Kingdom’s Bloodline

"Is this another of your jokes?"

After a long while, among the shocked courtiers, Earl Curtson was the first to speak sullenly: "Joker?"

Ian turned around, bearing the unfriendly gazes from all over the room, and smiled happily at the Grand Duchess. \u0026Music\u0026Wen\u0026Fiction.{lw}{0}.

"Answer cautiously," Ketson said with anger and malice in his tone, before waiting for the other party to reply, "Because it may kill you."

The silent Thales noticed that although most of the vassals looked surprised, there were still a few who were special.

The Regent of Lisbane, who knew the most inside information, frowned, the old-fashioned Nazer had misty eyes, and Kierkegaard, who had always been silent, stared at the Grand Duchess this time, still motionless.

Thales thought for a moment: Beside the Grand Duchess, Nikolai with a gloomy face stared unabashedly at Prince Star in the corner.

That murderous look seemed to say: You.

I know it's you, little prince.

What are you going to do?

Facing the vigilance and hostility that the meteorites never let go, Thales had no choice but to return a friendly but weak smile.

"This is my most sincere heart," Ian's words interrupted his thoughts: "I am here this time..."

Ian didn't finish his arrogant words.

"how dare you?"

This time it was the blond-bearded Earl of Hearst, who was obviously no more stable than his colleagues in his thirties. He leaned forward, clenched his knees tightly, gritted his teeth, and kept looking at the bewildered Back and forth between the Grand Duchess and the self-satisfied Ian:

"In Dragon Clouds City? In front of us vassals, insulting our lord like this?"

"I can't see where it's an insult." Ian rolled his eyes towards the ceiling, and spread his hands helplessly: "More than six hundred years ago, the 'Truth Seeker' Kulikun was the most powerful and most powerful under the command of Nakaru King. Trusted knights will be sent to conquer the most remote and unruly west, and their blood descendants, the Ronnie family and the Walton family are married, is it strange?"

Many nobles snorted with disdain and hatred, Thales even heard the crackling of fist joints.

Thales glanced at the vassals in the hall,

reached a conclusion:

Ian was probably guilty of public outrage.

Earl Nazel, who led the topic before, coughed heavily, and the officials fell silent.

"I believe that Grand Duke Ronnie didn't give us any relevant reminders," the old earl said slowly:

"So, this is just your personal impulse?"

Facing Nazel, Ian rarely restrained his disrespectful look, and nodded gently:

"Oh, about my father . . . I don't think he'd object."

Earl Nazer's eyes moved, and he glanced at the Grand Duchess intentionally or unintentionally.

Selma just stared blankly at the conversation on the field, seeming to be thinking hard.

"Ma'am, I think I'll call it a day." The voice of the regent of Longxiao City came steadily: "This visitor from Qiyuan City has asked for too much."

It was rare for Lisban to stand with the vassals. He looked at Ian with a relaxed face coldly, and his words were not polite: "I am afraid that the negotiation between Qiyuan City and Dragon Clouds City needs to be replaced. Messenger."

As soon as these words came out, the missions in Qiyuan City were as anxious as ants in a hot pot.

But Ian just laughed.

"Ask?" His Excellency the Viscount of Qiyuan City seemed to have heard the most boring joke: "Don't you all see that I use the victory over the Freedom Alliance to propose to the Grand Duchess—this is a good deed that both of us win?"

Immediately, some vassals spat in disdain, and some even cursed.

"Win-win? Charitable deeds? You can tell." Earl Linna, who has always been expressionless, continued to pinpoint the key to the problem: "Dragon Clouds City doesn't need your charity, and you don't have good intentions enough to allow people to take advantage of it." , to satisfy Qiyuan City's dirty mind."

"Naughty thoughts?" Ian snorted disdainfully through his nostrils: "Just now, who was the one who forced the grand duchess into marriage under the condition of sending troops? Who is more dirty? Thanks to you... you can tell."

He squinted his eyes and shook his head: "Masters of Dragon Clouds City."

Count Linna looked at him quietly without speaking.

On the contrary, Earl Curtson's expression gradually became distorted.

A few seconds later, Earl Curtson's voice containing hatred and anger sounded clearly:

"Listen up, shameless clown."

Ke Tesen stared at Ian fiercely: "You go back and tell your father this: Dragon Clouds City is not Qiyuan City, and it is not popular for us to marry the despicable Xitao bitter people—even if they only have half blood. no."

As soon as these words came out, the vassals of Dragon Clouds City let out low laughter.

Ian's eyes dimmed and his shoulders trembled slightly.

Thales narrowed his eyes: Wait, the Ronnie family is obviously a famous family in the Northland, but Ketsen said so...

Married to the despicable Xitao bitter people...

half of the blood...

Thales glanced at Ian, who had an ugly expression, and remembered what he had said, that his mother was a "native" from Qiyuan City, and suddenly thought about it.

Lisbane coughed.

"Your Excellency Ian, we are all clear about your purpose. But you know, what we are talking about is not just a marriage proposal, not just a war," Lisbane Regent stood in the center of the hall, warning everyone with his eyes, He said to Ian, "This is politics."

Ian took a breath, put away the unnatural expression just now, and chuckled: "What I'm talking about is politics—the politics of marriage and war."

The Earl of Lisbane said nothing.

The politics of marriage and war.

I see.

Are you...

Lisbane glanced at Thales unexpectedly.

The prince's heart skipped a beat.

This old guy seems to know what they are planning.

"Forgive me for being rude, Earl of Lisbane, but..." Ian shrugged, and then he spoke slowly:

"Why are you all in such a hurry to speak for the Grand Duchess?"

In the hall, including Lisbane, the expressions of the vassals changed again.

Many eyes turned back to Thelma, but the latter just scowled and said nothing.

The heir of Qiyuan City looked solemn, as if he had returned to the cold Viscount Ian from the cynical noble son:

"Aren't you the one who just claimed to show her the 'cruel side' of this world?"

Ian raised his head and looked seriously at the Grand Duchess on the stage:

"Selma, I am speaking to you as the heir of Qiyuan City."

"I only accept answers from you."

The voice is cold.

Clean and neat.

Selma bit her lower lip subconsciously.

Earl Curtson, who was angry again, was about to speak, but Lisbane and Nazer raised their hands at the same time tacitly, stopping him.

Cotson understood their eyes:

This is not their turn.

Lisbane and Nazel also raised their heads tacitly, looked at Thelma, and waited for her response.

The air in the hall seemed to be stagnant and no longer flowing.

On the steps, Thelma, with a pale face and rapid breathing, scanned the people in the hall.

Until he met Thales' gaze.

Thales understood her eyes.

The flustered and apprehensive look in his familiar eyes.

Prince Xingchen smiled slightly, raised his fist, and clenched it lightly on his heart.

You can, Thelma.

you can do it.

The vassals still stared at her closely, their eyes full of scrutiny and scrutiny of strangers.

In the chaotic arena, Selma and Thales' eyes met instantly.

Thales lowered his head and sighed softly in his heart: Of course, Selma, if you can't...

He looked at his right palm, where there were two scars drawn with a dagger when he was young.

He took a deep breath: It's okay, I'm still here.

And I.

A few seconds later, the Grand Duchess let go of her lower lip, slightly raised the corners of her mouth, and nodded slightly.

Her tense face finally relaxed a little.

"My vassals, what they mean is very clear..." Selma exhaled and said seriously, "Your Excellency the Viscount."

She opened her mouth slowly, word by word: "The marriage between us is impossible."

Ian's expression changed.

As if someone had opened the window, the frozen air in the Hall of Heroes finally flowed again.

Thales could feel that many vassals breathed a sigh of relief calmly.

Among them, the six earls were particularly special: Nazer glanced at Lisbane across the street again, but the Lord Regent just avoided his gaze.

This made Nazer also fall into deep thought.

Selma lowered her head and took a deep breath: "I am very grateful for your appreciation and pursuit, but after all, you are the heir of Qiyuan City, and I am the Grand Duke of Dragon Clouds City, even if I am as shallow as I know: this is There has never been a precedent."

Under the much friendlier gazes of the vassals, the Grand Duchess cleared her throat, showed the spirit of answering questions in the Hixer class, and said slowly:

"Our sudden marriage will lead to unintended consequences: there may be a Grand Duke in Exeter in the future, who will have the right to inherit two territories and titles at the same time, which will make the entire kingdom unbalanced, and it will also attract us. trouble……"

But she was interrupted by Ian's chuckle.

"And you just let your vassals decide for you, Selma?"

Thales saw: Earl Nazar and Earl Lisbane frowned again.

Ian clicked his tongue and shook his head, his tone raised accordingly.

"Oh no, no, dear Selma," His Excellency the Viscount raised his index finger and sighed, "Don't think about your worries and worries first, but think about the consequences you are about to face—if There's no point in worrying about 'kingdom imbalance' when you're in a precarious position."

Selma was taken aback, but the faces of the vassals only became more ugly.

Ian glanced at the six earls, and said with a chuckle, "Your Excellency the 'Grand Duchess', you are very clear about the predicament you are facing: going to the Liberty League is a mission you must complete. If you are unable to send troops, the damaged It's far more than your reputation, and it's more than your family's reputation."

Ian's smile became a little scary, and his words became sharper: "Your situation is already difficult, but if you let this matter go like this today, facing the mission of the family, you can only stand by and do nothing. Facing the vassal's unruliness, let him be helpless..."

"From this moment on, the entire Dragon Clouds City, and even the entire kingdom will know: you are just a ruler with nothing to say, and even your vassals don't think much of you—even though they don't How can I think highly of you."

"Selma, avoid becoming a grand duchess who has no opinion, is at the mercy of others, and is surrounded by wolves," the successor of Qiyuan City said loudly: "Isn't this the reason why you called the vassals to attend the political meeting today?" purpose?"

The Grand Duchess did not speak.

Thales saw that the faces of the six earls changed one after another.

"Then, good girl," Ian said lightly:

"Then think about my proposal, think about what you can get: as long as this war is fought for you by us, Qiyuan City, then the indifference of the Grand Duchess of Longxiao City will become romantic and shy." Be reserved, and you will be freed from the weak accusations of 'disgrace the family', and Walton's reputation will not be damaged in the slightest."

Ian smiled slightly: "And after I win, this will be a good story for the whole of Exeter - from a heavy allusion of a monarch and his subjects against each other, to a romantic story of going out for love."

There was a moment of silence in the hall.

The Grand Duchess still stared at Ian with complicated eyes, as if she was thinking about his proposal.

Count Linna and Count Curtsen looked at each other, feeling something was wrong with each other.

It seemed as if a century had passed before Thelma raised her head slowly, her tone a little lonely: "Yes, at that time, I may have to marry you—the one who protected the honor of my father and grandfather for me, and finally Sincere suitors, right?"

At that moment, all the vassals in the hall stopped breathing.

"Ma'am!" The young and energetic Earl Hearst couldn't bear it any longer, his golden beard was shaking every inch of his head: "I swear, as long as the Hearst family is still there, no one will be able to force you!"

Thelma gave him a forced smile.

"Then can you count on these people?" Ian raised his head suddenly:

"If marriage can be used to restore the family's reputation, then why isn't Qiyuan City a better choice than them?"

"Even because of Qiyuan City's support," Little Ronnie, who seemed to be winning, chuckled and shook his head: "In the future, no matter who wants to underestimate your authority in Dragon Clouds City, they have to think about it first." the price of doing so."

As soon as the voice fell, the atmosphere in the hall became different again.

The whispers of the vassals on both sides became smaller, but also shorter.

On the contrary, the Regent of Lisbane and Count Nazer were both silent.

Thales took a deep breath, withdrew his observing gaze, and drove unnecessary thoughts out of his brain.

So far so good.

As long as there are no accidents...

No, not too optimistic.

He clenched his teeth.

Think about where accidents can happen.

For example: the relationship between Lisbon and the vassals is worse than we imagined.

Another example: the people of the North have a deep-rooted view of women, which far exceeds their loyalty to missions, their emphasis on honor, and their obligations to Dragon Clouds City and the Grand Duke.

For another example, what he is most worried about...

Thinking of this, Thales glanced at Ian sideways.

For example, the Viscount Qiyuan City changed his mind midway.

Perhaps, it is more profitable to win the marriage of Longxiao City than to directly ask Longxiao City to help?

Thales desperately thought about every possibility.

I hope it doesn't get to that point, I hope...

Don't be surprised.

if not……

Thales glanced back at the gate, and Rolf noticed his eyes, and returned a questioning look:

【Now? 】

Thales shook his head and gestured:

【No, it's fine. 】

It's okay for now.

"Besides," Ian sighed and shook his head towards Thelma gracefully: "I hope you understand, at least compared to your vassals, I don't mean to persecute."

"All we need is a symbol that Dragon Clouds City is standing with Qiyuan City, and a symbol that the Ronnie family is fighting for Walton."

He nodded kindly: "If the marriage is too hasty, we can also omit this step. For this step, I will first ask for your permission to bring the dragon spear flag belonging to Walton. I am not in a hurry ——When I return from the battle, I will send you that romantic request."

Thelma, who looked extremely dignified, couldn't help being slightly taken aback when she heard this.

She hesitated and said, "Your Excellency, you are...very confident."

Ian laughed: "Because I believe that there is no suitor who is more qualified to stand by your side than a person who has personally defended your family's honor."

He looked around the audience, and laughed loudly under the vigilant eyes of the vassals of Dragon Clouds City:

"Which suitor is better than the one who stands in front of you without hesitation in times of crisis, defends you from all harm, and fights endlessly for your safety and glory..."

"What is more trustworthy?"

In times of crisis...

stand up...

Resist damage...

Fighting endlessly...

Thelma was distracted for a moment, she subconsciously raised her head and looked in Ian's direction.

Ian frowned.

No.

Your Excellency the Viscount narrowed his eyes to observe the gaze of the Grand Duchess: She is not looking at me.

Instead, look at the one next to me...

Ian thought about it.

Thales lowered his head, uncomfortably avoiding someone's subconscious gaze.

He opened his clenched fist, tried his best to shake off all unnecessary thoughts, and suppressed the unnatural feeling.

But when he lowered his head, he saw Ian's boots again: they were different from the aristocratic boots that the northerners were used to.

But at this moment, Thales only felt that the pair of boots were ugly.

Wearing such ugly boots to...propose?

damn it.

I really want to...

I really want to step on it.

"It's an easy choice." Ian straightened his collar, looking neat.

In the hall, the faces of the vassals changed when they saw the Grand Duchess looking at the visitors from Qiyuan City with complicated eyes.

The disgust in Earl Curtson's eyes had escalated into hatred, and Earl Hurst gritted his teeth, desperately suppressing his anger.

"No, ma'am," Earl Hearst gasped louder and louder: "Please consider carefully..."

"Count, I'm sorry." But the Grand Duchess just stretched out her hand and shook her head, interrupting Hester.

She put away her thoughtful expression, cleared her throat, and turned back to Ian.

Selma said: "So, you ended this battle in the name of proposing to me, safeguarding my reputation and authority, and then we got married?"

Ian's eyes lit up and he nodded.

"Precisely for this reason, I will bring the Dragon Spear Banner in the Clouds to Fort Liberty. Not only can you spread your prestige in Exeter without a single soldier, and restore your family's reputation," Yi said. En continued to speak slowly:

"You can even get the most powerful support: Qiyuan City's vast and magnificent territory will be your backing, and you don't need to be subject to it anymore... if you know what I mean."

He shrugged.

At that moment, the entire hall was like eternal oil flowing in the ice and snow. At the moment of ignition, the flames of anger and the chill of hatred rose simultaneously.

The expressions of the vassals of Dragon Clouds City dropped to freezing point, Thales could even hear the clinking of some people's fists.

The envoys of Qiyuan City were confused by this young master who played cards out of common sense from the beginning of the journey, but this time they all fell into deep thought.

Thales frowned, and suddenly he knew why Ian sat next to him on purpose - in order to protect the safety of Prince Star, Lord Justin had arranged sufficient manpower in this corner, separating most of the seals tightly. Minister, otherwise, the tragedy of "the nobles of the Ronnie family died in Dragon Clouds City" will probably be reported in Exter tomorrow.

Thales breathed out: At this moment, Prince Star Star is probably no longer the most unpopular person in Dragon Clouds City.

but……

Will they succeed?

Nazel, who hadn't spoken for a long time, looked at the Grand Duchess meaningfully, and then turned to Ian.

"Kulikun Ronnie actually has a son like you," the old earl coughed, "He really made a lot of money by marrying a local wife."

Ian's face froze, but then he forced a smile.

"Enough!" Earl Linna on the side said coldly:

"If it's for the marriage and to prove the position of Dragon Clouds City and Qiyuan City, I believe we can find candidates of the right age in the collateral blood of the Walton family."

"But the Grand Duchess is in charge of Dragon Clouds City, so it is impossible for her to marry you."

Ian snorted lightly.

"Here again, you are helping the Grand Duchess again, as if you are her father or husband." Your Excellency the Viscount shook his hands, his eyes sharp: "But can you really protect her?"

Boom!

Earl Hearst slammed his fist on the seat, his face was ruthless, and his golden beard trembled slightly:

"Why are we still wasting time here?"

Earl Cotterson snorted approvingly: "Guards! Just drive this western guy out!"

But the Grand Duke's personal guards just stared at him sternly and remained motionless.

Ian smiled nonchalantly.

at this moment.

"Everyone!"

The crisp voice of the Grand Duchess interrupted the conflict that was about to erupt: "As the master, maintain our demeanor."

Thales raised his head, and together with the vassals, turned his gaze to Selma.

coming.

Final blow.

Hope there are no surprises.

"Your Excellency the Viscount."

"I have to say, you gave me a very interesting proposal." Thelma sighed.

"Even quite tempting."

The faces of the vassals suddenly became ugly.

"Without a single soldier, I can solve the matter of the Freedom Alliance, restore my prestige, the dignity of the family, and even gain support from Qiyuan City from now on," Thelma struggled to force out a smile, her voice full of Exhausted, "just pay for a so-called romance."

Ian bowed respectfully: "Exactly."

Thelma looked at him quietly and nodded.

The vassals couldn't sit still any longer.

Hearst couldn't hold back and exclaimed, "Ma'am!"

Earl Linna narrowed his eyes and looked at the regent: "Lisbane, as the leader... As the regent, you have an obligation to stop the lady's blind behavior."

But the Earl of Lisbane just ignored her and continued to look at Selma with a strange look in his eyes.

"Fuck," Kurtson said angrily, "Lisbane, we all know that ladies listen to you very much, don't pretend to be dead, say something!"

Nazer also frowned, but his gaze was on Lisbane.

Only Kierkegaard, who has always been silent, remained silent, quietly watching the situation on the field.

The rest of the vassals, big and small, reacted differently, either worried, anxious, or gnashing their teeth.

Looking at the expressions of these vassals, Thales clenched his fists.

Selma smiled, still staring at Ian.

"So, dear Thelma," Ian said cheerfully, raising his hands, "have we reached a consensus?"

"Walton's great alliance with Ronnie?"

Thelma's smile became brighter and even more relieved.

Thales closed his eyes.

Under the watchful eyes of the entire Hall of Heroes, the Grand Duchess of Dragon Clouds City gently leaned on the back of the seat and looked at the stone carving of the Dragon Spear in the Cloud above her head.

"Your Excellency the Viscount," the voice of the Grand Duchess was faint, as if it came from the sky:

"No."

At that moment, the whole hall first heard rhythmic breathing, and then immediately fell silent.

Ian was stunned: "Selma, what?"

The next second, Thelma straightened up from the seat, sat upright, and became serious again.

Count Nazer narrowed his eyes, and Count Lisbane frowned.

"I said it, Your Excellency the Viscount: 'No'."

"As the Grand Duchess of Dragon Clouds City," the Grand Duchess looked coldly at the heir of Qiyuan City, and said word by word, "I reject your proposal, and there is no need for Qiyuan City to stand up for us."

"I won't even marry you."

Ian frowned.

"Also, please call me 'Grand Duchess' or 'Madam'," Selma said indifferently:

"We don't know each other well enough to call each other names."