Thales stared blankly at Miranda's current appearance and couldn't help but think this.
Thales has known Miranda for a long time, from meeting him as an inmate in a cell in Longxiao City to witnessing her wielding a sword in the Palace of Heroes.
There is no doubt that the woman in front of him is a calm warrior, a powerful swordsman, a strong fighter, prudent and reliable, and also has a bit of indifference that can dissuade others from thousands of miles away.
Like flowers on the cliffs of snow-capped mountains.
He is worthy of being a descendant of White Eagle and a blood descendant of Arlend.
But this moment, this moment...
Thales looked at her back and felt for the first time the heat and vitality emanating from her veins, as well as an unprecedented sense of oppression.
That was not the Arlend family of Cold Castle, nor the Tower of the End, nor even what the Flower of the Fortress could teach her.
But...
Thales closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and returned to reality.
"If that's the case, then why don't you go directly to my father, to His Majesty, and make the same promise to him?"
Miranda's hand couldn't help but hesitate while arranging the sheath ring.
Thales slowly opened his eyes:
"As long as you tell King Kessel what you said to me again, as long as you are willing to give up what your father and his generation were unwilling to give up..."
Duke Xinghu gritted his teeth and said:
"I believe that whatever I can give you in the future, be it title or status, the King of Iron Fists can give it to you now."
And I must be happy to give it.
Thales picked up the ridiculous greeting letter with a striking look in his eyes:
"So, why not?"
Miranda didn't say anything. She started adjusting her belt and sheath rings again.
"Because you are the one who broke into the palace to rebel."
Thales' expression changed.
"Cohen has always been very slow, but the teachers in the tower say that even though he is as stupid as he is, he has an incredible intuition as a swordsman."
Miranda did not raise her head. She carefully adjusted the tightness of the sword belt and the height and angle of the sword hilt.
"And that idiot said that the reason why he was willing to risk his life with you to force his way into the palace was because he saw the look in your eyes that day in the Lower City."
Thales was startled: "What? What look?"
Miranda chuckled:
"He said he believed in you and believed that you were like the paladin Don Quixote, charging towards the impossible goal."
Thales was stunned:
"Dangtang what?"
Miranda adjusted her sword belt and shrugged unnecessarily:
"I don't know. I haven't heard of this knight either. But when Cohen said this, he stayed up all night and was dozing off while flipping through files. He was probably confused with a name in a certain file."
At that moment, Thales' expression was stiff.
"But Cohen said that he believed that what you were going to do at that time was more correct and more important than being loyal to the emperor and diligent in the king. Therefore, even if he wanted to break into the Fuxing Palace, he hesitated but did not refuse."
"It's just like in Longxiao City."
Thales trembled slightly.
Miranda raised her head and looked directly into his eyes:
"So I know that even after seven years, you are still different from your father."
"You don't agree with the king's methods, whether it's forcing my father to commit rebellion, setting up a bloody and shocking conspiracy in Longxiao City, or the ominous border conflict in the Western Wilderness a few months ago, or other things I don't know about.
Dirty things you know.”
The female swordsman looked at Thales seriously.
"You, Thales Bright Star, you want to be a different person."
At that moment, Thales felt his heart skip a beat.
no the same?
[Tiles, become a king... because I believe that you will be better than them and other kings. 】
[You can prove that even under the shackles of power... you can still have a different way of living.]
Thales looked at Miranda in front of him and subconsciously clenched his fists.
Screw you, fast rope.
You bastard, you have a different way of living, that's easy to say.
Thales took a deep breath.
He tried, he tried hard, he tried to abandon emotions and weakness, and only regarded Miranda as an ordinary nobleman and ambitious vassal.
He thought that that way, he could drag her into a trap without being blamed.
But, but now, now Miranda...
[At that time, the stars are too precious to save you, the stars are too big to accommodate you, and even the king's dignity cannot save you.]
Thales' eyes were bitter, and his original determination was wavering a bit at this moment.
The Duke had to take a deep breath to calm down his irritated mood:
"Do you think I can finally bring you what you want?"
"No, you can't." Unexpectedly, Miranda shook her head, "This is a battle that belongs to me alone. You are just a stepping stone at best."
A stepping stone, huh.
Thales nodded sarcastically.
You're so damn good at talking.
"But compared to your father," the female swordsman said coldly, "maybe your stone is harder."
"By the way, your acting performance just now was terrible: 'My dear Mira, if you want to participate in the game, you have to pay more'?"
"You can't even pretend to be a pervert," Miranda said contemptuously: "A virgin."
But Thales had no interest in arguing with her.
At this moment, he was in a complicated mood and lowered his head glumly.
"Mira," Thales said infatuatedly, "What have you encountered in these years?"
"What makes you who you are now?"
Miranda was speechless.
"a lot of."
She spoke slowly, countless scenes flashing through her eyes.
"So many that I don't even want to count them."
But it only took a moment. She quickly regained her perseverance and became the stubborn female swordsman again.
"But when I look back, I realize it all started that night."
That night?
Thales thought of something and raised his head in surprise.
Miranda nodded slightly, confirming his doubts:
"Night in Longxiao City."
Thales's eyes suddenly widened.
Dragon blood.
"Whether it was the people we met that day," Miranda looked directly at him, "or the things we did."
"Also, don't call me Mira."
But Thales didn't hear what she said next.
He just looked at Miranda blankly.
Is there always a moment in your life when you inadvertently look back on the past and realize that the decision you made based on local conditions will have such a significant, far-reaching, and even changing everything?
Before I knew it, the dark clouds blocking the sky had dispersed.
Star Lake became blue, clear and sparkling again.
After an unknown amount of time, Thales exhaled a breath, with emotions that he couldn't fully understand, either bitter, relieved, or helpless:
"But you just said, Mira, that you want to make a deal with me and keep the most utilitarian part?"
Miranda thought for a while and suddenly smiled:
"Yes, I will exchange my most utilitarian part for your most ideal part. After all, you will still be at a loss."
"Now besides don't call me Mira, do you have any other questions?"
But Thales just stared at her sword in concentration:
"Mira?"
Miranda sighed and was about to speak.
"I went to the Emerald City on business this time, but I actually had ulterior motives, or even bad intentions." Thales said in a daze.
Miranda was startled, but still nodded: "I know. Don't call me Mira."
"I'm going to deal with Zhan, stuff him headfirst into my toilet and flush him into the moat."
Miranda frowned: "I know. I said goodbye"
"So, if you come with me, you're probably going to do something, um, not so glorious."
"I know!"
Miranda couldn't help but raise her voice, but in the end she couldn't help but sigh:
"Just stop barking, so do you agree?"
Thales slowly raised his head and gave a haggard but relieved smile.
This surprised Miranda.
"I understand, Mira, you asked me the question as soon as you entered the door." The Duke said softly.
Miranda was stunned: "What's the problem?"
Duke Xinghu also came to the window and stretched.
"I just remembered about Rosanna Alland and her story."
Miranda's eyes moved slightly.
I saw Thales looking at the boundless Star Lake and sighing:
"Historically, 'The Arithmetic' Rosanna entered the Renaissance court and eventually became the queen of the wise king Mindis III. She was in charge of the royal family's finances, and even helped the newly established Finance and Taxation Department calculate the income and expenditure, and settled accounts with the creditors of the wise king. For this reason
People call her the 'Shrewd Queen', thus creating an eternal story of a king and queen knowing each other and being in harmony."
Thales silently looked at the intoxicating scenery in front of him.
I asked, why did Gilbert always like to tell me some of these things in class before, and he did it for a long time, it was to urge marriage.
"But she didn't do it voluntarily." The female swordsman's voice came.
Thales was startled.
Miranda stood up on the window sill with him and looked at the blue sky in the center collar:
"Since the birth of his youngest son, the old Duke has been worried that the eldest daughter's status, abilities and personality are too high, which will benefit her husband's family too much in the future. He is also worried that she will hold a grudge for losing the right to inherit, and will treat her younger brother and the younger brother in the future.
It’s bad for the family.”
"So, he gave Roxanne two choices."
Miranda's voice was ethereal:
"Either, bring a large dowry and marry a knight from a humble family to eliminate the threat to her husband's family in the future; or, directly abandon the surname and inheritance rights, leave the Cold Castle and deprive her of the possibility of joining the family through blood."
Thales was surprised.
Is there this paragraph in the records about the shrewd queen?
Miranda's eyes were filled with sadness:
"Roxanne, who was stronger by nature, chose the second option, and that's how the story came to be. She didn't become the queen because she was born in Arlend, but because she became the queen, the Arlend family suddenly remembered her.
, scrambling to add her back to the genealogy and tell the world: the new queen’s surname is Alende.”
Thales listened to this story in surprise: "I...I didn't know there was this part."
Miranda nodded:
"Baiying has always prided itself on being united and rarely fighting within itself, but... this disgraceful history was only recorded in the pen of Sunset Sacrifice, who secretly witnessed the agreement at that time, and was hidden deep in the forbidden book area of Sunset Temple.
It has not been known to outsiders for a long time."
In other words, how much of the "family unity" praised by the Arlend family in history was formed by "preparing for rainy days" like the old Duke who exiled his relatives and suppressed his children to avoid fratricide?
Thales rolled his eyes and clapped his hands:
"No wonder, no wonder that when the Xianjun was in power, the Yalande family, as the first family in the north, was suppressed so miserably by the Fuxing Palace and the Imperial Council, and was regarded as a typical example of the Xianjun's reforms."
Hell, Gilbert also analyzed a lot of high-sounding topics like 'the balance of power between relatives and courtiers' with him, and the stack of related papers was three feet thick.
Miranda smiled indifferently:
"In this way, the first Northern Duchess did not appear, and was replaced by the 'Shrewd Queen'. This is the story that the world can accept: a loving father and a filial daughter, brothers and sisters, a strong husband's family, happiness and beauty."
The female swordsman crossed her arms: "But I think, compared to the 'Queen Roseanne' in the eternal legend..."
Thales took over:
"Or is 'Duchess Roseanne' more suitable to be sung by minstrels?"
Miranda glanced at him but said nothing.
"But are you ready?" the prince said softly.
The next second, Thales stretched out his hand without warning and touched Miranda's waist!
The female swordsman's eyes were sharp, and she immediately took action, firmly holding down Thales' left hand!
But she immediately frowned: Thales' outstretched palm pressed on the hilt of the sword on her waist.
Thales gave her an apologetic smile.
She looked at Thales warily, but slowly let go.
Thales then slowly raised her hand and pulled out "Eagle Soaring" from her scabbard.
"I think, your ancestors are not, Roxanne is the queen, and this story of my ancestor tells us that unlike Exeter, the Northlanders who are inexperienced and unprepared can only bite the bullet and accept a female archduchess.
To be honest, the Star People have learned from past experiences: they are used to it and know how to deal with such situations."
Yingxiang's sword blade rubbed against the leather and was gradually revealed.
It was as cold as it was seven years ago.
It’s different from seven years ago and has gone through ups and downs.
Thales looked at the sword blade and said slowly:
"Just look at Duchess Lyanna of the Blades. Rather than directly and loudly objecting, they know how to tear you apart in a gentle and polite way within the current rule system."
The prince sighed:
"You know, even the Queen of the Northern Conquerors who ascended the Supreme Throne three hundred years ago did not end well."
Snapped!
Just when one-third of the sword blade was withdrawn, Miranda held Thales' hand again, slowly exerted force, and returned Yingxiang back to the scabbard without any doubt:
"That's because she's not strong enough."
Thales raised his eyebrows:
"Not strong enough? Queen Eliga has marched into the Cold Castle six times and defeated Exeter."
Miranda narrowed her eyes:
"At least she is not strong enough to make those who oppose her bow their heads, such as her brother."
With a soft sound, Yingxiang's whole body was submerged into the scabbard, and Thales could only sigh and let go.
Miranda shook her head at him.
"I have a question," the prince pondered. "If I really wanted you to marry me and become my queen, would I accept you and be willing to help you get the North..."
Miranda thought for a moment:
"Are you trying to say that you will only be willing to help me take it back to the North if I recommend myself to you as a pillow?"
Mira, Star Lake Castle is not Broken Dragon Fortress. We have time to talk about your choice of words in front of the prince.
Thales sighed:
"What if it is?"
Miranda sneered.
"If you really do that, it will prove your character and prove that Cohen is wrong. Then it will be the same whether I surrender to your father or surrender to you."
She said nonchalantly: "So, I will break your legs first, and then go to Fuxing Palace with the grievances of being 'attempted to usurp' by the prince."
Thales frowned:
"To beg my father for justice?"
The female swordsman shook her head:
"No, I will prove to him and the kingdom that after this incident, the prince and I are at odds with each other. Therefore, in the confrontation between the two shining stars, I must stand on the side of the king. Then, I will take advantage of the situation and give it to your father.
Put forward the same conditions: I will sacrifice the north for him, and he will grant me the title of duke, so I can still get what I want."
Thales looked in disbelief.
"As I said," Miranda shook her head, "No matter what, I have to find my own way out."
It's just...there's a stepping stone missing.
Thales swallowed his throat.
really.
Take control of your lower body and be happy in the second half of your life.
"So, Ms. Miranda Allender."
Thales sighed, turned around and said seriously:
"Will you be my wife?"
Miranda was startled when she heard this, but she looked at him for a long time and understood something:
"No, I don't want to."
Thales nodded.
"So, will you be my queen?"
"No, I don't want to either."
Thales looked into her eyes.
"In that case, Miranda Arend, will you be my knight?"
In the study room of Xinghu Castle, the young man and the female swordsman faced each other silently.
After a moment, Miranda smiled.
She took a step back and faced Thales:
"I do, Your Highness."
Thales narrowed his eyes: "Even if I might order you to do something less pleasant, such as swinging a sword at Raphael?"
Miranda was silent for a moment.
"Raphael is very important to me, Your Highness."
Thales chuckled and shook his head, waving his hand and saying: "I know, Mira. So I'm just joking."
"But he is not everything in my life."
Miranda interrupted him with sharp eyes:
"Far from it."
This was beyond Thales' expectations, and he looked at the female swordsman in front of him in surprise.
"So, Your Highness, if he blocks your way, blocks our way, I will be sad."
At that moment, the Neverwinter Sword of Broken Dragon Fortress reached out and grasped the hilt at his waist, filled with murderous intent.
"But never hesitate."
Taylor was immediately awe-inspiring.
He stared at her for a long, long time.
Miranda Allender.
What is she?
A sharp sword?
Yes, but not entirely.
A chess piece?
Maybe, but there are discrepancies.
A chip?
Possible, but is it light or heavy?
What do you say, King Kessel?
Thales held the bone ring in his lapel.
Just as we planned, she gathered under my banner.
But it’s not like what we think. At least it’s not the power we have in mind.
No matter how you look at it, it doesn't look like it exists on your chessboard or under your rules.
Thales raised his lips.
Because she is a human being.
Damn, the people outside the chessboard.
What do you say, father?
Thoughts flashed by like lightning. The next second, Thales smiled slightly:
"So, Mira, welcome to Star Lake Castle."
Although we will embark on a journey soon.
Miranda smiled too.
"etc."
She shook her head, took Yingxiang out of her waist, and put it on her palm: "The ancient ritual of the North."
Thales was startled, then sighed.
He pulled out the JC dagger from his waist and pressed it on his palm as well, only to feel a headache-inducing familiarity in front of him: "Oath of alliance?"
"As expected of the prince who has returned from the north," Miranda's eyes lit up, "He has seen a lot."
More than a few.
Thales thought helplessly.
More than you can imagine.
The next second, the two of them exerted force at the same time and felt the pain between their palms and the sword blade.
"So, Thales Bright Star, from today on, I will be loyal to you and serve you."
Miranda put down her eagle and stretched out her hand solemnly, blood flowing from her palm:
"In return, you will fully support my inheritance of orthodoxy. If necessary, you will not hesitate to go down personally to announce to the kingdom that there is only one Lord of the North recognized by you..."
Thales exhaled, stretched out his scarlet hands, and took over her words:
"Duchess Miranda Allende."
With a snap, the two people's palms clenched tightly.
"So, from today on, I..."
In the middle of speaking, Thales suddenly remembered the unpleasant memory of "Gortaksa".
He couldn't help but sigh:
"You have said everything I want to say. As for what I didn't say..."
Blood streamed from their wrists.
Thales pouted listlessly:
"Well, it's all in the blood."
Miranda frowned, but still shook her hands in displeasure, signing the oath.
But thinking together, Thales couldn't help but ask:
"Are there any restrictive measures, such as swearing a poisonous oath, placing a curse, etc. What if someone betrays you?"
Miranda shook her head disdainfully and pressed her palms hard:
"Only under one condition will I break my promise."
"When you're not strong enough."
Damn, that hurts a little.
Thales looked at her suspiciously.
"Don't get me wrong, although we have reached an oath, Your Highness, if you fail to meet my expectations or even hold me back," Miranda uncharacteristically blinked her eyes maliciously, "I will abandon you without any hesitation.
hesitate."
Thales's smile was a little stiff.
It's so heartwarming.
The prince rolled his eyes:
"What if I betrayed you?"
The next second, Miranda twitched her palm, and Thales couldn't help but be pulled forward by her!
The prince finally stopped and was about to complain, but he realized that Miranda was right in front of him.
And their distance was so close that they could almost kiss each other. Thales could even see the female swordsman's eyelashes clearly and see the determination hidden behind those eyes.
"Your eyes, they are gray, so rare." Miranda observed him carefully and said quietly.
Thales looked strange:
"Yeah, well, your eyes are pretty too"
But Miranda's voice quickly turned cold:
"Remember, you are a descendant of Bright Star, and I am a descendant of Arlend."
"It's unfortunate, but betrayal is destined to be a part of our lives."
I saw Miranda's eyes turned cold:
"Just like revenge."
Thales froze.
"So, little brat..."
The next second, the anger on Miranda's face disappeared.
What replaced it was a bright smile that was unprecedented but made people feel chilled in their hearts.
Before she turned around and left, she pinched Thales' stunned face with a smile:
"Be good, don't be naughty."
Under Thales's stunned and furious expression ("I am your master! You must have the attitude of a subordinate, you know! Star Lake Castle is not a lawless place!"), D.D walked into the study and looked at Huan Han in surprise.
Miranda left with a smile.
Difficult, can you say...
"Wow, Your Highness!"
Doyle figured out something. He looked surprised and said repeatedly: "Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, congratulations!"
Thales looked at him suspiciously:
"What's wrong? Congratulations?"
"Nothing, nothing, just, hehe..."
The next second, D.D quietly pointed at Miranda's back, raised his thumb proudly, and showed an evil smile that said nothing:
“Awesome!!!”
At that moment, D.D's smile was so bright, so dazzling, so sincere.
So much so that he didn't notice that His Highness Thales's expression had unknowingly become more and more terrifying.
"D.D, I heard Chief Sonia say that you met her during night patrol before?"
"Ah? Oh, yes! Your Highness, the flower of the fortress, hey, she was talking to the zombies about some academic subjects at that time, you know, 'academic' subjects! Don't worry, I didn't bother you, hehehe
, after all, it can be regarded as an important diplomatic victory for our Star Lake Castle..."
"..."
That night, Xinghu Castle was not peaceful.
It is said that the always good-tempered Lord Duke was furious. He rarely personally ordered Judge Patterson to execute the Star Lake Guards 1st Class Pioneer Officer Danny Doyle, or D.D., strictly and quickly.
The most horrific and inhumane cruel punishment since its founding: