Chapter 648: Emerald Mystery City (Part 1)

In year 127 of the Calendar of Eradication, "Eight-Fingers" Horace stood out from competition with several brothers and successfully crowned himself the sixth supreme king of Stars, becoming Horace the First.

As a political enemy who had been at odds with Eight-Fingers for many years, the respected prime minister of the kingdom, Duke Cork Covendier, was furious when he learned that his daughter would be married far to the north by the new king. Already hating the king, he angrily left the capital, returned to Jade City, shut his gates, refused envoys, and ignored royal orders. Court officials urged him to put state affairs first, but Duke Cork declared before the ministers, "Missing two fingers does not stop one from eating."

Having only recently been crowned, the Eight-Fingered King suffered the prime minister's opposition and ridicule. His dignity swept away and his face lost, he could not help becoming enraged.

In response, Horace the First personally led troops out of the city and announced that he would go south to "hunt." He advanced on every road, ferry, and even sea route leading to Jade City, forming an encirclement around the Covendier family. Ministers and princes urged him not to rashly start a war, but the king claimed that he was not fighting, merely "waiting for an old boar to enter the enclosure."

When news returned to Jade City, Prime Minister Cork first slammed the table in anger, then laughed three times. "Only someone who cannot grip a sword hilt fears war." He immediately had his eldest son take the family banner across the South Coast, conscripting soldiers and preparing fully for war, with one unified slogan:

The Covendiers do not perish by enemies.

When the royal camp received the intelligence, the Eight-Fingered King, who was eating at the time, remained calm. He finished his meal, finished reading, finished discussing political affairs, and even examined the princes' studies before returning to his tent. Just as the ministers breathed a sigh of relief, a written order was handed out from King Horace's tent: the general summons of Stars was here, calling upon hundreds and thousands of nobles to serve the king and punish rebels.

Horace the First and Prime Minister Cork were both heroes of their era, but they were equally proud and arrogant. Back and forth, not only did neither side agree to lower its head first, misunderstandings and old grievances deepened further and further.

King Horace summoned the nobles, and Duke Cork sharpened weapons and fed horses. The nine-pointed star's sentries advanced one foot, and the iris scouts pressed out ten inches. The king reviewed troops in the wilderness, and the prime minister swore an oath below the city. The Jadestar military camp transported several cloud ladders, and Jade City rolled out an equal number of defensive crossbows. The royal army marched out in thousands and surrounded the region for a hundred miles to hunt, so the Covendiers held knight tournaments and publicly selected generals.

In year 128 of the Calendar of Eradication, the confrontation between the two sides grew increasingly tense, and room for maneuver became increasingly narrow. The nobles forced to choose sides all felt endangered and suffered greatly.

After the Three Stars split, because of two heroes standing at the peak of power, the Kingdom of Stars once again walked to the edge of division and civil war.

------

"Two idiots."

Thales snapped shut the sixth chapter of Records of Emerald Mystery City.

"They were fucking toxic."

Over the past few days, Thales's schedule had been to tour Jade City under Warning Officer Cacqueray's guidance, from the Craftsmen District to the Gilding District, from the Canal District to the Glory District, from observing workshops and factories producing various goods to meeting representative figures of different guilds.

Just as he had agreed with Zayen, on the surface, their relationship was still poor, even hostile.

The day before yesterday, at a religious meal in the Sunset Temple, an old priest of the Sunset Temple hinted in his words that "only civilized and pious marriages receive the blessing of the Sunset Goddess," then began speaking at length about the barbaric backwardness of Eckstedtian beliefs and customs. Zayen sat in the main seat, swirling his wine cup with a smile that was not a smile. In response, Thales asked in confusion whether Duke Zayen not being married until now meant he was uncivilized or impious. Or whether Duke Falkenhausen of the Western Desert marrying a wife from the Northland meant he was uncivilized or impious.

Not long after they arrived, Emerald Palace's guards had expressed that for safety's sake, unless the Duke of Star Lake was going out, his followers should not freely enter and leave the main palace. Their time outside should be restricted, their routes registered, and preferably accompanied by assigned personnel. Thales expressed understanding, then began a schedule of accompanying his subordinates in and out of Emerald Palace twenty times in one day. The reasons ranged from "accompanying Miss Miranda out for a walk," "the Glover family has the odd habit of walking before and after meals," "this meal must be eaten while walking," "Lord Mallos needs to buy some local specialties," to "sending a subordinate to see whether there are little stuffed bears for sale." Warning Officer Cacqueray and Second Lieutenant Cherki, who were responsible for the duke's security, along with the warning hall and Jade Legion, spent every minute rushing around scouting ahead and arranging routes, suffering beyond words. Two days later, Butler Ashford came to find Thales with a smile and told the prince that his attendants and guards could freely leave the palace gates.

As for the wine merchant arrested by the Jade Legion on the first day, Dagori Moss had escaped disaster, but was still imprisoned and had not been released. Thales had no choice but to send people to inquire, but the prison staff said all kinds of polite and unpleasant things without letting go, and did not allow visits. Whenever asked, the answer was, "This is Lord Zayen's order." Thales once hinted to Zayen that if they wanted to perform well for the Secret Intelligence Department, it would be best to keep Dagori alive, to prevent them from seeing through the flaw. But Zayen told him that given the things Dagori had done, compared with outside, prison was safer for him right now.

Time passed day by day like this. Guests from the Seven Seas gathered in the South Coast, and Jade City became more and more lively. Everywhere was packed with people. Thales could no longer conveniently go out, and could only listen every day to news his subordinates brought back, then sit around waiting to die amid Mallos's daily poisonous mockery.

As for the long-haired head ghost he had seen that day, it never appeared again. Full of doubt, Thales did not want to go ask Zayen and invite humiliation.

"Oh? Perhaps it truly was the ancestral spirit of Covendier's Ancestor Rock manifesting, wanting to invite Your Highness down as company? Coincidentally, I know a shortcut. Do you see that tall watchtower?"

Thales shook his head as he imagined Zayen swirling a wine cup in that punchable manner.

He wanted to ask Butler Ashford indirectly, but the latter always smiled and answered everything except the question.

"Is that so? So there are no ghosts in Emerald Palace... how enviable, Your Highness..."

Until the Emerald Celebration was right before their eyes.

At this moment, the Duke of Star Lake sat in a lounge inside Emerald Palace. He put down the book in his hand, straightened his banquet formalwear, which was novel in style, well-cut, light, and comfortable on the body, and patted the nine-pointed star emblem on his cuff.

Jade City's Tailors' Guild had sent Thales their best team of tailors, recommending seven sets of finished banquet clothes with different styles and cuts. Compared with the Jadestar royal family's exclusive tailor, Master Damon, who was said to charge enough for one commission to equal eight months of Scholar Julio's salary, where they won was not luxury or craftsmanship, but simplicity without losing style, low-key without losing character. Thales was quite satisfied.

Good goods and good work. Why were they all in Jade City?

Filthy rich.

"Tonight's occasion is quite important," Mallos wore dark formalwear, almost identical to his usual guard uniform. "The Strife Banquet is..."

"It is the traditional grand feast on the night before Queen's Day, held by the Covendier family in Emerald Palace to announce the beginning of the Emerald Celebration and open Jade City's week-long citywide carnival. There are many heavyweight guests at the banquet, including dignitaries from various countries and agents of different powers. It cannot be taken lightly. Thank you, Thor, for repeating that in my ear for the fifteenth time!"

"Yes," Mallos said, somewhat displeased. He examined Thales's appearance. "Are you certain these formal clothes..."

"Free!"

Komuto, also dressed impressively, hurriedly followed up.

"The major proprietors of the Tailors' Guild were so grateful to receive this opportunity, especially after learning that Young Master Wya's father is..."

"Hey, be clear!" Wya, standing before the mirror and unable no matter what he tried to hide his single-edged sword inside his coat, turned back unhappily. "Which Wya?"

"Do not worry, sir." Logistics Officer Stour sat behind the table, writing in his ledger with high spirits. "Since coming to Jade City, not only have our living costs greatly decreased, we even have income. The money on the accounts now is enough for us to last until Star Lake Castle even if no one receives us on the way back. Your Highness, are you truly not considering the marriage with Miss Covendier?"

"That still requires me to be able to see her. And no. Not considering it." Thales said irritably.

"Strife Banquet, Strife Banquet." Doyle frowned while arranging his boots. "The South Coasters name things stranger and stranger. Hey, Corpse, why are you still in uniform?"

"Because I am not attending the banquet." Glover, standing by the door, said coldly.

"Queen's Day has meaning. It commemorates the first queen produced by the Covendier family, Regina," Second Vanguard Officer Oskerson, who had grown up on the South Coast, said. "The seven-day celebration traditionally reenacts different parts of that grand wedding from several hundred years ago. The Strife Banquet is the first part: the first time the prince saw Regina's father, at that tense banquet..."

"I do not understand." Nessie's voice came from the other side of the room. "Why does the first part not begin with the prince and Regina, but insist on beginning with two men?"

"Because it commemorates a wedding, a marriage alliance." Paul walked in from outside, well dressed and dignified. "Not love. Emerald Palace's people are urging us, Your Highness."

"Are those not the same?"

"Of course not," Doyle said lazily. "Love can have girls in it, but a marriage alliance can only have men."

"Everyone, old rules. No alcohol, eat lightly." The moment Mallos's order came out, it unsurprisingly received a wave of disappointed sighs. "Stay alert. This is not the capital. There is no Royal Guard nearby able to reinforce us quickly."

"Yes, as if they took such good care of us last time..." Doyle muttered unhappily.

"I have reviewed the guest list for the Strife Banquet. From domestic nobles to foreign princes, even powers beyond the coastline, all are present. I think they each have their own goals and are not merely visiting Jade City as tourists," Mallos explained in a low voice.

"I know. They came because of the reputation," Wya snorted coldly. "To see His Highness."

"Not only that," Paul added. "For many powers, Jade City is an ideal, efficient, and safe neutral negotiation ground."

"Especially during the Emerald Celebration, when every side gathers here, Your Highness," a young lady in formal dress stepped into the room and explained everyone's confusion. "Whatever you want to discuss can be handled face to face. No need to wait for a letter crow to fly over and back."

Everyone froze for a moment and exchanged glances. How had a stranger been allowed to barge in?

The girl before them wore beautiful light makeup and had her hair arranged in a distinctive style, making her neck look long and graceful. Two carefully styled curls fell from either side, adding a bit of prettiness. The dark silk on her body reflected flowing light. Combined with her tall figure and dignified bearing, she was stunning at first sight.

"My lady," Doyle was the first to react. He stepped forward politely and bowed. "This is His Highness Thales's lounge. Did you perhaps walk into the wrong..."

Thud!

Doyle froze. A longsword was held in a hand wearing a black glove, its hilt pressing against his chest.

"Stop playing!"

The cold beauty before him pushed him back with the sword hilt and said unhappily:

"We are here to work."

Everyone froze again.

Only Thales looked at that familiar sword and instantly reacted, crying out in surprise:

"Mira?"

Holy shit.

Everyone in the room trembled together.

"Your Highness," the pretty beauty's gaze chilled, revealing a faint killing intent that did not match the luxurious formal dress on her body. "Do you have instructions?"

The gorgeous girl before them, banquet-version Miranda, withdrew Eagle翔. The longsword spun back and forth over her black glove, but she ultimately failed to find the familiar sword belt and hook. The girl of House Arunde could only frown and, for now, hold the sword in her hand.

Wow.

Thales blinked. He had not expected this girl to look so beautiful when dressed up.

"I know, it is ugly."

Miranda uncomfortably tugged at her gemstone earring.

"Yes, for ease of movement, I cut short the back hem that dragged on the floor. Damn it, I still cannot run in it. Ah, this earring is truly cumbersome. Those two little brats must be playing tricks on me. Sigh, forget it. I will go change out of it..."

Everyone instantly reacted and hurriedly waved and shook their heads.

"No, no, no!"

"No need to change!"

"This is good!"

"Very good!"

"It suits House Arunde's bearing very well!"

"It does not embarrass His Highness!"

"It is... acceptable."

"..."

Amid everyone's shouting, Ralf snorted disdainfully and lowered his head to press his mask.

Under Miranda's suspicious gaze, everyone in the room subconsciously began straightening clothes, sitting upright, or looking solemn.

As though they had all grown up in an instant.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk." Logistics Officer Stour sat on the table, writing in his ledger while clicking his tongue. "Heh. Men."

Glover said nothing and turned to leave.

"Where are you going, Corpse?" Doyle asked in confusion.

Without turning his head, Glover squeezed out a few muffled words:

"Change into formalwear."

But Thales looked at Miranda and frowned.

"But, Mira, in that outfit, how will you carry your sword?"

Miranda sighed.

"I know. I originally wanted to wear something that could carry a weapon, even a small knife, but they actually told me there was no such thing..."

"It is fine, my lady." Doyle suddenly appeared before her, his face sincere. "I can help you hold the sword. All night."

Miranda instinctively stepped back, holding Eagle翔 to her chest, and looked at him strangely.

"Me too!" Nessie's eyes lit up, and he squeezed in.

"Uh, aren't you two being a little..." Wya frowned.

"I will do it," Glover's voice came from the changing room, rather hesitant. "I mean, I will stand in the corner tonight."

"You need not bear guard duties, my lady, because a group of nobles will revolve around you, and you will have no free hand. But if you insist," Paul Bozdorf expressionlessly straightened his collar and extended his right hand, "my status allows me to stand closer to you."

"My lady, I can stay by your side all night..."

"The lady is right. Guarding His Highness is our duty..."

"Strange." Stour added darkly from behind. "Usually no one wants to help carry swords, or even luggage."

This...

Unable to bear watching the room full of strutting peacocks, Thales sighed long and shook his head.

"Men."

"Silence." Mallos tried hard to shout everyone back, but it clearly had little effect. "If there is truly a need, it makes no difference who holds the sword..."

Amid the chaos and noise, Miranda's expression grew increasingly ugly.

Several seconds later, she suddenly stepped forward, making everyone quiet.

Countless gazes looked toward her expectantly.

"Officer Mallos." Unexpectedly, Miranda came before the Watchman. Eagle翔 turned over her glove and was offered flat before him. "May I trouble you to keep this for me?"

Amid countless disbelieving gazes, Mallos looked back at her in surprise.

"I, I can appoint someone in the party to help..."

"But I heard that you have much experience in how to use blades and swords, including sharp blades, correct?" Miranda stood before Mallos, her gaze bright, her appearance even more radiant.

Ah? How to use sharp blades?

Mallos froze again.

"Somewhat." Under the room's complicated gazes, Mallos, somewhat baffled, coughed and still accepted Eagle翔. "I know a little. A little."

Miranda watched the way he accepted the longsword, and her gaze moved slightly.

"Then I entrust Eagle翔 to you, Tomond Mallos." Miranda looked at him as if looking at prey. "I hope that one day, I can seek instruction from you."

Under a room full of envious gazes, Mallos only felt something was strange.

He reacted to something and looked toward his subordinates.

Thales, at the back, naturally lifted his book and firmly covered his face.

Miranda looked at the disappointed expressions of the others and suddenly smiled, like spring returning to the earth.

"I know what you are thinking."

"And this is why I hate wearing this thing."

Her expression turned cold.

"What, have none of you ever seen a woman?"

Everyone was startled, but Miranda had already turned and walked decisively out of the room.

"Do not forget the time!"

"Um..." Doyle still wanted to explain, but immediately froze.

He was not the only one. The others were the same.

At the instant Miranda turned, an ugly, ferocious blade scar was clearly visible on her smooth back shoulder.

It emerged from beneath the light silk, slicing across skin, passing over the shoulder, reaching the back of her neck, then climbing upward like a centipede into her hair, even taking away a small patch of hair and exposing scalp.

Miranda vanished from sight.

But the appearance of that scar was like a heavy hammer striking a deep note, shattering the intoxicating dream of spring and ruining every imagined beauty, completely at odds with the bright and elegant formal dress.

"A Northlander's weapon," Mallos's voice woke everyone up. "Only that would leave such a scar."

He lowered his head and felt Eagle翔 in his hand. His gaze was no longer the same.

"I guess that is not the only one."

The people in the room regained life and began performing their duties. No one continued to chatter idly.

"Wow," Wya sighed. "How did she survive?"

"You know, that thing," Doyle shrugged awkwardly. "I have one too."

Behind everyone, Thales lowered his gaze and reopened Records of Emerald Mystery City.

------

At the critical moment when King Horace and Prime Minister Cork refused to yield to each other, the royal family and the Iris stood with swords drawn, and the kingdom was in extreme danger, a young man set out alone and entered the precarious Jade City.

Using clever means, he first joined the Covendier family's knight tournament, then fought his way through challenge after challenge. Only in the finals did he narrowly lose to the duke's eldest son, also winning his opponent's respect. Thus he was able to join many knights in the ranks of "Covendier does not perish by enemies."

When Duke Cork asked him at the banquet what reward he wanted, the young man cast aside his disguise and revealed his family crest, shocking everyone present. The Third Prince, Hayman Jadestar, had personally come to Jade City, begging Duke Cork and His Majesty the king to turn enemies into friends and reconcile as before.

Prince Hayman was elegant in appearance, refined in speech, swift in skill, and extraordinarily courageous. With the duke's eldest son's guarantee as well, he was greatly appreciated by Duke Cork. But how could the proud and stubborn prime minister soften before a mere youth? His words refused to give even an inch, until Hayman, who had first offered courtesy and then force, put away his smile, laid out the royal family's dignity, and revealed a threat exactly like his father's.

Right at the banquet, his people had already kidnapped Duke Cork's beloved daughter, Miss Regina. If the duke did not obey, the Covendiers' cherished daughter would lose her head.

Duke Cork and his son were furious, and the South Coast knights were equally enraged. The duke's eldest son personally seized this vile man who had disgraced the prince's identity and forced him to reveal Miss Regina's hiding place.

But when the duke and knights, anxious to save the daughter, arrived at the location, they saw Miss Regina standing perfectly fine before the house. She smiled and opened the door. From inside walked an angry old man with only eight fingers and a crown on his head.

Amid shock and astonishment, the Eight-Fingered King of Stars, Horace the First, told Duke Cork with great reluctance:

He felt that missing two fingers truly was somewhat inconvenient.

Looking at His Majesty the king standing before him, then at Prince Hayman, beaten black and blue, and his daughter, whose face was full of complaint, Duke Cork understood and was deeply moved. He threw away his longsword and admitted his fault, helped the king onto his own mount, then ordered the city gates opened wide. With the highest rites, he welcomed the supreme king into Jade City.

Thus the kingdom pulled back from the edge. A crisis that might have brought disastrous consequences was resolved there.