Kingdom’s Bloodline

Chapter 695 Fencing

When I said 'keep an eye on her' before, Your Highness, Duke Jann's voice sounded in the reception room, with deliberate mockery, suppressed anger, and an ominous hint of a storm coming, I definitely didn't mean Kidnapping my sister in public...

However, opposite the Duke, Prince Thales, who was sitting on a luxurious armchair, had a blank expression and was absent-minded.

Kidnap?

The morning light flooded the room, and Thales was exhausted looking at a cup of exotic flower tea on the small table.

Yes, kidnapping.

Just, kidnapped by what?

Killed? By the enemy? By power? by the environment? Kidnapped by an unspeakable evil?

The defender's face appeared in front of his eyes. He lost his composure and screamed in pain for a while, and smiled foolishly and innocently for a while.

Thales' gaze was fixed on the indistinguishable reflection in the cup, which seemed real and unreal.

Or is it everyone's own fate that they can't escape for the rest of their lives?

Zhan En's merciless accusations continued: As a prince, as a duke, you irresponsibly deviate from the planned itinerary, self-righteously throwing away the guards, just for a visit to the bottom of the market, 'Music with the people'...

off plan.

Ditch the crowd.

Thales took a deep breath.

The monster's crazy laughter in the ominous white smoke vaguely sounded in his ears, making him even more irritable.

Really?

He, Thales Canxing.

What can he really get away with?

What can you really get rid of?

Dress up as a clown and a flower girl, go to a place where good and evil are mixed, perform in the street, fight in back alleys, break into private houses, leave countless messes along the way, and come back with scars... Zhan En was still chattering.

covered in wounds.

Thales lowered his gaze: his neck, arms, and legs were wrapped in thick bandages,

Most of them were hidden under the sleeves, exuding a faint smell of medicine, all of which were all kinds of wounds from yesterday: scrapes, abrasions, scratches, bruises, pain that couldn't go away...

Yes, he was already scarred.

Long before today.

But these are nothing at all.

Compared with Mallos, who was bedridden with a high fever after being carried back last night, and far beyond his expectations, many of his subordinates were injured in the spies on the Blood Bottle Gang and the hunt for Lausanne II: Mira, Zombie, Rolf , Fulateng, Nexi...

Even compared to Slimani's final fate...

Compared to the casualties that occurred in this struggle...

...even ignited a large carload of celebration fireworks in the north of the city, triggering the largest crowd gathering in recent years, almost crushing the North Gate Bridge... Zhan En's words were as powerful as ever, as if he was sitting in the judgment hall in the highest seat.

But to Thales at this moment, no matter how deliberately created a sense of nobility and authoritative aura, it has long been dissipated in the repeated false statements, just like a rag squeezed out of water, crumpled and dry Huh, it looks ugly and smells bad.

The Security Office and the Emerald Legion had to mobilize a large number of people to maintain order, because His Excellency the Duke of Xinghu, who was visiting privately in Weibo, felt bored when shopping, and wanted to hear a louder noise...

Why?

Thales touched the luxurious seat armrest, and Jen's words were in his ears. It felt like mosquitoes buzzing, which was extremely annoying.

Obviously, outside the palace gate, on the street separated by a wall, some people died, some were injured, some wielded knives, guns and sticks and hacked you to death in the poor streets and alleys, some people were crazy, some were sad, some were tortured into faces by the hideous life The disgusting appearance will make other people's lives disgusting. Some people are poor, some are miserable, and some people hide in the small darkness where the sun is not visible, and rely on rummaging through the leftovers thrown away by the upper class to barely survive.

Why?

Thales only felt that his knuckles were gradually tightening.

And the most important thing is that what you have done neither respects the Iris family, nor respects your father's vassals, does not respect the nobleman's communication etiquette, and does not respect the rules of the kingdom's rule. If I hadn't taken early measures to suppress Under the bad influence...

But why, why the leader who should be responsible for these things, can still sit here contentedly, calmly, and talk nonsense about bad social influence in a serious manner, as if he just turns a deaf ear, never mentions it, and covers his mouth Blindfold, those things don't exist?

Just like those murders that he covered up as accidents and vendettas one by one to reduce the impact and consider the overall situation?

Because Jen was sitting in that position - a voice sounded in his mind - as you figured out a long time ago.

Thales stared numbly at Zhan En sitting on the seat, watching his lips keep opening and closing, with a solemn expression.

You know, sitting there, he's not Jen anymore.

He wasn't even Kevin Dill, or even the Lord of Emerald City and the Duke of South Shore.

He's just a shell.

A dead body.

One piece of puppet.

Like a noble diadem crowned with jewels but lifeless, like a family crest alive but motionless on paper.

Repeating the same pattern over and over again, obeying the established norms, doing ridiculous actions that he doesn't know himself.

...It insulted Canxing's royal family even more, and also damaged my sister's dignity and reputation...

Your sister, is she okay? Thales' voice sounded faintly, I mean, spirit, and health?

Jen En's face turned cold when he heard this:

If you really care about that, yesterday shouldn't be—

Slimani is dead.

Thales' sudden words made the eloquent Zhan En pause.

who?

That defender, the boy raised his head and looked at the slightly surprised Zhan En, he's dead.

You mean, Advocate Slimani, dead?

Don't pretend to be deaf and dumb!

Thales raised his voice, his eyes suddenly turned cold: Yesterday, Slimani came to the theater to find Officer Kaguire, and he was chased and killed immediately, saying that he would help him to issue a 'long-term leave note'—couldn't it be you who ordered it? of?

Zhan En frowned slightly, showing appropriate thinking and pause:

I don't know about this matter. But you then rudely abducted my sister and disappeared with that defender...

Thales raised a hand.

Listen, Jan, I'm tired.

Zhan En smiled politely, as if listening.

The young man took a deep breath, his eyes were burning like a swordsman who was the first to show his sword:

You don't know and don't want to know what happened to me yesterday, but I've had enough, no matter whose trick it is - yours, mine, your sister's, my father's, your father's, the occult's , from the darkroom, from the kingdom, from Exeter, from the living, from the dead, from water ghouls, or any kind of evil existence—I, I, have, enough, enough.

He paused every word in his last words, making Zhan En's smile gradually disappear.

So, Master Zhan En, when you open your mouth again, please save your words and stop talking nonsense.

A straight sword.

But the timing is right.

Jen was silent for a while.

Well, you do seem to be in a bad condition. When he spoke again, Duke Iris's tone was much more cautious, like a conservative but safe retreat in fencing, You and my sister, what happened to you yesterday? How did Slimani get...

Thales stood up abruptly.

Too much nonsense, Thales said as he left the cup of scented tea, unwilling to waste a second, The conversation is over.

Jen frowned: Thales, please listen to me...

Good luck. Thales ignored him and turned to leave.

Until a long sigh came from behind:

All right!

Straight sword scored.

Thales stopped and looked at Zhan En expressionlessly.

Yesterday morning, the special security officer Kaguilei who was in charge of receiving you asked me to report, the emerald city lord's complexion was a bit ugly, but the sword was just right for defense. He said that the defender in charge of the wool merchant's murder case had doubts and asked him It hinted at some disturbing doubts. So, as an old acquaintance, Police Officer Kaguire sent someone to invite Mr. Slimani to the police hall to clarify some... misunderstandings.

Thales stared at Zhan En for a while, then returned to his seat and sat down again.

Look, said the Prince, it's not that hard to stop talking nonsense.

There was a moment of gloom on Jen En's face, but he quickly returned to the topic:

That's Kaguire's own initiative. I neither have nor need to send someone to kill that defender.

Thales didn't speak immediately, but stared at Zhan En for a long time.

Yes, he really didn't need it, the voice in the boy's heart told him softly.

Because he, Jann Cavendir, is the Duke, and he can affect the entire Emerald City with just a gesture.

It is enough to create an environment that can overwhelm Slimani—whether it is the cowardly and honest him once, or the cold-blooded snobbish him later—and force him to make unimaginable deals and pay more than his life. cost.

Let the demons on the back of this world rejoice.

The person who killed Slimani was not an ordinary unknown person, Thales said, The killer's name was Lausanne II, and he was once an extreme master of the Blood Bottle Gang. Do you have any impression of this?

Zhan En thought for a while, and his brows tightened.

Yes. Lausanne II, old Turnbull's executioner, but I think he was years ago—

died?

Thales turned his sword and sneered, meaning:

But are you sure he's dead, instead of being protected by a big man behind the scenes of the Blood Bottle Gang, hiding him, chaining him up, sharpening his minions, nourishing his ferocity, and releasing him at a critical moment? Some dirty work that the Police Department and the Emerald Legion are not convenient to do?

Jen's face also turned cold.

I don't like the insinuation in your words, Your Highness.

Speaking of which, aren't the Blood Bottle Gang just your lackeys, Thales said, When was the last time you disciplined them?

In order to maintain order and stability and minimize the harm of organized crime, Your Highness, Emerald City and even the South Shore Territory do maintain strict and systematic control over all walks of life and civil society forces in all walks of life, but that does not mean that the government and street gangs The relationship is as conspiracy theorists think...

Thales interrupted his official tone unceremoniously:

By the way, last time, it was you who instructed them to cover up the news, forge clues, and tamper with the murder case—for example, Dagoli Moss, the wine merchant who used to be your white-gloved white glove, and Wool, who managed the secret account for Kong Minggong. Shandiop, and perhaps the well-known great advocate Srimani in the future...

Jen's face darkened.

We've had conversations like this, and all of these measures are for the bigger picture, for stability, and to keep secrets from going off—

But Thales said on his own: And the former chief of security, Jeff Rene, was killed at home, but was dragged by the blood bottle gang to their casino to fake an accidental death?

Jann paused.

An unexpected sword move.

After a few seconds, he took a deep breath:

Rene...that's what the defender told you, right? The report said that Rene used to be his boss and was kind to him. What did he tell you?

Thales' face turned cold.

Why? Moss, Diop, Slimani, Rene, maybe others...Jane, why kill them?

Since I don't talk nonsense, I will only say it once, Zhan En's tone also dropped, I, no, kill them.

Then why were they? What did they do so that they must die?

We have also communicated about this point, Zhan En said calmly and clearly. The Secret Division sent people to commit these murders in order to attract your attention and instigate and mobilize you to deal with me, and we—

You know it's kind of funny?

Thales interrupted him again:

Your statement, this so-called 'Kingdom Secret Division wants to provoke us to fight with each other', I told you, on the first day I came to Emerald City.

Jen looked at him quietly.

Yes, and I appreciate your candor.

But that's all my nonsense: In fact, I don't know what to provoke or not at all, and I don't believe it at all, so I just say it to surprise, so I can stay in Emerald City.

The reception room was silent for a few seconds.

Jen frowned and looked at Thales in front of him, who had a calm expression and no shame.

A clever sword.

Finally, the Duke of South Shore raised the corners of his mouth, and his once perfect and polite smile showed a trace of strangeness.

I think, Thales, this is probably the most honest sentence you have ever said to me since you arrived in Emerald City.

Now that I'm so frank, Thales ignored his sarcasm, don't you want to hide it?

The eyes of the two met in the air for a few seconds.

Yes, I knew from the very beginning that you were lying. Zhan En's tone no longer had the previous official tone, but was replaced by disturbing cruelty, bluffing, pretending to be powerful, from state meetings to royal banquets, you come This is the way to come and go.”

So you never believed me, any 'the king sent me here to pick us off' bullshit.

You said it too, that's your nonsense. Zhan En retorted.

Thales stopped entanglement, and changed the topic:

Since that's the case, when the wine merchant Moss was killed and we had a showdown in the confession room, you turned around and catered to my nonsense, telling me that the case of Moss was just 'misleading', and it was just a way for the secret department to provoke us... this That would be fun.

Ha, you doubt me because of this?

More than that, you are uncharacteristically willing to 'entrust' your sister to me and let me 'keep close to her'. You even repeated the conditions given to me by 'New Star', as if you want to help me be crowned?

Jen's eyes moved.

But as far as I know, since the failed forced palace at the National Conference eight years ago, Thales tightened his tone, 'New Star' has become the biggest stain on Duke Iris's career in his life. Scars that hurt when you touch them.

Jen was silent for a while.

Look at the sword of the old wound.

When he spoke again, his voice was soft and slow:

That's thanks to you, Your Highness.

Thales snorted coldly.

I know you too well, Jen, as you handed Gennard back to me on the way to the Northlands, as you suddenly became talkative and offered me favors at the royal banquet: when you agreed with me in turn If you're talking nonsense, even trying to convince me with it, there must be something wrong here.

Dagoli Moss is by no means just a pawn to provoke us to confront each other. His death is not insignificant. On the contrary, he is so important that if you want to give me wrong guidance and don't want me to pay attention to him, yes Bar.

Thales drew his sharp blade out of its sheath and attacked one after another:

Tell me, why did you kill him?

Jen looked at Thales for a long time before taking a deep breath.

This is the last time: I, no, yes, kill him.

He also paused every word, obviously restraining something, but Thales persisted:

Later when the wool merchant was killed, you repeated the same trick and told me: Diop was killed by the Kingdom's Secret Division, but he himself is not important, it was just to expose the illegal secret account of the Kongming Palace, to lure me out, to provoke me attacking your weak point...

enough!

Jen interrupted him with a cold snort:

I don't want to mess with you about these—

But Thales ignored him at all:

So I mentioned the black-clothed Lausanne II, and I said it's a pity that my people didn't catch the white-clothed assassin from the secret department.

Black clothes, white clothes, killer, Zhan En paused first, and then muttered, his expression stunned, Are you testing me on purpose to see if I sent that Lausanne II?

Thales observed the other person's expression, nodded and smiled.

And you replied that your people didn't catch the white-clothed killer, and that it was the kingdom's secret department. It's normal that they couldn't catch it.

Because that killer is not mine, Zhan En said decisively and disdainfully, Whether his clothes are black or white, I don't know more than you.

Thales was still staring at the Duke's face, while Jen looked back at him without fear.

There was no trick in this sword, but it stuck Thales' blade to death.

That's right, you passed the test. At least judging from the words and sentences, your answer is natural and fluent, and the clothes are seamless. You may really not know the color of Lausanne II's clothes.

The Duke of Xinghu changed his subject:

But the key to the problem is not the color of his clothes, but your attitude.

Zhan En's eyes froze.

Thales' tone became colder and colder:

Regardless of whether Lausanne II belongs to you or not, when I specifically said 'killer in white', I was as cunning and sophisticated as you, how could I not see that this was my temptation?

Jen no longer looked at Thales, but instead stared at the table, his pupils slowly shrinking.

If the wool merchant is really irrelevant, and if the killer is really not yours, then facing my deliberate and lame low-level temptation of 'white or black', with your character and attitude, you should just sneer at 'bad pen'. 'Boring' and 'I'm too lazy to talk to you' are right, at most I would add a sentence of disdain, 'This temptation is too low-level', 'Go home and ask your father' or something like that...

Thales snorted coldly:

Why do you have to be serious, consider every word carefully, and reply positively without leaking, why do you have to carefully pass through the language trap, every word in the words is no more or less, and you are doing your best to show that 'you don't know more than me'?

Jen didn't answer, but his eyes were locked on the desktop.

Yes, you care too much about this question, and you are too smart, so that you are mistaken for your cleverness.

Thales' voice fell, and the reception room was silent.

Your cunning, Thales, finally, Jen En said softly, is always hidden in your stupidity, making it hard to tell.

The angle of this sword is tricky and weird, but it scored again.

Like Dagory Moss, this wool merchant, Diop, is by no means insignificant, Thales ignored the other party's sarcasm, What did he do, why do you have to kill him to keep his mouth shut?

Jen looked up suddenly!

I, no, yes, kill him. He said slowly.

It's that sentence again?

Thales sneered: I thought the last sentence was the last time.

Jen En's eyes became colder.

The eyes of the two dukes met in the air, one was sharp and cold, the other was treacherous and gloomy, and they clashed silently.

But just when the confrontation came to its climax and the atmosphere became more and more tense, one of them suddenly laughed.

I believe in you. Thales put away his sharp sword, and smiled lightly.

I don't care if you believe it or not—what did you say?

Zhan En changed the topic sharply, he was caught off guard, and looked at Thales in disbelief.

I said, Jen, I believe in you.

Thales took a deep breath:

I believe that Lausanne II is not your person. I believe that from Moss, Diop to Rene and Slimani, although it is true that you are covering up the news, you did not kill them.

What?

Jen froze.

This is not the rule of fencing.

Why? He subconsciously asked.

Thales leaned back in the chair, his expression gradually tightened.

Because just yesterday, when I was busy chasing Slimani, and my men were busy chasing me, and your men were busy chasing my men...

The Blood Bottle gang had a serious internal strife, 'Phantom Blade' Catherine and her supporters fell down, Thales finally caught the opponent's fatal flaw, 'Red Viper' Nekla and 'Wanderer' Fogg takes power.

Zhan En's expression remained motionless, but Thales saw the gaze in the other party's eyes gradually tighten.

This made him breathe a sigh of relief.

And there is no one else behind them, Thales easily sent out the last sword, it is the former killer of the Blood Bottle Gang—Lausanne II.

The reception room was dead silent.

In the next second, Jen raised his head and raised his voice to summon the butler:

Ashford!

Thales picked up the scented tea, watched calmly as the duke ignored the prince's presence, and hurriedly asked the trustee to send someone to secretly investigate the situation of the Blood Bottle Gang. Ashford glanced at Thales strangely, accepted the order and left go.

The butler left, and the two dukes faced each other indifferently.

You just asked me, when was the last time you disciplined the Blood Bottle Gang? After a few seconds, Zhan En's breathing calmed down. That was to test me, to see if I knew about it?

Well, after the victory and defeat have been determined, the accurate replay will be made.

Too bad it's just a replay.

It seems that you just found out about this, you're welcome, you're welcome, Thales said calmly, Don't worry, I killed Lausanne yesterday, and they will have to go through a period of confusion before they can figure it out.

Jen took a deep breath.

You, killed the executioner who came back from the dead?

Do you think my guards are vegetarian? Do you think they were all wounded when I came back yesterday? Do you think I really went on a date with your sister yesterday? Do you think Slimani died in vain ?”

Thales chuckled lightly:

You might as well take a look and see if you can still find 'Phantom Blade' Catherine, or any local boss who can help you run errands?

Jen stared at Thales.

Yesterday, the Police Department of Dianjin District received a report of a riot at the pier, but in the end it was said to be a false report, so let it go. Is this the case?

Maybe.

Taylor said frankly:

To be honest, because of all the things I said before, I suspected that Luosang belonged to you, and the civil strife in the Blood Bottle Gang was just executing your will, cleaning up the door for you, and shuffling the chips.

Then why did you suddenly trust me again?

Thales let out a breath, remembering what Glover had reported to him about the Vial Gang:

The fuse of the blood bottle gang's internal strife is the strange casualties and losses they have suffered these days; and the reason that the red viper and the vagabonds use to instigate the internal strife is to attribute this debt to the Black Street Brotherhood, Promise to bring them revenge; as for the bosses who were purged in the internal strife, they are the original vested interests in the gang.

Jen's expression became more and more serious:

Every move here is pushing the inherent order into chaos and chaos, cutting off Kongming Palace's connection with the Blood Bottle Gang, and weakening my control over the bottom of Emerald City.

Thales nodded:

It's not in your interest, let alone that of Emerald City.

Jen didn't speak.

Do you understand now, Duke Iris?

Thales leaned forward a point:

That's right, you used the Blood Bottle Gang to cover up the deaths of Moss and the others, and prevented their first wave of attacks, so they then attacked the Blood Bottle Gang, your eyes and ears at the bottom and on the streets. Maybe you still Controls most of the Emerald City, but after yesterday, at least in the streets and lanes, you're blind and deaf and not as alert as you used to be.

Thales ended his words coldly:

You and the Emerald City, you are under unprecedented attack - if you continue to stand still, you will only be alone and helpless.

The reception room fell into a long silence.

Finally, just when Thales suspected that the cup of scented tea was getting cold, Zhan En spoke slowly:

what do you want?

Thales smiled.

The murder of Moss and others, I know that you are not the main messenger, and you did not kill them to silence them, but as I said, even if you are not the murderer behind the scenes, you must know the inside story.

You know who killed them, or rather, you know why they were killed, Thales tried to be sincere, That's why you attach so much importance to those murders, those dead, and cover them up at all costs to prevent them from appearing. Before the eyes of the world, including me.

Jen frowned.

Tell me, these people, what are they doing? Thales' tone became urgent, So that the secret department can't let them go?

Jen was silent.

Please, Zhan En, the prince urged, You once asked me, what price do I want to help at a critical moment?

He approaches Jann:

Now, I can help you, but you have to tell me more: more details, more truth, more insider information.

Thales stretched out his palm:

No matter what happened in the past, this is your last chance—the last chance to put a price on me.

please.

Jen's gaze was fixed on his palm.

If I told you, Thales...

A few seconds later, the Duke of South Bank slowly raised his head.

Then when will you attack me?

Do it?

At that moment, Thales suddenly felt something was wrong.

What's the meaning?

It's like an opponent who is invincible, and suddenly the Jedi counterattacks, which is unexpected.

Jen chuckled lightly:

Have you ever looked in a mirror?

What?

People can't see themselves clearly. In the eyes of others and themselves, they are completely different. Zhan En watched him silently, his eyes were like ancient wells, so people need mirrors.

Thales frowned: Jane...

Tales Canxing, you said that you believe in me, believe that I am not a murderer, Zhan En interrupted him decisively, but have you ever thought about whether I believe that you are not a murderer?

Taylor's heart tightened.

You claimed that you didn't come to the Emerald City voluntarily, that you and your father were at odds, so you wanted to put aside the previous feud with me and work together, and you also tried hard to win my trust in confrontation after confrontation—but you know, winning What is the best way to gain trust?

Jen said softly:

It's actually very simple, simple beyond your imagination.

At this second, Thales felt his breath stagnate.

Like the blade of a sword.

When I covered up the death of Moss and told you that it was for the sake of the overall situation, the Duke said slowly, what you should do is not ask questions and search up and down, but should be tacit understanding and turn a blind eye, and I will know your attitude.

When Diop's murder happened, I told you not to dig too deep. What you should do is not to get to the bottom of the matter until you find out the identity of the secret accountant. Instead, you should smile lightly and back away quietly. I will It will be clear where you stand.

Thales stared at him with a numb expression.

When what happened yesterday, whether it was Slimani, Lausanne II, or the Blood Bottle Gang, Zhan continued, his tone becoming more indifferent, what you should do is not to attack with all your strength and hold all these chips in the You just came to me to negotiate and claim credit from me, but you should come to me from the very beginning, tell the truth, and we will decide the direction together, and I will understand your signal.

Zhan En raised his head, his misty eyes just happened to miss Thales's.

At a certain moment, maybe I will believe that you really want to cooperate with me: at least you have shown your sincerity with your actions.

Thales swallowed his throat.

But the truth is, every move you make after you arrive in Emerald City, every reaction you encounter, every confrontation with me, every excuse you make about 'we're going to show the king', Jen shook his head, it's all In order to work hard to participate in the game, to fully control the chess game, and to finally seize the chips that put me to death.

The blade pierces through layers of defenses, pointing directly at the vitals.

Remember, you once suggested: Let Emerald City and I take a step back, Zhan En said in a daze, Yes, as my father said, as long as there are still people who are willing to take the initiative to take a step back, there will always be room.

Thales took a deep breath with difficulty: My proposal is sincere...

It was said to me, Zhan En said calmly, My uncle said that what my father said only applies to the strong—because they never need to back down.

The prince's eyes trembled.

Thales, maybe you don't think so, but these days, when you faced me in Emerald City, you were so aggressive and turned against me, but you never took the initiative to take even half a step back, or rather, only you thought you were Back off—that's why people need mirrors—this is exactly what those who are confident because they have enough chips, those who think they are the strongest in the game, will do it, and they will have self-awareness, because you can no longer see I have come to the option to take the initiative to retreat, and I am more used to watching others retreat.

Thales stared blankly at the cup of scented tea.

I made such a mistake during the 'New Star' operation at the National Council eight years ago, Zhan En looked at him indifferently, Now, it's your turn, Your Highness.

Thales didn't speak.

He suddenly realized that his sword moves were weak and weak.

It has long been seen through layers and cracked in formulas.

Yes, you may indeed have nothing to do with the Kingdom's Secret Division, but that's not because you are not on the same side as them, but because...

Jen's eyes sharpened:

Because even if you are on the same side, you still think you are the master of chess, and you think that your position is higher than theirs - second only to His Majesty the King.

Taylor's eyes moved:

What?

Maybe others will be confused by the contradiction between you and Fuxing Palace, but I won't, it's impossible, because I know you too well, Thales.

Jen smiled.

Look in the mirror, don't you think that everything you say and do after you come to the Emerald City—whether you cooperate with me, show favor to me, participate in politics against your will, or clumsily grasp Regardless of the bargaining chip, are all these actions inconsistent with you, yourself, and your inner logic of Thales Canxing, or even contradicting yourself?

out of place.

Contradictory?

Thales listened to Jen's words in a daze.

Why?

Where is the boy who yelled at the corrupt nobles at the state council?

Jen approached step by step.

Where is the prince who stood up for his subjects at the royal banquet?

The opponent's blade was as cold as ice.

The Polaris, so powerful and heroic in folklore—where is it?

And he couldn't resist.

From the very first day, I knew that this is not the you you used to be, the real you, the Duke of South Bank said calmly, but just a you who had to smile when the king pressed a sharp knife against your back.

At that moment, Thales resisted the urge to touch the bone ring in his pocket.

Let your sword moves be all kinds of weird and strange, and your sword style be a hundred times more ingenious.

But all swords.

Must be sheathed eventually.

Goodbye, Thales, Jen En said softly, The king's ship is not easy to get on, and what he wants you to do is even more malicious.

King's Ship...

what he wants you to do...

Be careful—your body will be smashed to pieces. The Duke's voice fell.

The reception room was silent.

How ugly, Thales.

The voice in the boy's heart sounded, complaining to him in a low voice.

It's a pity that you still think that the acting is flawless and there are no flaws.

As a result, in front of a real expert, it can be broken with one poke.

And you can't even fight back.

What a mess.

You self righteous fool.

It's hard to tell whether it's cunning or stupid.

Are you done?

Have you surrendered?

You seem to have mentioned to me before, a ghost story called Soulbone Jacques, Thales sneered when he heard his own voice, It is said that it is the legend of... ogre ghosts that spread around the East China Sea?

Zhan En was slightly taken aback.

I went back to check last night, Thales sighed, It is said that ogres will take on the appearance of others, and after deceiving and defrauding, they will tear their skin open, reveal their true face, open their hearts, and eat their hearts spleen.

Jen frowned and snorted coldly:

Whose heart?

Thales looked at the expression of the Duke of South Bank, trying to find clues from it.

Did you know your sister is special and charming?

Thales shook his head slowly:

It's just amazing.

Jen looked back at the prince indifferently.

I withdraw my words, the expression on the Duke's face disappeared, From now on, you are not allowed to meet her, talk to her, pass letters, let alone go out together...

You think Hillary will listen to you?

She has to listen, and so do you.

Zhan En emphasized his tone, and there was no doubt: As long as I still sit in this seat, I will still rule the Emerald City for a day.

Thales snorted lightly.

You know, the Blood Bottle Gang's seizure of power yesterday was not completely successful, said the prince, the 'Phantom Blade' escaped the hunt, and the grass was not eradicated.

Zhan En was startled when he heard this:

What? Where's Catherine?

you do not need to know.

Thales shook his head:

You just need to know: They will be very nervous, because they will definitely be worried that the 'Phantom Blade' will come to you, making you alert and discover their actions.

Jann frowned.

Thales turned his gaze:

Actually, they are right, because they will notice: you just sent someone impatiently to contact or test the Blood Bottle Gang.

At that second, Zhan En's eyes changed!

You did it on purpose, Jen En figured out something, he couldn't believe it, You concealed the information, wait for me to move first, and watch me push myself into a corner.

Thales smiled.

This time, his blade was relentless and cruel.

And bloody.

Nights are long and dreams are many, they will not tolerate accidents. So no matter what they want to do, they will not wait any longer, Thales said softly, They are here.

Jen stared at him sternly.

I dare say, this time it's no longer a small fight, cutting off the wings, Thales said with gloomy eyes, it's a fatal blow.

Until he couldn't turn over.

The prince stood up slowly.

Without my help, Jen, do you think you can stop it?

Jen didn't speak.

His eyes looked at the door, first in a trance, then firm, and finally fierce.

Kevin Dill, don't die with the enemy. He said with difficulty.

No swordsman is willing to retreat.

So there are no winners in this fencing.

Only casualties.

Then I can only wish you good luck, Thales stretched out his hand, straightened his collar, as if preparing, but also as a tribute, May the empire last forever.

Jann didn't answer.

At this moment, the door of the reception room was pushed open.

Great, Ashford finally didn't guard the door.

Shirley, who wore a nightgown and disheveled hair, walked into the Duke's reception room carelessly. She was sleepy and even barefoot.

Zhan En frowned slightly, and Thales turned his head in time, not to look at her disheveled appearance.

I'm sorry, I slept too much, I was too tired yesterday, Xie Lai yawned, touched the bruise left on his arm yesterday, and rubbed the bandage on his neck, Oh, you two haven't eaten each other yet , it seems that I am still early.

very strange.

In the past, every time Xi Lai broke in, the atmosphere between them would change.

But this time...

Go back, Xi Lai, Zhan En only maintained the anger in his eyes for a moment, and then said calmly, You are not allowed to disturb His Royal Highness from now on.

Hille opened her eyes and raised her eyebrows:

Hey, why don't you just—

Your brother is right, Ms. Cecilia, Thales said softly, Your act of transgression will embarrass us.

Xi Lai blinked and said suspiciously:

Hey, why are you so courageous—

The celebration is not over yet, and we still have elections to attend today. Zhan En's voice was not loud and harsh, but his calm words made Xi Lai unconsciously shut up, Be prepared, don't Out of courtesy—I order you not as a brother, but as a duke.

Xi Lai finally felt that the atmosphere was not right, and frowned as he looked at his brother.

Both Jen and Thales were silent.

A few seconds later, Miss Kevin Deere took a deep breath, and she strode towards Thales, habitually grabbing the prince's arm:

Okay, ignore him. As for you, come with me, we have something to discuss...

But in the next second, Thales withdrew his arm like an electric shock, avoiding Hilley's touch.

Hillary froze.

She stared blankly at Thales' movements, her gloved hands hanging in the air.

Thales was short of breath. He tilted his head and clenched his fists, not looking at Xi Lai.

【What exactly is it! 】

[Evil, it is evil. 】

Master Jane is right, Ms. Cecilia, the Emerald Celebration is not over yet, Thales took a deep breath, We must all prepare well, don't be rude.

Maybe this is a good thing, Thales.

The voice in his heart sneered:

Possibly ugly...

But from now on, you are ready.

Under the incredulous eyes of Xi Lai and Zhan En's icy cold eyes, Thales got up and left his seat, and left the reception room without looking back.