Chapter 619 No Evidence Without Proof

“Control?”

Gilbert’s gaze shifted, but with his experience, he maintained a mild and steady tone:

“Forgive my dullness, I fail to grasp your meaning”

Thales looked deeply at him.

“No, Gilbert,” Thales smiled:

“You are the smartest person in this royal court, smart enough to know when to feign ignorance.”

The dim lights in the hallway cast Gilbert’s face into a solemn expression.

“You know very well, since the moment you brought me into Mindis Hall, everything that I have and have achieved: whether it’s convincing the Duke of the North to patiently listen to me by using the prince’s name, forcing Dragon Sky City to practice restraint due to mutual interests, or getting a handful of people to willingly obey me through my status and identity, including my strenuous efforts to prevent conflict, to avert disaster, and to aid friends…”

Thales’ smile gradually solidified:

“All of this, ultimately, stems from him.”

Gilbert hesitated, on the verge of speaking, but restraining himself. Thales continued:

“Even more so from what he represents: the kingdom, the system, tradition… everything.”

“This is why, in the face of Nuen, Chaman, and Shadow Shield, I am fearless, but it’s only him that I dread, him that I fear.”

Thales took a deep breath:

“Because without him, without all that he has given me..”

“I would revert back to my original form, back to that lonely and weak beggar in the dilapidated house in the Lower City District.”

Thales clenched his fists.

He remembered the night of Dragon Blood, in the room of the Hall of Valor, Ashida’s piercing question to him.

“I would..” the prince said with difficulty:

“be nothing.”

Be nothing.

“I know, His Majesty Kessel has always been domineering,” Gilbert tried to find a place to interject, to offer consolation: “His demands on you are too harsh, and this has driven you away from him and even made you fear him…”

“Harsh?” Thales repeated the word, snorting coldly and shaking his head.

“King Nuen coerced me, King Chaman used me, Shadow Shield hurt me-but they all had to first raise a sword, resort to the most direct and crude methods.”

“But only he, solely he… What he uses to control me is not a sword, not an order, not a threat, not even a clear and direct hierarchy, nor the relationships around interests or the chains of power.”

Thales slowly turned around, facing the shadows that even the corridor lights couldn’t reach, his words bitter:

“But an overwhelming Rowand.”

“Named ‘Kingdom of Starlight’ or ‘this damned world”

Gilbert jolted, blurting out:

“Your Highness!”

But Thales abruptly raised his hand, stopping his teacher’s words.

“And he is at the very top of this Rowand; he doesn’t need to say anything, do anything, or even show up. The mere existence and weight of the Rowand itself, just its impenetrable form everywhere around, is enough to make me bow my head and bend my neck, stagger in my steps.”

Thales’ expression was distant:

“Until I am bound and tied by the countless threads within the Rowand, molded into the shape he-or it-wants me to be.”

“I understand!”

Gilbert could no longer tolerate it, he interrupted anxiously:

“I understand, Your Highness! But after all, you are father and son, connected by blood, and you are his heir, with aligned interests, as long as the contradictions and misunderstandings between you are resolved-“

“Resolved?”

Thales raised his voice, turning his head back.

He looked at the Minister of Foreign Affairs with a cold smirk:

“Gilbert, you are a diplomat, you can untie a knot, a misunderstanding, you can dissolve the enmity between two people, the conflict between two groups, you might even untangle the

deadlock of a war between two great nations.”

“But how do you unravel a-Rowand?”

Gilbert’s gaze hardened.

“The pharmacist could cozy up to the gang and maybe pay less

protection money,” Thales said as he stepped towards Gilbert,

somewhat aggressively:

“But answer me, Gilbert: how does he free himself from that Rowand? The one he’s grown accustomed to until he’s numb, the one that cruelly asserts that one cannot pursue both freedom and security,

one must give up one of them, thereby justifying violence,

exploitation, and oppression?”

The cold wind seeped through the cracks, chilling to the bone.

Gilbert hadn’t responded, he just stared blankly at Thales, in disbelief.

“That good girl might find a so-called good man like me and live happily ever after,” Thales glared at his teacher, determined to demand an answer:

“But Count Cassel, answer me: how does she escape from this

Rowand? The one she has seen through but feels helpless against, the one designed to make women subservient to another kind of person, forced to exchange their skirts for bread or else suffer punitive restrictions on their freedom-an unjust Rowand?”

The lamps in the hallway flickered wildly, shadows dancing eerily.

Seeing the prince in this state, Gilbert’s right hand trembled, and he unconsciously leaned on his cane, breathing rapidly.

“As for that ruthless, disabled figure, maybe his old gang friends can help him get by,” Thales clenched his teeth, his tone resentful: “But Minister of Foreign Affairs, please answer me: how does he leave that Rowand? The one he’s lived in for so long that he no longer senses its stench, the twisted Rowand that continually repeats the axiom that the strong get what they deserve, the backward shall suffer beatings, a logic riddled with fallacies that’s rarely questioned?”

The stone walls of the royal court silently listened to Thales’ challenges, as ever, wordless and mute.

Gilbert’s chest heaved erratically as he stared back at Thales, stunned.

“Answer me, my respected teacher, answer me,” Thales raised his

voice:

“With all your knowledge and cultivation in history, politics, grammar, and philosophy, answer me: how will you unravel these webs?”

The echo spread through the empty and gloomy corridor, like a tiny

stone thrown into a bottomless and boundless dark abyss.

“Your Highness,” Gilbert spoke with concern and urgency:

“I don’t understand, the things you’re talking about and us-“

But Thales interrupted him.

“Last night.”

The prince stared intently at the Minister of Foreign Affairs:

“I, Duke of Star Lake, Prince Thales, stood at the highest place in

Mindis Hall, yet I still felt helpless and on the verge of falling, not even allowed to step back, turn around, and give up. Because the web that belongs to me has already tied me up tightly, airtight.” Hearing this, Gilbert’s expression grew dim.

“In that web, I could only watch helplessly as two living people killed

each other over ridiculous reasons in front of me, helplessly watch my subordinates sacrifice their lives because it ‘suited’ my position, the kingdom’s interests, the best outcome.”

The scene from the banquet flashed before Thales’s eyes:

“And the moment I resisted and tore at it just a bit, like last night,

appealing to my humanity rather than interests, testing the limits of heresy, I would immediately invite the web’s merciless retribution from top to bottom, either forcing me to bow and return to being a dutiful prince or completely eliminating me, turning me into a legend.”

Legend and throne.

Legend, or throne. Those were his only choices.

“Gilbert, can you feel it?”

Thales felt bitter:

“Can you feel these webs, invisible yet omnipresent in our lives, so

oppressive and suffocating that one can hardly breathe?”

“They are so irresistible and subtle that even the strongest, smartest,

and most perceptive people I’ve met gradually become their most loyal and obedient slaves without noticing.”

Gilbert remained silent, lost in bitter thought.

“This, Gilbert, is what I have always feared.”

Thales took a deep breath, stepped back twice, and vigorously rubbed

his temples.

“Just as Jann said: I returned to Starlight, and what I got was more

than the kingdom’s shelter.”

“It’s also the shadow of the throne.”

Both fell into silence.

It seemed like a century passed before Gilbert finally let out a long

sigh, his crow’s feet pronounced.

“I understand, Thales.”

He spoke with caution, as if comforting a wounded animal:

“I understand that ‘Starlight Prince’ is not an easy title, and neither is

Duke of Star Lake or the heir to the throne. You have to bear not only

your own life but also the future of the entire kingdom, but you have done very well…”

“I also know that our kingdom is complicated, it’s not perfect, but flawed, and at times even vile, we can only try our hardest to compensate and correct it.”

“That indeed requires your wisdom, but before that, you need to have

great power and high status to have the qualifications and conditions

to discuss solutions…”

Thales pursed his lips and shook his head.

No.

He didn’t understand.

Like everyone else. Gilbert continued with a hopeful tone:

“But I swear, on my honor and responsibility, I will do everything I

can. What happened today will not happen again; I will advise His

Majesty, and he will give you more time, more freedom and leeway,

more…”

“I’ve seen it, Gilbert,” Thales said in a low voice, interrupting him.

“I have seen how you carefully tread on thin ice during the royal council meetings, balancing between the king and the prime minister, finance and military, being moderate and radical, between humanity and interests.”

Gilbert was taken aback. Thales gave a sardonic smile:

“Even as a Monarchist, you don’t agree with the king, at least not with

his methods and means-radical, domineering, ruthless, causing grievances and complaints, nothing like the ease of Prince Mider in his time.” Gilbert’s expression tightened:

“No, Your Highness, you’re speculating too much…”

Thales shook his head, yet his gaze was firm: “But you’re powerless.”

“Because you, Gilbert Cassel, the architect of the ‘Fortress Accord,’

who once traveled alone to the North and repelled a hundred thousand fierce troops, the Cunning Fox of the Western Land, you’re

just like me, entangled in this great web, controlled by it, unable to rebel.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs stood still.

“Just ensuring your seat in the royal council, just protecting yourself

from falling off the precarious balance, just keeping yourself from being crushed and assimilated by it, you’ve already used up all your wisdom and strength.”

Thales stared at him, extended his hands, and firmly grasped Gilbert’s shoulders:

“You don’t have a single bit of spare strength left, not for yourself, not

for your once cherished ideals and aspirations.” Gilbert’s brows trembled slightly. Thales slowly clenched his fists, gritting his teeth: “So when, six years ago, you first discovered me, found that there could be another candidate for the Starlight King, you were thrilled as if you had found a treasure, willing to serve as my minister and do so much for me behind the scenes.”

“Because you were hoping that one day…”

“Take his place.”

At that moment, Gilbert suddenly looked up with shock beyond

measure!

Thales revealed a smile:

“Isn’t it?”

Silence, a suffocating silence, lasted a full three seconds.

The next moment, Gilbert came to his senses, instinctively backing off

in surprise, freeing himself from Thales’s palm.

Thales stared at him, raising both hands, but all that lay within was

the void.

Gilbert looked at the student in front of him with astonishment, as if

he no longer recognized the boy.

“You should be happy, teacher.”

“Because I will,” Thales put away the disappointment in his heart,

looked down at his empty palms, the scars on them ever so distinct: “Starting right now.”

Gilbert’s expression changed abruptly.

“Your, Your Highness?”

Realizing something, he hurried forward, taking hold of Thales’s

shoulder again:

“What are you talking about, what are you going to do?”

Thales smiled.

“Gilbert, do you know why, after committing such an outrageous act,

I could still walk out unscathed?”

“Do you know what the most interesting part is about the Rowand we are trapped in?”

Facing Gilbert’s shocked gaze, feeling the weight upon his shoulders,

Thales looked behind him, towards the dark corridor leading to the

Ballard Chamber.

“It’s that within this nation, the person who is bound by the Rowand

tighter, deeper, heavier, and unable to extricate himself is not me, nor

is it you.”

The young man’s smile remained, his gaze icy:

“But another.”

“How can I believe you?”

In the Ballard Chamber, King Kessel resumed his meal; his voice arose,

lacking some of its edge, but with an added chill: “How do I know that what you say is true?” Across the table, Thales, expressionless, quietly listened to the other

party’s advancing words:

“How do I know that you genuinely wish to serve me, rather than covertly strengthening yourself, accumulating prestige, gathering

support?”

“How do I know that such a move isn’t akin to harboring a tiger, letting you become an unprecedented threat?”

“How do I know that you won’t profit from the chaos, seize the opportunity, and eventually turn against me…

The next second, King Kessel’s words became icy, his murderous

intent flaring:

“Take my place?”

In that instant, the cramped secret chamber seemed even smaller,

leaving no room to maneuver. Thales snorted coldly, finding it all absurdly comical: “After everything that’s been said, you’re still worried about this?”

The king picked up a piece of meat with his fork, squinting his eyes:

“You could deceive lords like those from Falkenhauz, naturally, you could deceive me too.”

“And how will you prove to me, ensure that you will fulfill your duties,

become my sharpest Longsword, my most loyal pawn, my most

trusted trump card?” Thales fell silent for a while.

At that moment, he finally realized that he was sitting in the same

room as King Kessel.

Just like the words he had used to threaten the Black Prophet in The

Secret Sector.

He was alone with the Iron Fist King.

Face to face.

King against king.

Candor against Candor. What had he sacrificed for this moment?

And what else would he lose?

In the end, the young man took a deep breath, his gaze steadfast on

the

king:

“Firstly, no matter what my intentions are, facts speak louder than

words, the process and reality can’t lie, your power and interests will

see tangible and significant growth through our cooperation.”

“For instance, this time, I will persuade the Western Wasteland Lords

to reduce their troops and pay taxes to support the expansion of the Standing Army.”

King Kessel didn’t respond-but Thales, who had sparred with him

many

times, gradually understood that this was the best response

from the other side.

“Secondly, if you are worried that I will go down a dark path, truly join

hands with the disloyal, defect, and betray you…”

Thales spoke calmly and deliberately: “I believe you know what it was for that I made this proposal, that I

embarked on this path.”

“To confront you in battle, to engage in a bloody conflict, resulting in

the destruction of the kingdom and innumerable sacrifices-that is contrary to my original intention, and it is the last situation I would

want to see.”

King Kessel snorted, his emotions indistinguishable. “Third, as you said, taking this step comes at a price.”

Thales’ gaze remained steady:

“If I still want to return to the Renaissance Palace, enter the stronghold of the Royalist Faction that sees me as an enemy, and still want to put on the crown and inherit the throne safely, peacefully, gracefully, without bloodshed or killing, still hoping to keep my head on my shoulders, then I’ll have to rely on your endorsement and acknowledgment at the last moment-only with the King bowing out can I avoid being pelted with eggs by the audience below the stage.” This time, King Kessel frowned slightly and was silent for a long while. “But what if you’re not blatantly betraying and causing suffering in

broad daylight,” the Iron Fist King’s gaze shifted: “Instead, you follow in the footsteps of your dearest friend from the

North, scheming in the shadows, striking suddenly?”

His friend from the North.

Remembering the old sword from Rumba and King Nuen’s head rolling on the ground, Thales furrowed his brows.

“As experienced as you are, you’re also afraid of assassins?” Thales

said with a touch of irony.

King Kessel’s cutlery paused in midair. “You know that Yodel is no more,” the King resumed eating, his voice

as usual, seemingly unconcerned: “Now to take my head…

“There’s still time.”

Yodel is no more.

A heavy feeling sank in Thales’ heart.

“Some other day.”

The Prince looked at the meal in front of him that had long gone cold

and said indifferently:

“This spoon… doesn’t fit my hand.”

King Kessel also let out a cold laugh. “Even if at this moment you truly are blinded by greed, sincerely

intending to do so…”

The King said slowly:

“But how can you assure me that once the circumstances change with

time, and you still ought to honor our promise, you would clear the obstacles and punish the wicked on my behalf?”

Clear the obstacles and punish the wicked. Thales sneered inwardly.

“I don’t know.”

The young man retorted without showing any weakness:

“I cannot guarantee what hasn’t happened yet, nor do I want to say

any pretty lies about not changing my original intention.”

King Kessel frowned.

Until Thales shifted the conversation:

“But it depends on you.”

The King’s expression shifted, “What do you mean?”

Thales

“Just like me, taking this step comes at a price for you too.” leaned forward, his tone threatening: “If you don’t want to be spurned and betrayed by me one day, don’t

want to be forced to wage a civil war against a rebellious son, don’t

want me to exhaust all my schemes to rally the lords of the Kingdom

against you.”

“Then you’d better join me on stage, cooperate in the performance,

and bow out together.”

King Kessel listened quietly.

“Don’t be a stage tyrant, don’t cut corners, and certainly don’t tamper

with the script or harbor ulterior motives to set traps and oppress

others.”

“As long as you don’t get off the chariot first, I will dutifully clear the obstructions for you. Just like if I don’t go back on my word mid-way,

you will abide by the rules and grant me the throne at the end.”

His Majesty Kessel’s brow twitched: “What you’re saying is…” “The essence of politics is the bundling of interests.” Thales said coldly:

“I think we both acknowledge that this cooperation is merely a

convergence of needs and is bound not to be plain sailing or earnest.”

The next second, Thales’ eyes turned colder, his tone stern: “But we

know each other’s nature too well: whoever reneges on the promise

first, whoever shows aggression first…” “The other will ensure that they pay an unimaginable price.”

Observing Thales’ expression, the King’s lips slowly curled into a

smile.

“On this chariot, we’re bound together.”

Thales affirmed:

“We are each other’s assurance.”

This time, the Ballard Chamber fell silent for quite a while.

Just when Thales thought the Everlasting Lamp might go out, the

King’s deep voice finally sounded: “Not enough.”

Thales’ brow twitched.

Across the long table, King Kessel pushed away his plate and cutlery.

“Do you want to become an enemy of the King?”

For the first time, the always stern Kessel Candor raised his head,

showing the young man a bright, indifferent, and even slightly teasing

smile that the latter had never seen before:

“Empty words.”

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