Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 123 When Dawn Rises (Part 2)

"That happened three hundred years ago," the deputy envoy said calmly.

“At that time, Midil Shining Star was one of the many princes of the stars,” Putila sighed slightly. “It is said that he was very similar to the founding prince, Tormund I, and was an impulsive, lively, and restless prince in his youth.”

"Shortly after he turned sixteen, he secretly slipped out of the capital to pursue the adventures in those stories and poems, until he met Sarah and Kaipeng in Dragon's Kiss..."

Thales raised an eyebrow, surprised, and said, "Slipped out of the capital?"

So... those princes and princesses who travel incognito and sneak out of the palace really exist?

“Hey! Don’t just talk about your country’s princes,” Marquis Slay protested, then turned to the second prince with a smile: “Keppen Nehera is from Cornass, and is the pride of our Shanliu City. He comes from a famous business family that is a fishing tycoon. It is said that he was quick-witted and mature from a young age and was called a genius… just like you, Your Highness Thales.”

Thales gave an awkward smile.

“And you?” Putilae glanced at Nicolai, who had his arms crossed. “Don’t the northerners have anything to say?”

The Meteorite raised his eyes and glanced around at everyone.

“Sarah is a true hero, a typical Northman, a fearless Exter,” Nicolai shook his head expressionlessly. “He has no surname, and his descendants need not remember it—for he does not need to prove his greatness through birth and bloodline—his deeds alone are enough.”

Marquis Slay winked helplessly at Putila.

"No surname? Is that so?" A sarcastic voice came from behind: "But Sarah married a noblewoman from the Walton family after the war, merging her bloodline into the Dragonlance family's blood."

When everyone turned around, Thales was surprised to find that it was Ada who had spoken. She was sitting on the snow with her legs drawn up to her chest, and her disdainful words came from under her cloak.

Speaking of which, this impetuous elven guard has been talking quite a bit lately.

"His son took Walton's surname, became the Grand Duke of Dragonsreach, and, by virtue of his father's prestige, was elected the Co-King of Exter."

"And so Sarah sat as regent behind her son, who was also the king, for thirty years until his death."

"Is what he did enough? Ha," Ada chuckled. "In my opinion, the so-called hero Sara is nothing more than this when it comes to power."

Nikolai frowned.

Thales looked on with curiosity.

Putila coughed: "In short, Your Highness, the three of them met in Dragon's Kiss, formed a team, and began their legendary adventure... Over the past ten years, as mercenaries, guilds, merchants, adventurers, and even expeditions, their footprints have covered the western continent and even the western coast of the eastern continent. The friendship between the three is unbreakable, and the stories they experienced have long become legends that bards have composed music for—especially after the Battle of Dawn."

"For example, 'Searching for the Dragon in the Desert,' 'Hunting the Demon Across a Thousand Miles,' 'The Mermaids' Chaos in the Devil's Sea,' 'The Establishment of the Privy Council of Anrenzo,' 'The Wanted Criminal in the Imprisoned Forest,' 'The Sunset and Rebirth of the Sacred Tree,' 'The Mystery of the Heroes' Castle,' and 'The Evil God's Sacrifice in the City of Horses,' etc., are all famous poems that tell the story of their experiences over ten years."

"At least, Sarah's fearless bravery, Midil's steadfast reliability, and Kempinski's wit and prudence are celebrated to the fullest in these poems."

As Thales listened to the titles of the poems, his curiosity grew: Dragon hunting, demon hunting, evil gods... Isn't this the life of playing in a team in those fantasy worlds that he remembered?

Why is my life so different? He sighed inwardly.

Putila took a deep drag of his tobacco and said softly, "And that's when the Third Continental War broke out."

No one spoke.

"The West Continent has encountered its most terrifying nightmare."

"The three have met their most formidable adversary yet."

Under Thales' questioning gaze, Putila cleared her throat and softly uttered a name:
"Lanley Corleone".

"The King of Nightwing".

Putila raised her eyes and gave Thales a meaningful look.

Thales tucked his hands into his fur cloak for warmth and unconsciously touched the fang-shaped bracelet in his pocket.

Corleone.

Is it.

"He is the master of the Blood Sea Throne, the head of the 'Blood Fang' Corleone family, the founder and eternal ruler of the Night Kingdom."

"It is said that he is also one of the oldest and most terrifying vampires. Legend has it that when he spreads his giant wings, even the brightest sun will be shrouded in a bloody, boundless night." Putila adjusted his tone, making it sound like a group of people gathered around a fireplace telling ghost stories.

"It is said that he has lived for countless years and was once known as a being above the extreme realm before he disappeared."

The missing Nightwing King, Lanley Corleone… Thales silently recalled the struggle between the two Corleone ladies—or rather, the ladies.

That's their "father"?
“Ridiculous, above the extreme realm?” Nikolai scoffed. “It doesn’t exist at all, it’s just a bard’s misinformation.”

Putila ignored him and continued speaking to herself:
"The Third Continental War coincided with the height of the Night Kingdom's power. The Eastern Continental Alliance, led by Lanley Corleone—the first time they had appointed a vampire as their commander—launched a surprise night raid with a small number of elite troops from the most treacherous and impassable eastern sea cliffs of Exster."

"Based on the experience of the previous two wars, everyone thought that the Eastern Continent people would land on the stars, and expected the Shield of the Western Continent to once again stubbornly hold back the Eastern Continent's offensive, defending until Exter's brave heavy troops and reinforcements from other countries arrived."

Thales listened intently.

"As expected, Exster, who was completely unprepared, was caught off guard and Elk City was the first to fall."

Marquis Slays laughed and said, "After that, Grand Duke Gadlow of Deer City has been purchasing a large number of defensive weapons from Steel City every year to defend the eastern sea—and our Shanliu City is responsible for the transportation."

Putila continued, “The enemy’s army poured in through this opening at the sea cliff, advancing unstoppable through the empty interior of Exter and reaching the walls of Dragonhill City.”

“Your Highness can find the specific battle records in various historical texts.” Putila sighed. “In short, after several fierce battles, the Nightwing King’s reputation was once again recognized—it was the most disastrous series of defeats that Exter, a nation that prides itself on its warriors and army, had experienced since the founding of its kingdom.”

"As for the reinforcements from other countries heading north, even the Starry Sky expeditionary force was defeated without warning, and the armies of other small countries were even less able to resist."

"It is said that less than one in ten survived."

"Even King Exeter died at the gates of Dragonhill."

Thales paused, then turned to look at the current commander of the White Blade Guard.

“That is also an important page recorded in the ‘White Blade Chronicles’,” Nikolai suddenly spoke up, his gaze complex as he said, “The tenth annihilation of the White Blade Guard since the Imperial Era, the third ‘White Blade Humiliation’—that our lord died amidst our heavy protection.”

Since the imperial era?

Thales wondered to himself: Has the White Blade Guard had such a long history? Even before the founding of Exter?
Putila shook his head: "No one can withstand the Nightwing King's invincible army and his unpredictable and elusive military tactics."

"The entire Western Continent—at least that's what history records—was unable to muster even a single capable expeditionary force to confront the Eastern Continent people for a short period of time."

"And so, the Nightwing King's army swept across the North, virtually invincible."

“Dragon City is trapped in a hopeless siege,” Putila said calmly. “After the king’s death, Exeter is in chaos, with only a few grand dukes still holding out.”

"At this time, the people of the Eastern Continent also sent a letter requesting peace talks on the current situation. Faced with heavy casualties and huge costs, the Starry Sky and other small countries have begun to consider the Eastern Continent's proposal."

"At this moment, three people stood at the forefront of history and saved the precarious Western Continent."

Thales took a soft breath: "The Three Heroes of Dawn?"

Putila nodded: "Sarah, Midil, and Kempinski gathered the remaining troops, and their battle inspired the stars and the nations..."

The Meteorite interrupted him.

“Stop bragging,” Nikolai scoffed, crossing his arms and raising his eyes. “Sarah… Hero Sarah, he was the first to step forward.”

"Sarah returned to the battlefield of Exter alone, carrying a black flag."

"He called upon and rallied the Exter people who were determined to resist, to fight the Eastlanders in the mountains, in the countryside, in the big needle forests, in every inch of land, in every piece of territory, without regard for bloodshed or sacrifice."

"He was isolated and outnumbered, and even suffered defeats at first, but he—Sarah—never gave up. That's what heroes are like; they are forged with courage and perseverance, watered with blood."

“That was an agreement between the three of them,” Putila retorted coldly. “Midiel returned to the stars, and Kempinski returned to Commas, trying to persuade their country to make one last stand—that doesn’t mean the other two were cowards.”

“I’m not talking about Midil, but you, the Stars’ reinforcements,” Nikolai said sarcastically. “Midil brought twenty reinforcements—the bards remember that number perfectly well!”

Twenty people?

Thales looked at Putila with curiosity, waiting for his reply.

Putila frowned: "At that time, the Stars were indeed very hesitant to continue sending troops—after all, the Nightwing King's army was at the forefront, while Midil was just a prince who had been away for many years and demanded military power as soon as he returned."

“Not only that, Midil, as a prince, was forbidden from participating in the war in Exter,” Putila said, his eyes burning. “But Midil did not yield. Faced with such an order, he threw away the nine-pointed star emblem that symbolized the Starry Royal Family in front of all the courtiers.”

“This means he has given up his right to the throne,” Putila said softly.

Thales widened his eyes slightly.

“‘Remember this well, for the stars are founded on oaths.’ — These were the words he, Midil, uttered before the entire enraged Star Palace.”

The oath keeper.

It turned out to be the case.

"And so, the Oathkeeper left the Palace of Restoration alone, with twenty warriors who were still willing to follow him, and headed north to Exter to aid Sarah, who was fighting alone."

“That’s why we only admire the Oathkeeper,” Nikolai chuckled. “When the whole planet turned into cowards, he was one of the few brave Imperials.”

"Even the people of Cornwall are better than you!"

Putila did not speak.

"Regarding this matter, I must say, the prophet Kempinski actually..." Shrews interrupted with a light cough, "...which is also why we in Commas admire him..."

“From proposing the bill to gathering consensus and passing the resolution, Kempin Nehra is the only person in history to persuade the Supreme Council of Commas to send troops within eighty-six days. At that time, the fourteen city-states unanimously agreed to entrust all their troops, supplies, money, and last reserves to Kempin—a thirty-year-old young man—to take to the battlefield of Exter.”

“If you know anything about the efficiency of the United Council, or the greed and stinginess of the councilors of the various city-states…” Marquis Slays sighed, “Heaven knows how Kempinski did it.” “That’s your history,” Putilas narrowed his eyes, “not ours. In the end, it was the Stars’ reinforcements that saved the battlefield, wasn’t it?”

Thales looked up at the three of them.

“But Kempinski’s move to lead troops to the aid was clearly very effective, and the international standing of the Commas Alliance has improved considerably,” Srace said, spreading his hands. “And so, the three of them reunited on the battlefield to fight against the Eastern Continent’s army.”

"The three learned from their previous experience, and this war lasted for more than a year."

“Until finally, in the Vilan Territory, on this Vilan snowfield where we stand,” Putila said quietly, “'Hero' Sara, 'Prophet' Kempin Nehera, and 'Oathkeeper' Midil Star, with their last allied forces determined to counterattack, intercepted the main force of the Eastern Lands.”

"Here, they will engage in the final battle against the invincible 'Nightwing King' Lanley Corleone, who has been undefeated since the invasion of the Western Continent, and his countless fierce troops."

Thales lowered his head and touched the cold snow at his feet.

Weilan Snowfield.

Three hundred years ago, on this very land...

"The fierce battle began at dawn, and it is said that the blood covered the snowfield that night, reflecting light so brightly that even the moon appeared incredibly crimson." Putila continued to employ his bard's skills: "Both sides suffered heavy casualties, the blood pooling into the warm river, even causing the snow to melt prematurely."

"Midiel's armor was shattered in the battle, and the commander Sara was once in danger. Even the prophet Clifton himself was killed in that heroic battle."

"Until dawn arrives, at the moment the sun rises."

The deputy envoy paused for a moment, and Thales listened quietly.

No one interrupted him; even Nikolai remained silent with his head down.

In the silence where no one spoke, Putila whispered:

"They won."

The cold wind howled across the fire, making the crackling flames burn even brighter.

"This is the Battle of Dawn."

"It, along with the War of Pursuit of Saints during the Age of Kings, the War of Reversal of the Cold Wind during the Final War, and the War of Glory during the Fourth Continental War, are known as the four great reversal battles in history—of course, that's what we in the Western Continent call them. The Eastern Continent nations obviously have completely different opinions on this."

Putila concluded slowly: "The hero, the prophet, and the oath-keeper shall henceforth be known as the 'Three Heroes of the Dawn' of the West."

Thales took a deep breath.

The Battle of Dawn.

The story of the three heroes.

And then there was his peculiar and capricious ancestor, who was willing to abandon the throne for friendship and to keep his promises.

In a corner unnoticed by anyone, a figure in a cloak listened to the poem and story from beginning to end, gazing silently at the fire, motionless.

“Midiel, even though he lost the royal crest of the Stars,” the second prince looked up and asked, “he still inherited the throne and became the ‘Oathkeeper King,’ right?”

Putila nodded: "Yes, after the Battle of Dawn, his prestige was unparalleled—and he was the best heir to the throne, His Majesty Midir IV."

"As for Sarah, she married a daughter of the Walton family, and their bloodline became the new King of Exter."

“And Kempin Nehera,” Srace laughed, “has a huge bronze statue erected in the city of Sanliu, standing in the city center… to commemorate this prophet who shone with the light of wisdom, to commemorate his sacrifice, and to his contribution to Sanliu and to the status of the whole of Cornus in the West.”

wrong.

Thales thought to himself.

In the portraits of the Three Kings of the Stars, the portraits of the three kings should all be based on their respective representative achievements. For example, Tormund I's portrait is based on the final battle. But Thales clearly remembers that the background of Midil IV holding a shield and sword is a towering tree.

But if that's the case, shouldn't Midir IV's greatest achievement be the Battle of Dawn?
Thales frowned.

“You didn’t mention the last part,” Nikolai said slowly at that moment, “the post-war part.”

Putila sighed.

Thales looked puzzled: "What happened after the war?"

Putila remained silent for a long while before finally speaking:
“The saddest thing is this,” the deputy envoy said calmly, “Sarah and Midil, these two best friends who should have been bound together by life and death, after the great war…”

"They turned against each other and became enemies."

"As a result, the relationship between the Star Kingdom and Exter, which had been improving slightly, also deteriorated rapidly."

Nikolai's voice rang out:

"The Dragon Fortress was built by Midil while Exster was weak, and it has since become our greatest threat—a huge fortress that can withstand the bitter cold of the sun, stands on the border, is easy to defend and difficult to attack, has a large garrison, monitors our every move, and can be used as an outpost to advance north at any time!"

Nikolai stared intently at Thales and said, "If it weren't for the fact that the Battle of Dawn had just ended and that Sara, who had severely wounded the Nightwing King, was already so famous, I have no doubt that Starfall would have headed north to attack Exter at that time!"

"Little prince, why do you think we care so much about your dilapidated fortress?"

Thales was completely taken aback.

Dragon Fortress...

A fortress of merit guarding the northern border of the stars, the Iron Curtain Wall, a stronghold that resists the dragons' southward advance...

So this is how the Exter people viewed them?
A bridgehead for the northward invasion of the stars?

And... he lowered his head.

Sarah and Midil?

Two comrades-in-arms who have gone through ten years of adventures and entrusted their lives to each other...

Turning against each other?

"Why?" Thales gritted his teeth and looked up to ask, "Sarah and Midil, why did they turn against each other?"

Putila sighed and shook her head: "I don't know."

"Don't know?" Nikolai said with displeasure, "I do know one version of the story..."

“That’s just an unverified rumor…” Putila said dismissively.

“At least it’s an explanation!” Nikolai interrupted him rudely.

Marquis Slade watched the two arguing with great interest.

The voice of the Meteorite overpowered that of the Star Envoy:

“There’s nothing to hide,” Nikolai said with a cold laugh, completely ignoring Putila’s expression. “The two most outstanding men in the Battle of Dawn broke apart over a woman.”

what?
Thales opened his mouth in surprise.

woman?

Putila exhaled, her expression displeased: "If you insist on saying that, then you are belittling the bond between heroes and Oathkeepers, tarnishing their past glory, their shared legend..."

"Furthermore, you have insulted Queen Esola's honor and offended the Starry Sky Family of the Star Kingdom and the Leaf Fall Family of the Sacred Tree Kingdom!"

Queen Esola? Thales heard an unfamiliar name.

And... the Sacred Tree Kingdom, the Leaf Fall Family?

"So what?" Nikolai said coldly, showing no mercy. "Everyone knows! While Sara insisted on fighting independently in the North, the Oathkeeper of the Stars—Midiel Shining Star..."

"They stole Sarah's lover!"

"He even married her as his queen after that!"

Thales was stunned.

Under Putila's displeased gaze, the Meteorite shook his head and said, "An elven queen."

Elf...

queen?

Sarah's beloved...

Midir IV's queen?

The second prince's heart pounded.

Another gust of cold wind blew by.

Thales suddenly noticed that Ada, who was behind him, had disappeared at some point.

Note: Regarding the three heroes of the Western dawn, I will soon update a side story (it seems that it cannot be viewed on QQ Reading, but can only be viewed on the PC website) that mentions their story.

That's all I'm saying. Exams are coming up soon, so updates will be inconsistent.

Also, who wrote this chapter?!
Then, a new female character will appear in the next chapter—aren't you excited?

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(End of this chapter)