Chapter 241: Genuine Patrols


    Trantor: EndlessFantasy Trantion Editor: EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Kohen stretched and let out a big yawn.


    On the street, a little girl hugging a yard of cloth could not help but nce at Kohen’s tall figure.


    "Reduce your movements. An attendant should have the mannerisms of an attendant," Raphael walked beside Kohen and said with a frown. "We’re surrounded by Nortnders—it’s hard to say if any of Lampard’s spies are here."


    Kohen snorted in discontentment, but he still lowered his head obediently and smoothened his Nortnd x cloak.


    He rubbed his lower jaw and sighed.


    The dark paint on his face... did not allow his skin to breathe. He felt that his skin was slightly tense.


    The police officer nced at the carriage behind him and said with a frown, "Is this really going to be effective?"


    Raphael ignored him and nced at the carriage behind too. He then continued forward.


    Soon, Raphael saw their destination.


    .....


    He was dreaming.


    He knew.


    This time, Thales clearly knew. ’This is a dream.


    ’A dream that feels like déjà vu.’


    In the dream, he was still leisurely and happily sitting in his ssroom. He listened to others around him as they described something.


    ’"Poggi’s book mentioned that as the feudal system developed into absolutism, the hierarchical country—this is a German word, St?ndestaat, do not search for it in your English-Chinese dictionary—was an important springboard that could not be ignored.


    ’"Emerging urban groups demanded for a stable and secure political and economical environment. Obviously, this was ipatible with the traditional suzerain-vassal model, which was tied with personal rtions. So for their benefit, these urban groups began short-term cooperations with the rulers. Through hierarchical meetings and other simr methods, they began to participate in the ruling. Their appearance actually weakened the feudal elements, turning the dual feudal system of kingship-dukedom, and suzerain-vassal rtions into aplicated triangle rtionship.


    ’"But this was far from our notion of a centralized authority. It was just the process of achieving this result: These third forces recognized and supported the special statuses of the rulers instead of just treating the rulers as peers like the feudal dukes did. Through the implementation of many taxations via the hierarchical meetings, the rulers strengthened themselves and their territorial rule.


    ’"Additionally, the rulers also bestowed the civilians with privileges, and recruited servants—through this process, a huge, specialized, and prudent systematic public management organization gradually revealed its fledgling state. It established the foundations for the sessive absolutism rule.


    ’"Bureaucracy, or say, administration—although I don’t really fancy this trantion, it easily gives you a subjective bad impression—this is a fundamental concept you should havee into contact with in your textbooks during your time in university. For the students who did note from specialized majors, there’s no harm in making up with Webb’s original work. Although it is difficult to read, it must be more interesting than the second-hand summary you get from your textbooks—"’


    *Boom!*


    A slight vibration was heard and it woke Thales up from his deep sleep.


    "What happened?"


    In the Camian’s carriage, Thales opened his blurry, sleepy eyes. As he wiped off the saliva by his mouth in a fluster, he looked dizzily at the several other people in the vehicle, "I fell asleep?"


    Outside the carriage, theing and going Nortnd residents all appeared to be worried. The White de Guards had changed their clothing long ago and dressed up as ordinary Nortnd servants. The Constetiates by the fleet—including Kohen and Miranda changed into Camian apparel instead, matching the two Camian carriages Thales as well as the others were riding. They were adorned with symbols, which consisted of a dagger and grain.


    "Keep calm, Your Highness." By his side, Putray turned his head around steadily. With a show of politeness, he did not look at the prince’s embarrassed state as he observed the circumstances outside the vehicle. "By the looks of it, we are arriving at the First Gatehouse soon."


    Sure enough, at the end of the road outside the vehicle, the outlines of the gatehouse and Heroic Spirit Pce came into view—many curious civilians wanted toe closer, but were driven away by the patrols under the gatehouse.


    Thales arrived at the First Gatehouse he had stepped into when he first came to Dragon Clouds City.


    But it had now fallen into the enemy’s hands.


    Heroic Spirit Pce was right behind it.


    Thales breathed a sigh of relief, pacifying his thumping heart as he chased the dreams from his mind.


    He cast his gaze at the serious Nichs opposite him.


    "It’s time." The Star Killer looked up. "We shall part ways here. I’m going to the other carriage. We have to leave with Lady Walton..."


    "As for you"—Nichs narrowed his eyes—"good luck."


    Thales exhaled out of his nose.


    "I would like to thank you and your brothers. Thank you for taking us here." The prince looked out of the window at the carriage behind them. He frowned. "Take good care of her—as a Walton, being in this circumstance is not a good thing.


    "We will take care of the rest."


    Nichs’plexion turned grim.


    But he immediately raised his head and looked at the captive beside him—Marquis Shiles, and hatefully said, "Be smarter, old friend, otherwise... I assure you that you wouldn’t want to provoke a formermander of the White de Guards who’s in hiding."


    With his mouth shut as well as his hands tied behind his back, Shiles nodded and strenuously disyed a calm, courteous smile.


    Unfortunately, this smile of his looked slightly awkward because of his gagged mouth.


    At that moment...


    The carriage stopped.


    Everyone in the vehicle subconsciously looked outside the window.


    Outside the vehicle, dozens of soldiers dressed in patrol apparel waved as they gestured at the fleet and walked towards them.


    Behind them were at least several hundreds of their fellow patrols, traveling back and forth in different directions. They seemed to be surrounding the gatehouse, pulling up a line of defense.


    "Patrols?" Thales was shocked. "Lampard’s people?"


    "Yes. They’ve not only sealed the gatehouse, but unexpectedly, alsoid out a defense line at such a long distance away." Putray narrowed his eyes. "It looks like they conduct their checks quite strictly—though it is obvious that they’re fake, but the resemnce is almost uncanny.


    "Get ready, we have to get past them."


    A shock ran through Thales’ heart. He looked at the First Gatehouse in the distance, envisioned Heroic Spirit Pce behind it, and those figures in it. He could not help but clench his fists tightly. His gaze began to turn resolute.


    ’It’s here.


    ’My fight.


    Opposite him, Nichs’ face became tense.


    The Star Killer cut off the ropes on Shiles’ body and extracted the strip of cloth in his mouth.


    Putray smiled at Shiles. "It’s time for you to disy your negotiation abilities, marquis.


    "Do you know what to do?"


    With that, Shiles breathed a sigh of relief as he leaned his entire body against the coach. "The Lady of Harvests is above, of course. But I want to say..."


    The next moment, the marquis had his shoulders instantly gripped by the Star Killer.


    As if electrocuted, the marquis immediately bounced off from the coach.


    "Be honest. If I find out that you dared y any tricks..." There seemed to be a faint threatening tone in Nichs’ voice.


    Shiles was hurting so much that he broke out in cold sweat.


    "Rx, rx, Your Grace." The Camian was sweating while shaking his head awkwardly. "If I am to negotiate with them, you will have to guarantee my safety, right?"


    "I can’t guarantee your safety," Nichs said coldly, "but if something goes wrong, I guarantee that you will definitely die before we do."


    In this regard, the considerate and thoughtful Shiles could only express ’understanding’ with a smile on his face.


    Thales took a deep breath and revealed a reassuring smile to Putray.


    Dozens of patrols walked into the two carriages with the Camian symbol. They looked at the Nortnders and foreigners by the vehicle with unfriendly expressions.


    The window of the carriage was then opened.


    "Good day, diligent gentlemen.


    "I am Shiles Bamra from Good Flow City." With his blond ponytail, the graceful Marquis Shiles nodded slightly at a noble, who looked like a disciplinary officer outside the vehicle. He had an easygoing expression and rxed tone.


    "My apologies, I have a very urgent matter and I need to enter Heroic Spirit Pce. Could you let me through?"


    The disciplinary officer was slightly surprised. "A Camian?"


    In the coach, everyone remained silent without a word as they awaited the results of Shiles’ negotiation with the disciplinary officer.


    ’If he suddenly regrets his decision or...’


    Thales sighed.


    Nichs gently stroked the hilt of his de as he firmly stared at Shiles’ back.


    "If you cannot make the decision, I believe your boss should know me—I mean your ’immediate superior’. Shiles smiled and nodded.


    That head disciplinary officer frowned, turned around and tapped the shoulder of the soldier next to him, saying a few words into his ear.


    Thetter seemed to have received the order, since he turned around and left.


    "Of course, I’ve heard of your name before, sir. You’re one of His Majesty’s distinguished guests," The disciplinary officer raised his head and nodded respectfully at Shiles. "But I’m also very sorry. Every carriage attempting to enter Heroic Spirit Pce, and every noble attempting to enter Heroic Spirit Pce must be inspected.


    "This is an order from the prime minister."


    The moment his words fell, everyone in the carriage trembled in unison!


    Thales and Putray exchanged nces, noticing the astonishment in each other’s eyes.


    ’Prime minister?


    ’Not Lampard?


    ’This means...’


    Shiles in particr was visibly stunned.


    "Wait a minute." Shiles unconsciously opened his mouth wide and looked at the surrounding patrols. He nervously questioned, "You mean... this is an order from the prime minister?"


    The disciplinary officer also seemed somewhat surprised at the marquis’ reaction. He first nced at his colleagues and subordinates before he nodded at Shiles.


    The marquis in the carriage frowned with a face of suspicion, "You mean, Count Lisban, Prime Minister Lisban?"


    "Yes, the entire city’s patrols are now directly under the prime minister’smand," the disciplinary officer replied with a solemn expression. "Any problems?"


    Shiles stared nkly at him. "The prime minister? Where is he? In the pce?"


    The disciplinary officer shook his head.


    "No, he’s right here." The disciplinary officer pointed to the street next to him. There was a house guarded by soldiers. "He’s working in a temporary stronghold. I’ve sent someone to get him. If you have any questions, you can perhaps ask him directly."


    Shiles raised his head, and there was aplex expression on his face.


    "The gatehouse, the First Gatehouse... It’s already time—why is it not opened yet?" the marquis asked hesitantly, while he gazed at the First Gatehouse and the vague human figures on it in the distance.


    "Could it be that... something happened in Heroic Spirit Pce?"


    The disciplinary officer’s expression changed.


    "Of course not." The disciplinary officer quickly reacted by shaking his head. His expression was solemn, seemingly allowing no doubt. "You know, the cmities just descendedst night. We will be a little more cautious during emergencies, but please rest assured that everything is under control."


    Shiles narrowed his eyes.


    He took a deep breath and looked at the house where the prime minister was located.


    The marquis keenly asked, "Then isn’t the prime minister keeping watch in the pce? Why is he being stationed temporarily at a house instead?


    "Between the patrols on the gatehouse and the defense line youid out—it is a little too far, isn’t it?


    "Don’t tell me that... you’re too afraid to go near the gatehouse?"


    The disciplinary officer frowned imperceptibly.


    "You’ve misunderstood. We intentionally put the defense line farther away from the gatehouse for safety," he answered very seriously, as if to cut off all of the foreign noble’s unnecessary thoughts. "Before we can ensure safety, we need to block all possible threats outside Heroic Spirit Pce. Of course, even the gatehouse cannot lower its guard."


    Shiles raised his brows.


    As they spoke, the soldier who passed the order returned to the disciplinary officer’s side and whispered a few sentences into his ear.


    "Pleasee with us in your carriage." The disciplinary officer turned his head and nodded respectfully at the marquis. "The prime minister wants to see you."


    Shiles’ expression changed.


    "Oh." He nodded gently as he concealed the surging emotions in his heart beneath his smiling expression. "Alright, we wille."


    Shiles first gestured at the coachman. Then, lookingposed, he shut the window in a swift move.


    The carriage began to move again. Following the patrols, it slowly moved forward.


    He whipped around to look at the people in the coach.


    The instant Shiles turned his head, his expression became nervous and heavy.


    The people in the coach returned his look with pale faces.


    Even though Shiles tried hard to suppress his emotions, Thales still heard a trace of unexpected panic in his tone, "These people, these soldiers... They’re not Lampard’s men, they’re not from ck Sand Region!"


    The speed of Shiles’ words grew more and more urgent. He did not even care about the hilt of Nichs’ de, which was pointed at his back. He said in exasperation, "They’re the real patrols and troops of Dragon Clouds City! They’re direct subordinates of the disciplinary hall and garrison officer, not counterfeits!


    "Genuine!"


    A thought appeared in Thales’ mind as he watched the serious-looking patrols on both sides.


    ’Genuine?


    ’Meaning that these people are loyal to Dragon Clouds City, and to Walton’s influence?’


    "What’s wrong?" Putray calmly asked. "Has Prime Minister Lisban appeared and managed to keep the situation under control?"


    "That’s probably not the case yet." Shiles shook his head, visibly strained as he thought through the circumstances. "I asked, and the gatehouse is still in Lampard’s hands—obviously, they’re still in confrontation or even in negotiation."


    Along with the Nortnders and Constetiates, the two carriages were all moving forward. The gatehouse was towards their front right, whereas the house Lisban upied was on the top left.


    Putray sped both of his hands and narrowed his eyes. "Looks like this prime minister is slightly more brilliant than we imagined—in this position, he’s already noticed something amiss in the gatehouse and even Heroic Spirit Pce. Hence, he came forward with troops."


    Thales sighed softly. He looked at Nichs with firm eyes. "Now’s a good chance. You can seize this opportunity and evacuate with Lady... Lady Walton. Go look for Prime Minister Lisban—whether it is to seek help, or just leave, you can do it."


    Before his eyes, another carriage appeared. In it was that terrified little girl.


    ’We’re going to part here...


    ’...Little Rascal.’


    Nichs’ expression changed.


    "It is of course convenient for the Nortnders, but the question is, what about us?" By the side, Shiles gritted his teeth and frowned. "When we get to see Lisban, what should we say? ’We want to save your country, please let us go?’"


    Thales took a deep breath and quickly thought.


    ’In the original n, they were supposed to let Shiles deceive the ck Sand Region soldiers in the gatehouse. Then, Shiles would find a way to send them into Heroic Spirit Pce.


    ’But now, right before the gatehouse...


    ’Count Lisban.


    ’Prime minister?


    ’What’s to be done?


    ’How do we face him?


    ’Or, do we not face him at all?’


    Once he thought of that, Thales raised his head pensively. "If we suddenly rush towards the gatehouse and let Shiles take us in, will we seed?


    "Will Lisban and his patrols intercept, or attack us?"


    The carriage drove past yet another troop of patrol soldiers. They seemed to be more nervous than the other soldiers. They were gesticting at the gatehouse while surrounding a noble.


    Putray frowned. "But if it is as such..."


    He did not continue.


    Nichs’ expression shifted as he looked at Thales.


    "You know what, you can actually meet the Prime Minister with me. We will exin everything,bine forces and act together," Nichs tly said. "With his cooperation, it will be more convenient for us."


    The Star Killer glimpsed at Shiles as he spoke. His eyes were cold. "Anyway, we have an ’enthusiastic’ witness from Camus bearing an ount for King Nuven’s assassination."


    The Marquis of Camus’plexion instantly changed in a dramatic manner!


    A thought appeared in Thales’ mind.


    The prince nodded and asked Nichs solemnly, "If we seek Lisban... can he be trusted?"


    Nichs paused for a moment.


    "Count Lisban, the king’s prime minister... He’s been His Majesty’s right hand over the years." The Star Killer lowered his head and softly said, "Moreover, he is Dragon Clouds City’s direct vassal..."


    Thales frowned as he felt something amiss in Nichs.