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 505 - Protection
Chapter 505: Protection
Translator:
EndlessFantasy Translation
Editor:
EndlessFantasy Translation
He was dreaming.
This time, he knew this clearly.
He felt that there was a hollow below the emptiness of his feet.
It was a hollow that grew bigger and bigger until he fell into it.
He could not climb out.
He subconsciously raised his legs to get out of the horrifying hollow but was greeted by someone’s calling.
“Your Highness.”
Thales woke up all of a sudden.
It was only then that he realized that he was lying on a seat, and his right foot was planted firmly on the bottom of a carriage.
There was no hollow below his feet.
And he was not falling into one.
He only heard the rumble of galloping horses, the slowly rolling wheels, soft chatter from people, and…
“I am sorry to have interrupted your sleep.”
In the rocking carriage, Gilbert’s gentle voice soothed his panic slowly.
“Did you have a good rest last night?”
Thales sat up straight, took a deep breath, and rubbed his face.
“No, I just…”
‘…I have not slept well in a long time,’ Thales thought as he buried his face in his palms.
A second later, the prince looked up from his hands with a friendly smile.
“I just took a nap.”
Gilbert watched him seriously for a long time before a smile bloomed on his face.
“Your Highness. Eternal Star City is just around the corner.”
Eternal Star City.
The words seemed to contain some sort of extraordinary magic. In an instant, it swept away Thales’ exhaustion and fatigue.
“What?”
Thales turned his head in surprise.
“So fast?”
The teenager dragged his slightly numb body to move to the side of the carriage laboriously before he opened the window.
“It has only been days since we entered Central Territory…”
Thales suddenly stopped talking.
As the horse carriage moved up the slope, he saw it past the numerous shadows of the cavaliers outside the window.
Under the bright sun were a vast plain, a smooth road, and orderly houses that formed a village.
It was as if it was a colorful ribbon between the blue sky and black soil.
An increasing number of people could be seen coming toward them on the sides of the road.
There were busy caravan merchants, farmers hurrying on their way, government officials charging down the path, and horse carriages of all ranges moving up and down the road either quickly or slowly, but always in an orderly fashion. They went to the side and made way at the unyielding commands from the regular troops. They stayed outside the temporary police cordon set up by the soldiers as they sized up the grand scale of the procession of horse carriages with curious gazes.
“It is probably some high officials or noblemen…”
“Oh, there are even so many bodyguards who are clearing the path. It could be some grand count from a foreign land.”
“Do you think the horse carriages are filled with men or items? I guess it is some expensive bedpan…”
The distant chatter traveled to the teenager’s ears faintly.
However, all this could not compare to the focus of Thales’ attention.
He stared at a city.
In the distance, the lime brick walls stood tall and looked imposing, like a towering tree; the prominent sentry towers were of uneven heights and formed an unusual view; the blue star flags fluttered in the wind like billowing waves.
It was not as grand and majestic as Dragon Clouds City, as strong and sturdy as Broken Dragon Fortress, and as chaotic and free as Blade Fangs Camp.
However, for some unknown reason, a city as predictable, orderly and ordinary as this attracted his attention so much at this moment.
Eternal Star City.
Thales was so fascinated by it that he was dazed.
“You do not have to be nervous.”
Gilbert seemed to sense the teenager’s complicated emotions. He said calmly, “You are home. That is all.”
Thales still could not take his eyes off the city in the distance. He was heard saying in a daze, “I know.”
‘I know.’
Gilbert did not say anything. He only watched how the prince lose his composure while Gilbert smiled.
“If you wish, Your Highness…”
Gilbert revealed an encouraging look.
“Go and see it for yourself.”
‘…See it for myself…’
His unfamiliar yet familiar… hometown.
Thales registered the situation slowly, and resolution gradually appeared in his eyes.
Gilbert said with a smile, “I think it is time for Eternal Star City and the whole kingdom to see the heir they have not seen for six years.”
‘…The heir they have not seen for six years.’
Thales’ gaze moved past the soldiers, pedestrians, the plains, and, in the end, he even looked past the walls in the distance and the sky in the horizon.
“Of course, Gilbert.”
Thales turned his head around. His expression was complex and hard to understand.
“Of course.”
Under the prince’ rarely seen gaze, the Foreign Affairs Minister fell silent for a few seconds.
Afterwards, Gilbert pushed the window open gently, knocked on the carriage, and craned his head out slightly.
“Lord Mallos, could you please slow down and raise the Nine-Pointed Star Flag? Perhaps it is time for His Highness to reveal himself before the public.”
Count Caso’s shouts caused the horses and carriages to change their speed and trajectory simultaneously. The Royal Guards of Constellation who surrounded the prince’s carriage started moving into formation at top speed and revealed the watchman, Mallos, who urged the horse to go closer to the carriage.
“And let His Highness take a look at his Eternal Star City…”
Gilbert was still talking when Mallos butted in.
“I am sorry. It is not possible.”
Mallos’ voice traveled from afar, just like the sounds of horses galloping. His tone was gentle and polite, but he rejected the request without mincing words.
There was no room for negotiation at all.
Gilbert was stunned, since he did not think that his proposal would be rejected.
Thales also frowned.
Fortunately, the Foreign Affairs Minister only paused for a few seconds before he continued to look outside the carriage to make further attempts in persuading the watchman.
“All right then, Lord Mallos. I understand your work, but we will not have to stop or take a detour, when we enter the main road, His Highness only needs to…”
However, what greeted him was still Mallos’ polite reply, “I cannot allow that.”
Thales was dumbfounded.
Gilbert also grew a little stiff. “Your Grace?”
Mallos’ face appeared outside the window. His eyes met Thales’ while he remained inside the carriage.
“I believe you know better than I do that the return of the prince will stir up a commotion. The noblemen of Western Desert are lessons we can learn from… I can already imagine the crowd and chaos we will face if the duke reveals himself in public. They will range from civilians who are there to be entertained to noblemen who will use all means to get some insider’s news… It is too troublesome to us. As a safety measure, I do not think that His Grace should reveal himself. Instead, he should stay in the carriage until we enter Renaissance Palace.”
The watchman continued to smile as he watched the curious civilians on both sides of the main road and rejected him politely. “We do not have to cause a great fanfare to attract more attention.”
‘As a safety measure.’
When he heard the man’s polite but resolute rejection, Thales frowned a little.
“Lord Mallos, if it is for the sake of safety, we have already returned to the capital, and we have you and even the regular soldiers behind us, so I believe that you will definitely be confident in ensuring His Highness’s…” Gilbert said softly, but he was interrupted by Mallos.
“No, please do not overestimate us, Your Grace. Not only do we not have the Kingdom’s Wrath, we are also not the Fortress Flower.” Mallos still maintained his smile, but it was not quite pleasant to Thales’ eyes.
“If we really have to face the people who come charging at us like a flood, we might only have… half the chance to protect the prince.”
Gilbert was speechless for a moment.
The Royal Guards of Constellation looked at each other at a loss.
Mallos was his usual smiling self.
The prince felt a little down.
Gilbert sensed the tension in the atmosphere.
“While I admire the Royal Guards’s cautiousness and scrupulous nature, but apart from this, are we not supposed to consider things in an even broader perspective?”
Count Caso sat up straight, supported himself by his cane, and showed an attitude that was appropriate for a formal negotiation.
“Regardless of whether Thales appears as the prince or the Duke of Star Lake, on the first day of his return, he should make himself known to the public for a few seconds at the very least. He should let everyone see his return to the capital city and spread the news.”
The Cunning Fox of Constellation narrowed his eyes.
“This is for the sake of the royal family and for His Majesty’s government and interest. What do you say, Lord Mallos?”
As he listened to the man’s fair and noble reason, Mallos who was on the saddle lowered his head and kept quiet for a while.
Just when Thales thought he was about to give in…
“Hahaha… Perhaps I have not made myself clear. Perhaps you are only joking.”
Mallos looked up with a smile that was even more sincere, though his gaze was calm and indifferent.
“However, it is my mission to escort the prince safely back to Renaissance Palace, Count Caso.” The muscle on the corners of Mallos’ lips curled up to make him smile, but there was no joviality in his eyes.
“Other matters are not my responsibility.”
The reply was like a nail that was struck into him with a force that was neither strong nor soft. It caused Gilbert to frown.
As he sensed the lack of cooperation on Mallos’ side, Thales took a glance at the narrow and small carriage he had stayed in for a relatively long while, sensed the numbness of his bottom caused by the bumpy ride, and looked at the vast scenery and the famous city that was his hometown outside the window, he fell into silence, and he felt a little gloomy.
“We have talked about this matter, Your Grace.”
Gilbert’s tone grew stiff, “You and I have a mission of our own, and we strive hard as not to make the other person look bad. Before this, we have always worked well together, have we not?”
As he stared at Gilbert’s eyes, Mallos smiled as well.
He was only quiet for a few seconds.
“I am sorry that my mission clashes with yours.” Mallos’ expression remained gentle and polite. “But all I can do is merely say, ‘I am sorry’, Count Caso.”
He nodded politely toward the end.
Gilbert’s expression was a little unpleasant.
Although all sentences started with a polite and humble apology…
Thales listened to the man’s repetitive rejections, glanced at Gilbert who looked slightly unhappy, and used the corners of his eyes to look at the Royal Guards who protected him securely around him.
He suddenly thought of Dragon Clouds City, Heroic Spirit Palace, and Blood Court.
When he was in those placed, Nicholas’ subordinates also blocked every entrance to the extent that no one could penetrate their strong formation.
As he pondered about it, the discomfort within the prince reached the peak.
“Your Grace…” Gilbert sighed.
“If the count could just stay inside the carriage, it would save us lots of trouble.” The watchman interrupted Gilbert with his usual smile. “And that will be enough.”
When he heard this, Thales could not hold himself back any longer and interrupted him. “So, you would rather trap me in the carriage because you think this is too troublesome for you?”
The prince subconsciously raised his volume.
“I thought His Majesty asked you to escort me, not imprison me?”
The horses’ galloping around the area changed a little.
The prince raising his voice and speaking up was obviously unusual, and it caused a few Royal Guards, or rather, a few members of the Star Lake Guards to rush forth anxiously. That included Doyle and Glover, whom Thales had gotten familiar with.
Gilbert’s expression changed slightly.
Mallos finally shifted his focus to Thales.
Thales frowned and appeared to want to argue for something.
But Mallos only paused a little before he revealed a smile.
“I am sorry to have caused this feeling in you, Your Grace. When you see His Majesty, you can bring this matter to him anytime and propose that I be dismissed from my duties.”
Thales was stunned.
Mallos watched Thales with a gentle gaze, shrugged, and said softly, “However, before that, according to the tradition and rules, as the Watchman of the Royal Guards and the person in charge of your guards… I am afraid I will have to prioritize the considerations and judgements about your safety above your personal preferences. Please forgive me as it is my obligation.”
In that instant, the air inside and outside the horse carriage seemed to have frozen.
Thales’ expression stiffened.
Mallos’ expression remained the same as usual.
Among the surrounding Royal Guards, Doyle and Glover exchanged a glance at each other. A few of them appeared shocked. They did not even dare breathe loudly.
For some unknown reason, Thales recalled the attitude Roman had on his face while Thales was still in Blade Fangs Camp. It was an attitude that said, “Don’t teach me how to do my job.”
As Gilbert was about to say something to lighten the atmosphere, Thales closed his eyes. In the next moment, he immediately opened them again.
“You are the Royal Guards, and you are also my guards,” Thales said slowly, “You should respect my orders.”
Mallos only shrugged.
“You are the Prince of Constellation, and a duke of the kingdom.” The watchman was as courteous as ever, but he did not show any signs of relenting through his words. “You should also respect His Majesty’s orders, especially on the first day of your return.”
His eyes reflected a sparkle that showed profundity.
Thales’ face darkened.
The prince stared at Mallos and enunciated each of his words clearly. “Are you saying that this is His Majesty’s order?”
In that moment, Gilbert’s expression changed.
“No,” the watchman said faintly on his saddle, “It is my way of executing the order.”
‘His way of executing the order.’
Thales’ gaze changed.
Doyle listened anxiously by the side. He suddenly felt that the air around him seemed to have become thick with tension.
“Lord Mallos.”
Under everyone’s gazes, the prince said softly to the watchman who refused to make a concession, “I want you to stop the horse carriage, now.”
Mallos only snorted lightly.
“I am sorry…”
“Your Grace!” Gilbert sensed something was amiss shouted, so he interrupted Mallos.
The Foreign Affairs Minister immediately turned to face Thales, whose expression was as cold as ice, and said gently, “Your Highness, you have traveled a lot today, perhaps you do need to take a rest… I believe that Lord Mallos merely intends to protect you…”
But Thales broke him off.
“Protect me like six years ago?” The prince’s tone made it sound as if his words were immersed in icy water.
Gilbert was rendered speechless.
When Thales and Mallos’s gazes met in the air, one was cold and sharp, while the other was calm and indifferent.
Doyle suddenly felt that something bad was going to happen while he watched this happen by the side.
The prince asked softly, “Gilbert, tell me, did the previous kings always personally dispatched transferred his own Royal Guards to form each Duke of Star Lake’s personal guards, for example, John’s?”
Gilbert froze.
Mallos narrowed his eyes slightly as well.
The Star Lake Guards around looked at each other and had different expressions.
A few seconds later, Gilbert coughed and appeared to be rather awkward.
“This is because you were gone for too long, and were short of people you could use by your side, and His Majesty was worried…”
Thales did not listen to the rest of his words.
He only stared at Mallos closely, but it felt like he was staring at another person.
“I understand now,” the prince said softly, “Go on.”
Mallos’ expression stiffened.
“What do you mean?”
Thales looked straight at him.
“Go on and smile, Lord Mallos.”
Thales snorted coldly under the baffled gazes of the Royal Guards.
“Because if you do not smile… You will look like a dead man.”
Mallos was dumbfounded.
Gilbert looked at Thales worriedly.
“Your Highness…”
But Thales ignored Gilbert and only focused on looking at Mallos, who looked confused.
Mallos frowned a little. He ignored Thales, tugged his reins, and ordered, “Get back to your previous formation…”
But this time, the prince spoke before he could say more.
“Then, Lord Tormond Mallos, Watchman of the Royal Guards, who is conferred your knightship, and the captain of my Star Lake Guards.
The watchman’s gaze froze.
Thales raised his volume so that the Royal Guards around him could hear him clearly.
“To thank you for your meritorious service of escorting me back to the capital city laboriously and dedicatedly…”
When he spoke, all members of the Royal Guards watched him in puzzlement.
Thales then enunciated his words clearly and slowly while his eyes were fixed on Mallos, “I wish… to reward you.”
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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