Chapter 699: Precarious

"This morning, Security Officer Kaquere's corpse was discovered in an alley beside the Canal District Security Hall. His head and body had fallen separately..."

In Emerald Palace, Messenger Toledo led the fully alert Star Lake Guard forward in haste while reporting to the gloomy-faced Thales.

"Mm. In short, the scene was not pretty."

When the bad news arrived, Thales was preparing to attend the selection meeting.

According to the schedule, Security Officer Kaquere was supposed to guide the prince to the venue. But Thales did not wait for Kaquere. Instead, he waited for a large force of the Star Lake Guard.

Led by Ghost Hugo Fubi and Messenger Toledo, Komuto, Neshy, Doyle, Glover, Miranda, Wya, Paul, Ralf... several dozen people in full, many of them even wounded and bandaged, fully armed and murderous, poured like a dark mass into his lounge. Without explanation, they occupied every corner, guarded every passage, locked every window, and surrounded the second prince, whose face was blank with confusion, so tightly there was no gap front, back, left, or right.

This scene badly startled Morgan, Kusta, and the others who were on rotation guarding the prince. They almost thought His Highness, who had been cold-faced and sulking all morning, had finally been unable to suppress the wrath of Jadestar and had decided to counterattack violently, vowing to trample through Emerald Palace, splash blood across the ducal residence, restore the Iris to proper order, and return a clear sky to Jade City.

"These days, Kaquere revolved around us in food, clothing, lodging, and travel. He liaised with the guard, coordinated with us, dealt with us every day until everyone found him annoying, and we could not shake him off even if we wanted."

Thales' expression was ugly, but his steps did not stop. They even grew faster and faster.

"As a result, he disappeared for a whole night and morning, and so many of us were happy for the peace. Not one of us noticed anything wrong?"

The entire team protecting the prince hurried forward. No one dared even breathe loudly. For a time, only armor rubbing and booming footsteps could be heard.

Like exquisite clockwork puppets made by dwarves.

In that instant, Thales even had the illusion that where he was standing was not Emerald Palace.

But Renaissance Palace a thousand li away.

Toledo took a deep breath, hurried two steps to catch up, and pressed his lips together tightly.

"Your Highness, this was indeed our negligence, and I cannot shirk responsibility. I willingly accept punishment..."

Damn it. Why does he look like this?

I clearly did not threaten, intimidate, order, or even speak harshly.

Thales was deeply irritated.

"Enough. I am not blaming you..."

He had merely asked a question because he wanted an answer.

That was all.

But why was Toledo so afraid that he wanted to admit every fault and kill himself in apology?

Thales breathed out, his mood bleak.

If only Mallos were here.

No, wrong.

He immediately shook his head in denial.

If Mallos were here, he would probably use the most polite, proper, yet sour and cutting rhetoric to answer him, choking him speechless and leaving him even more stifled than now.

But he was not here.

At this thought, Thales' heart tightened.

That self-righteous Terror Blade had been careless and fallen for a trap during the operation to surround and kill Lausanne II. In the end, all his subordinates had returned safely, while only he himself lay gravely injured in bed.

He was not here.

That damned personal guard captain of his had said something about not interfering in an honor vengeance and told the prince to leave first, but in the end...

"Mallos still has not woken?"

"The commander has already recovered from his fever, Your Highness."

Logistics Officer Yintaliano answered respectfully and meticulously.

"But perhaps because of the aftereffects of that assassin's ability, his mental state is poor. He wakes and faints intermittently, and his recovery is slightly slower than the others..."

"He will get better."

Standard Officer Hugo interrupted him, brooking no doubt.

"It is only a matter of time."

Time.

Thales frowned.

But the selection meeting was near, and what they lacked most right now was time.

"So what is Jade City's situation now?"

He forced himself to calm down.

Toledo took a deep breath.

"A security officer was killed on his own turf. As one can imagine, the whole city has exploded. The Security Halls of several large districts have fully mobilized to search for clues. Even large numbers of the Jade Legion have entered the city, causing panic and rumors everywhere."

"When that wine merchant and wool merchant died, I did not see them so enthusiastic."

Glover snorted coldly from the other side.

"The dead man is one of their own. Of course it is different."

Komuto answered with experience.

"Hmph. Human lives also have high and low value."

Paul mocked.

"Six."

Wya, walking close beside Thales, wore a heavy expression.

"The sixth life."

Damn it.

Wya's words made Thales deeply agitated.

And this time...

Thales could not help glancing upward.

This time, even a certain person might not be able to suppress the news, right?

Then what would he do?

A group of servants were cleaning the corridor. Seeing the prince's party pass, several whispered something, and the servants immediately showed fear, hastily dropping their work and scattering away.

The scene made Thales frown.

"Then why did this involve His Highness? Why are they even saying His Highness is, is the murderer?"

Doyle could not help speaking as he watched the servants retreat.

Behind him, Komuto observed Thales' expression and coughed.

"According to what I heard from friends, yesterday evening Kaquere informed his family that he would not return home that night. He would stay overnight at the Security Hall to work overtime on urgent matters..."

"Urgent matters?"

Wya could not help pursuing the question.

"What overtime? What urgent matters? Did anyone investigate further..."

He spoke halfway and then realized something. His voice immediately lowered.

"Us."

Standard Officer Hugo, walking ahead, took over with a dark face.

"His urgent matter was us. More precisely, it was the chaos after the nobles disappeared from the theater yesterday afternoon, including every method our guard used to delay and cover it up, as well as the following search. Perhaps even the later cleanup."

Everyone around them immediately fell silent.

"You mean me."

The prince's expression was blank.

"Yesterday, when Miss Covendier and I left the group?"

No one answered, including the standard officer.

Clearly, there was no need to answer.

Thales breathed out unhappily.

"In short, the Security Hall did not wait for him and thought Kaquere had gone home for the night on his own."

Toledo was cautious.

"Until the next day..."

"So he was killed while working overtime on matters involving the prince. That is how we are dragged into it."

Miranda was thoughtful.

"Exactly. The news first spread from security officers who knew the inside circumstances, then sank into the streets. The more it spread, the more absurd it became."

Komuto hesitated slightly.

"Some say His Highness made a private incognito trip yesterday, acted tyrannically and recklessly all the way, and Kaquere could finally endure no more and wanted to report it to the duke. Therefore, the prince flew into a rage and killed him to silence him..."

"What?"

Wya could hardly believe it.

Thales also frowned.

An incognito trip was not wrong, but...

He had merely shoved and argued a few words with some street thugs, and at most set off several bundles of large fireworks on North Gate Bridge. Did that count as acting tyrannically and recklessly?

"Of course, those are all wild rumors from the people. There are also better versions."

Komuto hurriedly smoothed things over.

"For example, some say that malicious people actually wanted to assassinate the prince, but missed him and ran into Kaquere, who was responsible for protecting him. The latter stood firm and unyielding, sacrificing himself heroically."

Thales frowned and looked at the Star Lake Guards around him. Their formation was orderly and their security strict, as though an assassin might drill out of some vase at any moment.

Is this version better?

"There is also news saying the prince was dissatisfied with Duke Zayen, and therefore casually did away with the bodyguard and guide the duke assigned him, killing the chicken to warn the monkeys and display his majesty."

Thales' expression worsened. He glared until Komuto's smile froze.

"Where did these rumors come from? They sound so proper and detailed, even with roots and evidence."

Doyle listened in bewilderment.

"The case only happened a short while ago, yet rumors of this degree have already appeared. It is hard to say no one is pushing from behind the scenes."

Miranda was suspicious.

"But as far as I know, the ones in the city best at doing this sort of thing should be the Blood Bottle Gang, right? But they already..."

She glanced at Glover and Ralf.

"Someone finds us displeasing and does not want us to remain in Jade City."

Glover snorted coldly.

"But why?"

Wya was lost in thought.

"Who did it? Why frame His Highness?"

Thales' nerves tightened.

He perhaps knew who did it.

But...

"It is no longer important."

Thales hammered the discussion shut.

"At least this time, they did not say I slaughtered some king or duke. Hopefully they will not need to."

Everyone shivered together.

Surrounded by the guards, the second prince descended one floor. Their formation was strict and their aura intimidating, forcing onlookers to stop, and those who saw them to retreat.

The Duke of Star Lake said nothing more. The entire guard fell silent again, leaving only the unsettling sound of hurrying footsteps.

Here it was again.

That feeling.

Thales felt the suppression of those around him and looked back at the towers, halls, and pillars of Emerald Palace.

That suffocating feeling of being in Renaissance Palace, as if locked tight by endless chains, frightened, helpless, and unable to breathe.

He could only reach nervously into his pocket and grip the bone ring, Cortaxa, to ease that suffocation.

At that moment, he vaguely heard voices behind him, but could not hear them clearly. Only when Thales frowned and entered Hell's Senses did they become distinct.

"I told you..."

From the formation behind him, a breathy voice sounded, faint as a mosquito:

"The little brat is a bit off."

Thales' eyelid twitched.

What little brat?

Which little brat?

"Keep your voice down."

Wya replied in a careful whisper.

"Someone died again. His Highness is definitely in a bad mood."

"He doesn't know that every time he keeps a cold face and says nothing, the atmosphere gets awful. Look how scared everyone is. They don't even dare breathe..."

Hearing this, Thales frowned.

What?

"It is not only Kaquere," Glover's voice cut in. "That defense lawyer went mad right in front of His Highness. He is uncomfortable inside."

The few of them were silent for a while.

"But that was not his fault," Doyle whispered in the formation. "I mean, it was not the little brat who found someone to scare him mad..."

Found someone to scare him mad...

Thales' breathing caught.

"And Terror Blade."

Miranda joined their secret little circle from the other side.

"Mallos was carried back last night with a fever that would not break. His Highness also stayed silent the whole time, expressionless, yet frightened everyone so much no one dared speak..."

"I told you..."

"All of you, really, lower your voices. Mute says His Highness' ears are very sharp..."

Wya tried to stop them with a bitter face.

"Relax. From this distance..."

Thales let out a long sigh.

Jade City, Zayen, Renaissance Palace, the king, black-clothed masked assassins, the Blood Bottle Gang, six murder cases... He was trapped in a situation full of confusion. He faced circumstances difficult to reverse. He bore a mission he could not refuse. He had encountered frustrating setbacks. He had more than enough things to keep busy with.

And Doyle, how was he so happy that he could still gossip about his master?

Did Doyle know he was usually too kind, and could not even bear to tear up his little cloth bear?

"When His Highness saw Mallos yesterday, his expression was also frightening."

Miranda's voice was low.

"No one could persuade him, and no one dared. In the end, only after Standard Officer Fubi said a few words by his ear did he agree to rest."

"No wonder he is in a bad mood. Early in the morning he went to quarrel with his fiancee and future brother-in-law. Of course, after quarrelling, his mood got even worse."

Doyle realized.

"More than that."

Wya stared at Thales' back, distracted.

"His Highness slept on... the floor again yesterday."

Thales' eyes changed.

"He slept on who?"

"Oh."

Wya reacted and hurriedly corrected himself.

"I mean His Highness did not sleep well yesterday."

"Tch, scared me to death. I thought the little brat finally understood things and grew sensible. Right, did his relationship with Miss Hilley change? When they came back yesterday..."

Hearing this, Thales finally could not bear it anymore. He turned and shouted angrily:

"Are you finished?"

The Duke of Star Lake's voice echoed through the empty palace corridor.

Everyone was startled. The Star Lake Guard stopped together involuntarily.

Thales breathed quickly and stared fixedly at the formation before him.

Good.

Doyle was no longer talking too much. His face was solemn, looking straight ahead. Wya was no longer distracted, but was waiting seriously for orders.

From old subordinates Wya and Ralf, to Doyle and Glover in the Star Lake Guard, to Miranda and Paul who had newly joined the team...

No more whispering. No more gossip. No more self-important little actions.

Wherever his gaze reached, the guards all lowered their heads, and none dared meet his eyes.

In the next second, Toledo stepped forward tremblingly and carefully.

"Your Highness, what are your orders? Finished... finished what?"

Wait. He is...

Afraid?

[When a grand duke stands before you with imposing authority, do you know what that feels like? Ha. If he blinks, your heart nearly collapses from fear. If he grins, your legs shake. Hey, who can say, who dares say, that this is not fucking sincere?]

Thales looked at Toledo's state, then at the expressions of the others, and suddenly felt bored.

Of course Messenger Toledo is afraid, the voice in his heart told him.

Do not forget. Your every word and action will bring effects difficult to predict.

When those above face others with a cold face, those below walk on thin ice.

This is the high wall of power.

Thales was silent and did not speak.

This made the Star Lake Guard even more nervous.

Seeing Thales say nothing, Toledo understood something and took a deep breath.

"I am deeply sorry, Your Highness. Commander Mallos is not here, and I have failed to discipline them strictly..."

"Who was whispering just now?"

Standard Officer Hugo directly interrupted him. His expression was playful as he turned toward the formation.

"Although I did not hear clearly, step out on your own, yes? Suffer less?"

At that second, everyone's expression in the Star Lake Guard changed.

Doyle's eyes in the front row flickered, slightly panicked, while Wya looked astonished.

Miranda frowned. Glover's expression remained stiff.

But Thales did not speak.

He only silently watched them, noticing each person's expression.

But perhaps, perhaps fear was a good thing?

It would force them to wind themselves tighter.

Perhaps he had been too soft before. Perhaps Mallos had always been too unrestrained. Perhaps this was the normal way they should get along.

Because you know that one day, they will face an even crueler test, the voice in his heart added softly.

Is that so?

Thales silently looked at them and suddenly had an illusion.

This was not Renaissance Palace, but the Ballard Room. Everyone was trembling, paying attention to the man seated in the main position within the dark shadows.

Thales looked into the distance and felt that suffocation grow even more real.

Second only to the bone ring in his pocket.

Several seconds later, he let out a long sigh.

"Wya."

Wya's expression changed. But in the end, under the sympathetic gazes of others, he stepped out as though marching to his death.

"My fault, Your Highness. I spoke too much just now-"

"Are you still carrying my sword?"

Thales directly interrupted him.

Wya was stunned for a second before reacting. He hurriedly removed the sword belt from his back and respectfully presented a sword to Thales.

Thales silently took Warning and drew out a section of the blade.

The expensive ancient imperial sword was still cold and bright, making the black gem on the hilt seem even more mysterious and solemn.

Only the F beneath the hilt remained glaring and out of place.

"Everyone, I do not want to lie to you, nor do I want to cover up my concern."

Thales pushed the blade back into the sheath, but did not return it to Wya.

"From now on, Jade City's situation is precarious."

"Precarious?"

Wya widened his eyes.

Thales nodded. He tested the sword's weight, estimating what style of armed harness would suit it if he wore it normally.

"At this critical moment, I need you to be prepared. Especially when Captain Mallos is absent."

His voice was deep.

"Prepared for everything."

A small commotion rose among the guards. Everyone looked at one another.

Toledo could not help saying:

"But Your Highness, did we not only just resolve... that assassin yesterday?"

"Precisely because of that."

Thales' expression did not change.

"We have intensified matters and worsened the situation."

And forced everyone into a corner, forced them to the endgame.

"What will we face?"

Amid the whispering, Standard Officer Hugo spoke coldly.

Thales glanced at Ghost, this standard officer with whom he usually had few dealings.

But there was a reason Mallos chose him and Toledo as deputies, right?

"What will we face? Kidnapping? Imprisonment? Assassination? To be honest, I do not know."

With each word Thales said, Toledo's face worsened by a degree.

"Including possible riots, mutiny, public disorder, even a palace coup?"

His final words startled everyone.

"Um, worse than when you... stormed the palace?"

Neshy, whose right hand was still wrapped in bandages, asked carefully.

Thales glanced at the young vanguard officer, and the latter immediately lowered his head.

"What if it is?"

At that moment, the expressions of everyone in the guard became ugly.

Thales looked around at them. Wya was full of worry. Ralf looked disdainful. Doyle blinked desperately. Glover's expression did not change. Miranda's gaze was cold. Paul lowered his head and said nothing.

As for Mallos, still lying in bed...

If things truly reached that point, how many of the people here would follow him through boiling water and fire?

Were they truly prepared?

The atmosphere dropped to freezing point.

Several seconds later, Thales burst out laughing.

"Just joking!"

Everyone relaxed slightly, but Thales' next sentence froze their smiles.

"No matter what, storming Emerald Palace should not be harder than storming Renaissance Palace, right?"

At that moment, Morgan, who was scouting ahead, suddenly shouted a warning:

"Guard, alert! We have company!"

In the next second, everyone's expression changed. All of them instinctively took positions and formed ranks, firmly protecting Thales.

Only...

"What is it? What happened? We are still inside Emerald Palace, right?"

Thales, blocked behind Kusta, asked urgently.

Had his words come true, and something worse than storming the palace was truly happening?

"The scouts and sentries of the Vanguard Wing follow strict rules, Your Highness."

Hugo spoke darkly, staring fixedly at the corner ahead that led to Ancestor Rock.

"They will not give a warning just because a cockroach jumps out on the road."

As soon as his words fell, heavy vibrations came from the ground.

Everyone's nerves tightened.

This was...

In the next second, behind Emerald Palace's famous Ancestor Rock, one row, two rows, three rows...

An entire team of murderous soldiers appeared in view, marching in formation toward Thales' group, their footsteps booming, helmets and armor fully worn.

"Unless it is a large swarm of cockroaches."

Miranda's expression was not good.

"Not palace guards. Damn it, it is those green caps! The Jade Legion!"

Doyle stared at their weapons and armor, dumbfounded.

"This formation... Were security officers not the ones who came to receive us before?"

The Jade Legion?

Thales gripped Warning tightly, his expression deep.

The Jade Legion soldiers came closer and closer. The Star Lake Guard unconsciously tightened their formation, and everyone placed a hand on their weapons.

At last, the Jade Legion stopped one foot away from them. A familiar figure stepped out from the crowd.

"Where is His Highness Thales?"

Thales breathed out. He patted the tense people beside him and walked forward several steps.

"Captain Cecil, long time no see. May I ask your business?"

The leader of the Jade Legion, Knight Cecil, ignored the Star Lake Guard's formation. He stepped forward, his gaze almost tangible, making everyone in the guard instinctively grip their weapons tighter.

Toledo and Hugo stood at the very front. But under the pressure of the knight before them, one was covered in sweat, and the other's expression was grave.

But Cecil merely swept his gaze over them, utterly unconcerned, and looked back at Thales.

"For reasons everyone knows, Your Highness, from now until the end of the Emerald Celebration, your security and travel arrangements will be entirely handled by myself and the Jade Legion, accompanying you throughout..."

Cecil deliberately paused. His gaze circled over the Star Lake Guard's line full of wounded soldiers, his tone carrying contempt.

"As close attendants."

The Star Lake Guards' expressions changed together. Many looked indignant.

"Bad."

In the formation, Doyle faced an ill-intentioned Emerald soldier across the way and still did not forget to turn back and speak.

"Did you say this fellow is a supreme-class..."

"Shut up, Doyle!"

Wya gnashed his teeth, yet could not stop his arm from trembling.

"The Jade Legion will handle my security?"

Thales spoke before everyone's emotions erupted. He examined this legion whose predecessor had been mercenaries, thoughtful.

"Is this Zayen's meaning?"

Cecil snorted softly.

"The duke has said that the selection meeting is one of the celebration's essences. It aims to honor martial spirit and sharpen soldiers. Naturally, it should have a different bearing."

The legion's knight narrowed his eyes.

"And I believe he will warmly welcome you at the venue."

Thales frowned and kept thinking.

Terrible.

What does Zayen mean?

"I appreciate Zayen's goodwill, but I had better..."

But clearly, Cecil had learned his lesson from last time. He waved his large hand, signaling his subordinates to move, and did not intend to give Thales any chance.

"Everyone, protect the prince. Do not let His Highness lose face!"

The Jade Legion might not be like the royal army under the Wrath of the Kingdom, ready to die without hesitation, but they still obeyed orders. Once the order was given, they pressed forward together at once, about to intrude into the Star Lake Guard's formation.

Thales had only just instinctively tightened his grip on Warning when he heard Toledo roar:

"Star Lake Guard! Starburst Formation!"

The Star Lake Guards shouted in response, forming groups of two and three. Weapons came half out of their sheaths, forcing the first row of Emerald soldiers to hesitate.

"No need to trouble yourselves, green caps. You can handle clearing the outer path."

Standard Officer Hugo faced Cecil and spoke under pressure, his eyes sharp.

"The rest will naturally be handled by the royal guard."

This was the necessary path from the main palace to the outer court and Ancestor Rock. Many passing servants and attendants saw the two forces facing each other, swords drawn and crossbows taut. Their faces all turned pale, and they retreated far away, running off to spread the news.

Rejected, Cecil revealed a malicious smile.

"Who are you? Where is that leader of yours from last time? The one called Mallos?"

The knight intentionally or unintentionally revealed his sword hilt.

"My weapon misses him."

"He is on leave today."

Miranda said coldly from the other side, rubbing the Eagle Soar in her hand.

Cecil did not care.

"Sick leave, I suppose?"

In the next second, he strode forward.

The supreme-class knight's completely unrestrained aura startled the Star Lake Guards into changing expression. They looked at Thales.

What should we do?

Do we fight?

What if we cannot beat him?

At that moment, another voice broke the situation.

"Thales, why are you only coming now?"

Everyone turned together.

At the other end of the corridor, Cecilia Covendier, dressed in splendid attire, walked gracefully over accompanied by a team of servants, her gaze burning.

Thales froze.

The Star Lake Guards beside him exchanged looks, revealing strange smiles.

Knight Cecil's steps paused, incredulous.

"Lady Hilley?"

"To think I ran into you, Cecil."

Hilley walked to Thales' side with unimaginable elegance. Whether soldiers or guards, everyone around them instinctively stepped back.

"What a boring day!"

Hilley's gaze was deep, but the instant she looked at Thales, it brightened.

But looking at this Hilley, who seemed the model of a noble young lady, Thales could not help remembering the strange and terrifying black shadow behind her, and Srimanny, who had been toyed with and tortured into madness by it.

No.

He was not ready yet.

"Lady Covendier..."

Thales instinctively avoided her gaze.

Hilley's eyes sharpened.

But before she could speak, Knight Cecil snorted coldly.

"You should not be here, my lady. The duke has ordered-"

But Hilley ignored him. With a perfect smile and effortless posture, she extended her hand toward Thales. The embroidered Iris patterns on her glove were clear and distinct.

"Come, my prince."

Her tone was excessively gentle, making Thales extremely uncomfortable.

"The performance at the selection meeting is wonderful. I do not want you to miss it."

Cecil was choked for a moment, his expression unhappy.

Thales froze. He looked at the murderous knight and the beautiful, gentle young lady, unable to tell for a time which was more frightening.

Until Hilley's lips parted in a smile.

"You are still brooding over yesterday, aren't you?"

Yesterday?

What yesterday?

As soon as these words came out, Glover, Ralf, Miranda... without exception, all their expressions became strange.

Only Wya and Doyle looked at one another. The former was puzzled. The latter's smile was mysterious.

Thales' expression changed slightly. He immediately pierced through the confusion of weapons, clothing, and external things, identifying who the top predator in Emerald Palace truly was.

"Knight Cecil, please have your people protect me."

His Highness the prince smiled faintly at Hilley and instead walked toward Cecil, gesturing with his hand.

"It is time for me to go to the venue."

His attitude was obedient, his etiquette proper.

"Uh, of course. This way, Your Highness..."

This made Cecil and his subordinates somewhat unused to it.

But before he had time to sigh that today's task had been completed more easily than imagined, Hilley beside him raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, Your Highness, your cruelty truly breaks my heart. Is this revenge against me? Do you think it was my fault that we did not finish yesterday?"

Did not finish?

Finish?

This time, everyone, including the Jade Legion, the Star Lake Guard, and the servants behind Hilley, all looked at Thales in unison.

The second prince's expression changed again.

"Yesterday was... an accident."

He nervously glanced around at the people nearby and did all he could to eliminate the misunderstanding, even though the latter were utterly confused, or pleasantly surprised.

"And so many people were present yesterday. No one should be blamed. All right, I still need to attend the appointment..."

Hilley gave a cold laugh.

"Truly, Your Highness? We went hand in hand through unforgettable things, and you are truly this heartless?"

Unforgettable things.

Terrible.

The doubtful gazes of the crowd gave Thales a headache.

"Uh, does His Highness need us to help..."

Wya's face was full of hesitation.

"Do not be foolish."

Doyle grabbed him with the tone of someone experienced, mysterious and profound.

"Family affairs."

Fortunately, at this awkward moment, Knight Cecil spoke from the side.

"My lady, I carry the duke's order to protect the prince to the selection meeting venue. If you repeatedly delay and obstruct me, you will make things difficult for me."

His tone was decisive, his stance impervious.

This made Thales find the knight much more pleasing to the eye.

"Is that so?"

Hilley's smile did not decrease.

"Difficult? Then resign."

Cecil's expression stiffened.

In the next second, anger appeared on his face.

"My lady, if you continue acting willfully, I will have no choice."

"For example?"

Cecil's eyes sharpened, and he strode toward Hilley.

Thales was startled and instinctively blocked in front of Hilley.

"Hey, we can talk properly..."

Seeing their master move, the Star Lake Guard and the Jade Legion both instinctively shifted, squeezing toward the middle, wanting to stop the other side. For a time, the situation fell into chaos again.

But at that moment...

"Stop."

It was an unfamiliar voice. It spread through the crowd, yet made everyone pause instinctively.

In the next second, a weathered and thin figure walked out from Hilley's line of servants. Clearly unhurried, yet somehow squeezing past everyone and instantly standing before Cecil, blocking his path.

Everyone froze.

The unexpected visitor who suddenly appeared was a middle-aged man wearing a sword. His hair was messy, his face covered in stubble, his clothing and armor old, and even the sword at his waist was covered in rust.

"You are..."

Cecil frowned and examined this slovenly man who was out of place with his surroundings.

Several seconds later, surprise appeared in his eyes.

"Cassian?"

The sloppy man named Cassian looked ill. He smiled faintly, yet performed a standard and proper knightly salute.

"Cecil."

Huh? Who?

The Star Lake Guard were full of confusion.

"Who is this? He looks... a bit dirty."

Doyle narrowed his eyes.

"Indeed."

Miranda looked gravely at the newly appeared man.

"But notice: Cecil's eyes changed. He is serious now."

"Strange."

Glover gritted his teeth.

"I cannot sense killing intent from him, but..."

"I know who he is."

Standard Officer Hugo's face was expressionless.

"Stay alert. This is a supreme-class expert, a man of the Iris. When he was still in the capital, he sparred with Chief Steyri and was only slightly inferior."

Everyone shivered together.

By contrast, when the Jade Legion soldiers heard Cassian's name, a commotion erupted. Quite a few looked at one another and whispered.

Cecil pressed a hand to his sword hilt, extremely wary.

"I thought you resigned, old friend, and no longer served Jade City."

"Correct, Knight Cecil."

Cassian looked weary. He glanced at Hilley and sighed.

"But just like you, the Iris is hard to refuse when it is so generous."

Cecil and Cassian faced each other silently like this. One side well-equipped and imposing, the other sloppy, rough, and visibly exhausted.

But for some reason, Thales faintly felt that they were evenly matched.

The prince cast a puzzled glance toward Hilley. But Miss Covendier only snorted softly, ignored the two men facing each other, and casually took the prince's arm.

"Let us go."

Thales was startled. Under countless gazes that were first shocked and later accustomed to strange sights, he struggled hard.

"Wait!"

Thales took a deep breath and tried not to think of the Soulbone Yake behind Hilley, able to transform into a thousand faces and a hundred forms.

"Listen. Perhaps we should not today..."

But Hilley's smile did not change. She pulled Thales toward herself without allowing resistance and leaned close to his ear.

"If you dare give me that face again, brat, I swear that no matter how many people are watching, I will beat the shit out of you."

This threat made Thales shudder all over.

The prince swallowed. His eyelid twitched, and he had no choice but to turn back and whisper:

"Hilley, all right, I will tell the truth. The present situation is extremely complicated. Our best response is to act independently, lest both of us..."

Hilley's eyes sharpened.

"Thales Jadestar!"

In the next second, Miss Covendier abruptly pushed Thales away.

She raised her voice, first fierce and severe, then heartbroken:

"Heartless as you are, have you truly forgotten what I did for you yesterday?"

Perhaps the atmosphere was too awkward. Perhaps her acting was truly too brilliant. Or perhaps the topic was far too explosive. For a time, whether the Star Lake Guard or the Jade Legion, whether Cassian or Cecil, everyone beneath this side of Emerald Palace's Ancestor Rock had their attention drawn in, all looking toward the two most noble people in the scene.

Thales was startled.

"I-"

"Do you still remember? You want to deny it already?"

Hilley was tearful, moving hearts with pity.

"For you, I even drank that medicine!"

Eh?

Including the servants and attendants watching from afar with stretched necks, everyone looked toward Hilley with uncertainty and incomparable curiosity.

What medicine?

Hilley did not disappoint them. Her crying voice reached a climax:

"Yes. Contraceptive medicine!"

At that second, Thales instantly turned to stone.

The entire Emerald Palace fell silent.

Ah!

Several seconds later, everyone looked at Thales with horror and disgust.

That kind of medicine!

"I..."

Thales endured the terrifying gazes around him, including from his own people, and felt he could not defend himself with a hundred mouths.

"No! That was not contraceptive medicine! It was only for recovering stamina... And we both drank it..."

"Correct!"

Hilley interrupted him.

The girl, eyes full of tears, lowered her head and wiped her face. On her perfectly made-up face, she forcibly wiped out two wet trails, startling the maids behind her.

"But I do not mind!"

Thales could hardly believe it. He looked at the vicious woman before him with resentment and pity.

"No, can you please stop talking? We can communicate properly afterward..."

But Hilley did not care at all.

"I do not mind! I do not even mind that you needed to drink that medicine to get things done!"

Eh?

Everyone looked toward Thales with suspicious and thoughtful expressions.

What medicine?

Hilley sniffed and spoke in a trembling voice:

"Yes. Do you still remember? That bottle for recovering stamina, the... aphrodisiac?"

The surroundings fell silent again.

Ah!

Several seconds later, everyone looked at Thales with sudden understanding and delight in his misfortune.

That kind of medicine!

Thales went numb on the spot. He stood blankly beside Hilley, both feet stuck in his shoes without feeling, barely supporting his empty shell.

"You... no... I... she... no... don't..."

Only his lips twitched.

Autumn wind brushed past. At this moment, Emerald Palace was truly empty and clear.

"So, considering that..."

Hilley put away her crying tone, her eyes full of hope.

"Can you not accommodate me a little?"

Several seconds passed. Everyone looked at one another.

Of the two men who had originally been in a dangerous standoff, Cecil also recovered from his inexplicable shock and subconsciously spoke:

"My lady, Your Highness, but..."

Miss Covendier's eyebrow rose. She planted one hand on her waist.

"What, are you curious too? Do you also want to know what happened between me and him yesterday?"

Cecil was startled.

"Of, of course not. Only..."

The highly skilled Knight Cecil was terribly awkward. He had already retreated step by step and had no power to parry, much less counterattack.

But Hilley's offensive did not stop. She dragged the numb-faced Thales and continued pursuing everyone while she had the advantage, until the entire battlefield flowed with blood.

"Fine, listen to me describe the details. Yesterday, the two of us secretly ran out, and in a little room, when we were sweating all over and struggling with all our strength... Ah! He suddenly could not do it anymore! Then I, I had no choice but to give him medicine. So he got up again. But, ah, after that, I could not do it anymore! So we had to..."

"Miss Hilley!"

Cassian suddenly shouted, interrupting Hilley.

And saving the precarious battlefield.

Knight Cecil, whose eyes were squeezed shut and who wished he had gone deaf on the spot, along with everyone else present, finally let out a breath and fled in disarray from the battlefield.

"Please, please have you and His Highness set out now."

Captain Cecil looked painfully at his old friend and waved helplessly.

"Jade Legion, we will handle only the perimeter. Let, let them pass..."

As for Thales, mm, the wise and powerful North Star had already donated himself heroically, his name carved into the roll of martyrs.

Only a numb corpse remained, dragged away as a trophy by Hilley, who had won an epic victory and reaped countless heads, marching proudly out of that bloody, ruined battlefield strewn with corpses.

The Star Lake Guard, similarly dazed for a long while, finally woke as if from a dream and hurried after the prince's walking corpse.

Just like that, the originally tense standoff vanished. Everyone left the scene in a scattered, dragging procession, some bored and some still wanting more.

Among the figures, only Cecil and Cassian did not move.

Cassian watched the direction Hilley left and gave a light scoff, seemingly mocking himself.

"Looks like she is even harder to handle than before."

But Cecil's expression darkened.

"Why?"

Cecil asked his old friend in a deep voice.

"Since you have already put down the longsword, why return to the battlefield?"

Cassian was silent.

"Why?"

The sloppy middle-aged swordsman smiled in reply, looking at the other's sword.

"Since you have such illustrious battle achievements, why put down the longsword?"

The two fell silent for another while.

Several seconds later, Cassian nodded to Cecil and left without reluctance.

"Old friend."

Cecil watched Cassian's back and nodded with a light snort.

"Sir."

After leaving Emerald Palace, while everyone still looked dazed and had yet to recover from the shock, Thales returned from his trance and swallowed with difficulty.

He looked at the gently smiling Hilley beside him and felt everything before his eyes was unreal.

The prince woodenly turned his head and squeezed out a difficult smile toward the subordinates of the guard.

"That, everyone, what she said just now was actually..."

No one answered.

Thales' eyelid twitched. His smile was complicated.

"In short, you know me..."

"I heard nothing!"

Amid the silence, Doyle suddenly shouted, startling everyone.

Thales froze.

Huh?

Doyle swept a dignified gaze over his colleagues, his eyes sharp, terrifying, and frightening.

Starting with Toledo, the Star Lake Guards hesitated only for an instant before responding one after another:

"Uh, yes!"

"Correct!"

"Heard nothing!"

"Heard nothing about what?"

"Nothing about what heard?"

"What nothing heard?"

"I am deaf!"

"I am both deaf and blind!"

"What did you say?"

"What happened just now?"

"I went to the toilet just now!"

"I had diarrhea! Went for fifteen minutes!"

In that instant, Guard Officer Doyle discovered that he had obtained in the Star Lake Guard an awe-inspiring authority that even Watchman Mallos had never possessed, and perhaps never would.