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 258 - Checkmate
Chapter 258: Checkmate
Translator:
EndlessFantasy Translation
Editor:
EndlessFantasy Translation
There were a few seconds of silence in the Hall of Heroes. Everyone was thinking about the meaning behind those words.
Lampard said nothing, only staring at Thales. It was hard for him to conceal the shock on his face.
‘A price to pay.
‘It can’t be that this boy…
‘No, how would he know, how would he understand…
‘Something that even these archdukes, who have been steeped in power all their lives can’t see…’
The Archduke of Black Sand Region subconsciously clenched his fists again.
“What in the world are the both of you talking about?” Trentida clenched his teeth as he alternated his gaze between Lampard and Lecco. “Transformation? A price to pay?”
Thales lowered his head and stared at the JC dagger, which was on the ground after he flung it there earlier.
His gaze landed on a spot faraway.
His teacher, Gilbert Caso’s handwritten letter suddenly appeared in his mind.
[Our political system and Eckstedt’s… are very different… Apart from King Nuven’s identity as king… he also holds the identity of Archduke of Dragon Clouds City… The interests of Eckstedt and Walton are very different to him…]
‘I see.
‘You weren’t just talking about King Nuven, but also other archduke families.
‘Eckstedt’s interest is completely different from the archdukes’ personal interests.
‘Thank you, Gilbert.
‘I understand now.’
Thales’ gaze burned like a torch. He swept his gaze past each of the family emblems donned by the archdukes and spoke flatly.
“Lecco’s silver chain…
“Roknee’s knight’s canon…
“Olsius’ ancient chauvinistic emblem…
“Trentida’s shining sword blade…”
As he named them one by one, the archdukes turned and stared solemnly at the foreign prince.
At some point, their inclination to look down on the boy had completely disappeared.
“All of you were willing to work with Lampard, and were even willing to cover up his crime regardless of the cost,” Thales said softly. “Just so that you can resolutely get rid of a threat that hasn’t fully formed yet and protect your future before Constellation becomes powerful.”
The prince sighed and immediately turned solemn. “But please trust me, that between the equally powerful Eckstedt and Constellation, before one totally gains the upper hand and ends the longstanding grudge between the two kingdoms…”
The archdukes stared at Thales without averting their gazes, except for Lampard, whose gaze was fixed on the sword in his hand.
It was as though all his attention had been captured by the sword.
“The family you value, the bloodline you are proud of, your lofty and respectable status, the territory you have painstakingly protected, your stable and established rule…” There was a ripple in Thales’ eyes, which immediately became a firm gaze.
“Everything all of you possess right now, and are used to having in your lives will be totally annihilated. It will cease to exist,” he said in a tone that left no room for doubt.
At that moment, the archdukes all held their breaths at the same time and widened their eyes.
It looked like they had just heard the most ridiculous news.
Thales continued to say, “The moment all of you accept Lampard, there’s… no so-called future for your families anymore.”
With a soft pop, another brazier in the hall became extinguished.
A surge of coldness rushed at their faces.
It was so cold that behind Thales, Saroma hugged herself tightly.
Olsius widened his mouth in surprise and exchanged a look with Trentida. Lecco exhaled slowly, as though he understood something.
Meanwhile, Lampard shut his eyes.
A surge of indescribable emotions rose in his chest.
“Make yourself clearer, lad.” Archduke Roknee extended his hand and ran it over the wound on his neck, which was inflicted by Kroesch. Even though it had been treated with alcohol, it was still a little painful. He sternly said, “Cease to exist: what do you mean by this?”
‘Vast territories that have hundreds of years of legacy, with some ruled by family bloodlines that have been around for almost a thousand years, and are equal to divisions of a kingdom.
‘How can they…’
Thales exhaled and watched as his breath turned white.
“Once all of you follow Lampard in advancing south, the Joint Ruling Pledge will cease to exist except in name. In the face of war and interests, there will definitely be a power imbalance between all of you. It will be way too easy to cause a rift between any of you.” Thales gritted his teeth and said, “Once all of you think that you have successfully suppressed Constellation, and start competing against each other, it would be an opportune moment for him to silently start his reformation… It will not be as simple as building Eckstedt’s own Starlight Brigade.”
He suddenly felt a little dizzy.
It was that familiar feeling.
“I don’t know how much Lampard told all of you about the Virtuous King.” The prince rubbed his hands together. Placing them in front of his chin, he breathed warm air onto them. “But…
“…highly effective management, intricate power, increased taxation and normative systems; there’s a price to pay for all of this.” Thales felt increasingly dizzy. He had no choice but to extend his right hand and press it on his forehead. He shut his eyes at the same time.
The moment he shut his eyes, it was as though he had left the Hall of Heroes.
There was a row of familiar, white tables and chairs before him. There were seven or eight laptops on the tables, and their respective owners sat in front of them quietly.
He cleared his throat and lowered his head. There was a neatly printed draft report in his hand.
“‘So, in his opinion, hierarchical kingdoms were formed at that time as a result of the transition period between feudalism and absolutism…”‘
Wu Qiren’s voice rang slowly. It was gentle and flat.
“‘Cities are autonomous political entities and they are aggregations formed due to the wishes of those who are powerless. They entered the lord-vassal model as a new political force, resulting in typical feudal relationships no longer being in a pure dual-power framework… In other words, the rise of cities supported the rulers’ fight against feudal dukes…'”
The next moment, Thales opened his eyes. He was back in Errol’s Dragon Clouds City, in the dim hall illuminated by braziers.
“Professional officers, qualification assessments and the National Conference mean that… the best of the low-level nobles and common people in the cities as well as suburbs will be compelled by wealth, craft, knowledge, and their yearning to become new nobles in the future…” Pressing his hand on his forehead and trembling, Thales said, “The king will be overjoyed at their arrival, and will be able to command their power as he wishes without trouble. He’ll then turn to attack his domineering vassals.”
Seemingly deep in thought, Trentida lowered his head.
The light in the hall flickered again and Thales was back in the brightly-lit classroom. Moving the mouse, he continued to speak.
“‘City groups would form new political organizations such as ranking meetings. The king’s intention would be to collect taxes, while these new political organizations would supervise the usage of the tax money. Hence, the power that feudal nobles had when it came to finances was hampered…'”
Suppressing the dizziness, which was a result of virtually alternating between two locations, Thales continued to speak in pain.
“With Constellation’s National Conference as an example, these common people will take part in politics through organizations covering craftsmanship, trading, the army and the new nobles. These areas would be dominated by the king, greatly weakening the power as well as prestige of the archdukes and counts. The king will have the greatest convenience whether it’s in terms of imposing tax laws or declaring war.”
Having heard this, Archduke Olsius could not help but shoot a glance at Lampard.
“‘The universities in Europe were the earliest source of talent. With the aim of moulding bureaucracies, the Germanic kings hired these university graduates to become officials. Among them, Prussia’s military bureaucracy and civil bureaucracy were the most efficient. However, these bureaucracies were not created to serve the people. They were only there to serve the kingdom. In other words, they were used to serve those who were powerful…'”
“More and more new officials will enter the king’s field of vision. Their qualifications will replace the bloodline of nobles, they will fight against ambiguity with prudence and overshadow origins with specializations. Gradually, they’ll take over the power in the kingdom.” Panting, Thales felt a peculiar sensation as fragments of memory entered his mind. He thought of Vlad, the former tax collector of Constellation. “The old nobles including all of your relatives will not be in an important position anymore. Their special privilege when it comes to tax collection and law enforcement will gradually be stripped. Even all of you will have no choice but to admit that they’re not eligible anymore.”
Archduke Lecco sat in his place without moving and listened quietly.
“‘What the citizens of the city wanted was to create a ruling condition and legal environment that ensured the peaceful development of industry, trade as well as economy in the city. Feudalism, which based itself off manorial economy and small markets could not satisfy that. Hence, the kings would be required to expand and centralize their power to protect the interests of the so-called ‘bourgeois’…'”
“Similarly, the king will allocate funds from the increasingly plentiful treasury to support and expand the regular troops, maintaining the order of the kingdom and the borders’ safety by himself.” Thales swayed a little and Saroma immediately supported his body. “He won’t need to rely on your territories’ conscription armies or your manors and fields’ self-sustaining supplies anymore. He won’t need to consider all the archdukes’ thoughts and feelings anymore.”
Roknee suddenly thought of Broken Dragon Fortress. He furrowed his eyebrows tightly. Staring at Thales, his gaze became strange.
“‘As time went by, it became difficult for the hierarchical kingdoms’ feudal nobles to maintain a livelihood. They had also lost all significance to the army. They couldn’t to maintain a political influence, and also lost their ruling power. In such a situation, they must draw close to the kings and carry out their duties according to the latter’s conditions… In other words, the rise of cities brings about a destructive blow on the feudal system…'”
Finally, those odd fragments in Thales’ mind subsided and stopped raging in his mind.
Thales panted slightly and patted Saroma on the hand.
At that moment, he suddenly realized that Lampard was staring at him with a mixture of strange emotions. There was astonishment, doubt, pain, hatred and relief in his eyes.
Staring back at his opponent, the prince sighed internally.
‘Rather than the baffling mystic energy, the unreliable Sin of Hell’s River, this weird body, and my unstable identity as a prince…
‘When playing this game of chess, this is my greatest trump card.
‘Chapman Lampard, compared to unmatched military power, unrivalled skills and superb methods, this is my strongest chess piece!’
“What do all of you think?” Thales continued saying.
“As this reformation progresses with time, for archdukes like you with independent regimes, and the established counts of various cities—everything from tax collection to the army, law enforcement to talent, privilege to status—all the things you rely on for survival will slowly become invalid, and your advantages will start to disappear.
As the archdukes’ faces became increasingly pale, he turned with great effort and looked at them.
“All the tactics and reformation Lampard envisioned, no matter what his original intention is, will lead to only one thing.”
Thales inhaled deeply and said with a stern countenance, “That one thing will be that all of the other nine prestigious and eminent archdukes who jointly ruled Northland will begin to lose their power, and their families will fall into decline.”
Archduke Lampard’s expression was as calm as a still lake, and his gaze as he stared at Thales became increasingly complicated.
Like stone statues, the archdukes did not move at all. Thales did not even know how much they managed to take in.
“From powerful vassals who ruled over your own region, one of these days, all of you will become grand nobles who possess nothing but honor. All of you will then become rich men who only have wealth, or even become commoners who have nothing. In the end, it’ll come to a point that your descendants can only read about your family history in dust-covered records…
“And Raikaru’s pledge, which has protected Eckstedt from splitting up for six hundred years and stipulates that the ten archdukes jointly rule Eckstedt, will become the oldest historical document in the museum.” Thales sighed loudly and shook his head.
“Like all of your families, it will become yellow with time and be gone, never to return.
“This is the price to pay for what Lampard has said about supposingly ‘saving Eckstedt’.”
Having said that, Thales slowly raised his head.
At that moment, the archdukes finally stopped looking like stone statues and snapped out of their dazes. However, their expressions were extremely strange.
Lampard lowered his head and fixed his eyes on his old sword.
In his disbelief, Trentida cast a questioning gaze at Olsius and Roknee. However, Prestige Orchid Regions’ master only shook his head without saying a thing. The face of the Archduke of the City of Faraway Prayers darkened. He neither cared to inquire, nor listen.
“Chapman.” Archduke Lecco’s gaze seemed to turn murky once again. The old man used his deepest and raspiest voice that day to ask his question, “Tell me, the only thing you want is an army that can defeat Constellation, isn’t it?
“You never thought about other things?
“Such as the Joint Ruling Pledge?”
The archdukes stared at Lampard in unison.
One second passed.
Two seconds…
The Archduke of Black Sand Region finally averted his gaze from his sword.
He forced a smile before he revealed a cold expression.
“Everything this lad has said is built on extremely selfish lies,” With a complicated expression, Lampard spoke in an unpleasant tone, “If there’s the slightest bit of doubt in all of your hearts, he will win… By instigating enmity between us and crumbling our efforts to join forces to fight against Constellation, he’ll obtain breathing space for the increasingly powerful Constellation!”
Thales sighed internally.
“Forget about his beguiling speeches and those baffling suppositions of his that have not even happened… Don’t all of you find it ridiculous?” Gritting his teeth, Lampard appeared to be insulted. “Why would the act of us uniting to travel down south and invade Constellation for Eckstedt’s sake lead to our own destruction?”
Hearing Lampard’s words, the archdukes’ expressions became skeptical. They started to weigh and consider his words.
Saroma stared at the archdukes’ reactions and felt fear in her heart.
At this moment…
“That is not accurate,” the prince’s voice rang steadily.
Lampard furrowed his brows. “What?”
“Lead to ‘our’ own destruction?” Thales exhaled and said with a severe countenance. “It’ll only lead to the nine other archdukes’ destruction.
“In this game of reformation that Lampard has initiated, Eckstedt is like a giant dragon with ten heads, swallowing each other up amid the fierce waves.” Thales sighed. “If it goes well, only one of the heads, which is the most powerful can survive until the end. It will be the well-prepared archduke who is the most accustomed to the game and reacts the quickest.”
Archduke Lecco raised his head abruptly and fixed his gaze on Thales.
Archduke Roknee’s expression froze.
“I’ve told you earlier that as the last ruler, he will bring to himself all ruling power and ride on the aggressive trend caused by the reformation to swallow up the nine other archdukes’ territories. Those territories will become his nourishment and food. In this way, he’ll forge an unprecedented and supreme crown of Eckstedt for himself.”
There was a dark look in Thales’ eyes, which was difficult for any normal person to see. He then said in a dreary tone, “Who do you think would be the only person closest to the version of this truth in Lampard’s plan?”
Staring at the archdukes’ expressions, he shook his head slowly. He walked towards the fallen brazier and squatted down steadily.
The prince extended his hands and fiddled with the cold firewood before he fished his dagger out.
“But whether Lampard succeeds or not, other than the last ruler, there will be no space for the other nine archdukes within the borders of the reformed Eckstedt,” Thales continued to say. His words hit the archdukes’ hearts like a hammer.
Thales shook JC’s dagger and removed the sheath, which Yodel gave him from his belt without changing his expression. He blew on the sheath gently.
“Please keep this in your minds, all of you. It may be around a decade, several decades, or centuries…
“But if one day, all of your families fall into decline and vanish; all of your descendants become destitute and homeless; and all of you no longer have your statuses, the start of it all was from the time you agreed to Lampard’s conditions.” Thales stood slowly and turned to face the archdukes.
Thales’ eyes brightened and he abruptly placed his dagger back in its sheath.
*Clang!*
Amid the clear, metallic sound, the archdukes’ faces turned grim. They stared at Thales without moving.
“This is the answer to the riddle,” Thales said in a low whisper. “This is why Lampard was unwilling to show all of you his true motive in the beginning. This is the cruel truth behind his act of gathering all of you to ‘save Eckstedt’, while he decides not to turn back on his actions.
“Lampard will unite forces with all of you to defeat Constellation,” he softly concluded, “but ironically, just before Constellation is defeated, all of you will be reduced to flying ashes and smouldering smoke.”
Silence descended into the hall once again.
“Chapman, I have to say that this is really…” Face filled with disbelief, Trentida was about to speak but he had nothing to say. In the end, he just sighed. “Forget it, I don’t know how to describe this feeling.
“This is unsettling indeed,” Archduke Roknee added coldly. He looked at Lecco, who was their leader, but the latter furrowed his brows tightly and said nothing.
Archduke Olsius crossed his arms and supported his chin with his palm. With difficulty, he said, “Chapman—”
But Lampard was faster than him.
“Those were all baseless lies, things that have not happened yet, exaggerated speculations used to instill fear!
“He’s using them merely as reasons and all of you really believe him?” the Archduke of Black Sand Region’s voice was still cold, but a hint of agitation could be detected. “Don’t forget that the threat of Constellation is the real one!”
Lampard strode forward and placed his hand on the long table. His expression was icy. “The things we saw and heard twelve years ago, and everything King Kessel has done throughout these past twelve years, haven’t all of you been witness to that?
“Why would all of you rather be swayed by words with no truth whatsoever than take action based on solid and indisputable facts?”
Thales was still the one who answered him.
“Solid and indisputable facts?” the prince said faintly.
This time, Lampard turned his head around. His gaze was resentful and murderous.
Thales paid no heed to Lampard’s gaze. He asked the other archdukes softly, “Your Grace, what does Lampard plan to do after all of you successfully invade Constellation?”
The archdukes’ emotions were obscure as they stared at each other.
Lampard’s gaze was focused and his fists were clenched.
“He wants the Northern Territory of Constellation,” Archduke Roknee said softly.
“He wants to guard the borders for us, monitor and keep Constellation under control,” Roknee said, extremely slowly and coldly. However, his tone was forceful. “For that, he is willing to give up the common-elected throne, and even Black Sand Region.”
Thales exhaled slowly.
“That is simple.” The prince flashed an ill-intentioned smile and stared at the steely-looking Lampard. “Archduke of Black Sand Region, if you think that my words are unreasonable, you can prove yourself with solid and indisputable facts.
“I reckon that in your own territory, and anywhere else within the borders of Eckstedt, the effort to reform would be beset with difficulties and even go nowhere.”
Lampard paused.
“But the Northern Territory is different.
“For Constellation, the Northern Territory is just a borderland where reformation is not yet complete. It is still shrouded by traditional power and old customs. But for Eckstedt, the Northern Territory, which is also part of Northland, has similar customs to that of Eckstedt, and is already showing early signs of reformation. This can be seen from a lowly tax collector like Vlad. He is a testament to the nobles’ waning power. It is the best place for you to base your reformation off… The source of hope for you to light the fire of change.”
Thales then flatly said, “Archduke Lampard, for the sake of the unity between all of you, do give up the Northern Territory… Let someone else have it.”
Lampard raised his head abruptly and fixed his gaze on Thales.
The archdukes raised their heads too. Their expressions differed.
Thales’ countenance was still calm and nonchalant… He learned this from Raphael. That pretty boy’s attitude was often exasperating.
‘Shiles complained that the Northern Territory was excluded from all the terms Lampard gave him, from tax exemption to resource contracts.
‘Isn’t it obvious?’
“Of course, you can also make a guarantee that you won’t carry out reforms that imitate those of the Virtuous King, or do things that endanger the other archdukes’ families,” Thales resumed while he curled the corners of his lips.
“With neither the Northern Territory nor the opportunity in your hands, you won’t be able to start a reformation that may cause destruction. Hence, you will be cleared of suspicion.” Thales’ expression became severe. “This way, the other archdukes will be able to continue working with you with no qualms.”
After Thales said that, an extremely long silence descended upon the hall.
Lampard froze where he was.
He subconsciously placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and left it there.
The other archdukes exchanged information through their gazes.
No one moved or said a thing.
There was a surge of cold wind in the hall. The fire flickered, and everyone’s shadows swayed
Saroma bit her lower lip and stared anxiously at the archdukes, whose expressions varied.
It felt as though a few centuries had passed when finally, a voice broke the silence.
“Actually, Chapman, we’re willing to trust you,” Archduke Lecco’s gloomy voice rang. “But, I have no choice but to admit that this child’s words has made me very worried.”
Trentida shrugged. “It does make quite a bit of sense.”
Lampard raised his head slowly. His stiff face seemed even more worn in the shadows.
“Tell me, Chapman.
“You’re our ally, bound by an oath we swore by placing our palms together. To refute this conceited prince’s words, put our worries and wariness to rest, and prove that we’re still united as one in the impending war, why don’t you… give up on the Northern Territory?” Archduke Lecco stared straight at Lampard and sighed softly.
Lampard said nothing. Instead, he stared at Lecco in a daze.
“Of course, as an apology, we’ll make it up to you with a suitable amount of lands and interests. It can be Olsius’, Trentida’s or even mine. It’s up to you. There will only be more land for you.” The old archduke coughed. He sounded a little sad. “You know, the task of keeping a foothold on the Northern Territory, guarding the border area and monitoring Constellation can be done by the others too.”
After Archduke Lecco finished speaking…
Lampard raised his head and shot a glance at every single archduke with the most incredulous gaze ever.
Thales pursed his lips and fixed his eyes on Lampard.
He stared at Lampard’s face, which seemed frozen.
Lampard clenched his teeth and furrowed his brows hard. There was an explosive anger in his gaze.
“I know that this is a lot to ask.” Olsius’ face was pale and he shook his head apologetically. “But, I swear that if you prove yourself, I’ll make sure with my own hands that this viper from Constellation pays the price.”
‘Viper from Constellation?’
Thales raised his eyebrows a little.
Once again, Lampard’s face twitched slightly. It seemed like he was smiling, but at the same time, it did not look like a smile.
At this moment, Archduke Roknee raised his gaze. His eyes were piercing. “You know this is for Eckstedt.”
Lampard clenched his fists.
Trentida shrugged and avoided Lampard’s gaze. He said nothing.
Since the beginning, Archduke Lecco was the only one who stared into Lampard’s eyes without flinching.
“How about that, Chapman?” The old archduke’s bald head seemed especially glaring. His voice was soft and slow but aggressive, “What is your answer?”
Lampard cracked a smile and gritted his teeth, like a wild beast posturing before seizing its prey.
“Chapman, one word is enough,” Trentida’s tone was very contradictory. He seemed extremely anxious despite speaking softly.
Thales furrowed his brows. He saw that next to Lampard’s waist, Lampard’s fists were starting to tremble.
The Archduke of Black Sand Region’s expression became increasingly unpleasant… akin to a lion whose territory was being breached.
Thales’ heart skipped a beat when he saw Lampard’s expression.
Finally, a few seconds later, Lampard shut his eyes and exhaled loudly.
The other archdukes stared at him without averting their gazes.
It appeared as though this was the most important moment ever.
Immediately after, Lampard opened his eyes and made a sound.
However, it was not a word.
“Hahaha…”
Raising his head, Lampard cracked his lips open and let out a sorrowful, defiant laugh.
“Hahahahaha…”
His laughter became increasingly louder.
The other archdukes’ gazes gradually dimmed while they stared at his actions.
Thales slowly extended his hand and held the nervous Saroma.
Lampard finally stopped laughing.
“Fine. We’ve already reached this point, haven’t we?” Lampard turned and revealed an indifferent and relieved expression. “All of you actually believe in what he’s said, right?
“All of you won’t just be keeping an eye on the Northern Territory…” The Archduke of Black Sand Region turned and stared at his sword. His tone was cold. “Even if we invade Eternal Star City, all of you will continue to monitor me and watch out for my every move, afraid that I’ll disturb your interests.”
Olsius gritted his teeth indignantly. “So, your choice…”
“I just find it very ironic.” Lampard’s expression changed. He suddenly raised his voice, “Why don’t all of you understand?
“It’s obvious that a very rare chance is before your eyes. At a time when the opportune moment to defeat Constellation and change history is within your reach, why are all of you acting like cowards?” Lampard gritted his teeth. Staring at every single archduke’s serious expression, he growled overbearingly.
Lampard abruptly turned and faced the four archdukes. His face was filled with disbelief. “The ending hasn’t happened at all, and we haven’t even reached the end of things yet. But after listening to a child’s nonsense, all of you are cowering and hiding like a herd of frightened antelopes.”
The archdukes looked at each other and said nothing.
“So frightened by a child’s lies…”
Lampard’s face was twisted. He raised the sheath of his sword all of a sudden. “The Joint Ruling Pledge, the destruction of families, discontinuity of bloodlines, reduced power and waning of status… What sort of f*cking excuses are those?
“What is Eckstedt in all of your eyes?
“Aren’t we Northlanders?” The Archduke of Black Sand Region gritted his teeth and waved the sheath of his sword. His cape swayed along too. “We don’t wonder ‘if we can do it’. We only talk about whether ‘we’re going to do it’… We are Northlanders who are more afraid of failure than death, are we not?!”
His question, uttered with pain and great difficulty, reverberated throughout the hall.
“It seems that the answer is already very obvious.” Archduke Lecco sighed softly and shut his eyes.
Trentida placed his hand on his forehead and heaved a long sigh.
Roknee chuckled flatly.
Olsius’ expression was sorrowful.
Thales gently shut his mouth. He felt that a heavy stone had been lifted off his chest.
Staring at Lampard, whose expression was strange, Thales sighed in relief and thought, ‘For this round, I’m done with laying the chess pieces out.
‘Checkmate.’
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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