ARC: Curse of the Royal Tribulation

Chapter 86: To Find a Woman

Gu? Charleton? Thales repeated incredulously, trying to make sense of the jumbled memories and thoughts that swirled in his mind as he looked back and forth between Raphael and Gus cell.

Explain, the Prince demanded, his emotions tightly controlled as he fixed an intense gaze on Raphael. Right now.

Raphael lapsed into silence for a moment and nervously clenched his arm before speaking up. Your Highness, he began cautiously, although you are a member of the Royal Family, the Secret Department has yet to disclose your level of clearance

Thales, impatient and demanding, interrupted him sharply. Explain!

Raphael responded icily, cutting off his words, I am explaining, he said. But I must make it clear, Your Highness, that I can only reveal intelligence up to the Insane level, as long as it does not violate any regulations.

Insane level

Thales shook his head, his impatience palpable,

Skip the Secret Department rules, he said. Just give me the explanation I need.

A humourless laugh escaped from Raphael as he spoke. Im not saying it for your benefit anyway.

The Barren Bone man lifted his arm with excruciating slowness, and as he did so, a black crack revealed itself on his forearm. The muscular texture within it writhed subtly, casting an eerie shadow that seemed all too familiar to Thalesjust like six years ago.

Thales felt his body freeze, his mind fixed at the sight. He averted his gaze from the mans arm, forcing himself to focus on the current topic at hand.

Raphaels voice was hushed as he gestured towards the door of Gus cell. As you may know, he whispered. This man goes by the name of Gu Tangat least, thats the name he chooses to use in public.[1]

Gu was born into a family of government officials in the Mane et Nox Dynasty, a family that once held great prestige in the East. But as fate would have it, their fortunes took a turn for the worse.[2]

In time, Gu found himself recruited into the Raven Robe Guards, the Royal Familys own intelligence organization.

Gu Tang

Raven Robe Guards

Thales eyes flickered with uncertainty as he spoke. Let me make sure I understand you correctly. Youre saying that hes a secret agent of Mane et Nox?

Raphael gave a curt nod, but then shook his head. Or rather, he was a secret agentthats what our intelligence indicates.

Was? Thales repeated, his gaze darting towards Gus cell. Suddenly, he realised just how little he knew about the man who had once given him shelter and a meal six years ago.

As Raphael spoke, his forearm tensed unnaturally. Nevertheless, his expression remained unchanged as he continued his narrative.

Nineteen years ago, in Kirin City, a member of the younger generation of the Chen royal family launched a coup in an attempt to overthrow the newly crowned Radiant Queen Yao. The ensuing turmoil caused the Raven Guards, the elite military corps, to split into two factions. Eventually, Lin Du, the Green Lieutenant who was loyal to Queen Yao, emerged victorious and assumed command of the Raven Guards, purging the traitors within the corps who had supported the coup.[3]

The Radiant Queen Yao[4]

Green Lieutenant

Despite the Princes obvious confusion, Raphael pressed on without pause,

Gu, he said, belongs to the group that ended up on the losing side. After going into hiding, he fled to the Western Peninsula, where he eked out a living doing everything from trading goods to fighting as a mercenary. But it wasnt until he arrived in Dragon Clouds City that he found his true callingpeddling intelligence. He exploited the aftermath of the brutal battle between Eckstedt and Constellation, moving through the shadows and trading in secrets.[5]

Thales drew in a deep breath, tearing his gaze away from the iron door of Gus cell.

What does that have to do with you with us?

Raphaels lips curled into a chilling smirk.

We later discovered that during his time in Dragon Clouds City, Gu engaged in more than just his usual trade of buying and selling information, he said.

The Barren Bone mans gaze focused intently on the iron bars of the door.

Alongside his information trafficking, this Far Easterners business also involved serving as a middleman for various major powers to reconcile their conflicts.

And for certain conflicts that were beyond reconciliation and could not be ignored

Raphaels gaze turned icy, He would enlist assassins.

Assassins

Thales nerves coiled tight.

Hold on

Dragon Clouds City, Gu, information trafficking, assassins, six years agoslowly, the pieces clicked into place, and Thales expression shifted gradually as he made the connections.

Thats right, The Barren Bone mans cold smirk deepened as he observed the teenagers changing expression.

Six years ago in Dragon Clouds City, the underground forces were scattered across the dark corners under King Nuvens authority, he said. Gleeward controlled the streets, Vlad reigned over the black market, the Camians profited from both sides, and countless other factions stood tall in a web of complicated relationships, entanglements, and chaos.[6]

And he, Raphael raised his chin towards Gus cell door and spoke of him. Your far-eastern friend spent a decade gradually carving out a reputation in Dragon Clouds Citys underbelly. He ascended to become the most prominent and reliable contact for assassins, from street thugs to the elusive Shadow Shield and the deadly Assassins Flower.

Thales eyes widened as he absorbed Raphaels words, A master of the deadly trade, he expertly manoeuvres through the treacherous and corrupt web of criminality with ease. He buys and sells lives with deft hands, concealing his talents and extending his far-reaching influence.

Shadow Shield

Assassins Flower

Thales held his gaze unflinchingly on Gus cell, not once wavering in his focus.

Yet a subtle shift had occurred in his eyes.

If Gu was indeed the preeminent assassin middleman in all of Dragon Clouds City, then that could only mean one thingsix years ago

Raphaels voice remained devoid of any emotion as he revealed the very thing that Thales had feared, Chapman Lampard, who was the Archduke of Black Sand at the time, collaborated with Shadow Shield through Gu to form an alliance with them.

Thales turned his head rigidly.

An alliance between Chapman Lampard and Shadow Shield. And their go-between was

Gu?

He couldnt help but recall his younger self, huddled with Little Rascal, shivering in the carriage while listening with bated breath to the conversation between the Archduke of Black Sand and Stake.

However, Raphael had more to add,

Ultimately, due to the tricky nature of the target, Gu spared no expense and called upon his most valuable connections to enlist the services of the worlds most powerful and fearsome assassin. With a sinister and cunning killing blade, the assassin was able to break through the layered defences of the White Blade Guards during the chaos of the Calamity and successfully claim the head of the born King.

Thales stood rooted to the spot, completely motionless.

Raphael squinted slightly and said, And I believe, Your Highness, that you happen to know who that is, do you not?

The corridor fell into a deafening silence. Time seemed to stand still as Thales struggled to exhale a breath,

I do.

Raphael let out a cold and contemptuous laugh, paying no attention to the Princes utterly ghastly expression, He knows how to contact the Regicide family, who vanished without a trace after the Bloody Year, he said. That alone is enough for us to keep him imprisoned until the end of his daysor until he confesses.

Thales remained silent, but he clenched his left fist and ran his fingertips over the scars on his palm, wounds that had been inflicted countless times by JCs dagger.

But this isnt the first time,

Raphael went on, Based on Gus records, it appears that you, sir, got involved in previous transactions with regards to the Migratory Locust Blade.

Thaless mind raced as he attempted to process the new information. He looked up, meeting Raphaels gaze. But in the blink of an eye, the sharpness of Raphaels expression turned frosty,

Your Highness, Raphael began, six years ago, during your diplomatic mission to the North, you and the Kingdoms Wrath were ensnared by the Lampards Black Sand Region Army at the Broken Dragon Fortress. There, you were relentlessly bombarded by the Mystic Guns troops

Who do you think orchestrated the arrival of those skilled assassins, capable of converting even the Mystic Guns instructors to their cause, at Archduke Conkray Poffrets doorstep? All so he could achieve his twisted scheme to watch you perish amidst the ranks of Lampards army?

Mystic Guns

Thales forehead creased in a frown, feeling as if he had been transported back to the Fortress six years ago, amidst the tumultuous clamour of swords and blades.

He spoke solemnly, his voice barely above a whisper, Are you claiming that the attack was orchestrated by Gu as well?

Raphael let out a derisive hum and nonchalantly swung his arm,

And you, are you claiming that he aided you in Dragon Clouds City and saved your life?

Thales gaze involuntarily drifted towards Gus prison cell.

Then consider this carefully, Raphael said with apparent ease, but beneath his words lurked a hint of darkness.

Your Highness, do you truly believe that Ground-Shaker Kaslan, who betrayed King Nuven, revealed to you the means to find Gu at the inn simply because he took a liking to you? Do you genuinely believe that he did so to aid you in finding this seemingly neutral underground figure when you were escaping from the siege of Dragon Clouds City?

Kaslan

Six-fifty

Thales eyes were firmly locked on the gate of the prison cell, his fists tightening with each passing moment into a white-knuckled grip.

Your Highness, do you truly believe that there were so many well-intentioned Far Easterners in Dragon Clouds City who, during the martial law, would have welcomed a young noble boy of mysterious identity with open arms and showered him with fine food, wine, and lodging simply because he is cute, clever, and good-hearted?

Far Easterner

Lodging

The Prince gritted his teeth and struggled to recall the scene from that morning when he and the Little Rascal were in Gus butcher shop.

Your Highness, do you truly believe that it was a mere coincidence that amid the chaos that consumed the entire Dragon Clouds City, a shady informant could step out of his house for two minutes and successfully return with a foreign envoy, Marquis Shiles Bamra from Good Flow City, who happened to be alone and stranded there? All just so he could hand you over to Chapman Lampard at a moments notice?

Informant

Shiles

Raphaels words cut through the air like a sharp blade, striking one blow after another against Thales defences.

Have you, sir, ever stopped to consider all of these questions, these strange coincidences, and these seemingly logical but unexamined details before you cast him as your saviour?

Thales took a deep breath, calming the boiling Sin of Hells River that surged within him.

If, just if, Raphaels doubts held merit

That would mean that the things he had once held to be true

Yes, Gu, Raphaels voice was frigid and inflexible, leaving the Prince no time to collect his wits. He has never aided you, quite the contrary, he continued, it was he who sold you out.

Thales softly closed his eyes.

Six-fifty

He never aided you

He sold you out

For a brief moment, the cell that held Gu captive lost its grip on their attention. The corridor reverted to its previous state of unsettling stillness.

Raphael let out a heavy sigh, his gaze betraying a mixture of emotions as he turned towards the cell door,

And he, too, has sold us out.

Thales made a great effort to compose himself, and upon hearing the words, he slowly opened his eyes, striving to keep his tone even, Did he collaborate with the Kingdoms Secret Department, with you?

Raphael nodded in agreement and said, Yes, thats correct.

The Barren Bone man glared at the door of Gus cell and let out a contemptuous snort. Clearly, this self-proclaimed neutral information dealer has grown accustomed to cooperating with everyone, whether its Eckstedt, the Kingdom of Constellation, the Camus Union, the Shadow Shield, or the Tower of Eradication. He takes money from all sides and plays both ends against the middle. Then, when his clients are busy slaughtering each other, he swoops in to reap the benefits. The only difference is that this time, he really screwed up.[7]

Thales face tightened with tension. What did he do? he asked.

There was a brief pause as Raphael gathered his thoughts. As you said, Kloon Brook was one of the few wise officers of the Kingdoms Secret Intelligence Department. His death was a loss we couldnt bear.

And when we made the difficult decision to abandon the headquarters at Dragon Clouds City six years later, it was partly because of this event. We had no other choice.

Thales breathed out a heavy sigh, trying to relieve the heaviness and unease weighing on his chest. What happened?

Raphael shook his head, briefly glancing at Gus cell. Thats exactly what were hoping to find out.

From him.

Thales stood quietly, his mind churning with a jumble of emotions that he struggled to express.

Raphael let out a resigned sigh, his features returning to a calm and collected faade.

Your Highness, Raphael said, even in the face of seemingly conclusive evidence from the past, there are still too many unsettling and unknown details lurking beneath the surface.[8]

Thats why, six years ago, while you were courageously battling to turn the tide of events at the Heroic Spirit Palace, dont forget that Secret Intelligence operatives were locked in deadly skirmishes in the shadows, fighting on different fronts to gain even the slightest advantage for you and the Kingdomwhether it was a scrap of paper, a passage of text, or a signal, everything was valuable. Kloon Brook was one of them.

Thales gaze flickered.

The Princes Assnow thats a name thats sure to tickle your funny bone, isnt it?

Raphael turned sharply, his gaze piercing into the shadows of the seemingly never-ending corridor.

Yet each of them is a survivor of the Dragons Blood operation that changed the course of the world six years ago. The Kingdoms Secret Department fought tooth and nail against formidable adversaries such as King Nuven, the Secret Room, the White Blade Guards, Chapman Lampard, the Shadow Shield, and the Camians. Amid the chaos, the corpses, and the sacrifices, they were the ones who survived.[9]

Thales looked up, his expression one of surprise.

And its not that we dont trust you, Your Highness, but some information cannot be shared. Unlike us, you cannot simply shed your burdens, forget about yourself, and fully immerse yourself in the murky depths of the mission to achieve your goals.

He gestured toward Gus cell, his gaze piercing.

Even if you believe you owe your goal your life.

In the end, if youre satisfied with half-truths, the further you travel down this path, the more lost you will become. Youll lose your ability to distinguish between fact and fiction, and before you know it, youll be a puppet, dancing to someone elses tune.[10]

Cannot simply shed your burdens

Forget about yourself

Thales frowned slightly.

You are not of our kind, Thales. You were meant to bask in the warmth of the sun and the blue sky, Raphael sighed, addressing the Duke without any honorific, which was an unusual occurrence.

Let us face the unfathomable void.

His sombre red eyes were brimming with unwavering sincerity. However, what Thales remembered were the different expressions Raphael had displayed during his interrogations with the wine merchant Dagori, blacksmith Jilburn, the noble from Blade Edge Hill, and Felicia.

The corridor fell into a weighty silence. It was only after some time that the Princes voice broke the stillness, his words laced with a husky timbre, How can I trust that those leading me around arent all of you?

Raphael hesitated for a moment.

When you sit upon that throne, Your Highness, his smile gradually faded, and possess the power to decree anything with but a single word, to govern the goals, missions, operations, budgets, development, and future of the Kingdoms Secret Department

He paused for a beat and said, Then, and only then, will you truly know.

Thales listened to Raphaels words with a blank expression, feeling as if he had heard them before. Unlike then, however, he chose not to argue.

With a heavy heart, Thales followed Raphael out of the labyrinthine underground corridor, past multiple checkpoints, until they finally emerged from the main headquarters of the Secret Intelligence Department estate through the very gate where they had disembarked from their carriage.

However, Raphaels expression soured as he asked, Did you summon someone to come fetch you?

Thales, who had been lost in thought, snapped out of his reverie.

What? he asked, slightly confused.

The Prince himself was also taken aback when he saw two carriages parked before themone was the same carriage they had arrived in from the Renaissance Palace, but the other

Your Highness!

With a familiar cry, a short and stout man dressed in the garb of the Royal Guard leaped down from the coachmans seat of the carriageit was none other than Kommodore, the guard who had once sparred with Thales in the Mindis Hall.

Your Highness, Prince Thales, youre truly here

Despite being drenched in sweat, his spirits lifted upon sighting Thales, and he made a deep bow of respect.

I am here to serve you, sir, at the behest of Captain Mallos, he declared.

Thales appeared slightly puzzled, and Raphael and the coachman of the other carriage greeted Kommodores arrival with cold, hostile expressions.

Yet, sensing the tension, Thales spoke up with calm authority. Its alright, he assured them. He is with me, a member of the Star Lake Guards.

Raphael emitted a small grunt and asked,

Are you sure?

Thales pursed his lips and approached Kommodore.

Kommodore? he called out.

The Prince collected himself, setting aside his turbulent emotions. Arent you supposed to be at the Mindis Hall? What are you doing here?

Kommodore shifted his guarded gaze away from Raphael.

Captain Mallos gave me an order before entering the palace, Your Highness, he explained. He instructed me to keep watch for any unexpected events and, if anything were to happen, to gather forces and come here to assist you. This was to avoid any inconvenience for Your Highness.

Mallos?

Inconvenience

Thales caught on to something and looked back at Raphael behind him. After a moments pause, the Barren Bone man stepped back with a subtle show of understanding

Thales shifted his attention back to Kommodore, his expression intent as he pressed for further explanation.

What do you mean by unexpected events? he inquired.

Shortly after Your Highness and Captain entered the palace, Kommodore revealed, a touch hesitantly but sticking to the facts, the Flag Bearer Division arrived.

The Flag Bearer Division

So it was the Flag Bearer Division, one of the six divisions of the palace guards, led by Deputy Commander Vogel Talon, as D.D. mentioned?

What did they come for?

Thales was a little puzzled, What do you mean?

Kommodore watched Thales with a sharp eye, carefully gauging his reaction. For your understanding, Your Highness, he began slowly, the leader of the group was the Vice Flag Bearer Jayden. Without any warning, they sealed off Mindis Hall and detained everyone inside, claiming that they would conduct a thorough investigation.

Thales felt a jolt of shock run through him.

What?

Sealing off Mindis Hall?

Why?

Kommodore forced a tight-lipped smile, Vice Flag Bearer Jayden said it was because of the incident at yesterdays banquet,

Thales let out a tense, anguished breath.

As he had feared, it was that again.

They claimed that our neglect could mean that there are security vulnerabilities or even a traitor, which could pose a threat to the Princes safety. Hence, they deemed it necessary to conduct a thorough investigation from top to bottom.

He let out a sigh that spoke volumes of his disheartenment. The investigation conducted by the Flag Bearer Division was quite intense, he went on. Jonveled was only released after two hours of interrogation, and he didnt look well when he came out. Morgan was practically dragged in with his hands tied, and Kostad was even suspected of being a foreign spy.

Stone told us to comply and not resist, but Ness almost got into a physical fight with them, while Patterson, the penal officer, tried to use his status to plead for leniency. However, Vice Flag Bearer Jayden is known for his ruthlessness and wouldnt give anyone special treatment, regardless of their status

Thales forehead creased even deeper.

Overall, it was a major operation, with Jadestar private soldiers, the Nobility Affairs Center, and the Officers of the Inner City Police Station also present, Kommodore recounted. I even suspect that there were people from the Kingdoms Secret Department among them. The team was massive, and many people probably witnessed what happened.

Thales felt a sense of disbelief creeping in as he listened to Kommodores account.

What is the meaning of this?

Mindis Hall,

The residence in the Royal Capital that was bestowed upon the Duke of Star Lake by the King

Its under blockade and inspection?

Thales heaved a deep breath, willing his fingers to unclench as he struggled to comprehend the present predicament.

How did you manage to slip away? he inquired.

I used to run around in the Inner City Police Station, Your Highness, Kommodore responded, his eyes evading Thales, as though hesitant to revisit certain aspects of his past. A few officers in charge of perimeter control knew me, he added.

Procca could have joined us, but Jayden held a long-standing grudge against him, keeping a watchful eye. Its highly unlikely he would have let him go so easily.

Kommodore turned his gaze to the rear of the carriage before saying, The only person I could find was Glover, he informed. He left this morning to tend to his wounds, having been punished. The Flag Bearer Division was none too pleased about it.

Thales eyebrows creased, Glover?

Just as he finished speaking, a familiar figure emerged from the other side of the carriage. It was none other than Zombie Glover, the brawny first-class vanguard of the Star Lake Guards, fully geared and standing before Thales with a grave expression.

Your Highness, he addressed. We should return to the city immediately. I have an unsettling feeling that something hostile is lurking in the trees.

As soon as Thales laid eyes on the familiar vanguard officer, he inwardly let out a sigh, finally easing his guard. However, his expression soon turned to one of concern as he gazed at Glovers back. But your injury

Glover shook his head and revealed the bandages underneath his collar. Its not an issue, he assured Thales. My Power of Eradication can ease the pain, and besides he trailed off, gesturing with his arm as his forehead creased in a slight frown.

Lord Mallos, during my punishment, showed me some mercy,

Its almost as if as if he anticipated something like this could happen and that I may still be of some use.

Thales hesitated momentarily, but then remembered Mallos words from earlier that day. It was just before the latter gave him an account of the Temple and the Imperial Style,

Has no one come over from Renaissance Palace yet?

But I assure you, they will come, sooner or later.[11]

Thales forced down his negative emotions, as if realised something he persisted with his questioning,

And what about D.D.? Did Mallos intentionally whip him as well, in order to spare him from the calamity at Mindis Hall?

Glover shook his head in response. No, I have seen it. Doyles injuries appear to be genuine, and he was brutally beaten.

On one hand, Glover silently considered, the Doyle family is in the eye of the storm following the events of yesterday.[12]

On the other hand, it was entirely possible that Lord Mallos was nursing a grudge. Glover couldnt shake the feeling that he was still seething after D.D.s drunken outburst at the banquet, where he had shouted Tormond Jr. at him.

So, Mallos knew this was coming, Thales words cut through Glovers thoughts. He entered the Renaissance Palace with me, but where is he now?

From the side-lines, Kommodore spoke up. Will, an acquaintance of mine from the Flag Bearer Division, owes me a favour. He just gave me a heads up that Lord Mallos is still in the Renaissance Palace.

Kommodore hesitated for a moment before continuing. Hes with Deputy Commander Talon.

Thales released a breath he didnt realize he had been holding.

I see.

So Tormond Mallos, his favourite captain guard.

Even if he anticipated the current situation

He was still in harms way at the moment.

The Flag Bearer Division, Vogel Talon, the Prince sighed. They truly have some nerve.

Kommodore and Glover exchanged a quick glance.

Thales turned around and called out loudly to Raphael in the distance, Raphael, are you aware of this situation?

The Barren Bone man approached, and Thales noticed that his eyes had once again been disguised as a different colour.

Under the unwelcoming stare of the two royal guards, Raphael put on a friendly smile and asked, What situation?

Thales gave him a quick glance and snorted coldly, Never mind.

If Your Highness is experiencing any inconvenience, Raphael said, displaying his evident skill in reading peoples expressions. He had picked up on some clues from the three individuals,[13]

The Secret Intelligence Department would be delighted if you, sir, could extend your stay by a few more hours

Thank you, but its not necessary, Thales declined firmly. I dont think you would mind if I returned with my own guards, would you?

After sizing up Thales for a few moments, Raphael gave a nod.

By all means, the Barren Bone man grinned from ear to ear, his voice laced with pride as he rattled off the names and pedigrees of the other two. Caleb Glover of the Glover family, and Jean Luca Kommodore, a scion of a well-known Royal Guard and a former Officer at the Central Police Station. We can certainly vouch for them.[14]

Glover and Kommodore exchanged a perplexed look as Raphael bowed and walked away.

That was Glover trailed off, watching Raphaels retreating form, and only then did he slowly release the grip on his sword hilt that he had unconsciously clenched.

My ass wiper, grumbled Thales despondently.

Without further delay, the Prince headed towards the carriage. Lets go back to Mindis Hall now and attend to the Flag Bearer Division.

However, Glover shook his head firmly. No, Your Highness, he said.

Thales expression changed slightly.

What Captain Mallos meant, Kommodore took over with a somewhat forced smile, is that you, sir, shouldnt rush back to Mindis Hall just yet.

Thales appeared confused.

Kommodore spoke cautiously, The people of the Flag Bearer Division, theyre carrying the Kings edict with them.

The Kings edict

Thales was momentarily transfixed.

And people from all the departments are there Kommodore squeezed out awkwardly. If you show up hastily, the situation might turn unsightly

He didnt elaborate further, but Thales had already grasped the situation.

The Prince stood in front of the carriage, his mind reeling.

So, Thales muttered absently, I stepped into the Renaissance Palace on one foot, and on the other, my lair was raided. And now, I find myself with nowhere to turn?

Kommodore looked contrite.

I deeply apologize, Your Highness. We failed to provide adequate security at the banquet, which led to this unforeseen incident

No, Thales interjected. He took a deep breath and attempted to make sense of the chaotic situation. No, no, no.

Believe me, Thales suddenly felt a hint of amusement once he understood, this is certainly not your fault.

Having spent so much time away from the Constellation, Thales had been strictly adhering to the rules, never daring to act recklessly.[15]

But last night, he finally made a bold and daring choice since his returnperhaps even a risky one.

And as a result, he paid a heavy price. Thales chuckled sardonically, leaving the two guards looking at each other in bewilderment.[16]

For his transgression, he had nervously attended an Imperial Conference as punishment, followed by a brutal scolding from the King that left him emotionally gutted. He was then taken to the Secret Department, where he endured the unwavering presence of the Black Prophet. Even his Mindis Hall and Star Lake Guards suffered severe consequences. And then

Glover spoke up in a hushed tone, Lord Mallos has suggested that we return to the Renaissance Palace.

Thales let out a derisive chuckle at the idea, his voice tinged with a subtle hint of sarcasm that he barely noticed himself. Return to the Renaissance Palace? To search for my father, I assume?

No, to find Lady Jines, Kommodore scrutinized Thales expression. The Captain stated that she alone can

Protect you, Kommodore left the rest of his sentence unsaid.

Thales fell silent.

Find Jines.

So it had come to this.

He felt as if he were back to his first days in Mindis Hall, six years ago. Confronting numerous known and unknown dangers, he was once again left to drift aimlessly, relying on others for protection.

Six years ago

The Prince stood stoically, leaning on the carriage without a hint of expression on his face.

Time ticked by slowly.

Eventually, after Kommodore had signalled to Glover for the third time, the Duke of Star Lake shut his eyes and took a deep breath before exhaling slowly.

No, he declared. We will not return to the Renaissance Palace. Nor will we seek out Lady Jines.

Kommodore and Glover exchanged equally perplexed looks. Thales opened his eyes.

Well go to the Western District, to the Red Street Market, he announced.

For a moment, the two guards were left stunned.

What? they exclaimed in unison.

Thales tightened his grip on the carriage wheel and gritted his teeth.

Theres a club in the Western District called One Night Stand, he said.

Kommodores eyes widened, while Glovers expression grew serious.

Your Highness, what would you be doing there? Kommodore asked carefully.

What else would I be doing? Well Thales released the wheel and gave them a calm glance.

To find a woman, naturally.

At first to Kommodore it seemed like a logical answer, but was then faced with a dilemma,

But Your Highness, your status he hesitated to say.

Thales sneered.

Who said I would be going there as a Prince?

The Prince stepped onto the carriage and pointed at the two men.

You guide the way, Kommodore. Well change into some casual clothes first. Then youll lead the way in, Glover.

Zombie shuddered, But, Your Highness

However, Thales interrupted him without any courtesy, And remember, Glover, once were there

Your name will be Thales smile vanished, and his voice turned icy cold.

Raphael Lindbergh.

[1] tng, the pinyin for (which I translated as Tang); sounds awfully alike to the pinyin for the Shadow Masters name, , tng; translated as Teng. This might be typo error from the author. Gu Tang, Eastern naming order, family name first, followed by the given name.

[2] fortunes took a turn for the worse; , to come down in the world (idiom); the family fortunes declined. Or the family fortunes were at a low ebb.

[3] Kirin City in other chapters as Chapter 80 of the novel has been referred as Kirin Holy Capital. emerged victorious; , to seize total victory (idiom); an overwhelming victory. purging the traitors; , to kill to the last one (idiom).

[4] The Empress Dowager, that became a Queen. In raw is , the character (pinyin yo) herecommonly used as a female given name and means precious jade, came from her name (pinyin yohu) translated in the official as Yorwall instead of Yaohua. doesnt really stand for Queen but for King; thats why before chapter 327, youll find King Yao (e.g. Kroesch mention her in chapter 260) instead of Queen Yao. It would be better reading as The Radiant Jade Queen, is how she is known as like Lampard King Slayer or The Iron Hand King for King Kessel.

[5] moving through the shadows; , to talk about this and that (idiom); to ramble incoherently.

[6] scattered; , fig. unable to cooperate (idiom); sheet of loose sandstate of disunity (formerly said of a country).

[7] playing both ends against the middle; , (idiom) smooth and slick (in making social contacts).

[8] conclusive evidence; , dont pass judgment on a persons life until the lid is on the coffin (idiom).

[9] fought tooth and nail against adversaries; , lit. short-weaponed soldiery fight one another (idiom); , lit. you die, I live (idiom); irreconcilable adversaries.

[10] knowing half the truth; , lit. to know one and understand half (idiom); have scanty (or half-baked) knowledge.

[11] Passage from Chapter 559, official translation.

[12] in the eye of the storm; , (idiom) where the wind and the waves are highestwhere the struggle is fiercest.

[13] evident skill in reading peoples expressions; , to weigh up sbs words and observe their facial expression (idiom); to discern what sb thinks from his body language.

[14] grin ear to ear; , smile spread across the face (idiom); beaming with pleasure. voice laced with pride as he rattled off; , lit. as if enumerating ones family valuables (idiom)show thorough familiarity with a subject; have sth. At ones fingertips.

[15] strictly following the rules; , to follow the compass and go with the set square (idiom); to follow the rules inflexibly.

[16] , to look at each other in dismay (idiom).