Kingdom’s Bloodline

The king's voice fell. ┡』┡『『Ωnovel Δ

The meeting hall was silent, except for the crackling of the brazier and the inconsistent breathing of the crowd.

At that moment, almost everyone was shocked by the king's decision.

The silence lasted a full five seconds.

Until an immature male voice sounded weakly:

"What are you doing?"

Everyone's eyes turned to the stunned Star Prince, Thales Canxing, who was standing aside.

Among them was the meaningful look in King Nun's eyes.

Puttilai coughed behind him, and Thales, who was stunned, finally realized that he pulled the corners of his mouth in embarrassment, showing a "sorry" smile.

But at this time, no one cared about the foreign prince's gaffe.

"Your Majesty," the tall and tall Grand Duke Ronnie stood up abruptly, and said with a stern face what most people were thinking at this time: "You must reconsider your decision, this is not only about your family's revenge, but about the entire Egypt Kester's future!"

The members of the imperial council beside the king looked panic-stricken, and the officer behind him, Lord Michael's expression changed. He tried to get close to King Nunn's ear and say something, but the latter just waved his hand casually, approaching the minister. Talking to Michael was stuck in his throat.

"This is my decision." The king whispered to his entourage.

Thales noticed that among the audience, only two people's expressions remained unchanged: the leader of the White Blade Guard, the Meteorite, remained expressionless, and the owner of the dark room, the Scarlet Witch Cassan, still had a kind smile on his face.

As for the priest of the Haoyue Temple who just arrived here, Jewel Home, Thales couldn't see her true face clearly behind the veil.

"How old is King Nun?" Thales turned around and asked Putillai behind him in a low voice.

"Sixty-nine, if I remember correctly," answered the Marquess of Shiles Bermula who was next to Putilei, and saw that the guest of Commas also frowned deeply, with a worried look on his face: "And Grand Duke Peifitt just turned thirty-three this year, and he is in the prime of life—damn it, our mining contract has just been signed."

"The development of the situation is beyond imagination, be vigilant, Your Highness," the thin Deputy Star's expression kept changing: "If King Nuen insists on a duel..."

Thales nodded with an ugly face,

He knew what Puttilai meant.

If King Nun dies here.

The peaceful tacit understanding between Canxing and Walton will lose the most important fulcrum.

And in Dragon Clouds City, in Exeter, he, the prince of the stars, will become isolated and helpless.

And the attitude of the princes towards him...

Not to mention, that Grand Duke Peifit who seemed to be full of hatred for him... Thales gritted his teeth.

The next moment, King Nuen stepped out of his seat, walked forward slowly, and smiled at the grand dukes.

"What's the matter, noble and proud Ronnie," King Nunn's old but powerful voice spread throughout the hall: "Are you worried that my old bones won't be able to defeat young people?"

The long Grand Duke Ronnie kept silent, but his slightly swaying head said everything.

"You can't say that his words are unreasonable, Your Majesty," the pot-headed Grand Duke Trudida rubbed his right hand with a gloomy expression, and he glanced at the shocked Grand Duke Pfeiffer: "It's wrong to rob women with young people." One thing, but in the duel arena..."

"Do you know your age, Your Majesty?" Grand Duke Aurelius said more directly: "Even if you directly order him to be detained, it will be a hundred times better than the current practice... Do you know the consequences of doing so..."

"This is the consequence!"

Nunn suddenly raised his voice, shouting angrily under the eyes of everyone in the hall: "This is the inevitable consequence when the Walton family is violated!"

Everyone in the hall was shocked.

Not good.

Thales watched their interaction worriedly: Nun VII, has been dominated by hatred and impulse?

The old king's glaring glance swept over the three princes: "You know, if you offend the Dragonlance family, you will have to pay the price—willing to bet everything for revenge, Walton is such an existence."

The three grand dukes were speechless for a while, their faces changed, and they all turned their heads away from the king's provocative gaze, and stopped talking.

Like a lioness in a lion pride who bows her head to the head lion to express her submission.

wrong.

Thales had a little understanding, and he thought to himself: This is not just as simple as irrational revenge.

This is a warning.

From the king, from Dragon Clouds, from Walton.

"Haha," the oldest Grand Duke Lecco smiled awkwardly, "Our king likes to joke, doesn't he..."

King Nun turned his head and glanced at him.

Grand Duke Lecco's smile unconsciously froze on his face.

"joke?"

King Nunn snorted softly, and walked slowly in front of Peifeit, his eyes seemed to be burning with endless flames: "Come on, Conkly Peifeit, do I look like I'm joking?"

Everyone looked at the challenged Grand Duke Peifit.

"You, you are really crazy, duel?" The young Grand Duke had an unbelievable expression on his face. He trembled his lips, looked at King Nuen's aging body, and murmured: "For... even my own wealth and life... ..."

But King Nun quickly cut him off.

"Then why are you so surprised?" The old king said coldly: "This is also your best chance - kill me, and you won't have to face all this, and all charges will disappear."

Startled, Peifei raised his head and looked directly at King Nunn.

"Of course," Nunn sneered, his eyes full of hatred: "You can also admit defeat at the beginning of the duel, and then admit your crime."

Before Peifit could respond, the king turned around and looked at the remaining four grand dukes.

"And isn't this the result you most hope for?" King Nuen was like an angry dragon, only to hear him say loudly, "If I die here..."

The expressions of several grand dukes paused.

"You can save those overt and covert methods, can't you?"

King Nun looked around the audience and laughed loudly: "And it's time for Exeter to hold the king selection meeting again, maybe it's too hasty..."

"But the opportunity for you to ascend the throne and command the whole country," the old king narrowed his eyes slightly: "Isn't it just around the corner?"

None of the Grand Dukes spoke, and almost everyone remained motionless, only their breathing became heavier.

"Of course, you are the king," Grand Duke Ronnie sighed, "Your choice."

King Nun responded to him with a loud laugh, then turned around and looked at the priest of the Haoyue Temple:

"Hom priest?"

The priest under the veil nodded slightly, and saw that she raised her arms very solemnly, with her left hand holding her right elbow, and her right palm facing upwards, as if she was holding a plate.

Priest Hom closed his eyes and lowered his head.

Everyone shut their mouths and watched the officiant's movements seriously.

At this moment, a strange tinnitus sounded in Taylor's ear.

Thales was startled.

He has experienced this feeling.

That was in the Hall of Stars, in front of Li Xiya, the priest of the Sunset Temple, before the bloodline ceremony.

But this time the feeling was much better, at least, he didn't have such a violent reaction last time.

Could it be that... the prayers and rituals related to the gods will affect him?

But just when he maintained his superficial calm and secretly rejoiced, amid the faint tinnitus...

"I'm watching you."

Thales raised his head abruptly.

All I could see was the empty ceiling.

What?

He turned his head in surprise and looked around, only to see that the whole audience was solemnly waiting for the end of the officiant ceremony.

Putilei and Shiles behind them also looked solemn.

No one spoke.

That just now... Thales touched his head in doubt, looked around, and he could only let out a sigh of relief when there was no result.

Well, tinnitus is a disease that needs to be cured...

"I warned you."

Thales shuddered all over, subconsciously turned his head again, and looked around nervously.

here we go again!

who?

who is it?

That's right.

Someone, he was sure, was talking to him—like a whisper in his ear.

Thales couldn't remember the characteristics of that voice, but those words were extremely clear!

Could it be... Thales thought nervously: Is it Yordle? Is it a hidden mask guard?

No, it's impossible.

That voice... is completely different from Yodel's hoarse voice!

Thales panicked.

After making sure that no one spoke, he looked at the priest of the Haoyue Temple with his eyes closed in disbelief.

No way?

Thales' actions attracted the attention of others, Shiles cast a curious look at him, while Putillai frowned and stared at him, as if blaming him for his gaffe.

Thales, who came back to his senses, was startled, turned around quickly, and stood up solemnly.

Finally, the strange tinnitus disappeared.

But the doubts and panic in Thales' heart can only continue to rise.

"Haoyue has already responded." Priest Huom opened his eyes, and there was no fluctuation in his clear eyes: "The gods have not objected."

In the hall, many people sighed, but the Grand Dukes remained silent.

"In that case, a duel is imperative," the priest said in a low voice, "and I will witness on behalf of God."

No one has any more objections.

The old king looked satisfied, and looked back at his opponent.

In the silence, Grand Duke Peifei gradually calmed down and eased his shortness of breath.

Afterwards, strange colors appeared in his eyes as he looked at King Nuen.

"Haha...very good," the young Grand Duke showed a strange smile: "You said it too, didn't you?"

"The duel is in the name of the king..."

"I can't, and I have no right to refuse."

Peifei raised his head, showing a dark look: "Then what are we waiting for?"

King Nun also smiled, his eyes shining brightly.

But Thales was distraught at this moment.

I watch you.

I warned you.

What does it mean?

Thales forcibly suppressed his thoughts, not thinking about the abnormality he had just heard.

He shook his head, as if that would get the words out of his head.

He had enough troubles, one by one.

Thales raised his head and stared blankly at the white blade guards leaving the field in person, moving away the heavy long table in the center of the hall, and everyone backed away to leave enough space for the duel.

After the crowd retreated to a brazier, Thales discovered that there were five or six steps on the edge of the oval meeting room against the wall, while there was an open space in the center.

Just like the Colosseum in the previous life in the memory fragments - Thales suddenly felt moved: Could it be that this meeting hall in the Palace of Heroes was originally prepared for duels?

"I don't know whether it's luck or misfortune," Puttilai exhaled through his nose, and said emotionally: "You can watch a rare duel when you visit Exeter for the first time."

Thales showed a not-so-good-looking smile: "Does the king have to end himself?"

"For duels in the empire era, according to the regulations, it is possible to seek an agent," Puttilai said in a low voice: "but this is the Northland, the Northland after the collapse of the empire - the duel must be faced in person, even if you are a king Respect."

"Although I have heard about the customs of dueling in the Northland, but," Marquis Shiles beside them sighed, "It is also the first time I have witnessed it. God, a seventy-year-old king vs a thirty-year-old grand duke, Regardless of the outcome, when I go back, it's enough to talk about for a whole year."

"Duels are not often held? Doesn't the election of the king end with a duel? Doesn't every grand duke who aspires to become a king have to prepare for the duel?" Thales continued to ask.

"The duel at the king selection meeting is only limited to when the number of votes is the same and it is difficult to make a decision, and that situation has not happened for a long time," Puttilai shook his head: "I heard that at the king selection meeting more than 30 years ago, Nun VII With the support of six full grand dukes, there is no chance of a duel."

"I heard that the Grand Duke Lombard of the Black Sand Territory once defeated his elder brother in a duel and seized the right of inheritance?" Watching the two people taking off their robes, Lord Michael solemnly arranged the venue, Tai Erles asked with a bad face.

Putilai nodded.

"That duel made him famous, and Charmain Rumba's reputation has spread throughout the country, and even the stars have heard of it." Puttilai said with a heavy face: "Exter has rarely been so bloody, violent, and terrifying, but The lord who made his followers excited—Rumba was then entrusted with the important task of sending an envoy to the stars."

"At the same time, it also made the other lords fear him deeply. After all, he is a terrifying figure who can kill even his own brothers." Marquis Shiles curled his lips: "This is the conclusion I came to after visiting the cities in the Northland."

"But this duel is too hasty... Are all the people in the Northland crazy?" Thales gritted his teeth: "Hasn't he thought about the consequences of failure?"

At this moment, an indifferent voice came:

"In the North, dueling is a sacred ceremony."

The meteorite Nikolai appeared next to them at some point, staring intently at the two people who were facing each other in the hall: "It can prove whether you are a selfish villain who only dares to hide in the army and guards, or is it a dog?" For the sake of the goal in mind, a strong hero who is willing to gamble with his life?"

Thales let out a breath and shrugged.

In the middle of the hall, King Nun was left with only a convenient and flexible tight-sleeved war robe embroidered with the coat of arms of Dragon Spear in the Cloud. The same was true for Pfeiffer opposite him, with the emblem of bloodshoes exposed on his left shoulder.

"The duel was proposed by me," King Nunn stared at Peifit closely: "As for the weapon, it's up to you to choose."

Puffett took a deep breath and paused for a few seconds.

"Giant axe."

The young Grand Duke raised his head and looked at King Nuen calmly, "The double-faced giant axe, that's it."

King Nun's pupils narrowed slightly.

There was a chorus of boos from the people in the hall.

"Ha," Grand Duke Trudida smiled at Grand Duke Olsius, "Sly boy."

Grand Duke Ronnie snorted disdainfully: "Coward."

"Giant axe? Is it what I think?" Thales turned around and asked with a thought.

"The double-sided giant ax requires extremely high endurance and strength, and its destructive chopping power is astonishing. It once flourished in the war against the orcs," Nicolai said calmly, "but in the current battlefield, this kind of ax rarely occurs. It’s a heavy weapon—even the knives and axemen in the North prefer the light single-edged fighting axe.”

"Smart choice," Putillai squinted and shook his head: "He is bullying King Nun's age."

Soon, the weapons were brought up.

Thales looked in disbelief at the two large murder weapons carried up by the guards: the heavy two-handed handles were almost half the length of his body, plus two chest-sized half-moon-shaped ax blades, which reflected a ferocious metallic luster, and the top of the ax extended The sharp blade used for thrusting out all shows its power and fear.

Thales swallowed: The weight of this giant ax is probably twice his weight.

He remembered that on the battlefield of Broken Dragon Fortress, an opponent Araka faced was using such a huge ax - although in the end, the wrath of the Kingdom took away his weapon and chopped the ax on the opponent's face.

Peifei turned his eyes, glanced at King Nuen opposite, and chuckled lightly.

He grabbed the giant ax handed by the guards with one arm and tested the weight.

Immediately, the young Grand Duke's arms trembled and he raised his giant axe.

Peifit showed a satisfied smile. He turned around and swung the giant ax back and forth. The sound of the blade breaking through the air was clearly recognizable.

Seems pretty easy.

Thales was speechless when he saw his comfortable posture.

"This thing is terrible." Peifei put the giant ax on his shoulder. He raised his head and looked sharply at King Nunn who was also standing in front of the weapon: "Be careful not to dodge your waist, Your Majesty."

King Nun ignored him.

The old king just stretched out one hand, lightly pressed on the handle of the axe, pinched it in several places, then took a deep breath, and grabbed the handle of the axe with both hands.

Thales frowned.

What he thought in his heart was actually similar to what Peifei said.

After all, King Nun is already seven...

He hadn't finished his thoughts yet, the next second, he saw the old king clenched his teeth and raised his giant ax steadily.

King Nun even tossed the ax lightly, the blade flipped in the air, and returned to his hand with the handle.

Thales opened his mouth in surprise as he looked at the old and vigorous King Nun.

"Don't worry, when I was fighting with the orcs on the battlefield," King Nun also carried the giant ax on his shoulders like Puffett - it seems that this is the standard ax holding posture - long Letting out a breath, a storm seemed to be brewing in his eyes: "Your father is still breastfeeding in your grandmother's arms."

King Nun showed a ferocious smile:

"Little brat."

Puffett's face darkened.

"It seems that our king is still handsome," the bald Grand Duke Lecco sighed, "If it were me, I would have been given by that ax..."

"Don't be too happy," Grand Duke Trudida shook his head with a strange expression, "in case our beloved king makes a mistake..."

"Isn't it exactly what you want?" Grand Duke Ronnie stabbed them unceremoniously: "Damn the king."

Trudida turned her head self-consciously.

Grand Duke Olsio straightened his beard and frowned tightly: he remembered the duel of succession to the black sand collar twelve years ago.

While Thales was still worrying about "if King Nun loses", High Priest Hom walked slowly to the center of the venue, attracting the attention of the entire hall.

Everyone's mood became tense at this moment.

The officiant of Home stood in the middle of the two, and looked at the dueling two with the pair of clear eyes behind the veil.

She raised her right hand and reached out to King Nun.

The chief priest's cold voice sounded slowly:

"This person started a duel in the name of blood revenge."

King Nunn stared coldly at his opponent.

The high priest raised his left hand again, reaching out to the young Peifit.

"For honor and glory, this one shall answer duel."

Peifit let out a sigh of relief, with a serious expression on his face.

"In the name of the sacred Goddess Haoyue, I will bear witness on my behalf," the chief priest began to back away slowly, with a light posture, and each step was accompanied by a sentence:

"The weapon dances in the moonlight."

"The bloody radiance reflects the glory of the gods."

"Courage fuels a great life."

"Death is but a long-lost homecoming."

The expressions of King Nun and Grand Duke Peifeit became serious at the same time, and both of them took off the huge axes from their shoulders and held them in both hands.

I saw King Nun sinking down, widening the distance between his hands, pushing his left hand farther and farther, even grabbing the junction of the ax handle and the ax blade; Grand Duke Pfeiffer pulled the ax sideways, and the ax blade rubbed against him His face stopped in mid-air, posing in the most suitable posture for slashing.

The two sides looked at each other solemnly.

Thales narrowed his eyes, reading all the negative emotions that humans can have from their eyes.

The high priest slowly retreated to the edge of the venue, took a deep breath, and raised his arms towards the sky, as if making his last prayer.

Everyone held their breath at that moment.

In the next second, the chief priest withdrew his arms, pressed his palms gently on his shoulders, lowered his head, and spit out the last words faintly:

"The duel begins."