Kingdom’s Bloodline

Gilbert did not admit nor decline it.
He only shrugged his shoulders playfully in a rare show of mischief.

This allowed Thales to confirm his suspicions immediately.
'It was indeed Gilbert's plan! F*ck!'

“You deliberately revealed my identity because you guessed that they might seize this opportunity and take the initiative to negotiate with the heir to the throne while he is still in a dire state.
That way, they can strengthen or add to the treaty to obtain the promise that I will help them after I ascend the throne.
It might take a long time, but since they are the immortal Blood Clan, they can afford to wait!”

'Damn it!' Thales cursed Serena inwardly, 'That witch obviously had a plan, but still acted as though she was super-anxious to recover her abilities and go back to the Eastern Peninsula!

'Damn old man! Damn witch!' Thales thought in annoyance.

“I guess you have your own reasons for doing so?” Thales let go of his emotions and furrowed his brows.

Gilbert lifted his hat and bowed in his line of vision.
“There is no trust between us and the Corleones.
We harbor suspicions towards each other.
It is extremely dangerous for us to live under the same roof in the name of cooperation, even though this is our territory.”

“As for your blood? Safety?” Gilbert chuckled and spoke darkly.
“I never believed that these unreliable things can guarantee a stable cooperation.
We might have a fall-out with the Corleones at any possible time and endanger ourselves.

“However, the situation is different now.
Your journey to becoming the heir and her mission to seize back the throne are bound together.
To obtain your help, she must first help you.

“Although unexpected, you have used a promise that can only be carried out in the future after becoming king in exchange for immediate and reliable help.” Gilbert smiled mysteriously.
“Obtaining allies by binding them to you using benefits is the essence of politics.”

“And helping her regain her throne?” Thales narrowed his eyes.

Gilbert exhaled.
His eyes shone with cunning, “If you do not become king, how would you be able to help her regain her throne? As for what you said, regarding me watching idly as they bullied you? It is, of course, part of my duty to share your burdens.
However, to develop you into a qualified heir, and to protect you from any sort of harm are both equally important duties to me.” Gilbert smiled and spoke, “Serena Corleone is only an abject foreign dignitary and you will be Constellation's future.
I thought that I would just let this be a small test to you.”

'Small test?' Thales lowered his head and rolled his eyes again.

“Since you had this intention, why didn't you go straight to them and suggest an alliance?” the indignant Thales replied stiffly.

“My young Sir Thales,” Gilbert blinked, “diplomatic negotiations are like sword tournaments.
Although whoever attacks first gets the first strike…

“… they will at the same time, expose their steps and trails.
There is nothing better for us than for them to suggest an alliance.”

'I will just quietly watch you act all smart and all that jazz.' The boy shook his head and thought bitterly.

Thales grumbled in annoyance.
“What a bad diplomat and politician—to even manipulate your own people.”

“Alright.” Gilbert only narrowed his eyes and smiled as he lowered his head to look at his pocket watch.
“After copying these poems that you do not understand for so long, I am sure you feel tired.”

Thales stopped moving the quill in his hand.

“You can rest for a while.
Since we are already on the topic of politics and diplomacy, this is an opportunity for us to conduct a history lesson.” Gilbert said, smiling, “Obtaining obvious benefits is not the only reason alliances are forged.” Gilbert sat on the expensive sofa and tipped his hat.
“Imminent crisis also leads to that…
As well as shared beliefs.”

Thales put down his quill and began paying earnest attention to Gilbert's words.

“This tale depicts how the disunited human beings and the other influential forces within the other races became the most loyal allies, even though they were filled with distrust towards each other.” Gilbert's eyes shone with bright light.

Thales suddenly felt that Gilbert had become slightly serious.

“This is what 'Cahill's Falling Leaves Poetry Collection' depicts—the tale of that battle over six hundred years ago.”

Count Caso's next sentence made Thales widen his eyes in shock.
“That cruel, dark, bloody, horrific and earth-shattering battle depicted in historical poems—The Battle of Eradication.”

…..

In the deep and dark secret chamber, an old and raspy voice drifted into the air.
“So, the wealthy families are showing signs of activity?”

“Yes, my dear teacher,” a cynical, lazy voice replied.
“Supreme class elites and plenty of supra class elites are departing from various strange places and gathering at the borders of various county towns in the north. They all share one similarity; investigation shows that none of them have anything to do with nobles and suzerains.”

“Can you get the exact date?” the hoarse voice spoke apathetically.

“I'm afraid that it's difficult.” The same voice replied with a light-hearted tone, “Even people from the Eckstedt Diplomat Group itself have not finalized their exact route.
So, should we send people to continue investigating and inform the king about this?”

After some time, the raspy old voice replied with finality.

“No.
Your focus is still that doctor in Black Street Brotherhood.
I want all resources to be tilted towards that.
Don't look down on Lance.
After all, he came from here, and he knows our tactics very well.

“Investigate the whereabouts of all the Black Street higher-ups, especially the three main Assassins—Black Sword, Prison Sickle, and Reversed Machete.
It's too difficult to find them, but we must at least make sure that they're not nearby! I'm sure Black Sword is not stupid enough to shelter a wizard.
And, even if all goes well, don't let your guard down.
After all, we have not waged war with any wizards for over a hundred years.
Records and handbooks can only be used as references in the end.”

A long moment passed.

“Okay then.” After a moment, the young voice said noncommittally, “Speaking of which, are we really not sparing his life? After all, it is a living and breathing wizard!”

In the darkness, the sound of a person sitting up from a chair rang.

“There's no need.” The raspy old voice appeared after it.
“They are something that had already vanished long ago.
Let it be completely buried, along with the Battle of Eradication.”