Kingdom’s Bloodline

Chapter 715 Red and Black

"It is a great honor for me to welcome you, Your Highness."

As soon as Thales entered the guest room, he saw Federico Kevin Deere sitting alone in the living room, facing the door, gently rubbing the teacup in his hand.

He has a dark complexion, simple clothes, and looks thin and thin, almost like an ascetic monk.

Very different from the crazy and desperate Federico who ran into the election in full view of the public.

Thales didn't say anything, and just sat down opposite Federico.

The seat was made of hard wood, which was a bit uncomfortable to sit on. When Thales lowered his head, he found that the cup at hand only contained the most basic tea. The tea was as light as water.

"Did they treat you harshly?" Thales thought thoughtfully.

Obviously, although the room where Federico is under house arrest is right across from Zhane, the furnishings, food and clothing are much worse than those of his duke cousin.

"No, Your Highness," Federico neither stood up nor raised his head, but just played with the tea cup in his hand. "In fact, the treatment here is so good that it makes it difficult for me not to recall my childhood."

Seeing Federico's casual attitude towards the prince, Glover, who was accompanying him, had a sullen look on his face. He strode forward, intending to kindly help him recall the interview etiquette, but was stopped by Thales with a wave of his hand.

"No need to search me, Jialun, he won't hurt me."

When he said this, Thales looked directly at Federico, as if he wanted to pull his soul out of his eyes.

At least not for now, not while he still needs me.

"Thank you for your trust, Your Highness."

Federico said this, but his eyes were wandering, as if he was seeing something else through the teacup.

Glover snorted angrily. He stared at Federico fiercely, as if he was going to cut open the opponent's heart and liver at the next moment to check whether there were any concealed weapons.

But Federico still didn't look up.

A few seconds later, under Thales's eyes, the zombie checked the front edge of the sword in front of the opponent, and then exited the room, leaving Thales alone.

"Let's not waste time and get straight to the point," Thales picked up the tea cup and said seriously, "Feder - you don't mind if I call you that, right? It seems that Heeley and the others all call you that."

After the prince finished speaking, Federico slowly raised his eyes and looked directly at Thales: his face was covered with various bruises and bruises, and his arms and torso were wrapped with bandages, exuding a strong medicinal smell.

"Of course not," Federico said quietly, "It's just that I thought you would come see me earlier."

Thales changed his sitting position on the uncomfortable chair. While frowning, he couldn't help but notice that although Federico's body was covered with wounds from being arrested, some of which were quite scary, the other person spoke at a fast pace. Smooth, with a calm expression, as if he was speaking from a different body than when he was injured.

Be alert, Thales, be alert.

The voice in his heart whispered to him:

No matter how many chances and coincidences there were, it was this man who seemed to have nothing who stirred up troubles in the Emerald City and pulled Zhan En down from the throne of the city lord.

What’s even scarier is that, unlike Jenn, this man has hit rock bottom and has nothing to lose.

There is no scruple.

More untethered.

Even at this moment, he seemed so alone.

Thinking of this, Thales' tone turned cold:

"Tell me, when did the secret department find you? What did they tell you, and what are the follow-up arrangements after that?"

Federico's tea cup swayed slightly in his hand.

"So, this is what you think of me," he said with a faint smile, "a chess piece of the kingdom's secret science?"

"So, Feder, are you?"

Federico paused for a moment, thoughts swirling in his eyes.

"Although I know that they are the ones pulling the strings behind the scenes, no, I have never been lucky enough to meet any of them. Even the information was notified through an intermediary that passed through countless hands."

He looked up from his teacup.

"In the Emerald City, I had a black eye and could only fight alone and rely on my own efforts. I was really no different from a chess piece."

Thales' heart sank.

"As for the follow-up, they - if it's really them - didn't say anything. At most, they hinted to me that the less I know, the better." At this point, Federico turned his head slightly, "Of course it's not better than Your Highness, you have an overview of the general situation and command the overall situation.”

The less the better.

Thales frowned deeply.

This is quite in line with the style of the Kingdom's secret science.

He deliberately ignored the other party's words and continued to ask:

"So, where have you been in these years since the Duke of Leinster's misfortune?"

"My father had a trustworthy old acquaintance during his lifetime, and at the risk of being retaliated by the Kevin Deere family, he allowed me to hide and live in anonymity," Federico's eyes were glazed over, as if he had remembered something bad, "Excuse me. Out of honor, commitment and gratitude, I cannot reveal their specific names.”

Thales observed his expression and nodded:

"Until the kingdom's secret department sneaks you out?"

Federico shook his head and corrected Thales' words:

"Until the person who protected me couldn't stand the pressure, changed his face, packed up my luggage, and kicked me out."

Thales was silent after hearing this, but after a few seconds he sneered:

"So you feel aggrieved because you can't hide outside and are forced to return to the Emerald City?"

"Not necessarily." Federico saw the dark and cold small room in front of him, and screams and moans could be heard in his ears. "If there is a home to return to, who would want to live under someone else's roof?"

Thales observed the other person's expression, secretly inferred his experience, and tried to understand the person in front of him.

"So you just go back to the Emerald City, recruit troops, and stir up trouble?"

Federico snorted.

"Whether the kingdom's secret department intervenes or not, whether there are noble people to help or not, I will come back one day," he said coldly, "for my father, for the truth, and for justice."

Thales looked at him and frowned.

A second later, Federico suddenly relaxed and smiled at the prince:

"But it is true that I chose to return now because after many years, finally a big figure from the kingdom who is not afraid of power, unrestricted, and cannot be deceived, and who is more than capable of competing against Zhan En, came to the Emerald City to help me clear my wrongdoing."

Thales' expression tightened and he forced a smile.

You think highly of me.

Just now, the entire Emerald City is about to crush him.

"That day in the arena, in public," Thales calmed down, "How can you be sure that I will definitely stand up to protect you?"

"I'm not sure," Federico shook his head, as if he didn't care, "but I believe that with His Highness's intelligence and character, even if he didn't come forward at the time, he would react afterwards and speak up for me."

Thales sneered.

"But if you really wait until 'afterwards' and you fall into Zhan's hands, it won't be a matter of shouting a few words for me to reverse the situation."

"Fortunately, Your Highness responded well and made a timely decision."

Federico's answer was flawless and flawless, and Thales was silent for a long time.

It's interesting. Although on the day of the Arena Incident, Federico seemed unbridled, bold and over-the-top, even crazy and desperate, in both his actions and performance, but when we met today, Federico, who was stroking his tea cup in private, was... It gives people a calm, low-key and meticulous feeling.

In perfect contrast to his cousin who is humble and friendly to the outside world, but is actually vicious and vicious.

Or in other words, they are both different from what they appear?

"I doubt it very much, Feder," the prince leaned forward and spoke again, "Do you really believe that Jann Kelvindir, as the son of the Duke at that time, the first heir to the Emerald City, will sooner or later become the Guardian Duke of the South Bank? , he was so greedy for power that he couldn't wait to succeed to the throne, so he hurriedly killed his father and framed the blame on his uncle in order to gain power as soon as possible? "

After hearing the key topic, Federico's expression changed and he became solemn.

"I know what your Highness suspects."

He thought for a moment, then put down the teacup and looked directly at Thales:

"At first glance, the Duke's position is already within his grasp. There is really no need for my dear cousin to do this."

But Feder changed the subject:

"But doesn't my father know this? Anyway, if the Duke dies, his nephew will inherit the throne, so why is it necessary for him to kill his brother? If he really wants to seize the throne, why not kill Zhan En too? "

"Maybe, maybe he tried," Thales narrowed his eyes, but his words were not very friendly, "But he didn't succeed?"

"Please believe me, Your Highness, or you can send someone to ask the old man: With the resolute methods and character of Viscount Sona Kelvindir, if he had really tried this, or even just thought about it," Federico faced He didn't feel dissatisfied, but what he said was unquestionable, "Then there will be no Zhan En today."

Thales was shocked when he heard this.

"What's more, my father and Uncle Leinster are brothers. They have supported each other for many years and shared the joys and sorrows. Even if they have differences, there is no suspicion. He has worked hard for the family and has never overstepped his ambition to seize the throne. What does such a person have? Necessary to change his face overnight. When his brother is still in stable rule and Zhan En is still the first heir, he will kill him at all costs and seize the throne? "

Federico carefully observed Thales's expression:

"In contrast, isn't the so-called 'truth' of a conspiracy to seize the throne that Zhan fabricated with the power in his hands and forced the world to believe is even more suspicious?"

Thales hummed when he heard this.

It's not unreasonable.

But he just smiled and took a sip of tea.

"Maybe, maybe Viscount Sonar was loyal to his brother during his lifetime and was not a power-hungry person. But unfortunately, I have witnessed betrayal due to loyalty - more than once."

Thales looked straight into Federico's eyes, trying to find an unusual ripple in them:

"For example, at that time, the Duke of Leinster was old and dim, listened to slander, and bent on favoring the new wealthy merchants, authorizing them to support their development and growth, thereby neglecting the landed nobles, old vassals, and even those belonging to Kevin Deere. The authority of..."

As expected, Federico frowned.

"So that Viscount Sonar, who was loyal to his family, was heartbroken and determined to speak out for the old law and inspire his brothers in the family. So he made up his mind to resort to thunder and violence and embark on the road of no return?"

Thales's voice was bewitching:

"And after the matter is accomplished and the family's rule is back on track, the Viscount has fulfilled his wish and has no worries anymore. He is willing to take responsibility and leave openly?"

The whole room was quiet for a long time.

And Thales stared at Federico motionless.

"If His Highness really believes that, or if you really doubt it," as expected, Federico's reply was still calm, but there was an unignorable chill in the words, "Then why don't you just knock on the door opposite? Please allow Jann Kelvindir to return to the position of city lord, and everyone will be satisfied and happy?”

"You misunderstood," Thales smiled, "That's not what I suspected, or in other words, it's not just this."

"Your Highness?"

Thales paused for a moment.

"What I doubt is, Feder, do you really believe from the bottom of your heart that 'Zhan is the culprit', or..."

His eyes were sharp:

"For revenge, power, even honor, or even to support your goals and motivation to survive - you tell yourself, you must believe this?"

Federico frowned.

"Forgive me for being dull and unable to understand the true meaning of His Highness's words."

Thales leaned back and looked at the other person:

"My people told me after investigation that before the Year of Blood, there was a typhoid plague in the kingdom, and the Emerald City was no exception. The young James was weak and almost died, so the Duke of Leinster sent him to the East. "Lu" means traveling to study, but it actually means seeking medical advice. "

The prince said softly:

"At the same time, you, Federico Cavendier, were raised as the second heir of the Iris family in the event of an 'unfortunate event'?"

Federico looked up suddenly!

"Then if Zhan unfortunately died early, the Duke's position would be yours, right?" Thales said maliciously, "Or, if he dies now, it's still too late?"

Federico was no longer calm and polite, but stared at Thales coldly.

But Thales still pursued and fought fiercely.

"Tell me, Fede, when you dreamed back at midnight, you remembered that the Duke of South Bank was once so close to you, but in the end he passed you by." He sighed, "Have you ever felt a little bit...unwilling?"

Silence fell between the two again, but this time, the temperature in the room was even lower.

"Your Highness actually doesn't like me very much, right?" After a while, Federico said quietly.

"like?"

"I thought His Highness originally wanted to explore the truth and correct the mistakes," Federico looked at Thales, "but I never thought that, like Zhan, you also just want to use power to weave the 'truth'."

Thales' expression turned cold.

"You have been away from home for many years, Feder, but when you came back, you brought six murders and took away six lives, not counting the casualties and losses affected by this, and the countless lives ruined by this."

Federico's eyes hardened.

Thales picked up the tea cup with cold eyes:

"Just to take Zhan En's bait, lure him into hiding his eyes from others, and force him into a cocoon?"

"Those people," Federico said not to be outdone, "are the businessmen who provide illegal money, the middlemen who pay to hire murderers, the killers who take money to kill, to the security officers who disregard human lives and forge evidence, and even the jailer who caused my father to commit suicide inexplicably. They all deserved their punishment and deserved this fate.”

"It's not your turn to decide," Thales said bluntly. "Besides, the arbitration and investigation have not been completed, and the truth is still unknown."

"It should be noted that Zhan En has been ruling the Emerald City for many years and has already been able to cover the sky with one hand and is impeccable. I am also the son of a sinner, and it is difficult to convince the public. If I don't use extreme means to make him suspicious and disorderly, then I can't even stand here to talk to you. There will be no chance of reopening the old case.”

"Then you got your wish," Thales sneered. "You know, people outside now call you 'Scarlet Iris', call Zhan En 'Black Hand', and call this family dispute 'Red and Black' ?"

Federico was stunned upon hearing this.

"I have to say, I don't really like this nickname at first," he narrowed his eyes, "but when I think about it, my cousin might not like him even more..."

Federico felt happy when he thought about Zhan's expression and how he would never dare to wear his favorite black gloves again.

Thales smiled coldly.

"That means, Feder, you are the one who resorts to extraordinary measures out of necessity, seeking the straight and the straight, and using 'power' to weave the 'truth' you want."

Federico frowned.

"Tell me, Fede, if you have the opportunity to become the Lord of the Emerald City and the Duke of South Bank," Thales put down his empty teacup with sharp eyes, "Then what price are you willing to pay?"

The two looked at each other quietly.

But not long after, Federico’s frown slowly relaxed.

"Your Highness must have just met my cousin."

Thales' eyes moved.

"Because you are in a bad mood," Federico's expression returned to calm, "and I think that at this moment, there is no one else in the Emerald City who can make you feel bad."

"You are very observant."

"Please forgive me." Sensing the displeasure in the prince's words, Federico leaned forward slightly, "When a person wanders in a foreign land and has been under the care of others for a long time, he gradually learns to observe words and emotions."

Wandering in a foreign land, staying under the shelter of others, observing people's words and expressions.

Thales chewed on these words.

What kind of person is this?

What kind of role does the Kingdom’s Secret Department regard him as?

Although he had fought against this person several times since entering the Emerald City, Tails didn't understand him at all - he didn't understand his past, his character, and his intentions.

I only know that he is...

Kevin Deere.

Just listen to Federico continue to speak calmly:

"And I guess this is the reason why you came here to see me - my cousin refuses to accept the status quo and takes advantage of his unfair advantage of ruling for many years to roguely tie himself to the Emerald City and force you to surrender?"

"You all stay at home, but you know everything about the outside world." Thales sneered.

"Your Highness has misunderstood. I don't have such prophetic powers, and I don't have Zhan's ability to penetrate everyone." Federico's eyes were dazed, "I just... know him too well."

"oh?"

Federico nodded and looked into the void:

"When I was a kid, he and I were playing with the young Sheilai. Zhan accidentally accidentally broke the antique vase left by the 'Witch Queen' - it is said that the mysterious inscription on it is related to the fate of the family and is extremely important. So Uncle Leinster takes it very seriously."

Thales' expression changed.

He seemed to have heard this story from Hilley?

"When he was questioned, Zhan remained silent for a long time, and finally stood up and admitted his fault. But before that, what he did was pretentious, but it created an atmosphere for everyone: the 'Lafist Bottle' is not him What breaks is that as the son of the Duke, he must stand up at this moment, take the blame for others, and shield his brothers and sisters from the wind and rain. "

Federico sneered, disapproving.

"Uncle Leinster gave him a small punishment, and the matter ended up being settled, but everyone present praised James for being thoughtful, responsible, and the Duke's choice. At the same time, he glanced at me with strange eyes - our I was still young, but do you know how I felt when I stood before him, feeling angry but unable to explain?"

He took a deep breath:

"As for my father... Once my brother has made a decision, he will not comment or delve into it. But that day, the way my father looked at me that day..."

Thales couldn't help but frown: "Isn't it really tiring to live in your house?"

Federico came to his senses.

"Yes, the Kevin Deere family used to be very prosperous. Among the close relatives, there were at least half a dozen cousins ​​who were the same age as me and Jenn, and who were eligible to go to school and play together. We have walked by the Ancestor Rock countless times. , looking forward to making great achievements one day and engraving his name on it.”

Federico shook his head and said quietly:

"But in the end, most people followed the tradition and changed their surnames and left home. At the critical moment, they really dared to stay and assist Iris, or in other words, they really dared to stand up as Kevin Deere and confront Zhan En's lies and lies. The rule says no..."

Federico didn't say any more, just snorted coldly, his eyes sharp.

"It can be seen that, Your Highness, although Zhan has been weak since he was a child and has not been able to pass all the training courses, but because of this, he has spent all his energy on playing tricks and intrigues," Federico said with deep hatred in his words. He said, "Even in the face of irreparable losses, he must grit his teeth and use all means to gain profits and regain a win in a situation where he is bound to lose."

"Just like that vase, just like this time..."

Federico narrowed his eyes:

"Since he is willing to bow his head and hand over the position of city lord to you, he will definitely have a backup force that is more powerful and difficult to withstand."

Thales stared at him silently.

Federico took a deep breath, returned to the present, and became realistic and serious again:

"Then I guess you came to see me for no other reason than to make a gesture to Zhan, to warn him that you actually have other choices, and to try to force him to give in."

Federico smiled at the right time:

"Because in your heart, he, Jann Kelvindill, is still the best choice to solve the Emerald City's problems."

Thales frowned upon hearing this.

"Maybe I talked too much," Federico's smile slowly disappeared, and he bowed slightly, "because now you feel that I am too sensitive, and the unhappiness in your heart has further increased."

"Of course not." The other person's eyes made Thales quite uncomfortable. "You must know that the Black Prophet can also read minds. I still chatted and laughed with him."

"of course not."

Federico repeated the words of the Duke of Star Lake.

"Because your extraordinary sense tells you," he raised his eyes, "Maybe, maybe the Kevin Dill in front of you, who is unpleasant in terms of his origin, image, means and methods, maybe he is not just the Spurs who spur Zhan. , is not just a pawn of the Secret Department, maybe he really has a way to solve the dilemma of Emerald City in one fell swoop?”

"Weird," Thales sneered lightly and looked at the other person, "Why do I feel that Zhan has caused so much trouble for me, but you are actually quite happy."

Federico paused for a moment, seeming to think about something.

"You are right, Your Highness," he grinned, "because this means that he is still the Zhan I am familiar with."

"It also means that my mission has not yet been completed. I still have the opportunity to confront him and take revenge with my own hands, instead of just sitting here and waiting for the body to become moldy."

Federico looked around the room and murmured:

"It means that I can fulfill my long-cherished wish and drive the stubborn man to a dead end, a dead end, and a road of no return."

Thales observed the other party's dazed yet determined look and fell into deep thought.

He knew Zhan En and knew that the Duke of Nan'an was not afraid of him, the dignity of a prince, the name of a duke, or even the various schemes arranged by the king.

But at that moment, Thales suddenly felt:

Maybe, maybe, what he is really afraid of is the thin and frail man in front of him.

Federico Kevin Dier.

Thinking of this, Thales couldn't help but raise his head and look at the other party squarely for the first time.

"Of course, that also means that I am still useful and valuable," Federico came back to his senses. He noticed Thales' eyes and couldn't help but smile apologetically, "Then maybe, maybe next time I encounter such a problem , when you walk to the door of my room with him again, will you put aside your likes and dislikes and give priority to a less glamorous Kevin Dill? "

Looking at the other party's appearance, Thales smiled.