Kingdom Bloodline

Federico brushed past the old priest, coldly snorting as he walked to the center of the hall, facing the countless listeners:
"Or rather, is there any of you, like the Deputy High Priest, who wants to force His Highness to make a promise to 'resign in disgrace'?"

Faced with his increasingly aggressive gaze as he drew closer, many people in the council chamber subconsciously turned their heads away, avoiding direct eye contact, let alone offering a reply.

Is anyone there?

The scene was like a sharp blade cutting through thorns.

“Ferdi…”

Fabre held the Bible in his arms, closed his eyes, and spoke in a trembling voice:
"Your Highness, your sword is very sharp and should be put away carefully, otherwise it will only cause more bloodshed."

However, this sword is not entirely mine.

Thales sighed, about to speak up to smooth things over, but Federico showed no sign of backing down.

"Sir, you came to the palace to pay your respects because you were outraged by the assassination of your student, right?"

Federico, with his back to the sub-high priest, sneered:
"Was the Chadian priest really as badly injured as you say? Otherwise, why has he been 'healed' by the Temple of the Setting Sun and remained silent until now? I'm even starting to have my doubts..."

Federico narrowed his eyes, his gaze suggestive:
"Was that assassination really not suspicious? Was it really not orchestrated by your Sunset Temple to drive away Prince Thales so that you could seize power and profit from the chaos?"

The old priest suddenly opened his eyes!
"you……"

He turned around and pointed at Federico through gritted teeth.

"Federico."

Thales finally spoke, interrupting him sharply.

“I believe in the character and reputation of Vice High Priest Fibour, and I also believe in the sanctity of the Temple of Sunset,” the prince said in a deep voice. “I believe that he was just confused by his concerns and has no suspicion of conspiring with the mastermind behind the scenes to take advantage of the chaos.”

Federico snorted, glared at his teacher, and then excused himself and retreated.

Perhaps due to his advanced age, Fabre took several deep breaths before he calmed himself down.

“Good technique, Ferdi. You’re getting more and more skilled, and more and more dangerous.”

He looked at his former students with a complicated expression:
“If this continues, even I will be labeled as the ‘mastermind’ harming Emerald City.”

The audience in the hall started a new round of discussion.

“Sir, you may not be the mastermind… but His Highness has been forced out of power, and there’s no one to mediate or uphold justice,” Federico said loudly, ignoring the gossip and fear of those around him. “Will Emerald City get any better?”

The old priest snorted coldly:
"You mean, after His Highness left, there was no one to support you and help you succeed to the Duke, is that right, Federico?"

Federico suddenly turned around!

"So, sir, you actually want Jann to return and reclaim his dukedom? Are you acting on his orders, or have you reached an agreement?"

Federico stared coldly at the deputy high priest, all traces of their teacher-student relationship vanished:

"Then you and those people who got used to lording it over the Emerald City and living a life of debauchery under Janne's rule can go back to the good old days, right? Just like your other disciples and followers, especially the one who was reported for misconduct and molesting an orphan girl at the Grace House?"

The hall erupted in another uproar.

The back-and-forth attacks were extremely fast-paced, hitting the nail on the head each time, causing everyone in the hall to frown.

"Your cousin, Jann Kevin Deer, is in this state entirely because of his own fault. He forgot his faith and was obsessed with underhanded methods for many years!"

Deputy High Priest Fibrill was trembling with rage. He went to Federico and confronted him.

"Even if he goes to hell for this and never gets out of this mess, he deserves it and his death is not a pity!"

The old priest gritted his teeth, his words showing not a trace of respect for the Iris family:
"As for you, Federico Kevindir, you're not much better... Like your cousin, your soul has been corrupted by evil, fallen into the path of the infant..."

Federico sneered, completely unconcerned.

"Is this all you can say, sir? Accusing me of having an impure soul and a dishonest faith? Why don't you say I worship the devil, follow heretics, and deserve to be killed by everyone?"

“Fed! Vice High Priest!”

Thales impatiently reminded them:
"Don't make things too ugly."

The prince's words quieted down the two teachers and students who were arguing more and more fiercely for a while.

Federico and the old priest faced each other, one cold and resolute, the other heartbroken.

The whispers that had just disappeared returned to the hall.

Fabul closed his eyes, and after several deep breaths, slowly opened them.

"What I said before was too hasty and impatient, which violated the taboo of young children and almost led me astray."

Surprisingly, the deputy high priest looked gloomy, shook his head in disappointment, and was the first to step back and apologize:
"Please forgive me, Your Highness."

“I’ve already said,” Thales said without changing his expression, “only the goddess of the setting sun is qualified to judge and forgive you.”

The old priest chuckled upon hearing this, a sound that seemed both mocking and relieved:

“But Your Highness, what Federico just said is not without reason.”

Thales, who was pondering how to end this, didn't react in time, and even Federico was taken aback:
"what?"

"Gentlemen, I'm sure you've all realized it: in this situation, we need Your Highness."

Deputy High Priest Fiebel sighed, turned to the congregation, and his expression shifted from sorrow to determination:

"The Emerald City needs Prince Thales to take charge, maintain order, and prevent the city from falling into the same disastrous fate as the Kevin Deer family's self-destruction."

These words sparked another round of discussion among the audience.

Federico frowned deeply.

Fabul raised his voice:

"Since His Highness has just revealed his intentions and has no intention of clinging to power or seizing the throne, we might as well trust him and believe that he needs the power of the regent in order to restore order to Emerald City..."

Wait, what?
Trust him?
Believe in the prince?

The deputy high priest remained eloquent, but for some reason, the tone of his words was completely different from his previous ones, causing everyone to pause in surprise.

"And we should also be understanding: in this inescapable conflict in Emerald City, His Highness Thales has already borne too much. If we were to vent our unnecessary accusations on him, question him, demand that he take responsibility for things too far in the future, or even force him to step down for a moment's pleasure..."

Fabre touched the Bible in his arms and sighed:
"That is, because of the evil of the bad people, we make things difficult for the good people. This is not fair, nor is it conducive to the order and stability of Emerald City."

The crowd grew increasingly astonished and looked at each other in bewilderment.

This old deputy high priest, who not long ago spoke out and protested for the common people of Emerald City, risking his life to force the prince to defend himself in a sorry state, is now going to...

Did they change their allegiance and switch sides to the prince's command?

Or is it because I'm getting old and have forgotten what I just said and what stance I took?
Even Thales was stunned, frequently glancing at Federico.

But the latter was also completely confused.

Count Lacia's eyes widened, and he asked suspiciously:
"High Priest, it's not that I disrespect you, but you just said to be vigilant..."

But the old priest ignored him and continued waving his arms forward, especially to the audience sitting in the middle and back rows of the hall:
"Gentlemen! If His Highness is willing to bear the consequences and vouch for the people of Emerald City and even the people of the South Bank, then what is there for the people of Emerald City to fear?"

Whispers broke out in the hall.

“His Highness was able to stand up for us, shielding us from the wind and rain, regardless of praise or blame,” the deputy high priest sighed, turning to Thales on the steps, “Can’t we stand up for ourselves, and even for Prince Thales, and make a sacrifice?”

The council chamber erupted in another uproar.

This time, however, the dominant emotions were confusion and shock, rather than worry and indignation.

Thales, seated at the head of the table, looked on in astonishment at the old man who had suddenly turned to support him.

Did he really misunderstand?

Actually, he came here to give me a little scolding but actually to help me out, to lend me a hand?

Could it be that this highly respected Vice High Priest Fibour is truly sent by the Kingdom's secret service to serve as a stepping stone for the monarchy's control of the Emerald City?

Clear away obstacles for him and unify his thinking?

But this approach, this shift, is just too... abrupt?

Amidst the astonishment and doubt of the entire audience, only Marius pondered the old priest's words, his brows furrowing slightly.

"In that case, gentlemen, we cannot hide behind His Highness and let him fight alone and bear the blame!"

The old priest continued speaking, only more passionately.

They stood up for Prince Thales, made sacrifices... so he wouldn't fight alone...

The watchman pondered these words, his eyes flickering.

That would mean...

"We should be His Highness's helpers, clearing obstacles for him, rather than becoming his hindrances and adding burdens to him..."

Fabre raised his voice to encourage everyone:
“We should regard him as our ally, our hope, and even our future leader—as the heir to the kingdom, he should also be—to protect our own order and interests.”

Help...allies...protect their own order and interests...

Marius understood something, his expression turned serious, and he turned to look at Thales!
"However, at the same time we must be vigilant: even if we believe in His Highness's moral character, we must be wary of the undercurrents behind him, the villains and ambitious people surrounding him, and even some unseen forces vying for power, and be wary of them blinding the prince..."

Amidst the bewildered gazes of the room's inhabitants, Fabre took a deep breath, raised his arms, and shouted:
"Therefore, gentlemen, I propose that, based on what His Highness just said, we draw up a written agreement and jointly shoulder the future of Emerald City!"

His voice echoed in the hall, but only elicited a chorus of questions.

"what?"

Federico was puzzled:
"What do you mean?"

The deputy high priest walked up the steps and, with great excitement, bowed and curtsied to Thales—more respectfully and precisely than when he first performed the bow.

For this reason, he even briefly put down the "Sunset Doctrine".

"Please, Your Highness Thales, no, please, Regent Thales, establish a covenant with all the people of Emerald City."

The hall was quiet for a while.

"Contract?"

Thales sensed something was amiss, and he repeated it suspiciously:

"What... agreement?"

The elderly deputy priest rose shakily, his eyes filled with excitement and hope.

"Firstly..."

He surveyed the council chamber, took a deep breath to calm himself, and began to speak slowly in a solemn and peaceful tone:
"Your Highness, please join us in creating a list to record the results of today's audience."

"We will clearly write down the timeframes, powers, responsibilities, scope, needs, and tasks required for your regency, including inviolable taboos, unquestionable powers, and even the possible consequences."

"The Temple of Sunset will countersign to ensure its implementation. No one in Emerald City may object, obstruct, or outwardly comply while inwardly resisting."

"In this way, your regency will have rules to follow, written regulations to adhere to, and rules to refer to, so that no one can accuse you of overstepping your authority or failing in your governance without cause!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Thales felt a twitch between his brows!
wrong.

Something's not right.

The voice deep within his heart spoke urgently, filled with grave seriousness:

The matters concerning regency, including the scope of powers and responsibilities, were all written into articles...

Yes, that way no one can accuse you of overstepping your bounds or exceeding your authority, but...

The voice deep within my heart carried a sense of extreme vigilance:

Be careful, he's definitely not here to support you, Thales, nor is he here to be your stepping stone; on the contrary...

Numerous murmurs arose in the hall.

Many of the important figures sitting in the front row turned pale.

“Secondly!” But Vice High Priest Fabre continued, speaking clearly and loudly:
"Your Highness, please carry out the previous statement and establish oversight and safeguards for the implementation of the regency."

"For example, authorizing the formation of temporary committees or councils, including members such as nobles, bureaucrats, soldiers, merchants, and property owners, and even inviting foreign envoys to be observers and witnesses. The Temple of the Setting Sun is willing to guarantee this."

"They will have the right to be informed, offer suggestions, and even participate in the enactment of laws, troop deployments, financial and tax arrangements, and even the handling of crisis events in Emerald City. Naturally, they will also share responsibility for any misconduct in governance until His Highness Thales concludes the arbitration of the Kevin Deer case and resigns as regent."

"In this way, we can prevent the people of Emerald City from living in constant fear of the unknown, making unfounded guesses and malicious speculations; and we can also prevent you from suffering the accusations of power-hungry and tyrannical behavior from us petty people and ignorant masses, even as you are busy with government affairs!"

After the second point was made, the council chamber erupted in an uproar!
This is bad, this is bad.

Thales's expression remained unchanged, his body motionless, but the voice in his heart grew increasingly urgent:

Therefore, all of this guy's previous accusations and protests were purposeful, all for this moment...

Oversight and safeguards... committee... council... what does he think this place is?
Is this a national affairs conference?
Now, even the most dull-witted and slow-witted person in the council chamber immediately realized what was happening.

This deputy high priest of the Sunset Temple, what is he going to do...?

Thirdly!

The elderly, frail deputy priest, trembling, raised his third finger with a voice that resonated throughout the hall:
"Please, on behalf of the Second Prince and even the entire Star Royal Family, and under the witness of the Sunset Goddess, swear an oath to relinquish your authority and step down as regent!"

"Once the arbitration case concludes, regardless of the outcome, even if both Janne and Federico are convicted, even if both lose their right to succession, even if they fight to the death in the palace, even if the Iris cannot find an heir for a time, even if an ambitious person suddenly appears and asks you to serve as regent indefinitely..."

"Your Highness, you should also remain steadfast, uphold your principles, and keep your promises, immediately handing over the regency! Emerald City will be temporarily governed by the aforementioned committee or council, selecting the most capable individuals from among the heroes of the South Bank to discuss the city's future, until power returns to a qualified member of the Iris family..."

"...and resolutely rejected the royal officials who might come to take over and seize power, thus avoiding the predicament of the northern border and the western wilderness, and also preventing His Highness from being in danger of breaking his promise or going back on his word!"

Deputy High Priest Fiebel finished speaking these three points with unparalleled fluency and excitement. Ignoring the uproar in the hall and before the reactions of the crowd whose expressions had changed drastically, he stepped forward and spoke in a trembling voice:

"In this way, the responsibilities and the cases will be clear throughout Emerald City and the Palace of Emerald, preventing the treacherous villains that Federico mentioned from interfering, disturbing people's hearts, and sowing discord between superiors and subordinates. It will also ensure that His Highness Thales is wise, open-minded, and magnanimous, and will not become muddleheaded, closed-minded, or lose his way."

Bathed in the light streaming through the four skylights, the old priest took a deep breath, as if the air in the hall were the sweetest and freshest:
"This matter can become a beautiful story in the future, laying the foundation for His Highness's future coronation as the supreme ruler, his rule over the kingdom, and his becoming a wise and benevolent monarch."

The words of the deputy chief priest still echoed in the hall.

The audience members whispered among themselves, their expressions varied.

Many people didn't even realize what was happening.

he……

What did he just say?
What contract or agreement...

What's first, second, third...?

What list, what oversight, what delivery commitments...

Seated in the main seat, Thales stared in shock at the old man before him, at the "Sunset Bible" that the old man was completely unaware of had fallen to his feet.

The person before me...

"This is outrageous!"

Federico was the first to react, and still in shock, he instinctively retorted:
"What agreement... The South Coast Territory is the kingdom's South Coast Territory, granted to the Kevindir family by the Starry Sky Royal Family! And His Highness Thales is the heir to the kingdom, how could he be forced—"

"I object!"

Before Federico could finish speaking, Count Lacia stood up angrily:
"How can such an important matter as the regency of Emerald City and even the South Bank Territory be treated so lightly? Where did the charter come from, and what is its purpose? It's utterly absurd. What's the point of holding a meeting out of thin air? Just arguing in the council chamber alone will be enough..."

"I haven't finished speaking yet!"

As if anticipating something, Fabre stretched out his arms and shouted again:

"If you can do that, Your Highness, if you can truly put the powers of the Regent into a covenant... then when you serve as Regent, whatever orders you issue, as long as they are within the covenant and follow the rules without violating the preamble, even if there are slight mistakes, the parties to the covenant between the Sunset Temple and Emerald City, as well as the witnesses, will fully support you without any objection!"

Fabul suddenly turned around:
"If at that time there are still people who do not respect Your Highness's authority, or even ridicule Your Highness's regency..."

The deputy high priest gritted his teeth, his posture firm:
"The entire Temple of Sunset and the entire Emerald City should act as Your Highness's vanguard and punish this wicked villain!"

"This is outrageous!"

Startled and his mind went blank, Federico instinctively retorted, but then realized that his words were disrespectful to the prince, so he kept quiet.

But in the hall, no one cared whether his words were appropriate or not.

Everyone stared blankly at the old priest, listening to his words:
"And even, even if it's just a step further..."

Deputy High Priest Fiebel's breathing quickened as he stared intently at Duke Starlake on the throne:

"If in the future His Majesty the King is dissatisfied with the outcome of Your Highness's trip to Emerald City, if the court ministers have many criticisms of the Prince's regency, or if petty people inside and outside the court slander you and show disrespect, even making comments about your succession to the throne..."

At that moment, Thales and Federico's expressions both changed!
Even inside the council chamber, the audience's gazes had changed.

"Then the entire territory of the South Bank, including the entire Emerald City, including the Sunset Temple and the Church, are all greatly favored by His Highness and protected by the Prince. Even though this is a short-lived regency, it will recreate the Emerald City's regency..."

Fabre gritted his teeth and stepped over the "Sunset Doctrine" beneath his feet.

"We would rather risk our lives, our reputations, and our honor than fail to speak out for justice, even to the point of writing a petition in blood, to protect a wise and virtuous monarch for the kingdom! No matter how difficult or dangerous, we only recognize your divine authorization and qualifications as the Son of the Starry Sky, the sole and legitimate heir of the Star Kingdom!"

A commotion erupted in the hall.

Federico, on the other hand, turned ashen-faced.

Under Thales's astonished gaze, the deputy high priest stepped forward, his eyes filled with hope:

"If you require, Your Highness, we can proclaim the fourth point of this writing contract throughout the entire kingdom!"

"My God, my God," the hall was filled with shock. Wyman, equally stunned, instinctively gripped his sword. "Is he... is he going to rebel?"

"On the contrary."

Marius observed the reactions of the various people in the audience, lost in thought:
"This is to stop Emerald City from...rebelling."

Many listeners became restless.

"Of course, the specific rules and details can still be discussed and refined, but as long as they are accepted in principle..."

The old priest's excited and fervent words echoed in the hall, giving him an air of righteous indignation and selflessness.

"By this covenant, we will all contribute our efforts, act for the common good, vouch for our own fate, stand up for our own interests, and resolve the estrangement with Prince Thales... By acting in accordance with the covenant, any problem can be solved, any difficulty can be overcome... Then Emerald City will be peaceful and secure, His Highness the Prince's future will be worry-free, and the kingdom's fortunes will not decline!"

Deputy High Priest Fibrill scanned back and forth, his gaze intensely eager:
"Your Highness, gentlemen, how is it?"

The entire audience erupted in uproar, their voices filling the hall.

Thales didn't say anything; he just gripped the armrests of his seat tightly.

But many people began to discuss it with either excitement or worry:
"He spoke so logically and clearly, it's obvious he was prepared in advance..."

"We were just waiting for this moment to pull this stunt?"

"That's exactly right! Now those scoundrels in Kongming Palace can't cause any more trouble..."

"That's a good suggestion. Putting it all in writing will save us from living in constant fear..."

"But where does this leave the Kevin Deer family?"

"No land—when the iris flower brings trouble from within and external enemies are also approaching, it's already over."

"So thorough! No wonder you're the deputy high priest!"

"I heard that among so many diocesan vice-high priests, he was a very good candidate to become the High Priestess of Sunset! If it weren't for the fact that his family background couldn't compare to that priestess named Aaron..."

"Did you notice that every point he made had to be endorsed by the Temple of the Setting Sun?"

"His willingness to step forward and bear the consequences makes it only natural that the temple holds a superior position..."

"Sister, if it were you, could you resist?"

"Hard to say... weighing the pros and cons... tsk tsk tsk..."

"You clap once, I clap once!"

"The prince cried from then on!"

"Sister, we're done for!"

"Sis, we're done playing again?"

"If you can't afford to play, then you're finished."

"Uncle, do you think that council has the authority to readjust the quotas for the perpetual oil catch? Our whaling ships..."

"Dad, is there any hope for us to get into that council? How much money do we need to pay? And to whom?"

"Forget it, we can't get in..."

"But if we team up with the big names in the industry and put forward one or two well-known figures, we should be able to get in, right?"

What did he mean by his fourth point?

"It means that if the prince helps us govern ourselves and protects us, we will contribute money and effort to make him king."

"Will this even work?"

"The wealth and resources of the entire southern coast are enough to buy the other six territories of the kingdom. Do you think that's useful?"

"But wasn't the prince destined to be king?"

"Yes, is it possible... that if he doesn't agree, then he's not so destined?"

"What do you mean?"

"He governed the kingdom's most prosperous and bustling city, and then ruined it... Tell me, can this prince still be king?"

"This reminds me of the scene when the Sacred Star Covenant was promulgated, and the wise ruler who established the National Affairs Conference..."

"Shh! Watch your words, how can these be compared..."

"That's why, if news of what happened here reaches the Palace of Restoration, and His Majesty the King, especially the fourth point..."

"Damn it, the Central Territory's standing army, Alakka Mu's Wrath Guard, has been mobilized and is heading to Emerald City. How long will it take?"

"Does the Emerald Legion have any hope of defending the city?"

"Firstly, Emerald City no longer has any walls to defend... Secondly, it's not a question of whether to defend it or not. Emerald City relies on trade and wealth. Once there's a military conflict or unrest, and the roads are cut off and travelers stop arriving, it'll be finished without a fight..."

As the person standing the tallest in the council chamber at this moment, Thales looked expressionlessly at the old priest in front of him, and also felt the restless reactions of the entire audience, whether they were terrified, tense, excited, or agitated.

The hellish senses brought him the discussions and opinions of various people in the hall, and both the content and attitudes made him increasingly disheartened.

A contract was entered into.

Succession to the throne...

Thales gazed intently at Fabul.

He finally realized where that strange feeling came from.

He began to believe that the frail old man before him was not brought here by the king, the royal secret service, Janne or Federico, or anyone else.

He came voluntarily.

Of course, you could also say that he came for Emerald City.

He was unlike any of the opponents he had encountered in the first half of his arduous and adventurous life, including Janne, Federico, King Nune, Chaman Lumba, King Kessel, and others.

Thales closed his eyes, feeling the boundless excitement of the entire arena, and took a deep breath.

changed.

The voice in his heart pondered deeply, and he sighed in the tone of savoring fine wine:

In Emerald City, perhaps it began from this moment—no, perhaps not just from this moment, but from a long time ago, without anyone realizing it…

some things……

Things have changed. (End of Chapter)