Kingdom’s Bloodline
Chapter 596: Grudges

ARC: Curse of the Royal Tribulation

Chapter 96: Grudges

“Wait, you mean Constance, as in Constance Jadestar, my aunt?"

Thales repeated, almost instinctively.

Constance

little Disaster

avoid getting hitched

And...

“The Tenth Powerhouse?”

"Mhm-hmm.'' Morris first gave a knowing smirk, then sank into a gloomy mood,

“I still remember the day when we went through all sorts of crap just to make it back to the borders of the Constellation. And what does little Disaster suggest? Let's get wasted as a goodbye, she says. So we sneak into tliis big shot’s booze stash, bawling and laughing, drinking our hearts out till the sun comes up. That's how she earned her nickname, you know. But of course, once we sobered up. we realised that the 'booze stash’ she found was nothing but the freaking storage room of the Arch Sea City’s police station.”1

Thales raised an eyebrow, remembering what his Aunt Elise had told him about Constance's 'eventful' past, and tentatively asked.

“I heard she was quite... lively?”

"Lively?”

Morris thought back, sighing helplessly,

“Ya know. Black Sword reckons Constance is the turnout of what happens when the Sunset Goddess is on a nasty cold. Ended up droppin' her soul in the damn Hell's River for a quick dip. So. playing it cool, she snatched it outta there real quick w hen the other bigwigs weren’t walcltin’ and just shoved it back in like no biggie...’”

“All because of her and the crazy messes she got us into along the way...”

Morris' expression wavered between day and night.

But he shook his head, decisively leaving the past behind and becoming serious again.

Thales listened to his words and couldn't help but smile, imagining how his famously unreliable aunt and the wandering Nine Powerhouses must have behaved together.

But when he thought about the cold little stone urn in the Jadestar family tomb, his smile disappeared.

“So. that’s how you met Horace.”

Thales returned to the present and asked earnestly.

“You don’t seem to really like him?”

When Morris heard that name again, his expression also turned unpleasant.

“No one liked him.”

The fat man of the Brotherhood coldly huffed.

“And that was a two-way street.”

‘No one liked Horace.'

Given Morris' opinion of Horace, a question arose in Thales' mind.

"Then why?” he asked in his confusion.

The Prince wrinkled his brow and went on. "Why did you still risk your lives and do such things for him?”2

Morris gave him a meaningful look.

To then scoff lightly with a look of disdain on his face.

“We weren’t doing it for him." His voice dropped cold as he uttered tire name. "Horace—that heartless butcher... twisted, inhumane fucker.”

heartless butcher

Thales grew even more puzzled. "But—”

"We were willing to do anything for Black Sword, just as he was willing to do any thing for us.” the fat man cut him off. seeming unwilling to say more. "That's all there is to it.”3

Thales chewed on his words, trying to make sense of them.

"So. let me make sure 1 understand... Black Sword decided to risk his life for Horace.” the Prince

squinted, “and you guys just... went along with it? Helping from the sidelines?”

Morris pulled the corner of his mouth, neither confirming nor denying.

“I remember now. you said the Black Sword and Horace knew each other before?” said Thales, looking up and grasping at that train of thoughts.

Black Sword

It seemed like he was the important piece.

"What's their relationship? What did he owe Horace? Or did Horace give something to the Black

Sword?”

“Enough for him to willingly put liis life on the line for the late Second Prince and even drag you guys, his loyal friends, with him?”

Morris still didn’t answer, but he kept staring at Thales.

After a few seconds, the chubby man chuckled softly, but the look on his face as he stared at Thales turned even more amused.

"What's wrong? Why did you stop?” Thales squinted his eyes.

“Yeah.” Morris smirked slyly, echoing liis words. “Why did you stop?”

Thales' expression changed.

And the fat man’s gaze remained locked on him.

“Fine.” Thales huffed—wasn’t this guy really good at getting his share?

He began to miss the straightforwardness of the Northlanders.

"Even though the clues are jumbled and don’t seem to be connected at all,” tlic Prince said with a serious tone.

“From what I’ve seen and heard, the Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Department has been up to something lately, and it seems to be heading in three main directions.”

Morris hung on Thales' words.

"The most likely and pressing one is the Western Desert.” he said.

Thales thought of Anker Byrael, unable to shake off the heavy feeling.

"This touches upon military structures, noble feuds, political history, and if things go really south, it could mean war and bloodshed—and would you look at lltal? That’s the very birthplace and stronghold of the Blood Bottle Gang.”

Morris looked a bit puzzled.

"Then there's the South Coast Hill.”

The Prince said casually,

“From what 1 know, it’s a busy place with lots of business opportunities and a comfortable life. If there’s anywhere in the Kingdom where the Secret Department would find you and the Blood Bottle Gang useful... well, you should know it better than me.”

Morris pondered for a moment.

"Lastly, tlrcrc’s Blade Edge Hill, but I don’t know much about it. I just know it might have something to do with the local power structure.”

Thales sealed his lips shut.

The two of them fell into a heavy silence.

“That's all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

“Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it's the Secret Department. What more did you expect?"

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

"The freakin' Western Desert, South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me.” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words.

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you're telling me is true... If there's really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?" he asked.

"In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low' and let things take Iheir course." he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back w hen you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on dial sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually.

“Did you ever think that you would end up dealing with the royal family with the longest history-in this wide world?

“Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris' face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That's all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

“Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it's the Secret Department. What more did you expect?"

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

"The freakin' Western Desert, South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me.” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words.

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you're telling me is true... If there's really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?" he asked.

"In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back w hen you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on tliat sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually.

“Did you ever think that you w ould end up dealing with the royal family w ith the longest history-in this wide world?

"Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris' face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That's all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

“Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it's the Secret Department. What more did you expect?"

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

"The freakin' Western Desert, South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me.” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words.

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you're telling me is true... If there's really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?" he asked.

"In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low' and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back w hen you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on tliat sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually.

“Did you ever think that you w ould end up dealing with the royal family with the longest historyin this wide world?

“Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris' face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That's all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

“Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it's the Secret Department. What more did you expect?"

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

"The freakin' Western Desert, South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me.” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words.

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you're telling me is true... If there's really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?" he asked.

"In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back when you and the other Eight Pow erhouses took on that sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually.

“Did you ever think that you w ould end up dealing with the royal family with the longest history-in this wide world?

“Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris’ face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That's all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

“Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it's the Secret Department. What more did you expect?"

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

"The freakin' Western Desert, South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me.” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words.

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you're telling me is true... If there's really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?" he asked.

"In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low' and let things take their course." he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back w hen you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on tliat sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually.

“Did you ever think that you would end up dealing with the royal family with the longest history-in this wide world?

“Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris' face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That's all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

“Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it's the Secret Department. What more did you expect?"

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

"The freakin' Western Desert, South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me.” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words.

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you're telling me is true... If there's really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?" he asked.

"In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back w hen you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on tliat sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually.

“Did you ever think that you w ould end up dealing with the royal family w ith the longest history-in this wide world?

"Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris' face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That's all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

“Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it's the Secret Department. What more did you expect?"

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

"The freakin' Western Desert, South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me.” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words.

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you're telling me is true... If there's really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?" he asked.

"In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low' and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back w hen you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on tliat sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually.

“Did you ever think that you w ould end up dealing with the royal family with the longest historyin this wide world?

“Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris' face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That's all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

“Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it's the Secret Department. What more did you expect?"

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

"The freakin' Western Desert, South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me.” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words.

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you're telling me is true... If there's really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?" he asked.

"In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back when you and the other Eight Pow erhouses took on that sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually.

“Did you ever think that you w ould end up dealing with the royal family with the longest history-in this wide world?

"Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris’ face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That's all?" Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

“Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it's the Secret Department. What more did you expect?"

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

"The freakin' Western Desert, South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me.” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words.

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you're telling me is true... If there's really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?" he asked.

"In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low' and let things take their course." he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back w hen you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on tliat sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually.

“Did you ever think that you would end up dealing with the royal family with the longest history-in this wide world?

“Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris' face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That's all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

“Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it's the Secret Department. What more did you expect?"

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

"The freakin' Western Desert, South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me.” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words.

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you're telling me is true... If there's really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?" he asked.

"In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back w hen you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on tliat sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually.

“Did you ever think that you w ould end up dealing with the royal family w ith the longest history-in this wide world?

"Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris' face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That's all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

“Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it's the Secret Department. What more did you expect?"

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

"The freakin' Western Desert, South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me.” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words.

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you're telling me is true... If there's really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?" he asked.

"In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low' and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back w hen you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on tliat sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually.

“Did you ever think that you w ould end up dealing with the royal family with the longest historyin this wide world?

“Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris' face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That's all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

“Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it's the Secret Department. What more did you expect?"

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

"The freakin' Western Desert, South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me.” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words.

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you're telling me is true... If there's really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?" he asked.

"In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back when you and the other Eight Pow erhouses took on that sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually.

“Did you ever think that you w ould end up dealing with the royal family with the longest history-in this wide world?

"Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris’ face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That's all?" Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

“Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it's the Secret Department. What more did you expect?"

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

"The freakin' Western Desert, South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me.” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words.

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you're telling me is true... If there's really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?" he asked.

"In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low' and let things take their course." he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back w hen you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on tliat sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually.

“Did you ever think that you would end up dealing with the royal family with the longest history-in this wide world?

“Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris' face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That's all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further. “Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?” Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it's the Secret Department. What more did you expect?"

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

“The freakin’ Western Desert. South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me,” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words,

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you’re telling me is true... If there’s really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?” he asked.

“In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back when you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on that sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually,

"Did you ever think that you would end up dealing with the royal family with the longest history in this wide world?

"Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris’ face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That’s all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

"Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it’s the Secret Department. What more did you expect?”

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

“The freakin’ Western Desert. South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me,” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words,

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you’re telling me is true... If there’s really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?” he asked.

“In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back when you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on that sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually,

"Did you ever think that you would end up dealing with the royal family with the longest history in this wide world?

"Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris’ face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That’s all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

"Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it’s the Secret Department. What more did you expect?”

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

“The freakin’ Western Desert. South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me,” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words,

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you’re telling me is true... If there’s really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?” he asked.

“In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back when you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on that sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually,

"Did you ever think that you would end up dealing with the royal family with the longest history in this wide world?

"Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris’ face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That’s all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

"Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it’s the Secret Department. What more did you expect?”

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

“The freakin’ Western Desert. South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me,” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words,

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you’re telling me is true... If there’s really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?” he asked.

“In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back when you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on that sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually,

"Did you ever think that you would end up dealing with the royal family with the longest history in this wide world?

"Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris’ face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That’s all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

"Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it’s the Secret Department. What more did you expect?”

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

“The freakin’ Western Desert. South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me,” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words,

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you’re telling me is true... If there’s really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?” he asked.

“In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back when you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on that sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually,

"Did you ever think that you would end up dealing with the royal family with the longest history in this wide world?

"Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris’ face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That’s all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

"Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it’s the Secret Department. What more did you expect?”

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

“The freakin’ Western Desert. South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me,” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words,

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you’re telling me is true... If there’s really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?” he asked.

“In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back when you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on that sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually,

"Did you ever think that you would end up dealing with the royal family with the longest history in this wide world?

"Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris’ face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That’s all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

"Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it’s the Secret Department. What more did you expect?”

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

“The freakin’ Western Desert. South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me,” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words,

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you’re telling me is true... If there’s really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?” he asked.

“In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back when you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on that sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually,

"Did you ever think that you would end up dealing with the royal family with the longest history in this wide world?

"Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris’ face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That’s all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

"Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it’s the Secret Department. What more did you expect?”

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

“The freakin’ Western Desert. South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me,” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words,

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you’re telling me is true... If there’s really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?” he asked.

“In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back when you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on that sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually,

"Did you ever think that you would end up dealing with the royal family with the longest history in this wide world?

"Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris’ face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.

“That’s all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

"Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it’s the Secret Department. What more did you expect?”

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

“The freakin’ Western Desert. South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me,” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words,

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you’re telling me is true... If there’s really such a big thing going on behind “That’s all?” Morris sounded a little let down as he pressed further.

"Just three place names? Three duchy territories? Is that all?”

Thales chuckled softly.

“Well, it’s the Secret Department. What more did you expect?”

Morris tried hard to wrap his head around the intel, and his expression shifted,

“The freakin’ Western Desert. South Coast. Blade Edge, and us—you gotta be shittin' me,” he blurted out.

Thales showed no intention of sugar-coating his words,

“What, you think a Prince would come down to the infamous Lower City just to crack jokes with a gang boss?”

"Who the hell knows, maybe you’re just that horny and here to mess with the ladies?”

Thales flashed a polite but fake smile.

Morris thought deeply for a while and then raised his head.

“Okay, let’s say what you’re telling me is true... If there’s really such a big thing going on behind the scenes, what do you expect us to do?” he asked.

“In simpler terms, when it comes to important matters of the Kingdom, what can we street thugs do? Just lay low and let things take their course.” he concluded.

Thales stayed quiet for a moment.

"Listen. Morris, back when you and the other Eight Powerhouses took on that sky-high-paid job.” the Prince said casually,

"Did you ever think that you would end up dealing with the royal family with the longest history in this wide world?

"Did you ever imagine what your lives would be like now?”

Morris’ face tightened slightly, and his eyes became dark and mysterious.

Thales drew in a deep breath.

He walked over to the next shelf.