Duke Xinghu’s eyes flashed:

"For sale."

Duke Donghai paused for a few seconds.

When the owner of the Sun Sword and Shield spoke again, his tone was no longer muddled and slick, replaced by vigilance and shrewdness.

"Selling for the price...whose price is it for?"

Thales took a deep breath and chose the most appropriate wording:

"My Lord Duke, you have ruled the East China Sea and managed the Glorious Bay for nearly half a century."

"I believe you know the answer better than anyone else."

"I believe you understand better than anyone else what Elk City's actions today mean and what are the stakes."

Duke Xinghu looked straight at Cullen.

The fat old Duke was silent, with unclear emotions in his shrewd eyes.

After a long while, he slowly spoke:

"When King Nuen passed away, they were never in such a hurry..."

However, the next moment, Duke Cullen narrowed his eyes and looked sly:

"So, Longxiao City has been supplying them with resale goods and supporting their maritime plunder..."

"What's wrong?"

Thales sighed in his heart.

Damn old fox.

Thales had no choice but to show him the answer expressionlessly:

"The Free Alliance won."

"Rumba...maybe he's going to win too."

Duke Cullen's belly bulged out and he made an "ah ha" expression.

Thales observed the other person's expression and told what he had learned:

"Without the strong support of the Palace of Heroes, Elk City has returned to the prototype of the Yankees: there is no way to trade goods, and there is no basis for plundering."

"More importantly: they have no king behind them and no bottom in their hearts."

"The land route is blocked, and the sails will sink."

Cullen frowned deeply.

Before the death of King Nuen, Longxiao City used a moderately tolerant approach, sometimes generously, sometimes harshly, letting profits and accumulating power, limiting power and adding power, to keep the self-righteous Elk City, which relied on the sea route, in order, and did not dare to

rash.

The latter's rule over the Walton family was also full of ambivalence: he was greedy for the strong support of the king's central government, but he was also worried about the independent status of his important port in the North.

("Hmph, thinking about begging for food with a shameful face, but not bothering to reach out to hand over the bowl, how can there be such a good thing in the world! That goatee has no confidence and is unwilling to give up, so he only deserves to read "King of Longxiao City" in the letter)

Words like these are used to sarcastically, but your grandfather just laughed after seeing it, and then opened more supplies to the guilty Elk City and resold more goods." - Regent Lisban explained to the Grand Duchess one time.

Words blurted out during the history of the Northland)

But now, with the strong support behind them, not only are they no longer king, but they are even on the verge of collapse.

Thales said categorically:

"Elk City's business on the sea will definitely be affected."

Duke Cullen said nothing.

But Thales took a step closer and smelled the scent of exotic spices on the Duke's body:

"So, you don't have to be merciful. When Grand Duke Gadlo is worried about domestic politics and is indecisive..."

Thales' heart sank and he silently thought about his intentions.

When they were hesitating whether they should abandon Longxiao City and turn to King Charman...

While they were waiting for Xingchen's reaction to express their stance, and while they were waiting for Heisha Ling to win over him with an offer...

The second prince said decisively:

"Take the initiative to strike preemptively, and use the maritime interests we have lost due to the country's invincibility since the Year of Blood, and the profits from the trade routes that were diverted by the Northlander fleet..."

"Take them all back..."

Duke Cullen blinked his small eyes, looking kind and confused.

"Prove to those people with holes in their foreheads and those Yankees who think they can row an oar and sail: Who should be the boss of the sea?"

Thales' eyes were firm.

He didn't know how effective his words were today.

But if one sees even a hint of profit-seeking and aggravating attitude in the East China Sea Territory, then Elk City will soon understand:

Water far away cannot quench the thirst of the near, and the future will not be as good as the present.

Even if the dragon spear is worn out and the heroic spirit is dim...

But King Nun and Longxiao City can give them help and support, no matter how many King Charman and Black Sand Territory...

It can't be exchanged.

"I believe this is very much in line with the interests of the East China Sea Territory."

Thinking of this, Thales looked at Duke Donghai solemnly and returned his greetings to him:

"The opportunity has arrived, God bless the stars."

The voice fell.

Duke Donghai looked at Duke Xinghu blankly.

Slightly surprised.

It was like meeting Thales for the first time.

After a long while, the old Duke pressed his waist faintly:

"Tsk, tsk, take advantage of his illness and kill him..."

"You really hate the Northlanders, don't you?"

I hate the Northlanders so much.

Thales hesitated slightly.

He slowed down.

Thales recalled the faces of the past: first King Nunn who laughed and lured him in, and then King Charmaine who raised a glass to him coldly.

There are several high-ranking princes in the Palace of Heroes who all have their own agendas.

And the one who beat him to the point of severely injuring his limbs, causing him to die several times, and even leaving him permanently disabled - the Meteor Man.

Thinking of this, Thales turned his somewhat stagnant left wrist.

Fortunately, he eats with his right hand.

"Humph, you know, in the past six years..."

Thales, who was unhappy, subconsciously ground his teeth:

"I really hate those big guys from the north who like to bully children."

Duke Donghai was silent for a while.

For some reason, Cullen looked at him with a strange expression.

The Duke also subconsciously glanced at Thales' butt.

After being noticed by Thales with a frown, Cullen coughed a few times awkwardly and looked away:

"It's understandable, but..."

"Perhaps you should tell His Majesty about this?"

"After all, the East China Sea Territory is the throat of the stars and concerns the entire kingdom."

Thales was in a heavy mood.

He took a deep breath and chuckled:

"Yes, I should."

Thales looked at the innocent-looking Duke of Donghai:

"But I'm just his son."

He said seriously:
To be continued...