a bigger conspiracy, and more effective methods.

This is a trump card that could defeat Jenn.

Rather than just a single appearance, an accusation, or a flag.

This is in line with the style of Kessel and the Kingdom's Secret Service.

But where is it?

What is it?
On the other side, after passing through numerous checkpoints, the vassals and nobles of Emerald City, including many distinguished guests, were invited to the Duke's stand. Thales and Janne had to restrain their subordinates, sheathing their swords and keeping their blades sharp, trying their best to create a harmonious atmosphere.

"I apologize for airing my dirty laundry in public; it has spoiled everyone's mood."

Jenn turned around, faced the guests, and smiled:

"Emerald City is deeply disappointed by this."

The Duke spoke in a gentle and kind tone, leaving the vassals and guests exchanging bewildered glances.

“It’s alright, Your Grace,” the first to speak was Yannick, a vampire and member of the Immortal Council. He smiled elegantly, setting the tone for the incident. “Every family has a few bad apples, doesn’t it?”

His words were echoed by many people.

"The situation in Emerald City is excellent, a time of great prosperity and flourishing. External forces are envious and jealous," an old, direct subordinate vassal snorted. "Naturally, there are bound to be flies and mosquitoes buzzing around."

“As Saint Taral said, ‘Those who do not shy away from their family scandals are true relatives, and those who do not conceal their faults are true friends,’” the envoy from Congzhong City replied humbly. “Our Dusuan Taral is on very good terms with His Excellency the Duke, so a few incidents are nothing to worry about.”

"Actually, I quite enjoyed it; it was much more interesting than the usual fanfare," Hassa, the special envoy of the Tyrannical Trade State, laughed heartily, his arm around his concubine. "Of course, if there's anything our state can do to help, Your Highness, just say the word! Or, at tomorrow's customs meeting..."

“The poor security is the fault of our city,” Jan interrupted him in time, smiling. “The relevant departments are following up on the remedial measures, so please be patient.”

Facing these guests, Jenn comforted and responded to each one with earnest words, his speech impeccable, as if the earlier turmoil had never occurred.

Thales frowned repeatedly at the sight.

“It seems that whether they are vassals, partners, or even competitors,” Miranda frowned, “whether they have high-sounding motives or ulterior motives, they have no reason to support the heir of a rebel party who has been out of power for a long time, fled for many years, and has neither power nor profit.”

“Not to mention the courtrooms, guardhouses, and city halls in the city…” Paul sighed. “This young master from a collateral branch of the Kevin Deer family, his incitement and accusations are weak and ineffective. They are nothing but a spectacle. In fact, he lost the moment he laid down his weapons, dismissed his bodyguards, and willingly walked into the trap.”

Is it.

Thales fell into deep thought.

Federico, did he really lose?
If, as he truly believes, he's here to bring down Jenn...

Is that all there is to it?
So what is he waiting for?
What else did the secret service prepare?
What else does Catherine V intend to do?
A higher imperial edict? Unexpected evidence? Overwhelming public opinion? An infiltrated spy? A foreign enemy with a large army pressing in?
Or something else?
What could give him the leverage to turn the tide?

While Thales was deep in thought, Federico was finally brought smoothly and steadily to the Duke's Stand.

"How do you intend to deal with him, sir?" Tanganga, the captain of the Seawolf Fleet, chuckled as Federico drew closer, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "If you ask me, leave him to me. Take him out to sea to see the Eternal Whale..."

"The Emerald Celebration is a wonderful day, a time for joy and celebration," Jann smiled and spread his hands in response to the guests. "Gentlemen, who said I was going to kill anyone?"

He turned and stepped down the steps, heading towards Federico in the audience.

“On the contrary, I will give him the treatment he deserves,” the Emerald Soldiers cleared a path through the crowd to let Jann walk toward the prisoner. “After all, he is also a Kevindir, with the blood of the Iris, and a citizen of Emerald City.”

Amidst the chorus of agreement and approval from the vassals and guests, Thales and Hillay exchanged a glance and descended the steps in unison.

Seeing Seychelles and Cassandra attending the two Kevin Deer, Wyah was startled and quickly called for everyone to follow Thales, forming a line and trying to put on a princely air.

"Long time no see, Fede."

Under the watchful eyes of the guests and even the entire arena, Janne remained calm, looking down at Federico, who was kneeling on the ground, tightly bound and unable to struggle.
"you lost weight."

Federico, his face covered in blood, tried to get up, but was held down firmly by the guards behind him. He chuckled:
“If you’ve ever died once, cousin, you’ll find that losing weight isn’t actually that hard.”

Looking at the prisoner before her, Hilly hesitated for a long time before finally unable to hold back her question:
"Fed, why...?"

Federico turned his head.

“Ah, Cecilia, your innocent and naive little sister. You’ve certainly grown quite a bit, haven’t you?” His smile was mocking. “Graceful and poised, waiting to become yet another Queen Kevindale?”

Hilly frowned:

"I thought you were dead."

“Then you are right. Oh, Prince Thales,” Federico turned to Thales, his eyes lighting up, “I have long admired you and am finally able to meet you… Please accept my gratitude, I am deeply thankful!”

He mustered all his strength and gave an awkward kneeling bow.

Thales' eyes flickered:
"Why? We are complete strangers."

Federico burst into laughter—a laugh far more unrestrained than Jann's polite and perfect smile.

“Indeed, but if it weren’t for Your Highness’s blessing, I’m afraid I would never have been able to return to Emerald City,” he said, his eyes burning. “I naturally have to thank you very much.”

"Lord Zhan!"

One of the thirteen noble families' patriarchs, Count Lacia of Zedi, stepped forward, filled with righteous indignation, and stood out from the crowd:

"As far as I know, Federico Kevindir is a traitor. He escaped death back then, but he remains stubborn and incorrigible! My lord, please order his execution immediately!"

Federico scoffed dismissively:

"How dare a traitor speak ill of others?"

Count Lacia's expression changed, and he burst into curses, but his eldest son held him back tightly.

While comforting the count, Jann's gaze wandered to the two girls behind Count Lacia.

The next second, the two girls exchanged a glance, then solemnly looked up:

"Kasha Karabyan, urge the Duke to use severe punishments to set an example."

"Qina of the Twin Towers Swords advises Lord Jann to eliminate the threat completely and not to be soft-hearted."

The two serious sisters had sharp eyes. They raised their hands and opened two folding fans in tacit agreement, one inscribed with "Obey orders" and the other with "Unwavering loyalty".

Thales heard Hilly's disdainful snort beside him.

Seeing the two vassal families express their stance, Jann finally smiled.

“Ha, wisdom is on the left, the sword is on the right,” Federico sarcastically remarked, “while Karabyan is always in the middle, you know what he is like—a fence-sitter.”

The Karabyan twins showed no annoyance, and instead wore almost identical smiles.

"Enough, Federico Kevindir."

Jann called out his cousin's name with an air of righteous indignation.

"As a criminal who faked his death and fled, it is admirable that you mustered the courage to surrender yourself. However, on the other hand, you are stubborn and inflexible..."

"Have you finished speaking, cousin, young master Jenn?"

Federico interrupted him abruptly, his face full of disdain: "Are we going through the proper procedures to go to prison, or are we going straight onto a ship and heading out to international waters?"

Jann's expression tightened.

"In the name of Sunset, the King, and the ancestors of Kevindir, the Emerald City will investigate the truth of your accusations, whether it be the doubts surrounding the death of your Uncle Sona or the murders of the past few days, and will deliver justice and the fairest trial before the entire kingdom."

"Trial? You, cousin, you're going to put me on trial?" Federico scoffed, as if he'd heard the most absurd thing.

"It's not me, it's Emerald City."

Jann said coldly, "Whether it was instigating riots eleven years ago and causing countless disasters, or remaining stubborn and causing endless trouble eleven years later."

Federico burst into laughter:

"Then why don't you just kill me now?"

Jenn shook his head:
"Don't worry, you will get what you deserve—Emerald City has its own laws and regulations, and will not tolerate those with ulterior motives who use illegal acts to corrupt and ruin the city."

A chorus of agreement and approval arose from among the vassals.

Federico burst into laughter upon hearing Jann's words.

“I know, I know why you’re so smug, so confident of victory, cousin…”

He slowly scanned each person in front of him:

"Because I have ultimately fallen into your hands, into your prison, your court, your government office, into the power system that you have built and that you control with one hand."

Federico spat:
"You have all sorts of legal and compliant, yet utterly hypocritical, methods to deal with me, turning black into white and framing me. I've walked right into your trap, with no chance of winning. I can only be speechless and utterly defeated."

He struggled to stand up, but was repeatedly pushed down by the guards, and in the end could only roar in anger:
“As long as Jann Kevindir remains the city lord, the Duke of the South Bank, and the master of the Iris, this trial of me cannot be just!”

Looking at Federico, Thales's doubts deepened.

What is he doing?
There was no explanation, no counterattack, and no threat...

Some are just...

A sorrowful lamentation and blaming of fate?

Jenn smiled.

“I understand that no criminal will admit to their crimes, just as no son will believe that his father is a bad person, but unfortunately, everyone has to pay the price for their actions.”

Jann remained calm and composed, presenting his arguments logically and clearly, which only made Federico appear incoherent and as if he were trying to evade responsibility.

“Ha, in Emerald City, when it comes to grand methods and legitimate schemes,” Paul shook his head in the group, muttering sarcastically, “who can outmaneuver the powerful Emerald City Lord himself?”

Yes.

Thales silently nodded in approval as he watched Jann handle and characterize Federico.

How can one person against an entire city not lose?

"That's it? It's over?" Neshi asked incredulously. "But what about the so-called patricide and usurpation, the framing? Does no one care? The Duke's reputation in people's hearts..."

“Duke Jenn has been on the throne for many years and his rule is stable. But people are always forgetful, short-sighted, selfish, and pragmatic,” Wyatt said, slightly lost in thought. “Perhaps as long as it doesn’t concern you and your current life is passable and bearable, time will fade everything.”

"Please, don't be disappointed, cheer up!" DD said excitedly. "At least we don't have to worry about how to lead His Highness out of Emerald City anymore."

Just then, Miranda suddenly spoke up:

"I found it."

Wyman was startled and turned around: "What?"

“Ace,” Miranda replied simply.

The members of the Xinghu Guard all turned around.

“Yes, his trump card,” Miranda said, staring at Federico with a serious expression, “the trump card that could have dealt a fatal blow to the Duke of Iris.”

"Really?"

DD became interested and asked in a low voice, "Where? Is it an assassin? A witness? Or a shocking scandal...?"

"The only problem is..."

Miranda ignored him and began inspecting the weapons on her own:
"Do you want that trump card to be revealed?"

(End of this chapter)