Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 728 Will Eventually Become King
"I understand."

On the abandoned watchtower, watching Wyman's departing figure, Leigh Corleone spoke slowly.

“Your Highness has reason to believe that the murderer is an immortal being,” he said, subtly gesturing in Yannick’s direction, “and therefore suspects us?”

Yannick smiled slightly and humbly stepped aside to give way.
There is no 'they'.

Li remained silent for a while.

“Your Highness may not know much about our race,” the vampire from the Eastern Continent spoke softly in the moonlight. “Not all long-lived beings in this world are protected by their clans—there are those who have been abandoned by their families and live alone, there are those who have deserted their families and become outcasts, and there are even some clansmen who have violated our clan’s inheritance laws in secret, giving primordial blood ‘gifts’ to others and giving birth to unregistered vampire descendants…”

Thales never looked back.

He raised his monocular telescope, keeping a close eye on the houses not far away, occasionally frowning.

"do you know?"

But the prince interrupted Li as soon as he spoke, causing the envoy from the Night Kingdom to turn cold.

"Since the reforms of the Parrot Duke and the promulgation of the Emerald City Law, the nobles of the South Bank Territory have had a tradition that is both shrewd and clever, and self-deceptive."

Thales spoke softly, without putting down his binoculars:

“If they want to silence someone forever—involuntarily—they won’t take action directly in their territory because of the law. Instead, they’ll send him on a foreign ocean liner to the high seas for a ‘free trip,’ and then leave the rest to the sea-herding girl.”

If something doesn't happen within your own jurisdiction, then it hasn't happened.

Yannick squinted at Li.

"Afterwards, they couldn't even find the body, so there was no way to investigate."

And there's no need to file a case—it happened abroad!
Thales sighed.

He turned around with his binoculars and, extremely rudely, peered through the lens at the two guests—even though he couldn't see anything at such close range.

"Ah, very good, it seems you are aware of this tradition."

Thales put on an air of having carefully observed and understood something. He put down his glasses and rubbed his eyes, which had almost been blinded by his pretentious pose.

The two guests remained silent.

"Therefore, I am filled with doubt—why did Federico Kevindeer, the son of a traitor with a sensitive identity and who was the focus of everyone's attention, and the disgrace to his family, survive and return alive on the ocean liner that Jenn sent him on a 'free trip' to the high seas eleven years ago?"

The prince, with an air of great seriousness, clicked his tongue in amazement:
"Was it that the boatman who was silenced back then was incompetent, or did the sea-herding girl really favor a vigorous young man and let him escape, just as folk tales say?"

Thales observed the expressions on the two vampires' faces.

As expected, they remained motionless, their reactions calm and composed, as steady as a sighing mountain.

They seemed not to hear the prince's frivolous remarks about the sea-herding girl.

It wasn't until more than ten seconds later that Yannick smiled first, looking at the elders of Donglu:

"Perhaps, Your Highness, we shouldn't question the justice and sanctity of the Sea-Shepherd Girl?"

Thales shrugged.

Justice and holiness...

(Of course.)

After all, whether they are merchants, sailors, tourists, pirates, naval officers, sea kings, or sea monkeys, once they set sail, everyone prays to this girl—you pray for a safe journey, he wishes for a full hold of loot, and someone else asks for a bountiful harvest and meritorious service in suppressing bandits...

As for Mu Hai, who is the eldest daughter of the Supreme God in the scriptures (some say they are siblings, and others say they are grandparents and grandchildren), shouldn't he be treated equally?

Here, let the merchants and travelers be safe halfway through their journey, and let the pirates rob half of the cargo hold.

Well, if these two are fighting halfway at sea, and then the navy gets involved midway, the bribes received on one side will be halved, and the bandit suppression operation on the other side will be halfway done.

What? You're asking how several shipments of goods and people were lost forever?

Sigh, of course the battle was fierce and they fell into the sea—don't you guys charge a service fee? Don't sea monkeys need to eat?

Don't be sad, look:
The maritime merchants only made half the profit, but they still made a profit nonetheless.

Even if the pirates only got half, it's better than nothing.

The navy joined midway and took half of your money; they made a profit.

He didn't take it all, so you didn't go bankrupt, and you'll make money next time.

He wiped out half of the bandits, which was a meritorious act.

But half of the bandits escaped, so we can continue to suppress them and make money.

So, do you think that under Mu Hai's rule, fairness and sanctity prevail, and everyone has food to eat and money to earn?

Half of them were born, half died, half increased, half decreased, and the ocean took back a small portion!

(Leaning back) This is balance, this is the way of the sea!
Everyone says that the divine is supremely pure and holy; who says that Mu Hai is unjust?
What? Some people say that if that's the case, then what's the use of having a young girl like Mu Hai?

That's another story...

The above ramblings are all excerpts from notes taken during His Highness Thales' theology class on the article "The Universality of the Sea: The Underlying Logic and Historical Evolution of the Sea-Shepherding Faith." Priestess Megan sealed them away after reading them, strictly forbidding their public release.
Under Thales's gaze, Li remained silent.

“Federico told me not long ago,” Thales sneered, “that he had been living under an assumed name and hiding away for years, relying on the protection of his father’s old friends, until the ‘family’ that was sheltering him couldn’t withstand the pressure and turned on him and kicked him out.”

Yannick laughed even more heartily.

Thales stared intently at Li:
"As is well known, the Kevin Deer family is based in Emerald City, with abundant resources, extensive channels, and control of ocean shipping routes. Together with the East Sea Cullen family, they are the maritime pillars of the Star Kingdom."

"Looking across the End of the Sea, the Iris family, if not extremely powerful, is at least a giant in its own right. The surrounding city-states and kingdoms are unwilling to antagonize them, and they send envoys to congratulate them and inquire about their well-being during festivals."

Thales squinted:
"Then I'm even more curious."

He put his hands behind his back and began to stroll gently around Li.

"What kind of loyal family would be willing to risk antagonizing the Iris and being retaliated against by the Emerald City to hide Federico—the black sheep of the Kevindir family, a thorn in the side of Duke Jann?"
"What kind of brave 'family' must they have been to commit such a crime eleven years ago, when Kongming Palace suddenly lost its lord and the people of Emerald City were outraged, secretly protecting Federico's life, and keeping the secret for more than a decade without letting a word out?"

Thales stopped in his tracks, standing in front of Li, staring at the other's pale face devoid of color.

"Unless what that 'family' saw back then was far more than just risk."

Thales said seriously:

"Unless that the family's resources are in no way inferior to those of Emerald City."

Li slowly raised his head and met Thales' gaze, his eyes filled with deathly stillness.

“And perhaps they were not forced to drive him out of the house, as Federico said,” Thales said coldly, “but rather they were willing, even eagerly anticipating, sending him off to return home and wishing him success in achieving his goals.”

“Tsk tsk tsk,” Yannick chimed in at the opportune moment, repeating the prince’s words: “Willingly, eagerly awaiting it.”

"Then I remembered again."

At the top of the watchtower, Thales' voice rang out again.

"In those days before the Kevindale and Corleone families became enemies, when your relationship was close and you were even allies, there was an important route for foreign ocean-going ships departing from Emerald City to the Eastern Continent—the Seaview Cliff of the Night Kingdom."

Thales's gaze was like a sword, piercing straight at Count Li:
"Is it possible that the mission to silence Federico during his 'high seas trip' back then was actually orchestrated by you—the Corleone family of the Night Kingdom?"

At this point, Li finally turned her head slowly and spoke softly:
"Your Highness Thales..."

But this time, Thales was no longer polite. He raised a finger and abruptly interrupted the vampire from the Eastern Continent:
"Or worse—that job wasn't originally yours to begin with."

The prince's gaze was playful:

"Is it possible that, long before you and Jann fell out, the Corleone family's bats were already straining their ears, monitoring the 'cargo' sent onto ocean-going ships by the Emerald City's 'allies,' and secretly intercepting it as soon as it became profitable, hoping to reap a rich reward of rare treasures?"

Li shut his mouth and remained silent.

Or perhaps this is the best answer.

But some people think differently.

"So, according to Your Highness, when the old Duke passed away, the Blood Fang across the sea was already stirring..."

Yannick walked slowly toward the tower, gazing at the boundless moonlight in the sky, then at the brightly lit palace in the distance. As another burst of fireworks exploded in the air, he lowered his head in the colorful night, looking down at the last patch of darkness in the new suburbs.

"Thus, Federico Kevindir, the sinner who sought justice for his father and instigated a rebellion in Archsea City, not only survived but also hid in the Kingdom of Night..."

Yannick's gaze was malicious:

"And they even became pawns and bargaining chips for the Corleone family to threaten, control, and even confront the Kevin Deer family in the future?"

Corleone

Threat.

To restrain.

piece.

Bargaining chips.

Upon hearing these words, Thales was deeply moved and couldn't help but sigh:

"The promise made in the Inland Sea is still fresh in my mind."

As for whose inland sea it is, whether it belongs to one or two families, well, that's hard to say.

But, wouldn't there be retribution for daring to steal food from the mouth of the notoriously stingy and mean-spirited Mu Hai girl (as recorded in the classics)?
Thales shook his head, returning to reality.

"So, Federico came back with the ships of the Night Kingdom to seek revenge."

This makes sense: Emerald City has strict rules. From princes to commoners, everyone's identity, whereabouts, and weapons must be registered. Otherwise, they are not allowed to enter the city. Even the Blood Bottle Gang can only use scrap metal in group fights...

Thales took a deep breath:

“Only foreign missions with ‘special’ needs, such as yours, that are not subject to censorship and do not need to report their whereabouts, are able to provide him with weapons and equipment, and even hiding places.”

Thales looked at Li with a smile:
Am I right, Count Li?

Li remained silent for a long time.

But Thales was very patient, and even took the time to exchange a glance with Yannick, who was smiling broadly on the other side, and they smiled and greeted each other.

"Continue to believe the bait that traitors and sinners offer you."

Li finally spoke coldly, grabbing their attention: "Continue to enjoy the convenience they've deliberately offered you."

what?
The other party's cryptic words startled both Thales and Yannick.

Li said coldly:

"Because one day, they will get what they want."

Yannick frowned.

Who are you talking to?

The young Hollier seemed thoughtful: "Me, or Your Highness?"

Li snorted coldly:
"What do you think?"

These words made Thales frown.

Bait for traitors and sinners?

Was he talking about me, or about Yannick?
He was saying...

Federico, or the ugly-faced Serena?
Just as Thales was puzzled, Yannick's expression changed.

"How many?"

The young councilor clicked his tongue and retorted coldly.

Li remained expressionless.

“I mean, Count Li, in your Night Country, in those smoky, desolate mountains and underground caves,” Senator Yannick Hollier’s gaze was intense, “how many such exiled political figures are still secretly hiding? Sensitive and dangerous.”

Li remained silent.

“It’s alright if you don’t want to say,” the young—relatively speaking—vampire said with burning eyes. “I’ll go back and look up the fates of political figures in neighboring countries during the political turmoil of the past few decades. Maybe I can compile a list? I hope it won’t be too long.”

The next second, Li silently turned his neck, his lifeless eyes shrouding the Western fellow countryman who had undermined him.

But Yannick remained unfazed, his smile only growing brighter.

Thales was startled by what he heard.

If the Kingdom of Night truly possesses such a pawn, and were to bring one out at a crucial moment—such as in Emerald City at this very moment—it would be a brilliant move, stirring up trouble and creating chaos.

But if everything is exposed, it will create enmity with major powers...

How many troops can the entire Kingdom of Night muster?

How does it compare to the entire Eastern Continent?
On the other side, Li stared intently at Yannick, his gaze growing increasingly chilling.

The atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

"And I suspect that the person who dared to take such a risk, to shelter the mortal enemy of the Kevindale family—the one who made this decision and carried it out—was neither Cortrina, nor you, Earl Le Corleone, nor any of the other noble families of the Night Kingdom, nor even the Nightwing King himself, who has long since ceased to serve..."

Yannick's tone grew increasingly dangerous, and Thales also sensed that something was amiss in the atmosphere.

"...but rather your treacherous and cunning old comrade-in-arms, that elder steward of the Hill of Pain, the 'Dark Wing' in charge of intelligence affairs for the Holy Blood Legion—Chris Corleone?"

Upon hearing this name he hadn't heard in a long time, Thales's brow twitched.

Li's expression finally changed.

He slightly curled the corners of his mouth into a meaningful smile.

As if that wasn't enough, Yannick beamed and bowed slightly:
"Ah, for such devotion to his lord, may the setting sun bless Chris's loyalty."

May the sunset bless the vampires...

Oops.

Thales started to get a headache.

Is it really a good idea to get Yannick to back things up?

"Young man, when are you leaving the city?" Sure enough, the next moment, Li spoke coldly, "I want to see you off."

Yannick's eyes lit up, and he showed no fear:

"Oh, how about we escort you all the way to Feast Territory?"

Just as the standoff between the two vampires was about to exceed the limits of human endurance, Thales clapped his hands loudly and coughed loudly!
"so!"

He spoke seriously, steer the conversation back to the main topic, successfully capturing the attention of the two guests and easing the tension between them:
"In other words, from the moment I set foot in Emerald City, Queen's City has been facing its current predicament—bloodshed, coups, chaos, including all these troubles I am confronting..."

The mere thought of these things brought Thales's disgust and anger to the surface.
"It is all thanks to you."

He said coldly:

"Corion of the Night Kingdom".

That damn crybaby.

Li remained silent upon hearing this.

He slowly turned around and bowed to Thales.

"Your Highness's accusations are sensational, but they are lacking in evidence."

Thales smiled.

“That’s right, I have no evidence, it’s all based on reasoning and suspicion…”

He suddenly recalled Valhalla long ago, and King Nunn's hearty laugh in response to Grand Duke Pefit's questioning.

When do I need evidence?

Since we are people of the North, we should follow the ways of the North.

The prince's smile faded:

"But the good news is that I am neither a vigilante nor a defense attorney, so I don't need to prove anything to the judge."

On the other side, Yannick gently spread his hands, making a helpless and regretful expression at the right time.

Li's eyes remained fixed.

“So I’ll stop here,” Thales sighed. “The rest is up to you, Earl.”

"Do as you please?"

"Yes, you can simply turn around and leave, but you can also try to make amends in exchange for my past forgiveness..."

"What if I don't comply?" Li asked coldly.

Thales paused, seemingly not expecting this answer.

The prince's face turned cold.

Yannick gave a malicious sneer.

"If you don't comply..."

But a few seconds later, Thales's expression changed from winter's chill to spring's warmth. He smiled gently and shrugged helplessly.

"Well, there's nothing I can do about that."

Li frowned, as if surprised.

Thales could only helplessly clutch his head in his hands:

“If you have truly reached an agreement with my father, then I certainly cannot do anything to you, much less to the Kingdom of Night…”

He looked distressed.
"I could only swallow my anger and watch as the city collapsed, the government was destroyed, and people and wealth were lost. I had to accept the failure and humiliation of this trip to Emerald City. In the unforgettable resentment and bitterness, amidst the unforgettable ridicule and cold stares, I slunk back to my old lair."

At this point, Thales's expression changed.

"after all……"

Thales stared calmly at the other person and said softly:

"I am not yet king."

After a long silence, Li's gaze finally changed.

"That's fortunate..."

Yannick gazed at the scenery outside the tower, seemingly unintentionally:
"You will eventually become king."

boom!
From the direction of Kongming Palace, a large bouquet of celebratory fireworks burst into the sky, its bright light casting shadows on the houses in the new suburbs, while the distant sounds of celebration could be faintly heard.

The watchtower was suddenly as bright as day.

Only three shadows were cast on the ground, parallel to each other and never intersecting.

The fireworks faded, and the watchtower remained quiet for a long time.

Li, who had been silent, finally raised his eyes.

One second, two seconds, three seconds...

Just as Prince Thales, brimming with confidence, was nodding and counting the beats, strategizing and waiting for the other party to make their offer—as if he were turning away from a stall, confidently waiting for the vendor to say, "Hey, come back, come back. Okay, I'll give you a discount..."

"Humph."

Li let out a disdainful snort.

“The last star who threatened me so much,” Li said softly, “ultimately failed to become king.”

what?
Thales was taken aback.

The next moment, before the prince could reply, Le Corleone turned around instantly and his figure flashed!
He vanished completely into the darkness.

Only Thales and Yannick remained on the watchtower, staring at each other in stunned disbelief and disbelief, having gone too far.

He looked completely innocent.