In the hall, as the Grand Duchess sat down, more than twenty nobles in the audience also sat down.
Thanks to the Grand Duke, Thales received a lot of aristocratic education with Northland characteristics during his six years as a hostage. Compared with the faded knowledge that Gilbert taught in a hurried month, he
On the contrary, I am familiar with Exeter's glorious history.
For example, Longxiao City’s political hearing day.
It originated ninety years ago, from the Grand Duke and the 43rd co-king of Longxiao City, the grandfather of Nun VI, the late king Nun VII, and the founder of the heyday of the Walton family's throne monopoly for three consecutive generations.
, a king worth remembering.
The Dragon Kingdom under his rule had several battles with the Star Kingdom after the death of the "Wise Lord" on the border. Facing the three major families of Arend in the north, Zemuto in the Watch City, and the Fores family in the Solitary Old Tower,
This king never failed, pushing the southern border of Exeter to the Broken Dragon Fortress, turning the East and West Great Taiga into the exclusive land of the Northlanders; he fostered the new Free Alliance in several wars
, facing the sudden rise of the Conmas Alliance, he used a strong and powerful hand to curb their expansion momentum and firmly controlled the eastern end of the Golden Corridor; he even renovated the Quegur Glacier defense line and moved the glacier
The orcs were once again driven north of the 38th Watch Point.
Internally, starting from the powerful Nun VI, the vassals of Longxiao City regularly send greetings to the Grand Duke, and reporting has become a routine: the vassals show their loyalty to the Grand Duke and report the situation of the territory.
In order to obtain the permission and support of the Grand Duke on important matters, the Grand Duke would show his majesty and generosity on this occasion, listen to the general information of his vassals, and maintain and strengthen the relationship between the monarch and his ministers. This is the Day of Listening to Government.
It is also proof of the expansion of Longxiao City's dominance, Thales thought.
but now……
The Grand Duchess's voice sounded clearly in the hall, bringing him back from his thoughts.
"Risban, Kierkegaard, Nagel, Hurst, Linner, Curtson," facing so many people, Selma still called her out one by one according to their seats, even though her face was pale.
Every lord of the vassal families under his banner nodded slightly when called: "Banner, Hudson..."
Thelma called out the names of nearly twenty families in one breath, including two families with the same name, which had to be distinguished by geographical location.
Almost every nobleman who had a seat nodded respectfully or at least with a respectful look on his face.
If this was in the Kingdom of Stars... Thales couldn't help but think of the grand occasion of the Kingdom Council. He thought of the six wealthy families, the thirteen noble families, and the direct vassals of Canxing himself. He just called out the names of these families...
The prince sighed.
God, I hope they have a roster.
"Welcome, everyone." Under the sharp gazes of the northern nobles, Thelma took a deep breath, looked at Lisban, and said slowly: "Once again, on this glorious day of administration, Longxiao City
All the major families gathered together, because of your arrival, the Dragon Spear in the Cloud is even sharper. With your loyalty, the Walton family will be stronger."
The crisp female voice echoed in the stone hall, faded and disappeared.
Just as the Grand Duchess finished speaking, almost all the vassals solemnly raised their right fists and banged their chests three times in a row, as if they had made an appointment!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
As a response to the feudal lord.
The dull sound resonated with each other in the hall, and it seemed that the entire Palace of Heroes was shaking.
"Look, you understand what I mean," said Ian next to him with a bored look of "I told you so". He made a gesture of tapping his chest and whispered in Thales's ear: "Gorilla..."
Thales raised his eyebrows.
Thelma remained motionless amid the knocking sounds, but Thales, who was extremely familiar with her, could feel that underneath the girl's composure, there was a tension and anxiety hidden.
"This is how the day of regency begins," the Grand Duchess cleared her throat: "Ciel?"
The Earl of Lisban, who was sitting on her left, bowed slightly in his seat and turned to look at the audience.
The five earls at the front finally laid their eyes on the regent, but Thales noticed that those eyes were not as friendly as imagined.
Six years ago, at the funeral of King Nun... what was the attitude of these five crucial people?
Thales recalled.
"As a matter of practice," Regent Lisban's steady and gentle voice rang out in the hall, just like it had sounded countless times for King Nunn at the royal council in the past thirty years or so, "My lords, if you have anything you would like to ask Madam
Did you ask for instructions?"
No one spoke.
As far as Thales could see, the two dozen vassals were not even whispering.
They just focused their countless sharp gazes on Lisban, as if they wanted to separate the old earl, especially the five most powerful vassals.
Thales couldn't help but clenched his fists.
Lisban looked around the audience, but still no vassal answered.
It's like it's planned.
His face gradually became ugly.
"Politeness is dead," Ian's annoying voice quietly reached Thales's ears, with a hint of schadenfreude: "I guess no one wants to say 'hello' to the Grand Duchess."
In the silence where one could hear the drop of a needle, Ian's words were a bit harsh.
Many people from the North turned to look at him with cold eyes.
Ian showed an expression like he had been caught doing something bad and smiled apologetically at them.
This is the first time that Thales has participated in the political hearing in six years, and it is also the first time that he has seen the attitude of the lords of Longxiao City towards the lord. Looking at Thelma who was trying to keep her composure on the stage, Thales only felt that
It hurts inside.
In the six years since he stepped into the Hall of Stars and became the second prince of the Kingdom of Stars, his journey has been very difficult.
But at this moment, all the hardships I thought were compared with her, Selma, and the first female Grand Duchess of Exeter...
"Very good. It seems that everyone is fine. There is no bad news," Lisban said coldly. He bowed slightly to Thelma who came up and said, "Ma'am."
All eyes focused on Lisban turned to the Grand Duchess.
Thales looked at the lonely Thelma with pity: the girl cleared her throat unnaturally and subconsciously avoided the gazes of the vassals.
"Everyone... ahem... everyone, I know you don't like nonsense," Thelma's voice was a little fast and shaky: "So I'll get straight to the point..."
Compared to the silence when Lisban opened her mouth, the moment the Grand Duchess spoke, many vassals lowered their heads and whispered.
"This is a good sign. At least the Grand Duchess has the ability to ease the atmosphere." Ian said sarcastically in a low voice.
Thales sighed.
The words of the Grand Duchess continued:
"I believe you all know that last month, the king's envoy came from Heisha, and a few days ago, the envoy from Qiyuan City also visited Longxiao City..."
Someone interrupted her.
"Are you talking about that farce-like audience, Madam?" Sitting third to the left of the Grand Duchess, the Count of Firenberg in military uniform, Curterson said coldly: "Of course, it was very entertaining and majestic.
Longxiao City was fucked around by a young boy."
Earl Curtson's words were very rude. Many people laughed lowly, but more people snorted coldly.
Thelma's face turned even paler.
Thales frowned lightly, and turned his head to the culprit, His Excellency the Viscount of Wind City, who smiled unconsciously and seemed to find this very entertaining.
"Is that funny?" Thales' gaze shot towards him like a sharp sword.
After seeing Thales' unhappy look, Ian realized something and instantly stopped his smile. He coughed in a seemingly serious tone: "Sorry."
"Longxiao City is facing a choice," the Grand Duchess continued her previous words after adjusting her breathing: "And I respect the lords who have served under my grandfather for many years, so we will be here, on the most important day of hearing.
, discuss our options together.”
Just when Thales thought that the vassals were going to be silent again, unexpectedly, a clear male voice rang out.
"We respect you, madam, just as we respect your grandfather," the Earl who spoke sat second to the lower right of Thelma. There was a rare kindness and respect in his tone, and his golden beard followed.
The words rise and fall: "So we are here, Iron County responds to your call."
Earl Hester from Iron County looked at the Grand Duchess gently and said this.
As if she had found a savior, Thelma smiled and looked at the person who spoke with gratitude: "Thank you, Earl Hester."
Hester, who is in his thirties, shook his golden beard, smiled and nodded.
Thales frowned. He looked at the enthusiastic Hester and moved his butt unnaturally.
This damn chair is so hard to sit on.
"God, Thales, did you see the way he looked at that girl?" Ian's words interrupted at an inappropriate time: "I bet that every time he looks for a woman, he imagines her as..."
Thales, who was in a bad mood, turned around abruptly.
"Will you die if you don't speak?" the prince replied coldly.
Ian quickly raised his hands, stuck out his tongue innocently, then opened his mouth, maintained a smile, and mouthed silently: Yes.
Thales was so angry that he didn't want to deal with him anymore.
Earl Hester's words seemed to start the conversation among the vassals: Curtson, who had just spoken sarcastically, touched his chin and snorted softly.
"The same goes for Fierenborg," Curterson said slowly: "But I noticed that we are not the only ones who responded to the call..."
Earl Curtson moved his finger and pointed to a corner in the hall.
That is……
Everyone's eyes followed his fingers.
Thales's heart skipped a beat!
"Why is he here, ma'am?" Curtson twisted his wrist and pointed coldly at the prince of the stars: "This imperial man is at the most important meeting in the entire Longxiao City?"
There was a lot of discussion and even noise in the hall.
At that moment, Thales became the center of attention.
Worry and nervousness appeared on the face of the Grand Duchess, Lisban narrowed his eyes, and Nicolai, who had always had a cold face, frowned.
Well, no matter how much I want to keep a low profile...
Thales sighed.
"I am here at the request of Her Excellency the Grand Duchess and the invitation of the heir to Qiyuan City," the second prince of Xingchen said coldly: "As a third party, I am here to witness this meeting that concerns Exeter's honor."
After he finished speaking, the debate in the hall became even louder.
Thales could even hear their discussion clearly:
"So that's..."
"It's really ridiculous..."
"Guess, he is here, and the girl should be too..."
"Longxiao City... Haha, it's so ironic. Maybe one day, the Grand Duchess will have a little lord in her belly who doesn't know who her father is..."
Thales clenched his fists.
Ian shook his head helplessly at him, with a look of helplessness on his face.
"I don't remember when we joined the Empire," Curtson said coldly, without even looking at Thales: "Kick him out."
There was a lot of approval among the vassals.
"Order, my lords!"
Nicolai's voice intervened in the conversation. As the Grand Duke's bodyguard, the Fallen Starman looked down at the chaotic nobles and said unceremoniously:
"You are standing on the land of Longxiao City, Count Curterson, you are standing in the Palace of Heroes in Nekaru, and this is the Hall of Heroes, in front of the Grand Duke..."
Nicolai's face turned solemn: "It's not your turn to give orders."
Perhaps it was because the Fallen Starman was indeed famous, or perhaps because his experience of following King Nun for more than twenty years had an effect, and the place gradually became quiet.
Until Curtson replied without any shame.
"Shut up, my lord."
"You are not qualified to talk to me about the political order," Curtson gritted his teeth and looked at the Fallen Starman on the steps like an enemy: "His Majesty Nunn promoted you, who are humble and humble, to become his relative.
Guard, you gave him a title, but you repaid him with dereliction of duty and incompetence. It was so tiring that His Majesty died, and it was so tiring that we, and Longxiao City, fell into this state."
At that moment, a rare flush appeared on Nicolai's pale face.
Thales had seen him look like this: this was a sign of the Faller's anger.
"If I were you, an incompetent person, I should find a place where no one is and commit suicide as soon as possible, instead of shamelessly staying beside the Grand Duchess and pretending that nothing happened," Earl Curterson's words clearly passed into everyone's mind.
In the ears:
"The shame that killed the king!"
"Pooh!"
Many northern nobles snorted coldly.
Nicolai lowered his head suddenly, making his expression unclear.
But he didn't say anything.
But Thales could see that his fists were clenched together and trembling violently.
The prince knew that the king died under the protection of the White Blade Guards, which was the biggest shadow in the Fallen Star's life.
In the hall, Ned Monty from the Qiyuan City Mission frowned. The ‘Death Crow’ looked at the abnormal Nikolai and sighed softly.
"That's enough, Curtson."
The Grand Duchess finally spoke, and her words were filled with anger unconsciously: "Lord Nicolai fought against disasters for the king until the last moment. He does not deserve such an evaluation."
"From what my officer told me, ma'am, this Prince Thales may be the most troublesome Imperial man in the world. He also caused the ugly gang fight last day," said the eldest Najir.
The count spoke slowly, his words sounded fair and rational, and he brought the topic back to the prince:
"I sincerely suggest that you, while we discuss our own affairs, show our 'hospitality' and let him rest in his room."
The old count's eyes narrowed slightly: "Do you know what rumors are spreading about you and him?"
All eyes were focused on the prince again, darting back and forth between the Grand Duchess and him from time to time.
Thelma's expression changed and she was speechless for a moment.
Thales closed his eyes.
Ian next to him had a rich expression and opened his mouth, ready to say something in his ear.
"Not now, Ian." The moment Ian was about to speak, Thales said coldly, sealing his enthusiasm in his throat.
They did it on purpose, the vassals of Longxiao City.
Thales thought of the behavior of the nobles in the Hall of Stars in Fuxing Palace six years ago, and secretly told himself: So they are attacking the prestige of the Grand Duchess step by step.
And now...
No, he couldn't speak or refute, otherwise it would only make the situation worse.
Thales gritted his teeth tightly.
"He is the lady's guest, Curterson, Nagel," Regent Lisban spoke at the right time. He looked at the two earls coldly: "This is the lady's promise, so he will stay, and if you can't bear it,
If he appears in your sight and would rather ignore the lady's honor, then close your eyes or go out by yourself, choose one of the two."
Cotson snorted coldly, as if he was not interested in the regent.
"Don't forget your blood feud, madam. The legal heir before you, Prince Morar, died in the stars, his body still cold," Count Linner, who was sitting third to the left of the Grand Duchess, said expressionlessly: "From
From then on, all tragedies originated from the arrival of this little prince."
"The corpse is not cold, is it true?" Ian whispered ungratefully again: "After six years, even if it is the corpse of a giant dragon, it should be cold by now."
Thales didn't even bother to pay attention to him.
Thelma took a sharp breath and seemed to adjust herself.
"That tragedy has been concluded, Linna," the Grand Duchess glanced at Thales from a distance and gritted her teeth: "It was there when the late king was still alive, and Prince Thales, he is now our guest.
And we should get back to business."
"You think the death of your blood relative is not a 'serious matter'?" Linna suddenly raised his voice.
"I have to say, you give me a chill," Count Linner's face remained frosty and his eyes remained motionless, but his words, like a poisonous snake spitting a message, were hard to ignore: "Dear Thelma Walton
Miss."
Thelma faced his gaze, and her hand on the seat arm trembled slightly.
In the hall, the discussion among more than twenty nobles became louder and louder.
"Take back what you said, Linna," Regent Lisban's words were already filled with obvious emotions, and he said every word: "Especially to Her Excellency the Grand Duchess."
"How dare you say to His Majesty Nunn and the granddaughter of the Born King, 'You give me a chill'?"
Lisban glanced at Count Linna: "Your Majesty, starting from the prince's era, spent thirty years promoting you and the Linna family, which is on the verge of decline..."
"That's what I'm worried about, Risban," Linna responded fearlessly: "The Nuln Majesty who made people willing to die, the great natural king, is no longer here!"
"Only us old bones are left guarding a girl..."
"Linner!" The one who interrupted him was still the golden-bearded Earl Hester.
Lin Na paused for a moment. He glanced at the Grand Duchess sitting on the seat. After a slight hesitation, he changed his words: "...maintaining the dignity of Longxiao City."
As soon as these words came out, Thelma lowered her head and pursed her lips.
There was silence in the hall.
Earl Hester coughed lightly.
"I'm sorry, madam," the Earl of Iron County looked at Thelma who was looking embarrassed, and said gently: "But I think Earl Linna just misses his former majesty too much and values the future of Longxiao City too much."
"But he respects you and your bloodline, just like me," Hester nodded slowly and respectfully: "Madam."
"Hey," Ian pretended to be disgusted and whispered, "This heroic way of picking up girls makes me want to vomit."
"But it really works. Look at that girl's expression..."
It’s so verbose.
For the first time, Thales found that he wanted to strangle Ian to death.
All his sharp words were stuck in his vocal cords.
The prince looked closely at Thelma.
Thelma looked at Hester who was making the rescue and gave a forced smile.
Thales frowned.
"What you are facing is the bloodline left by the born king, little Hester," Lisban interrupted their eye contact, "There is no doubt that she will lead the future of Longxiao City."
Hester smiled and nodded slightly at the regent: "Of course."
"You sound more and more like His Majesty Nunn, 'Lord Prime Minister'," Count Linner, who had always been expressionless but said something heartfelt, said slowly: "Just like six years ago, you, the great
The Regent was standing there, beside His Majesty's body, telling us without any doubt that the Grand Duke had been replaced, and all we had to do was kneel down obediently."
"Don't bring your personal grievances here, Linna," Lisban's face turned pale. "This glorious hall should not leave room for selfishness and darkness."
Lin Na curled his lips in response.
"I'm starting to admire your little girlfriend," Ian sighed and patted Thales on the shoulder: "How did she survive among these people in the past six years?"
"I don't know," Thales shook his head. He looked at the rebellious earls and couldn't hide his worry. "This is my first time to attend the hearing day, but in the past, the important earls sent officials.
I guess having them here in person makes it even more difficult."
Ian raised his eyebrows: "Oh, you didn't refute me?"
Thales, who was observing the earls, expressed doubts: "What is the refutation?"
"It's okay." Ian replied seriously and shook his head seriously.
An old voice sounded in the field again.
"Relax, Linna, be respectful," the oldest Najier sighed: "You are facing the most powerful count in Longxiao City, the 'Dragon Eye' Lisban who has been in charge of Longxiao City for six years.
You don’t want to mess with the regent of Longxiao City, he has countless ways to deal with you.”
Lisban and Najir looked at each other in the air, and it seemed that even the air had become cold.
"Oh, I think what he really wanted to say was," Ian narrowed his eyes, "'Fuck you, Lisbane.'"
Thales was convinced.
"Since he wants the Star People to be here, let him go." Najir said softly: "Anyway, Longxiao City is not the same as before."
Lisban looked at Nagel, who was the same age as him, from a distance, and spoke softly, but very clearly: "Really, Nagel, old friend?"
"My old friend died six years ago," Count Nagel said unhurriedly: "He died in the whirlpool of power with His Majesty."
While Lisban and Najir looked at each other, the counts remained silent.
It seems like this is their arena.
Selma was at a loss in her seat.
"Let me guess," Ian's whisper interrupted again at an inappropriate time: "When they were young, one of them had sex with the other's wife?"
Thales shook his head slowly, lowered his head, looked at his right hand, and sighed.
The situation is very unfavorable and cannot continue like this.
Go ahead, Ian.
we need to.
The next moment, a scream suddenly resounded through the entire hall:
"ah"
"you you you"
The sound was so loud that it was like a whirlwind blowing in the silent Hall of Heroes.
All the nobles, including Thelma and Lisbane, turned their heads in surprise and looked at the source of the sound.
Among the noble vassals in the hall, one person suddenly jumped up.
His Excellency Ian Ronny, Viscount of Fengcheng from Qiyuan City, was standing on a chair, covering his waist, with a twisted expression, looking at the people around him in disbelief.
Beside him, Prince Thales withdrew his hand expressionlessly and sat upright with a serious look on his face.
It seemed that the person who just grabbed Ian's waist and twisted it with all his strength was not him.
Ian gritted his teeth angrily and mouthed "How dare you" to Thales.
But the prince remained motionless, as if he did not recognize him at all.
Ian took a deep breath and raised his head.
Only then did he notice that all the eyes of the audience were focused on him.
Viscount Fengcheng showed an embarrassed smile: "That..."
The five earls all frowned.
"Sir Ian," Lisban's eyes wandered over Thales, then silently returned to Ian: "What's the matter?"
Ian exhaled and looked at Thales' body with murderous eyes.
The prince's expression was calm and he gestured with his thumb on the side of his knee.
Come on, good luck.
Ian could only sigh.
"Although I am happy to enjoy the counter-plot in Longxiao City's nest," he said with a reluctant look on his face. He bowed slightly to the Grand Duchess first, then tilted his head and looked at the earls: "But shall we come first?
Let’s talk about business?”
Ian showed his white teeth and smiled slightly: "You know, lunch time is very important and cannot be delayed."
Sitting together in the Qiyuan City mission, the attachés' faces were ashen.
The vassals of Longxiao City looked at him with surprise and uncertainty. Many of them saw Ian in person for the first time.
"And where did you come from?"
Earl Curtson looked at someone with a cannibalistic expression on his face, glanced sideways at Ian, and sneered: "Clown?"
Ian blinked.
Faced with this insulting title, his smile grew even wider.
"Where do I come from?"
I saw the Viscount spreading his arms and smiling like a child: "Of course it's the circus!"
At that moment, Count Curterson's sneer froze on his face.
Thales let out a breath and felt instantly relieved from the oppressive scene.
"I'm here to remind you all that when the time comes, please take your positions."
Ian looked at the Grand Duchess on the steps, then at Thales beside him, shrugged, and announced cheerfully to the vassals in the hall:
"We're about to start!"
On the other side of the hall, everyone in Qiyuan City headed by Ned Monty stood together and sighed loudly.