Kingdom’s Bloodline

"You little bastard, you are joking about nmd——"

Facing the treacherous Thales, Count Achison Lacia couldn't bear it anymore and stood up uncontrollably.

"Father, sit down!"

The count's eldest son grabbed his rude father at the last moment. With his eyes and tone, he pushed the latter back to his seat without any doubt:

"You are the Earl. Let me handle the rudeness."

Earl Aitchison's nose was flaring and his breathing was rapid.

He stared at his eldest son in disbelief, then looked at Thales angrily, groaned, threw off his sleeves, and turned his head to the side.

Eddie looked stern and nodded to his father.

In this case, the son was filial and kind to his father, the eldest son gave decent advice, and the earl followed the good deeds.

Thales looked very envious.

This should be used as a father-son model, vigorously publicized and promoted throughout the country.

However, a small voice sounded in his heart again:

Don't be fooled, Tails.

First of all, maybe, they do this in front of you?

The prince's expression changed.

Secondly, if they are not in a remote swampland, they do not belong to the poor and weak Lassia family.

But another family or group that is richer and more powerful and has the right to leave more for future generations without having to worry about self-preservation and survival?

For example...the Bright Star Family?

While thinking about it, the eldest son of the earl looked at him with sharp eyes and asked softly:

"Why, Your Highness?"

Why?

"Because you are used to indirectly provoking and playing hard to get."

Thales came back to his senses:

"On the contrary, he can't do such a crude and low-level act of directly assassinating the old Duke - this is not in line with the four-winged dragon's philosophy of life, and will have endless consequences."

But Eddie still stared at him and shook his head expressionlessly:

"You misunderstood, Your Highness, what I'm asking is: No matter in the past or now, what reason do we have to go against the Kevin Deere family and be detrimental to the Emerald City?"

Thales frowned slightly.

The eldest son of the earl said seriously:

"Lasiya is also on the South Bank. It has been farming and weaving for generations. Its livelihood depends on the local area. Thanks to the blessing of Kevin Deer, it has prospered and suffered losses along with the Emerald City. Why should we shit on our own dinner plates and sink into the South Bank? confusion?

"Besides, you and I both know very well that in this era, with His Majesty's temperament, even if Kevin Dill loses power, it is impossible for the Laciya family who lives in the swamp to get involved in the Kongming Palace, let alone the Emerald City and the South Coast Territory.

"No matter then or now, what the four-winged giant lizard wants to avoid the most is to fight for power and gain beyond its capabilities, get involved in dangerous political struggles, and end up in a bleak way - far away there is Cold Castle Arend, and near there are the seven servants of the Brilliant Star, This is a lesson learned from the past.”

Thales looked back at Eddie seriously and was silent for a long time.

"I have had the same confusion," the prince said. "No offense, but with the size and ambition of the Lassia family, they should be satisfied with just a little peace. Why bother to do more and bring trouble on yourself?"

Earl Aitchison snorted in displeasure.

Eddie remained silent, waiting for Thales' next words.

"So I thought at first that you were doing this because of old debts from the original meeting of the State: the Lacia family participated in the 'New Star' and was also part of the collective kneeling in the Hall of Stars to force the king to choose a crown prince."

Thales changed the topic and observed the expressions of father and son:

"Perhaps my father is blackmailing you with this matter, threatening you to be an internal agent and overthrow Zhan to seize power in the Emerald City for him?"

Earl Atchison was anxious when he heard this and wanted to speak again, but Eddie was faster than him.

"Then maybe you should ask His Majesty."

The eldest son of the earl said coldly.

"After all, apart from the stars in the sky, not everyone wants to dance with dragons at the top of the world," although Eddie is usually taciturn, but his words are sharp at this moment, "let alone compete with the gods."

Thales frowned upon hearing this.

He observed the other person for a while and shook his head.

"No, I have met many high-ranking officials from all over the kingdom. They all have their own agendas and are difficult to deal with. Even if they are forced to become pawns by the rulers with power, it is at best a false story and a false promise."

In that second, many people flashed through his mind.

"But you, Lacia, in this struggle, your methods are so beautiful and ingenious: the original intention and stance of every move seems to be loyal to the Duke, but in terms of the results, they are not detrimental to Zhan... If it weren't for Brun There are no traces of Judge Nan’s notes that others can follow, and there is no evidence to point to..."

"Your Highness has no evidence, and it is chilling to make subjective assumptions based on a few private notes about old cases." Eddie said softly.

Earl Acheson helped unhappily:

"that is!"

"But maybe there is another explanation for this," But Thales thought clearly without being disturbed at all. "In this political storm aimed at overthrowing Zhan, the energy and cost you invested in it are far greater than those who were The people my father forced, unwillingly, and submissively were more numerous, larger, and more complete.”

Eddie's eyes moved.

"You are not forced, but are spontaneous, active, and active. You are deliberate and go all out. That's why you can do it so seamlessly. Even a cunning person like Zhan En can't find the clues. Even if I try my best to trace it, I can't catch it. handle."

Thales was determined.

Earl Achison was previously very angry, but his expression changed after hearing this. He picked up the tea and buried his expression in the cup. Even Thales didn't have time to remind him not to forget to add sugar.

Eddie snorted disdainfully:

"Since His Highness has determined that we are behind the scenes, he has no excuses."

Thales fell silent and looked at the earl's eldest son quietly with dangerous eyes.

It wasn't until Earl Atchison finished drinking the tea in his cup that he remembered that he forgot to add sugar. Thales smiled slightly.

He took out a few pages of documents from the drawer and pushed them in front of the two distinguished guests:

"This is a land survey certificate issued by the Emerald City Notary Office."

Lacia and his son were suddenly startled, and both leaned forward.

The moment they saw the words on the paper clearly, their expressions changed slightly.

Thales tapped his fingers and clicked on this certificate, as well as on the land that was almost sold off for money due to Emerald City's financial crisis.

"This wasteland in Nan'an Territory is located southwest of Shuori Town. Its former lord's investment failed, he was in debt, and he unfortunately went bankrupt. Fortunately, the Star Kingdom's laws are generous and civilized, and they did not force his family to sell themselves according to the cruel and backward ancient laws of the empire. Be a slave and pay back for generations.”

Nor did he return to the barbaric and ancient primitive practice of asking him to chop off his hands and feet to pay off his debts.

Speaking of this, Thales couldn't help but think of the time when he was still in the Northland and was almost "paid off in installments."

"The advanced Emerald City City Law goes a step further: the relevant departments receive the application and provide services to help the lord sell the land to repay the debt. Of course, it will be sold to the big business group or rich man who bids the most fair, and maybe even There are great nobles.”

Thales' words were sarcastic, while Lacia and his son had playful expressions.

The privilege is to pay off debts, write off arrears, and ignore the remainder, and perfectly handle bad debt problems, which is both humane and advanced.

As for how to distribute the income...

"But if my people are not mistaken, this wasteland was once—when it was not a wasteland—it was a fiefdom under your Zeland banner." Thales tilted his head, "As for the bankrupt little lord, maybe How many generations back are we still related to you?"

Lacia and his son were stunned.

And Thales raised his tea cup unhurriedly and observed them calmly.

One second, two seconds, three seconds.

Finally, the count himself was the first to be unable to restrain himself, wondering why:

"Actually, this land was..."

But Thales put down the teacup with a bang and interrupted him:

"The Queen's Day and the Emerald Celebration is a grand occasion of the year in the South Coast. All dignitaries attach great importance to it. They socialize during the celebration and it's very happy - except for the Lacia family."

Lacia and his son said nothing, but their expressions were stiff.

"You who believe in the Sunset Julands branch are famous for being simple and simple, your whereabouts are mysterious, you are not sociable and you don't like to be in the limelight."

Thales looked at them each.

"In every celebration for the past ten years, when you arrived in the Emerald City, except for showing up to see the Duke at the Zhengzheng Banquet, going to the temple to pray, and saying goodbye when you left, the rest of the time was behind closed doors to thank guests. Going in and out was as simple as a temple. Monk—until this year.”

Thales smiled slightly, and then said seriously:

"But it's not because your family is dull, unsociable, or hard-working because of your faith - that's just a deliberately created excuse. As for the real reason..."

The prince looked at the notarial certificate on the table and paused briefly:

"It's poverty."

The prince sighed softly, empathetic and sincere.

The study became quiet again.

Both guests looked away.

Earl Aitchison put his fists on his knees, clenching and shaking.

Eddie lowered his head, his expression unpredictable, and said nothing.

"I don't know when it started. The once high-end but self-sufficient swampland began to decline: the annual income was not abundant, the finances were not spending, the land was abandoned, and the labor was drained. The vassals and lords at all levels could not make ends meet and were unable to make ends meet. They borrowed debts to pay for the west. Thales said coldly.

Earl Achison's fists trembled more and more.

"As for a certain earl family, even a decent banquet dress has to be rented for a short period of time. For the sake of the family's dignity, they have to be secretive and not dare to let anyone know."

Eddie still didn't speak.

"And they were late just now, not because they went out to the city to hunt," Thales couldn't help but sigh, "but because my invitation came too hastily, the urging was too urgent, and the time limit was too short. They had to find excuses and hurriedly get it together. The team regulations, clothing and accessories required for entering the palace together to have an audience..."

Seeing that they had no reaction, Thales had to deliberately glance at their simple and rough traveling hunting clothes:

"I guess we didn't get it all together after all."

Wow!

At this second, Earl Aitchison stood up angrily, furious!

"Even if you are His Highness, you cannot insult us like this!"

Eddie stood up immediately with a serious look on his face:

"Exactly!"

But after he finished speaking to his father, he immediately pressed his shoulder:

"It's okay, Dad, sit down."

Earl Achison's chest heaved and his face looked ugly. He glanced at his eldest son and then sat down unsteadily, feeling quite lost.

Thales didn't respond, just narrowed his eyes and continued to observe.

The eldest son of the earl turned around, his words were appropriate but his tone was cold:

"Prophet Julandz said: Frugality is a virtue and should not be ashamed of."

"I agree," Thales nodded, "But frugality is an active choice, but embarrassment is forced."

Seeing that Earl Achison was about to explode again, Thales quickly backed down:

"Please forgive me. I didn't mean to expose my shortcomings, nor did I intend to look down on the noble family. I don't have the bad habit of judging people by their wealth or poverty."

He sighed softly:

"But I guess over the years—perhaps more than just these years—the South Coast Territory, as the hottest corner of the kingdom, has undergone dramatic changes in response to the changing times under the care of generations of rulers: industrial and commercial development, the gathering of immigrants, and the rise of civilians. New wealth abounds, land is transferred, resources are developed, maritime trade is booming, finances and taxes have doubled, and the Emerald City, as the main city, is advancing rapidly and is a hundred times more prosperous than before. "

Thales paused and looked at the two guests:

"However, it is located in the southwest of the Emerald City, but the terrain is complex and densely covered with forests, the remote areas are barren in resources, and the naturally closed and conservative swamps have remained stagnant in comparison, and have even declined step by step, and their scenery has ceased."

As soon as these words came out, both Lacia and his son were silent.

"That's right, in the case that was tried before the court, the Baron Trent, whose fortune was ruined and his family was ruined, was reduced to a lawsuit between several farmers who shared the same copper plate and their own land, but only ended up with both sides losing..."

Thales stuffed the notarial certificate back into the drawer:

"It's just the simplest and most typical microcosm of what your Lasya family projects onto the lower-class nobles."

Boom!

Thales closed the drawer hard.

It seems to have closed the topic of this round.

Having said this, Earl Achison closed his eyes in sadness.

The eldest son of the count bit his lower lip and said nothing.

"But you are one of the Thirteen Noble Clans after all: the four-winged monitor lizard in the swamp can hibernate its minions, but it will never die of suffocation."

Seeing that the heat was enough, Thales immediately changed the subject:

"So eleven years ago, when Viscount Sonar, on behalf of the old nobles and the old forces behind him, brazenly launched a war against his eldest brother, the Duke, you were ready to make a move."

Earl Lassia and his son both raised their heads, one with alert eyes and the other with a complicated expression.

"I think that the struggle between the old Duke of Leinster and his brother Sona is a sad brotherly feud in the Iris family, but in the Emerald City and even the South Bank Territory, it is a bloody battle between different groups and different classes. Power showdown."

Thales is definitely authentic.

It is also a cruel elimination for the sake of their own interests among different people in power who are drifting apart against the background of the rapid advancement of the Nan'an leadership.

"But compared to the family that fell in that struggle, the four-winged giant lizard is cautious and cautious. You never attack head-on, but only use force in secret. You weigh and think about it on the way, and even changed in time after the death of the old Duke. , after changing the court, I finally stood in the right position. Although I didn't win completely, I finally didn't become enemies with the final winner, and I won't be liquidated by the new Duke afterwards. "

Thales shook his head slowly, shaking off the joke just now, and also shaking off the last dignity of the Laciya family:

"It's a pity that I don't know if Zhan has seen through your vacillation, or if the backward governance and lifestyle of the Marshland lords really cannot keep up with the pace of the times, or if it is the Lacia family's dissatisfaction with the new Duke's rule. The prediction was wrong – you didn’t get the celebratory drink when Jen came on stage.”

In other words, after drinking it, I noticed indigestion.

The medicine is not right.

"Even the Vola Territory is gradually changing. With the persistence of the young man in charge, the Karabyan family is slowly taking advantage of the convenience of the Emerald City to become rich. But the Zeland remains the same: maybe outsiders don't know it, but you, who are getting worse, have long since It has become the poorest and most glaring part of the kingdom's richest southern coast. The gap between rich and poor is even greater than that of the notoriously poor or border areas such as the Northern Territory, Cliff Land, and Blade."

At this point, Eddie suddenly snorted, not knowing what he meant.

"So, when Federico returns with a goal, especially when he learns that my father is still standing behind him," the prince said solemnly, "you have no choice but to grasp this last straw."

Thales finished speaking.

Earl Aitchison finally released his fists and slumped back in his chair.

"Of course, you have inherited the family tradition and still don't end up personally. You take the initiative to confront the enemy. You just play hard to get and do the opposite." Thales restrained his tone and tried his best to express understanding and sympathy. "That's why you can turn around freely. Even if you lose, The loss can be stopped in time and the injuries are limited.”

Thales changed his voice and his eyes burned brightly:

"Of course, the above are just my guesses. If what I said is wrong, please feel free to correct it."

Lacia and his son looked stiff, their eyes were lost in thought, and they were silent for a long, long time.

Thales didn't say anything, let alone urge him. He just concentrated on approving the remaining official documents.

It was as if the conversation just now didn't happen, and the guest opposite didn't exist.

Let time take care of the rest.

Finally, after several minutes, Count Lacia sighed:

"Your Highness, what exactly do you want us to do?"

Thales smiled.

It was a success after all.

He was about to make a request, but the eldest son of the earl snorted coldly:

"I remember that His Highness used the power of noble arbitration to lock up Duke Jenn and pursue the old case of Kevin Dill. I wonder if there is any progress now?"

Thales looked tense.

"But when will the case be concluded and the verdict pronounced?"

Eddie stared at Thales coldly:

"Is Duke Zhan guilty of the family kingdom and Sunset's teachings, or is Master Federico just wishful thinking and confusing right and wrong?"

The questioning was aggressive and the topic was sensitive, making Thales frown.

"Son?" Earl Achison seemed to be quite surprised and reminded in a low voice.

But his son didn't even look at him.

It doesn't seem that easy.

Facing the unfriendly questions, Thales had to answer in a roundabout way:

"This case has been going on for a long time and is more complicated than expected. We need more time..."

But the eldest son of the earl did not give him any face:

"Your Highness, you'd better hurry up, because this is the real matter that concerns the kingdom's affairs."

Eddie's eyes were burning:

"And the celebration is coming to an end, and you don't have any more time."

Business?

Is it related to the kingdom’s political affairs?

Thales looked back at him solemnly.

It seems that the other party knows his weakness.

only……

"At this point, Eddie, do you think you are still facing the question of choosing Zhan or Federico?"

His smile disappeared:

"You think you are still the same as before, just use your strength secretly, change the world, wait for the winner to take over, and gain from losing?"

The two Lasyas frowned together.

“You just said ‘that’s the end of the matter’,” the count himself said cautiously, “what do you mean?”

Thales couldn't help but laugh.

"Now that you've seen it, don't pretend to turn a blind eye." He turned his face sideways, showing off his bruises. "Guess who from the Emerald City hit me? Who has the guts to do that?"

Lacia and his son looked at each other.

"Since there is no possibility of reconciliation between Your Highness and Duke Zhan, why don't you make up your mind and settle the matter as soon as possible?"

Eddie turned around and stared at the injuries on Thales' face without any scruples:

"If you continue to indulge in beauty, you may fail the great trust of Fuxing Palace."

Addicted to beauty...

Thales took a deep breath.

He swore that the father and son had never seen the "beauty" of the eldest lady when she turned into "Faceless Cork".

"No, it wasn't Xi who slapped me..."

Facing the curious eyes from the other side, Thales had an idea. He simply changed the subject and stopped explaining:

"It's too late. The Fuxing Palace already knows: the second prince was tricked by a woman in the Emerald City. His majesty was completely lost and his reputation was ruined."

His face turned cold:

"And he is very unhappy, not only with the Emerald City, but also with me, and more importantly with my ability to rule and even my qualifications to inherit the throne."

Lacia and his son both shuddered, their expressions solemn.

Thales said in a cold tone:

"Therefore, to me, what happened here has gone beyond the scope of a struggle for power and has begun to affect the stability of the kingdom and the dignity of the royal family."

He looked serious:

"So I have decided: The Emerald City must restore normal order as soon as possible - of course under my rule and only under my rule." His Highness the Prince's words made the two guests sit on pins and needles. "In the face of this goal, no matter what It doesn’t matter whether it’s Gian Federico or even the Palazzo Ristorante, at least not anymore.”

"But Your Majesty, he..."

"No buts!"

Thales' tone was decisive: "As long as the Emerald City never looks the same again, those two Kevin Dills will continue to be locked up in the Kongming Palace until the end of the Emerald Celebration, until the Renaissance Festival comes, and until the end of the day." The severe cold came, imprisoning them until they died of old age, and their bones turned to ashes.”

The expressions of Lacia and his son suddenly changed.

"And no matter who you are, no matter what your position is, whoever dares to hinder this goal is the enemy of the kingdom, and that is my enemy."

Duke Xinghu glanced at the two guests coldly:

"Do you understand?"

The prince's force made the two guests silent for a long time. They had complicated expressions and exchanged glances frequently.

Reluctantly, Eddie took a deep breath and prepared to reply, but this time, it was his father who spoke first.

"You are not on the same side as His Majesty, are you, Your Highness?"

Thales' eyelids twitched.

Count Lacia himself sighed and said:

"Does he really know and allow you to act like this?"

Thales' heart sank.

"Your Majesty is my father, and of course I am with him," Thales's answer was extremely standard, but he changed the subject midway, "But what your Majesty wants is definitely not a dilapidated Emerald City, at least not in my city." Under the rule.”

Having said this, Thales glanced at the two Lacias sternly:

"Otherwise, I don't need to see you. I just need to let you secretly obstruct me, push the situation to the limit, force those who are loyal to Zhan En to oppose me, and completely cut off the possibility of Zhan En's return. Now, can you help me?" I?"

The prince's words were aggressive, and the study became quiet again.

Lacia and his son exchanged glances back and forth.

Finally, the count hesitated and said:

"Your Highness Tianhuang, I'm afraid it's difficult to understand our position and situation..."

But Thales didn't give him a chance to bargain:

"But I at least know one thing: in your tug-of-war over the South Coast leadership that has lasted for more than ten or hundreds of years, the key is not a certain person in power."

Earl Achison frowned.

"Even if you replace yourself with a conservative and stubborn new Duke and try to force everyone to return to the old days, you still won't be able to solve the problem."

The next second, the second prince's tone softened.

"But I promise you, if this is over, no matter who takes the leadership of the South Bank, they will give you a chance," Thales tried his best to sound sincere, "a chance to keep up with the new era and not be eliminated."

The count's eldest son's eyes moved.

"The new era," Eddie chewed on the weight of these words, staring at Thales closely, "Your Highness, you mean, the era of the new king?"

Thales tightened his fist.

He took the bait.

The prince's inner voice whispered:

Then give him the bait he wants most.

Just like everyone else wants.

No.

Thales took a deep breath and tried to suppress the fluttering word "yes" from blurting out.

No.

"I said, the key is not the person in power," he said warmly, "even if it is the king."

Eddie didn't get the answer he wanted and was not very satisfied.

"You said, give us a chance."

The eldest son of the count asked:

"What kind of opportunity? An escape from guilt like the one you gave to the Doyle family? Or the one you gave to Karabyan? To the Arend? To the Black Lion family? To the four-eyed skull?"

Every question from the other party made Thales frown. He was about to explain, but the count himself pressed his son's shoulders and interrupted the conversation.

"Son, Your Highness, that's enough."

Achison Lacia sighed dejectedly.

He has always been full of emotions and anger, but now his face looks like he has aged ten years:

"Your Highness, you know the past of the Lassia family's prosperity, but do you also know the truth behind it?"

"the truth?"

Acheson nodded and spoke quietly:

"Bodman, the ancestor of our family, was the student and subordinate of Halva Karabiyan, the former wise prime minister of the kingdom. Six centuries ago, the black-eyed expedition to Exeter took away most of the young men in the country. So when the marshland was in chaos and the south bank was unstable, the stars had no soldiers to use."

Thales frowned slightly.

"The wise minister who oversaw the country had no choice but to name the ancestors of Boardman to go to the land as envoys, to win them over in a gentle way, in order to achieve stability. The ancestors also felt grateful for the kindness of their teachers, so they took their whole family there and regarded death as if they were home."

Count Lacia sighed softly:

"Fortunately, from the wise minister to the Emerald City, from the kingdom's secret department to the royal guard, from intelligence to resources, from power to titles, the Fuxing Palace gave him the greatest support and convenience. The ancestor finally lived up to his mission and stabilized the situation."

Thales didn't know the other party's intention, so he could only support him at the right time:

"Monitor Lizard is extremely talented. Today, he must be as famous as Gilbert Castle."

But Acheson sneered:

"But the good times did not last long. John I, who was out attacking, returned to the throne."

John I.

"Kurome?"

Aitchison nodded with a solemn expression: "What's worse is that he lost the battle."

certainly.

Thales knew this history.

Full of confidence and ambition, starting from the Northland, the Star Cavalry to "re-conquer the empire" suffered countless casualties under the cold fortress. They were disgraced and had no choice but to withdraw their troops sadly.

The seemingly divided Kingdom of Exeter is not only safe and sound, but the ten Grand Dukes are back together as one, and are more united and closer than before.

However……

"How can the powerful and proud black-eyed king tolerate failure? How can a military force regardless of the cost be fruitless?"

Earl Acheson sarcastically said:

"How can the reputation left by the Northern Expedition be just one sentence: 'Why doesn't the king listen to the prime minister?'"

Thales frowned:

"What's the meaning?"

It was the count's eldest son who answered him:

"The Northern Expedition with dark eyes, in the eyes of outsiders, cannot fail to achieve even an inch of success."

Acheson nodded with complicated eyes:

"At this moment, the ancestor of Boardman has made a great contribution."

"Black Eyes," Thales reacted, "He took the credit for conquering the Marshland and took the throne as his own? Is this the truth?"

Eddie sneered and shook his head:

"If only this was the case."

Looking at the other party's expression, Thales understood something.

"Zhi Xiang?"

The count nodded:

"The Northern Expedition failed, and someone must bear the blame."

I heard the increasingly older Acheson say quietly:

"It is said that Black Eyed had a vicious foreign mistress. She slandered the king and asked the ancestor of Boardman, who had served as an envoy and was highly praised, to secede. She wrote a complaint and put all the blame for the failure of the war on the Prime Minister. It is said that the failure of the Northern Expedition was due to the war-weary Lord Halwa, the inability to supervise the country, and the lack of support from the rear, which delayed the military aircraft..."

Thales was stunned.

"But..." the prince said subconsciously.

"The ancestors didn't want to do this." The eldest son of the earl shook his head.

"Of course, who is born to want to be a traitor?" Earl Achison sarcastically said, "What's more, Zhi Xiang had the kindness to know him, and he had the same love as his father and son! Moreover, Halva was already in his twilight years at that time, and his days were numbered..."

"But what choice does he have?" The eldest son of the earl shook his head.

Facing Thales's frown, Aitchison explained slowly:

"At that time, our ancestor had just established a foothold in the moorland and barely escaped pursuit. His servants were scattered, and only one of his four sons survived... And he was surrounded by powerful enemies, whether he was trying to protect himself or using his tactics. To plan and even try his best to persuade the major tribes to submit to the kingdom, Boardman needs the resources of the court, the funds of the Fuxing Palace, the authorization of the king, the support of the kingdom's secret department, the backing of the army, and even more, the double cross star. The iron-blooded majesty represented by the flag..."

"He has no choice." Eddie said coldly.

no choice.

Thales frowned.

"If I remember correctly," the prince couldn't help but ask, "John I himself was also taught by Halva since he was a child. Can he be regarded as a student of Zhi Xiang?"

"Exactly." The earl's eldest son said disdainfully, "But the relationship between teacher and student is not as good as a pillow, and the truth is always more absurd than common sense."

Thales was silent after hearing this.

Earl Acheson nodded slowly, not without sentimentality:

"In this way, in the history books, the ancestors of Boardman finally conquered the land, established a foundation, and became a generation of famous ministers.

"It's just that his achievements have been quietly rewritten, as if John I had a wise plan from the beginning and sent him specifically to disintegrate the Zeland tribes and expand the territory.

"However, Zhixiang Halwa was accused of being a weak minister, ineffective as an assistant, and surrendering to peace, which was the root cause of the failure of the Northern Expedition.

"It's just that Heimou was very compassionate. Remembering the old friendship between teacher and student, and remembering that he had served the late king for many years, he spared Halwa's punishment and did not take away his title. He only dismissed his ministerial position and allowed him to return to his hometown to retire. "

Show mercy...

Thales looked serious.

"In this way, Halwa, the 'wisdom prime minister' who witnessed the final battle and served two generations of kings, was alone, lying in a dilapidated carriage driven by an old servant, being scolded and rotten eggs by thousands of people. He died of illness on the way back to his hometown."

The earl sighed deeply:

"Karabiyan declined at this point. It was not until King Taiping came to the throne to rehabilitate his old ministers that he regained his strength and regained his family reputation."

The eldest son of the earl sneered.

The count shook his head:

"Although the ancestors said that Prime Minister Halwa did not blame him in his last letter, Boardman still felt guilty for this all his life. When he was dying on his death bed, he burst into tears and regretted it. He just made a will to write down the truth so that he could survive in the future. After Black Eyes passed away, he restored his mentor’s innocence and atone for his sins.”

Although Kurome has a cold personality and is unsympathetic and unjust, it is a historical fact...

Although Halwa was deposed by the king in his later years, it is no secret that it caused people to sigh...

But this truth, even if it was only told from the perspective of the Lasia family, made Thales slightly distracted.

Even more emotional.

such a pity.

Thales thought silently.

It's a pity that hundreds of years later...

Some people only remember that Black Eyed can cleverly win the land through his selection of talents, remember that Black Eyed Ti's army conquered again in the Northern Expedition, remember that Black Eyed Eye is brave and good at fighting and can defeat the heroes of the North, remember that Black Eyed Eye is handsome and has countless romantic lovers...

Some people only admire the dark-eyed man for his perceptiveness and intelligence, some are obsessed with the dark-eyed man's majestic spirit, some boast that he has the golden blood of the imperial family and lives up to his past glory, and some praise him for going one step further than his father, forging a nine-star crown, and suppressing The stars intimidate the heroes, showing the 'last majesty of the empire'...

Thales sighed softly.

But no one can remember anymore that in that unimaginable crazy era, in order to cover up the dark purpose of militarism and arbitrary actions, in order to satisfy the king's willfulness and ambition, in order to show off the reputation of John I's court and the dignity of the throne...

More unfortunate people actually have no choice.

Thales closed his eyes.

At this moment, the voice in his heart quietly spoke: But that is the most complicated and interesting part, isn't it?

In that position, wrong and right no longer matter.

Big and small, victory and defeat, strong and weak, have become the ultimate masters.

Thales shook his head and stopped thinking about this.

In the study, Earl Acheson shook his head and sighed:

"Whether it was hundreds of years ago, our ancestors faced the Black Eyes, the Zhixiang, the Fuxing Palace, or the barbaric tribes in the Zeland..."

"It's still now, facing the Emerald City, facing His Majesty, facing... you." The count's eldest son said coldly.

Aitchison nodded:

"The Lacia family has long been accustomed to maneuvering between those who can crush us to death in search of a chance of survival. They also know how to maneuver between those who we want to crush to death in search of opportunities for victory."

He stared at Thales:

"Because this is the ancestral motto and destiny of our family."

Thales was speechless for a moment and didn't know how to answer.

But the count obviously didn't need an answer from him.

"People often say that the Cullen family of the East China Sea has been very good at dancing in history, moving freely among the major powers..."

Earl Acheson's tone became increasingly sarcastic:

"But if I occupy the fertile land of the kingdom, if I sit on the seven ports of the East China Sea, if I command the Sun Fleet that spans the seven seas...then I will naturally be able to dance with ease and move freely, and I am guaranteed to dance better than Enronzo's dancer. , Move more swiftly than the good horses in the North! Even if you switch loyalties between two kings, and rebel three times, there are still people who treat you as a guest politely! Let the historians describe the betrayal as shrewd and keep their words. Being unfaithful means assessing the situation, and changing being capricious into being 'flexible in dealing with the world'!"

"But we didn't." The earl's eldest son suddenly spoke up, like a bucket of ice water poured over his head.

Earl Achison nodded slowly and looked at Thales with a bitter smile.

"And Your Highness, you just said that the key to this tug-of-war is not who is in power?"

Thales hesitated to speak and could only force out a smile.

The earl tutted and shook his head:

"A nobleman like you, who has the blood of the emperor in his body and is crowned with a crown, naturally has a high position and does not care who is in charge here."

"But we are not." The count's eldest son spoke up again.

Count Lassia nodded:

"We are just lizards living in remote swamps, without claws or teeth; we can only dive deep into swamps and hide in high branches when the wind blows, to avoid danger; we can only sit back and watch predators fight with each other and secretly eat scavenging; we I can only spread my four wings anxiously and pretend to be huge, trying to show off my appearance."

Thales' smile gradually disappeared.

"When the chips are low, you have no choice, and you can't care about your struggling posture, whether it looks good or not."

The count sighed:

"Just like six hundred years ago, when the ancestor of Boardman was named by the wise minister to go to the dangerous and unknown swampland, he had to go."

Listening to the other party's thoughtful explanation, Thales was silent for a long time.

"Then what you mean is that this Emerald City incident..."

Before he could finish speaking, Earl Achison interrupted him with a cold snort and looked at his son.

Eddie had a straight face and was silent for a moment before speaking coldly under his father's eyes:

"The Lacia family will do what you said, Your Highness. We will faithfully execute your orders and protect your majesty in order to maintain the stability of the Emerald City."

Thales' breath was stagnant, but before he could start to get excited, the count added:

"I just hope you can keep your promise and give us a chance."

Thales quickly calmed down his emotions and sat upright:

"It must be so."

But Count Lacia smiled.

He smiled sadly, but also very cheerfully.

"It doesn't matter. Even if you don't comply, it doesn't matter."

Thales couldn't help being stunned.

"Because we have long been accustomed to it," the count's eldest son added expressionlessly, "people in power talk like farts - the higher the power, the more so."

Thales couldn't help but be stunned, chewing on the meaning behind this sentence.

But Earl Aitchison had already stood up, saluted, and respectfully bid farewell.

"Your Excellency," the prince returned the gift with a complicated mood, not forgetting to ask the last sentence, "by whose hands did Jenn's father, the Duke of Leinster Cavendill, die?"

Aitchison didn't answer, just looked at him deeply.

Thales couldn't get an answer, so he could only change the question:

"So, what is so strange about the death of Viscount Sona Kelvindir, who is recognized as the murderer behind the scenes?"

The count was silent.

"I don't know, Your Highness," he said in a deep voice after a while, "there is only one thing that is certain."

Thales quickly concentrated his attention.

I saw Achison Lacia slowly raising his head.

"Like so many others, they all died in the Emerald City."

Thales' heart moved.

"This city of queens, city of wealth, city of dreams," the head of the four-winged giant lizard's face turned cold, "it is also a city of curses."

This answer seemed nonsense, but Thales was thoughtful after hearing it.

The next second, Earl Acheson walked out of the study without any hesitation.

His eldest son originally followed him, but stopped at the last moment.

"Our family motto is 'Swampland Monitor, Hidden with Murderous Intentions', Your Highness."

Eddie turned around and said coldly:

"As for 'no claws and no teeth', it's just a drunken joke with dark eyes."

Thales raised his eyebrows and nodded seriously:

"certainly."

"Because the lizard is not clawless or toothless, but its claws are too thin and have too little force. They can only be used for climbing and grasping to maintain the fragile body on the cliff."

The eldest son of the earl looked at the prince behind the desk expressionlessly.

"And its teeth are too small and hidden too deeply. Only when the prey is sure to be in its mouth can it be fully exposed and tear the meat."

Before he could think about the meaning of this sentence, Thales sat upright and responded solemnly:

"Of course, I remember."

"It doesn't matter if you can't remember."

Eddie Racia turned toward the door.

"Because we will remember."

Thales couldn't help but shudder.

"Excuse me for being rude, but it's time for me to order a new pair of boots," Eddie stepped out of the room. "May the setting sun shine on your path."

The door is closed.

Thales looked at the direction in which Lacia and his son were leaving, and was lost in thought for a long time.

Very good, Thales - a voice in his heart quietly concluded - that's it, you win.

All we need to do is keep working hard, and the goal is just around the corner.

Thales lowered his head sadly.

That's right.

Reason told him that in this round of competition, he won.

He got what he wanted.

But sensibility, or in other words, a different kind of instinct, told him secretly:

He didn't win.

Far from it. (End of chapter)