Chapter 656: Weathering the Cold Together

If one set aside the experiences and states of mind of the parties involved, the previous night's Strife Banquet was undoubtedly very successful. It was grand in scale, thorough in hospitality, honored in guests, and lively in atmosphere. The final celebration fireworks were dreamlike, and most of the guests who visited Emerald Palace left satisfied and delighted.

In addition, as the kingdom's heir, Duke Thales' visit from afar proved the depth and foundation of Jade City, and even the entire South Coast, within the kingdom. It gave Duke Zayen and the Covendier family great face.

As for Lady Hilley's formal attendance and finale appearance, that was an even brighter stroke of color. She amazed everyone, provoked an intense response, and was praised and discussed with relish by attendees from all seas and directions, setting off a fashion trend that was both mysterious and natural.

And from the moment Duke Zayen announced the beginning of the celebration at midnight, all of Jade City entered the rhythm of revelry.

Taverns and inns were packed full. The owners had no choice but to add seats outside, bring out the food and wine they had stored three months in advance, and launch promotional deals that looked like discounts, along with luxury packages that looked like privileges. Bards walked into the streets, and in crowded places, a wave of the hand and the start of a tune could summon a chorus in all sorts of accents, forcing even more people to join in so they could drown out those out-of-tune wails. Even street performers with poor skills and worse professionalism could earn applause and a few comforting coppers, as long as their voices were loud enough, they sang and danced, their attitude was sincere, and they greeted everyone with smiles.

Market vendors set up new stalls focused on festive and congratulatory goods, heating up business with the atmosphere. Earning bowls and basins full of money was no longer a dream. Patrol officers in the dock district increased noticeably to handle drunken foreigners causing trouble and getting into fights. That was the polite way of putting it, because most of the time it was locals getting drunk. In the Goddess District, theater and circus owners worked with all their might, building stages at crossroads only a few steps from their competitors. For twenty-four hours, different batches of performers took turns appearing and vying to perform, staging their most important signature acts of the year in the cruelest yet most dreamlike way. The people stopping around them, and the frequency of their cheers, became the most primitive and direct evaluation, as well as the reward playwrights and actors most longed for in their lives.

Children rarely broke free of the restrictions of home and rushed into the streets in groups, playing and making mischief. They begged some food here and swiped a trinket there. As long as they did not go too far, bosses and stall owners pretended not to see. The children even chased the green-caps' horses and followed the patrol officers when they went out on calls. During this special time, the helpless public servants could only laugh it off. Husbands and wives, lovers, and families held hands and went out to play, some festive, some excited, some elegant, and some dignified. The various programs along the way could keep them from returning home even at midnight.

Once night came, even the poorest households wanted to light their brightest lamps, smiling as they told family members going out to play to return late, wishing for a future of limitless brightness and excellent prospects. Wealthy households set off endless fireworks, illuminating streets and districts at the cost of disturbing sleep, decorating the celebration and flaunting wealth. The fire brigades in the patrol halls had no choice but to run back and forth behind the green-caps' horses, cursing the people who set off fireworks in forbidden areas while secretly rejoicing that the rewards for calls and overtime during the celebration were five to ten times the usual amount.

"Stop talking," Wya said with a worried face, poking Neshy, who had just returned from outside and was excitedly talking with spit flying. "Can you not see it?"

Ahead of them, Thales had both hands braced on the windowsill. He glared fixedly at the lively and noisy districts of Jade City, his expression so dark it looked ready to drip water.

"Oh, right. His Highness seems... not very happy again?" Neshy lowered his voice and reacted.

"It appears so. Why did you say 'again'?"

"Hmm. Is it because he was quite satisfied with that lady at first sight, so now he is worrying in reverse about how to make up for the trouble he caused these days and repair his relationship with his future brother-in-law?" Doyle said, holding a bag of meat-floss cakes he had bought from the market. He leaned in from outside and handed one to each person.

"Nonsense. Is His Highness that kind of person?" Wya swallowed and accepted the cake.

"Of course not."

Doyle spoke righteously, then his expression changed.

"But her family really is rich. Just look at last night's banquet. That food was called luxury..."

Just then, Mallos pushed open the door. Following him in were Glover and Miranda, as well as Officer Cacquere and other patrol officers who served as Thales' guides and travel security.

Wya hurriedly stood straight, tossed the cake he had bitten back into Doyle's bag, and threw the bag to Neshy. Neshy frantically looked for somewhere to hide the bag, but unfortunately, Mallos still saw it.

Thales turned back from the windowsill, his expression grave.

"Mira, Zombie, I am sorry. Thank you for making this trip."

Glover nodded and was just about to speak.

"Not at all, Your Highness." Miranda, who had taken off her formal dress and changed back into her daily clothes, looked radiant. "Better than the banquet."

Zombie frowned.

"I... yes."

Thales turned to the guest.

"Officer Cacquere, thank you for taking them to the prison."

Officer Cacquere beamed.

"During the Emerald Celebration, my duty is to provide convenience to Your Highness. Whatever you need, command me as you wish."

Thales nodded, then looked at Miranda and Glover.

"How was it?"

"His wrist was cut," Miranda summarized. "Last night, around the time the celebration fireworks were set off, Dagori Moss sat in the corner of his cell the entire time. His blood flowed down the wall into the waste channel, so no one noticed. By the time the jailers and fellow prisoners discovered him, he was already cold."

Thales frowned.

"Was it suicide?"

Glover snorted coldly.

"That is what the prison guards believe."

Cacquere hurriedly added,

"Right, a sharpened piece of wood was found in Moss' arms. It was very likely broken from the handle of some tableware. It was stained with blood, evidence that he cut his wrist."

Thales was silent for a long while.

"Evidence?"

The prince said in a low voice, "Or misdirection left behind by someone else?"

Those words made everyone's mood sink.

Officer Cacquere had heard this much and could not help saying,

"Right. The jailers said Moss had been very depressed these days. He knew what he had done, and knew even more that once he was caught, nothing good would come of it. Rather than suffer while alive and implicate his family, it was better to..."

Thales' expression did not change.

"Just like that? Suicide out of fear of punishment?"

Glover snorted coldly.

"No. Those jailers are lying."

Cacquere's expression changed.

"The scene looked like suicide, but there are many doubtful points."

Miranda stepped forward and extended her wrist, demonstrating for Thales.

"There are two arteries in the human wrist, one shallow and one deep, on the thumb side and little-finger side respectively. Most people who cut their wrists to commit suicide can only cut the shallow branch on the thumb side. The bleeding is not fast, and if they are found in time, they can still be saved."

"But the wound on Moss' hand was deep enough to see bone. It even cut through the deeper artery, causing a large amount of bleeding in a short time, both quiet and effective."

Miranda tapped her wrist.

"Let alone the fact that what he had was only a sharpened wooden piece, even if he used a metal blade..."

At this point, she glanced at Mallos, leaving the latter inexplicably baffled again.

"It would require a skilled and forceful technique, and more importantly, the courage to be ruthless."

Glover's eyes were sharp.

"But that wine merchant had neither."

Thales' expression was grave. He exchanged a glance with Mallos.

"Is that so."

Hearing this, Officer Cacquere became somewhat embarrassed. He hesitated again and again, but finally took a deep breath and chose to speak.

"Actually, just now in the prison, I could not say too much in front of my colleagues. But since that is the case, Your Highness, yes. Lady Arunde is right."

Thales' gaze moved.

"Officer Cacquere?"

"Before I was transferred to the patrol hall, I also worked in the prison. I have seen such situations many times," Cacquere sighed. "When prisoners die unexpectedly under guard, many jailers will present a united story in order to shirk responsibility and keep their jobs, insisting it was suicide. I think that wine merchant's death was very likely murder, then disguised as suicide."

Thales' eyes moved.

"In your view, who did it?"

Cacquere hesitated for a while.

"When Moss died, the prisoners present were all habitual petty thieves. They enter prison once every few months. And during the few days after Moss was imprisoned, they happened to come in again. Quite a coincidence."

"You mean they did it? Why?"

Cacquere coughed.

"According to colleagues at the patrol hall who investigated Moss' case, that wine merchant ruined many people's lives. Most of them were workers owed wages, farmers owed money, and business partners who lost everything. After Moss arrived in Jade City, he ate and dressed splendidly, with people clearing the way and trailing behind him, yet he was unwilling to pay even a single copper to them."

Thales' gaze became somewhat distant.

"Yes. He did owe quite a few people."

Cacquere continued,

"But Jade City's laws are strict. Moss was too cunning, and he could afford defense lawyers. Besides, he had previously greased palms up and down, contacted old friends, and attached himself to powerful people. Perhaps his enemies knew that even if he went before the tribunal, they would not be able to get justice..."

Thales' thoughts stirred.

"So they simply took the risk and killed him for revenge?"

Cacquere shook his head.

"I dare not say whether it was for revenge or debt collection, whether it was intentional murder or impulsive murder, but it likely has something to do with them."

Someone nearby could not help speaking.

"They dared kill someone in Jade City? And in prison?"

"Precisely because it was in Jade City, and in prison."

Cacquere bowed.

"This is shameful to say, but the Blood Bottle Gang and the Brotherhood both have such channels. If they want someone to disappear, they cannot act on the street, because the consequences are endless. So they usually trick the person to the docks and make it look like they fell into the water while drunk, to avoid investigation. And once someone is in prison, it is even more different. Suicide out of fear of punishment is a good cover."

Mallos suddenly asked,

"So Moss' enemies hired someone to kill him?"

Cacquere nodded and admitted,

"At present, it appears so. But how should I put it? If he had not attached himself to powerful people and jumped up and down, perhaps he would not have been so unlucky."

"Why?" Thales asked strangely.

Cacquere glanced at Thales.

"Moss' case involves many sides. According to convention, he should have been locked alone in a dark cell and interrogated harshly. But due to his relationship with Your Highness..."

"Prince Thales has no relationship with him," Mallos reminded him expressionlessly. "They only met on the road, nothing more."

Officer Cacquere immediately changed his wording.

"Of course. In short, this wine merchant was transferred to a temporary cell for light offenders. His treatment was not bad. He had three meals, could eat his fill, had people to talk to, and could be let out at set times. And now, as you see, something happened."

Thales' gaze slowly focused.

"If you... if Jade City's patrol hall investigates further, can you find the person who hired the killer?"

Cacquere first nodded, then showed difficulty.

"If we wanted to find them, of course we could. But, Your Highness..."

Thales looked at him.

"To say something unpleasant, a scoundrel like Moss, who usually lorded over others, exploited workers, and when things looked bad, took the money and fled, ruining countless families and scattering wives and children, could be said to have deserved it." The patrol officer coughed. "Your Highness has already suffered once because of him. Why step into this muddy water again? Whether for Moss himself, or those he harmed, or even those he might have harmed in the future, he is better dead than alive."

"For the patrol hall as well, yes?" Thales suddenly said.

Cacquere was a little puzzled, but Thales quickly smiled and signaled Komuto to see the guest out.

"I understand. Thank you very much for your help, Officer."

After Cacquere left the room, Thales let out a long sigh.

"So, Moss died because of a revenge killing, and it was hired murder. Do you believe that?"

Everyone exchanged looks.

Miranda kept watching the direction Cacquere had left. Hearing this, she snorted lightly.

"That patrol officer is very slippery. No wonder he was assigned to be your guide."

"Mira?"

Miranda turned back.

"He is very familiar with those jailers. He brought us in with ease, and when Glover and I questioned them, he always came out to smooth things over and excuse them.

"As for just now, the moment he saw that we judged Moss did not kill himself, he immediately changed direction, put on the look of someone who had reluctantly made up his mind to tell Your Highness the truth, and told a reasonable, convenient, low-effort story. Hired revenge killing. It absolves the jailers and puts an end to the case."

She folded her arms.

"In the middle of it, he did not forget to slip in a hint that Moss ended up like this because he was too close to Your Highness?"

Thales shrugged.

Mallos sighed.

"I suppose no one wants to handle a murder case during the celebration, especially not one involving a sensitive person caught between a duke and a prince, with dereliction by officials and out-of-town economic disputes mixed in."

"As for his inference, no, the story he told..."

Miranda rubbed her black gloves, her gaze shifting slightly.

"A revenge killing means they no longer need to spend effort investigating motive in order to verify evidence, because everything comes from old grudges Moss caused for himself in the past. Hired murder means that even if the 'killer' they eventually find has no grudge against Moss, they can still convict and close the case, because it was a hired killing anyway."

"If the matter must be pursued, this should be the explanation that best matches everyone's interests."

Komuto closed the door and sighed softly.

"No wonder Jade City's major patrol halls are known for efficiency, speed, and high clearance rates. Seeing it today truly makes one's colleagues envious."

He spread his hands.

"And he really is following rules and law. How does that saying go? 'Jade City believes in justice and law'?"

"Perhaps precisely because it believes too much," Mallos said, his gaze flickering. "Law and justice are always mentioned together and treated as equivalents. That is not wrong in itself, and it is indeed the most ideal state. But in reality..."

The Watchman did not continue.

"'If one believes too much in law, justice risks being ignored. If one is too superstitious about justice, law risks being trampled.'"

Everyone turned at once and looked at Wya, who had spoken, incomparably surprised.

"Durant Embish, Custom by Agreement and Law by Habit." Wya came back to himself and was baffled by everyone's gazes. "I have recently been preparing for the Royal Guards' entry exam. This is part of the moral studies reference list. What is wrong? Do none of you read while off duty?"

Glover frowned and rolled his eyes. Ralf snorted disdainfully, while Neshy unconsciously shifted his position and blocked the cake bag under his feet even more tightly.

Komuto shook his head and muttered softly,

"As expected of the son of the Caso family."

"All right. Let us return to the main issue."

Thales sighed and took out the little cloth bear.

"Who killed Moss? Why? And what effect does it have on us?"

Glover took a deep breath.

"The person who wanted to kill him..."

But Miranda spoke from the other side.

"According to what you said, Moss was someone who secretly handled matters and gathered money for Jade City. Now that he failed and knew too much, it would be reasonable for the Duke of the Iris Flowers to silence him."

Glover's expression stiffened.

Thales nodded.

Yes, that was reasonable.

But was that all?

Thales could not help remembering the girl from last night.

Moreover, Moss had another identity. An identity that could not be announced to the public.

"But Zayen promised me," Thales frowned. "He said he would leave Moss alive and observe him."

"Perhaps, but that was before Lady Hilley appeared," someone answered instinctively.

But he soon realized that everyone had turned toward him, their eyes meaningful. Among them, the prince's gaze was especially unusual.

"Uh, sorry." The speaker had no choice but to retreat a step.

"Perhaps we should not investigate too deeply."

Unexpectedly, the one who spoke was Mallos.

"Forgive me for speaking frankly. In the eyes of the public, Moss was imprisoned as a 'merchant following beside the prince,'" the Watchman said cautiously. "Now that he is dead, for Your Highness, it may not be a bad thing."

"And if we investigate too deeply... I fear we will earn a bad reputation again."

Investigate too deeply...

But Thales thought of something.

"Cacquere said Moss died around midnight last night?"

Miranda nodded.

"That is what they said."

"At that time, was Emerald Palace setting off fireworks?"

Mallos frowned.

"What is it?"

Thales took a deep breath.

"Cacquere also said Moss had greased palms up and down in Jade City, contacted old friends, and attached himself to powerful people?"

Everyone looked at each other, not knowing what His Highness was thinking.

"Tor, go investigate. Before Moss met me, exactly who did he grease, contact, and attach himself to?"

Mallos froze.

"Your Highness?"

"I know you do not want me to investigate too deeply." Thales held the little cloth bear in his hand, his gaze distant. "But there are some things here..."

That need to be clarified.

Seeing this, Mallos sighed.

"I understand."

After everyone left, Thales fell back onto the bed, feeling a splitting headache.

The king, Secret Intelligence, Jade City, Zayen, Hilley, the Emerald Celebration, Moss...

Sunset above.

Mallos, who had finished arranging the day's schedule, stepped forward in concern.

"Are you all right?"

"I am fine. It is just... it has been so long since I had this feeling of not needing to do everything myself, only moving my mouth and having subordinates bring back results."

"Good." Mallos nodded, rather gratified. "This means you have finally found your proper position and no longer do things like secretly climbing roofs in the middle of the night."

Thales exhaled.

"Right, Tor, remind me. What are we doing on the first day of the Emerald Celebration?"

"Historically, on this day, Hyman the First, 'the Southerner,' and Queen Regina entered the Sunset Temple and witnessed their vows before the goddess, forming their marriage," Mallos answered slowly. "Therefore, today is the Public Prayer Day of the Emerald Celebration. The temple and the church will hold their respective events, contacting believers, attracting the public, and glorifying the Sunset faith."

"The public?"

Hope rose in Thales.

"Does that mean there is nothing for me?"

Mallos changed direction.

"As for the upper circles of Jade City, led by the duke, they must all go to the altar of the Sunset Temple to attend the public prayer, offer sacrifices to the Sunset Goddess, then go to the church of the Sunset Church to listen to priests and clerics preach, along with a series of religious rituals. Of course, most importantly, all of you must appear before the people to show piety and respect toward the Sunset Goddess."

Thales painfully rubbed his face.

"Tor, can I send you in my place?"

Mallos narrowed his eyes and looked at him for several seconds. Then he scooped up the little cloth bear on the bed and turned to leave.

"You have five minutes to dress, Your Highness."

"Do not be late."

----

My brother, old friend, and comrade-in-arms, the respected Second Prince of the Kingdom of Stars, Duke of Star Lake, the North Star, Lord Thales Jadestar:

Seeing this letter is as seeing me.

Seven years have passed since our parting. I often think of you and trust that you are well, so forgive me for dispensing with further greetings.

Though we are separated by vast seas, within Blood Sea Palace I have often heard of the North Star's deeds.

Alone, you went north and halted the edge of war; amid heaven's collapse and earth's rending, you witnessed the fall of a king.

At the royal banquet, you dueled and displayed your might to save a life; with extraordinary courage, you defied fate and stormed the palace.

Others may marvel at your youthful achievements, sigh at your superhuman courage, or even question whether such deeds are true. But I swear to you in my father's name, Thales, that your loyal friend, Katerina Corleone of the Blood Sea Throne, is absolutely not among them.

In fact, I am not at all surprised by these legendary deeds of yours, let alone astonished. I even feel that compared with the words on paper, your true experiences must only be more numerous, not fewer, and their strangeness beyond ordinary imagination. For seven years ago, the experience of fighting side by side with you in the birch forest of the North taught me this: heroes arise in their times, born to ride the tide.

However, great heroes are bound to be accompanied by endless sorrow. I believe that after weathering wind and rain, you have some understanding of this. Renaissance Palace, with all its ancient meaning, must have given you even more thoughts.

Unfortunately, such worries are destined to be impossible to pour out to others, because only one's equals can understand the difficulty of standing in such a position and placing pieces upon the board.

Counting the days, when you unfold this letter, you should already be in Jade City. I do not know whether the Queen's City suits your wishes, whether its prosperity enters your eyes, whether the marriage match accords with your fate, or whether that airy palace can set your heart at ease.

A century ago, "Parrot Duke" Federico Covendier sent envoys to the Blood Sea Throne, beginning contact between the Blood Fangs and the Iris Flowers, connecting sea trade and communicating politics. It is precisely because of this that the Corleone family has observed closely for a hundred years and has deep experience. We know even more that Emerald Palace is obscure, difficult to discern, complex, and special, foremost within the Stars and even the Western Continent.

In my view, from Parrot Duke Federico to Horned Duke Kork, from Old Woman Mela to Witch Queen Bella, then to the more recent brothers Lenster and Sona, and now to this generation of Covendiers, several generations of the Iris Flower family each had their own personalities and characteristics. But they also had common traits that cannot be ignored: shrewdness, endurance, ruthlessness, sensitivity, tenacity, deep schemes, and the greed hidden deep within their hearts, perhaps unknown even to themselves.

I hope you know that it is precisely such people who forged Jade City, and precisely such people you now face.

Of course, I know you have always been quick-witted and intelligent, skilled at adapting, and adept at schemes. You naturally have means to handle the Iris Flowers.

Half a year ago, Zayen Covendier wrote me a letter. Aside from once again respectfully requesting the restoration of relations, he also mentioned our common enemy: my cunning, despicable, deception-loving sister, the family shame of the Blood Fangs, the wicked Selina Corleone.

As far as I know, Selina remains active on the Western Continent. Not long ago, she even appeared in Eckstedt during the war to pacify the Free Alliance. I am not surprised by this. With her vile personality, she is bound to be unwilling to remain beneath others, and creating chaos in order to seek opportunity has always been her specialty, just as in the conspiracy she carried out against us back then.

I also heard that she has climbed onto our relatives in the Western Continent and flirts with ambitious figures among the six clans of Feast Fief. To be honest, upon hearing this, I did not know for a moment whether my sister or my Western Continent relatives were more unfortunate. But those who are insatiably greedy are bound to bring destruction upon themselves.

However, Thales, do not doubt this: with Selina's extreme, radical, and vengeful habits, she will one day come to find you, to repay the grudge of your foiling her conspiracy back then.

I do not think you, as one of those who has faced her, need to be warned about her dangers. But I worry that she will exploit the circumstances and situation you face, taking advantage of your difficulties to slip in. When that time comes, please do not believe any of her words, actions, or appearances.

Please remember this: given your past with her, Selina's warm words toward you have only two purposes, use and revenge. There is no third.

Fortunately, you are not alone, Thales. On this point, we stand together. I am unwilling, and will not permit, my wicked sister to harm my ally, as she harmed me.

Stars and night are born to accompany each other, to weather the cold together.

Lastly, Thales, though your feet stand upon the earth, when you raise your head, the stars are above you. When the sun sets and night comes, if you stretch out your hand to explore, you may not be unable to reach them.

Just as I walk in the night, but when I open my eyes and look, all I see is starlight, illuminating the road ahead as if it were day.

For this reason, you must grasp the power in your hand and use it when necessary, so as to expand it. This is the proper remedy to untie difficulties and avoid defeat.

This letter should be delivered into your hands personally by my most trusted regent, Li Corleone. His personality is restrained, but he is keen in judgment. He is experienced, knowledgeable, and reliable in handling affairs, and he also has the ability to adapt to circumstances. Therefore, I entrust him with bringing you my gift. I hope you can accept it.

Although old feelings are hard to settle, hatred and division are ultimately unfavorable to survival. An Jade City that maintains friendly contact with us and trusts us mutually should accord with our shared expectations.

I hope you like my gift.

May your bloodline rule forever, as the Empire endures forever.

----

Your sister, old friend, and comrade-in-arms,

Katerina L. A. von Corleone, loyal and trustworthy, who once faced calamity with you,

Written in Blood Sea Palace, Nightfort of the Night Kingdom.

Postscript: Time flies. You should have grown into an adult by now, and your teeth should have changed once as well. This reminds me of my two old teeth. I wonder where they are now.