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 316 - Plan
Chapter 316: Plan
Translator:
EndlessFantasy Translation
Editor:
EndlessFantasy Translation
Saroma looked like she was deep in thought.
The old count leaned back slightly and subconsciously looked at the inscription of the Cloud Dragon Spear on top of his crown.
“Everyone!” Nazaire said loudly and attracted the attention of the vassals in the hall. He did not sound like an old man at all.
“It has been six years. Without the Born King’s power and influence, the so-called balance, equilibrium, peace and unity of Dragon Clouds City have already been broken due to all sorts of ridiculous reasons.” Nazaire looked weary. It was as though he was talking to himself.
The hall went quiet. Many of them were deep in thought after hearing those words.
“The six strongest vassals have been in continuous disagreement with regard to the power King Nuven left behind upon his death.”
The four other counts stirred in unison. Other than Count Karkogel, the three other counts instinctively avoided Lisban’s eyes.
“On one hand, we are suspicious of Lisban, who holds great power. We suspect that he is monopolizing the political scene, keeping the Archduchess out of the loop and trying to drain the great legacy King Nuven left behind.
“On the other hand, as the regent, Lisban despises us for not following orders after the Born King’s death, for lacking the spirit of cooperation, for being selfish and only caring about our own survival.”
Saroma was stunned.
Nazaire stared coldly at Lisban, who had an icy expression. There was disappointment and hatred in his eyes.
“Conversely, the slightly smaller families rule their territories in a conservative manner. They’re fearful and torn between both sides while they’re caught up in this stalemate, afraid to take a wrong step.”
The buzz from conversations between the vassals quieted down for a moment.
“The arrival of the calamity and Queen of the Sky, the Born King’s sudden passing, and the suspicious crowning of King Chapman that took place here; how much chaos did these incidents stir up among the common people, causing them to be in constant unease?”
Saroma bit her lower lip and she subconsciously looked at Thales. However, Thales only stared at the floor tiles with his head lowered, even though Ian tried to signal him a few times by making faces at him.
There was a glimmer of grief and fury in Nazaire’s eyes. It was hard to tell if he was being sincere. “The even more saddening fact is, throughout these past six years, this is the truth that the people outside Dragon Clouds City see. The Walton Family that once was extremely powerful and had matchless influence, now has no other direct descendant than an orphaned girl.
“Hence, after the common-elected throne left Dragon Clouds City… the wildly ambitious King Chapman became increasingly greedy; the City of Faraway Prayers”Long-Haired’ Kulgon Roknee became increasingly untameable; Beacon Illumination City, which has always been in good terms with us, is now indifferent to us; and we are unclear as to what the other territories such as Defense City feel about us. Conflicts with the local nobles under other archdukes with territories bordering Dragon Clouds City are increasing in number.”
Count Nazaire raised his head in indignance and straightened his body, no longer leaning against his seat.
He coldly said, “Not to mention our neighbours from the Empire in the south. God knows how many times they’ve celebrated the decline of our city.”
Thales scratched his head, still feigning ignorance.
Nazaire’s tone grew increasingly stern. “My Lady, it has been six years. After losing King Nuven, Dragon Clouds City is not able to unite anymore. We fell from the top of the clouds to the bottom of the valley of embarrassment, indignance, grief and pain. As the archduchess, do you really not see it at all?
“Our so-called equilibrium and balance was shattered to pieces together with King Nuven’s death during that earth-shattering change six years ago!”
The atmosphere in the hall turned from strange to grim.
Lisban’s face darkened.
Thales exhaled loudly and deeply. ‘Count Nazaire…
‘…is indeed an outstanding individual who once worked under King Nuven.
‘If only he wasn’t standing on the opposing side.’
Nazaire shook his head with a pained expression while he faced the archduchess’ pale face and the vassal’s thoughtful gazes.
“Now, My Lady, do you understand what your marriage means? Do you understand the significance behind you having a powerful husband, and how important it is that you and your family have a healthy as well as reliable heir?”
Nazaire’s expression was stern. His hair and beard flared due to his anger. His words made the archduchess’ expression freeze. She was rendered speechless.
“Is this to you a disadvantageous sacrifice to make and price to pay? Perhaps.”
Nazaire shot a glance at all the vassals in the hall. “But, is this something necessary? Definitely!”
Saroma stared at Nazaire in disbelief. She did not seem to know how to react.
“We respect you, My Lady.” The old Count Nazaire put on a respectful expression once again. He bowed before the archduchess. “But I believe that the best way to show this respect is by truly treating you as the ruler of Dragon Clouds City.
“I have to show you the truth an archduchess of a city should face, the price she has to pay, and the sacrifices she has to make, no matter how unpleasant they are. Even if there are difficulties and obstacles… marriage is just one of the sacrifices.”
Rather at a loss as to what to do, Saroma stared at the seemingly sincere Count Nazaire.
“Instead of seeing you as a marionette who has all the necessary decorations but is locked deep in the palace…
“Instead of treating myself as a tree that shields you from wind and rain, righteously and confidently cutting you off from the cruel side of the world, then claiming to do it for ‘your own good'”—Nazaire shot a scornful glance at the steely looking Regent Lisban—”what we need is an archduchess who can protect and rule over Dragon Clouds City, My Lady.
“We do not need a vase in somebody’s hands who is labelled as the archduchess and used to decorate Dragon Clouds City.”
“Nazaire!” Lisban’s gaze became stern. “What are you saying?”
“He’s just voicing out our thoughts, ‘Prime Minister’,” Count Lyner replied coldly. “I really can’t imagine what sort of regent would bring up our suzerain and fief lord as a kingdom’s princess throughout these six years. Even though she’s a girl, she is also the last direct descendant of the Dragon Spear Family.”
Lisban clenched his fists. Behind him, the cheeks of the Star Killer, who was protecting the archduchess, flushed.
Thales felt a weight on his shoulders—Ian had leaned on him.
“Now I can tell the relationship between these six vassals,” Ian said softly into Thales’ ears. “But throughout these six years, has Regent Lisban been shielding your little girl from danger, or bringing trouble upon her by being in Heroic Spirit Palace?”
‘You asked the most crucial questions, Your Grace.’
Thales inhaled deeply and forcibly suppressed the assumption in his mind.
“Now, it is time to break that vase, My Lady.” Count Nazaire paid no heed to Lisban. He bowed before the archduchess again. His gaze was bright and piercing. “The broken pieces of ceramic may pierce your skin and cause pain. But only blood can cleanse the Northlanders’ minds… even though you are just a girl.”
While he listened to Nazaire’s words, Thales suddenly felt a surge of familiarity.
At this moment, he suddenly had the awareness that Count Nazaire and the four other vassals may not be the selfish, power-hungry vassals that Putray made them to be. They may also not be subordinates who were eager to cause trouble after Nuven’s passing, as Lisban had been wary about.
Thales swept his gaze past the shrewd and farsighted Lisban, the level-headed Nazaire, the rather friendly Hearst, the quiet Karkogel, the callous Lyner, and the straightforward Cotterson.
Things were the exact opposite. What King Nuven had left behind for his successor may have been a group of people who were powerful enough to allow Dragon Clouds City to return to its former glory.
It was just that this group of people were experiencing the biggest accident King Nuven had left behind due to his premature death…
An archduchess.
Thales looked at Saroma worriedly.
The archduchess looked at the count in a daze.
It was as if she had not registered what was going on.
She did not seem to know what to say as well.
“The Nazaire Family’s dictum says that, ‘nobles carry responsibilities on their shoulders, and rulers will definitely have to make sacrifices.'” Nazaire coldly said, “You want to defend your family’s honor and hold on to Dragon Clouds City’s reputation? Definitely. But at the same time, you have to pay the price… This is your fate, Lady Saroma.”
At that moment, Prince Thales, who had been paying full attention to what was happening, absentmindedly recalled that day many years ago.
“‘Are you prepared?
“‘After being conferred the Jadestar surname…
“‘To battle for Constellation, die for Constellation, and…”‘
Thales abruptly widened his eyes!
Just as everyone in the hall went quiet after listening to Count Nazaire’s words, a familiar cry of pain broke the silence once again.
“Ack-What-Ow-Pain-It hurts, damn it!”
The people in the hall all looked in the same direction with conflicted and dissatisfied expressions. The heir to the City of Faraway Prayers, Viscount Ian Roknee was screaming in an exaggerated manner. He caressed his thigh while he glared at Thales in indignance.
Thales nonchalantly and quietly withdrew his leg like he never kicked Ian’s thigh in the first place.
“What is wrong with you again, the clown viscount?”
Count Cotterson was brimming with fury.
The archduchess and her vassals looked at him too.
Ian sighed and paid no heed to the secret signals the members of the City of Faraway Prayers’ diplomat group were sending him. He shrugged helplessly and flashed a carefree smile instead.
“I’m sorry for disturbing you lot.” The young Roknee stood up and made a halting motion with his hand. He smiled apologetically, as though he was really feeling embarrassed.
“All of you are having a heated-up conversation, but does anyone remember the original topic, the Alliance of Freedom? And-And the fact that we are the most important people involved in that incident?”
The six counts were slightly startled.
“Yes.” With an animated expression, Ian stared at everyone in the hall. He flung his arms around and spoke in a very exaggerated manner, making sure that the shape of his mouth as he spoke could be clearly seen. It looked like he was teaching words to little children. “The—City—of—Faraway—Prayers?”
On the other side, the members of the City of Faraway Prayers’ diplomat group lowered their heads. They did not harbor anymore hope.
Thales shook his head.
‘It’s coming.’
He raised his head and met eyes with Saroma, flashing her a reassuring smile.
‘It will be alright.
‘Just like that time many years ago.’
“Listen up, clown.” The straightforward and tactless Count Cotterson did not buy into Ian’s self-assuming humor at all. “You want our reinforcements?
“Then be obedient, shut your mouth and listen properly!”
The vassals stared at Ian with cold gazes as he stood in the hall.
“Reinforcements?”
Ian arched an eyebrow. He seemed to be a little surprised.
But the next moment, he revealed a look of realization, like he finally knew what was going on. Shortly after, he laughed.
“Hahahahaha!” Ian shook his head. He waved his hand and laughed loudly, as though he had just heard the most unbelievable rumor ever. “No, no, no. I reckon that everyone including the archduchess may have misunderstood what I meant.”
The six counts revealed puzzled expressions while they remained seated below the archduchess. The dozen other vassals also furrowed their eyebrows in unison…
“Actually, from the beginning till the end, I said nothing about ‘dispatching troops’.” Ian shrugged innocently and winked discreetly at Thales, who was beside him.
“And, I didn’t represent the City of Faraway Prayers to come here asking for help.”
The moment he finished speaking, Thales could clearly see that almost all the nobles in the hall were slightly stunned.
This included the members of the City of Faraway Prayers’ diplomat group. The Raven of Death even spread his arms at old Bonni, who was beside him. He revealed a puzzled expression.
This was also the archduchess’ reaction.
“What are you saying?” Saroma asked in surprise.
“The City of Faraway Prayers can solve the matter of the war by ourselves.” Ian waved his hand nonchalantly. “What you said was very reasonable. If we can’t even handle those thrash from the Alliance of Freedom, wouldn’t it be a total disgrace to the Northlanders?”
Everyone was startled.
All the nobles in the hall stared at one another. They did not seem to understand the meaning of his words.
The six most important counts sank into deep thought.
“But all of you are roping in allies from all over the kingdom and isolating the king.” Count Nazaire seemed to be absorbed in thought. “Once you’re caught in a war that cannot be settled quickly, the appeal by the Archduke of the City of Faraway Prayers to resist the king in unison will become empty talk.”
“Oh, I’m really just here to invite the archduchess to put her signature on the letter of condemnation towards the king.” Ian continued smiling. He raised a finger and wagged it slightly in the air. “But believe me, we don’t need all of you to dispatch troops.”
Nazaire looked instinctively at Lisban, but he realized that his old friend and opponent only remained silent.
‘Something isn’t right.’
“Then…” The archduchess furrowed her brows a little, still remaining in her seat. “What is the City of Faraway Prayers here for?”
Ian inhaled deeply. The smile on his face slowly faded, and he became serious.
He turned and shot a glance at all the puzzled vassals.
“Twenty years ago, when my grandfather was gravely ill, his vassals were suspicious of one another, and his territory became unstable. When my father was riddled with anxiety…”
Ian sighed softly, then immediately spoke firmly in a robust tone, “In the face of the Alliance of Freedom’s rebellion, under the immense pressure from the people of White Mountain, and even Camus Union’s brazen interference, it was King Nuven who made a wise and strategic decision. It was he who sent Prince Soria to lead troops to the west and assist the City of Faraway Prayers in battle.”
With a mournful expression, Ian took a deep bow before the seated Saroma. “The Roknee Family will always remember this kindness.”
The bewilderment in the vassal’s minds were endless as they watched the viscount act differently from how he usually presented himself.
Saroma shot a glance at Thales.
Ian straightened his body. Like a passionate bard, his eyes shone. “And that war cemented the Walton Family’s glory. Whether it was the Alliance of Freedom’s soldiers, the mercenaries Camus Union dispatched in the dark, or the elite troops of the White Elves, when faced with Dragon Clouds City’s army—which is the strongest in the world—they collapsed during their first encounter and proved to be no match at all to Dragon Clouds City’s army.”
Thales felt a little awkward as he listened to this. ‘You sound as though you saw what happened twenty years ago with your own eyes, nineteen-year-old Viscount Ian Roknee.’
“My Lady, your father and grandfather, oh, and also all the families that conquered the west together”—Ian smiled a little at the vassals—”all of you showed Dragon Clouds City as well as the Dragon Spear Family’s prestige at the Golden Passage, leaving Camus Union in awe and forcing the White Elves into retreat. That influence has remained until now.
“That’s your grandfather’s achievement, your father’s battle merit, as well as your family’s glory and honor.”
Nicholas, the Star Killer smiled slightly, and below the stage, Monty the Raven of Death shrugged in tacit agreement.
Count Nazaire furrowed his eyebrows. ‘Why is he saying these things…
‘Could it be that…’
“But I can also see that the mighty Dragon Clouds City is in a predicament now.” His expression was the same as the distressed and grieving Count Nazaire. “The scene earlier has made me extremely worried. You want to follow your father and grandfather’s footsteps, and defend the glory of your family. But because of the conditions in Dragon Clouds City, you cannot do anything.
“The Walton Family is in a helpless state.”
The expressions of the five counts other than Lisban turned increasingly unpleasant, and their gazes became more and more bewildered.
“But it is all right!”
Ian clenched his fist and waved it with force.
The Viscount of the City of Faraway Prayers took a step forward without hesitation. “Please let me, the heir to the Roknee Family, the City of Faraway Prayers’ Ian Roknee offset this regret of yours.”
The archduchess stared at him, not knowing what was going on. She blinked. “What?”
Thales lowered his head. ‘Great, everything is going according to plan.
‘Hopefully there won’t be any incidents.
‘But…’
Thales subconsciously clenched his fists and forcibly suppressed the strange displeasure in his heart.
Ian’s gaze was determined, and his tone was firm, “Saroma, please do not worry. I will represent the City of Faraway Prayers and lead the army to walk the route that your father conquered before. I will fight the Alliance of Freedom, bearing with me the Dragon Spear Family’s flag and your family’s honor!”
Many people could not help but feel shocked that he suddenly changed his form of address towards the archduchess.
“In the name of the Walton Family and the Roknee Family, I will teach those thrash from the Alliance of Freedom a lesson and recreate our history. I will place the Cloud Dragon Spear Flag and the Knight Canon’s Flag on top of Fort Liberté’s city wall once again, so that all the bards we can find will recite the mighty victory that belongs to us, to Eckstedt!
“I’ll tell our enemies that you, Saroma Walton, King Nuven’s granddaughter and Prince Soria’s daughter, has already recollected all that belongs to the Dragon Spear Family!” Ian was acting like a passionate new recruit.
Facing his aggressive gaze, the archduchess seemed a little panic-stricken.
Count Nazaire realized something and said through gritted teeth, “Enough, Viscount—”
But the count was not able to cut Ian off.
“Please do not worry. The Walton Family’s glory will not suffer one bit just because Dragon Clouds City does not dispatch troops.” Ian took a deep breath. In his eyes was pride and excitement as if he had personally experienced the things written in historical poems. “Because soon, everyone shall know that this war is not only one between Eckstedt and the Alliance of Freedom.
“More than that, it is a war fought by the City of Faraway Prayer’s Ian Roknee for Dragon Clouds City’s Saroma Walton!”
There was a loud uproar in the hall!
Nicholas had no choice but to maintain order once again, silencing the dissatisfied as well as confused vassals even though he had a displeased expression himself.
“Wait.” The archduchess finally appeared to sense that something was wrong. She stuttered, “Y-Your Grace, are you—”
“And after my glorious victory, I will return after recreating your father and grandfather’s feat.” Ian paid no heed at all to Saroma, who had a shocked expression. He was lost in his own world. His tone was brimming with tender feelings.
“Of course, when that time comes, please kindly say yes to a request of mine. A request that makes me fully aware of how lowly and unworthy I am.”
“Re-Request?” Saroma’s face went pale.
For the first time, she met eyes with the six counts below her seat, who looked equally pale.
It seemed like they were only standing together as one at this point.
Ian extended his hands and gestured gently at the seated archduchess. “This is the City of Faraway Prayers’ way of saying thank you, and it is also a show of my sincerity, Saroma.
“I will use this mighty war to win the rights to approach you… At this moment, when your vassals are at odds with you, and there is an internal strife in your territory, I am the only person who can defend your family’s honor and safeguard your prestige as an archduchess.”
Saroma exchanged many looks with the counts, who were also caught off guard. Raising her head with difficulty, she awkwardly said, “Are you saying that…”
Next to Ian, Prince Thales’ expression was stiff.
His fists became increasingly tightly clenched.
Ian took a step forward once again and stared at Saroma from afar. There was a strange expression on his face.
“From now on, let me continue to protect you with my honor, my good maiden,” the young Roknee stated the reason he came, gently and indirectly. “Let the City of Faraway Prayers be your most powerful and strongest shield, and also your trump card.”
At this moment, the hall truly went dead silent.
The counts’ faces were pale like corpses.
With the most pining and gentle gaze, Ian’s tone was emotional and shaky, “Please let the Roknee Family and the Walton Family stand together for real to recreate our glory, beautiful and noble Archduchess Saroma Walton.” The young Ian placed his hand at the position of his heart and tried his best to suppress his voice.
He softly said, “Marry me.
“From now on, let us protect you and your family’s honor together.”
At this moment, the hall became deathly still.
All the people, from highly-ranked ones such as the archduchess and the six counts to the lower-ranked ones such as the other vassals and the guards, were stunned and speechless.
It was as though they just saw the most unbelievable scene in the world.
Apart from Thales.
With an icy expression, the Prince of Constellation fixed his gaze on Ian’s leg. His fists were still clenched.
He had practically ripped his palms open.
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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