Kingdom Bloodline

"Colleagues, sages of Emerald City, things have come to this point, let's tell the truth."

Sitting in the front row of the council chamber, Viscount Dijksman, head of the Commerce Bureau, watched Federico and the vice-high priest hurling insults at each other, sighed, and whispered:

"Who among you is involved in today's grand spectacle?"

Taking advantage of everyone's attention being drawn, the city's chief official, Briotti, leaned over and quietly asked one of his close high-ranking colleagues:
"Or is it that someone has already reserved a spot in that damn council chamber?"

Even the position of regent?

“Nonsense,” Didonato, president of the Everlasting Oil Traders Guild, shook his head. “This is a capital offense; who would dare to do it?”

"So there are people who dare to do it," Baron Amisarashvili scoffed. "After the Duke lost power and the Prince became regent, who came to you in private?"

His gaze was intense and undisguised:

"Or rather, who did each of you go to see?"

The high-ranking officials unconsciously averted their gazes to avoid eye contact.

"Whoever did it, it seems to be beneficial to us who work for Kongming Palace, and even to most of the people in this hall, isn't it?"

Lord Myrahovic, the highly respected treasurer, sighed softly:

"Everyone always thought that if one iris fell, they could just replace it with a new one. But the reality is: when an iris falls, everyone wants to rush over and grab a piece of the pie."

Since the irises are about to fall, even if they come back, they will hardly be able to be restored to their former glory. The gaps left behind must be filled by someone, right?

"So you're going to force the prince to sign this contract?"

Mayor Amisalashvili scoffed disdainfully:

"Wouldn't it be faster to go directly to the prince, or even seek refuge with the king?"

The city chief of Briotti chuckled:
How do you know no one has done this?

At least secretly?
"Of course, they don't want it."

Director Deckerman pointed to the scarlet iris, who was speaking passionately to Thales, and sighed softly:
"Didn't you see Kevin Deer already standing next to him? He's an expert at framing people and making up charges. And with all those officials coming from the capital, where are the others, especially us, supposed to get a piece of the action?"

None of the high-ranking officials spoke.

Just now.

"My lords... I'm just... I'm late, so I have to sit here..."

The people in the front and back rows all turned around at the same time.

Seated in the corner, the local district security chief, Zelot, forced a smile and spoke shakily:
"But aren't you all accomplices of the deputy high priest?"

The surrounding high-ranking officials exchanged glances and remained silent, which made Director Zelot tremble slightly and turn his head away.

"The prince will not sign this contract."

Watching the increasingly tense argument in the hall, a worried Chairman DiDonato suddenly spoke in a low voice:
"He is the second prince as recognized by the Council of States, and the legitimate heir to the throne."

“Of course, unless he goes mad and rebels,” Amisarashvili shook his head coldly, “otherwise, the collateral relatives of the Star of Brilliance… even if the pentagram of Ice River City changes its surname back to Star of Brilliance overnight, even if it changes to the imperial surname Carlos, it will not be able to shake the prince’s bloodline and legitimacy.”

The so-called support from Emerald City has no bearing on his coronation; it is of little use to him.

Lord Myrahovic stroked his beard, lost in thought.

But at that moment, the commander of the Emerald Legion, the silent Captain Seychelles, spoke up.

"If the throne were only determined by bloodline and law, then the supreme kings of the stars should pass down their thrones from father to son in a straight line," the Extreme Knight murmured. "But is that really the case?"

These words caused several high-ranking officials to look on in surprise.

If so, where do all those brothers, uncles, cousins, nephews, and even powerful princesses and illegitimate children whose legitimacy is questionable come from in the royal lineage?
Speaking of illegitimate children, it's quite a coincidence that the current royal family genealogy of Shining Star has children at both ends...

"Oh, speaking of this, did you know that Kevin Deer also has considerable Star blood?"

Hearing this, Director Zelot, who had been struggling to get a word in edgewise, suddenly brightened up:
"After all, our ancestors married so many royal princesses across generations, and also formed marriage alliances with many collateral branches of the Shining Star clan who changed their surnames... At the national conference eight years ago, if King Kessel hadn't suddenly brought up an illegitimate child and forced everyone to acknowledge him—"

“In any case, the prince will gain nothing from signing this contract except to appease this group of people,” Mayor Amisalashvili ignored Zelot, “and there will be many disadvantages.”

Seeing that he couldn't fit into the group, Zelot had no choice but to awkwardly shut up.

“In short, if this prince doesn’t cause any trouble, his coronation is only a matter of time,” President Didonato said softly. “He doesn’t need the support of Emerald City, nor does he need to sign this contract.”

"But that's the biggest problem."

Surprisingly, the person who spoke up was none other than the taciturn Acting Grand Inquisitor, Ibonin:

"time."

Several high-ranking officials exchanged glances.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Damn.

As Thales watched Federico and the vice-priest exchange blows, he observed the reactions of everyone in the hall with his hellish senses, his brows furrowing slightly.

He was about to interrupt, but when Federico asked about Thales's right to inherit, he had no choice but to clench his fists, remain silent, and maintain a serious and calm demeanor.

Deputy High Priest Fabre gazed wistfully at his former student.

Controversy, qualifications, Emerald City, kingdom, heir, support, coronation... In a single sentence, there are dangerous linguistic traps.

No matter how much I argue or refute, he will seize upon it and strike at my weak points.

So, Ferdi, did you use all the knowledge you taught in your classics and grammar classes back then here?

"The setting sun shines above, supposedly supporting His Highness's right to succession..."

The old priest made a gesture of atonement and let out a long sigh.

"His Highness Thales has served as regent of Kongming Palace with great merit and is respected by all the people. The people of Emerald City are grateful and have written down their love and support for His Highness in black and white. What is wrong with that?"

He stared intently at Federico, skillfully avoiding any linguistic traps:

"If in the future there are treacherous villains in the kingdom who slander His Highness the Prince’s right to succession, then it is only right and proper for us, his subjects, to speak up for him."

She's quite the talker.

Seeing that his prey hadn't taken the bait, Federico sneered, "What if His Highness doesn't agree?"

"Does the Vice High Priest mean that if His Highness refuses to sign this agreement as you wish, then his rule will not be one of 'universal obedience,' and you will not 'love and support' him, and may even condone or join those 'treacherous villains' who slander him in the future?"

His words once again caused an uproar in the council chamber.

Thales closed his eyes in resignation.

He suddenly realized that he, who should have been the arbiter of the situation in Emerald City, had been pulled into the eye of the storm.

Moving forward is not an option, nor is retreating.

He sighed softly.

No, Thales, be careful—a heavy voice echoed in his heart—it concerns the fate of the Emerald City. Whether it is Federico or Fabul, their words are addressed to each other, but in reality, to the entire city.

But once the prince personally intervenes and makes a statement, the situation becomes one where you are facing the entire Emerald City, or even the entire kingdom.

This may be what they want, or at least what some people want.

But it's definitely not in your best interest.

This is really bad—a quiet sigh escaped his lips.

Thales, you, with your detached and neutral stance, used your power to remain invincible, mediating the situation and balancing the conflict...

Just like the irises of yesteryear.

But look at the present.

Just like Jenn before... When did you become your own prisoner, caught in a dilemma?

"Furthermore, if His Highness does not agree to your blackmail today and refuses to sign the contract, what will you and the people behind you do?"

In the hall, Federico sneered:
"Should we stage another coup? Or a fire? Or some other event that causes widespread panic and damages Your Highness's reputation? Or sacrifice another student for the sake of the great cause of faith, letting him be assassinated?"

The old priest's expression changed slightly; he pointed at Federico, his finger trembling.
"No! You are slandering, shameful—"

"Or should we simply incite the entire city to drive out Prince Thales and establish Thales as regent?"

Federico, without giving the other party a chance to argue, raised his voice and spoke:
"Thus proclaiming to the entire kingdom: the heir to the Palace of Restoration has neither the right nor the right to rule you, to rule the Emerald City?"

Look how wonderful this is!

Thales felt a chill run down his spine, but he managed to maintain a calm facade.

The people in the hall began to whisper among themselves again, and many of them secretly glanced at the second prince sitting on the throne.

The topic is becoming increasingly dangerous.

It is also getting closer and closer to the origin of the storm.

They are increasingly disregarding rules and tacit understandings.

Thales sighed softly, pondering and hesitating.

“This guy is really damn…” Among the Star Lake Guards below Thales, Wyatt gritted his teeth as he looked at the Crimson Iris, who was speaking so eloquently. “Okay, I know he’s defending His Highness and looking for an opportunity to deal with that old priest, but what he’s saying sounds so strange…”

"Because his interests and His Highness's intentions have never overlapped."

Marius stood beside Wya, squinting at Federico, and whispered:

"His victory is not the same as His Highness's victory."

"Then can we speak up for His Highness...?"

"No, especially at times like these, Your Highness should not appear to care, let alone personally get involved."

Wyman had no choice but to grit his teeth and endure it.

The focus returned to the hall, where Federico grew increasingly dominant.
"Coercing the prince and making unauthorized remarks about the throne! If this isn't rebellion..."

He paused for a moment, gritted his teeth, and faced the entire audience:

"Then what is rebellion?"

As expected, another uproar broke out in the hall.

There were supporters, but also many who booed.

"Young Master Federico, why?"

Furious, Deputy High Priest Fiebel took a deep breath and managed to steady himself.

"You deliberately distorted my logic, fabricated my implied meanings, misled the audience's understanding, and even fabricated charges against me..."

He looked at his former students with a pained expression:

"Just to stop Emerald City from supporting His Highness? Or because you can't stand His Highness standing with us? To continue His Highness's reliance on you and monopolize His Highness's trust and favor?"

The old priest's gaze was filled with sorrow:
"Or is it to use this opportunity to threaten Emerald City, intimidate your political enemies, and seize the chance amidst the ruins to be promoted to duke?"

Federico trembled upon hearing this.

"And your sins don't stop there!"

Federico whirled around, roared, and rudely pointed at the sub-high priest:
“You! Mr. Fabre, you are so noble and virtuous, always saying it's for Emerald City…”

Scarlet Iris sneered and turned to the guests in the hall:

"But what about signing contracts, dividing regency power, and supporting the right of succession... Do you know how much turmoil this will cause throughout the kingdom, how many attacks and questions it will face at the royal council? A committee to divide regency power? And yet, to presumptuously discuss the succession to the throne? Do you know how much disaster this will bring to Emerald City and South Bank Territory, and even to the Star Kingdom?"

Fabre felt his breath catch in his throat.

Scarlet Iris pointed to the seat at the highest point of the council chamber:
"You know, you know everything, yet you care nothing! You insist on pushing His Highness to the limit, forcing him into a dilemma! You insist on pushing Emerald City into the eye of the storm, using it as a stepping stone for the temple! You insist on inciting everyone in this hall to die for you, to pave the way for your great cause of faith!"

The deputy chief priest turned pale upon hearing this.

"Or is this your true purpose? Conflict? Internal strife? Civil war? Emerald City facing imminent disaster? Another year of bloodshed?"

Federico sneered; every word he uttered sent chills down the spines of the audience.

"What, the Temple of the Setting Sun? From the sacrifice to the son to the conflict between religions, have more than two hundred years of religious bloodshed and the tragic sacrifice of countless people failed to extinguish your ugly ambitions? Know that the descendants of the 'Bow That Shoots the Sun' are sitting right here in this hall!"

The old priest trembled upon hearing this, his expression turning ugly.

The audience turned around and saw Count Noah Harvia, the head of the "Sun-Shooting Bow" from Yanbi Port in the East China Sea, standing in the crowd with a solemn expression and without saying a word.

The council chamber was once again in an uproar.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Time, time is His Highness's best ally."

Amidst the chaotic commotion, Ibonin gazed wistfully at the calluses on his fingers, calloused from years of holding a pen.

If he simply follows the rules and waits patiently, no one can compete with him for the throne.

“But time, time is also his greatest obstacle.” The young judge clenched his fist, concealing his calloused hands, and sighed:

“His time has not come yet; he will forever remain a prince and son, a duke of Starlake, lacking power and influence.”

In this corner, several high-ranking officials and business leaders exchanged glances.

The city magistrate of Briotti stared at the second prince in his seat, a knowing look on his face.

"Indeed, judging from the news coming from the capital, he is quite feared by the emperor and has been repeatedly attacked. He may even lose power and be stripped of his authority."

"Oh, you've also heard about him being slapped in public by the king?"

Embarrassed by his mistake of sitting in the wrong seat, Director Zelot suddenly realized he had found a point he could understand and tried to join the conversation:
"Hmm, was it a slap or a spanking?"

Nobody paid him any attention.

Lacking power and influence? Losing power and influence?
Ibonen shook his head.

“Power is invisible, even illusory,” Ibonen whispered. “It only exists when people believe in it.”

Otherwise, how could an ordinary person who lives in the deep palace and communicates with the outside world through written letters—no, even a master who fights on horseback all year round and has the courage of ten thousand men, an ever-victorious general—command thousands of troops and dominate countless lives?
With his unparalleled bravery?
Don't make me laugh.

Ibonen squinted.

Being invincible and winning the hearts of the people are two completely different things.

Otherwise, the final war should have been one in which calamity ruled the world.

“Explain it more clearly,” General Manager Myrahovic said in a deep voice.

"My lords, the key point of this agreement is not whether Emerald City's support is useful, or even whether Emerald City supports it or not."

Ibonin took a deep breath, looking at the iris and the deputy high priest facing off:

"The key question is, what will people think when this incident and this scene get out?"

This scene? News of it spread back to the capital, throughout the kingdom?
Several high-ranking officials seemed to be deep in thought.

"The deputy priest's contract involves two matters: the ownership of the South Bank and the succession to the throne."

Ibonen's eyes were sharp:
A crown is a crown because people believe it is; that is why it is a crown.

After all, a true king does not prioritize bloodline.

The expressions of the important figures turned serious.

"So when people saw this prince outside the Palace of Restoration, in the Emerald City, making a covenant with all the people, agreeing, or at least superficially agreeing, to the power over the South Bank and his right to the throne, and the Emerald City was 'completely subdued'..."

The acting judge let out a soft breath:

"Wouldn't the people throughout the kingdom think..."

He shut his mouth and looked at his colleagues with a deep gaze.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

In the chaotic hall, Thales rubbed his temples, his head aching, his hellish senses relaying the arguments flying in like snowflakes from all corners of the audience:

“Crimson Iris succinctly stated the key point: In this contract, the fate of Emerald City is irrelevant, but when it comes to the lord's rule, and even the succession to the throne…”

"I knew that old priest had ulterior motives and wanted to incite us to attack the Restoration Palace..."

The prince paid little attention to the bickering between the master and disciple, instead gripping the armrests of his chair tightly, relying on his hellish senses to listen to the whispers coming from different corners:

"No, whether or not the South Coast Territory endorses him, it won't affect the second prince's line of succession. However, if this causes a rift between him and His Majesty the King..."

"Haven't you heard? The prince and the Iron-Fisted King broke up a long time ago!"

Thales' heart tightened.

Where did you hear that from?

“My uncle in the capital witnessed it with his own eyes. That night, the prince led his army, sword in hand, and stormed the palace! The blood that flowed along the way was staggering. I heard that even the prince himself braved arrows and stones, sustaining injuries and bleeding…”

"Oh! Wouldn't that be a mutiny, a rebellion?"

"What do you think? If it weren't for the guards fighting to the death and the loyal ministers giving their remonstrances that night, we would be calling him Thales I today..."

"Shut up! Are you out of your mind?!"

"Holy crap, is that true?"

"How come I've never heard of it?"

"How can this be leaked? A gag order has been issued!"

"Then how did you know?"

"How can this be kept quiet? Everyone has eyes and ears!"

"How come I've never heard of it?"

"How can this be leaked? We've already put a gag order—are you trying to trick me?"

“A friend of a friend of mine is a guard in the capital. He also heard something about it, saying that there was something strange happening at Fuxing Palace that night, and the sounds of fighting could be heard even through the walls…”

"Hey, just interjecting. I also have a friend who knows another friend, and that friend's relative is the imperial physician who was summoned to the palace that night. It's said that the Fuxing Palace was littered with casualties, with hundreds of corpses lying around..."

"My God, is the matter of the Sunset Kingdom really that exaggerated?"

"Hey, you're guests from the Eastern Continent, you don't understand, do you? When the royal family of Shining Star kills their own relatives, they're the most ruthless..."

"Yes, yes, yes, I am Nawusude, from Hambul. I am indeed not very familiar with your country's traditions. If I may ask, is this what the people of the Western Continent call the 'Restoration Palace Succession Law'?"

"Hey, that's called the 'Supreme Palace Succession Law,' also known as the 'Triumphal City Coronation Law,' a colloquial term, and it dates back to the Imperial era, before the Final War... It reflects a classic mathematical problem: what kind of rules govern the changes in the order of succession to the throne..."

"Isn't that still a matter from their ancestors' time..."

"Tsk tsk tsk, after all that, Prince Thales still managed to walk out of the Palace of Restoration alive?"

"You should ask the other way around: After all this, can His Majesty Kessel still sit comfortably on the throne?"

Shh, be quiet!

Thales remained silent:

The sources of information for this group are complex, varied, and often outlandish, yet they represent the sentiments of a large number of people.

"So think about how deep the water is here... They even raised an army in rebellion, but the king didn't dare to kill him on the spot. That shows how much fear he had..."

"Is it that you dare not, or that you cannot?"

"Does this mean that even within the capital, the prince's strength is on par with the king's, preventing his father from turning against him?"

"Very likely... Otherwise, why would the prince be able to leave Everstar City and go to Starlake Castle? I guess it's because the two were deadlocked and eventually each took a step back, reaching an unwilling compromise..."

"Holy crap, that was thrilling! I bet everyone in Yongxing City was having nightmares that night..."

Thales closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"When the news spreads, people will feel that the prince has grown strong enough and is the one everyone wants."

General Manager Myrahovic calmly accepted the judge's words:
"Do you think he's even qualified to disregard the Fuxing Palace, sign contracts, make promises, and dominate the political landscape?"

Delineate rights and endorse allies.

They leverage power and influence to endorse themselves.

Several local officials and the head of the company frowned.

“If he can do this in Emerald City and still be ‘accepted by all the people’… then when he goes to the East Sea, Cliffland, Blade’s Edge, and Western Wilderness…” Ibonin said softly.

"He went there a long time ago."

Commander of the Emerald Legion, Captain Seychelles, said calmly:

"Don't forget, that old man from the Western Wilderness gave him his family's ancient sword. The three major families and their vassals joined forces to escort him back to the capital, even at the cost of fighting against the royal standing army."

Although the people on the south bank had not witnessed such a scene firsthand, they knew it was a rare sight.

Just like in the Year of Blood, Sonia Sathere led the Starshine Legion northward with the prestige of suppressing the rebellion, storming into the Central Territory and escorting the Fifth Prince into the chaotic, masterless, noble and vassal city of Everstar.

Then, the carefree Prince Kessel became the popular King Kessel V.

"In fact, Prince Thales doesn't even need to wait for the Emerald City contract to take effect. He only needs to let people see his signing of the contract, see the Emerald City's attitude, and thus believe that he has the power and courage to do so..."

Steward Myrahovic pondered for a moment: "In this way, if any vassals or even subjects within the kingdom have objections to the affairs of the kingdom, but cannot get what they want at the Palace of Restoration..."

Even when someone wants to raise a flag in rebellion but struggles due to a lack of legitimacy and sufficient justification...

“They will go to him.” Viscount Deckman frowned as he looked at Thales, who sat with a somber expression.

"Therefore, this contract, this deal, does not provide any concrete or substantial support for his interests in Emerald City."

He doesn't need it.

General Manager Mairahovic narrowed his eyes, staring at the main players on the field:
"Instead, the prince, with just this mere contract, can win over people's hearts, exert authority, and instantly become the ruler of the kingdom, outside of the Palace of Restoration..."

"A second king?" the Seychelles captain suddenly asked.

"Gentlemen," Director Deckman exclaimed in surprise, "be careful what you say!"

Several high-ranking officials suddenly realized what was happening.

For the prince, the essence and greatest benefit of this deal was that it transcended time, eliminated waiting, and allowed for early payment.

To break free from the constraints of institutional rules and legal regulations.

So—Judge Ibonin remained expressionless, but he heard a sigh escape his lips:
Regarding power, and its established facts...

It was subsequently ratified.

City Chief Superintendent Briotti suddenly realized something and was immediately startled:
"So, if this agreement is reached, then in the kingdom, at least in the deepest hearts of many, he will already be the de facto ruler without needing a coronation..."

General Manager Myrahovic nodded:
"The Uncrowned King".

He squinted and carefully examined the prince sitting at the highest point.

"Gentlemen!" Director Deckerman looked around nervously, gritting his teeth as he spoke to the small group, "Keep your voices down!"

"Or rather..."

Judge Ibonin raised his head, his gaze intense:
"Thales I".

The little corner remained quiet for quite a while.

The group exchanged several more anxious glances.

“Yes, the First Life,” Steward Myrahovic said, looking at the boy who was deep in thought with his brows furrowed in his seat, “the very… First Life.”

Everyone tensed up.

"My lords..." In the corner, Hall Master Zelot coughed, forcing a smile through his somber expression, "You are the accomplices of the Vice High Priest, aren't you? That's right, isn't it?"

The group glared at him again, causing the director to turn his head away.

"Then... what should we do?" Director Deckerman looked at the chaotic council chamber and felt his mouth go dry.

Should we choose sides or run away?
Or should we continue the fine tradition of the South Bank bureaucrats—turn a blind eye?
“Someone is gambling.” Steward Myrahovic glanced at the bewildered second prince and regent of Kongming Palace.

"Gambling?" Director Deckerman asked, puzzled.

"Let's bet on whether this prince is truly as rumored, having long been at odds with His Majesty, and has his own ideas about the future of the kingdom."

The chief financial officer nodded and sighed:
"We're betting on whether he has the courage and willingness to seize the opportunity for his cause and for the future of the kingdom."

Seize the opportunity?

“What if he doesn’t?” Baron Amisarashvili said coldly.

Mairahovic chuckled softly.

"Maybe, maybe they're betting that he doesn't have it."

Upon hearing this, the high-ranking officials were all taken aback.

"By the way, Ibo."

Amidst the noisy, chaotic, and rude background noise, Steward Myrahovic turned around.

“We haven’t even celebrated your new appointment since your old friend Brennan passed away and you took over as your teacher…”

The chief steward smiled at the young judge, extended his palm, and ignored the messy council hall behind him:
"Welcome to Kongming Palace."

Ibonin stared blankly at Mairahovic's smile.

A few seconds later, the acting Grand Inquisitor slowly reached out and grasped the other's hand. (End of Chapter)