Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 97 Our Inland Sea

The Dragonbreaker Fortress was built on the northern plains, where the stars and Exter meet. The main body of the fortress sits on a high ground, only a few hundred meters away from the border between the two countries as stipulated in the Treaty of the Fortress.

The Third Continental War, more than three hundred years ago, forged the legend of Sara, Kempinski, and Midil, the "Three Heroes" of Western humanity. But after the war, the severing of ties and fraternal conflict between Sara, the hero of Exter, and Midil, the Oathkeeper of the Stars, a conflict that has caused countless historians and bards to lament, also led to the breakdown of the alliance between the Dragonflight and the Stars.

Thus, on the border between the two countries, the Dragonbreaker Fortress—a structure with both political and military significance—was built. And twelve years earlier, the famous Treaty of the Fortress between Star and Exter was signed here.

The northern plains, stretching for miles, are the only place between the two countries where large numbers of troops can be deployed to the border, bypassing the snow-covered thickets. However, the defenders of Dragonbreaker Fortress can clearly see any group of more than ten people coming from the Exter side of the plains; on the Star side, the Arendt family's Coldhold and the Zemutor family's Watchtower are to its southwest, while the Forrest family's Lonely Tower is to its east. All three sides can rush to the fortress's aid at any time, and if any castle is in danger of being besieged, Dragonbreaker Fortress can also issue a timely warning.

Dragonbreaker Fortress is not an isolated fortress; it consists of the largest and most fortified star-shaped fortress on the high ground, eight medium-sized fortresses guarding the surrounding area and providing mutual cover, and twelve more simple outposts further away. To capture Dragonbreaker Fortress means to cross countless trenches and barricades, eliminate the crossbow threats from the eight medium-sized fortresses one by one, and then follow the only three narrow slopes to reach the main fortress. Braving the bombardment of magic guns on the star-shaped protrusions, one must launch a siege against the fortress walls that are over ten meters high, within the limited terrain.

If the army bypasses the fortress and heads directly south to an important town in the star system, then this fortress, which can accommodate tens of thousands of people, has ample supplies, and whose garrison can launch attacks at any time, will instantly become a primary threat, like a thorn in one's side.

When the forty-one-year-old Grand Duke of Black Sands, Chaman Lumba, looked up at this formidable giant from the north side of the fortress under the moonlight, the sense of threat posed by Dragonbreaker Fortress was particularly strong.

Since twelve years ago, when he fought his brother fairly in front of his father and the entire family, piercing his heart with a sword to win the right to inherit the Black Sand Territory, Chaman Rumba's ambition has grown uncontrollably. For example, he wanted to bring the glory of the co-ruling king into the arms of the Rumba family, turn the capital of Exter into Black Sand City, and bring the northern border of the Stars under his rule, bringing the ancient northern territories scattered between the two countries back into one.

The Grand Duke himself wore a thick robe over heavy chainmail, riding a sturdy northern horse. Behind him, knights carried banners bearing the Iron Fist emblem representing the Rumba family. Not far behind them, densely packed military camps were stationed, and small groups of scouts or infantrymen, having received orders, would occasionally leave the camps and cross the border without a care.

A strong, valiant grey-helmed knight—Lord Tuleha, one of Exter's "Five Warriors"—galloped from the front, reined in his horse before Lumba, and bowed respectfully on horseback.

Rumba nodded expressionlessly.

"We've cleared out caravans, hunters, supply depots, and enemy patrols, and deployed scouts. If the Arends of Coldhold and the other two families come to our aid, we'll know immediately..." The gray-helmeted knight, Tuleha, said in a deep voice, "Are we really going to attack?"

“Of course! Our forces exceed thirteen thousand men, including light cavalry scouts, heavy knights, elite lightly armed axemen and two-handed greatsword warriors, sufficient archers, and siege equipment such as magic-powered lances and catapults,” answered a plate-armored knight behind the Grand Duke of Lombard—the Grand Duke’s supporter and top vassal, Count Levan: “We have the advantage in both quantity and quality; defeating them will be a piece of cake!”

“That’s open field warfare—but as long as they remain holed up in the Dragonbreaker Fortress, we won’t be able to win easily.” Tuleha shook his head. “Since the last fall, they’ve reinforced their fortifications. I suspect they’ve equipped them with half of the country’s magic guns and crossbows… A forced siege would only result in huge casualties.”

and.

Tuleha thought to himself: As long as those two are still in the Broken Dragon Fortress, even if the opponent is a rabble, we should be extremely vigilant.

Count Levan, clad in plate armor, said with a resolute expression: “We have mobilized so many troops, we cannot return empty-handed… If we can capture the Dragon Fortress, I think we can accept some casualties.”

"Our enemy is not just the fortress, but also the weather..."

The group turned around and saw the Grand Duke of Lombard's strategist and advisor, Viscount Cambida, riding up from behind: "The harsh winter is coming earlier than usual, which is not a good time to advance. The supply transport is not optimistic. If the siege goes poorly and the war becomes protracted... If we wait until spring, we will have a greater chance of taking the fortress."

“It is precisely because of insufficient supplies that we must fight a swift battle!” Count Levan insisted. “Winter warfare is our advantage! The Star People are more vulnerable to the effects of winter—twelve years ago, we captured the fortress at this time.”

“That winter was the warmest in decades!” Tuleha shook his head solemnly. “Moreover, they were preoccupied with their own problems and had no reinforcements from the north, while we had the armies of seven grand dukes.”

"Moreover, we can only resupply locally after we break through the fortress and head south."

Grand Duke Lombard slowly raised a hand, stopping his three subordinates from arguing.

"What happened next?" The Grand Duke's voice was deep and hoarse, possessing a power that subtly calmed people down.

“His Majesty Nunn’s envoy has arrived, and we cannot delay him for long—after all, we have come to this country under the pretext of avenging His Highness Moral.” Viscount Kambida bowed deeply. “Moreover, I have heard that the Star Prince is on his way and will arrive soon.”

Lumba pondered for a moment, then asked, "Have the Olesh of the Wilan Territory and the Trudida family who rebuilt the tower not replied yet? As fellow Grand Dukes of southern Exter, they should have sufficient interests to send troops."

“They must have received the message from the Star Prince’s envoy,” Viscount Cambida replied earnestly. “Despite the potential benefits of annexing the North, their hesitation and indecision are no less than those of the other grand dukes.”

"We...we'll probably have to rely on ourselves."

half an hour.

Grand Duke Lombard exhaled, looked at the Broken Dragon Fortress opposite him, and sighed deeply:
"On their own?"

“Satherrei—that woman has only eight hundred-odd men, but among them are at least three hundred elite veterans of the Starshine Legion, skilled on horseback and fierce soldiers in attacking and defending cities. You have fought against her, so you know her very well.”

"Mu has just arrived with more than two thousand men. Although most of them are garrison soldiers who have never seen blood, that man is too terrifying. As long as there are five hundred loyal and fearless sword and shield soldiers, he can cause a lot of trouble on the battlefield."

"There are also several thousand vassal troops from the North who are gradually arriving. Although they have become disloyal to the fortress because of Aaron's imprisonment, and most of them have already withdrawn, Aaron's only daughter is still in the fortress. According to the scouts' investigation, at least five hundred of her remain."

"Without the troops of other dukes, it will be very difficult for us to take Duanlong Fortress."

Grand Duke Lombard's words silenced the three of them for a moment.

“Three thousand men crammed into a fortress,” Earl Levan frowned. “With the North’s pitiful supply levels, how long can they hold out?”

“That fortress was built to accommodate ten thousand people and has sufficient reserves to last until the bitter cold of winter,” Viscount Cambida shook his head.
"Excuse me for speaking frankly, but as the besieging side, we are under far greater supply pressure than they are—twelve years ago, the entire Exter was behind us, but now, because that damned prince is coming to apologize... we are as isolated and helpless as the North."

“In less than two weeks, the bitter cold will arrive,” Tuleha nodded, agreeing with the strategist: “I do not recommend a direct attack unless a good opportunity arises.”

“Once that prince arrives, we'll be even less able to send troops!” Count Levan said unwillingly. “In another ten years, Xingchen will slowly recover from its weakness, and the other nations will be free from their own troubles, and moreover…”

He paused.

If Nuen VII hadn't lived to see that time...

Exter, perhaps it's time to choose a king.

"Are we just going to give up this opportunity?" Count Levan said bitterly.

None of the three spoke.

“No,” Chaman Lumba exhaled softly, staring at the fortress ahead, “we are Northmen.”

Rumba remembered his brother.

I remember him gripping his sword with blood-soaked hands, his eyes filled with a heroic laugh as he died.

"Northerners never wait for opportunities, nor do they give up on them."

Grand Duke Lombard turned his head, his stern face revealing a chill colder than the weather:
"We create opportunities."

------

The moon has already set in the west.

Ahead lies the Broken Dragon Fortress, its magnificent star-shaped outline already faintly visible in the moonlight.

Thales glanced at Sonia and Ada, who were watching warily from a distance, then turned to Cortrina, who was surrounded by the elite warriors of the Dragon Fortress, and the two vampire warriors behind her who had only been found after the battle.

"Are you sure you want to leave now?" Thales frowned as he looked at Cortrina. "Perhaps the Blood Mage is waiting on the way back."

Cortina maintained her calm expression and shook her head: "Now is the best time to leave, at least the Blood Mage won't dare to linger too close."

“It’s too risky,” Thales said seriously. “You know, the Blood Mage came for the Black Coffin…”

“Believe me, now that the Blood Mage has appeared and caused so much trouble, someone will be watching her whereabouts and purpose… like your Secret Service,” Cortrina said coldly. “Mages are terrifying, but there are still forces in the world that can restrain them.”

“You mean the legendary anti-magic weapons?” Thales pondered, then said, “But after all, they are few in number, there are only a handful…”

“You are still young and don’t know many secrets,” Cortrina’s words made Thales scratch his head. “All you need to know is that every time a mage appears in public, it is an adventure, followed by a long period of silence and hiding—it’s not just the legendary anti-magic forces that threaten them.”

The two looked at each other for a second.

“Alright, since you insist,” Thales sighed, “you know, all the Extreme warriors around you have died in battle, and Serena may still be lurking in the shadows, watching with predatory intent. And after all, you are escorting a legendary anti-magic force…”

Cortina's eyes dimmed as she thought of Hesta and Simon, but she immediately looked up.

“I long for Serena’s appearance,” the Night Queen said with a hateful look in her eyes. “As for the Dark Night Coffin—perhaps many forces desire a legendary anti-magic weapon, but rest assured, among those who understand its value and origin, apart from the terrifying magic masters, absolutely no one dares to covet the Dark Night Coffin.”

No.

Cortrina thought to herself: Perhaps those relatives of the Feast Territory are an exception.

After all, protecting the Dark Night Coffin is a vow made by all the vampires.

Thales rolled his eyes: Another secret he didn't know.

He nodded.

“Although our misfortunes today are largely due to each other, involving blood debts, hatred, and human relationships, I still hope,” Thales said solemnly, “that we will not become enemies, and of course, it would be best if we never see each other again.”

Cortina stared at him for several seconds.

Even Thales raised his eyebrows.

“You know what,” Cortrina murmured, “maybe we really could become allies.”

Thales' eyes widened.

“I heard what Serena said,” the Night Queen said calmly. “The continental landscape has changed. You are dealing with the Night Dynasty, and Exter is on good terms with Hambul. Since the stars are destined to be enemies of Hambul, then we have a common enemy.”

Thales frowned.

Almost forgot.

This is a queen. "After we form an alliance, we can then win over the merfolk leader of the Misty Islands. That way, it's not impossible to drive out the whaling ships of Hambul and the Trade Federation and turn the South End Sea into our inland sea."

"Think of the eternal oil that was jointly seized by Hambul and the Trade Federation—"

“Please, because of your dear sister,” Thales sighed, shaking his head with lingering fear, “I now have a deep-seated fear of the word ‘ally’.”

"For your own good, and for my own good, let's talk about this when I'm a little older, okay?"

Kotalina, who was abruptly interrupted, was stunned for a moment, her lips parted in time.

Seeing those lips, Thales inexplicably remembered their taste.

cough cough.

Thales patted his head, banishing the jumbled thoughts.

He has too many troubles to take care of himself.

The usually stern and unsmiling Queen of the Night suddenly curled the corners of her lips into a slight smile.

Thales was somewhat surprised—it was the first time he had ever seen the usually stern Cortlina smile.

"sorry."

Thales raised an eyebrow: "What did you say?"

Cortina said slowly, "When you stretched out your neck... my original plan was to suck all your blood dry."

Thales jumped in surprise: "What?"

"After all, we've already forged a grudge in the previous battle," Cortrina said, her expression returning to its icy tone.
“Once I deal with Serena, I’ll go back and eliminate your other subordinates and clean up the mess,” Thales said, his scalp tingling as he watched the Queen recount her words that would drain him dry. “No one, except Kevindir, will know the true cause of the Star Prince’s death.”

Thales looked incredulous.

Is this... the farmer and the snake...?

"But you are very resilient and did not bleed to death as I had expected."

Cortina said coldly, "So, my attempt to kill you has failed—and I think you have the right to know that."

Thales's expression changed several times. He felt the weakness in his body, touched the two holes on his neck that had already closed, and then looked up at Cortrina with a look of surprise and anger.

“You…” Thales frowned, his anger rising, “And Serena…you two truly are a pair of best sisters!”

But Cortina just stared at him wistfully, her eyes filled with complex emotions:

"No, take my honesty as a sign of sincerity in forming an alliance—I have not hidden anything from you, nor do I intend to, and this is something that Serena, who has spent her whole life acting, could never do."

The Queen nodded slightly: "If this can ease your concerns... and lay a foundation of trust for our possible future alliance."

Telston was taken aback and didn't know how to respond for a moment.

“You tell me you once tried to kill me,” he frowned, “and then say that this is your honesty, hoping I will trust you?”

"Don't you think something's not quite right?" Thales said sarcastically.

“I believe you are mature enough to tell whether I’m being insincere or sincere,” Cortrina said calmly. “You should know that I don’t see you as a child.”

Thales was speechless for a moment.

But when he recalled the experience of almost being drained dry, he couldn't help but feel annoyed.

“By the way, speaking of which,” Thales snorted, then said retaliatoryly, “Oh, was that your first kiss?”

Cortina's pupils suddenly contracted.

Her expression instantly turned cold, and she said in a chilling voice, "What did you say?"

Her purple eyes shot straight at Thales.

Under the Queen's murderous gaze, Tellston felt a chill run down his spine.

He only felt a little more at ease when he saw the soldiers and two experts of the highest level around him.

“I mean—some readers are wondering, cough cough, no—it seems many people in the Eastern Continent are quite interested in this, so,” Thales awkwardly scratched his head, “I wanted to know if I had offended you in any way so I could apologize…”

Her Majesty the Queen gave a cold snort.

"I thought you would ask questions that were appropriate for our identities, instead of questions filled with filth."

Cortina said coldly:

"Do you think I'm some teenage girl just experiencing first love?"

"First kiss? How childish!"

"I have lived longer than all your ancestors combined!"

That sounds familiar.

Thales shrugged, scratched his head sheepishly, and apologized.
"Okay, uh, sorry, my mistake, this is a rather sordid question, let's forget about it."

but.

He glanced at Cortina's cold, icy face and gave a wry smile.

Your first love, well, all I can say is... I feel sorry for that guy.

“Then farewell,” Thales sighed, then looked up solemnly and said, “Take care.”

Never again—he added in his heart.

Cortina stared at him silently, then suddenly reached out and offered him a bracelet with two fangs on it.

The fangs looked fierce and ancient, with fine blood-red stripes on them.

It's like a keepsake from a past life.

Thales opened his eyes wide and looked at her in confusion.

“This is the symbol of the Corleone family, the blood fangs…” Her Majesty Cortrina said solemnly, “If you ever come to a realization… it can serve as a token of communication.”

"But allying with immortal beings is not a good reputation among humans. Before you make up your mind, please keep it a secret from others. I suggest you keep this token with you."

Thales frowned, then finally sighed and casually grabbed the fang bracelet.

I'll throw it away when I get back.

Thales thought to himself.

"Be careful on the road," he said quietly.

"Take care, young Prince Thales," Cortrina nodded expressionlessly, then turned and walked toward her subordinates and the black coffin.

"Don't forget our inland sea."

Thales rolled his eyes behind his back.

The next moment, the Queen of Night and her subordinates disappeared from sight along with the black coffin.

Thales paused for a second, then turned and left.

At this moment, the secret telepathic communication unique to vampires drifted into his ears:

"But that is indeed..."

"My first kiss with someone of the opposite sex."

Thales jolted awake and stumbled!
Startled, Wyman rushed over to support him.

The queen's undisguised sarcastic laughter drifted on the night breeze and seeped into his ears.

He was... teased in return?
Thales thought dejectedly.

Didn't we agree that this isn't a world of light novels?
He sighed and watched Cortrina disappear into the darkness.

Putting aside hatred, this queen and her sister may have more in common than she realizes.

I already said it's an anti-cliché story! When you think this story isn't simplistic, I know it's time to write a simplistic, light novel plot.

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(End of this chapter)