Kingdom’s Bloodline

"At that time, my uncle was still the honorary viscount of Gonghai City. This title was to Kongming Palace, just like the Duke of Xinghu was to Fuxing Palace. He had a special and prominent position."

Amid the cheers, Zhan sat in the stands, applauding and nodding to a proud vassal in the next stand - the warrior the latter sponsored had just won.

"Like the Duke of Star Lake?"

Thales also applauded the winning contestant. He smiled and said, looking to outsiders as if he was chatting with the Duke of South Bank: "So special?"

Hilley glanced at him, as if he thought he was not modest enough.

"My father once relied on my uncle as his right-hand man and asked him to take charge of government affairs. You can imagine the trust Sona received, as well as his position in the family and his power and energy," Zhan said amid the cheers. , “and his weight in the hearts of people in the Emerald City and even the South Shore.”

And his weight in his father's heart.

Zhan said silently.

"Let us welcome Bischoff's opponent for this round: the God-blessed warrior from clay! Warriors, show more blue! It's time to place your bets!"

Another competition began, and a strong female warrior named Dosalan—a rare sight—stepped onto the field, and the audience cheered loudly.

In this way, Sona was once deeply trusted and even wielded power - Thales was thoughtful until he was interrupted by the sound of drums that started the battle.

After a series of battles, the remaining contestants gradually became stronger, and the level of bloodshed and intensity also skyrocketed, but Thales was already tired of it - whether he was forcing himself to pretend to be watching with gusto, or Endure some bloody and cruel scenes that always inspire cheers, or worry about the future and fate of the Emerald City on top of both.

In contrast, Zhan, who was the focus of the audience, always maintained a decent posture and a friendly smile. He applauded and even called people to place bets from time to time. Depending on the battle process and the outcome of the victory, he showed expectations, excitement, pleasure, regret, and so on at the right time. Surprise and other emotions, but also the need to interact with vassals and guests in different stands. Once mentioned by the host ("Look, this backhand stab is earth-shattering! Even Duke Zhan is amazed!"), you have to get up and respond. Every move of the audience showed the Duke of South Bank's concern and enthusiasm for the election, which made many spectators who came for the fierce fighting more relaxed and unscrupulously immersed in their own hobbies.

With such cultivation, Thales could only sigh to himself.

"I remember that Uncle Sona was very strict with outsiders, and many people were afraid of him," Shilai said suddenly, with a lot of emotion in his words, "But he has never been cruel to me. On the contrary, uncle is very good to me and treats me as his own." Out, sometimes even better than his father - maybe because he doesn't have a daughter himself."

Thales glanced subconsciously, while Zhan frowned.

"When I got into trouble and offended the Karabyan sisters because of 'misbehavior,'" Hilley was immersed in the memory, "it was my uncle who rushed back to stand up for me and confronted Mrs. Karabyan. He also confronted my father about this. An argument."

"But he could neither prevent you from being sent to the temple for 'education', nor could he persuade your father not to marry you to the Pintor family," Zhan glanced at his sister, "It's just a pretense."

"Of course, that is... in the past." Xi Lai noticed his brother's eyes and gave him an intriguing smile.

Thales had a panoramic view of the interaction between the two.

"He also supported me a lot. When I was studying in the Eastern Continent, I often corresponded with him and relied on his connections." Zhan En coughed, his voice serious, "So, when I became a father ten years ago - no, it was already my tenth year. One year ago - he was unfortunately killed, and when the murderer turned out to be my uncle, the entire South Coast Territory and even the Star Kingdom were shocked. "

Both Zhan and Sheilai were silent for a while.

"Look! It's so thrilling!"

"Kill! Kill! Kill!"

In the arena, the female warrior was so powerful that she killed the clumsy black-armored enemy in front of her in a hurry. Victory was in sight, and the shouts in the stands became more and more fanatical and rhythmic.

"If Viscount Sonar is so close to your father and deeply trusted, and is almost the Duke's deputy, then why would he..." Thales asked tentatively.

Zhan En snorted softly upon hearing this.

"If I told you that your uncle is coveting the position of Duke according to the official statement, you wouldn't believe it?"

"Not necessarily," Thales said carefully, "but these years of experience have taught me that everyone is complicated."

"It's political differences." Healy sighed.

Thales' eyes moved.

The Duke nodded with complicated eyes: "Even if they are brothers who share the same blood and embroider the same family emblem, when the subjects standing behind them are different, everything will be different. Emotions will give way to reason, and blood will I can’t resist the benefits.”

Listening to their words, Thales was slightly distracted, remembering the words of Falkenhauser and King Kessel:

[You must know that when your vassals and subordinates are angry and the public's opinions are high, standing in front of the wave, you don't have much choice but to follow the trend. 】

[What if you act too well, hide your secrets, convince everyone, and successfully transform into the savior of princes and vassals... the people who are deceived by you and support you will form a rolling wave and use their reputation, position, and camp to , interests, relationships, situations, use everything to coerce you forward, without allowing you to resist, not under your control, and not allowed to go back on your word - they will love you even more than they hate me. 】

"I was still very young back then. I had a bad temper and didn't like to meet outsiders. I didn't pay attention to these things. I can't remember some details clearly." The eldest lady shook her head, her expression tense, "But my father and Uncle Sona, they never paid attention to the outside world. I took everything home, and I never blushed or had an argument at the dinner table or in front of my family.”

"That's the problem." Zhan interrupted coldly.

Thales and Hilley looked at the Duke at the same time, but the latter had a different look:

"My mother once said: Compared with family members, only guests never quarrel at the dinner table."

Xi Lai frowned upon hearing this.

"Then based on this, there is no doubt that Your Majesty and I are truly father and son."

Zhan and Shilai both turned to the prince.

"Don't mind, it's just a casual comment," Thales coughed, "So?"

"So what happened later," Zhan said faster, as if he didn't want to say more, "Although he couldn't avoid the disaster, his father had anticipated it before he was killed, so he took precautions: As soon as something happened, the Emerald Legion would arrest him I killed Sona and his gang, and by the time I returned to the Emerald City, the case was almost unraveled."

"In the end, Uncle Sona confessed to the crime and committed suicide in prison, while his followers fell apart and sought justice."

Hilley's expression was tense and he stared at the duel in the field intently.

"So soon?" Thales rolled his eyes, "Even before you returned to Emerald City?"

"To be precise, it was before the central royal family sent the envoy to Emerald City," Zhan En said calmly, "I think there is no need to say some things too clearly."

Thales was stunned.

He suddenly remembered the words left by the Duke of Cliffland, the One-eyed Dragon Costard, before he left for Exeter:

[He even wanted to intervene in the inheritance of the six wealthy families and the thirteen noble families... He was involved in Kevin Dill's family infighting two years ago. 】

"What's more, the Emerald City has a complete system and has its own laws," Zhan En said calmly, "The matter involved the Iris family. In order to avoid suspicion and to calm people's hearts, the case of Sona's brother-killing rebellion was handed over to the city's public office for handling - Jeff Rene was the Director of Security in the Canal Zone at the time, and he was known for his impartiality and few omissions. Slimani was his right-hand man. They were both involved in the case at that time. "

Thales and Hilley looked at each other: "Ah, so that's the reason."

Jenn continued:

"And the officer in Caguire who was killed this morning. He was one of the guards at the prison when my uncle was imprisoned eleven years ago - I guess the enemy has a revenge list and crosses names off it one by one."

"What about the others? The wine merchant? And the wool merchant?" Healy asked.

Zhan En shook his head: "Before his downfall, Uncle Sona held a very high position. He was in charge of intelligence merchants and secret accounts in the Emerald City and even the South Coast Territory, and even the monitoring of civil society organizations - such as the Blood Bottle Gang."

Xi Lai's expression changed:

"Dagory Moss, and Diop?"

"They all served Sona," Zhan nodded, "Although they were all small figures at that time, my uncle may not remember them."

"Wait a minute, they were all your uncle's subordinates, but you still feel free to use them until now?" Thales couldn't believe it.

"Uncle Sona's relationships and connections in the South Bank Territory are intricate. Even Ashford once did things for him under his father's instructions. If I want to purge everyone who has bowed and reported to Sona, Then the entire Emerald City will be unavailable."

At this point, Zhan leaned forward and applauded enthusiastically for the attack of the contestants on the field, forcing Thales to also lean forward, pretending to be excited to watch the game, and trying his best to hear clearly among the cheers. Jenn’s words:

"What's more, in the hands of the people who served my uncle back then, Moss and Diop were relatively new recruits and were already considered to be less involved. That's why they were promoted after the major rebellion and achieved their current status. ”

Thales reacted and took over the conversation:

"So, they are the beneficiaries who were promoted after Sona's fall?"

"Or Renegades," Healy affirmed. "Maybe that puts them on the revenge list."

Thales narrowed his eyes.

Then Wya's guess is right: Rene, Slimani, Kaguerre, including Little Bolwin, who was implicated by his father, they were indeed targeted for the same thing - Sona's rebel party The old troops are back and want to avenge their master?

“But it’s so much more than that.”

Zhan's expression was grim as he watched a contestant in the field being severely knocked down:

"The wine merchant Moss is one of our intelligence merchants stationed abroad. It would be fine if he died, but if the news spreads that he died of rebelling and seeking revenge, his colleagues will be in danger; Diop manages the secret account He acts as an intermediary in terms of income and expenditure, and the dirty work that the city's dignitaries entrust to the Blood Bottle Gang and other associations. If he dies unexpectedly, everyone from the powerful bureaucrats to the gangsters will be suspicious. "

Thales' eyes moved.

Zhan En became more solemn as he spoke:

"As for Rene and Slimani, they both worked in the Police Department, and the latter was a defense attorney who argued numerous major cases. He had wider connections and was involved in many parties. Their mysterious murder will make more people pay attention and even worry. And it is even more obvious for Kaguire. He is a special security officer sent by the Kongming Palace and is responsible for the prince's security. If his body is exposed on the street during the Emerald Festival, the official prestige of the Emerald City will be seriously damaged. "

"In short, these targets are located in different locations in the Emerald City. They each perform their own duties and bear their own weight. If the enemy wants to incite people's hearts and cause panic in the name of betrayal and revenge, finding them is undoubtedly the most labor-saving method."

The rebel party takes revenge, inciting people and causing panic...

Thales was lost in thought, always feeling that something was wrong.

"Don't forget, there is also the Blood Bottle Gang." Xi Lai frowned.

"That's right," Zhan En said cautiously, "If they succeed, it will affect the operation of the city at least, and shake the rule of Iris at worst."

"The Emerald Celebration welcomes visitors from all over the world, and they just use revenge to spread panic... You should have told us earlier." Xi Lai looked solemn.

"It's up to me to say this," Zhan said sternly, "And you, my dear sister, when did you get involved in this mess?"

"When I was born," Hilley retorted, "Dear brother, you might as well guess: What is my last name?"

"Sorry to bother you," Thales said suddenly, interrupting the argument between the brothers and sisters, "But affecting the operation of the city and shaking your rule... just rely on these few goals, is that enough?"

Zhan En turned around with a cold look: "Merely? Why, do you still want a few more deaths?"

Thales raised his eyebrows: "You know that's not what I meant."

Hilley coughed.

"Well, maybe they won't," Zhan glanced at his sister and then looked at Thales again, "But what if you are included?"

Thales was startled when he heard this:

"I?"

"Of course, you."

Zhan En stared at the contest that had reached a critical moment, and his tone gradually tightened:

"Just imagine: The Sona rebels are determined to take revenge and come back to cause massacres. From outside wine merchants to wool merchants, from great defenders to retired security officers, to active security officers of Kongming Palace, there may be more... …So all of a sudden, the security of the Emerald City, which feeds millions of people, was in chaos, and nine households were closed. The Emerald Festival, which circulated the goods of the Seven Seas, was in decline and suffered heavy losses. The police department was overwhelmed, the Kongming Palace was stretched, and even the gangsters on the street They are all in chaos and acting recklessly. As for the aloof Duke Iris, he can only sit on his throne and do nothing..."

Xi Lai frowned: "Brother..."

"Over time," Zhan En ignored her, but looked at Thales with increasingly cold eyes, "the panicked people in the city gradually lost their patience and resented: why should they be blamed for the lingering disasters caused by the Kevin Deere family? Bear it? The tortured internal and external subjects will also be uneasy and grow tired: why bother dragging down the entire Emerald City with the family feud caused by the three-color iris?"

Thales listened to his words and looked around: the spectators in the stands were all attentive, or at least seemed to be attentively watching the competition. Among them were nobles and vassals, wealthy businessmen, distinguished guests, and even more. Many local citizens waved their arms enthusiastically, cheered, and were immersed in the atmosphere of the election. Even D.D. below were gathered together, seeming to be having a heated discussion about the outcome of the game...

Except for the three of them.

"At this time, our wise and wise Duke of Star Lake took decisive action again," Zhan continued. "In the name of the Kevin Deere family's poor governance, he justifiably took over the power, and then administered policies with favors and rewarded merits and punishments. Isn’t it time to finally bring peace and prosperity to the Emerald City?”

Thales frowned.

The next second, in the arena, the female warrior who had the upper hand was about to win, but an unexpected turn occurred: her opponent slipped and fell to the ground with heavy armor, firmly pressing the female warrior's thigh. The latter Unexpectedly and unable to react in time, he collapsed to the ground amidst cries of pain.

The odds of victory and defeat were instantly reversed, and the audience let out sighs of disappointment and boos of dissatisfaction.

As the audience cheered, Zhan laughed loudly and stood up to cheer.

"Well done, Palacio, this Bischof is indeed lucky," the Duke loudly waved to a vassal in the stand next door, "If I had known this, I should have made this big bet with you!"

"This bet is won for you, Your Majesty the Duke, for your strong support for the development of the Emerald City's offshore fisheries over the years! And of course His Highness Thales, your arrival will make the election even more glorious!" The vassal Stand in the stands, take off your hat and bow.

Thales had to stand up with Zhan and nodded in response.

But His Highness the Prince immediately had a bitter look on his face: On that stand, Kasha and Qina stood in a conspicuous position second only to Earl Lassia.

They smiled at Thales, one on the left and one on the right, and opened two folding fans specially selected for the general election:

The left handwriting is "Happy to see the hunting spirit, the winning ticket is in hand", and the right handwriting is "The flag is open to win, the determination is sure to win".

Thales felt dizzy for a while.

When Hillai also stood up and smiled like a flower next to Thales, the Karabiyan sisters' expressions all changed, their eyes suddenly turned cold, and they both sat down, hiding their faces behind the folding fan, discussing something.

"Smile, smile again, smile bigger, that's good, and then pretend to have a heated discussion—discuss with me, not with Xi Lai," Zhan's smile did not diminish, and he whispered to guide Thales' public relations response, "Then you think about it Good price? ”

"What? Oh I, uh, I don't bet..."

"That's not what I'm talking about," Zhan sat down again, but his voice suddenly turned cold, "but the unfinished conversation we had at the fight banquet."

Taylor was stunned for a moment.

"At the last moment, what kind of price do you want before you are willing to lend a helping hand and stop your father, instead of standing idly by and adding insult to injury?"

"What's the price?" Xi Lai turned his head curiously.

But both Thales and Zhan ignored her, and they exchanged a look.

A few seconds later, when the host began to announce the next duel, Thales sighed:

"The problem is not the price, and I don't think..."

But Zhan turned his head and interrupted him.

"Moss, Diop, Slimani, Rene, Caguire...including the key little Bolwyn," the Duke returned to his usual calm demeanor, "They use every murder as bait, in addition to disturbing people's hearts. In addition, I just want to attract your attention, use the old grievances between you and me, teach you to pursue it to the end, and then intervene to rewrite your old affairs in Exeter and Xihuang, and destroy the sky of Emerald City in one fell swoop. ——Just like what you did in Xihuang.”

The Duke clapped his hands with joy and welcomed the next duel:

"So, what price did the Xihuang people give you in exchange for your help?"

Damn it.

The last sentence made Thales' eyes move, and Shilai's expression also changed slightly.

"The matter in the Western Wilderness is a long story and even more complicated." Thales was silent for a while. "As for the Emerald City, since I'm sitting here, the kind of thing you mentioned... won't happen."

"It hasn't happened yet, but it's not because you are sitting here," Zhan said with a smile on his lips, but his temperature was limited, "but because I was foresighted and cut off the fishing line every time before you took the bait. "

He didn't know if the sarcasm of a certain guard captain made him more sensitive. When Thales heard these words, he always felt that Zhan was scolding him secretly.

"Otherwise, if you had uncovered so many murders on the streets from before the celebration to now, the news of 'rebellion to take revenge on the Emerald City' would have already spread and shocked the whole city." Zhan En said calmly.

"Boys..." Hilley smelled something bad.

"Ha, cut off the fishing line," Thales let out a long breath, "You mean to cover up the news, fabricate the truth, and cover up the truth?"

"Yes," Zhan's voice suddenly turned cold, "I'm not proud of it, but I did what I could and must do - for the Emerald City."

"Interesting, that's what Slimani said as well: he did what he could and must do," Thales stared at the two contestants who entered the arena, "Until those things The consequences inevitably caught up with him.”

"Then did he tell you that the consequences of not doing those things will catch up with him when?"

"enough!"

Hilley interrupted them.

"I'm here to solve the problem, not to see you bickering."

The eldest lady glanced at the two of them respectively until they turned around.

Seeing the two of them, Xi Lai sighed helplessly and turned to his brother:

"So, Zhan, what are your plans next? How are you going to deal with it?"

Zhan En smiled slightly when he heard this.

"Look around," the Duke raised his hand gracefully, signaling Ashford below to continue betting, "This is my response."

"What's the meaning?"

"The election will be the most popular focus of the Emerald Celebration," Zhan En said, looking relaxed and at ease. "At this moment, the entire arena is loose on the outside and tight on the inside, and a dragnet has been set up."

Thales and Hille were both startled.

"Zhan?" Thales looked around, looking at the "cuckold" Emerald Sergeant on the post and the calm Seychelles knight below, and suddenly felt something was wrong, "You, what are you going to do? "

Hilley also looked suspicious:

"brother?"

Zhan raised his eyebrows with a calm attitude:

"You know, this year's election will be extremely lively. Many people running for the election have problems: some are secretive, some are hiding their heads and tail, some are shrinking from the battle, some have unknown sponsors, and there are even a lot of imposters."

Thales' eyes changed, while Hilley looked in disbelief at the two contestants and the tent where the other contestants were resting.

"But the election was still held, and you still let them come in to compete...did you do it on purpose?"

Zhan En smiled again and pointed at the soldiers fighting in the audience:

"I dare say that at this moment, among the group of passionate players below, there are some who are hiding something fishy and waiting for action."

"What action?" Thales couldn't help but become nervous, "What are you going to do?"

"As you said, Thales, yesterday's incident with the Blood Bottle Gang was the last straw. They can't wait any longer," Zhan said lightly, "The enemies of Emerald City are coming."

He glanced at Thales and said with hidden meaning:

"And here, the election will be the stage they have been waiting for, or in other words, the cemetery."

The fierce battle in the arena once again came to a critical moment. A barren mountain man warrior had a conflict in his hand. In just a few minutes, his opponent was bleeding. With the cheers of the audience, he became more and more courageous as he fought.

"What?" Thales couldn't believe it.

"So here, this choice is a trap set by you?"

Hilley also didn't understand and couldn't help asking: "Why, Zhan? Why here, why today? What do you know?"

"Yes, how can you be sure that they will take action during the election?" Thales asked.

Zhan snorted softly:

"Because this is their only and best chance."

Hilley couldn't help but frown:

"Jenn, explain."

Zhan listened patiently as the host began to introduce the top eight contestants, and clapped and waved in cooperation.

"To put it simply, from the Fighting Banquet to now, from the inexplicable attack on the Blood Bottle Gang, to the killing of key people one after another," Zhan En's eyes were sharp and his words contained murderous intent, "I am tired of waiting and passively being beaten, and I am even more tired of it. The enemy is in darkness and we are in the dark.”

"So, in addition to ordering the Blood Bottle Gang to finish things off and prevent the murders from coming to light, I also sent a special person to secretly investigate these murders, including the background of each deceased person, so that we could discover the connection between Little Bolwen and the other deceased people."

He paused and snorted coldly at Thales:

"That's why you don't have to do anything. Just sit here and spread your hands, and you can get the information and answers for free."

Thales frowned unhappily.

Hilley coughed, forcing Zhan to continue:

"And every enemy action, every murder, brings Kathleen's investigation closer and closer to them, until..."

"Wait, who?"

Thales was shocked when he heard this, and Shilai's eyes also moved.

Zhan looked at them with an intriguing smile.

"Ah, I understand, it's 'Phantom Blade' Kathleen!" Shilai thought through the joints and suddenly realized, "She was originally the boss in the royal capital, but she secretly sneaked back to the Emerald City - she was specially chosen by you Recalled back and ordered to investigate these murders!"

Thales also reacted: "You?"

"She is not an official, so it is easier for her to do things."

Zhan En sneered and nodded:

"Although she was reluctant."

So you don’t feel bad about sacrificing yourself? Thales couldn't help but think.

"Damn it, she didn't tell us before that she took your mission..." Xi Lai said unhappily.

"Not only that," Thales couldn't help but said, "She even said that you were going to kill her and kill her to silence her?"

"I guess it's because she wants to protect herself," Zhan stared at Thales with confidence. "She fell into your hands, and she knew that you were not on the Emerald City side, so she deliberately hinted to you: I am her enemy. This way. First of all, whether you feel pity for her, or you think it is profitable to instigate her, Kathleen has a chance to survive. "

"Fuck," Thales' head hurt when he heard it, "So many twists and turns?"

At the same time, he couldn't help but notice that as the host introduced the top eight contestants one by one and warmed up for the team battle, more and more guard members gathered around D.D below the stands - Wyatt, Miranda , Glover, Conmuto...

But their expressions became increasingly stiff.

Thales wanted to ask them, but found that no matter how he waved, no one from the Star Lake Guard even looked up.

As if deliberately avoiding the prince's gaze.

They... aren't making bets together, are they?

"Thousands of hidden treasures, this is the knife bitch of the Emerald City, and this is also the reason why she can hold her position." Zhan En seemed to be feeling emotional.

"So, we were all tricked by her, you bitch who doesn't tell the truth," Heeley said bitterly. "If I had known earlier, I should have thrown her to... ahem, that killer."

"Then what? What else did Kathleen find out?"

"Nothing," Zhan shook his head in denial, but smiled mysteriously, "In other words, before she really touched the key and found something..."

"The Blood Bottle Gang has changed a lot," Heilai added with a frown, "I guess the reason why the news of Caguire's murder on the street spread a lot this morning is because the Blood Bottle Gang is in chaos, and you can't do anything about it anymore. Transferred?"

Zhan nodded and his smile disappeared:

"Kathleen is missing, and at least half of the bosses and leaders in the Blood Bottle Gang have not been heard from..."

"I told you." Thales shook his head.

"...The remaining half started to fight for territory and share the cake. It was noisy. The gang members at the lower level, including the industries they were covering, were all panic-stricken. They were also suspicious of each other and wanted to find someone who could keep their word. It’s difficult, let alone getting work done,” Zhan En said calmly. .

"So, the Blood Bottle Gang's incident was not an accident," Hilley said seriously, "but our enemies found out: Not only are you using the Blood Bottle Gang to cover up the news and prevent them from spreading panic, you also sent Kathleen to chase Ask for them?"

"So they couldn't hold back and took action," Thales nodded: "Set a trap to surround the Phantom Blade and paralyze the Blood Bottle Gang?"

"Muddy the lake," Heilai frowned, "I'll ruin your eyes and ears."

Jenn took a deep breath.

"This is only temporary. When this matter is settled, I will have some free time..."

Zhan's eyes were sharp, but he then took a deep breath and regained his composure.

"But at least I know one thing: my countermeasures are effective: from Moss to Slimani, while I used the Blood Bottle Gang to block the news, the damage to Emerald City was also minimized. Whether they wanted to cause an uproar or lead you to attack me, the enemy failed." Zhan En looked at the two people with surprised faces, "So they became anxious and couldn't hold back, so they had to appear from behind the scenes and directly attack Blood bottles help."

Thales took over the conversation: "So the Blood Bottle Gang failed to function, and you were no longer able to cover up the news of Caguire's murder. You could only watch this murder shock the whole city?"

Zhan sneered.

"Change the angle, Thales, change the angle," the Duke of South Bank's eyes were clear, "Our enemies, whether they are Sona's old party or employees of the Secret Service, they have done so many things and killed so many people. , all ended silently due to my intervention, and I failed to successfully spread the news..."

"Seeing that the Emerald Celebration passed day by day, and the prince's pursuit came to an end, they finally made up their mind to make a desperate move and let Luo Sang come to the stage and take action directly to eliminate the Blood Bottle Gang..."

"So..." Thales understood something and his eyes changed slightly.

Snapped!

Zhan applauded gently:

"First of all, after waiting for so many days and paying a huge price, they got what they wanted for the first time this morning: Caguire was killed in the street. The whole city knew about it, and people were in panic. The Emerald City could not turn a blind eye - these enemies It must be quite exciting: Duke Iris finally made a mistake and revealed his flaw."

"Could it be that..." Xi Lai's eyes widened.

"Secondly, in addition to the rare success, they also waited for a rare occasion: the highly anticipated and highly anticipated Iris candidate - don't forget, whether it is a murder case, rumors, killings on the street, or purging gangs, They have done so much just for an opportunity to declare revenge and spread terror to the entire Emerald City and even the kingdom."

Zhan looked at Thales:

"Just like Anke Bailar, you must kill people to get people to listen."

Thales tightened his fists and said, "Don't mention his name again."

Hilley couldn't help but glance at Thales.

Zhan smiled and didn't care.

"Third, since yesterday, the bottom tool I relied on to suppress them - the Blood Bottle Gang has gone through catastrophes and finally lost its effectiveness and is no longer under my control. At least when it comes to suppressing murder cases, I am stretched. It is no longer possible to cover the sky with one hand and control the overall situation.

"Also, as you said, Kathleen's investigation in Emerald City has alerted the enemy. The enemy realized that not only had I been alert, but I was also chasing after them. Her escape was the last straw for the enemy. They had to step up their pace to avoid long nights and nightmares - they didn't know what Kathleen had found, let alone what I had mastered.

"Finally, since we have successfully turned the Caguire case into a major case that has caused widespread controversy in the city, in theory we should go all out, strike while the iron is hot, and create more, bigger and more sensational incidents and murders before people get tired and get used to it. To intimidate the people of Emerald City and shake my rule, only in this way can we achieve the greatest results and achieve our ultimate goal."

"Zhan, you..." Thales thought of something and couldn't believe it more and more.

"Situation, occasion, conditions, timing, effectiveness, every factor gives them reason to continue taking action," Zhan En's tone became lighter and lighter, "The five factors added together add to its weight."

He turned to Thales:

"And you - if you didn't lie - and your young master's bodyguards, worked together to kill one of their extreme killers?"

Thales swallowed.

Zhan En smiled slightly:

"Guess, this time, they are desperate and desperate, but they are lucky enough to survive..."

He glanced at his sister:

"Are you ready to take the bait and bite the bait eagerly? For example, who will be chosen at this moment?"

Biting bait?

Take the bait?

Thales looked at Zhan in front of him, becoming more solemn.

"Fuck you! Jenn!"

Thales turned back:

"Hile?"

Regardless of his image, Heeley raised his middle fingers and pointed fiercely at Duke Iris, which made both of them frown:

"Don't you understand, Thales? Katherine didn't lie to us that day: she was indeed abandoned!"

Zhan En looked around and coughed: "Sister, pay attention..."

The eldest lady asked urgently:

"Why, Zhan? Since it was a secret investigation, then as the boss of the Blood Bottle Gang, why was Kathleen so easily discovered by Lausanne II and walked into a group of people who intended to ambush her and split the Blood Bottle Gang? A fatal trap?”

Zhan said nothing.

"Because this shit is your masterpiece! Kathleen is the abandoned child. You deliberately sent it out in the name of 'investigation' to attract the enemy's attention and stimulate them to take action! I guess it was you who spread the news and let them keep an eye on it. Catherine's? You want to remind them: You are alert," Shilai said unhappily.

Zhan remained silent.

"No, it's not just Kathleen, but the entire Blood Bottle Gang. They are all bait." Thales also figured it out, and he sighed. "The Blood Bottle Gang's internal strife in the warehouse that day, including the loss of everything... Utility situations are the result of your deliberate laissez-faire and are part of a higher chess game, because you want the enemy to feel that you have lost the Blood Bottle Gang.”

Zhan raised the corners of his mouth.

"You!" Xi Lai said bitterly, gesturing with his middle finger again, "We were extremely unlucky that day. We were chased by the ghost killer from the Blood Bottle Gang all afternoon... In the end, it was all your fault? Do you still have the nerve to accuse me of causing the trouble?”

"That being the case, that includes the Caguire murder case this morning. The reason why it spread throughout the city..." Thales deduced step by step, frowning, "These, these are all traps you set, just to lure The enemy took the bait—bait?”

In the arena, the host gave an order, and the much-anticipated multi-person team battle finally began.

Faced with Heeley's unhappy eyes and Thales' vigilant expression, Zhan smiled.

Snapped! Snapped! Snapped! Snapped!

The Duke clapped vigorously, and the applause was mixed with the roar of the entire arena, but it had a different rhythm that Thales would not be confused with.

"You really don't want to place a bet? This is a good way to blend into the atmosphere and numb the surroundings." Zhan asked while signaling Ashford to continue placing bets.

"I'm sorry!" Heilai greeted him in a friendly manner.

"I...as the heir to the kingdom, I should be balanced and impartial in my dealings," Thales sighed and used the words he had prepared. "It is not in line with my status to choose sides and place bets. ”

"Oh, it turns out it's because of your position," Zhan En raised his eyebrows, "I thought it was because of poverty."

Thales only felt that his expression became stiffer.

“But this is the reality, whether it’s the Blood Bottle Gang, Kathleen, or poor Caguire,” Zhan smiled, his eyes filled with an unsettling light, “Most of the time, it’s the one with more chips who Only people can win the bet.”

People with more chips...

In the arena, the melee between hundreds of people was huge. Some people fought alone, some formed a team to respond to the enemy, some avoided the enemy's sharp edge, and some leaned against the wall to resist...

Thales was sitting in the Duke's Stand, facing this scene of countless people fighting selflessly, with an ugly expression on his face.

"What about the chips themselves?"

The prince gritted his teeth and said:

"Besides, won't you get tired if you move your chips like this every day?"

Zhan snorted slightly.

"Although your name is Duke, Thales," the Duke said calmly, "but you have never ruled a city or a place, or even a village or a town, right?"

"I... rule Star Lake Castle."

At least... Star Lake Castle is now full of vitality and wild interest.

"Domination? As Heeley said," Zhan said disdainfully, "You buy a cat to catch mice, and you buy a dog to catch cats?"

"This..." Thales was speechless for a moment and looked at Hilley unhappily.

"Don't look at me, that's what someone named Waiya said." Heilai shrugged unhappily.

Hell, I bought the cat to clean up the mess Asheida left that night (killing a whole roof of rats), and as for buying a dog...

He didn't give the order at all. It was all stupid things done by the people below because they were clever and tried to figure out what their superiors meant!

"When you get there, Thales, you will understand and understand," Zhan En was slightly lost in thought, with emotion. "You must do what you can and must do."

All three were silent.

Well, I really am not suitable for playing with these dirty things...

Thales sighed secretly.

Maybe I'm not fit to be a king...

Then become a man who can be a king - a small voice sounded in his heart.

Thales frowned.

Maybe on that day, you can win, Thales Bright Star.

and……

Sometimes, people who are not in the game win more than people who have chips.

Thales' eyebrows moved.

"How do they bite the bait?"

The prince's words attracted the attention of the other two people:

"Yes, Zhan, you set a trap, good job! But how will they do it? After this murder that shocked the whole city, this event that the whole city is enthusiastic about, what will they do to get you..."

"I don't know," Zhan interrupted him, "Maybe it was after the finals, when I walked down the stands with a happy face to award the championship to the conference champion, or maybe he rode a horse around the field and came to me, of course. , or maybe in the middle of a fierce fight..."

"My father wants the Emerald City and the South Shore, Zhan, not your head."

"You mean," Zhan said coldly, "it's not just the head on my neck?"

"Of course, if you stand between him and Emerald City, I think he won't mind taking your head first, but..."

"They can do whatever they want."

Duke Iris glanced at Thales:

"Perhaps you can go even more extreme, create a crisis, and let His Majesty the King's most precious son suffer a scratch. In this way, you will have more reasons to intervene in the Emerald City, and the Kingdom's wrath will have more reasons. Heading south - like the Blade Tooth Camp?"

Hilley's expression paused.

"But anyway..."

Zhan stared into Thales's eyes:

"As soon as they come, they can't escape."

Thales looked back at him.

"But I still don't understand one thing," the prince said again after a few seconds, "Why did your uncle's old men want to kill little Bolwyn?"

Zhan frowned:

"What? Did you listen carefully just now? They want revenge, and Bolwin's father is the killer of the former Duke, and the one who confessed to Sona..."

"Here, this is where I don't understand," Thales said thoughtfully, "How did you know that the enemy is Viscount Sonar's old subordinates?"

Xi Lai's eyes moved.

"Do I have to repeat everything?" Zhan was a little impatient, "Because I found out the background of little Bolwin, and then connected the clues and found..."

Zhan En's words suddenly stopped.

Thales nodded.

"If it is true, as you said, that every time they kill, they want to cause panic and shake the foundation of the Emerald City's rule, then it makes sense to kill Moss, Diop, and Slimani, because their identities are key, one after another. Death on the street is enough to cause panic, but..."

Thales took a deep breath:

"But little Bolwyn is just a low-level person who fights in the underground ring and makes a living by being beaten and betting. Killing him will not only scare the snake and make you think of his father Bolwyn Sr. and make you alert, but it will also be harmful to him." Will they be of any help?

Zhan frowned.

Hilley raised his eyebrows:

"Yes, this is a bit...obvious?"

"I said, they want revenge, the more obvious the better," Zhan gritted his teeth. "In addition to disturbing the Emerald City, they also want to vent their anger and want everyone in the Emerald City to know, so little Bolwin..."

"Do they want it, or do you think they want it?"

Zhan En was suddenly startled:

"What do you want to say?"

Thales cleared his throat: "Okay, let's put it this way, if I were them, your uncle's old team, your enemy and enemy..."

"Then the best method, the best strategy, the most satisfying revenge, shouldn't it be to let go of little shrimps like Little Bolwyn first - he was not even involved in what happened back then, he was just an unlucky person. Dad - focus on other more worthy goals?"

The expressions of brother and sister Kevin Dill changed slightly.

"That's it, I kill the key figures one by one and expose their bodies on the street..."

In the arena, the shouts of killing could not cover up Thales' words:

"While making the Emerald City panic, it also makes people confused and keeps you in the dark... Then, wait until the moment when the Duke is really overthrown and bury the Emerald City, and then he carries little Bolwyn and is caught off guard. Jump out and tell the world to scare you: 'Kevin Deere died of this'."

Thales touched his chin and thought:

"So that you can wake up from a dream when you are unable to recover. You will suddenly realize when the situation is over. You want to make up for the situation but are unable to do so. Thinking about today's end and regretting it. In the end, you can only lose hope, roar with grief and anger, and have boundless resentment. With the unreachable power of this life, Will you die unwillingly because of your injustice and resentment? Will you regret being trapped in the river of prison and never be reincarnated? "

After the words fell, Zhan En looked at him with a complicated expression.

"Wow," Healy said in disbelief, voicing Jen's unspoken question, "Why can you say the last sentence so smoothly and skillfully?"

Thales coughed and returned to the topic:

"Ahem, I said, if, if, if, if I were them, then I would do this."

Zhan's expression froze.

Thales continued:

"Instead of killing little Bolwyn from the beginning and making you alert and counterattack, like now: you suppressed the murder, blocked the news, calmed the turmoil, and avoided chaos. Then wouldn't it be counterproductive to me? Come here to hinder your revenge?"

Zhan frowned and said nothing.

Hilley tentatively said:

"Is there a possibility that when they killed young Bolwyn, they were blinded by hatred?"

Thales nodded and said:

"I can't rule it out. After all, people are not always rational... But is there another possibility? They killed Little Bolwin not because they wanted the Emerald City to know, but..."

"Hold!"

Thales was interrupted, but he and Shilai were surprised: the person who made the rude remarks was not someone else, but the Lord of the Emerald City himself.

Zhan En was seen clenching his fists with an angry look on his face.

"What's wrong, what the fuck? They don't want Emerald City to know, they want someone to know..."

After Xi Lai spoke for a moment, her expression changed.

"Misleading," she murmured.

Hearing this word, Thales also widened his eyes: "No way?"

Zhan's breathing quickened, and he stared at the melee in the arena:

"No, no, I have to find Ashford and the Emerald Legion. Something is wrong..."

Thales subconsciously probed his head, but suddenly discovered:

At some point, the Star Lake Guards had disappeared from his sight.

Strange, where did they go? AWOL?

Thales was vaguely uneasy.

"Zhan," Thales swallowed his throat, "What you just said, the remnants of your uncle's old army, who were the people who escaped the rebellion? I mean, there are specific people Name?"

But the next second, Thales felt his wrist tighten - Zhan grabbed him.

"Zhan?" Hilley asked in surprise.

Thales was shocked to realize that Zhan was sweating profusely at this moment.

"Tiles," Zhan said with difficulty, "After the Fighting Banquet, did Le Corleone from the Kingdom of Night come to see you?"

"What? Why?" Thales didn't know why.

Zhan's hands trembled slightly, and he shook his head: "No, even if it is, it's too late now... The top priority now is..."

"Brother? Are you okay?" Xi Lai asked worriedly.

But Zhan ignored her and continued to look at Thales, gritting his teeth and asking:

"Tiles, do you remember the price?"

Zhan stared at Thales, making the latter more and more uneasy:

"What price do you want before you are willing to take decisive action to save the Emerald City in the dark moment when the world is falling apart?"

"What?" Thales was confused.

At this moment, an accident occurred in the arena.