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 554 - Sacrificing A Pawn (Three)
Chapter 554: Sacrificing a Pawn (Three)
Translator:
EndlessFantasy Translation
Editor:
EndlessFantasy Translation
The guests in the hall were unusually silent, as if after the order for the duel had been given, everyone forgot how to breathe.
Until Doyle reached a hand out to grab Thales’ wine glass!
He brazenly and willfully chugged the entire glass of wine under everyone’s surprised gaze.
Doyle tossed the wine glass away and took a deep breath as the glass shattered.
Regaining his composure, he looked at Anker’s attire.
In the next second, Doyle methodically removed his royal guard leather armor and protective gear with a blank expression on his face.
“Proc, my sword.”
Procca hesitated, but eventually handed over the confiscated weapon under Mallos’ gaze.
“This won’t be a straightforward duel—both sides are seeking defeat instead of victory, hoping to die rather than live,”
Mallos walked up to Doyle as the latter was making the final preparations, and said softly, “Are you ready?”
In his seat, Thales clenched his fists.
Both sides were hoping to die…
Why.
Why!
Doyle took off his armguard and glanced at his superior indifferently.
“My lord, Sir, or Tormond Jr,”
Perhaps it was liquid courage, perhaps he was impetuous, he casually hollered, “You know, you’re a real bastard,”
Tormond Jr—Mallos frowned.
“That self-assured attitude of yours, ignoring even His Highness, it’s annoying,” Doyle went on, and suddenly smiled.
But all the other guards did not.
The watchman sighed. “The backhand stab is an essential method of ‘Rose’ sword style. It is known for being simple, aggressive and difficult to block, and is habitual for practitioners.
“If you find the right timing…it will lessen the pain.”
Doyle’s smile froze.
He straightened himself and looked towards his long-time partner Glover with a dreary expression.
“Zombie, sorry I’ve always annoyed you with rubbish talk. But father told me to build good relations with the Glover family…”
Glover nodded, still expressionless. “I know.”
Doyle took another deep breath.
“Also, you never go to Red Street Market…
“So I’ve been meaning to ask,” Doyle disregarded everyone’s gazes and revealed a pale smile, “Are you gay?”
The guards fell silent.
Glover frowned, but still replied, “No.”
Doyle scoffed softly and said with a shrug, “Alright. I just want to say that it’s fine even if you are. I’m very tolerant…”
“Doyle’s son,” from the center of the hall, Anker interrupted Doyle. The former looked content, completely unconcerned about the guards around him that seemed eager to try their luck.
“Why are you dawdling?”
Doyle chuckled and responded, “What?
“You can’t wait to die?”
“Right back at you.” Anker looked at his opponent and started chuckling too. “You’re just the same.”
They stared at each other. Their smiles quickly vanished from their faces.
Calm and indifferent.
Without warning, Doyle grabbed the sword from Procca.
“Your Highness.
“I know I’ve been a little over the top in trying to get on your good side these days, but.” Doyle hugged the scabbard tightly, like a drowning man holding on to a bundle of straw, and, without turning back, let out his usual simple-minded laugh. “You’re a good person.”
Thales was taken aback.
Doyle looked towards the ceiling and grinned. “Compared to Renaissance Palace, it’s much more relaxing here.”
His smile faded.
“In future, if my father… Please remember today.”
Thales opened his mouth subconsciously but did not manage to utter “alright”.
All he could do was stare blankly at Doyle.
“His Highness is benevolent and generous,” Mallos calmly took over the conversation to resolve the awkwardness. “You know he won’t forget.”
Doyle forced a smile and nodded comprehendingly.
Benevolent and generous.
Benevolent and generous…
At that moment, Thales felt that this description was extremely ironic.
In the hall, Baron Doyle held his wife and sobbed unreservedly.
Doyle had a helpless expression on his face.
He was no longer looking at Thales. Instead, he turned around, hoisted his weapon and walked down the steps.
Towards his opponent.
And his end.
“Doyle…” Thales could not help but speak, but Mallos clutched his arm and stopped the prince from going on.
“He knows what he will be sacrificing,” Mallos said calmly, “and what he wants to save,”
The watchman turned towards Thales. “But the question is, do you?”
‘Do I?’
Thales did not speak.
‘What he will be sacrificing…’
Thales watched as Doyle walked slowly down the steps. The latter’s usual carefree attitude had been replaced by uncharacteristic solemnity and consternation.
‘What he wants to save…’
Thales gradually turned his attention towards the pale-faced Baron Doyle who had collapsed into a heap and the baroness who was sobbing and trembling.
‘What I will be sacrificing.
‘What I want to save.’
Thales looked at Anker, who was holding his short sword, looking calm but distracted.
His heart skipped a beat.
‘So, is this how it feels?’
Thales asked himself.
He was the second prince.
The Duke of Star Lake.
That’s why he should sit at a high point and look at the chessboard, look at the chess pieces tearing each other apart, and salvage the entire game.
Planning strategies, moving the chess pieces.
Just like this, he should accept necessary sacrifices, and watch as Doyle get entangled in a duel with the enemy and fight to die under his opponent’s sword, regardless of how ridiculous that is.
Then based on gains and losses, award and punish accordingly.
“Thales, if you want to enter this circle and even climb to the top…”
Quick Rope’s words rang in Thales’ ears.
“The first thing you have to do is to submit to power and let go of your body and mind. You have to let its world and its perception of the world rule every single inch of your being. You have to become someone that even you can’t recognize. Only by doing so will you be able to start playing the game and excel in it.”
Thales silently stared at Doyle’s leaving figure.
“Remember,” vice-captain Vogel strode forward to catch up to Doyle and reminded him in hushed tones, “If you survive and he dies, then His Highness and your parents’ fates will suffer.”
Doyle shuddered.
Just like how Thales’ breathing staggered.
But unlike Thales, Doyle quickly regained his composure and kept on walking.
As if he had already resigned himself to fate.
Just like a…
Chess piece.
In that very instant, Thales suddenly understood.
“Think carefully about what sort of person you’ve become after taking the role of a prince.
“Can you still choose your own path and do what you want to do?”
Thales lowered his head gently.
Everyone was waiting for Doyle’s footsteps to arrive at where Anker was.
“After becoming a prince, are you still yourself? Are you still Thales?
“Or have you… become something else?”
“You’re right, Mallos,” Thales said quietly, “Doyle…He knows what he will be sacrificing.
“And Anker, he knows what he wants to save.”
“What have you gained, and what have you lost?”
Mallos tilted his head, baffled.
“Your Highness?”
Thales looked up; his gaze turned keen.
“But you’re wrong too.”
From his seat, he looked towards the faces in the hall: worried, anxious, terrified, panicked, pleased, anticipating, sad, calm, schadenfreude…
“He’s not a chess piece,” Thales continued calmly, “They’re both not.”
He clenched his fists. “No one is.”
Maybe someone else could.
Without burden and scruples, move the chess pieces with a clear conscience, or willingly be a chess piece.
Maybe the Duke of Star Lake could, maybe the second prince could…
Maybe Doyle could, maybe Anker could…
Maybe Mallos, maybe Vogel…
But he could not.
Because he was Thales Jadestar.
He was Thales.
Just Thales.
“They are not chess pieces. They are just Doyle and Anker, just…human beings,”
Thales continued profoundly, “The most straightforward, and also the most complex…Human beings.”
Puzzled, the watchman asked, “Your Highness, what do you mean?”
Thales took a deep breath, smiled and blinked at the watchman. “What I mean is, fuck ‘sacrificing a pawn’.”
Mallos finally sensed something amiss: in that moment, the prince’s gaze lacked its previous unease and hesitation, and the frequent gravity and agony were missing too.
Instead, it was more determined and brighter than ever.
“Wait a minute.” Mallos’ expression changed. “You plan to—”
But when he realized what the second prince’s intentions, it was too late.
In the next second, right when Doyle was about to reach Anker, right before their hostile gazes met squarely, before the debt between their families was about to be repaid in blood, Thales put on a solemn expression and stood upright!
He commanded loudly, “Hold on!”
The Duke of Star Lake’s voice rang throughout the hall.
This caught everyone’s attention instantly; even Doyle stopped in his tracks.
Everyone looked bewilderedly at the prince.
“Your Highness?” Anker frowned and queried subconsciously, worried that there would be a sudden change in circumstances.
Thales lips curled upwards as he glanced towards Mallos.
The latter felt inexplicably uneasy and even ignored Vogel’s quizzical gaze.
“Earlier, my personal guard captain told me!” Thales said loudly, with arms held high, “In this duel, whether it’s you, Anker, or you, Doyle,” he looked at the two, his eyes blazing and his words incisive, “He said, both of you would strive to die!”
Thales yelled, “And seek defeat!”
As soon as this remark was made, an uproar spread through the crowd.
Only those who had expected it, like Count Godwin, the Duke of Iris Flowers, One-Eyed Dragon and Duke Val, did not react. They knew what was going on.
Amongst the guards, Mallos and Vogel exchanged looks but each received only bewilderment from the other.
What’s going on?
Why, why in this matter, and in such an overt way…
In the eye of the storm, Anker and Doyle exchanged a glance. Both were at a loss.
“Exchange actual sacrifice for a greater benefit, or a smaller loss,”
Thales smiled. He glanced at the two and went on confidently and loudly, “And fight a losing battle. Would you?
“Would you?”
The prince’s questioning sparked more heated debates in the hall.
Anker and Doyle were stunned for a few seconds before both spoke almost simultaneously, “Your Highness—”
But the prince’s smile had turned cold.
“But I dislike that!” Thales roared, interrupting the two who were caught by surprise.
“The Northland barbarians may be barbaric,” Thales raised a wine glass that may or may not have been his, held it in mid-air before him, and said with a keen gaze, “But they never compromised.”
Yup, most of the time they never compromised.
Thales gently loosened his grip and allowed the glass to drop. It shattered into pieces on the floor.
He looked around the hall. Some people were surprised and confused, some had no idea what was going on, some looked somber, whereas some were relaxed. He chuckled. “Therefore, I have decided to add on to the bet, as encouragement.”
His words again made everyone puzzled.
Only Thales was smiling as usual. “And increase the motivation for both of you.”
A glimmer flashed across his eyes, which locked the dueling opponents in focus. “To ensure that this is an honest-to-goodness, exciting, fight-to-win…
“Memorable…”
Thales’ smile froze and his voice deepened, “Duel to the death.”
What?
In the next second, from nobles to guards and servants, everyone was shocked and did not know how to react. Thales roared, “Anker Byrael!”
Anker shuddered.
“In the name of the Duke of Star Lake, I, the second prince, Thales Jadestar, swear to Sunset Goddess!”
Thales’ expression was unprecedentedly solemn and indifferent.
“If you win the duel and kill your opponent, then my father, His Majesty King Kessel,” Thales said coldly, “Him and I, we will fully support you. We will reopen your family’s case in the courts and seek justice on your behalf!”
Anker was stunned!
Not just him. Mallos, Doyle, Vogel… After everyone realized what they had just heard, they were equally shocked and incredulous.
Surprised, Anker asked, “You…represent His Majesty?”
Thales sneered, “Indeed. The Jadestar Royal Family will speak out for the Byrael family!
“Until you are satisfied.”
There was a clamor amongst the guests as incessant voices filled the hall.
Anker did not expect this. He glared at Thales’s expression, his breathing disrupted as he was beside himself.
Fully support…
Speak out for the Byrael family…
On the other hand, Doyle looked like he had been betrayed, and stared incredulously at the prince he once served.
Beside Mallos, Vogel angrily clenched his teeth and asked in a hushed tone, “His Majesty…How can he claim to represent His Majesty?
“And support Byrael…No, this is too rash…”
Mallos furrowed his brows.
But Thales spoke again with the same solemn voice as before. “But Anker, if you lose in the duel and die,” he said coldly, “Then I promise, on behalf of my father, on behalf of the Jadestar Royal Family…
“That the Byrael family dispute…”
A cold gleam flashed across Thales’ eyes. “Shall end here.”
The meaning of this sentence was unclear, leaving the guests puzzled for a while. Until Anker, whose expression was fluctuating, probed, “Your Highness, I don’t unders…”
But Thales raised his voice and interrupted everyone’s thoughts.
“As the price for witnessing your glorious duel, as punishment for your insolence and transgression…”
The Duke of Star Lake’s voice reverberated between the pillars of Mindis Hall and garnered respect, “If you lose, the Byrael family case will never be reopened, will not be re-tried, and no dissent will be accepted.”
Thales stared coldly at Anker, who was gradually consumed by shock, and said chillingly, “No matter how much grievances you have, how many legal bases, how many reasons.
“The kingdom will ignore all of them.
“And move on to the next chapter.”
Amidst the discussions of the guests, Anker was rooted to the spot.
He took a few seconds to comprehend the prince’s “bet”.
Win the duel, and receive full support…
Lose the duel, and the case would never be re-tried…
Anker looked up in a daze. “But, my family land, never re-tried, I don’t understand…”
Thales interjected his query coldly, “Anker, you said you wanted to reenact my legendary journey in the Northland through this duel?”
Anker frowned.
“Since you have decided to resolve this matter with an ancient Empire custom and enjoy its conclusive convenience,” Thales scoffed, “then you have to bear its barbaric and antiquated price.”
Anker was stunned.
Thales raised his head and looked around the hall at those who were looking at him. The guests lowered their heads wherever his gaze landed.
He continued gravely, “This is the truth of duels, the real ancient Empire custom and Northland’s way of doing things.”
Looking at the two opponents, both stunned, Thales revealed a gentle smile. “With such a stake, you’ll be motivated to win, no?”
There was a buzz in the hall as everyone pondered Thales’ intentions.
“Alright, I think I’m starting to understand,”
Vogel was racking his brains. He probed, “That guy has been forced into a corner by His Highness’ use of royal supremacy, so now he has to kill Doyle and cede to us the moral high ground in order to have his family’s case re-tried.”
The vice-captain looked towards Mallos doubtfully. “But isn’t His Highness worried that…that kid from the Doyle family would want to kill his opponent too in striving for the royal family to fulfil their promise and close the case?”
Mallos looked at the Duke of Star Lake’s profile and lowered his head.
“No,” the watchman responded to Vogel’s query softly.
“You still don’t understand.”
The vice-captain looked flummoxed.
In the hall, as if they had figured something out, Anker and Doyle exchanged a look.
“What’s wrong, Byrael?”
Color returned to Doyle’s eyes, which blazed with eagerness. “You afraid of losing?”
Anker did not reply immediately.
After a long pause, he sneered. “Alright. If that is your wish, Your Highness.”
He looked directly at Thales. His tone was determined as usual, but with added hostility. “Come on. Let the duel begin.
“Just remember your promise. If I win…”
Thales chuckled, “I guarantee it. The royal family will give you full support and stand with you!”
Vogel frowned at these words.
‘You guarantee it…
‘Is it appropriate to say that?’
“What is he planning to do?” Vogel looked at the second prince disgruntledly.
Mallos merely responded calmly, “Save a life.”
‘Save a life?’
Vogel was baffled.
“When we were prepared to ‘sacrifice a pawn’,” Mallos turned around, his eyes ablaze, “He wants to save a life.
“Lives, actually.”
Vogel’s confusion doubled.
But fortunately, he did not have to wonder much longer.
“Mallos, since the duel is about to begin,” Thales commanded his personal guard captain loudly so that the whole hall could hear him, “fetch the ‘Sentinel’.”
Sentinel.
The mention of this name struck many in the banquet hall.
Mallos frowned. “Sentinel? But Your Highness, isn’t that…”
“Yes.”
Thales cut him short plainly. The prince turned to face the guests; there were sparks in his gaze. “Gifted by the Duke of Western Desert, the Fakenhaz family heirloom, the National Sword of the Ancient Empire that represents their infinite trust and loyalty to me. I believe it should be befitting of this duel?”
At these words, everyone was stunned.
“Your Highness?”
Anker from Western Desert asked, “You intend to lend your sword to one of us?”
He and Doyle looked at each other, exchanging a multitude of guardedness and hatred.
Thales laughed, but he shook his head.
“You’re from Western Desert, Anker,” he looked at Byreal collectedly, “So you should know that tribe leaders in the Great Desert always regard their guards as brothers, as wingmen,”
Anker nodded skeptically, but what Thales said next drained the color from his face.
“Challenging them in a duel is tantamount to challenging the leader himself.”
Thales’ tone was indifferent. While it stirred the crowd, he recalled an orc warchief that he once met, and the latter’s memorable ‘buy one plus two get one free’ duel rules.
“And unfortunately,” Thales’ expression was calm as he said in a steady tone over the crowd’s chatter, “Danny Doyle is my, that is, the Duke of Star Lake’s personal guard.
“By challenging him.
“You have challenged me.”
Dumbstruck, Doyle was rooted to the spot.
Anker’s eyes widened.
As soon as he said this, many reacted. “Your Highness—”
But Thales ignored all of it and went on as if he couldn’t hear them. To that end, he used hell’s senses to block out all voices.
“And Baron Doyle!” he roared, “Is my honorable guest,”
Thales looked grim. He pointed squarely at Old Baron Doyle who had slumped into his wife’s arms and was stupefied.
“Today, any threat, harm or challenge that he faces at my banquet, in my Mindis Hall.
“Is an offense against me personally!”
The two dueling opponents were no longer the focus of attention. All eyes were on the prince, filled with doubt, fear, unease, apprehension, admiration, disdain, or a combination of the above.
Until Thales looked around the hall murderously, driving away all the odd stares.
“No—” Vogel subconsciously stepped forward to stop the prince, but found his arms clamped by Mallos from behind!
“Constellatiates, listen carefully!
“As Doyle’s master, as the master of this banquet, and as the master of this manor…”
Thales’ expression was harsh and ruthless. His voice shook the domed ceiling, his tone was resolute.
“I, Thales Jadestar…”
Standing on the upper tier in the banquet hall, undaunted by the gazes cast at him, he raised an arm and said loudly and clearly, “I shall fulfill my duties and exercise my rights as master in accordance with the ancient customs of the Empire!
“I shall accept on behalf of Danny Doyle the legitimate challenge to duel issued by Anker Byrael.”
Thales’ gaze was cold. He lowered his hand and pointed towards the two dueling opponents who had been rendered speechless.
“And fulfill this duel of blood revenge.
“Until there is a clear winner.
“Until life and death is determined.
“Until the ancient ceremony is complete.”
The banquet hall sunk into a deep silence after he uttered those words.
Thales lowered his gaze and sneered.
“Don’t worry, Anker.” He smiled and looked at the bewildered Anker and dumbfounded Doyle, “The conditions and stake that I mentioned before are still valid.”
Thales bowed his head slightly as the firelight drew a shadow on his face. “As long as you…”
He put away his smile and ended his sentence coldly, “Kill me in the duel.”
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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