The backyard of Bright Moon Temple.

Standing calmly in the middle of the slightly narrow hall was the Prince of Constellation.

Under the Everlasting Lamps illumination, Thales stared at the Bright Moon Goddess statue in the dark from a distance. He observed the Bright Moon Goddess aloof expression quietly.

Thales. Behind him, Little Rascal fixed the glasses on the bridge of her nose and looked nervously around her before she said, If we slip out like this Nicholas and the others will

Ah, Thales said bluntly, I know. Theyre most probably on their way to find you already.

Little Rascals face turned as white as sheet. Then we

Thales interrupted her with a whisper.

Little Rascal, I have to do something, but I need your help. The Prince of Constellation stared at the Bright Moon Goddess with a dazed expression.

Little Rascal was slightly startled.

What is it? she asked curiously.

Thales did not say a word. He gently furled his hand into a fist.

Youve read many books, but do you know what we went through last night?

Little Rascals expression froze a little.

She lowered her head as she thought of those times in Heroic Spirit Palace and Shield District. Without realizing, she clenched her teeth.

The moment Alexs hands swung limply to her side.

The kings ring.

The calamities presumptuous, loud laughter.

Citizens running, screaming, and dying in despair.

After a second, Little Rascal blinked her reddened eyes a couple of times before she nodded her head in silence.

Thales turned his head around, looked at Little Rascals face, and had on a heart-warming smile.

About the young soldier earlier, Willow Ken, do you know his story?

A puzzled look appeared on Little Rascals face, and she shook her head.

He was originally a normal citizen of the Northern Territory. Although he wasnt wealthy, he had a cute little sister and healthy parents. Thales recalled the story he heard on the land covered in snow, and absentmindedly said, But during winter twelve years ago, he suddenly learned to fish, use spears, survive tough times, and bear the pain of losing his loved ones.

Little Rascal was momentarily stunned.

Theyre not the only ones. Thales sighed.

That veteran called Genard was most probably a peasant too when he was young. But twelve years ago, he became who he is now, Thales narrowed his eyes and remembered the veteran who struggled to keep up with them along the way. He sighed with great emotion. To him, hes still living in those days where wars raged continuously. He cant wake up from it, and doesnt want to wake up.

That big sister called Miranda had her whole family wiped out twelve years ago. She spent her childhood in the Tower of Eradication all alone.

Thales lifted his head, and looked straight at the overwhelmed Little Rascal.

Constellation was not the only one as well. The second prince then blurted out a name flatly, Byrne Mirk.

Something crossed Little Rascals mind and her face instantly became as pale as a ghost.

Dont be afraid. Thales walked forward and held her small hand. While feeling her cold and trembling palm, he sincerely said, Im here. No one will ever hurt you.

Little Rascals breathing gradually slowed and she calmed down.

But as youve heard in the rumors, twelve years ago, Byrne failed to keep his promise to the one he wanted to protect, and he also lost his best friend. Since then, he fell into boundless hell. He struggled for each and every one of his breath to continue living.

Thales looked at her in silence.

And theres Chapman Lampard. Thales eyes darkened. Twelve years ago, his hands were stained with his older brothers blood. He lived in the vortex of power formed by the people who belonged to his fathers generation, becoming the Archduke of Black Sand Region today.

With a serious look on his face, Thales let go of the girls hand, and held onto her shoulders with both of his hands.

Little Rascal could only look at him in a daze.

Look, just like that, the fates of so many people were decided. Thales speech was disjointed, and his voice varied in volume. All because of that event twelve years ago.

Little Rascal took a sharp breath, and looked into the princes gray eyes. The Bloody Year?

Thales looked at her earnestly and nodded.

The Bloody Year.

Conflict appeared in Little Rascals eyes. She nodded slightly, although it seemed like she did not understand anything.

Thales closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath.

After that, he opened his eyes. With a stern expression never seen before since he descended into this world, he spoke with a serious voice,

Little Rascal.

The things we saw and heard tonight arent just part of a family feud between a few people. This is a huge matter that concerns the future of tens upon millions of people in two countries.

Thales looked sternly into the girls bewildered eyes behind her glasses.

He clenched his teeth.

In that second, the Potemkin Village he saw after he left the capital appeared before his eyes. The grand, star-shaped Broken Dragon Fortress showed up as well. The Northland villagers of Mountain Pass Village appeared, along with the range of black rocks at Rayman PassHoraces grave.

There may be ten thousand, one hundred thousand, or one million peoples fates being changed. Thales struggled to speak. No, in Dragon Clouds City, countless peoples fates have already changed tracks. Plenty of people even had their lives come to an end.

Thales let his eyelids fall and said sadly, Alex was one of them, and the Shield District we passed through was another.

The both of us too.

Little Rascal was stunned for a second.

If we just walk away and leave everything behind, the burden of running away will make me unable to catch my breath. Thales sighed, feeling a heavy weight press against his chest.

Little Rascal bit her lower lip.

We caused thousands of people to suffered horrifically and became homeless. Thales had an ugly smile plastered on his face. That feeling is horrible.

His hands as they held onto Little Rascals shoulders shook slightly, We cant leave, we cant run away

Little Rascal sniffled and interrupted him.

I understand, the girl parted her lips with great difficulty. Her platinum blonde hair was incredibly striking. You need me to

Her face was filled with grief. She did not continue speaking. She seemed to be hesitating about something.

Thales swallowed, then nodded. I want to make up for all of it, avoid the worst from happening, and mend the wounds weve left It doesnt matter if those things are our responsibilities or not.

Little Rascal figured something out. Her face turned pale.

I understand, what you need is not Little Rascal. She shuddered and stared at Thales incredulously. The person you need is Saroma Walton.

You need me to become her, become His Majestys granddaughter. That very moment, Little Rascals eyes reddened.

Thales froze for a moment, finding himself speechless for a short period of time.

He lowered his head, remembering the conversation between the two of them in the butcher shop.

Choose to be the person you want to be.

But now

Thales clenched his teeth. His tongue felt extremely heavy.

No. A second later, he pulled his head up, and looked straight into Little Rascals eyes. The person I need is Little Rascal, not Saroma!

Little Rascal widened her eyes. Her expression was filled with surprise.

Little Rascal, the one whos been beside me throughout the chaos, who stuck with me through it all, Thales said each word earnestly. The young, dumb little girl who doesnt know how to hide when danger came.

I need her to be with me for a while more. Thales stared at her with a gentle gaze.

Although this request may be too much.

Little Rascal stared at him in a dumbfounded manner, looking as if she had forgotten how to think.

I know youre scared. Thales was still holding onto Little Rascals shoulders. Without realizing, his hands had furled into fists.

But

Thales face became contorted, but after a few seconds, he lifted his gaze and looked into Little Rascals eyes.

Raise your head and face it, just as you faced the Great Dragon.

Little Rascal did not reply.

She only stared at Thales with tears streaming down her eyes.

After a few seconds, tears started to fall uncontrollably from her eyes.

No book has a plot like this. Tear stains could be found on Little Rascals cheeks. She said in fear, I have no knowledge of it at all

She bit her lips as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Thales sighed in his heart.

Probably there is, Thales gently said. We just dont know about it.

Little Rascal sniffled.

Thales sighed and moved his hands behind her head. It will be better if there isnt any.

Thales lifted up his fingers and tenderly wiped her tears away.

Then, he held her black-rimmed glasses and pushed the slanted, broken glasses back in place.

He stared at Little Rascal. His expression was solemn, and his was voice stern.

You read so many books, you read through so many peoples stories. Its your turn to write your own story.

Subconsciously, Little Rascal began to sob loudly.

The girl looked at Thales with a stunned expression and a dazed stare.

It felt like she was reading a book she had casually found instead of staring at a boy with a determined expression.

After a moment, Little Rascal pursed her lips before she slowly parted them.

Her soft voice rang in the air, Will you always be by my side?

I will. He nodded.

Her eyes lit up. Will you face all of this with me?

I will. He smiled.

Her expression changed as she clenched her teeth. Youll protect me.

He sighed, then moved his head forward until it touched her forehead.

Both of their eyes met across the lens of her glasses.

The boy spoke tenderly with a resolute tone.

I will.

At that very moment, Thales heard footsteps behind him.

He let go of the dazed Little Rascal gently, and turned towards the person who approached them.

The pale and grim countenance of the Star Killer appeared before his eyes. With a hostile expression, he admonished them, You better have a good explanation for abducting Waltons bloodline, young prince

Soray Nicholas glanced at Little Rascal, who was lost in her thoughts. Madam, please come back with us. You are not supposed to have any contact with this dangerous prince.

Little Rascal pursed her lips and hid behind Thales.

Nicholas knitted his brows together.

Thales sighed deeply, lifted his head, and looked at Nicholas as well as Mirk, who was behind him.

Without paying any attention to the Star Killer, Thales spoke softly to Mirk, Lord Mirk Im sorry, Im still so used to calling you Lord.

The dejected Mirk was slightly startled.

Nicholas was a little surprised.

Why did you come back? Why did you come back to help the Walton Family? Thales calmly glanced at Mirk. Youre no longer an administrator. I remember that King Nuven sentenced you to life-long exile.

Mirks expression turned heartbroken and it was filled with despair.

He did not realize it but his muscles had tensed up.

To King Nuven, youre the criminal who harmed his son, arent you? the prince said indifferently. For this, he took your child away and treated you like this. You should just treat him the same way.

Mirk was startled.

Nicholas looked at his old colleague. His expression changed.

Hey, you, young prince, the Star Killer said firmly, if you

But someone interrupted him. It was not Thales.

Yes.

Mirk looked up as he shuddered. His eyes burned with strange and mixed emotions.

But that was his point of view, he said in anguish. I will forever be one of the White Blade Guards. And my duty is to be loyal to the king.

The former administrator clenched his teeth tightly.

No matter how he has treated me.

A bright light shone in Thales eyes.

No matter how Mirks hand trembled, he still thought of all that he had been through.

This has never changed.

I am fulfilling my duties, nothing more.

Finally, the former administrator looked firmly at Thales with his teeth clenched.

Nicholas stared at his comrade.

And Thales smiled a little.

Thats not all, the prince said gently. Theres also Prince Soria, correct? You always felt guilty for what happened to him.

Mirk swayed slightly.

It must have been hard for you. Thales observed his expression, dropped his head, and sighed. You try your very best in everything you do, yet fate keeps making you a fool. You made a big mistake, you committed a felony.

But you cant do anything to compensate for it.

Mirk tilted his head and shut his eyes. An expression of conflict appeared on his face.

So you want to make amends, to atone, Thales said with pity in his voice.

Nicholas stepped forward impatiently. Enough.

I dont know why you need to speak of all this meaningless nonsense, but

At this moment, Thales brought his head up, and his gaze turned sharp.

Because this is what were going through now! Thales roared as he interrupted Nicholas.

The Star Killer was shocked. He looked at the Prince of Constellation in surprise and bewilderment.

Thales gasped slightly to calm the slight pain in his throat.

Look around us. He clenched his teeth. King Nuven poured the blood of his enemies skulls onto his own land. Chapman is strutting around Dragon Clouds City, free to do whatever he wants with the public, none the wiser of his acts. Meanwhile, Calshan, Shiles, and Kaslan laughed at us in the dark.

Nicholas listened to Thales in silence.

However, rage gradually appeared in his eyes.

Wars and disasters are on their way, countless lives and things will be killed and destroyed. Thales exhaled with great difficulty. Yet here we are, like stray dogs running for our lives, constantly trying to escape.

We hide in a corner to comfort ourselves, saying that this is the only way. Then we go to sleep in peace like this is a dream and none of it has ever happened.

Mirk sighed. Panic was clear on his face.

Nicholas tightened his fists.

Hmph! He snorted coldly. This is all thanks to your Secret Intelligence Department.

Thales ignored him. Instead, he shook his head. His gaze turned sharp. But is that all?

Nicholas furrowed his brows.

Is this the end? The prince raised his arms in the air and waved them forcefully.

Nicholas, the Star Killer?

He called out Nicholas title without fear.

Nicholas was seething with anger. He dug his nails into his palms, and finally exhaled through his nose in fury.

What else do you want to do, pitiful young prince? the Star Killer asked through gritted teeth.

Thales lifted his head. His expression was solemn and serious at the same time.

I want to change, I want to redeem myself, he said earnestly. I want to do something.

I want to fight back.

Nicholas gaze was focused. He lowered his head and met the princes eyes quietly.

Several seconds later

Ha. Nicholas laughed. The scorn he felt seeped into his face. Very funny.

Thales narrowed his eyes.

Laugh as much as you like, the prince said softly.

Thales continued in a firm manner, which allowed no argument, This is my decision and this will encompass all the things that I will be doing next. Im just letting you know.

Do all of you want to come along?

Northlanders?

There was a change in Mirks expression after he heard those words.

Nicholas froze.

In my opinion, if this was the reason why you gathered us here, its seriously not a good idea, Your Highness, a calm and mature male voice rang.

Putray, Ralf, Wya, Willow, Genard and a few others appeared in their sight.

The vice diplomat nodded slightly at the prince.

His eyes were full of worry.

Thales turned to face his diplomat group.

Putray.

Thales exhaled, and with a gentle look, he said, You came a long way with me, witnessed so many things with me, and Im grateful.

Without your strategies and suggestions, I wouldnt have been able to make it to this day.

Putray furrowed his brows. He wanted to bring out his tobacco pipe but when his hand was lifted halfway, he put it back down.

He stared at Thales. The look in his eyes was filled with incredibly complex emotions.

Do you realize what you were saying? The vice diplomat hesitated and said in a profound manner, I know that youre very dissatisfied, but I have the obligation to persuade you to dispel any unwise decisions.

Thales forced out a few chuckles.

Thank you.

But no matter how hard he tried, his laughter sounded stubborn and bleak.

But I do not want to disappoint them.

Putray lifted his eyes slowly. Who?

Many people. Thales was lost in his thoughts. He spoke instinctively.

Putray, Wya, Ralf, do you still remember?

Do you still remember that most of the soldiers in the Jadestar Private Army died in the birch tree forest? They died under the claws of the Blood Clan and the conspiracies of the nobles.

Do you still remember Baron Murkh running towards the enemys camp with me on his back? Do you still remember that countless guards of the Kingdoms Wrath sacrificing their lives before the fortress?

Thales curled his hand into a fist without even noticing it himself. The figures of countless people flashed before his eyes. All because they wanted to send me to Eckstedt

To eliminate the threat of war.

To get rid of those who cheered for the war, those bastards who are completely indifferent to all other lives.

To have a peaceful Constellation.

Putray dropped his head and exhaled deeply.

I remember the White Blade Guards, the group of strangers who gave their lives up just for me. Thales snapped out of his daze.

Theres also Dragon Clouds City and the Northern Territory. Those who were affected by our failures as well as those peasants, who could possibly suffer from wars and disasters in the future.

We are in a bad situation ourselves, Putray lifted three fingers from his right hand as if he was holding onto his tobacco pipe, and he did not even notice it. Any impulsive action will expose us to the risk of falling into the dangerous situation we just escaped after much difficulty. It will make the situation even worse.

Thales looked at his instructor without uttering a word. He remembered how the both of them first met at the side of a carriage.

Oh, no. That was the second time. The first time they met was at Western City Gate, where the child beggars stole the library pass from Putray.

Thales smiled.

But we are not going to get ourselves in a worse situation, isnt it? he said softly.

Lets not forget that I am the one who murdered King Nuven.

Putray froze.

We have ruined the hard-won peace of the kingdom and pushed it into the abyss of war. The second prince shrugged before he smiled mockingly. It is as you said. Once we return to the capital, the Northlanders will invade south en masse.

The fortress will be destroyed, the land will be trampled, lives will be taken mercilessly, just like how wheat is harvested.

Thousands of people will curse our names.

Willow, the new soldier trembled a little after he heard those words.

Thales shook his head slightly. Once we lose the Northern Territory, our biggest barrierand it will happen soonI will spend the rest of my life with my hands full, facing a vulnerable, wounded kingdom of starving citizens. The kingdom will be on verge of collapsing at that point.

I will become an incompetent king with no accomplishments, guarding a weak country, waiting for the day Constellation ends for good in my very own hands, Thales said drearily.

He finished his monologue with, As the final king before the country fell

What kind of emotions did the last emperor of the Ancient Empire have before he passed away?