Chapter 91: No Turning BackGlover listened silently to Tinker’s grumbling, his thoughts heavy as he refrained from uttering a word.“Anyway, the situation is quite unusual today,” Tinker snapped back to attention.“Lilian specifically found that cop to scare off the Black Bands.”Glover scowled and looked up.“The Black Street Brotherhood? What happened?”“Are you not aware yet?” Tinker sighed heavily, displaying his frustration. “The Brotherhood’s madam—a prostitute named Felicia—has gone missing. She was abducted on Red Street Market.”Thales, upon hearing this intriguing piece of information, swiftly became alert.‘So, Felicia was abducted at Red Street Market.’ And he happened to have knowledge of the culprit behind this act.Glover furrowed his brow. “What does that have to do with you guys?”Tinker shrugged nonchalantly. “Well, you know how there has been an influx of girls from the North lately. Just a few days ago, Felicia got into a feud with Lilian regarding some of these newcomers.”“So the Black Bands think it’s our doing and brought a whole bunch of people to intimidate us. They’ve been ‘taking care’ of all the businesses in the area—especially this place. You know, that cursed whore and her ‘One Night Stand’. Even before the incident with the Northern girls, she has been a thorn in our side for years.”Tinker let out a drained sigh. “All this chaos and tension on Red Street Market, all because of that. Oh, and there was even a reckless carriage causing a disturbance earlier. By the way, have you two seen that carriage?”a reckless carriage causing a disturbance...#Glover blinked in confusion, but a subtle reminder from Thales’ gaze prompted him to reluctantly shake his head.“So, was it you guys who did this?” Quickly seizing the opportunity, Thales redirected Tinker’s attention.“Kidnap someone from the Brotherhood?”Tinker glanced at Thales, then cast a perplexed gaze at Glover, who gave a reassuring nod.“Of course not—” Tinker began to deny it, but after a brief pause, his tone gradually softened. “Well, I can’t say for sure.”He pondered for a moment before continuing, “Boss Catherine probably didn’t have a hand in it, but I can’t guarantee that the Red Viper, Wanderer, or anyone else in the gang wasn’t involved.”“With such a significant incident, how could the big shots in the Blood Bottle Gang not be aware of it?” Glover expressed his doubts.Tinker’s laughter rang out, devoid of warmth, “You’ve been away for too long, Chubby. Things have taken a dramatic turn.”“Six years ago, during the One Night War at Red Street Market, we were battered and bruised, our vitality drained to the point of depletion. This establishment teetered on the edge of collapse. Lucrative businesses of all kinds fell under the control of the Black Bands, serving as mere cash cows.”#Thales perked up, listening attentively.A sense of nostalgia and resignation washed over Tinker as he continued, “Once again, it was Boss Catherine herself, wielding her influential connections, who managed to convince the cops, particularly the Chief Garrison Officer, to intervene and coerce the Black Bands into the negotiation table. They were pressured into accepting a truce and relinquishing half of the newly occupied territory.”Tinker let out a weary sigh, “But the Blood Bottle Gang is no longer what it used to be. The promising newcomers, those with extraordinary potential like the Strongest Twelve, have either met their demise or scattered away. Very few remain. And as for that so-called ‘behind-the-scenes big shot Mystic’ that the gang always boasted about? Well, he is nowhere to be found...”“Only three of the eight Psionic Warriors are still in the picture, and they are at odds with each other. Boss Catherine, being the most influential, holds the majority of the territory. However, her decision to negotiate and seek peace with the Black Bands has drawn significant criticism. On the other hand, Red Viper is unwilling to accept this outcome and advocates for reclaiming our interests. Yet, given his limited manpower and constant adversaries, I must say that not making matters further is already an achievement. Then there’s ‘Wanderer’ Fogg, who returned from the Blade Edge Hill with a group of followers. He does have some manpower under his command and is always on the lookout for opportunities, but he lacks the necessary connections... As for the other emerging factions, they are either inexperienced or still too immature to be taken seriously.”#“And so, here we stand, a fragmented group plagued by conflicting ideologies and relentless internal disputes. Our once-thriving businesses, territories, and influence slip through our fingers, while the Black Bands flourish with unity and strength. ‘Crownless Fist’ Cenza, ‘Iron Heart’ Roda, ‘Sleepless Eye’ Lance, ‘Alpha Wolf’ Fischer, ‘Ripper’ Anton, ‘Fatty’ Morris—each boss has risen in power over the past few years... Have you noticed? The legends of the Black Sword and the rest of the Three Main Assassins no longer even crossed our lips.”#Thales, taken aback by these revelations, realised that since his departure, the underground world of Eternal Star City and even the entire Constellation had been upended, no longer resembling the world he once knew.#Tinker’s arms spread wide, a gesture of helplessness that hung in the air.“Observe for yourself, the stark contrast between ‘One Night Stand’ and ‘Laya Club.’ We find ourselves in a downward spiral, barely scraping by. When we dared to vie for the Northern girls recently, we couldn’t even hold a candle to Felicia, that sly vixen.”#Glover silently fixed his gaze on the room’s flickering lights, lost in his own thoughts.Tinker’s tone shifted, taking on a different hue,“But let me tell you, it all started with the rivalry over the Northern girls. Then came the abduction in the Red Street Market, right at the volatile border where our gangs collide. And if that weren’t enough, those kidnappers daringly crossed the border in their carriage, stirring up trouble... Ha! Can you fathom the sheer coincidence? Each incident strikes at the very heart of our conflict with the Black Bands!”Glover and Thales exchanged a wordless glance, their faces betraying no emotion.Tinker continued his litany of complaints, “And the troubles don’t end there. You know, the Blood Bottle Gang started out as a bootlegger, right? Yet, from sourcing the ingredients to storing and distributing the liquor, every step has been marred by stagnation and misfortune. Despite the soaring demand for liquor, we find ourselves incapable of producing even a single drop. Our customer base and profits dwindle with each passing day, as if the very essence of our gang is being eroded...”“Also, it is said that several prominent blacksmith shops on South Street and the outskirts of the city, legitimate or clandestine, no distinction is made. Shop owners and apprentices alike face apprehension and severe sentences. You see, most of them had some kind of understanding or agreement with the Black Bands, providing them with weapons and equipment. Stripped of their trusted arms, the Black Bands’ fearsome reputation dissipates like a fart...”“We suspect that the Black Bands have set their sights on our bootlegging business. They must have deduced our involvement in disrupting their weapon supply through official channels...”A flicker of realisation danced in Thales’ eyes.Tinker, wearing a knowing expression, added his perspective. “Hey, I wouldn’t be surprised if there are ambitious players on both sides, seeking to sow chaos... The six years of uneasy tranquillity between us and the Black Bands, it appears to be teetering on the edge of collapse.”#Glover hesitated, words hovering on the tip of his tongue.However, Tinker let out a derisive snort, shaking his head dismissively. “Who knows? Perhaps this is the true nature of things,” he remarked with an air of indifference. “The six years of enforced peace between the factions were never quite normal—it felt like a deliberate facade.”Silence settled over the room.“If the gangs erupt into an all-out war again, Tinker,” Glover suddenly spoke up, “take care of yourself—and Lilian.”“Do I need you to remind me of that?” Tinker sneered, slapping his chest.“I was there during the ‘One Night War’ six years ago! The sights, the battles, the ferocity, the streets flowing with blood... damn it, I never want to go through that again in my life.”Glover silently observed him.“Good, Tinker. That’s good,” he murmured.Upon hearing Glover’s statement, Tinker’s demeanour shifted, his expression betraying a hint of awkwardness. However, before the weight of the moment could fully settle, the corridor resounded with an unreserved shout, punctuating the air and liberating him from his unease.“Tinker, Tinker!“Where are you? Boss Catherine is gathering the forces!”The voice belonged to a young and unfamiliar man, brimming with excitement. It was clear that he held a position within the gang.“The Black Bands claim that the kidnappers’ carriage has breached our territory, and they are hell-bent on conducting a thorough search. They have clashed with our comrades at the border, and casualties have already been incurred. I can feel it in my bones—this time we are on the brink of a real showdown! It’s war!”Glover’s face turned pale. “Tinker, you...”However, Tinker let out a cynical chuckle, dismissing Glover’s worry, and slowly rose from his seat. With a slight creak, he cracked open the door, exposing himself to the chaos unfolding outside. But in an instant, his expression contorted with agony, as if struck by a sudden pain.Tinker twisted his face in discomfort and shouted in response to the commotion outside, his voice straining. “Shit! I’ve got a terrible bout of the runs! My legs are weak... I can’t make it!”An indignant reply came from the corridor, “Are you kidding? The runs again? Just a few years ago, you were one of the Strongest Twelve...”Tinker’s voice grew urgent, a hint of desperation creeping in. “Ah, ah, ah! I can’t hold it any longer. I need to make another trip to the bathroom. We’ll talk later!”With that, Tinker swiftly closed the door, returning to his seat, disregarding the persistent gang member outside who wanted him to join the fight.Glover and Thales found themselves taken aback by Tinker’s behaviour.“What?”Tinker, feeling somewhat dissatisfied with their expressions, quickly offered an explanation,“I really have the runs. Whenever Boss Catherine comes to check on me, this is how I handle it... I, I...”He instinctively touched his stomach, and his face suddenly changed.“Fuck, I’ve run out of my laxatives,” Tinker lamented, a hint of distress evident in his voice. “I’ll have to purchase a few more packs later.”Glover and Thales looked at him, their eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions.
“Good, Tinker,” Glover finally spoke, inhaling deeply as he grasped the underlying strategy behind Tinker’s actions.“That’s... quite good.”Then Zombie quickly lifted his head with earnestness,“Tinker, if you and Lillian need my help …”Tinker interrupted him with a dismissive wave of his hand, his expression nonchalant.“Forget it,” Tinker said,“You understand, don’t you? The position you hold now, and with our current predicament, would only bring harm if you were to get involved. Haven’t we learned our lesson from the past?”Glover instantly faltered.Tinker fell into silence for a while before slowly rising to his feet.“When you and your little master have rested enough, it’s time for you to leave,” Tinker stated, gesturing towards Thales, who sat quietly nearby. He reached out and patted Glover’s sturdy arm reassuringly, his eyes conveying an unspoken emotion.“As for your unconscious brother, if it’s inconvenient for you, we can arrange a carriage to transport him to you...”Glover gazed back at him, slightly bewildered.“Thank you, but I’ll cover the carriage expenses... Also, I’ve changed jobs, received a raise. If you need money right away...”Tinker’s reaction was immediate and intense, his face contorting with anger. His tone grew urgent and filled with frustration.“Hey! We don’t need your damn money!” Tinker snapped, “Especially not from that family of yours!”Glover’s realisation hit him like a wave, and his face turned pale with understanding,“I understand, I understand,” Thales had never seen Zombie in such a vulnerable state, evading and squirming under the weight of his own shame. “I’m sorry.”Tinker’s eyes lingered on Glover for a moment before he let out another exasperated sigh.“Damn it,” Tinker muttered under his breath, his words tinged with discontent. He avoided making eye contact with Glover,“Stop apologising,” he said, “It’s sickening.”Glover’s voice wavered, his words filled with emptiness. “I... I’m sorry.”#Tinker clicked his tongue in distress, shaking his head. He gave up on correcting Glover’s words and made his way towards the door.“Also,” Tinker’s voice faltered, his hand gripping the door handle tightly, his words hesitant. “You... you better not come here again.”Glover’s breath hitched.Tinker’s downcast spirit matched the sombre mood, as if he had arrived at a firm decision,“I mean, if your enemies find out again... You can’t protect us.”Glover’s silence stretched for a few agonising seconds before he mustered the strength to respond, “I know.”can’t protect usThales, witnessing this exchange, felt a jolt of recognition surge through him. A memory resurfaced.“I understand, thank you, brother.”Tinker remained facing away, his back turned to Glover, but he let out a sigh that mirrored the sentiment hanging in the air. “We’re not brothers anymore, Chubby.”not brothers anymoreGlover paused briefly.“Now that you’ve escaped from this shithole... go live the life you deserve.”Tinker gently pushed the door open, his voice carrying a sense of desolation. “You’re no longer... one of us.”“Lilian, she hopes for the same.”no longer one of us...Thales saw it all—the tremor in Glover’s arm—and before Glover could utter a response, Tinker walked away, leaving behind a firmly closed door.Glover’s gaze fixed on the closed door, his mind consumed by a whirlwind of thoughts as he grappled with the need to regain his composure. Time seemed to stretch on as several seconds ticked by, and Thales sensed a slight easing of the tension. With cautious steps, he moved closer, emerging from the corner to position himself beside the table, and then cleared his throat,“Glover?”Glover snapped out of his reverie, bowing his head in shame.“I’m deeply sorry, Your Highness.”“I shouldn’t have... I should not have attacked that police officer.”“As for Lilian and Tinker... they are unaware of your true identity; please forgive them.”Thales regarded him intently, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of his lips.“You know,” he began, “much like everyone else, I too initially presumed that Miss Lilian was your lover.”Glover’s whole body stiffened.Thales let out a sigh and moved to a chair closer to him.“Is there something you wish to share with me about her?”Glover struggled to lift his head, his gaze fixed in a vacant stare upon the Prince.Thales scanned the room, seeking to reassure him with his words,“Don’t worry, it’s only the two of us here.”An icy stillness enveloped the room, freezing time itself for several seconds.Glover wrestled with his words but ultimately chose to keep his mouth shut, his face growing rigid.“If you don’t want to say,” Thales spoke softly, a hint of disappointment laced within his words, yet his understanding smile remained intact as he rose from his seat.“That’s quite alright.”He made his way towards the door.“Get dressed. I’ll be waiting outside. It’s time to return.”Yet, in that very moment...“Sister,” a hoarse and pained voice, emerged from behind Thales.#“Lilian... she’s my... biological sister.”Thales’ gaze hardened.He slowly turned his head around.“And Tinker,” Glover uttered, his eyes clenched tightly shut,“They are my... blood siblings,” he uttered with a heavy heart.#Thales widened his eyes in astonishment.“They? You?” He stammered, his voice tinged with confusion.“But, but you belong to the Glover House...”
“I’ve told you, Your Highness,” Glover responded, his eyes opening to reveal the tiredness etched on them. “I was once a beggar in the Blood Bottle Gang.”“That’s true.”The room descended into a momentary silence.It stood like that until Thales released his grip on the doorknob and took a seat in front of Glover.“I understand,” the Prince said, his voice carrying a soothing cadence and his unwavering gaze fixed upon Glover. “From the same mother?”Glover nodded and lapsed into a profound silence.Thales didn’t rush him and patiently awaited Glover’s readiness to share.“My mother,” Glover’s voice emerged hoarse, burdened by the weight of these long-guarded secrets, “ she... she was in the sex trade,”A faint sense of relief accompanied the disclosure of these suppressed truths,“She had many clients and gave birth to seven children—or perhaps more; I can’t recall exactly. Some of them perished at a tender age.”Thales remained silent, listening carefully and attentively.“And my father,” he began, drawing a deep breath, “was a mediocre, useless, and unsuccessful playboy, forever overshadowed by his family’s reputation.”Zombie’s expression returned to its calm and impassive state.“Or, in my grandfather’s words, ‘a piece of trash’.”‘Glover’s father and grandfather.’Thales silently acknowledged.“So, one day,” Glover continued, his tone detached as if narrating another’s tale, “he ventured into the Red Street Market in search of pleasure and chanced upon my mother.”“It was a mundane transaction of the flesh,” his tone measured. “The consequence of which was the birth of a lowly bastard, conceived by a prostitute.”a lowly bastardThales knitted his brows.“From the time I could comprehend, I lived on that street,” Glover spoke softly, “surrounded by the scent of women and the stale air tinged with powder, where the aroma of clients mingled with the metallic tang of copper, the echoes of moans and hushed whispers, enduring cold, hunger, and sickness—that was my childhood.”“Lilian, being the eldest among us, took it upon herself to guide us through the alleyways, braving the streets, imitating the behaviour of adults, striving to survive.”guide... through the alleyways, braving the streetsimitating the behaviour of adults, striving to surviveAs Thales listened to his words, he too became lost in a trance.“Until an uncouth wealthy guest callously snuffed the life out of my mother in her own bed.” His demeanour eerily composed,“Since then, Lilian has assumed the role of our mother, sacrificing everything, giving her all, struggling to keep us, her siblings, our little brothers and sisters, alive. We endure hunger, we taste satiety, we suffer through each bitter day, and we endure another.”struggling to keep... us aliveUnconsciously, Thales tightened his fist.“When we were all together, ‘bound by blood, bound to help one another,’ that was the lesson Lilian imparted upon us.”“As she wandered the streets, time and time again whisked away by different men, she would return to us with meagre coins and scraps of food, sometimes bearing fresh wounds,” agony welled up in Glover’s eyes, the crimson of fresh bandages once again coming into view.“‘We are siblings, that’s what truly matters,’ she would always say, with a smile on her face, yet tears streaming down her cheeks.”Thales stared blankly at the dancing flames of the flickering lamplight at the table.“Those days were far from easy,” Glover paused, his voice filled with weight. “Scabies, lice... both our younger siblings fell victim to the typhoid fever. Vern was caught during a failed theft, and when they brought him back, he couldn’t make it through.”fell victim to the typhoid fever...caught during a failed theft...couldn’t make it through...Thales felt his heartbeat quicken inside his chest.“Until Laya Ma took us in.” Glover’s voice grew soft as he looked around at the surroundings. “Right here, at the Laya Club.”Thales took a deep breath, steadying himself.“Laya Ma, was she a good person?” The Prince posed the question, masking his genuine emotions behind a façade of detached curiosity.“I wouldn’t describe anyone who wells on the streets as truly ‘good’.” Glover shook his head.“In those times, she wasn’t referred to as ‘Ma’, and this place wasn’t known as the Laya Club. Ma herself possessed beauty and extraordinary skills, cultivating deep connections within the Blood Bottle Gang. She managed to captivate the favour of several influential members, one after another.”#“She acted in her own interests, drawn to Lilian’s appearance and tenacity.”“As for the rest of us, we were mere appendages.”“But that is not what truly matters. What is significant is that from that moment onward, we became beggars under the control of the Blood Bottle Gang.”Thales’ gaze wandered, as if he could see the scene of decrepit houses with several grubby-faced children huddled inside.“Lilian was taken under Ma’s wing, and her days took a turn for the better,” Glover recounted, “However, within the Blood Bottle Gang, the person in charge of managing the beggars was a former circus clown skilled in knife throwing. He possessed an eccentric temperament, inherently suspicious, and found twisted amusement in honing his accuracy by using us as targets.”“In the end, only Lilian, Tinker, myself, and the youngest, Thoth, remained of us, siblings.”Thales suddenly found himself unconsciously raising his left hand and pressing it against the concealed burn scar beneath his clothing, just below his chest.“If life had followed its expected course, I would have likely followed the fate of countless orphaned children born on these streets—either joining the Blood Bottle Gang as a runner or enforcer, or seeking a precarious path of escape, striving to become an apprentice or a farmer, carving out my own path.”#Glover’s voice quivered as he continued, “Until that day.”Thales subconsciously lifted his head.“That day... The clown, in his maniacal laughter, chased me, Tinker, and Thoth relentlessly. Eventually, he handed us over to some people who were dressed neatly but did not smile. Lilian was also sent over after that.“We were taken to the Sunset Temple, where each of us had our blood taken.”Thales felt a slight tremor pass through his body, as if he could glimpse fragments of his own version of ‘that day’.Dawn, blood, and flickering lamplight.Glover murmured, lost in thought, “They took us to the grandest house we had ever laid eyes upon, and there, we were treated to the most delicious food we had ever tasted.”the grandest housethe most delicious foodThales’ gaze gradually grew distant.Then Glover’s voice tightened.“Until they barged in.”“And took me away.”Within Glover’s words, there was an immeasurable bitterness.“Only... me.”
“I wanted to take my siblings with me, but those people wouldn’t allow it. They guided me onto the carriage with an air of reverence, their actions leaving no doubt,” Glover explained.“Then it occurred to me, what would happen to the others once I was gone—you know, they were hired mercenaries, well-versed in tasks like covering their tracks.”Thales lowered his head and closed his eyes.“I used every skill I had learned on the streets to break free from their grasp and leap off the carriage,” Glover took a deep breath, as if he had just parried a devastating blow from an opponent.“As I rushed back...”“Tinker fought desperately, Lilian cried out in pain, and Thoth was left trembling,” he added.Zombie clenched his teeth.“I wanted to do something.”“But there were too many of them, too strong.”“I, I... back then, I was too weak.”back then...I was too weakThales’ arm, hidden beneath the table, was trembling uncontrollably.His memories surged back to that night, and he could vividly see Quide’s swollen, bruised nose and the terror-stricken, tear-stained faces of the children.“And it was then, in that moment, that an aged yet commanding knight arrived. With his men by his side, he unsheathed his long sword and saved Tinker and Lilian,” Glover let out a pained sigh.“But Thoth, our youngest brother... he was too small. As the rope tightened around his neck, he couldn’t breathe, couldn’t fight back,” Glover uttered in anguish.“It was too late.”too lateThales sat in silence, his posture unchanged.“The old knight crouched down, gently caressing the back of my hand as he offered his apologies. He told me that it was an accident and revealed himself to be my grandfather, a knight of noble lineage, the patriarch of the Glover Family, and the Watchman of the Royal Guards.“In his eyes, no matter the depths of despair or the stain of disgrace, he believed that the bloodline of the Glover Family should never be left to wander in the street.”As Glover spoke of his grandfather, a conflicted expression flickered in his eyes.“My grandfather held my loyalty and the bond I shared with my siblings in high regard. He said, ‘Such devotion and bonds are invaluable.’”“He pledged to protect and provide for my siblings, with one condition: that I reciprocate that same loyalty and devotion—to my real brother.”Thales lifted his gaze.“Real... brother?”Glover nodded solemnly.“It was later revealed to me that my father had passed away that year. And Lozano, my half-brother, fell ill with typhoid fever. His fate was uncertain,” Glover shared.“As a steadfast supporter of the King’s Faction, the Glover family needed a contingency plan—a direct heir.”Zombie’s voice trailed off, lost in thought.“From that day onward, I assumed a new identity.” Glover stated, “No longer was I called ‘Chubby’ but rather Caleb Glover. Yet, within the renowned Wind Knight, Glover Family, I became a despised figure—a tainted bastard born from humble origins.”Thales, his gaze locked on Glover, felt as if he were transported back to that moment six years ago. The memory of standing tall in the Hall of Stars, confronted by the vast multitude of people filling the Star Plaza, resurfaced.“You will stand up as...”“Thales TherrenGirana Kessel Jadestar.”“The Second Prince of Constellation.”#Thales closed his eyes and then slowly opened them again, as if trying to wash away the images before him.“I understand,” the weary Prince said.“So, for you, this place, and them—Lilian, Tinker, Thoth... that’s your true home, your past.”“The self that cannot be erased.”Glover’s gaze sharpened, reflecting a glimmer of intensity. However, after a brief moment, he shook his head, bitterness etching his features.“No,” he countered.“You fail to grasp it, Your Highness.”“As I matured and gained independence, joining the Royal Guards—particularly when Lozano started excelling—and especially after our grandfather’s passing, when I once again became expendable...” Glover’s eyes wandered aimlessly around the dimly lit room of the Laya Club.“One day, I finally returned, reuniting with them, my siblings.”reunitingThales remained silent, his thoughts unspoken.Glover’s hands trembled as he raised them, his weathered fingers bearing the unmistakable marks of countless sword drills.“Yet I soon discovered that my presence only brought them further pain,”“Whether it was the misfortune that befell young Thoth all those years ago or...” he paused,“...what followed after.”Thales’ nerves coiled,“What happened?” he asked softly.A sardonic hum escaped Glover’s lips. “You see, Your Highness, I never truly fit in, never quite grasped the intricacies of socialising. By relying on my grandfather’s reputation, I managed to secure a place in the Vanguard Division of the guards, but in doing so, I unwittingly earned the enmity of certain scoundrels.”“They—the disgruntled bunch within the Vanguard Division—somehow unearthed the truth about my background and my...” Glover’s voice trailed off, his head sinking low in sorrow.“... connection with Lilian.”Thales released a wearied sigh.“So, after yet another fight with them, on that night, those bastards came here in a horde,” Glover’s voice grew sombre.“They offered an exorbitant sum of gold to have Lilian abducted,” his voice started trembling.“And... and they locked her up in a house...”Thales felt a profound heaviness settle in his heart, and his lips pursed tightly together. “A despicable and cowardly act,” he whispered.Yet, Glover seemed unaffected by his words.“When Tinker, battered and bruised, came knocking on my door in the dead of night...” Glover’s voice trailed off,“I had no choice but to go to the Glover Family estate and do the one thing I never wanted to do—seek help from Lozano to find the best doctors for Lilian, who clung to life by a thread.”Zombie had to pause, taking a moment to collect himself.A heavy silence engulfed the room.Thales lapsed into a momentary silence before speaking again, “And who are those people in the Royal Guard, those fops?”
“It doesn’t matter anymore,” Glover replied, his expression grim as he shook his head. “It’s been taken care of.”“Taken care of?” Thales questioned.Glover emitted a sarcastic snort, his eyes burning with a mixture of hatred and determination,“You see, those bastards were so sure I wouldn’t dare take a risk, they arrogantly boasted to me about how they tortured her that night...”Thales couldn’t help but recall the ghastly injuries he had witnessed on Lilian’s battered body earlier and fell silent.Glover cleared his throat, his teeth clenched tightly. “I... I couldn’t control myself.”Thales nodded,“Much like today?”Glover closed his eyes,“I apologise.”“I committed a grave offence by attacking my comrades. It caused great trouble. Despite Lozano’s efforts to intervene, pulling strings, and seeking legal loopholes, he could only just barely save my life.”Glover opened his eyes. There was no light in them, only a deep numbness.“Until one day, a man arrived at the guard detention hole,” he continued. “He claimed to be the newly appointed Watchman of the Royal Guards, in search of a new subordinate.”“And so, I emerged from the detention hole and followed Lord Mallos to the Western Desert.”‘So, that’s how it was.’The two fell into silence once again, until Thales spoke up.“Glover...”However, as if abruptly awakened from his thoughts, Zombie disregarded the Prince and interjected,“So, I know,” Glover said, gripping the bandages on his body tightly, his face contorted with pain.“A long time ago, everything changed the moment my grandfather took me away.”Thales silently gazed at him, suddenly grasping the true meaning of “empathy.”#“We—Lilian, Tinker, and I...” Glover uttered a heavy sigh, his voice filled with anguish and acceptance.“There is no turning back for us.”“Ever.”In that fleeting moment, a cascade of images and words flooded Thales’ mind,beggars...brothers and sisters...the day his destiny changed...a new life...an old burden...The Prince faintly heard Gilbert’s words echoing,“Perhaps on the day you find them, you will end up causing their deaths.”#Thales inhaled deeply, shaking himself out of his contemplation.“Glover,” the Prince’s words rang out, filled with resolute purpose, “can you still travel?”Zombie raised his head in perplexity.“Your Highness?”Thales turned his gaze towards the door, his face a mask of impassivity, his thoughts hidden beneath the surface. “I wish to go somewhere,” he declared.Glover hesitated for a moment, the implications slowly dawning on him, “Your Highness, Kommodore is not here; it’s just me. We are lacking in manpower...”Thales smiled, cutting him off before he could finish, and to the door,“Lorbec?”“Lorbec, buddy?”The silence beyond the door remained unbroken, leaving a puzzled Glover.Thales felt his pride take a hit, prompting him to raise his voice even louder, “Lorbec! Lorbec ‘Stupid Idiot’ Deira!”Yet, there was still no response.The air grew increasingly awkward.Taking a deep breath, Thales cupped his hands around his mouth, creating a makeshift megaphone, and bellowed with exasperation,“Kohen-fucking-Karabeyan!”A resounding thud echoed from the other side of the door, as if someone had collided with it. Glover’s expression changed, concealing his inner displeasure as his gaze remained fixed on the doorway.And sure enough, in the next moment, the door swung open, revealing Kohen, the police officer, sporting a battered and swollen face, filled with both astonishment and bewilderment.“What’s going on, ol’ buddy Wya?” Kohen began, but Thales cut him off sharply. “Prepare yourself. Come with me to a certain place.”#Kohen blinked in confusion, “Where?”“The Lower City District.”‘The Lower Ci-...’Both Glover and Kohen were stunned into silence.After a brief pause, the police officer cautiously voiced his concerns, testing the waters. “But... but that’s the territory of the Black Street Brotherhood...”Thales’ gaze turned icy cold. “Are you scared? Are you, Sir Karabeyan, a first-class police officer of the Western City Police Station, scared?”Kohen halted, a flicker of indignation crossing his features, but he still hesitated in his response. “Well, not exactly scared, but I must remind you that tensions between the Brotherhood and the Blood Bottle Gang have been escalating recently...”Thales narrowed his eyes.“Are you scared?” he repeated.“No, no, not at all,” Kohen hurriedly replied, shaking his head. “I mean, as strong as I am, and as much as the big lil’ buddy sitting over there is only slightly weaker than me,” that earned him a derisive snort from Glover, “if we were to charge headlong into the Brotherhood’s lair...”“Are you scared?”“Of course not. I’ve been to the Lower City District a few times, but the streets there are rough, and it’s easy to lose your way, especially after dark...”“Are you scared?”“Not really, but you’re a Prince, and if anything were to happen to you...”“Are you scared?”“Nah, no worries. But there’s one thing to consider,” Kohen added, “I took a day off today, so it won’t be considered an on-duty injury. The medical expenses won’t be covered...”“Are you scared—”In a burst of frustration, Kohen forcefully slammed the door, causing a resounding thud. There he stood, filled with grandeur, embracing death as if it were his destiny,#“Damn it, what’s so damn special about it? I’ll face it head-on!”The police officer clenched his teeth and let out a rugged, resolute roar in his distinctive western accent,“Hell, nah! I ain’t scared of nothin’!”