Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 720 Red and Black

"It is my great honor to have Your Highness grace us with your presence."

As Thales entered the guest room, he saw Federico Kevindeer sitting alone in the living room, facing the door, gently rubbing the teacup he was holding.

His complexion was sallow, his clothes were simple, and he appeared thin and frail, almost like an ascetic monk.

This is a far cry from the crazy and desperate Federico who stormed into the election in front of everyone.

Thales didn't say anything, but simply sat down opposite Federico.

The chair was made of hardwood, which was a bit uncomfortable to sit on. When Thales looked down, he found that the cup next to him contained only the most basic tea, which was pale in color, almost like water.

"Did they mistreat you?" Thales asked thoughtfully.

Clearly, although Federico's room was right across from Jann's, it was far inferior to that of his ducal cousin in terms of furnishings, food, clothing, and daily necessities.

“No, Your Highness,” Federico said, neither rising nor looking up, but intently fiddling with his teacup. “In fact, the treatment here is almost too good, making it hard for me not to think of my childhood.”

Seeing Federico's casual attitude toward the prince, Golov, who had accompanied him, looked displeased. He strode forward, intending to kindly help the prince recall the etiquette of the audience, but Thales waved him off.

"There's no need to search me, Jia Lun. He won't hurt me."

As he said this, Thales stared intently at Federico, as if trying to pull his soul out of his eyes.

At least for now, he won't need me when he still needs me.

"Thank you for your trust, Your Highness."

Federico said this, but his eyes were unfocused, as if he saw something else through the teacup.

Golov snorted angrily, staring fiercely at Federico as if he were about to rip open Federico's heart to check for any hidden weapons.

Federico still didn't look up.

A few seconds later, under Thales's watchful eye, the zombie deliberately checked the tip of his sword in front of him before leaving the room, leaving Thales and his companion behind.

“Let’s not waste any more time and get straight to the point,” Thales said, picking up his teacup and speaking seriously. “Fed—you don’t mind me calling you that, do you? It seems that’s what Hilly and the others call you.”

As soon as the prince finished speaking, Federico slowly raised his eyes and looked directly at Thales: his face was covered with bruises and discoloration, his arms and torso were wrapped in bandages, and he smelled strongly of medicine.

“Of course not,” Federico said quietly, “it’s just that I thought you would come to see me sooner.”

Thales shifted his position on the uncomfortable chair. As he frowned, he couldn't help but notice that although Federico was covered in wounds from his arrest, some of which were quite frightening, he spoke steadily and calmly, as if he were not using the same body when he was injured.

Beware, Thales, beware.

A voice deep inside him whispered a reminder:
Regardless of the many coincidences that may have played out, it was this seemingly penniless man who stirred up trouble in Emerald City and dethroned Jann from his position as city lord.

What's even more terrifying is that, unlike Jenn, this person has fallen to rock bottom and has nothing left to lose.

They then acted without any scruples.

They are even less bound by constraints.

Even at this moment, he appears so isolated and alone.

Thinking of this, Thales' tone turned cold:
"Tell me, when did the Secret Service find you? What did they say to you, and what were the follow-up arrangements?"

Federico's teacup wobbled slightly in his hand.

"So, this is your opinion of me," he said with a half-smile, "a pawn of the Royal Secret Service?"

"So, Fede, are you?"

Federico paused for a moment, his eyes swirling with thoughts.

"Although I know they are the ones who made the connections behind the scenes, no, I have never had the privilege of meeting any of them. Even the information I receive is delivered through intermediaries who have passed through countless hands."

His gaze lifted from the teacup.

"In Emerald City, I was completely clueless and could only fight alone and rely on myself. I was really no different from a chess piece."

Thales' heart sank.

"As for what happened next, they—if they really are them—didn't say a word, at most hinting that the less they knew, the better," Federico said, turning his head slightly. "Naturally, they are not as insightful and in control as Your Highness."

The less the better.

Thales frowned deeply.

That's quite in line with the style of the Kingdom's Secret Service.

He deliberately ignored what the other person said and continued to press for answers:

"So, after the Duke of Leinster's unfortunate death, where have you been all these years?"

“My late father had trustworthy friends and connections who, at the risk of retaliation from the Kevin Deere family, provided me with shelter and refuge under an assumed name,” Federico’s eyes glazed over, as if recalling something unpleasant. “Out of honor, commitment, and gratitude, I cannot reveal their specific names.”

Thales observed his expression and nodded:
"Until the Royal Secret Service dragged you out?"

Federico shook his head, correcting Thales's statement:

"Until the family that sheltered me couldn't withstand the pressure, changed their attitude, packed up my bedding and belongings, and kicked me out of the house."

Thales remained silent upon hearing this, but after a few seconds he scoffed:
"So, you couldn't hide out there anymore and were forced to return to Emerald City. You must be feeling quite aggrieved?"

“Not entirely,” Federico thought, the dark, cold, cramped room appearing before his eyes, and the screams and groans echoing in his ears. “If one could return home, who would want to live under someone else’s roof?”

Thales observed the other man's expression, secretly deducing his experiences and trying to understand the person before him.

"So you're just going to go back to Emerald City, recruit soldiers, and stir up trouble?"

Federico gave a soft snort.

“Whether or not the Kingdom’s secret service is involved, and whether or not I have the help of a powerful figure, I will return one day,” he said coldly, “for my father, for the truth, and for justice.”

Thales frowned as he looked at him.

A second later, Federico suddenly relaxed and smiled slightly at the prince:
"But indeed, I chose to return now because after many years, a great figure from the kingdom, who is not afraid of power, is not restrained, cannot be deceived, and is more capable of standing up to Jann, has finally come to the Emerald City to help me clear my name."

Thales's expression tightened, and he forced a smile.

You overestimate me.

Right now, the entire Emerald City is almost crushing him.

“That day in the arena, in front of everyone,” Thales composed himself, “how could you be so sure I would have stood up for you?”

“I’m not sure,” Federico shook his head, seemingly unconcerned, “but I believe that with His Highness’s intelligence and character, even if he hadn’t spoken up at the time, he would have realized what was happening afterward and spoken up for me.”

Thales sneered.

“But if we wait until ‘afterwards’ and you fall into Janne’s hands, it won’t be a matter of just a few words for me to turn the tide.”

"Fortunately, Your Highness responded appropriately and made timely decisions."

Federico's answer was flawless and without any flaws, and Thales remained silent for a long time.

It's quite interesting that, although Federico's actions and behavior on the day of the Arena Incident were flamboyant, unrestrained, audacious, and even mad and desperate, today, seeing Federico stroking his teacup in private, he gives off a calm, composed, low-key, and meticulous feeling.

This contrasts sharply with his cousin, who is outwardly humble and approachable but inwardly ruthless and vicious.

Or perhaps, they are both hypocritical?

“I have serious doubts, Fede,” the prince leaned forward and spoke again, “Do you really believe that Jann Kevindir, as the son of the Duke at the time, the first in line to the Emerald City, and the sooner or later Duke of the South Bank, was so greedy for power that he couldn’t wait to ascend the throne and hastily killed his father and framed his uncle in order to seize power as soon as possible?”

Upon hearing the crucial topic, Federico's expression changed, and he became serious.

“I know what Your Highness suspects.”

He thought for a moment, then put down his teacup and looked directly at Thales:

“At first glance, the dukedom seemed to be his for the taking, and my dear cousin really had no need to do so.”

But Federer changed the subject:
“But doesn’t my father know this? In any case, if the Duke dies, the throne will be inherited by his nephew, so what’s the point of him killing his brother? If he really wants to seize the throne, why doesn’t he kill Jann as well?”

“Maybe, maybe he tried,” Thales said, narrowing his eyes, but his words were less than friendly, “but he didn’t succeed?”

“Believe me, Your Highness, or you may send someone to inquire with the old man: given Viscount Sonna Kevindir’s decisive methods and character, if he had truly tried it, or even just thought about it,” Federico said without feigning displeasure, but his words were undeniable, “then there would be no Janne today.”

Thales was startled by what he heard.

"Moreover, my father and Uncle Renster are brothers who have supported each other for many years, sharing joys and sorrows. Even if they disagreed, they never suspected each other. He worked diligently and devoted himself to the family, never having any ambition to usurp the throne. Why would such a person suddenly change his tune and kill his brother to seize the throne when his brother was still alive and his rule was stable, and when Janne was still the first in line to the throne?"

Federico carefully observed Thales' expression:

"In comparison, isn't the so-called conspiracy to seize power that Jenn fabricated using his power and forced the world to believe even more suspicious?"

Thales snorted in response.

It's not unreasonable.

But he just smiled slightly and took a sip of tea.

"Perhaps. Perhaps Viscount Sona was loyal to his brother and not a power-hungry man. But unfortunately, I have witnessed betrayal born of loyalty—more than once."

Thales stared directly into Federico's eyes, trying to find a hint of something unusual within them:
"For example, the Duke of Lenster at that time was old and senile, and he listened to slander and stubbornly sided with the new merchant guilds, authorizing and supporting their development and expansion, thus ignoring the landed nobles, the old vassals, and even the authority belonging to Kevin Deer..."

As expected, Federico frowned.

"So much so that Viscount Sona, loyal to his family, was heartbroken and determined to speak out for the old laws and to awaken his elder brother, that he made up his mind to resort to ruthless force and embark on a path of no return?"

Thales' voice carried a seductive quality:
"And after the deed was done, the family's rule returned to normal, and the Viscount had fulfilled his own wishes and had no more worries. He was willing to take responsibility and leave with a clear conscience?"

The room remained quiet for a long time.

Thales stared intently at Federico without moving.

“If Your Highness truly believes this, or rather, if you truly suspect this,” Federico’s reply remained calm, but carried an undeniable chill, “then why don’t you simply knock on the door across the street and invite Jann Kevindir back to the position of city lord? Everyone will be satisfied, and all will be happy.”

“You’ve got it wrong,” Thales laughed. “That’s not what I’m suspecting, or rather, it’s not just that.”

“Your Highness?” Thales paused for a moment.

“What I doubt is, Federer, whether you truly believe from the bottom of your heart that ‘Jan is the culprit,’ or…”

His eyes were sharp:
"For revenge, for power, for honor, or even for the goals and motivation to keep living—you tell yourself you must believe this?"

Federico frowned.

"Forgive my dullness, Your Highness, for I have failed to grasp the true meaning of your words."

Thales leaned back, scrutinizing his opponent:

“My men told me after their investigation that before the Year of the Blood, there was a typhoid plague in the kingdom, and Emerald City was no exception. Young Janne was weak and almost died, so Duke Lenster sent him to the East Continent, ostensibly for study, but in reality to seek medical treatment.”

The prince said softly:
"At the same time, you, Federico Kevindir, were raised as the second heir of the Iris family in the event of 'unfortunate circumstances'?"

Federico suddenly looked up!

"If Janne had died young back then, the dukedom would have been yours, right?" Thales said maliciously. "Or, even if he died now, it wouldn't be too late?"

Federico was no longer composed and polite; instead, he stared coldly at Thales.

But Thales continued his relentless pursuit.

“Tell me, Fed, when you wake up in the middle of the night and think about how the Duke of the South Bank was once so close yet ultimately slipped through your fingers,” he sighed, “do you ever feel even a trace of… resentment?”

Silence fell between them again, but this time, the room felt even colder.

"Your Highness doesn't really like me that much, does he?" After a long pause, Federico spoke softly.

"like?"

“I thought Your Highness originally wanted to seek the truth and correct the distortions,” Federico said, looking at Thales, “but I never imagined that you, like Janne, only wanted to use power to weave the ‘truth’.”

Thales' expression turned cold.

“You’ve been away from home for years, Fede, but you’ve returned with six murders, taking six lives, not to mention the casualties and losses caused by this, and the countless lives ruined as a result.”

Federico's gaze froze.

Thales picked up his teacup, his gaze cold:

"Just to lure Jenn into a trap, to make him look foolish, and to force him into his own trap?"

“Those people,” Federico retorted, “the businessmen who paid bribes, the middlemen who hired hitmen, the killers who took money and carried out the killings, the guards who disregarded human life and fabricated evidence, and even the prison guards who caused my father’s inexplicable ‘suicide’ death—they all deserved their fate. Their end was merely punishment for their crimes.”

“It’s not your place to decide,” Thales said bluntly. “Besides, the arbitration and investigation are not over yet, and the truth is still unknown.”

“You should know that Janne has ruled Emerald City for many years and has long been all-powerful and impenetrable. I am the son of a disgraced official and it is difficult for me to win over the people. If I do not take extraordinary measures and force him to become suspicious and lose his composure, I will not even have the opportunity to stand here and speak to you and reopen the old case.”

“Well, you’ve got what you wanted,” Thales sneered. “Do you know that now everyone outside calls you ‘Scarlet Iris,’ refers to Jenn as ‘Black Hand,’ and calls this family feud ‘Red and Black’?”

Federico paused upon hearing this.

“I must say, I didn’t really like this nickname,” he squinted, “but then I thought my cousin probably disliked it even more…”

Federico felt pleased at the thought of Jann's expression and how he would never dare to wear his favorite black gloves again.

Thales gave a cold laugh.

"So that means, Fede, you are the one who was 'forced' to use extreme measures, to seek the truth through crooked means, and to use 'power' to weave the 'truth' you want."

Federico frowned.

“Tell me, Fede, if you had the chance to become the Lord of Emerald City, the Duke of South Shore,” Thales put down his empty teacup, his gaze sharp, “what price would you be willing to pay?”

The two looked at each other quietly.

But soon Federico's furrowed brows slowly relaxed.

"Your Highness must have just met my cousin."

Thales' eyes flickered.

“Because you’re in a bad mood,” Federico’s expression returned to calm, “and I think that right now, there’s no one else in Emerald City who could make you feel bad.”

"You have a very keen eye."

“Please forgive me,” Federico said, bowing slightly as he sensed the prince’s displeasure. “When a person wanders in a foreign land and lives under someone else’s roof for a long time, he gradually learns to read people’s expressions.”

Wandering in a foreign land, living under someone else's roof, one must be observant and perceptive.

Thales pondered those words.

What kind of person is he?

What role does the Kingdom's Secret Service regard him as?
Although Thales had clashed with this man several times, both openly and secretly, since entering Emerald City, he knew nothing about him—nothing about his past, his character, or his intentions.

All I know is that he is a...

Kevin Deer.

Federico continued calmly, saying:

"And I guess that's why you've come to see me—my cousin is dissatisfied with the status quo and, taking advantage of his years of unjust rule, has shamelessly tied himself to Emerald City, forcing you to be hesitant to act against him?"

"You all never leave your homes, yet you know so much about what's going on outside," Thales scoffed.

“Your Highness misunderstands. I do not possess such prophetic abilities, nor do I have the means to infiltrate the ranks,” Federico said, his eyes glazed over. “I just… know him too well.”

"Oh?"

Federico nodded and looked into the void:

“When we were little, he and I were playing with young Hilla when Jenn accidentally broke an antique vase left by the ‘Witch Queen’—it is said that the mysterious inscription on it is related to the fate of the family and is of great importance, so Uncle Lenster values ​​it very much.”

Thales' expression shifted.

It seems he's heard Hilly tell this story before?
“When questioned, Jann remained silent for a long time before finally standing up to admit his mistake. But before that, his actions were pretentious, creating an atmosphere for everyone: he did not break the ‘Raphis’ Bottle, but as the Duke’s son, he had to stand up at this moment, take the blame for others, and shield his brothers and sisters from the storm.”

Federico scoffed, unimpressed.

"Uncle Lenster gave him a minor punishment, and the matter was eventually dropped. But everyone present praised Janne for his magnanimity and responsibility, saying he was the Duke's choice. At the same time, they gave me strange looks—we were both young then, but do you know how I felt when I stood below him, feeling resentful but powerless to defend myself?"

He took a deep breath:

"As for my father... he would never interfere or delve into the matter once my brother had made a decision, but that day, the way my father looked at me that day..."

Thales frowned: "Living in your house, isn't it tiring?"

Federico snapped out of his daze.

“Yes, the Kevin Deer family was once very large. Among our close relatives, there were at least half a dozen cousins ​​who were my and Jan's age and eligible to go to school and play with us. We walked over Ancestral Rock countless times, hoping to one day make a name for ourselves and have our names engraved on it.”

Federico shook his head and said quietly:
"But in the end, most people followed tradition, changed their names, and left home. And at the crucial moment, those who truly dared to stay and assist Iris, or rather, those who truly dared to stand up and say no to Jann's lies and rule as Kevin Deer..."

Federico didn't continue, but just snorted coldly, his gaze sharp.

“It is clear, Your Highness, that although Jann was weak from childhood and not good at any training courses, he devoted all his energy to scheming and intrigue,” Federico said with deep hatred. “Even when faced with irreparable losses, he would grit his teeth and do whatever it takes to gain an advantage in a losing situation and turn the tide.”

"Just like that vase, just like this time..."

Federico squinted:

"Since he is willing to bow down and hand over the position of city lord to you, he must have left behind an even more formidable and difficult-to-defend contingency plan."

Thales watched him silently.

Federico took a deep breath, returned to the present moment, and became realistic and serious again:
“Then I guess you came to see me for no other reason than to make a gesture to Jenn, to warn him that you actually have other options, and to try to force him to give in.”

Federico smiled at the opportune moment:

"Because in your heart, he, Jann Kevin Deer, is still the only one who can solve the Emerald City problem."

Thales frowned upon hearing this.

“Perhaps I’ve said too much,” Federico’s smile slowly faded, and he bowed slightly, “because you now feel that I’m too perceptive, and your displeasure is rising further.”

“Of course not,” Thales said, his gaze making him quite uncomfortable. “You know, the Black Prophet can read minds, yet I can still chat and laugh with him just the same.”

"of course not."

Federico repeated the Duke of Star Lake's words.

“Because your exceptional rationality tells you,” he raised his eyes, “that perhaps, perhaps this Kevin Deer, whose background, appearance, methods, and actions are all unpleasant, is not just a tool to spur on the Spurs, nor merely a pawn of the Mikoto team. Perhaps he really does have a way to break the Emerald City’s predicament in one fell swoop?”

“Strange,” Thales scoffed, sizing up the other man. “I have a feeling that you’re actually quite happy that Jenn has caused me so much trouble.”

Federico paused for a moment, seemingly deep in thought.

“You’re right, Your Highness,” he grinned, “because that means he’s still the Janne I know.”

"It also means that my mission is not yet complete. I still have the opportunity to confront him and take revenge myself, instead of sitting here and waiting for his body to rot."

Federico looked around the room, muttering to himself:
"It means that I have finally fulfilled my long-cherished wish and driven the stubborn man to a dead end, a path of no return."

Thales observed the other person's dazed yet determined demeanor and fell into deep thought.

He understood Janne and knew that the Duke of the South Bank was not afraid of him, not afraid of the prince's status, not afraid of the duke's name, and not even afraid of the various schemes arranged by the king.

But in that instant, Thales suddenly felt:

Perhaps, perhaps what Jann Kevin Deer truly fears is this thin, frail man before him.

Federico Kevin-Dill.

Thinking of this, Thales couldn't help but raise his head and look at the other person directly for the first time.

“Of course, that also means I’m still useful and valuable,” Federico said, snapping out of his reverie. He noticed Thales’s gaze and gave an apologetic smile. “Then perhaps, perhaps next time you encounter a similar problem, when you come to my and his door again, you’ll set aside your likes and dislikes and give priority to some less glamorous Kevin Deer?”

Looking at the other person's expression, Thales smiled.