Synopsis and Starting Chapter Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66
Chapter 67
Chapter 68
Chapter 69
Chapter 70
Chapter 71
Chapter 72
Chapter 73
Chapter 74
Chapter 75
Chapter 76
Chapter 77
Chapter 78
Chapter 79
Chapter 80
Chapter 81
Chapter 82
Chapter 83 - Cry-Baby And Ugly-Faced Woman
Chapter 84 - The Situation Took A Turn For The Worst
Chapter 85 - The Blood Clan’S True Form (One)
Chapter 86 - Blood Clan'S True Form (Two)
Chapter 87 - Your Blood Is Quite Nutritious
Chapter 88 - Awakening (One)
Chapter 89 - Awakening (Two)
Chapter 90 - Awakening (Three)
Chapter 91 - Return
Chapter 92 - Sin Of Hell’S River
Chapter 93 - Don’T Do It, It’Ll Hurt
Chapter 94 - All The Blood In This World Belongs To Me
Chapter 95 - The Charm Of That Shield
Chapter 96 - I Definitely Will Not Let You Suffer
Chapter 97 - Our Inland Sea
Chapter 98 - Arracca Murkh
Chapter 99 - Uncertain Fate
Chapter 100 - Ramon (One)
Chapter 101 - Ramon (Two)
Chapter 102 - Eckstedt’S Welcoming Ceremony
Chapter 103 - Gamble (One)
Chapter 104 - Gamble (Two)
Chapter 105 - The Kingdom’S Wrath
Chapter 106 - The Failed Bet
Chapter 107 - Mystic Gun
Chapter 108 - Chapman Lampard
Chapter 109 - Remnants Of Magic
Chapter 110 - Paid Homage
Chapter 111 - Kaslan’S Tavern
Chapter 112
Chapter 113 - The Intersection Of Fate
Chapter 114 - The People In Hell (One)
Chapter 115 - The People In Hell (Two)
Chapter 116
Chapter 117 - Star Killer
Chapter 118 - The Unexpected Guests
Chapter 119 - A Marquis From Camus
Chapter 120 - Bait
Chapter 121 - Clue
Chapter 122 - Until Dawn Came (One)
Chapter 123 - Until Dawn Came (Two)
Chapter 124 - Queen Of The Sky
Chapter 125 - The Female Warrior
Chapter 126 - Heroic Spirit Palace
Chapter 127 - The Born King (One)
Chapter 128 - The Born King (Two)
Chapter 129 - A Duel
Chapter 130 - The King And His Archdukes
Chapter 131 - The Strange Swordsman
Chapter 132 - Who Are You?
Chapter 133 - Hunt And Chase
Chapter 134 - Little Rascal And Alex (One)
Chapter 135 - Little Rascal And Alex (Two)
Chapter 136 - Stabs
Chapter 137 - Kidnapping The Archduke?
Chapter 138 - Numb Hands
Chapter 139 - A Unique Welcome Banquet
Chapter 140 - The Red Witch
Chapter 141 - Reunion
Chapter 142 - Who’S There (One)
Chapter 143 - Who’S There (Two)
Chapter 144 - The Sword Of Baptism’S Death
Chapter 145 - The Wait
Chapter 146 - The Culprit
Chapter 147 - The Northland Road
Chapter 148
Chapter 149 - Not Even Worth Half A Penny!
Chapter 150 - The Beloved Former King, Nuven
Chapter 151 - Veteran
Chapter 152 - Shadow
Chapter 153 - Have A Drink
Chapter 154 - The Secret Of ‘Triumph’
Chapter 155 - A Bargaining Chip You Cannot Refuse
Chapter 156 - Horrifying
Chapter 157 - The Death Of Soria
Chapter 158 - Betrayal
Chapter 159 - The Fateful Night
Chapter 160 - The Invitation
Chapter 161 - The First Mystic Declaration
Chapter 162 - Letting Go Of A Suspicion
Chapter 163 - Monster And Monster
Chapter 164 - Chaos Begins
Chapter 165 - Just Speak
Chapter 166 - Surprise
Chapter 167 - Flee
Chapter 168 - The Tragic End Of Weaklings
Chapter 169 - Air And Blood
Chapter 170 - The Desperate Dash
Chapter 171 - The Outcome Of The Civil War
Chapter 172 - Elimination
Chapter 173 - The Blade Of Purification
Chapter 174 - The Truth About Elimination
Chapter 175 - Same Kind (One)
Chapter 176 - Same Kind (Two)
Chapter 177 - Sudden Entrance Into The Battlefield!
Chapter 178 - True Form
Chapter 179 - Silence And Darkness
Chapter 180 - Knocking On The Door
Chapter 181 - Phantom
Chapter 182 - A Gentle Kiss
Chapter 183 - The Cost Of Victory
Chapter 184 - The Paradoxical Assassin
Chapter 185 - Thunder Rumbles In Winter
Chapter 186 - End Of Arc: A Good Name
Chapter 187 - The Night Ends, The Day Breaks
Chapter 188 - It Is You
Chapter 189 - Symphony Of Blood (One)
Chapter 190 - Symphony Of Blood (Part Two)
Chapter 191 - Stop Meddling Into The Matters Of Elders
Chapter 192 - Six-Fifty
Chapter 193 - Choose Who You Want To Become
Chapter 194 - Ice-Cold
Chapter 195 - Spirit Of The Contract
Chapter 196 - The Manipulator (One)
Chapter 197 - The Manipulator (Two)
Chapter 198 - Price
Chapter 199
Chapter 200 - Encounter
Chapter 201 - The Prince’S End
Chapter 202 - Really Bad Luck (One)
Chapter 203 - Really Bad Luck (Two)
Chapter 204 - Understanding
Chapter 205 - Execute On The Spot
Chapter 206 - Guest From Barren Bone
Chapter 207 - The Prince’S Doubts
Chapter 208 - The Black Prophet From The Other Side
Chapter 209 - Code Name: Dragon’S Blood
Chapter 210 - The Importance Of Dragon’S Blood
Chapter 211 - A Gamble In The Dark (One)
Chapter 212 - A Gamble In The Dark (Two)
Chapter 213 - The Curse Of The Witch
Chapter 214 - The Scorching Blade
Chapter 215 - Stall
Chapter 216 - The Latecomer
Chapter 217 - A Very Big Problem
Chapter 218 - The Blade And The Wing
Chapter 219 - Trust And Loyalty
Chapter 220 - Nicholas’ Bargaining Chip
Chapter 221 - Shelter
Chapter 222 - A Critical Decision
Chapter 223 - Failure
Chapter 224 - Little Rascal’S ‘Consolation’
Chapter 225 - Save This Country
Chapter 226 - King Slayer
Chapter 227 - Creating Trouble For Ourselves
Chapter 228 - The Strongest Chess Piece (One)
Chapter 229 - The Strongest Chess Piece (Two)
Chapter 230 - The Strongest Chess Piece. (Three)
Chapter 231 - Lampard’S Plan
Chapter 232 - The Archduke’S Fight
Chapter 233 - It Has Been A Long Time
Chapter 234 - A Great Threat
Chapter 235 - Contention
Chapter 236 - The Inextinguishable Starlight
Chapter 237 - The Virtuous King
Chapter 238 - Centuries Of Strategic Planning (One)
Chapter 239 - Centuries Of Strategic Planning (Two)
Chapter 240 - Centuries Of Strategic Planning (Three)
Chapter 241 - Genuine Patrols
Chapter 242
Chapter 243 - Seize Control
Chapter 244 - Chad Vlad
Chapter 245 - Severing Souls With A Slash!
Chapter 246 - A Game Of Chess
Chapter 247 - A Chance Encounter
Chapter 248 - I Am Very Honored
Chapter 249 - When Swords Cross (One)
Chapter 250 - When Swords Cross (Two)
Chapter 251 - Arduous
Chapter 252 - I Am So Relieved
Chapter 253 - I Can Help You
Chapter 254 - The Black Knight’S Death
Chapter 255 - Changing Hands
Chapter 256 - Counter-Attack
Chapter 257 - Check
Chapter 258 - Checkmate
Chapter 259 - A Speculation
Chapter 260 - The Reason For Battle (One)
Chapter 261 - The Reason For Battle (Two)
Chapter 262 - Twist Of Fate
Chapter 263 - A Child Who’S Not Able To Drink Alcohol
Chapter 264 - You Northland Barbarians!
Chapter 265 - Two Minutes
Chapter 266 - What A Shame (One)
Chapter 267 - What A Shame (Two)
Chapter 268 - We Won
Chapter 269 - The Archduchess
Chapter 270 - The Blood-Stained Crown
Chapter 271 - The Day Before The Bitter Cold Winter
Chapter 272 - Yc
Chapter 273 - End Of Arc: The Destiny They Missed
Chapter 274 - The Quiet Prince
Chapter 275 - A Game Of Chess (One)
Chapter 276 - A Game Of Chess (Two)
Chapter 277 - First Lesson
Chapter 278 - The Truth Brothers
Chapter 279 - Traitors
Chapter 280 - Target
Chapter 281 - An Awkward Dinner
Chapter 282 - Upset
Chapter 283 - Riot
Chapter 284 - The Familiar Guest
Chapter 285 - The Honor And Humiliation Of The Great Dragon (One)
Chapter 286
Chapter 287 - The Mystery About Putray
Chapter 288 - The Dragon’S Blood Has Yet To Dry
Chapter 289 - Dragon Breaker (One)
Chapter 290 - Dragon Breaker (Two)
Chapter 291 - Meryl Hicks
Chapter 292 - The Boundaries Of Governance (One)
Chapter 293 - The Boundaries Of Governance (Two)
Chapter 294 - What Is Magic?
Chapter 295 - An Unforeseen Invitation
Chapter 296 - The Game In The Carriage
Chapter 297 - The Former King’S “Present”
Chapter 298 - The Prince’S Shackles
Chapter 299 - Friend And Foe
Chapter 300 - Victory And Defeat
Chapter 301 - A Duel
Chapter 302 - Not Too Bad?
Chapter 303 - Leave
Chapter 304 - A Storm Is Coming
Chapter 305 - The Creation Of The Two Empresses
Chapter 306 - Raven Of Death
Chapter 307 - Ian The Nuisance
Chapter 308 - Collusion
Chapter 309 - The Writers Of Legend (One)
Chapter 310 - The Writers Of Legend (Two)
Chapter 311 - The Day Of The State Affairs Hearing
Chapter 312 - The Hatred For Stealing His Sister
Chapter 313 - The Beginning
Chapter 314 - For Dragon Clouds City
Chapter 315 - The Archduchess And Her Vassals
Chapter 316 - Plan
Chapter 317 - A Romantic Story
Chapter 318 - Are All Of You Coming?
Chapter 319 - Not According To Plan
Chapter 320 - Releasing In “Installments”
Chapter 321 - The Price Of Saying “No”
Chapter 322 - The Moral Of The Story
Chapter 323 - Good Morning
Chapter 324 - Returning The Favor
Chapter 325 - Send Reinforcements
Chapter 326 - Five Archdukes
Chapter 327 - The Prince’S Whereabouts
Chapter 328 - Just Like Chapman Lampard
Chapter 329 - The Final Journey
Chapter 330 - Assassinating Lampard?
Chapter 331 - Bumping Into A Ghost
Chapter 332 - Headquarters
Chapter 333 - Smooth-Sailing
Chapter 334
Chapter 335 - The Confusion While Going Back Home
Chapter 336 - The Veteran On The Wheelchair
Chapter 337 - Double The Amount?
Chapter 338 - The Point Of Contact
Chapter 339 - His/Her Eyes
Chapter 340 - The Magical Therren
Chapter 341 - You Son Of A *Censored*
Chapter 342 - Which Will You Choose?
Chapter 343 - Exterminate Them All
Chapter 344 - Black Track
Chapter 345 - Join Us
Chapter 346 - Silver Shadow
Chapter 347 - You Will Fail In The End
Chapter 348 - You Fell Into The Trap, Eh?
Chapter 349 - The War Of The Deceased Souls
Chapter 350 - Never Lost
Chapter 351 - The Pulse Of The Ground
Chapter 352 - God Knows
Chapter 353 - The First Rule
Chapter 354 - Pursuers
Chapter 355 - The Hardest Fight
Chapter 356 - Unique Only To One
Chapter 357 - Just Die Here
Chapter 358 - The Three-Second Fight
Chapter 359 - Surpassed Kaslan
Chapter 360 - The Raven And The Snow Blade (One)
Chapter 361 - The Raven And The Snow Blade (Two)
Chapter 362 - The Black Raven’S Eyes
Chapter 363 - Who Does Your Loyalty Belong To?
Chapter 364 - Turning Against One Another
Chapter 365 - Saber Or Crossbow?
Chapter 366 - Prince In The Desert
Chapter 367 - Sellsword
Chapter 368 - Dante’S Greatsword
Chapter 369 - Desert Threat
Chapter 370 - There’S Someone
Chapter 371 - Barren Bone People
Chapter 372 - Bloody Thorn Lizard
Chapter 373 - Young Cub
Chapter 374 - Foreign Blood
Chapter 375 - Coming-Of-Age Ceremony
Chapter 376 - Flag
Chapter 377 - The Destructive Army
Chapter 378 - Freaks
Chapter 379 - Welcome To Constellation (One)
Chapter 380 - Welcome To Constellation (Two)
Chapter 381 - Ghost Prince
Chapter 382 - My Home (One)
Chapter 383 - My Home (Two)
Chapter 384 - Age Of Mercenaries
Chapter 385 - Confrontation And Stalemate
Chapter 386 - Prince Versus Prince
Chapter 387 - So Many Tricks
Chapter 388 - You Have To Laugh
Chapter 389 - Shackles Of Power
Chapter 390 - Perhaps I Have
Chapter 391 - Happily Ever After
Chapter 392 - Technical Skill
Chapter 393 - Intention
Chapter 394 - New Guest
Chapter 395 - Shadows And Swords
Chapter 396 - The Dark Side
Chapter 397 - Emergency Mission
Chapter 398 - Alliance Of Traitors
Chapter 399 - The Mole
Chapter 400 - As Bad As Can Be
Chapter 401 - Affectionate And United
Chapter 402 - F*Ck You
Chapter 403 - H.N. Jadestar
Chapter 404 - Stupid Idea
Chapter 405 - Sinner
Chapter 406 - The Intruders
Chapter 407 - Head Towards Omniscience
Chapter 408 - Black Prison
Chapter 409 - Behind The Iron Curtain
Chapter 410 - Hallucination
Chapter 411 - Seven
Chapter 412 - People Whom History Has Forgotten
Chapter 413 - The Mourning Of The Guards
Chapter 414 - Where Is He?
Chapter 415 - Fall Out
Chapter 416 - Disaster Sword’S Battle
Chapter 417 - The Knight Of Judgment
Chapter 418 - A Different World
Chapter 419 - The Queen’S Dowry
Chapter 420 - The Greatest King
Chapter 421 - Knew Clearly
Chapter 422 - Nameless
Chapter 423 - Awaken
Chapter 424 - Loyalty
Chapter 425 - Peer
Chapter 426 - He Was Probably Old
Chapter 427 - A Stalemate
Chapter 428 - Dusk
Chapter 429 - The Man At The Proximal World
Chapter 430 - The Second Declaration Among Mystics
Chapter 431 - The Anchor Point
Chapter 432 - Taurus Mill
Chapter 433 - Decision
Chapter 434 - Correcting The Mistake
Chapter 435 - Malicious Flower, Malicious Fruit
Chapter 436 - Moriah Returns
Chapter 437 - Old Self
Chapter 438 - The Prince Is Not Here
Chapter 439 - Scheme Between The Thief And Bandit
Chapter 440 - Seven To Three
Chapter 441 - Missing One
Chapter 442 - Quick Wit
Chapter 443 - Not Just You
Chapter 444 - Someone Needs An Answer
Chapter 445 - A Forbidden Name
Chapter 446 - Three Calamity Allies
Chapter 447 - Enemy Of The World
Chapter 448 - 1 Vs 8
Chapter 449 - Chaos Of Armies
Chapter 450 - Two Hands
Chapter 451 - Xx Films
Chapter 452 - Fratricide
Chapter 453 - It Was Not A Coincidence
Chapter 454 - More Than Half
Chapter 455 - I Hated Him
Chapter 456 - Nothing At All
Chapter 457 - The Person Who Supported Him
Chapter 458 - Where The Sun Does Not Shine (One)
Chapter 459 - Where The Sun Does Not Shine (Two)
Chapter 460 - Rebirth (One)
Chapter 461 - Rebirth (Two)
Chapter 462 - Rebirth (Three)
Chapter 463 - Rebirth (Four)
Chapter 464 - Rebirth (Five)
Chapter 465 - Truth Swords
Chapter 466 - Beheaded
Chapter 467 - Revealed In Flames
Chapter 468 - The Silent Demon
Chapter 469 - So Naïve That You Are Adorable
Chapter 470 - The Fate Twins
Chapter 471 - The True Essence Of The Power Of Eradication
Chapter 472 - Leaving The Prison
Chapter 473 - I Am Not A Devil, After All
Chapter 474 - Much… Higher
Chapter 475 - The Warden
Chapter 476 - Life, Safety And Freedom
Chapter 477 - Something Lighter
Chapter 478 - Get Me Something To Eat And Drink
Chapter 479 - Exclusive Possession
Chapter 480 - Kill Them
Chapter 481 - A Different Way Of Living
Chapter 482 - Get Yourself A Girlfriend
Chapter 483 - Make Me Even More… Excited
Chapter 484 - You Are Good-Looking
Chapter 485 - Too High
Chapter 486 - You Are Good-Looking
Chapter 487 - Too High
Chapter 488 - That Night
Chapter 489 - Usurp Power
Chapter 490 - Do Something
Chapter 491 - Power Comes From Violence (One)
Chapter 492 - Power Comes From Violence (Two)
Chapter 493 - The Third Party
Chapter 494 - Destiny Is Like A Poem
Chapter 495 - Raven Leader
Chapter 496 - Never
Chapter 497 - His Majesty’S Blessing
Chapter 498 - Black Lion
Chapter 499 - I Have Come In Peace
Chapter 500 - End Of Arc: Duke
Chapter 501 - Everything Will Be Better
Chapter 502 - Six Divisions And Seven Attendants
Chapter 503 - Divided Western Desert
Chapter 504 - Only One Day Left
Chapter 505 - Protection
Chapter 506 - This Is Just The Beginning
Chapter 507 - Hometown
Chapter 508 - A Small Spark
Chapter 509 - Anxious
Chapter 510 - Fifteen Minutes
Chapter 511 - King In The Mist
Chapter 512 - Crazy
Chapter 513 - A Small Favor
Chapter 514 - Like A Fleeting Cloud
Chapter 515 - Timetable
Chapter 516 - Coincidence?
Chapter 517 - Went To High School
Chapter 518 - Discovered?
Chapter 519 - Let’S Fight
Chapter 520 - Not Just The Power Of Eradication
Chapter 521 - World Class Battle Worthy Of Being Written In Historical Poems
Chapter 522 - Continuous Fights
Chapter 523 - Mutant
Chapter 524 - Self-Reliant
Chapter 525 - Lustful Woman
Chapter 526 - Knowledge Of People
Chapter 527 - Holiness Exorcism
Chapter 528 - Fight Between The Eldest And Youngest
Chapter 529 - Privacy
Chapter 530 - Alien Star
Chapter 531 - Guest
Chapter 532 - The Young Kingdom
Chapter 533 - Calm On Iron Spikes
Chapter 534 - Sorry To Keep You Waiting
Chapter 535 - Polaris
Chapter 536 - Times Have Changed
Chapter 537 - Pretty Boy
Chapter 538 - Magnificent Scene Of Hell
Chapter 539 - Side Story 7: Joint Council
Chapter 540 - Never Kneel
Chapter 541 - A Piece Of Cake
Chapter 542 - Merciless
Chapter 543 - That Gaze
Chapter 544 - Watchmen’S Code
Chapter 545 - The End Of It
Chapter 546 - To Not Perish As Foes (One)
Chapter 547 - To Not Perish As Foes (Two)
Chapter 548 - To Not Perish As Foes (Three)
Chapter 549 - To Duke Thales
Chapter 550 - What Rationality
Chapter 551 - Better
Chapter 552 - Sacrificing A Pawn (One)
Chapter 553 - Sacrificing A Pawn (Two)
Chapter 554 - Sacrificing A Pawn (Three)
Chapter 555 - Unfulfilled
Chapter 556 - Chess Player
Chapter 557 - Relieved
Chapter 558 - Punishment
Chapter 559 - Eight Arteries
Chapter 560 - Imperial Style
Chapter 561 - Cannot Escape The Sheath
Chapter 562 - Want Everything
Chapter 563 - Cause And Effect
Chapter 564 - Blazing Blood
Chapter 565 - Of Course—Not
Chapter 566 - Crown Jewel Of The Kingdom
Chapter 567 - Head Over Heels
Chapter 568 - As Truthful As Possible
Chapter 569 - Hand In Marriage
Chapter 570 - What Do I Need You For
Chapter 571 - Defects
Chapter 572 - Heart Of The Guards
Chapter 573 - You’Re A Real Dog
Chapter 574 - Antecessors
Chapter 575 - The Years Have Caught On To Me
Chapter 576 - Shooting Yourself In The Foot
Chapter 577 - Lie
Chapter 578 - The Wine Merchant
Chapter 579 - Damn The Prince
Chapter 580 - The Prince Likes Them
Categories Genre: Action, All, Drama, Fantasy, Mature, Ongoing, Psychological, Seinen, Tragedy Status: Ongoing Alternative names: Wang Guo Xue Mai, 王国血脉, ______
Total Chapters in book: 580
Estimated words: 2362673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 11813(@200wpm)___ 9451(@250wpm)___ 7876(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 2362673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 11813(@200wpm)___ 9451(@250wpm)___ 7876(@300wpm)
______
LIST OF LAST 10 CHAPTERS:
Page No. 580 Page No. 579 Page No. 578 Page No. 577 Page No. 576 Page No. 575 Page No. 574 Page No. 573 Page No. 572 Page No. 571 Page No. 570 Chapter 155 - A Bargaining Chip You Cannot Refuse
Chapter 155: A Bargaining Chip You Cannot Refuse
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Thales stared at the black ring with an unpleasant expression—the Emperor of Poison’s ‘Triumph’. He did not know what to feel about this.
‘That battle filled with so many changes with a twist at the end, and which could be said to be the battle that affects the fate of two countries actually…’
A few seconds later, he said with some difficulty, “So… is this how you…’triumphed’ in the duel?”
King Nuven smiled slightly, his eyes showing a hint of sly pleasure.
“You’re right. After all, it concerns such a large kingdom. What if there was an accident?” He repeated what Thales had said a while ago.
Thales’ mind was a mess.
The elderly yet heroic and brave image of Nuven the Seventh that Thales had in his heart from the duel just now…
…was completely shattered.
It was replaced by the image of a shrewd and crafty old king, rotating his ring beneath the long table.
King Nuven said meaningfully, “Remember, young Thales, a king must never be hot-headed and replace rationality with impulse. You must not take gambles that you are not confident of winning just for the satisfaction of it. You are not only yourself, but also your entire kingdom.”
Thales paid no heed to Nuven’s words; at this moment, his mind spun rapidly. Thales only managed to recover from the shock after quite a while. He tried his best to grasp some clues from his chaotic thoughts.
Based on his understanding of Northland, the moment this secret is leaked, King Nuven would become a target of millions of people’s rebukes.
It would be enough to destroy the Walton Family’s reputation, end the rule of Dragon Clouds City, and even jeopardize the dignity of Eckstedt and the Northlanders.
‘But…’ Thales turned his head and looked at King Nuven who did not say anything and wore a complicated expression. He said in an unconvinced manner, “Why are you telling me this?”
‘Isn’t this a secret that should be kept away forever and taken to the grave?’
“Do you know how serious this secret is?” Thales felt his heartbeat speed up and unknowingly clenched his fists softly.
However, King Nuven only watched Thales calmly and flashed a pleasant smile. He did not show the type of solemnity and unease one does when someone else finds out about their weakness.
“Of course.” King Nuven chuckled softly and nonchalantly said, “This is most shameful to the way of the Northlanders. It is also disrespectful to the Gods and contemptuous to the archdukes.
“Even the lowliest Northlander would despise their once beloved king for this. Once a new king is crowned, he can even take this as a reason to banish the Walton Family from the ranks of the archdukes forever.”
Once he finished talking, King Nuven narrowed his eyes slightly and stared at Thales with a profound expression.
“However, you now know this secret, don’t you?” the king said in a playful tone.
Thales frowned. He felt increasingly puzzled and anxious as he endured King Nuven’s gaze.
“Your Majesty, what-what exactly are you trying to do?”
At that moment, Thales felt that the old man in front of him was like a pitch-black, bottomless whirlpool, while he himself was like a small boat in that whirlpool.
A few seconds later…
“This is a show of good faith,” the old king said flatly.
“Good faith?” Thales repeated, puzzled.
King Nuven scooped up a goblet of wine and calmly took a gulp.
“I gave you an opportunity.” King Nuven’s expression was calm and his tone was composed. “With this, you can destroy the Walton Family beyond redemption at any time.”
“What do you mean?” Thales felt even more confused.
Right at this moment, King Nuven changed the topic again. “Before this, you seemed to have mentioned to Nicholas that… after you cooperate with me to find out who the culprit is, you want to receive some benefit from me?” King Nuven paid no heed to Thales’ expression and he spoke softly.
Thales creased his brow a little and gritted his teeth lightly.
With some difficulty, Thales answered the question with another question. “Is this your so-called benefit?”
“Of course not, how can this qualify as a benefit?” King Nuven could not help but laugh. He said, “This will only make you very anxious, especially since you are still in Dragon Clouds City which is my territory. You will constantly worry about your safety because of this secret.”
Thales took a deep breath, his tongue felt dry. He felt as if he was sitting on pins and needles.
“The Dragon Spear Family is never stingy.” King Nuven stopped smiling. His words sent a chill down Thales’ spine. “So, after seeing it yesterday evening, are you satisfied with your ‘reward’?”
Thales’ head shot up.
“Yesterday evening?” Thales’ brow was deeply furrowed.
“Yes.” King Nuven stared at him with a deep look. “Yesterday evening.”
Thales’ expression changed.
Yesterday evening…
After he exited the Hall of Heroes, he got lost in Heroic Spirit Palace, and then…
And then…
Under Thales’ disbelieving gaze, the old king ran his fingers over his ring and said slowly, “Why, did you think that I would let a foreign prince who just arrived… Wander freely without restrictions in my palace?
“And even coincidentally wander into Raikaru’s library?” King Nuven glanced at Thales from the corner of his eyes. A bright light flickered in his eyes.
Thales’ heart pounded. He stood frozen to his spot.
“Mirk deliberately led you there,” King Nuven said calmly.
“So you have met my granddaughter now, Thales.”
Then, Thales sat dazedly on the step as the calm and composed King Nuven spoke slowly.
“Your future wife… and queen.”
The hall was silent once more. Thales was motionless where he stood. The scene in the library appeared in his mind…
That wilful and unreasonable little princess, Alex Walton, who beat and scolded her servant as she pleased.
But an even more memorable figure appeared afterwards—the unkempt girl with the black-rimmed spectacles, a face full of dust, and who lay face down on the floor reading a book.
‘Little Rascal.’
King Nuven said no more. He calmly took another gulp of wine. Thales took an entire minute to straighten out the situation at hand.
Thales’ breathing grew rapid and he raised his head. “Why? What is going on? What do you mean?”
King Nuven softly inhaled a breath, then raised his head to look at the fireplace on the other side of the hall. He then looked at the shelf above the fireplace, at the ferocious weapon that was passed down from Raikaru the Hero to the Walton Family.
The Soul Slayer Pike.
“Among all the lies you told Olsius and the other archdukes, at least one was correct.” King Nuven’s eyes burned with an unknown emotion. He turned his head and fixed his sharp gaze on Thales with a determined expression. “For the continuation of the Walton Family… I must put my stakes on a powerful person, a future king.”
Thales’ face was pale and he dug his fingernails deeper and deeper into his palms. He suddenly understood something.
King Nuven did not say anything; he was waiting for Thales’ response.
After a while, Thales only said quietly, “The Walton Family is facing demise. You want to ensure the continuation of the Dragon Spear Family by uniting it, through marriage, with Constellation’s Jadestar Royal Family?
“You want me to marry your granddaughter.” Thales had raised his voice without realizing it.
“So that I, so that Constellation, can take over this burden?”
King Nuven clasped his wine goblet as he stared at the Soul Slayer Pike. He snorted softly, as if in disapproval.
The king’s aged voice rose again. “No. What I am giving all of you is an extremely rare opportunity—an opportunity you cannot refuse.”
Thales instantly shuddered, surprised.
“Think of what all of you could gain.” King Nuven’s gaze was profound yet ice-cold. “As the blood relative of the Archduke of Dragon Clouds City’s family, the royal family of Constellation…
“Would be able to meddle in Eckstedt’s internal affairs from then on.”
At that moment, Thales felt a chill travel down his spine.
King Nuven’s voice was cold and indifferent, as if he was talking about something that had nothing to do with himself. “One of the descendants between you and my granddaughter will inherit the Walton surname as well as the power to become the future Archduke of Dragon Clouds City.
“As for you, Thales Jadestar, you will be able to do something the Oath Keeper Midier the Fourth and Chara the Hero could not do even if they combined their powers. You will become the Supreme King of Constellation, and also the first regent of Dragon Clouds City in the kingdom of Eckstedt.” King Nuven’s expression did not change as he said words that caused Thales to feel utterly upset.
Thales stared at King Nuven in a trance. Even though he possessed memories that were completely different from those of everyone else in this world, even though his mind was working frantically, Thales was unable to react at once to this information.
King Nuven’s expression became unprecedentedly solemn. “And before this… if all of you want to hold on to the Walton Family as a bargaining chip, and desire to control Eckstedt through Dragon Clouds City…”
Thales exhaled in disappointment and finished King Nuven’s sentence.
“Constellation and I will have to do our best to ensure the Walton Family’s dominion and status in Dragon Clouds City, and protect the Dragon Spear Family from withering away in Eckstedt, correct?”
King Nuven showed a satisfied smile.
“If the future king plans to use reasons like the ‘lack of a male heir’ to strip the Walton Family of their rights, he would have to think twice.” King Nuven continued to speak. “He would have to take into account the attitude of the Western Peninsula’s Shield to the south, because it’s your cheese that he would be moving.”
King Nuven put on a determined expression. “What you need to do now is to draw attention to Constellation’s presence and retain the Walton Family’s rule, even if there is only one girl left in the house and even if the other Archdukes are against her. Then, you will be able to obtain the greatest chip and advantage when you are against Eckstedt.
“At the same time, this can also strengthen the Jadestar Royal Family’s influence and status in Constellation, raising its prestige… considering the current situation.”
Thales suddenly recalled his conversation with Gilbert when he first arrived in Mindis Hall. At that time, Gilbert had schemed and set up an alliance between Thales and Serena Corleone.
Thales subconsciously repeated Gilbert’s words in a low voice. “Obtaining allies by binding them to you using benefits… is the essence of politics.”
“I can still live for eight or nine years. By then, Constellation should have begun to recover.” King Nuven nodded in praise. “After that, the final direct descendant of the Walton Family, my granddaughter and your wife… I entrust her for you to protect.”
Thales stayed silent for a long time.
‘United in matrimony. Constellation and Eckstedt. Jadestar and Walton.’
“What if I said ‘no’?” He raised his head coldly and stared at King Nuven. “What if I don’t want to be dragged into this dangerous mess? Those who dance with the dragon often have their lives hanging by a thread,” said the second prince flatly. “Besides, until now, those who wanted to form an alliance with me either caused me a lot of harm, or were horribly harmed by me.”
‘And…’ Thales recalled what Zayen Covendier told him before he departed for the North. “If you share a boat with a jackal and a wolf, you will run the risk of having your boat overturned.”
King Nuven stared at him. There was a strange emotion in the king’s green eyes that was difficult to distinguish.
Thales stared back at the king without showing any signs of weakness.
Finally, the old king nodded slowly. “This has nothing to do with your wishes. A messenger crow carrying my warrant will fly to Eternal Star City tomorrow. Your father will be the one making the decision.”
Thales could not help but tremble.
Thales clenched his teeth and asked in a hoarse voice, “What if he… What if my father, too, does not agree? What if he does not want to bring Constellation into this mess?”
“Oh well,” replied the old king nonchalantly, “I told you the secret of ‘Triumph’, didn’t I?”
Thales’ pupils constricted. He stared at King Nuven, dazed.
“This is leverage Constellation can use anytime to destroy the Walton Family. This is enough to gain his trust,” King Nuven said slowly in his old yet firm voice.
“When you find treasure, you might be apprehensive about it being a trap and give it up. However, if you possess the power to destroy it at the same time… would you still give it up because of your fears?”
Thales was speechless for a moment. In the face of such an Eckstedtian King and such a situation, as clever as he was in dealing with people, he, too, felt that he could not handle the situation. His intuition also told him that King Kessel would definitely agree to such an alliance.
Thales took a deep breath and picked up from where the old king had left off. “However, with your death, the effectiveness of ‘Triumph’ as a bargaining chip will slowly fade. Then using ‘Triumph’ as leverage will yield fewer and fewer benefits. In comparison, Kessel-my father, will prefer the benefits that come with a marriage, so he would be more inclined to provide support and guarantee the Walton Family’s status.”
“Holding leverage over the Kingdom of the Great Dragon, turning the tables for Constellation which has been declining since the Bloody Year!” King Nuven raised his eyebrows. He scooped up another goblet of wine and drank it.
“I reckon that the nobles in Eckstedt would not be happy,” Thales said dejectedly. “Including all the archdukes.”
“Of course not. Every single one of them cannot wait to see the decline of the Walton Family.” King Nuven’s eyes had a bright twinkle. He put down the wine goblet and wiped his lips.
“However, I am the King of Eckstedt, and I will remove the final obstacle from our cooperation,” said King Nuven calmly. “The men in Dragon Clouds City who have reached the age of enlistment will not be quiet for the next few years. Getting rid of Lampard is only the beginning.”
Thales suddenly realized it… From Nicholas’ probing to the so-called ‘test’ the king gave him.
“So… You have planned everything from the beginning.” Having said this, Thales sighed.
“Don’t put me on the same level as those shameful, scheming scums who only care about profits.” King Nuven snorted softly in dissatisfaction. “This is not a conspiracy but—in the words of the Far Easterners—an overt strategy. A bargaining chip you can’t refuse.”
“Yes.” Thales lowered his head. He felt an unspeakable sense of loss. “Things like plans, conspiracies, and overt strategies… You are all good at these.
Like the first time he saw King Kessel in Mindis Hall, Thales felt that resignation and helplessness at having his fate and choices firmly controlled by others. That helpless feeling of being carried along with the tide and drifting with the wind.
King Nuven watched him quietly.
After a long time, under the light of the fire, the old king said slowly, “You are a special child, Thales.”
King Nuven sighed. It was obvious from his voice that he was worn down by the vicissitudes of life.
“I can feel that you are sharp and firm like Soria, and, at the same time, unrealistic like Moriah.”
‘Sharp and firm. Unrealistic.’
“Hmph, thank you for your praise,” Thales replied tiredly, he even chuckled. “I reckon that you think I am more of the latter?”
Talking about his two late sons, King Nuven gently breathed in a mouthful of air and exhaled it slowly.
“You are not weak, Thales, even though you are still young,” the old king said earnestly. “From what I have seen, and from what Nicholas and the others reported about you, you are a survivalist, and you have all the qualities needed to become a powerful man. But what you need is time, training… and a heart that is firm, callous, and unyielding.” King Nuven clenched his fist and tapped his chest at the spot right above his heart.
‘A firm, callous, and unyielding heart?’
Thales furrowed his brow. Not able to take it anymore, he asked, “Aren’t you tired? Things like the royal court, the kingdom, the archdukes, conspiracies, plans, assassinations… God knows what else is waiting for you.”
Since his escape from Red Street Market… up to now. The Mystics, Blood Bottle Gang, the Blood Clan, the Iris Flowers, the Black Prophet, the Six Great Clans, Eckstedt…
He had to face ill-intentions, dangers, and tiring conspiracies as well as schemes time and again. Even though Thales braved through them over and over, he felt as though he was reaching his limit.
This life made Thales mentally and physically exhausted. Even his life as a child beggar in the Abandoned Houses did not give him this sort of feeling—of having a difficult road ahead.
“I reckon that…” At this, Thales hesitated for a moment, but he blurted it out, “If Prince Moriah was really the kind of person Poffret spoke about, he probably felt tired, too.”
King Nuven’s expression slowly stiffened. There were deep emotions in his eyes.
There was a few seconds of silence.
Finally, King Nuven said slowly, “It is normal for you to feel tired. Everyone gets tired. However, for people like us, when we feel tired and want to stop, or even give up, we will feel… pain.” The king pressed down on his injured shoulder and panted heavily from the pain.
“Whether it is the pain of being caught in the current and losing autonomy over your own life, or the pain your enemies inflict on you when they see that you are weak…”
King Nuven pursed his lips, as if recalling something.
“That sort of pain which etches deep into your bones will push you back to many battlefields. You will get sick and tired of them, until you are used to this endless cycle of pain and fatigue.
“These are the burdens we were born to bear. It is not just us…” The old king showed no emotions as he continued to speak.
“Before becoming an archduke, Olsius was poisoned twice by his stepbrother. Trentida married a boorish woman from the Yamamu Tribe so that he could develop a piece of wasteland from the Sighing Mountains for the barren Reformation Tower. The bald old Lecco was forced to marry off his youngest daughter to Camus Union for the sake of the economy. In the end, his daughter died there, tragically. The day Roknee became an archduke, he made a personal order to have six arrogant and domineering counts and viscounts executed. They were the people Roknee’s father trusted the most. On the other hand, Lampard is a heartless creature who thrust his sword into his elder brother’s heart in front of everyone to seize the position of archduke. However, they all rose again and again from within the pain and weariness.”
“Was it the same for you? Rising up again from the pain and weariness?” Thales lowered his gaze. “Like… your son.”
King Nuven did not say anything for a full ten seconds.
After a momentary silence, King Nuven raised his head and stared at the Soul Slayer Pike which had an awe-inspiring reputation. “Did you know about Soria, my eldest son who was the most likely to inherit this position? He died twelve years ago.”
Thales stared at him blankly.
“Miss Alex’s… father?” With hesitation, he carefully asked, “I heard from Lord Mirk that he died in a hunting accident—”
“No.” This time, King Nuven swiftly interrupted the second prince. His face was ashen. “The accident is only something we tell outsiders.”
Thales creased his brow a little and held his breath once more.
“He was assassinated while he was hunting,” the old king said in an ordinary manner. “To be more precise… the assassin came from Constellation.”
When he heard this, Thales trembled violently.
Total Chapters in book: 580
Estimated words: 2362673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 11813(@200wpm)___ 9451(@250wpm)___ 7876(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 2362673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 11813(@200wpm)___ 9451(@250wpm)___ 7876(@300wpm)
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