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 501 - Everything Will Be Better
Chapter 501: Everything Will Be Better
Translator:
EndlessFantasy Translation
Editor:
EndlessFantasy Translation
Arc 6: Curse of the Royal Tribulation
“I cannot believe this.” Gilbert’s voice rang as the carriage moved forward. His voice rose and fell slightly.
Thales sat across from him while he leaned against the carriage. He stared at his teacher. They had been separated for six years. He had mixed feelings about their current reunion as well.
“I still remember how you were still a child when we parted six years ago, young Sir.”
Besides his slightly excited breathing, Gilbert’s posture and way of conduct was still appropriate for his status, and he was as elegant as ever. He looked like he was the epitome of how a noble should be.
Thales shrugged and smiled. “Maybe I was not just a child.”
“Of course.” Gilbert gave a knowing smile. “You are, naturally, not just a child. But look at you now.” Gilbert stared at him closely. He felt relieved and emotional as he sized Thales up, unable to control himself.
“You have grown up.” His voice rose and fell. “You are fourteen years old now. Based on the standards of the Empire, you are now a true adult. You can carry a sword to battle and marry a woman to form a family…”
‘Going to war, marrying a woman, and forming my own family at fourteen years old?’
Thales scratched his head.
“Er… about that, as times change and society evolves, I believe that we have room to discuss such matters…”
When he saw Thales react that way, Gilbert laughed heartily.
The wheels rolled, and the two of them fell silent for a moment. Then, Gilbert sighed.
“So, it has been six years, Your Highness. Are you well? How was the north?”
‘Am I well? How was the north?’
Thales had imagined many different scenarios that would happen when he reunited with his old friends.
He had also imagined how he would exaggerate things and grumble emotionally about how terrible Northland’s food was, how cold Heroic Spirits Palace was, and talk about the silly Little Rascal, the annoying female official, Ginghes, the foolish Star Killer, the cunning Lisban, the accursed Lampard, the gluttonous Aida, and the boring fights his two attendants waged against each other through their eyes…
He had even imagined pouring out all his suffering, displeasure, and complaints in one go. The Eckstedtians’ strange gazes, the eccentricities of his teachers in Northland, a certain someone exacting revenge for a personal matter by abusing his power during outdoor lessons, the constant monitoring, and the unreasonable searches…
However, when the reunion actually happened and when it was time for him to speak…
“Well…” Thales stopped reminiscing, and he smiled brilliantly. “You know, it was the north.” The prince shrugged in a relaxed manner. His smile was warm and faint. “It was… just like how the north would be.”
Gilbert did not reply immediately. Instead, he stared at him for a long period of time, and he focused on the bright smile on the boy’s face, as though he had understood something.
A few seconds later, Gilbert replied gently, “Yes, Your Highness. I have negotiated with the Northlanders—the Northland barbarians—before, I know what you mean. I know.”
Gilbert’s gaze was calm and gentle, but for some unknown reason, Thales felt as if there was a huge weight on his shoulders, and he felt like he could not withstand that weight.
The carriage became quiet again. For a period of time, they could only hear the horses galloping outside the carriage.
Thales took another deep breath.
“What about you, Gilbert? How is Eternal Star City and Constellation? How have all of you been over the past six years?”
When Gilbert heard his questions, he froze for a moment before he slowly held his staff.
“Oh, I am old now, and I am no longer as good as I was when it comes to riding. I now sit in carriages more and more frequently, and there is also a need for the words written by the transcriber and secretary to become bigger day by day.”
Thales listened quietly while he stared at Gilbert, who had gotten older by six years.
Six years ago, they also sat in a carriage that was headed for Renaissance Palace.
On this day, six years later…
Gilbert turned his head around and smiled faintly.
“Besides those things, I am still the same. I work, live, breathe, and wait…” He paused for a second and peered into Thales’ eyes. “I wait for your return.”
Thales froze.
For a time being, he had nothing to say about that, and he was at a loss for words.
Gilbert’s expression darkened.
“I cannot imagine just how much suffering you had to endure in Eckstedt.” He stared at his staff, and he spoke rudely, which was something rarely heard of him. “Those thrice damned Northland barbarians, that trip should have only lasted for a few weeks before your eventual safe return and you came back to our watch. I still remember telling you that everything would be all right, but…”
Thales could not bear to watch.
“Gilbert…”
Gilbert leaned against his staff, lowered his head, and sighed. “We have been negligent in our duties and dragged out into this mess…”
Thales shook his head at him, but the Foreign Affairs Minister continued to speak, his voice sounding regretful. “From King Nuven to the calamities, and then to Black Sand Region. It was already frightening enough reading about it from your letter, but you went through all of that…”
Thales had to raise his voice to interrupt him. “Gilbert!”
Gilbert trembled faintly before he stopped speaking.
The prince smiled. “Hey, I made it through all of that.”
Gilbert watched him quietly before he smiled a few seconds later.
“Yes.” The Cunning Fox of Constellation revealed a tired look that was rarely seen when he served as the prince’s teacher. “You made it through all of that. You made it through all of that in the north.”
He nodded slowly, but it was clear that his mind was occupied.
Thales suddenly noticed that Gilbert’s energy and attention was no longer as good as before.
When he sensed the fluctuations in Gilbert’s emotions, Thales had to change the subject while there were complicated feelings in him.
“What about the people left behind in Dragon Clouds City? Putray, Ralf, and that someone… um, that… oh, Aida! And… Wya?”
When he heard the last name, Gilbert appeared to suddenly snap awake.
“Oh, them. Please do not be worried about them. They may still need to remain in Dragon Clouds City for a period of time, but since you, who are the most important, have returned safely, there is no longer any reason for Dragon Clouds City or Black Sand Region to detain your attendants.”
Thales released a sigh of relief and nodded.
A few seconds later, the boy suddenly spoke, “Gilbert, make sure that they and your son come back safely.” The prince raised his head and said seriously, “Without them, I would not have been able to last until now.”
Gilbert was momentarily stunned.
Thales exhaled. “If there is a need for it, I can write a letter and have someone hand it straight to Archduchess Walton. We are rather close…”
Gilbert watched him quietly before he smiled. The wrinkles on his face could be seen clearly.
“Your Highness…” The Foreign Affairs Minister looked at him with a grin. “They will be fine as long as you are fine. And my son definitely knows about this.”
Thales raised his head. He smiled as well and nodded.
Gilbert seemingly noticed something. He took a few deep breaths and collected himself so that he could return to the professional and solemn Foreign Affairs Minister, the Cunning Fox, Count Gilbert Caso.
“I have plenty of things I want to tell you, Your Highness, but…” A polite smile returned to Gilbert’s face. “Since you have already returned, there are far too many things that we must arrange right now. The prince’s banquet to welcome his return to the country, as well as a complete education and advisory group for you. Of course, we will do so in consideration of the prince’s needs, his status as a duke… Oh, it has to fit the dignity of the Duke of Star Lake…”
When he heard the last sentence, Thales’ expression darkened.
“In truth, I want to ask about this matter.” Thales’ face became very stern. Even Gilbert instinctively hid his smile.
“The Duke of Star Lake,” the prince enunciated each syllable clearly and looked at his teacher in puzzlement.
“Gilbert, what is the meaning of this?”
Gilbert paused for a moment, as though he was pondering over something. A few seconds later, he smiled faintly. “Please do not worry, Your Highness. It is a good thing.”
Gilbert sighed with a well of emotions in him. He looked at the retreating plains outside the carriage window. “The Duke of Star Lake has been an honorary title that belongs solely to the Jadestar Family in the history of Constellation, and it is only given to royal family members. Even though it is not as powerful and influential as the six Great Guardian Dukes, and the actual power as well as estate the duke has are also insignificant, what the title symbolizes is definitely extraordinary.” Gilbert turned his head around and looked at Thales sternly.
Thales raised his eyebrows. At that moment, a familiar feeling returned to him. He felt as if he was no longer sitting in the carriage and heading back on the Avenue of Blessings. Instead, he had returned to the study in Mindis Hall.
Gilbert’s steady voice, which was characteristic of him, rose slowly.
“Five hundred years ago, Line Breaker Sumer the Second appointed his eldest son, Alan, as the Duke of Star Lake so that he could begin managing the land and be involved in government affairs. He gave his son a legal way to help him in managing the country’s matters.
“Then, when Sumer the Second passed away, Prince Alan inherited the crown as a duke, and he was the Ascension King, Sumer the First.”
‘Line Breaker.’
Thales listened to his words and searched through his memories about how Little Rascal looked at the world—Ahem, he searched through his memories about how the Northlanders regarded Constellation’s history, which he had learned during his six years in Northland.
If he remembered correctly, Sumer the Second was the one who profited from the devastating Dual Star Confrontation as the unexpected third party and claimed the crown. To prevent blood relatives from fighting for the throne in the country and fratricide from occuring again, he announced the inheritance law that made sure the eldest son would inherit the throne or title of duke, while all the other younger children would change their surnames. They would also be given a territory to rule.
“‘As expected, we’re more modernized. If we choose a king, it’s only natural that we choose the most powerful. Just fight, and everything will be solved.”‘ This came from the Star Killer, who had been free and just stood by the side to listen.
Under that law, many individuals from branch families belonging to families with great surnames were forced to leave their homes and change their surnames. It also helped many families chase away numerous cousins who stayed under the complicated tree of their family genealogy and eyed the dukedoms with covetous eyes. Many of the vassals who were not the eldest children of their families hated Sumer the Second for that, and because of it, Sumer the Second gained the nickname—Line Breaker.
As for the Ascension King… Thales found the name familiar for some strange reason. He felt like he had heard of it not too long ago.
Gilbert continued to speak in a measured tone, “From then on, half of the Jadestars who were the Dukes of Star Lakes were either officially or unofficially announced crown princes. When the late king passes away, they will wear the Nine-Pointed Star royal crown, and they will inherit the supreme throne of Constellation.”
‘So, the Duke of Star Lake can be considered a title crown princes have before they inherit the crown—Hang on…’
While Thales was stilling thinking about who the Ascension King was, he frowned.
“You just mentioned that half of them became kings.”
Gilbert continued smiling as if he had predicted that Thales would ask this. “The other half are the most trusted family members of the king, like your grandfather’s brother, the Starlight God of War, John Jadestar, or are the most trusted assistants of the king, like the ancestor of Ice River City’s Talon Family. They are in control of great power and provide assistance to the king in governmental affairs.”
‘John Jadestar, Starlight God of War.’
Thales’ heart sank.
He remembered many things, such as the amusing tales the veteran Gerald told him when he was in Starlight Brigade back in Northland, Samel’s appraisal of the Duke of Star Lake while they were in the Prison of Bones, and the Duke of Western Desert telling him about John’s backstory while they were in Ghost Prince Tower.
The more Gilbert spoke, the more excited he became.
“Hence, Your Highness, to Constellation, the Duke of Star Lake is a title that is given to the king’s heir as an honorary title before the crown prince inherits the throne, or it is given to the closest family member of the king to show his grace and trust of the person. From there, the duke can provide aid to the king as his blood relative and strengthen the Jadestar Family’s rule.”
‘Closest family member. Grace and trust.’
Thales coughed lightly and narrowed his eyes before he said, “But I remember that during my grandfather’s rule, even though the Duke of Star Lake was his brother, John, the crown prince he chose was—”
To his surprise, Gilbert very quickly interrupted him. His voice was firm and resolute.
“This proves one thing. Your grandfather was willing to use his life to believe in his brother, John, just like how he believed in his heir. In fact, he believed that John would continue to assist the future king loyally as the Duke of Star Lake after he himself passed away.”
‘Used his life to believe in his brother, John, just like how he believed in his heir.’
For some reason, Samel’s indignant words in the prison echoed in Thales’ head.
“‘Was it a patricide, or a fratricide?”‘
Gilbert took a deep breath, and he continued to stare at Thales seriously, as though he would allow no disagreement.
“And John never disappointed your grandfather. As the greatest contributor of the Bloody Year, the former Duke of Star Lake and his Starlight Brigade marched south to fight against the rebels, then they marched north to fight against Eckstedt. In the end, he turned the tides through his great efforts and saved all of Constellation.”
‘John Jadestar, the greatest contributor of the Bloody Year. Marched south to fight against the rebels, then marched north to fight against Eckstedt. Turned the tides through his great efforts and saved all of Constellation…’
Thales mulled over those phrases and tried hard to suppress the strange chill that rose from the bottom of his heart.
“Yes.” The prince’s expression was dark, and his tone was calm. “Then, he died.”
Gilbert was stunned for a moment.
However, the Foreign Affairs Minister was obviously experienced. He frowned and very quickly took over Thales’ words.
“…And he made the title gain an even nobler status than before. During the eighteen years Starlake Fortress was empty, when the people talked about the Duke of Star Lake who spilled his blood on the battlefield, they only recalled his loyalty, the tragedy that befell him, and his glorious past.”
When he listened to how flawless Gilbert made the entire thing out to be, Thales did not reply. Instead, he stared at Gilbert for a long time.
During that moment, Thales suddenly remembered what the Disaster Sword Marina said.
“‘Please investigate this matter and find out the truth.
“‘Find the truth behind Duke John’s assassination in Zodra during the Bloody Year.”
‘The truth.’
The Foreign Affairs Minister frowned slightly under the prince’s gaze.
He suddenly had a feeling that the student he was once very familiar with had become a little unfamiliar.
A few seconds later, Thales turned his gaze away. “That is right.”
Gilbert sighed in his heart. He forgot the strange feeling in him. “Hence, receiving this title is a manifestation of His Majesty’s trust and his high opinion of you. This means that you are no longer a prince who lives under your father’s shadow, who only has a noble rank but has no real power. You are now His Majesty’s arm, the Duke of Star Lake. You have a territory, power, and status. Your position is equal to the other suzerains, and you can stand up to them.”
When he said that, Gilbert looked at Thales in excitement. “With this status, you can even go into the Imperial Conference and attend the meetings about national affairs. You can share His Majesty’s burdens, and your presence will not be unexpected.
“And when you communicate with other countries, Constellation’s Duke of Star Lake will be a powerful title. It was a far mightier name than that of King Kessel’s son.”
Thales still did not speak. He only appeared contemplative.
Perhaps it was because he wanted to state the details, but also because he was worried about something. However, Gilbert only paused for a fraction of a second before he continued, The smile on his face had yet to disappear.
“And of course, it is an announcement to the vassals whose ambitions remain: your status in His Majesty’s heart is still incredibly important even though you have left the country for six years. Your legitimacy to the crown cannot be shaken.”
‘Status in His Majesty’s heart.’
Thales appeared dazed, but he rejected the idea in his heart.
‘Come on, there’s still room for discussion regarding the matter.’
Even though he was not in the mood, Thales still cooperated and wore a surprised face. “Wow.”
Gilbert seemed to have been tricked by his look. The Foreign Affairs Minister had a relieved expression on his face.
“Yes, I know, Your Grace.” He held his staff tightly, and he unknowingly changed the term of address for Thales. “I have been waiting for this day for too long.”
It seemed that Thales had remembered something, and he appeared to be in a slight daze.
“So, earlier, Count Kroma immediately left.” The prince narrowed his eyes and looked at Gilbert. “He knows that no matter how close and familiar he appears to be with the prince to the people, and no matter how much he tries to become closer to me and form a rapport with me, he still cannot win against this title that has been empty for eighteen years, and has an extraordinary status in the kingdom?”
Gilbert paused for a moment.
“Perhaps, perhaps not, but that is a matter for them to worry about.” The Foreign Affairs Minister sighed. “Right now, the most important thing is that you are about to return to Renaissance Palace and your home soon.”
‘Home.’
Thales was stunned for a moment.
The carriage continued moving forward. The plains outside the window were broad, and the scenery was very magnificent. It showed the great beauty of Western Desert.
Yet, Thales knew that this was the first unfamiliar sight he was seeing.
“Home, is it?” Thales mumbled.
When he saw the prince react in that way, the strange feeling in Gilbert’s heart increased, but he quickly skipped the subject, because he was used to observing words and expressions. He shifted his attention to Thales’ weapon.
“Your Grace, this is…” Gilbert stared at the sword lying beside Thales’ hand, and his expression changed slightly.
Thales snapped back to attention and sighed in a troubled manner as well.
“Does it not look familiar? This is the Fakenhaz Family’s treasured sword, Sentinel.” Thales patted the hilt of the longsword. “I have to say, it is a good sword.”
Gilbert focused his gaze.
The Foreign Affairs Minister’s expression turned a little solemn.
“The national sword of the Ancient Empire is not just valuable, it also has a long history. It bears a significant meaning. The Duke of Western Desert is too… generous, do you not think so?” Thales stroked the sword hilt and raised his eyebrows.
The expression of Constellations’ Cunning Fox became very stern. “When you consider his reputation, yes.”
Thales pursed his lips and nodded. “Then should I put it away so that no one will see it?”
Gilbert shook his head and said, “No, there are too many ways for others to come to know about this. For example, if Duke Fakenhaz attends the banquet without the sword, the other nobles will ask him, and…”
Thales shrugged. “Then should I return it?”
Gilbert paused for a moment. “I am afraid so.”
The Foreign Affairs Minister had a contemplative expression. “I can write a letter for you saying that you respect the history of the sword. It will be tactful, suitable, and respectful. Our swiftest horses can send the sword back in just a few days’ time.”
However, this time, to his surprise, the teenager prince before his eyes only smiled faintly before he put Sentinel back into its sheath.
“No, I am lacking a sword I can use smoothly.”
Thales smiled and looked at Gilbert. His next words stunned the latter. “I will keep it.”
Gilbert stared at Thales in a daze. The unfamiliar feeling in his heart reached its peak. “Your High—Your Grace, forgive me for being straightforward, but considering our relationship with the suzerains of Western Desert, the meaning behind returning the sword surpasses the sword’s value. If the people see you receive the sword—”
However, Thales interrupted him.
“Gilbert.” The prince placed the longsword by his side again. His tone was calm, and he seemed to be stressing certain words. “Are you worried about the world watching me receive Fakenhaz’s gift, or are you worried about my father seeing it?” Thales’ gaze changed.
At that moment, Gilbert was truly shocked.
“Your Grace, I suggest that you do not think too much about this…” It appeared that the Foreign Affairs Minister wanted to say something, but he did not in the end.
“Gilbert, I saw all three of them.” Thales stared at the scenery outside the window, and his mind slowly wandered. “Be it Fakenhaz, Kroma, or Bozdorf. These local nobles from Western Desert, their attitude toward me, and how they fell over each other to tell me something has allowed me to sense this: your caution when you talked to me about the Duke of Star Lake and how worried you were about me forming ties with the nobles of Western Desert shows that this seemingly useless title of duke is not really that easy of a task, is it?” The prince closed his eyes and sighed before he opened them tiredly.
Gilbert instinctively wanted to refute his words, but the moment he met Thales’ gaze, he stopped speaking.
Thales leaned back against the carriage wall and sighed slowly.
Gilbert watched him quietly.
A few seconds later, the Foreign Affairs Minister sighed, and he wore an exhausted but simple smile. “My young Sir, perhaps you do not know this clearly, but do you know why we are here?”
Thales was slightly taken aback.
Gilbert exhaled and pointed outside the window to the distance.
“Because six years ago, your performance during the National Conference prevented this ancient kingdom from sinking into division and degeneration.
“It is why we have the chance to meet again six years later on this day.”
Thales frowned.
‘National Conference.’
The memories of the past inevitably returned to his mind.
“Very soon after the conference, with your magnanimous heart and resolute courage, you went north to Eckstedt. You sacrificed yourself to extinguish the flames of war and protected the country.”
‘Went north to Eckstedt…’
Thales pursed his lips.
“But that was not all you did.” Gilbert’s voice gained an airy quality, but the words he said became graver, “Over the past six years, as the Born King passed away, Dragon Clouds City has become weaker, and Eckstedt is currently engulfed in an even more chaotic internal strife.
“Based on what I know, Beacon Illumination City has just increased the tariff on provisions for Black Sand Region and Reformation Tower, causing the price for food in the latter to be incredibly high. The suzerains for the three regions are full of complaints toward each other, and they are practically mortal enemies at this point.
“The City of Faraway Prayers and Defense City are immersed in conflict in Golden Passage. They are fighting a hidden battle against Camus Union, who harbor malicious intents, behind the Alliance of Freedom’s back. The fight has been drawn out for a long time, and it is difficult for them to get themselves out of the mess.
“As Dragon Clouds City’s traditional eastern allies during King Nuven’s reign, Glacier Sea and Elaphure City’s relationship with Dragon Clouds City has been going south. They have changed sides multiple times during national affairs, and they are engaged in internal strife.”
‘Dragon Clouds City…’
When he heard that name, Thales could not help but clench his fists.
“Most importantly, the three archdukes in the south, be it the Archduke of Prestige Orchid, the Archduke of Reformation Tower, or Chapman the First, who makes us wary of him the most, have lost their common enemy. Even though they have always cast covetous glances at our territory, since Black Sand Region has been proclaimed king, the balance between the three has been broken. Their attention has turned to the lands within Eckstedt, and they are now on guard against each other.
“The three suzerains of the three regions are wary of each other. Because of that, they have had to greatly reduce their army at the borders of Constellation so that they can be prepared for the threat from each other.”
Gilbert looked at him gently. The smile on his face was the same as it was when Thales was in Mindis Hall.
“Hence, during the past six years, the pressure on the northern part of the country has been drastically reduced. The Northern Pine Forest has returned to our patrol area, and even the fiercest Eckstedt hunters do not dare head south to hunt. The citizens of Overwatch City and Lonely Old Tower have welcomed a rare peace and prosperity.
“And the defense line at the borders of Black Sand Region are unprecedentedly empty. It is said that the Fortress Flower brought her patrols and went over the border to set up camp in Black Sand Region. They stayed there for three days and nights, but the scattered Eckstedtians did not dare approach them. They only dared to watch from a distance, because their suzerains and their king hated each other, and they had no time to pay attention to the south.
“The danger to Broken Dragon Fortress has been resolved. The effect it brought was instantaneous. The cultivation of land, harvests, the caring of livestock, business, and other professions in the Northern Territory has slowly recovered. For example, when we organized your rescue from Western Desert, quite a lot of soldiers were mobilized from the regions around Broken Dragon Fortress. They are all enlisted soldiers.”
Gilbert paused for a moment. There was a deep wave of sentimentality in his voice.
“I still remember that six years ago, the regular soldiers serving under Baron Murkh were stationed in the Central Territory. They kept their army ready for battle and were anxious making preparations for the north because they were wary of any changes occurring to the fortress. They were not to leave their positions as they liked within a short moment’s notice.
“But on this day six years later, the army of the Kingdom’s Wrath rode to all places in the land according to His Majesty’s orders. They spread the influence of the royal power to Eastern Sea, South Coast, Blade Edge, and Western Desert. Wherever they went in the four regions, the people would submit to them. Wherever they pointed their swords, the vassals would bow their heads and obey. We once lost control over the territories in the country, but now, they are placed before His Majesty’s long meeting table, and all are under his control.
“Since the decline of the Great Dragon was a rare chance, we could let loose and carry out our goals, be it unifying the nobles in the country, restating royal power, fighting against Camus, hammering down on Dragon-Kissed Land, warning Alumbia, intimidating the Three Kingdoms of the Mystery Sea by deploying troops to the borders, and seizing back supremacy in Western Peninsula… The things we did not dare to do in the past have been placed in our schedules one by one.”
When he listened to the news of the current political situation in the country, Thales frowned deeply.
‘So many things have happened in Constellation over the past few years?’
“Your Highness, the heavy blow dealt by the Bloody Year caused the kingdom to be in decay for years. We were dispirited, and could not pick ourselves back on our feet.” Gilbert sounded like he was in great grief. “It has been nearly twenty years. That time is enough to mark the time for one generation. We, who have the blood of the Empire flowing in our veins and once dominated over Western Peninsula had to be meek and subservient. We had to conceal our talents, and we lived while trembling in fear as if we were walking on thin ice.”
The Foreign Affairs Minister’s gray hair reflected the setting sun outside the window. His voice rose and fell, making it clear that it was difficult for him to compose himself.
Gilbert sucked in a deep breath. His expression changed as his tone became spirited. He now looked as if he was radiating life.
“However, almost twenty years have passed. Look at us now, the Great Dragon has folded its wings. Our great enemy has been beheaded. The galaxy shines, and Constellation has regained its luster.”
Gilbert’s gaze seemed to contain light. It made Thales feel like he could not breathe.
“We can finally regain our breaths and free ourselves to restore our vitality and manage our country. The days until the kingdom returns to standing at the top of the world are no longer far away.”
The Foreign Affairs Minister held Thales’ shoulder gently.
“And all of this, from saving Constellation, unifying the kingdom, extinguishing the flames of war, and recasting the might of Renaissance Palace are related to you, my young Sir…” Gilbert inhaled deeply and looked at him with complicated emotions. His eyes shone with unshed tears. “My Duke Thales.”
Thales only stared at him in a daze. He could not say anything for a long period of time.
Gilbert blinked away his tears and also composed himself.
“That is right. It is indeed not easy to be this ‘useless’ duke.”
The middle-aged noble put on an anguished but gratified smile.
“But it is precisely because of all your efforts and struggles in the past that you have become the most suitable person to inherit this title from among the millions of lives in this great kingdom,” Gilbert said softly.
At that moment…
“Your Grace.”
A familiar sound traveled into their ears from outside the carriage.
Thales snapped back to attention.
He recognized that it was one of the Royal Guards. He was the blond knight who previously remained behind Mallos. He was Derek’s distant relative, as well as the one who mocked the Kroma Family and said that they harbored ill-intentions when they escorted Thales—Doyle.
“We have reached Rorun Fortress. It is the place where we will rest today. We will set out tomorrow.”
Thales was still immersed in strange emotions and before he could react, Gilbert had already composed himself. He stood up with a smile.
“Thank you, Doyle. I will go over now.” Gilbert pushed open the carriage door and walked out. His voice continued to travel into Thales’ ears from outside the carriage. He sounded polite, and the signs of him losing his composure earlier were nowhere to be found. “And we are very thankful for the Royal Guards’ service.”
Doyle’s laughter also rose. Clearly, he was very familiar with the Foreign Affairs Minister.
“We have our mission, Your Grace. Also, since we are assigned as the Duke of Star Lake’s personal guards, perhaps you can call us the duke’s personal guards, or Star Lake Guards.” Doyle’s voice was very cheery, as though he never experienced worries.
Thales was stunned again.
‘Star Lake Guards.’
The Royal Guards as well as Gilbert’s chatter and laughter could still be heard outside the carriage.
However, Thales only sat in the carriage quietly. He did not say a word or move.
No one knew how much time had passed, but when Doyle urged him out of the carriage again, the teenage prince sighed and leaned back against the carriage. He said in a barely audible tone, “Are you there?”
A few seconds, a very faint and hoarse voice rose out of the blue from the air. “Yes.”
Thales shook his head in a daze before he snorted. “Did you hear what I’ve done from what Gilbert said just earlier?”
“‘From saving Constellation, unifying the kingdom, extinguishing the flames of war, and recasting the might of Renaissance Palace…
“‘It is precisely because of all your efforts and struggles in the past that you have become the most suitable person to inherit this title from among the millions of lives in this great kingdom.”‘
Thales was absentminded.
“Yes.” The answer in the air was still short and crisp. The speaker still treated his words like gold, just as usual.
Thales gave a casual response to Doyle as the man urged him to get out of the carriage again, but then he looked up with a dull expression and stared at the top of the carriage. His gaze was unfocused.
“Yodel, have you ever had a moment in your life where you felt that everything in your life does not feel real, and you cannot get used to it?”
A few seconds later, the Masked Protector’s voice traveled into his ears faintly. “Yes.”
The ghost of a smile appeared at Thales’ lips.
“Very good. Then it means I am not insane.” His voice was dejected.
“Thales…” His name rose in the air, followed by some hesitant but comforting words. “Everything will become better.”
When Thales heard that, he smiled again.
‘Everything will become better.’
“Yes,” Thales said dazedly in the carriage, “Every single time when things go south, I tell myself that as well.”
Yodel no longer spoke.
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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