After a long while, among the shocked ministers, Count Curtson was the first to speak with a sinister tone: "Joker?"
Ian turned around and faced the Grand Duchess with a cheerful smile as he faced the unkind gazes from the entire hall.
"Answer carefully," Cotson's tone was full of anger and malice, and he said without waiting for the other party to answer, "because it may kill you."
Thales, who was silent, noticed that although most of the vassals looked surprised, there were still a few who were special.
The regent of Lisban, who knew the most inside story, frowned, the old Nazaire had a misty look in his eyes, and the usually silent Kierkegaard stared at the Grand Duchess this time, remaining motionless.
Thales's mind suddenly moved: Next to the Grand Duchess, Nicolai, with a cold face, stared at the Prince of the Stars in the corner without concealment.
Those murderous eyes seemed to say: You.
I know it's you, little prince.
What are you going to do?
Faced with the Meteorite's vigilance and hostility that he never let down, Thales had to return a friendly but weak smile.
"This is my most sincere voice," Ian's words interrupted his thoughts: "I came here this time..."
Ian didn't finish his very arrogant words.
"how dare you?"
The person who spoke this time was the blond-bearded Earl Hester. At around thirty years old, he was obviously no more calm than his colleagues. He leaned forward, holding his knees tightly, gritting his teeth, and his eyes kept wandering at a loss.
Back and forth between the Grand Duchess and the smug Ian:
"In Longxiao City? In front of us vassals, insulting our lord like this?"
"I don't see where this is an insult," Ian rolled his eyes at the ceiling and spread his hands helplessly and casually: "More than six hundred years ago, 'Truth Seeker' Kulikun was the most powerful and powerful man under King Nekaru.
Only trusted knights are sent to conquer the most remote and untamable West, and their blood descendants, the Ronnie family and the Walton family, are united and married. Isn't this strange?"
Many nobles snorted with disdain and hatred, and Thales even heard the sound of the joints of his fists cracking.
Thales glanced at the vassals in the hall and came to a conclusion:
Ian was probably guilty of the outrage.
Count Nazaire, who had led the conversation before, coughed heavily, and the ministers fell silent.
"I believe that Grand Duke Ronnie did not give us any relevant reminders," the old earl said slowly:
"So, this is just your personal impulse?"
Facing Nazer, Ian rarely restrained his disrespectful expression and nodded gently:
"Oh, about my father... I don't think he would object."
Count Nazaire's eyes moved and he glanced at the Grand Duchess intentionally or unintentionally.
Thelma just stared at the conversation on the court, seemingly unable to think clearly.
"Madam, I think that's the end of the day," the voice of the regent of Longxiao City came steadily: "This visitor from Qiyuan City is asking for too much."
Lisban rarely stood together with the vassals. He looked at the relaxed Ian coldly and said unceremoniously: "The negotiations between Qiyuan City and Longxiao City probably need to change someone."
The messenger."
As soon as these words came out, the envoys in Qiyuan City were as anxious as ants on a hot pot.
But Ian just laughed.
"Ask for it?" His Excellency the Viscount of Qiyuan City seemed to have heard the most boring joke: "Don't you all see that I used my victory over the Freedom Alliance to propose to the Grand Duchess, which is a win-win good deed for both of us?"
Immediately some vassals took a sip of disdain, and some even cursed.
"Win-win? Good deeds? You name it." Count Linna, who was always expressionless, continued to hit the nail on the head and pointed out the key to the problem: "Longxiao City does not need your charity, and it is not so kind as to let people take advantage of it.
, to satisfy Qi Yuancheng’s dirty thoughts.”
"What are you thinking?" Ian snorted disdainfully from his nostrils: "Who just forced the Grand Duchess to marry in exchange for sending troops? Who is more dirty? Thanks to you...you can tell me."
He narrowed his eyes and shook his head: "Masters of Longxiao City."
Count Linna looked at him quietly and said nothing.
On the other hand, Count Curterson's expression gradually became distorted.
A few seconds later, Count Curterson's voice filled with hatred and anger sounded clearly:
"Listen up, shameless clown."
Cotson stared at Ian fiercely: "Go back and tell your father this: Longxiao City is not Qiyuan City, and it is not popular here to marry the lowly Xitao people, even if they are only half of the blood.
"
As soon as these words came out, the vassals of Longxiao City all let out low jeers.
Ian's eyes dimmed and his shoulders shook slightly.
Thales narrowed his eyes: Wait, the Ronnie family is obviously a famous family in the North, but Curtson said this...
Marriage with the humble Xitao poor people...
Half of the blood...
Thales glanced at Ian, who had an ugly expression, and thought about what he had mentioned about his mother being a "local" from Qiyuan City.
Lisban coughed.
"Sir Ian, we all know your purpose. But you know, what we are talking about is not just a proposal, not just a war," Regent Lisban stood in the center of the hall, warning everyone with his eyes,
While saying to Ian: "This is politics."
Ian took a breath, put away his unnatural expression, and chuckled: "What I'm talking about is the politics of political marriage and war."
The Earl of Lisbon said nothing.
The politics of marriage and war.
I see.
Are you...
Lisban glanced at Thales unexpectedly.
The prince's heart skipped a beat.
This old guy seems to know what they are planning.
"Excuse me for being rude, Earl of Lisban, but..." Ian shrugged, and then spoke slowly:
"Why are you all so anxious to speak for the Grand Duchess?"
In the hall, including Lisban, the expressions of the vassals changed again.
Many eyes turned back to Thelma, but the latter just kept a straight face and said nothing.
The heir of Qiyuan City's eyes were serious, as if he was replying from the cynical noble son to the cold Viscount Ian:
"Aren't you the ones who just claimed to show her the 'cruel side' of this world?"
Ian raised his head and looked at the Grand Duchess on the stage seriously:
"Selma, I am speaking to you as the heir of Qiyuan City."
"I only accept answers from you."
The voice is cold.
Clean and neat.
Thelma bit her lower lip subconsciously.
Count Curterson, who was angry again, was about to speak, but Lisban and Nazaire raised their hands in tacit agreement to stop him.
Curtson read their looks:
This is not their turn.
Lisban and Nazair raised their heads in unison and looked at Thelma, waiting for her response.
The air in the hall seemed to be stagnant and no longer flowing.
On the steps, Thelma, who was pale and breathing rapidly, glanced around at the people in the hall.
Until he caught Thales' gaze.
Thales read her eyes.
The one he was once familiar with had panic and uneasy eyes.
Prince of Stars smiled slightly, raised his fist and clenched it gently at his heart.
You can do it, Selma.
you can do it.
The vassals still stared at her closely, their eyes full of scrutiny and consideration of strangers.
In the chaotic scene, Thelma and Thales looked at each other instantly.
Thales lowered his head and sighed in his heart: Of course, Thelma, if you can't...
He looked at his right palm, where there were two scars made with a dagger when he was young.
He took a deep breath: It's okay, I'm still here.
And I.
After a few seconds, the Grand Duchess let go of her lower lip, raised the corners of her mouth slightly, and nodded slightly.
Her tense face finally relaxed a little.
"My vassals, their intentions are very clear..." Thelma exhaled and said seriously: "Your Majesty the Viscount."
She spoke slowly, word by word: "The marriage between us is impossible."
Ian's expression changed.
As if someone opened the window, the frozen air in the Hall of Heroes finally began to flow again.
Thales could feel it: Many vassals breathed a sigh of relief quietly.
Among them, the six earls were particularly special: Nazaire glanced at Lisban opposite again, but the regent just avoided his gaze.
This made Nazer also think deeply.
Thelma lowered her head and took a deep breath: "I am very grateful for your appreciation and pursuit, but after all, you are the heir of Qiyuan City, and I am the Grand Duchess of Longxiao City. Even as shallow as I am, I know: this is
There has never been any precedent."
Under the eyes of the vassals who were much friendlier than before, the Grand Duchess cleared her throat, showed the spirit of answering questions in Xixer's class, and said slowly:
"Our sudden marriage will have unintended consequences: there may be a grand duke in Exeter in the future who will have the inheritance rights of two territories and titles at the same time. This will unbalance the entire kingdom and cause unnecessary trouble for us.
trouble……"
But she was interrupted by Ian's chuckle.
"And you just let your vassals decide for you? Selma?"
Thales saw: Count Nazaire and Count Lisban frowned again.
Ian clicked his tongue and shook his head, his tone rising.
"Oh no, no, dear Thelma," His Excellency the Viscount raised his index finger and sighed: "Don't think about your concerns and worries first, first think about the consequences you are about to face if you continue to
The current position is shaky, so there is no point worrying about the 'imbalance of the kingdom'."
Thelma was startled, and the faces of the vassals only became more and more ugly.
Ian's eyes swept across the six earls, and he chuckled: "Her Majesty the Grand Duchess, you know very well what dilemma you are facing: going to the Freedom Alliance is a mission that you must complete. If you are unable to send troops, you will be damaged.
It's far more than your reputation, and it's more than your family's reputation."
Ian's smile became a little scary, and his words became sharper: "Your situation is already difficult, but if you still let this matter go by like this today, you can only stand by and do nothing in the face of the family's mission.
Facing the vassal's unruly attitude, he was helpless to deal with it..."
"From now on, the entire Longxiao City and even the entire kingdom will know: you are just a ruler whose words have no weight. Even your vassals don't take you seriously even though they don't think highly of you in the first place.
you."
"Selma, avoid becoming a grand duchess who has no independent opinions, is manipulated by others, and is surrounded by wolves," the successor of Qiyuan City said loudly: "Isn't this why you summoned the vassals to attend the political hearing today?
The purpose?”
The Grand Duchess said nothing.
Thales saw that the faces of the six earls changed one after another.
"Then, good girl," Ian said lightly:
"Then think about my proposal and what you can gain: as long as this war is fought by us and Qiyuan City for you, then the indifference of the Grand Duke of Longxiao City will become romantic and shy.
By being reserved, you will be freed from accusations of weakness that 'disgraced the family', and Walton's reputation will not be damaged at all."
Ian smiled slightly: "And after I win, this will change the entire story of Exeter from a heavy allusion of the antagonism of the king and his subjects to a romantic story of going to war for love."
The hall was quiet for a moment.
The Grand Duchess still stared at Ian with complicated eyes, as if she was thinking about his proposal.
Count Linner and Count Curterson looked at each other and felt something was wrong with each other.
As if a century had passed, Thelma slowly raised her head and said in a somewhat lonely tone: "Yes, by that time, I may have to marry you. The most sincere person who has safeguarded the honor of my father and grandfather for me.
Suitor, right?"
At that moment, the breaths of all the vassals in the entire hall froze.
"Madam!" The young and arrogant Earl Hester couldn't bear it anymore, his golden beard trembled every inch: "I swear, as long as the Hearst family is still there, no one can force you!"
Thelma gave him a forced smile.
"Then can you count on these people?" Ian raised his head suddenly:
"If marriage can restore the family's reputation, then why isn't Qiyuan City a better choice compared to them?"
"Even, because of the support of Qiyuan City," little Ronnie, who seemed to have a chance to win, chuckled and shook his head: "In the future, no matter who wants to despise your authority in Longxiao City, they must first think about it.
The price of doing this.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall became different again.
The whispers of the vassals on both sides were softer, but also shorter.
On the other hand, the Regent of Lisban and Count Nazaire were both silent.
Thales took a deep breath, retracted his observation gaze, and drove unnecessary thoughts out of his mind.
So far, so good.
As long as nothing unexpected happens...
No, you can't be too optimistic.
He gritted his teeth.
Think about where accidents might happen.
For example: The relationship between Lisban and his vassals is beyond our imagination.
Another example: The people of the North have a deep-rooted view of women, which far exceeds their loyalty to their mission, their emphasis on honor, and their obligations to Longxiao City and the Grand Duke.
Another example is what he is most worried about...
Thales thought of this and glanced sideways at Ian.
For example, Viscount Qiyuancheng changed his mind midway.
Perhaps, it would be more profitable to win a marriage with Longxiao City than to directly ask Longxiao City to provide assistance?
Thales was thinking hard about every possibility.
I hope it doesn’t get to that point, I hope…
Don't have any surprises.
if not……
Thales looked back at the door. Rolf noticed his look and returned a questioning look:
【Now?】
Thales shook his head and gestured:
【No, it's okay.】
It's okay for now.
"Besides," Ian sighed and shook his head towards Thelma gracefully: "I hope you understand that at least compared to your vassals, I have no intention of forcing you."
"What we need is just a symbol that Longxiao City and Qiyuan City are standing together, and a symbol that the Ronnie family is fighting for Walton."
He nodded kindly: "If the marriage is too hasty, we can also skip this step. For this step, I will first obtain your permission to bring the Dragonlance flag belonging to Walton. I am not in a hurry.
When I return victorious from the battle, I will send you that romantic request."
Thelma, who looked extremely solemn, couldn't help being slightly stunned when she heard this.
She hesitated and said: "Your Excellency, Viscount, you are... very confident."
Ian laughed: "Because I believe that no suitor is more qualified to stand by your side than a person who has personally safeguarded your family's honor."
He looked around the audience and laughed under the vigilant eyes of the vassals of Longxiao City:
"And which suitor is better than the one who, in times of crisis, stands up without hesitation, stands in front of you, resists all harm for you, and fights endlessly for your safety and glory..."
"What's more trustworthy?"
In times of crisis…
Stand up for yourself…
Resist harm...
Fighting endlessly...
Thelma was distracted for a moment. She subconsciously raised her head and looked in the direction of Ian.
Ian frowned.
No.
His Excellency the Viscount squinted his eyes to observe the Grand Duchess' gaze: She was not looking at me.
Instead, I looked at the person next to me...
Ian was thoughtful.
Thales lowered his head, uncomfortably avoiding someone's subconscious glance.
He opened his clenched fists, tried his best to get rid of all unnecessary thoughts, and suppressed the unnatural feeling.
But when he lowered his head, he saw Ian's boots again: they were different from the aristocratic boots that the Northlanders were used to.
But at this moment, Thales only felt that those boots were ugly.
Wearing such ugly boots to... propose?
damn it.
Really want to...
I really want to step on it.
"This is an easy choice." Ian straightened his collar and said as if he was in a tidy mood.
In the hall, the vassals changed their expressions when they saw the Grand Duke looking at the visitors from Qiyuan City with complex eyes.
The disgust in Earl Curtson's eyes had escalated to hatred, and Earl Hester gritted his teeth and suppressed his anger.
"No, ma'am," Earl Hester's breathing became louder and louder: "Please consider carefully..."
"Earl, I'm sorry." But the Grand Duchess just stretched out her hand and shook her head to interrupt Hester.
She put away her thoughtful expression, cleared her throat, and turned to Ian again.
Thelma said: "So, you will finish this battle in the name of proposing to me, safeguard my reputation and authority, and then we will get married?"
Ian's eyes lit up and he nodded.
"It is for this reason that I will bring the Dragon Spear Banner in the Clouds to Freehold. Not only will you be able to spread your prestige in Exeter and restore your family's reputation without a single soldier," Yi
En continued to speak slowly and authentically:
"You can even get the most powerful support: the vast and magnificent territory of Qiyuan City will be your backing. You don't need to be controlled anymore...if you know what I mean."
He shrugged.
At that moment, the entire hall seemed like eternal oil flowing in the ice and snow. At the moment of ignition, the flames of anger and the chill of hatred rose at the same time.
The expressions of the vassals of Longxiao City dropped to freezing point, and Thales could even hear the clatter of some people's fists.
The envoys of Qiyuan City had been confused by this young master who acted unconventionally since the beginning of their journey, but this time they all fell into deep thought.
Thales frowned. He suddenly knew why Ian deliberately sat near him. In order to protect the safety of the Star Prince, Lord Justin deployed sufficient manpower in this corner to isolate most of the vassals.
Otherwise, the tragedy of "a nobleman of the Ronnie family died in Longxiao City" will probably be reported in Exeter tomorrow.
Thales exhaled: At this moment, Prince of Stars is probably no longer the most unpopular person in Longxiao City.
but……
Will they succeed?
Nazer, who had not spoken for a long time, looked at the Grand Duchess meaningfully, and then turned to Ian.
"Kulikun Ronnie actually has a son like you," the old earl coughed: "He has really made a profit by marrying a local wife."
Ian's face froze, but then he smiled reluctantly.
"Enough!" Count Linner on the side said coldly:
"If it is for marriage and to prove the positions of Longxiao City and Qiyuan City, I believe we can find a suitable candidate in the collateral bloodline of the Walton family."
"But the Grand Duchess has an important responsibility in Longxiao City, so it is impossible for her to marry you."
Ian snorted lightly.
"Here we go again, you are talking to the Grand Duchess again, as if you are her father or husband," His Excellency the Viscount waved his hands, his eyes sharp: "But can you really protect her?"
Boom!
Earl Hester punched the seat hard with a ruthless look on his face and his golden beard trembling slightly:
"Why are we still wasting time here?"
Earl Curtson hummed in agreement: "Guards! Just drive this Western guy out!"
But the Grand Duke's personal guards just stared at him sternly, motionless.
Ian smiled indifferently.
At this moment.
"Everyone!"
The clear voice of the Grand Duchess interrupted the conflict that was about to break out: "As masters, we must maintain our grace."
Thales raised his head and, together with the vassals, turned his attention to Thelma.
coming.
Final blow.
Hope there are no surprises.
"Your Majesty the Viscount."
"I have to say, you gave me a very interesting proposal." Thelma sighed.
"Even quite tempting."
The faces of the vassals suddenly became ugly.
"Without sending a single soldier, we can resolve the Freedom Alliance's affairs, restore my prestige, my family's dignity, and even gain support from Qiyuan City from now on," Thelma struggled to squeeze out a smile, her voice full of emotion.
Tired, "All it takes is a so-called romantic story."
Ian bowed respectfully: "That's right."
Thelma looked at him quietly and nodded.
The vassals could no longer sit still.
Hester couldn't hold it back and exclaimed: "Madam!"
Count Linner narrowed his eyes and looked at the regent: "Lisban, as the leader...as the regent, you have the obligation to stop the lady's blind behavior."
But Earl Lisban just ignored it and continued to look at Thelma, with a strange look in his eyes.
"Fuck," Curterson said angrily: "Lisban, we all know that the lady listens to you, don't pretend to be dead, say something!"
Nazer also frowned, but his eyes looked at Lisban.
Only Kierkegaard, who was always silent, remained silent and watched the events in the field quietly.
The rest of the vassals, big and small, had different reactions, some were worried, some were eager, or some were gnashing their teeth.
Thales looked at the expressions of these vassals and clenched his fists.
Thelma smiled and still looked at Ian.
"So, dear Thelma," Ian raised his hands cheerfully: "Have we reached a consensus?"
"Walton and Ronnie's great alliance?"
Thelma's smile became brighter and brighter, and there was even a hint of relief.
Thales closed his eyes.
Under the attention of the entire Hall of Heroes, the Grand Duchess of Longxiao City gently leaned on the back of her seat and looked at the stone carving of the Dragon Spear in the Cloud above her head.
"Your Majesty the Viscount," the Grand Duchess's voice was ethereal, as if coming from the horizon:
"No."
At that moment, the whole hall first heard the sound of breathing with different rhythms, and then immediately fell silent.
Ian was stunned: "Selma, what?"
The next second, Thelma straightened up from her seat, sat upright, and became serious again.
Count Nazaire narrowed his eyes, and Count Lisban frowned.
"I said, Your Excellency the Viscount: 'No'."
"As the Grand Duke of Longxiao City," the Grand Duke looked at Qi Yuancheng's heir coldly and said word by word, "I reject your proposal, and there is no need for Qi Yuancheng to stand up for us."
"I won't even marry you."
Ian frowned.
"Also, please call me 'Grand Duchess' or 'Ms.'," Thelma said indifferently:
"We don't know each other well enough to call each other names."