Miranda was silent for a long time, but her eyes did not leave the Duke of Star Lake in front of her. It seemed that she was still getting used to Thales looking like this.

"You said you have many experts under your command, and are even better than me?"

A few seconds later, Miranda said disdainfully:

"But as far as I know, that two-on-one duel..."

"Those are just the two weakest people in the Star Lake Guards."

Thales interrupted her resolutely to prevent the other party from revealing his past. At the same time, he felt sorry for Nexi and Bastia:

"If nothing else, my personal guard captain, Lord Tormund Mallos, known as the 'Terror Blade', can suppress them both with just one hand."

("The cat has more and more fur. Only an idiot could come up with the idea of ​​raising cats and limiting rats..." Mallos, who was checking the supplies, said unhappily.)

In the study, Thales sneezed slightly and rubbed his nose.

"Terror, terror, sharp blade?" Miranda muttered the word, with confusion on her face.

Thales looked serious:

"That's the nickname of Lord Marius. The people of the North, no, the people of the stars, well, I mean, the enemies who have suffered losses at his hands, whether they are the Exeters or the stars.

, I call him that behind my back."

Miranda frowned.

Thales sneered:

"A little tip: Don't mention it to his face. Mallos doesn't like this nickname and will never admit it to his death."

Miranda was thinking about something, her expression gradually became serious:

"The Marius family once belonged to the Seven Knights of the Bright Star, also known as the 'Razor'. I know this. But, the terrifying blade? So, Lord Marius is good at swords? Or is it a short-handed dagger?"

Thales had to cough more frequently:

"Well, you might as well come to him for a discussion some other time. But I warn you in advance, as my most trusted guard captain, Lord Mallos's martial arts are hidden and unfathomable, even if he is the most powerful and terrifying person in this world.

When a master fights against him, the outcome is only 50-50."

"Why do I think you are exaggerating?"

"No, I'm just emphasizing that the martial arts you are proud of are not uncommon here."

Hearing this, Miranda was silent for a while, but she quickly continued:

"It's more than just martial arts."

"Considering the grievances between you and Duke Zhan En, Your Highness, no matter what your purpose is when you go to the Emerald City, you will definitely be hampered by everything. It will not be as smooth as it was in the Royal Capital and Longxiao City."

Thales remained silent.

In fact, things didn't go very well in the Royal Capital and Longxiao City either.

But she was right. His goal in going to the Emerald City was bound to be difficult, not to mention dangerous.

He needs more capable people.

"And we worked together in Longxiao City. You know my abilities outside of wielding a sword."

Miranda's eyes became shrewd:

"Leaving some problems to me will be safer and more effective than leaving it to Wyatt and Mute, the Doyle boys or that big guy with the zombie face."

Wyatt and Rolf.

D.D and Glover.

Thales couldn't help but frown when he thought of what happened that day on Hongfang Street and at the Laiya Club.

"Accept me, and what you can get is my identity and surname."

Seeing Taylor's expression change slightly, Miranda continued to add:

"Your Highness Thales, although you are the heir to the Supreme Throne, you have touched the interests of many people since the royal banquet and the accident of the prince breaking into the palace. You have been in a whirlpool, often got into trouble, and you have gradually drifted away from the Fuxing Palace.

"

"So up to now, no princes with enough weight have dared to stand up and take a stand, to pledge their support to you, to support you, and to endorse your rights."

Thales turned his eyes:

"Perhaps you don't know that my current sword is the ancient sword inherited from the Duke of West Wasteland; Cohen's cousin, Earl Del Croma of Wing Castle, escorted me all the way back to the royal capital; and the legal heir of Earl of Heroic Soul Castle,

Paul Bozdorf of the Black Lion family is outside right now, on duty as my bodyguard."

Duke Xinghu spread his hands carelessly:

"And their family also gave me an extra-large nine-pointed star flag. It is exquisitely made and made of rich materials. It floats with shining silver light and is very majestic. I like it very much."

Miranda thought for a moment and quickly found the corresponding memory:

"Paul Bozdorf? Are you talking about the guy who was beaten into a pig's head with a broom on the first day he arrived in the royal capital?"

"It's not as serious as a pig's head, it's just a broken skin, etc. How do you know?"

Miranda sneered:

"But it is a pity that Paul's father, Earl Lewis, was young and powerful. He was neither in prison nor in authority. He could not leave a huge power vacuum behind him so that his successor could become the closest and most popular person to rule.

The future earl."

"It's simple, just kill his father later." Thales' expression remained unchanged, his heart not beating so violently.

Miranda ignored his bad sense of humor and remained as serious as ever: "As for a sword and an escort, only a fool would think that this is an unbreakable and sincere alliance."

Thales curled his lips.

Miranda looked sharply:

"But unlike other families, Arlend is in a special situation. The Duke of the North is in prison and has no hope of returning. With the throne vacant, my role as his only daughter and first heir is particularly crucial."

She took a step forward:

"Having me in your camp means that you have the future of the entire Northern Territory, and you have the Yalunde family, the head of the six wealthy families. This is an unprecedented and obvious signal, and it is also a sign that you can regroup after being exiled by the king's suspicion.

People look for power as an important bargaining chip for a comeback."

A comeback?

It was as if I had "got up" at some point.

Thales fell into deep thought.

"For this alone, my value to you is more than everyone else in this castle. And I haven't even mentioned the reputation and qualifications I have accumulated in Broken Dragon Fortress over the years."

Thales was silent for a while.

"I admit, what you said makes sense."

Duke Xinghu raised his lips and shook his head:

"But there are quite a few flaws. For example, you may not be able to inherit your father's inheritance."

Miranda's face tightened.

Thales smiled.

"A long time ago, there was an old witch named Xiaoluo who was like this: We agreed that she would help me ascend the throne, and I would help her regain her power."

Thales spoke with a nostalgic look.

"But the collaboration broke down and she betrayed me."

Miranda's eyes moved.

"I have resented her for breaking promises and contracts for many years, but it was not until I discussed it with Lao Wu and my teacher that I realized that that cooperation was doomed to fail."

Miranda felt the coldness in Thales' words and couldn't help but shudder.

Thales sneered and held the desk with both hands:

"You see, I have to get on the throne first before I have the strength to help her regain the power, but she has to get back the power first before she can have the strength to help me get on the throne."

The prince's eyes turned cold:

"Aren't these two empty promises guaranteeing each other?"

"It depends on which side loses control first, and its credit will be ruined first."

Miranda's whole body tensed up.

At that moment, the prince's gaze seemed to be sharp, causing the Pegasus movement in her body to start moving.

"I have no shortage of martial arts, brains, or your illusory so-called status."

Thales exhaled and narrowed his eyes:

"If you want to convince me to accept you, then you have to have a heavier bargaining chip."

Miranda said nothing.

The back-and-forth negotiations made her frown.
To be continued...