Behind the checkpoint that was temporarily separated by a wooden fence, D.D. and the vanguard officer Nate Nishi held their mounts and looked at the crowded queue in front of the checkpoint in surprise and the seemingly endless houses behind it.
"Oh, there are too many people here. I can't even get in the queue."
"Is the Emerald City so lively? Or is it some kind of market sale?"
"No, it's not a market, and there's no big sale," Guard Officer Conmuto struggled to squeeze through from the other side, trying hard to reject the vendors selling jewelry to them: "But obviously, we still came at the wrong time..."
"Have you seen the security officers filling the streets? There are more beggars than the beggars in the capital."
"His Royal Highness Thales will probably collapse when he sees it. He is most afraid of too many people..."
"Hey, everyone!"
The real Wyatt Castle dodged a dusty carriage and came to them with his face covered: "Oh my god, it's not easy to squeeze through. His Highness has been waiting behind for too long. Lord Mallos asked
I'm here to remind you, what's going on ahead?"
Conmuto nodded. Amidst the noise of the crowd, he had to hold the shoulders of his companions tightly and raise his voice in their ears:
"I have contacted the garrison here. He has sent a messenger to go with Zonevid to see Commander Marius! But the scene and the number of people are disgusting to me! He suggested that for the sake of safety, it is best to stay in the city.
Wait a little longer outside, wait for the crowd to pass, and they can maintain order before entering the city. Emerald City will send meals..."
Everyone in Xinghu Castle was immediately dissatisfied.
"What a joke!"
"This is too lazy!"
"We've been waiting for so long. If they want to deliver meals, they'd better have Emerald City's famous wine..."
"Is there any mistake? He asked His Highness to wait outside the city? We are the Royal Guards, led from the central government and representing the Fuxing Palace!"
"Why don't they close the road? This mess of vendors is more important than the prince's arrival?"
Huaiya sighed, stood on tiptoes and looked at the dark checkpoint with a crowd of people:
"But at this speed of entering the city...are these people queuing up? Why? Do they have to pay the city tax?"
D.D narrowed his eyes:
"What? There is still a city entry tax these days?"
Conmuto shook his head and led everyone away from the crowd and towards the Duke's motorcade:
"I have inquired about it. It is not a simple city entry tax, but a guarantee fee: everyone needs to register when entering the Emerald City. You must write down the guarantor and specific address in the city, including the amount of property you are carrying. If you enter the Emerald City within the specified time,
If you leave, the Urban Management Office will refund the full amount of the fee. If you exceed the time limit, it will be deducted or even fined. If you violate any rules, you have to pay back..."
Everyone complained again.
"Isn't it still taxing? Won't it drive people away? What if no one is willing to come to the Emerald City in the future?"
"Then do we need to register when we go in? We represent His Highness and the royal family!"
"I heard from the official who received me just now that according to the rules set by the late old Duke, princes and common people are treated equally..."
"Damn it, the old Duke's road is narrow..."
"So he is 'deceased'..."
"Don't worry, we are VIPs. There are dedicated people in Emerald City to take care of filling out forms and paying fees. Your delicate hands are not in charge..."
The three of them finally squeezed out of the crowd, but they were greeted by another acrobatic class. The situation was so fierce that they had to take a detour again.
"We caught up with the Emerald Celebration, so it was very lively."
Conmuto wiped the sweat from his face:
"In addition, the news of Duke Xinghu's visit...guests from the Seven Seas and Six Realms came to the Emerald City around this month to gather together. Did you see that those dark-skinned people are red earth people, and those wearing
The people with strange hair accessories must be Hanbul people, as well as the Kelunsa people from the Tyron trading state, the Nieda people from the Ligur state, and the grassland people of I don’t know what tribe. And I just saw a group of people from the Far East.
The business traveler, I don’t know whether he came from Suye or Chengguo.”
Nixi shook his head and said: "The Dacheng Khanate belongs to the Flame Sea Province, not the Far East..."
"Really? Why do I remember it's Tuoluo Province?"
Conmuto shrugged indifferently: "It makes no difference to me..."
"There are ten countries in the Far East. It may not be Suye, it may be Kurola..."
"Culola is the name of an ancient province..."
D.D tsked with disdain: "Hey, who taught you geography..."
"Elf! I saw an elf! It's definitely a high elf from the Eastern Continent, damn that pointy chin..."
"Nonsense, elves also hate crowds. When the Holy Tree Kingdom visits Yongxing City, their envoys always enter the city late at night. They are very low-key. You will only know when they leave..."
"Don't you see the orc..."
"Looking at the Grand Canal and the big ships on it, I guess it should lead directly to Gonghai City and the Sea of Terminal!"
"Idiot, canal boats will fall apart when they go out to sea!"
Behind the road, in a carriage separated by Emerald City guards, the Duke of Star Lake, Thales Canxing, put down his book and took a deep breath.
Through the car window, with the help of his hellish senses, he felt every breath of this city.
So, he arrived.
The capital of the South Bank, the headquarters of the Kevin Deere family, the city of Lijing, the capital of wealth, the Queen of the City, the Emerald City.
There is no doubt that it is a completely different city from Yongxing City.
"I didn't see the city wall."
Next to the car window, Miranda was riding on a horse, holding a telescope high, trying to get past the guards of the Emerald City:
"Besides people, houses, streets, bridges and trees, there are bridges, houses, people, streets... and trees."
"Strange, I didn't find it either. Could it be that they demolished the city wall?"
Glover on the side was also searching for traces of the city wall.
"Don't worry, you can't see it from here," Mallos, the commander of the Star Lake Guards, was sitting on the luggage cart on the side, calmly reading last month's income and expenditure report, "It's only two blocks from here.
I’ve seen it, and I doubt you can recognize it even after seeing it. Several city gates have been transformed into streets.”
"What? The area and radius of Emerald City are so big? It can't even cover the city wall?"
Miranda put down the telescope and looked at the crowd in front of her suspiciously:
"How many people should this have?"
"It was better than this ten years ago," Logistics Officer Shi Tuo replied with narrowed eyes. "I guess it expanded very quickly."
"Wait, if this is the case, the construction and renewal of the city wall cannot keep up with the expansion of the city blocks, so wouldn't the city's defense be ineffective?" Glover was equally surprised.
These words made the Star Lake Guards on duty around him marvel.
"Then how to defend against enemies? At least against bandits?"
"How did you survive the bloody year?"
"It seems that the Year of Blood did not reach the Emerald City..."
"Help me recall, how long does it take to walk from south to north of Yongxing City?"
"I haven't walked there, but it certainly hasn't been that long."
"When was the last time you guys came here?"
"When I was a child, it was more than ten years ago, but at that time..."
"I came here on a business trip five years ago, but I took the sea route. I vomited all the way on the boat and didn't pay attention. In the blink of an eye, I crossed the Muhe River and arrived inland."
"Three or four years ago, I had a cousin who got married. Damn it, he told me that his home was on the outskirts of the city. When I looked at the surrounding neighborhoods, I thought he was joking or being self-effacing. But now that I look at it, it's actually true.
The ?Periphery?"
"Now I understand why my neighbor's son would rather be a postman here than go back to the capital..."
Thales stretched himself, closed the "Emerald Mystery City Record", extinguished the sin of the Hell River, and shut out the surrounding noise.
Now it seems that the scenery of Emerald City is indeed very different from that of Yongxing City.
At least, it’s quite suitable for sightseeing and broadening your knowledge.
Thales stuck his head out of the carriage and waved to Rolf and Paul, who were standing in silence.
Of course, how great would it be if he really just came to travel?
The young man looked at the bustling crowd crowded at the checkpoint in Emerald City and thought a little depressed.
Or is it okay to just go on a blind date?
Well, it would be better if the woman's brother wasn't Jann Kevin Deal.
"Since you are going to see your fiancée, you have to dress yourself up and look energetic," Sister Valencia, who took care of his image before setting off from Star Lake Castle, once worriedly said, "clothes, accessories, makeup, perfume
, ah, don’t forget this, an anthology of love poems, guaranteed to work every time.”
"I would rather bring "The Record of the Pros and Losses of Oviedo's Administration." At that time, Thales was wandering between lack of interest and uneasiness. He only yawned after hearing this.
"Oviedo? A king of Allenbia who was beheaded two hundred years ago cannot win the favor of girls for you."
Aunt Valencia tugged on his collar sternly and sighed: "Oh, Your Highness, you are really worrying. You are going to go at such a young age... Does anyone in the team know the dating etiquette of boys and girls?
?What if you don’t know anything, are impatient and act blindly to offend other girls, or, you get into bed but don’t know how to use protection?”
"Mommy!"
Thales interrupted her helplessly: "According to the standards of the ancient empire, I am fourteen years old..."
"Don't use that trick on me," Valencia tsked and shook his head, "You are just a half-grown child now, and you are at the right age when you have just learned to stare at girls. That girl from the Arlende family is so proactive.
Do you have any ideas? Do you want mama to help you create opportunities?"
Thales could only bury his head in the book and continue to sigh.
Of course, not everyone is reluctant to leave.
"So, you are finally leaving!"
In math class, Bachelor Julio excitedly took Thales's exercise book, then realized something was wrong and quickly expressed a look of surprise: "Um, I mean, you're leaving now?"
Thales rolled his eyes:
"Bachelor Julio, you seem very happy?"
"Hey, how can there be... Ahem, Emerald City has convenient transportation and developed commerce. It has gathered talents from all directions and seven seas. It has surging thoughts, prosperous culture, and prosperous academic style. It is also famous in the kingdom," Julio helped him.
He put on his glasses, and his whole aura changed, "But no matter what, your highness is also a student taught by the highly respected masters and bachelors at Wangli University of Arts. Your knowledge and knowledge are not inferior to others. During this southern tour, you must always think about knowledge.
Keep working hard every day, and don’t let our Yongxing students lose their prestige.”
"It's too long, I can't understand it."
"Um, just remember to do your homework."
"What about you, bachelor? The field accounts of the remaining two farms..."
"I'm doing it, I'm doing it! I can finish the calculation in one week, no, I'm obviously the teacher!"
"One week is too long, maybe three days."
"Ah! Then... let's discuss it, Your Highness, six days? How about five days?"
"In fact, Bachelor, I just wrote an application for your salary increase to Your Majesty..."
"I'll send the account book over tomorrow!"
Archmaester Bona brought a large number of books to Thales, including the narrative poem "Emerald Mysterious City", the historical biography "Record of Southern Development", "Record of the Sail", and the research paper "Li Jing and Seal: Emerald City"
The Guarantor Tradition of the Mining Guilds and the Commercial Notarial System" and the Sunset Temple hymn "Emerald at Dusk."
"Emerald City? Emerald City is great!"
The bachelor with a shiny scalp took out the last book tremblingly:
"The land of the stars is vast and the scenery is different. The scenery is like this, but the people are even worse."
Thales took the book from Grandma Bona and his expression changed when he saw the cover:
""The Witch Queen Charms the Country"?"
The prince subconsciously hid the book:
"Is this something I can see?"
"Of course not," Bona blinked his cloudy little eyes when he was in college, "So don't be bored and read aloud to the entire Emerald City in public, especially the third act "A Girl's Dream of Marriage", there are some
The description is, well, not very decent."
But other than that, I dare to say that this is a rare good drama, comparable to "The Secret History of Iron Thorns", "Lacy Lonzo in the Wind" and "Black Eyed and His Lovers".
It will be particularly helpful for you to understand the significance of this mission. Youth, youth will never come back."
Thales swallowed and bowed his thanks with complicated emotions.
On the other hand, Huaiya returned home and brought a stack of documents to Thales, all of which were information about the Emerald City. The header of each page was carefully cut off to prevent anyone from seeing the source.
, but this did not prevent Thales from identifying the faint mark left on the bottom page, which was the mark left by Gilbert's signature.
Facing such a stack of documents, Thales was silent for a long time.
"If you have a chance, thank your father for me."
"Yes," Huaiya responded respectfully, but whispered at the end, "If there is a chance."
if it is possible.
Thales glanced at Huai Ya but didn't say anything after all.
Of course, compared with these teachers, Thales' other friendly, knowledgeable, respected and secret teacher whose identity is not convenient to be disclosed is completely different.
"You really don't want to go to the Emerald City with me?"
"As far as I know, you are not here to improve your magic power," said the Qi Magic Master in the study one afternoon, still elegantly and calmly moving the chess pieces in front of him (relying on his eyes), "but to run errands for others.
Continue the childish and ridiculous political games of mortals."
On the other side of the chessboard, Thales cleared his throat: "To be precise, it's a blind date."
and subverting the South Bank regime.
"And I have no interest in that, and I'm not sensitive to your intention to use me as a trump card."
"Then...what if I'm going to die there?"
"In the Emerald City, there has been no known legendary anti-demon force in the past two hundred years."
"You can't say for sure. There are rivers and seaports next to the Emerald City, and there are rich mineral deposits in it. It is not only one of the largest cities in the Western Continent, but also one of the important intersections between the two continents. It brings together countless forces. Maybe one day, hey,
Just a legendary anti-demon weapon?"
"Then as a magician, I shouldn't go."
"Well, what if what appears is the rare and perfect anti-demon weapon that you guessed, respected teacher?"
"Then please, Your Highness, please go ahead and gather information for me?"
"...What if I die in a political conspiracy or in the hands of a mortal?"
"That's what you deserve," Asheida ate the knight of Thales mercilessly. "It's because you have been narrow-minded and short-sighted for a long time, satisfied with worldly power and power, but have no interest in learning magic, procrastination, laziness, and carelessness.
inevitable consequences.”
Thales was silent for a long time.
"You just don't want to go, do you?"
"I can go, and maybe I can look after you for a while..."
"That's right! Teachers and students help each other and teaching is mutually beneficial."
"As long as you are willing to abandon everything you have now and completely embark on the path of magic."
Thales twitched his lips and pushed down his king with one finger:
"Um, excuse me, please rest."
Aixida suddenly raised her head:
"Remember, even if you are in crisis, don't show off your ability to 'juggle'."
Do tricks.
Thales rolled his eyes:
"Even if I'm going to die?"
The magician was unmoved: "As you said, the Emerald City is located at an important sea route, where fish and dragons are mixed together, so there is no guarantee that our enemies will not have the eyes and ears. If those two bitches find out, you will also die, and there is a huge danger
It might implicate me."
Thales couldn't help but curl his lips.
Aixida's tone was calm: "Well, I wish you good luck, you idiot who insists on wading into muddy waters."
Seeing that there was no hope of seeking help, Thales sighed in disappointment.
But before get out of class ended, the young man couldn't help but speak.
"In any case, Mr. Sarkon, before setting off, I still want to thank you."
Aixida looked at her for a moment:
"for what?"
Thales rubbed the king chess piece in his hand and was silent for a while.
"So that I can put aside my identity and worries during these few hours, and talk freely for a while."
The magician didn't answer.
He looked at Thales quietly, not knowing what to think.
The study became quiet.
Thales didn't expect an answer. He shook his head mockingly, stood up and walked out the door: "Then, it's time for us to finish class."
Very ironic.
But also very helpless.
And this is his life.
It started from that night on Hongfang Street and when he walked into Fuxing Palace.
"child."
When the Duke's hand touched the doorknob, Asheida suddenly stopped him.
"If your life is really in danger, forget what I said."
forget……
Thales frowned and turned back: The magician's voice was surprisingly... ethereal.
Asheida was silent for a while, and her eyes flashed blue from an angle that Thales could not see, "If you are going to die, then risk everything, go all out, and perform the most wonderful trick in your life."
Thales had a meal.
Best trick?
At that moment, his throat twitched and he felt complicated.
I must have known each other for so many years.
Or is there more or less a sense of teacher-student friendship?
Aixida's figure slowly faded:
"It should be noted that as long as you die first from losing control of your magic energy, the two emperors will not be able to find you."
Thales' smile froze, and when he came to his senses, the room was already empty.
Fuck teacher-student friendship.
As for the Star Lake Guards, although some people vaguely guessed that this trip was not as easy as it sounds, most people were still quite excited ("I don't want to stay in this ungrateful place anymore!" Niexi's heartfelt emotion, in
(before he was punished to send a letter to the crow's cage to clean the bird droppings), especially after hearing that the Duke was going to visit Miss Kevin Dill.
"In short, we are going to the Emerald City this trip. We have a very tight schedule and must catch up with the city activities of the 'Queen's Day'..."
Not long ago, Thales was sitting at the head of the long table in the Ascension Hall, delivering a message to the guards and attendants of Star Lake Castle, but many people still focused on Miranda beside Thales.
On the body.
"Queen's Day? You mean the Emerald Celebration?" Niexi at the long table was overjoyed, "The kingdom's famous carnival where people drink and drink to the fullest for seven consecutive days?"
The guards who filled both sides of the long table were in an uproar.
Mallos frowned, while Thales gritted his teeth.
"Yes, the Jade Celebration. But literally, it's still 'Queen's Day', a tradition handed down to commemorate the Queen's grace, just like we commemorate Restoration and King's Day here, and Xihuang celebrates the Banishing Saint
day……"
But before he finished speaking, he was drowned by the jubilant crowd.
"So you really want to marry the daughter of the Kevin Deere family?"
"So, the castle is about to welcome its mistress?"
Thales had to cough and took the trouble to explain: "Attention, attention! Going to Kongming Palace to visit the Iris family is indeed an important task of this trip, but it would be disrespectful to hastily discuss the life events of an unmarried lady..."
However, everyone in Xinghu Castle was in high spirits:
"Is it too early to get married now? After all, you are only fourteen years old, and the world is still very exciting... Um, or is it too late?"
"Hey, Lao Kong, you don't understand. If you don't get married first and seek a wife, how can you know that the outside world is wonderful?"
"I heard that Kevin Deere is extremely rich, and his dowry won't be small, right? Does this mean we are finally rich?"
"Then I propose to rebuild the toilets and sewers..."
"That's all you care about? It's better to worry more about whether there will be southern brats from Emerald City coming to steal your job..."
"Just what I need, retire early..."
With everyone in Star Lake Castle talking about it, Thales finally couldn't bear it anymore.
The next second, he took out a palm-sized stuffed bear and slammed it onto the long table.
Miranda on the side frowned.
Amidst D.D's painful whimpering, everyone stared at the stuffed bear intently, and then they remembered the cruel and cold character of Duke Xinghu.
Both sides of the long table fell silent.
"very good."
Thales looked around and nodded with satisfaction.
Sure enough, I am usually too friendly.
These guys won't have long memories unless they are a little ruthless.
"I think you all know that the Emerald City has a pleasant climate and prosperous commerce. It is the second largest city in the kingdom after the Royal Capital. However, for some reasons that I am not convenient to explain directly, but you probably also know, Duke Zhan
The relationship with me is more, um, complicated."
Everyone was still quiet, but they couldn't take their eyes away from the little bear.
Duke Xinghu cleared his throat and straightened the little bear, which was a little crooked, so that everyone could see it in full:
"Therefore, we are not going on vacation. In addition, it coincides with a celebration and guests from all over the world gather. From travel security to social affairs, our work will not be easy."
D.D, with tears in his eyes, bit his lower lip:
"In that case, why should we go?"
Paul, who was sitting in the corner, suddenly said:
"That's why we're going."
There was another round of whispering on both sides of the long table. Words such as "Political marriage appeasement, robbing his sister and becoming his brother-in-law" slipped into the Duke's ears in whispers.
Mallos, who was standing by, could not bear to see it after all, so he snatched away the bear and deprived the Duke of his right to speak:
"In short, the schedule and route have been set, and the contact with Kongming Palace has been completed. We must arrive at the Emerald City four days before the 'Queen's Day' at the latest, and it is best to settle in Kongming Palace on the same day. The Emerald City will be
We arrange the next affairs, but the matter is so important that the guards cannot relax at any time. You must let me know if any of you has gone wrong..."
Everyone whose eyes had lost focus was unable to react, until Mallos warned dissatisfiedly:
"Did you hear that?"
Everyone reacted and responded in unison, the sound echoed through the castle, and their morale was high.
Mallos snorted coldly and threw the stuffed bear back into the Duke's arms.
As a result, Duke Xinghu's convoy to Emerald City set off one day in autumn. They drove out of Xinghu Castle, took the road to Zhengdu Town, crossed Muhe River, and then turned southeast to the south branch of Enci Avenue, passing many places on the way.
:Swan County, Mirror River, Weitlen Town, Walla Corridor, Fang Land, Maolin...
The further you go, the climate becomes humid and warm, the river crossings become denser, the wild forests and wastelands gradually disappear, the terrain and roads become more regular and smooth, even the weeds on both sides of the road grow much softer, and people come and go in the wheat fields during the harvest season.
, farms and pastures are busy, there are a wide variety of workshops in the towns, merchants of all kinds are bustling, messengers and postmen are running back and forth between the castles and villages, Thales looks all the way, and only feels that this is the one described in the official documents of the stars.
The "Kingdom of Peace".
The journey was relatively peaceful. When the town chiefs and nobles in most places learned that the Duke of Xinghu was passing through, they sent envoys to wait on the way early to lead the way. They even sent out security officers and patrol teams to separate the idlers. If they encountered
Even if it was dark or raining heavily, accommodation and supplies were provided without fail. However, while treating each other with courtesy, most people also had a serious attitude, or even stayed away, which made Thales sigh.
It's like there is an invisible hand driving everything behind this trip.
So unknowingly, the Duke and his party entered the South Bank Territory and arrived at the Emerald City.
Thales' thoughts returned to the present, back to the carriage outside the Emerald City.
"Look at that fool, walking down the street carelessly carrying a bag of gold. I'll bet that if you leave it in Yongxing City, as soon as it gets dark, there will be no other people around."
"If you were in the lower city, you wouldn't even have to wait until dark."
The chatter between D.D and Nexi entered his ears. Thales smiled and shook his head, but his smile quickly disappeared.
After all, he's not here to travel, right?
Thales looked sharply.
He comes to seize and destroy.
The prince lowered his head and opened the information on the Emerald City brought by Huai Ya.
To understand the Emerald City, of course, you must first understand the Kevin Deere family.
The Kingdom of Stars has had thirty-nine supreme kings (not counting those who actually sat on the throne, but were stripped of their qualifications by royal historians or temple priests for various reasons), and there are no less than fifty queens in history.
And among them, there are actually thirteen people from the Kevin Deere family and its branches in the Emerald City.
As for the other noble ladies who married into wealthy families and took charge of the family households as hostesses, there were even more. This fact made the Emerald City win the reputation of "The City of Queens" early on, and "The Queen of the Stars, the Emerald of the Crown"
This common saying also prevented the Iris family from taking off the title of relatives and uncle-in-law of the king for a long time.
Well, Thales turned over the page and thought that it was not unreasonable for him to come here for a blind date, at least it was very traditional.
However, thirteen queens are too many.
There is only one reason to explain: Kevin Deere's dowry is too substantial, both physically and politically.
Thinking of this, Thales couldn't help but take a look at the portrait of Miss Kevin Deere.
On the other hand, it is not uncommon for royal princesses to marry in the Emerald City: the wife of the fourth Duke of Iris is Princess Celicia, the youngest daughter of John I "Black Eyes", and Caesar II "Far Sail" will
His sister (in fact, he married his three daughters to seven feudal dukes respectively) married to the Emerald City and gained the full support of the South Coast Territory, thereby gaining control over the two fleets of Kevin Deere and Cullen.
With the help of others, he won the historic Battle of Borasco, buried the fleet of the Humble Dynasty under the sea, and killed the ambition of the "Borderless Cadillac" on the other side of the sea.
sea route, navy.
Thales took some notes. For a long time, the kingdom's maritime existence has relied on the three major families of the East Sea Territory that face the gateway to the End Sea. Therefore, Duke Cullen also firmly occupies the position of prime minister. It is impossible for King Kessel not to want to change.
This status quo, however, after the Blood Year, the development of the Kingdom's navy was far inferior to that of the land-based standing army. After all, the cost of the former was twice that of the latter.
Obviously, Nan'an collar is the second choice.
But, does it stop there?
Thales turned another page.
In fact, two hundred and fifty years ago, when the much-talked-about palace struggle in the history of the stars, the "Blood Debt Struggle" that lasted for three generations, came to an end, a Duke of Kevin Deere once "moneylender" for his princess wife
"The daughter of Mindis II claimed the right to inherit the throne and competed with his wife's brother "surviving king" Elam III for the nine-star crown. Of course, what happened next is the favorite of drama, or bard writers: Elam III
His eldest daughter, Miss Elliga at the time, and later Queen Elliga, the "Northern Conqueror", led the mercenaries to besiege the Emerald City ("I heard recently that the south coast is uneasy, and there are thieves coveting the royal family, so I specially killed the bandits for my aunt.
"), scared off the ambitions of his aunt and uncle, and helped his father Elam III ascend the throne.
In the genealogy of Bright Star, the most recent Queen Iris can be traced back to nearly sixty years ago. The second wife of the "taciturn" Sumer IV, Bella Kevindir, even talked about it.
Star Lake Castle has some connections: she is the biological mother of the former Star Duke John.
According to historical records, Queen Bella was a well-known lady in the kingdom with her beautiful appearance, dignified manners, and talent and learning. However, after she married into the royal family, her flamboyant and extravagant character made her have a bad reputation among the people, and she held several extravagant flower banquets.
It was even more so that Bella got the vicious derogatory title of "Witch Queen". Obviously, these were slanders with ulterior motives and sinister intentions. At the royal meeting that year, Duke Teback, who was a military adviser, and Amon, who was the financial controller,
The triangular political struggle between Count De and Duke Kevin Deere as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom is closely related.
Thales rubbed his chin and read Gilbert's notes.
There is no doubt that the influence of the Kevin Deere family on the kingdom's politics and even the royal family's genealogy has reached its peak, but something obviously happened in the middle, causing the relationship between Bright Star and Iris gradually in the sixty years after "The Silent Man".
Alienation, blood disconnection.
Thinking of this, Thales couldn't help but think about the story that the Duke of Xihuang told him about the Witch Queen Bella's attempt to abolish the elder and establish a younger one.
He turned to the next page.
However, no matter what the reason, half a century of estrangement is quite detrimental to both Canxing's far-reaching influence and Kevin Deer's kingdom status. Therefore, during the middle period of the reign of the late King Eddie II, he
It was only natural that he began to strengthen contacts with the Duke of Leinster Cavendill. The late king first appointed the Duke of Leinster as Minister of Commerce and Trade, and he was stationed in the royal capital to serve the emperor. He also promoted a group of young talents from the south coast to the royal capital.
He has served in many positions, including the later Count Turami Karabiyan of Wola Territory, Count Achison Lasia of Zeland, and Viscount Sona Kelvindir of Gonghai City.
The Duke of Leinster also led the Iris family to reciprocate the favor. He first re-dredged and even re-excavated the communication canal up and down the Muhe River to connect the Central Territory with the South Bank Territory. The long-declined commercial exchanges promoted the development of ports around the Emerald City.
It also brought great help to the army's logistics in the Bloody Year. During the Bloody Year, the Iris family spared no effort to provide Fuxing Palace with a steady stream of money, food and troops. In fact, the famous Xinghui Legion was able to embarrass the national treasury.
It was established at the right time, and the support behind it from the Duke of Leinster and the participation of the South Bank leaders were indispensable.
In addition, the late King Eddy II was keen on touring the kingdom and inspecting the territory. He not only maintained relationships with wealthy families in various places in a private capacity, but also took the opportunity to have the increasingly traditional Central Circuit Court visit various places to investigate the situation and resolve cases, and spread the authority of the king.
Reaffirm the rules of the kingdom. Among them, the Emerald City, with its beautiful scenery and pleasant climate, is one of Eddie II's favorite cities. The late king often stayed here for ten months, and even held imperial meetings here to govern politics on the spot.
The accompanying officials and nobles also marveled at the Queen's City. Even the third prince Bancroft made a lifelong decision during such a tour and married a prince and concubine from the South Coast Territory.
After the Year of Blood, all parts of the kingdom were scarred, but the area around the Emerald City was not devastated by the war. Although there were only a handful of soldiers who went abroad to fight, they absorbed a large number of fleeing immigrants and property during the war. In addition, Lens
The Duke implemented a policy of rest and recuperation. On the one hand, he exempted his vassals from military service taxes, and on the other hand, he actively rebuilt the post-war order in the territory. The South Coast Territory was able to recover quickly after the war. Emerald City soon became the star after Yongxing City.
The second largest city (Gilbert repeatedly urged the Department of Finance and Taxation and the Department of Household Affairs to recalculate the population and economic profile of the South Coast Territory, but failed to do so), has changed from the "City of Queens" in history to a de facto one.
"Queen of the City", the Kevin Deere family also prospered for a while, until the Iris disaster struck
"Your Highness will definitely accept it!"
There was a noise outside the carriage that was incompatible with the crowd, including the screams of horses and the shouts of Star Lake guards. Thales, who was interrupted from reading and excerpting, frowned and raised his head.
"Please, sir, please pass it on, pass it on, this is a small thought, a little thought, just treat it as quenching the thirst of my brothers..."
The movement outside the carriage became louder and louder, and the Star Lake guards were obviously nervous. Thales felt in his hell sense that his carriage was surrounded by people.
Well, it's not impossible to have an assassin come to kill you at this time. He's used to it anyway, but...
Thales closed the file helplessly.
Can you let me read it first?
"What's going on outside?" Thales didn't stick his head out of the window ("No matter what situation you encounter outside the carriage, the last thing you should do is poke your head around. If I were an assassin, I would be happy to complete the sniper kill at this time." Countless times.
Mallos pushed Thales' head back from the car window), but asked cautiously.
A few seconds later, Miranda and Glover's faces appeared outside the car window.
"A certain civilian who caught up from behind somehow figured out our identity and slipped into the separation line of the Emerald City guards." Glover was a little embarrassed and felt guilty for leaking his whereabouts. "We are behind now.
, I want to give you a gift with a shy face."
Miranda took over:
"The terrifying Lord Limarios is leading people to check his entourage one by one, but in my opinion, it shouldn't be an assassin, at least not him himself."
A civilian saw my identity?
"Decline the gift and persuade him to go back, but comfort him and don't reveal too much," Thales shook his head and said, "Also, let Mallos take it easy during the interrogation. Before arriving at Kongming Palace, we still maintain
Low profile.”
Giving gifts?
Hey, I'm a newbie here, and my hatred is as deep as the sea. Who knows what "gift" Zhan En has prepared for me.
"Of course, Your Highness." Glover nodded and left.
The commotion outside the carriage continued, but Thales quickly captured the formulaic tone of Logistics Officer Shitan from his hell sense:
"Thank you very much for your enthusiasm, sir. We have communicated your thoughts to His Highness, and he is very grateful. But unfortunately, we cannot drink alcohol due to official duties, and His Highness is not good at drinking, but you don't have to be discouraged...
…”
Not good for drinking.
Thales thought of something and frowned.
"Miranda Karen?"
"Well, you guys, you'd better go and collect the wine," Thales sighed at them, "Just don't drink, and don't appear too enthusiastic."
Glover nodded and accepted the order without hesitation, but Miranda paused:
"Can I ask why?"
Thales was silent for a while.
"Because...as the Duke of Star Lake, I cannot help but drink."
Miranda's eyes moved, but she didn't say anything.
"Wait a minute, what's that person's name?"
Glover was stunned and was about to go back and ask for his name when Miranda spoke calmly:
"Moss, Your Highness. His name is Dagori Moss, and he seems to be here to participate in the Emerald Celebration."
Dagory Moss.
At that moment, Thales' smile disappeared.
"Dagory Moss," the Duke of Star Lake muttered this name, his eyes becoming colder and colder, "Do you think he was brought from the central government, and he happened to be a patriotic, considerate employee?
A big wine merchant who unfortunately lost money and went bankrupt, right?"
Glover frowned and was about to ask for details, but Miranda raised her eyebrows: "I don't know if he is patriotic and considerate of his employees, and I don't know if he is losing money or going bankrupt. However, he just introduced himself.
He did say that he is the honorary director of the Central Wine Merchants Guild."
Glover had a meal:
"Your Highness, do you know him?"
Thales looked out the window in concentration.
"No, I don't know him."
But he changed the subject:
"We kept a low profile along the way. How did he see through our identities and come to us?"
Glover was speechless after hearing this.
"My negligence, Your Highness, should be that I was too obvious when setting up the formation in the past few days."
Thales smiled and shook his head.
"No, believe me, it's not your negligence. But why don't you drink if you have wine?"
Miranda and Glover looked at each other.
Thales put away his books and documents, opened the door and stepped out of the carriage: "Go and invite Mr. Moss and let him come to see me."
Miranda stared at him:
"Can I ask again why?"
Thales raised his head and smiled brightly:
"Because I can't wait any longer."
"The latest news is that he is here."
In a dark and dim room covered by thick curtains, a figure held a candle and opened the door with a deep voice:
"The No. 2 big shot has arrived in the Emerald City."
The dim candlelight reflected a dining table in the room.
"finally!"
A dark figure lying on the dining table struggled to get up, stretched, and rubbed a sword in his hand: "I can't wait for so many days!"
"Big shot number two," a third voice said from the end of the table, "what does he have?"
The candlelight flickered, and there was a deathly silence in the room.
"everything."
Above the main seat, the fourth dark figure raised his head and spoke quietly, as if in a dream:
"Fame, power, status, and subordinates, he has everything."
The shadow stroking the sword and the last shadow fell silent.
"The number two man is light and simple."
Beside the door, the black figure holding a candle said calmly:
"But the power around us should not be underestimated. They are well-protected and watertight. They are also masters of the Royal Guards in the Fuxing Palace. They are sharp, alert, and unfathomable."
The shadow holding the sword and the shadow in the last position looked at each other.
"The royal guard team?"
The fifth voice was cold and hoarse, sounding from the corner of the room, causing a sound of chains.
This sound made everyone in the room tremble.
"I remember."
Amidst the rustling of chains, a pair of glowing eyes emerged from the darkness and sneered sinisterly:
"A long time ago, I killed one."
Everyone in the room seemed to be afraid of this voice. When he finished speaking, no one answered for a long time.
After a long time, the person holding the candle spoke carefully:
"Thankfully, we found no trace of the extreme masters. Obviously the Flower of the Fortress is not in the team, and neither is the Wrath of the Kingdom."
"Happy?"
The people in the corner sneered, causing the metal to squeak:
"It's still a pity?"
Everyone in the room resisted the desire to look into the corner.
"In short, we still have to be cautious. After all, we are the Bright Star Royal Family, and we can never be too careful." The person holding the candle whispered.
"Hahahahahaha, number two... Look at your frightened looks. Why, will it be more difficult than number one?" The cold laughter in the corner sounded again:
"Or maybe, I should kill you first to avoid bad things?"
As soon as this statement came out, everyone was stunned.
Until the dreamlike voice came from the head seat of the dinner table:
"Shh..."
"Listen."
"Did you hear that?"
The others were all stunned.
I saw the dark figure on the main seat tilting his head, putting his palms against his ears, closing his eyes and listening in the candlelight:
"The city is whispering."
"She opens her arms and warns everyone who comes here."
"Whispers?" The black figure in the corner said disdainfully, causing a burst of noise, "Did you mean to fuck you all?"
The other three frowned.
Only the dark shadow in the main position ignored it and continued to be immersed in its own world:
"Emerald City, she said..."
"It's better to die for the sake of friends than to die for the sake of enemies." He said this slowly.
no answer.
Including the dark shadow in the corner.
"Really," the dark figure on the main seat said softly, as cautiously as if coaxing a baby: "Our beloved His Highness Thales?"