Chapter 13: Second Episode: Chapter 4 (1/2)
Chapter 13: Second Episode: Chapter 4
Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Finance Minister Almodovar Godzilla returned to the living room and realised his friends were expecting him. Clearly, the lords were not settled with their discussion yet.
”Ah! I can finally be my most comfortable self!” Almodovar casually plopped himself onto the sofa with his full weight. Almost immediately, the sofa let out a painful creak.
”Does everyone really think the upstart’s idea is fair and reasonable? I don’t see why we need to distribute ten percent of our share to him. Can’t we resolve that debt among ourselves? There’s no need to put on such a show,” the Director of the Financial Secretary of the State Council voiced his doubts about the plan.
The other three lords rolled their eyes simultaneously at the director’s stupid comment. Why was he even a part of their group?
The taxation minister did the honour of explaining the situation to his innocent friend. ”My dear Barbara, do you not understand the main reason we are asking a favour from the young prince? The protection from the pirates! That’s equivalent to all the cover and security we’ll ever need for our smuggling business. With them as our shield, the only thing left that could threaten our business is natural disaster. Yes, we could indeed solve this current obstacle by ourselves, but what about the next time when the pirates rob from us again? And the next? I personally think it’s absolutely worth the price to share thirty percent of our gold with them. This young prince is quite an impartial man, he only asked for a small commission.”
”Oh God! Are you asking me to believe in those pirates who just robbed us? Don’t forget the young prince was an offender himself! How do we know if we could really trust him?” Marquis Barbara Thea insisted and made clear of his position.
Almodovar had enough of his complaints. He waved it off when the Maquis was about to protest again.
”Barbara, have you become slow-minded after staying by the side of the Secretary of State for a while? Do you remember what His Majesty the Emperor said in the palace yesterday? Pay attention, this will be the final time I warn you, please do not describe Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette as an offender ever again. He is our Imperial Highness Prince, the blood-related nephew of His Majesty the Emperor, the youngest of Marshal Andrew, and starting a few moments ago, he is also our ally. I honestly wish you will show some respect for him, just like how you would treat any of your friends. If you can’t promise me this, our good relationship with the young prince might be affected because of your discourtesy. When that happens, we would definitely reconsider your position in this whole partnership.”
Barbara was stupefied. He had not expected the finance minister to reprimand him so impolitely in front of all the lords.
Count Levis Sakya promptly spoke up to act as a mediator in the dispute. He also felt that the finance minister had spoken too directly without giving any face to the Marquis.
”Sir Marquis, sometimes we have to alter our thinking accordingly to the situation and the corresponding changes. The finance minister has a point. Hmm let’s put it this way and focus mainly on our personal benefits. Except for the pirates, there is left only the regular naval fleet that could protect us from any harm on the sea. If we rely on the protection of the another nation’s fleet, and when our illegal smuggling business is exposed to the army headquarters, imagine what would His Majesty the Emperor think when he is informed that Titan’s merchants were getting security from other countries’ fleet? Trust me, the Emperor would immediately accuse everyone associated with the crime of treason. What the Imperial Highness Prince has suggested is the safest option for us. Think about our bigger business in the future, have you forgotten that our empire’s munitions are worth much more than those gold? We only have to spare thirty percent of our share with His Imperial Highness Prince and his friend, isn’t the price worth more than the benefits we’re going to obtain? Soon enough you will see yourself drowning in the ocean of Golden Tis.”
Although Barbara still felt negatively about the young prince, he knew how to do his calculations and math. Indeed, it was going to assist them in getting a bigger fortune in the future.
He finally accepted Count Sakya’s explanation and viewpoint. No one would ever refuse wealth and riches. Barbara was already considering selling the munitions directly to the pirates in order to save the cost of land transport and profit more from within.
”There is one more thing I would like to state,” Marquis Almodovar Godzilla sat straight up. His allies were suddenly all intrigued about what the marquis had to say. It would definitely be something of utmost importance if it was worth the sea creature sitting up from his comfortable position to voice it out.
”His Majesty the Emperor has sent out an official correspondence this morning. On behalf of the Titan Imperial family, he has invited the Pope His Grand Eminence to preside over the official ceremony of His Imperial Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette. And of course seeing the good relationship between the Andrew Family and Radriere VI, there is no reason the pope would refuse the emperor's invitation.”
”How does it relate to us? The little fatty is already a prince for sure, that is just nothing more than an official ceremony,” Barbara was confused again.
”No, Barbara, in fact this will affect you personally and directly. You should start thinking about your relationship with the Secretary of State. With the support from the Emperor and the Pope, Robinson would not have any chance against the young prince. Although the Duke is still investigating some affairs, the results would not matter anymore but just put an end to his political career. We should be prepared ourselves to betray him when the chance comes. I’ve always disliked that old man.”
”But what good would it do to us?” The taxation minister was also perplexed by the suggestion.
”Ha ha, Yael, this is exactly what we must do at the moment. I believe Robinson will not surrender so easily, he would definitely fight against the young prince with all his might. And what we should do is to show our sincere support to the young prince as that’s what good allies do. Moreover, we only need to betray someone who would have already lost his power by then. Regarding how it would benefit us, who else in the imperial court do you think will be qualified for the position of the Secretary of State?”
”Would it be…” the taxation minister asked with excitement.
”Well to be fair it is just a guess as I have no concrete evidence to prove my assumption. Nonetheless I know that old man would definitely keep trying for his target. I think it’s about time,” Marquis Almodovar Godzilla laughed at the thought of his old friend.
”I think you have a fair point. When that happens, both the military and political divisions of the empire will sure undergo a huge change in their organisations. That will undoubtedly present us some opportunities along the way.” Count Levis Sakya endorsed the finance minister’s idea.
”Hmm, shall we talk about another topic now,” Count Barbara Thea was obviously interested in other affairs, ”I am extremely curious about that honoured lady guest who managed to get you to bring the young prince to her personally. Who is that lady?”
”Ha ha! You would never believe me even if told you the truth, even I still could not believe it. However it only further encouraged me to foster a better relationship with His Imperial Highness Prince O’Neil. Oh and I apologise that I have to keep her anonymous as the lady had strictly prohibited me to tell anyone about her meeting with the young prince. I cannot defy the order! Do you understand what I mean now?”
The other fatties got the message and were all deep in their own thoughts. Coincidentally the three of them thought about the rumour that had been spreading around like gusts of wind. There must be a reason, just like there could not be smoke without fire. It seemed like they really do have to forge an alliance with the young prince.
The Imperial Highness Princess of Dulin was respected by each and every commoner in the city. They would always remember the empathetic princess had once stood by the streets of Dulin in a simple commoners’ outfit to collect donations for the disaster victims. Besides, her impassioned speech that attacked the corrupted official on the podium of Dulin University had left a lasting impression on the people too. However, more than everything else, the people's’ favourite topic of interest would always be the her future and romantic destiny.
Once, in an implicit and obscure manner, His Majesty the Emperor had asked Princess Alanis Alfa Morisette on her eighteen birthday party about her romantic interests or her plans for the future. Unexpectedly, instead of evading the question like she used to, Her Imperial Highness responded straightforwardly that she would marry a friend of many years.
The status of the fortunate man has never been revealed, and Her Imperial Highness made it explicitly clear that she would not like to expose the identity of the lucky man. Her intention of keeping it a secret did not stop the people from guessing the man’s identity. Conversely, it became the most discussed topic in the spring.
His Majesty the Emperor was in fact thunderstruck by his youngest’s decision as he had never heard her expressing her wish to be married. As a matter of fact, Alfa III did not understand his own daughter very well. But on the other hand he knew certainly that his lovely daughter would definitely be the perfect heir to the throne. Her Imperial Highness Princess had unimaginable power and influence over the aristocrats and the commoners, they would not mind at all to be ruled by an Empress in the future.
Alfa II had never think of himself as being a qualified father. First of all, a competent father would have full respect from his own children, but his precious daughter evidently did not look up to him. Although Her Imperial Highness Princess had never shown him disrespect, subtly the emperor learned a lot from his daughter’s cold eyes.
The princess’s decision has been troubling the emperor. If she did get married, she would completely lose her right to the imperial throne and have the Imperial family name removed from her too. Especially after thinking about what had happened to his loving sister, His Majesty the Emperor was vexed as he would never wish for the same to befall his daughter. He was remarkably proud of his daughter’s outstanding personality and he would like to believe that she was aware of the consequences of her own decision. Still, the emperor was hoping that she would change her mind. Both of his sons were of mediocre ability, he was convinced that after some intense training Alanis would no doubt be the greatest heir to the imperial throne.
Princess Alanis Alfa Morisette entertained herself by looking out at the scenery from the window of the horse carriage. The young lady’s mood surged with excitement. She knew that she was the pride of the Imperial family and she was fully aware of her positive reputation among the aristocrats and commoners. Even though her decision for marriage would bring to her different kind of consequences she believe that it would still be worthwhile. She fought against so many struggles to get to where she was today, to the point where even the emperor has respect for her.
Credit had to be given to that ”friend of many years”, it was his words that sculpted and motivated her to become who she was today. Otherwise, only God knows if Princess Alanis would turn out to be a stubborn, unreasonable, proud, and superficial person.
Young prince Oscar has always admired the elegant princess. Even though her gorgeous body was hidden underneath her thick cape, her breathtaking appearance was already the most beautiful scenery itself.
Poor young fatty had no idea he was used by the fat lords. In comparison to those old sly foxes who have had multiple years of experience fighting in the fields of economics and politics, young Oscar was indeed naive and innocent.
”You have not answered my question yet. Your Highness?” The young fatty was a little impatient, the princess has not spoken to him since the moment he was invited into the carriage.
The princess’s carriage was nothing extraordinary. One could even spot the coats of dust gathered at the corner if one looked close enough. Oscar realised that this was not the Imperial carriage, which meant that the girl could be sneaking out from the palace. But on second thought that might not be it. Her bodyguards were still around and it was a Paladin that was manning the carriage. Oscar suddenly thought of Snowstorm and wondered if he was doing well with the Paladin-to-be.
”Ah! If you would forgive me. I’m sorry I did not hear you talking to me,” the princess turned her body to face the young man who was three years younger than herself.
”Your Highness you are indeed…forget it. It’s alright. I’m just curious why would you do this? I mean, arranging a secret meeting with me.”
”Forget about the formal addresses, you are a Imperial highness yourself. You can just call me by my name, my young cousin. Call me Alanis!”
”Oh la! That totally slipped my mind. I am still not used to being a prince, you know, as I’ve only been released from the prison about five days ago.”
”I apologise for my late congratulations. Oh, look at me, what have I been doing! I should have arranged for a meeting with you earlier.”
”No, Your Highness Prin…uh…Alanis, yes, Alanis, you don’t have to apologise at all. It must have caused you loads of trouble just to get out of the palace. Oh and I would like to express my gratefulness. I am extremely honoured for having the opportunity to meet with you,” Oscar honestly felt great that the princess could remember his existence.
”Oh, right, you still have not revealed to me which direction are we heading?” Oscar finally remembered his question.
The princess looked at the window again and smiled, ”Since you’re already calling me Alanis, can I address you as Oscar too, is that how father addresses you?
”Of course, it’s my pleasure. But only among ourselves when we’re alone. When we are out there in the public we shall still speak in accord with the etiquette.”
The princess wanted to laugh at the young man’s reply. She understood he said that out of concern that the others would speak ill of herself, but didn’t he know that when he implied they both could spend time alone, it would have wounded her chastity already? He was such a child. The princess has already passed the appropriate age to be able to stay in a place alone with any man.
”So Oscar, I want to clarify that I did not sneak out from the palace. I wouldn’t cause you any trouble if that’s your concern. In fact, I got permission from father. Also, we’re reaching our destination soon.”
The boss of Sabac manor was used to receiving and treating many important people. His manor was indeed built for these aristocrats. However, these two guests who are visiting his manor appeared rather peculiar. Judging from appearance, the man seemed well off but he was looking around the manor like a bumpkin. On the other hand, the lady was the most elegant lady that he has ever met. He could not even look her straight in the eyes.