Chapter 28: Fourth Episode: Chapter 1 (2/2)

”Calm down? You’re asking us to calm down! I’ve had enough of living this rodent life! I have got with me more than thirty men today, I’m not afraid to just go out and fight the enemies!”

”Exactly! My men are not to be bullied too! We might win this battle!”

”It’s not possible, I assure you. The moment you step outside of this hotel, even the God of Light can’t save your poor life,” out of a sudden a voice opposing the stupid ideas stood out among the crowd.

Everyone turned toward the source of the unfamiliar voice. Baron Thomas Aulet removed the black cape from his head, and patiently walked out from the shadow in the dark alley.

”I’m telling you the truth. I believed the Ministry of Justice is planning to capture all of us in one haul. So, everyone, let’s sit down and think of a better plan which will minimise the sacrifice.”

”Alright everyone, let’s take a seat!” Celia finally had a chance to rest and she took a long sigh after positioning herself comfortably on the settee. The Lady Duchess carefully selected a couple of seemingly pleasing ladies as her companions, and now they were enjoying delicious refreshments in a rest area of the garden.

After some probing all the ladies present here felt that the Lady Duchess of Andrew was not a foreign aristocrat who did not understand anything. Moreover, the lady was impeccable in her appearance and speech. Just as the ladies were chatting happily, big man Ferry suddenly appeared in front of them.

Celia shook her head unhappily as she apologised and said good-bye to her newly-acquainted friends. Seeing Ferry here interrupting her own leisure time, she knew she had to excuse herself to entertain some important guest.

The same happened to Oscar, although no one could technically take anything away from Her Imperial Highness Princess. However, the curious princess could not help but wonder who was this important guest who had arrived at the ball.

All Titan military men were required to wear their navy blue uniform when attending any formal official events. When these beautiful and mighty soldiers appeared in all kinds of banquet, they would certainly be showered with the other people’s admiration, not to mention that this time it was an entire army regiment who attended the ball of Andrew Family.

The Lady Duchess of Andrew greeted these late arrivals along with her youngest son. The two parties met somewhere at the central phase of the garden.

”Lady Duchess of Andrew! Oh! You are getting younger!”

”You too, Marshal Alan.”

Perhaps most people did not notice that the head of military of Titan Empire Marshal Vann Hewitt Alan did not greet the Lady Duchess of Andrew with a kiss on the back of her hand like a noble. Instead, the old marshal respectably presented an impeccable military salute to the lady. The lady also frankly accepted the Silver Fox’s ultimate respect.

Almost everyone in the Andrew family has been on at least one battlefield. There was no exception even for the Lady Duchess. When Celia Andrew Nedgabel was younger, she directed several successful battles.

The salute toward Lady Duchess could be deciphered in two ways. Firstly, as a respect toward the Andrew Family as they were the largest military family of the empire. Secondly, it could be a form of recognition to the merits achieved by the Andrew Family over the years.

When his mother was conversing with Silver Fox Alan, Oscar examined carefully the old marshal who successfully led the Imperial Armed Forces for as long as half a century. The old man seemed to be no different from the other familiar old Dukes he knew. He kept a long white beard and his infamous silver-colored hair rested proudly behind his back. His figure was slightly thinner than the big young men behind him, but he still had an imposing manner when standing among the armed force.

Oscar knew that it was this old man who kept the empire at the superior position during all those years fighting with the other powers of the western continent. The nickname ”Silver Fox” was the glory gained by the old gentleman after his efforts and victories obtained throughout his years dealing in all kinds of military operations and military diplomacy. As long as there was still Silver Fox in Titan, the foreign hostile forces would not consider terrorizing the ancient empire with military force.

His Imperial Highness Prince took a step forward for himself to be seen by the marshal. He now had absolutely no need to hide behind his mother like a child anymore.

The old marshal together with the officers he brought along with him greeted the young prince with proper courtesy. This time they saluted His Imperial Highness Prince using the orthodox courtesy for greeting the Imperial family members. Although they appeared similar to the military salute, no soldier of a noble origin would get it confused.

”Respectable Marshal Alan, you are too polite. Welcome to the residence of Andrew,” Oscar said and then warmly embraced the old gentleman. While hugging the marshal he looked at the companions he brought along with him, and felt slightly uncomfortable when he noticed the lowest rank who accompanied him was at least also a Major. There was no need bring along all these high-ranked military men to attend a ball just to show his respect, unless… Maybe this old guy was here to display his power and status in the empire. Indeed, despite the great respect they had for the Andrew family, this imperial army who was technically not at war at the moment would never lose any opportunity to compete with the Andrew family.

Oscar released the old marshal from his embrace and in a flash, he saw a very young figure behind the troop of officers. Because it was so sudden he did not get to identify the figure clearly, but he managed to catch a glimpse of the person’s military rank and his eyes. Oscar was certain that pair of eyes belonged to a young man, but somehow his military rank appeared to be a Major? Oscar finally found something interesting after enduring the long boring night.

The young prince could not pay full attention to the conversation with the Silver Fox. Until now the young prince was still thinking about the intriguing expression he saw in the pair of young eyes. It made Oscar extremely awkward, because that look expressed an indifference toward his master, and instead it displayed a high degree of interest in His Imperial Highness Prince. Interesting! Oscar invited Marshal Alan to his seat and without realising, he rubbed his hands in excitement. That guy was so interesting!

The lair was in a total mess. The patrolmen who normally behaved like shy tortoises were suddenly fiercely murderous as they went searching door-to-door for gangsters. On the other hand, the once triumphant gang members seemed to be a lot more humble this time. Dejected by their fate, they were pushed to the street and reacted quietly while the patrolmen tied their hands and later shoved them into the prisoner cart like some unwanted garbage.

Of course, these mafias would never surrender so easily. The sad and shrill cries of whistle echoed from time to time in the night sky of the lair. Some of those members who were more stubborn occupied the streets and houses proudly and fought against the patrolmen, but their resistance was soon crashed with crossbows and attacks of the guards.

The inhabitants of the lair did not have any strong hatred toward those tyrannical gangsters. In their view, the two groups of people outside opening fire just so happened to have different sets of belief. No matter under whose control, the lair would not get any more worse than it already was. Hence they resorted to hiding inside theirs houses and locked the door, made sure that their few essentials were well-hidden, so that they would still have some coins left for tomorrow’s breakfast.

Thomas devoured the last piece of bread in the plate, and he intended to let his men visit the store again to purchase more of these before the implementation of martial laws begin tomorrow.

The gang leaders were not very friendly toward the baron, but he could totally understand why. No matter what, each of these big brothers held the power to kill or save anyone they wish, but now they had no choice but to watch an outsider come into their territory to eat their food and drink their wine. It was indeed rather irritating.

”So everyone, honestly I am not too sure myself about what's going on outside, but if you want to live a longer life, you should follow my advice. Leave behind everything you have now, your territories, your business, your men, and then go somewhere far to start over a peaceful life, either in other provinces or foreign countries. This is what I suggest but you are welcome to voice your ideas if you have a better opinion.”

Baron took out a cigar and a faithful guard immediately lighted it for him. Thomas held his breathe and allowed the smoke to remain in his lungs for a couple of seconds before slowly letting it out.

”Why don’t you go and kill yourself? What do you think of this suggestion?” Said one of the leaders angrily.

”Never mind me, I'm just one of his agents. After my death, my big brother boss will send another better agent to continue the game with you. You might not like the idea, but anyway, I still have to remind you again that all is nothing but a game. We don’t need to be so serious.”

The big guy opened his mouth to retaliate, but on second thought he shut his mouth. The capability of that aforementioned big brother boss was obvious to all.

Baron released another mouthful of thick smoke. ”Hey everyone, I have a ball to attend, and you know what I am already running late. So let's not waste each other’s time anymore alright? By tomorrow morning, if my men can still spot you in Dulin capital, then… you know what will happen. Some things are too offensive to say in the presence of God of Light.”

And just like that the baron was gone. Similar to when he arrived, the underground casino fell into darkness once more. Only a light on the table burned faintly, and it casted a dark light onto some of the grimacing faces. Soon enough, these faces would be distorted under the pressure of the other forces.

Baron’s men decided to hang the stubborn guys upside down in the basement of the gambling house. Their big bellies became flat under the slits of sharp knives when the baron’s men cut up their fat bellies. Without any expression, they watched when it oozed fresh red blood that smelled like iron, scattering the ground with tangled intestines and smashed organs.

In the dark, the basement filled up with a foul smell that only a slaughterhouse could exude. The little rogues who gathered around the door could not muster the courage to peek into the room. The excruciating screams that came through the door a moment before already had them suffering from the shame of incontinence.

Baron’s men instantaneously retreated from Waldorf Street after the incident. They still had to take over the territories of these gang leaders. Although the Ministry of Justice’s officials would have raided all the valuables, but if the game can be reset and everything could start fresh again, a smart person would not care about these small losses at this moment.

”Who is that young man?” Oskar did not hide his intentions anymore. The young Major in his dashing military uniform attracted all the attention.

Silver Fox lovingly glanced toward the young officer who was surrounded by many ladies. ”That's my little grandson, Reynold Hewitt Preston. Your Imperial Highness Prince can just call him Ryle.”

Oscar could not help but laugh at the flustered Ryle standing in the crowd surrounded by ladies of all ages. The Major could not have been any older than seventeen years old but he made it so obvious that he had no idea how to deal with those sweet attacks from the bees.

”Seriously, dear Marshal, I think your little grandson is still not suitable to be in such occasion.”

”Yes, your Imperial Highness. He resembles so much of the younger me, for instance his bravery and wisdom. But as you can see, it seems that he has inherited his father’s awkward quality when it comes to dealing with the ladies. This guy is already eighteen years old, but he has no experience of being in love,” The old Marshal’s mood suddenly became delighted when speaking about his grandson. Through the conversation Oscar could felt the love this gentleman had for his little grandson.

”Haha, really? I would never have guessed! It is so rare to see such a young Major in Westland. I think Marshal did not bring Ryle all the way here just for him to experience being the subject of infatuation, am I right?”

”Of course not. I trust my own judgement, and although he is my grandson I wouldn’t begrudge to spare him my compliments. I believe he would be undefeated, perhaps even accomplishing much more outstanding achievements that I did.”

”But, how is it that he managed to obtain the Major rank at such young age? I remember the Imperial Army would never confer a military rank to someone this young.”

”Your Imperial Highness Prince, this is exactly the matter I wish to discuss about. My status and my rank in the military has decided that my immediate relatives have the privilege to be awarded the military rank between Lieutenant General and Colonel as soon as they join the Imperial Guards, but His Majesty the III appears to like the little fellow very much. Only a few days after being awarded the title of Colonel, Ryle got promoted to a Major.”

”Oh really? His Majesty the Emperor would never show his affection to anyone so publicly, and if he did, it probably means that this young man really has the potential. I completely believe what you have said, that he would become a successful general. Oh pardon me, I mean a successful marshal!”

”Ha ha! Thanks for Your Imperial Highness’s kind words. He still has a long future ahead of him.”

”So is there anything that I could be of help?” Oscar put down the wine glass he was holding. The young prince was completely aware of his own position now. Take the guests who arrived at the ball for example, most of them participated because of the name Andrew Family. Regarding himself, he was only a young prince with no practical power, and what he received from the public was only superficial respect.

Therefore, when the commander-in-chief of the 800,000 armies of Titan Empire stood by himself and chatted with him about little things, the only reason the young prince could think of was that the marshal was trying to seek assistance from the Andrew Family. It was a similar condition to the finance minister who visited him a while ago. The cabinet minister or marshal already have so much power beneath them, they have no reason to treat the young prince with so much respect, unless there was some hidden agenda.

The old marshal smiled and clapped both his hands. ”Excellent! I have a wonderful grandson, and Dortmund has an amazing son like you. Ha ha, little man, I have to admit, the outside world has definitely underestimated your brightness.”

Oscar showed his disdain. ”Not at all. It is not difficult to guess, after all. I know that you would not have regarded me as someone who relies on their parent’s success. That’s not how Alan the Silver Fox does things.”

Silver Fox Alan seemed to have changed to a totally different individual in a flash and Oscar witnessed the complete process, even if it lasted only for a couple of seconds. Although he did not display surprise on his expression, but the instantaneous change of that old man was indeed eye-opening for the young man.

The eyes of the elderly was filled with cold light, his slightly bent fingers stroked the handle of the marshal sword, and his silver hair at this time seemed to be flying in fire. This should be the true face of the Duke of the Empire, the Second Secretary of State, the Minister of the Military Affairs.

”You see, my praise to you is not excessive at all. It is rather impressive that you can have such a great achievement at this young age.”

”Oh? I do not know what kind of achievements I made that would make you regard me with such high value.”

”Ha!” The old man’s smile faded as quickly as it appeared. ”If it was not for you, the poor Robs would not be thrown into prison so quickly. And do you know? Before I came I passed by the lair, it was so lively I almost thought they were throwing a ball over there too.”

Oscar’s expression also changed. Although it was not controlled so well like the old man, still one could not ignore the chill that spread across his face.

”Honourable Marshal, although I know it is not a wise thing to defame you before His Majesty the Emperor, you should know that some things cannot be said without building it on any concrete evidence.”

The atmosphere between the old and the young seemed to have solidified at the moment. The officers who were awaiting at both sides appeared to have been infected with the awkwardness and they spontaneously turned their heads away to the other directions, as if they had no idea a war was about to start here.

”Oscar, well, I’m not your enemy. At least I will never harbor any bad thoughts of a 15-year-old young man. And yes, you guessed it right, I do have something that I want to ask for your help.”

In only a blink of an eye Oscar lost the aura he had of the old man. According to what he had learned from 13 - the King of Assassins, it was impossible to felt this way! Every person has their own aura, and despite being an extremely abstract concept, someone who has received special training on this like Oscar should never find it difficult to grasp.

So Oscar became extraordinarily enraged! His aura suddenly lost its target of suppression, and so it suddenly burst into air like a huge air bubble under high pressure.

Oscar coughed dryly for a few times. He had never encountered such situation before, no one had ever hurt him with only using aura alone.

The inside of the young man was boiling with fire and it made him immensely uncomfortable. However, the price was worth it. The young man was very pleased with his new discovery today. Besides, he also learned that he was still not strong enough to deal with the Marshal by himself. Perhaps only one person who had the equivalent of evil - Kachev Drakas Ferdinand -- could compete with this sly old fox.