Chapter 32: Fourth Episode: Chapter 5 (1/2)
Chapter 32: Fourth Episode: Chapter 5
Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation
On the day of 27th of May, Prince O’Neil once again visited Kenshin Palace. We all knew that the memory of the first visit of the little Prince could not be described as happy. Hence, having the last experience, the High-Level Narcissus Knights who followed the Prince into the city had all been disembarked. They had already set up sentry at all entrances and exits of the Palace even before the Prince arrived. In these knights’ eyes, nothing was more important than the safety of their young master.
The passer-by were staring at these knights that had suddenly ‘taken over’ Kenshin Palace. The suits and armors of these knights could only be described as shabby, but the people did not look down upon them because of this. The tradition of the Narcissus Knight was well-known in the whole Westland. The people knew what the ancient armor worn by the knight actually meant.
The gate of the Palace was a round arch building that was made of marble. In order to show the solemnity of the royal family, there were reliefs and openwork sculptures all over the marble gate. The history of Kenshin Palace was not that long, so none of these sculptures was not extremely stylish.
The people who walked at the street right in front of the Palace would remove their hat and salute to the Narcissus Knight on duty. It was different from the treatment towards the soldiers of the Ministry of Justice and those guards in the Capital. No matter what, the Narcissus Knights would be much more respected than those two people who were just like gangsters.
The Prince arrived at Kenshin Palace sharp at ten in the morning. For the lazy little Oscar, nothing was more upsetting that waking up on time.
The ones accompanying the Prince for this visit to the Palace were not only the Knights. From the arrangement of carriages at the Palace Gate Square, the Prince seemed to have invited more than ten guests with him.
Oscar would soon leave and return to his far away home, but he felt a need to prepare a comfortable and happy place for himself. Kenshin Palace could not be described as small, but since the Prince said it this way then we had no choice.
The guests of the Prince were not any people of high social status. They were not even nobles, but all of them had leadership position in their respective field. For example the decoration master Nirma, genius gardener Barry and more were all talented people in the art of architecture.
These people were invited by the Prince to renovate this Palace. For an architect, this was nonetheless a perfect chance to showcase their won ability. Compared to the monument and church, the architecture of the Royal Palace was the best route for them to leave their name in the history.
Little Oscar led these architecture master to tour around each and every corner of the Palace, both inside and outside. The young lad would always use a sudden thought to give a blow to the weak brain cells of the architects. For instance, he wanted to embed a glass wall at the corrido that was able to keep some fish. Or he wanted to change the 200 m2 mural at the ceiling of the first floor into the portrait of Princess Mica Alfa Morisette.
Lastly, the architects almost used their lives to threaten the Prince and stop his suggestion of changing the mural into the portrait of his mother. But as for the other changes, the Prince apparently thought there was no need for any discussion.
Hence, the group that consisted of the most talented architects in the Titan Empire ended their visit in despair. They stared at their notebooks that were used to record the requirement of the Prince. If all suggestions of the Prince were realized, then Kenshin Palace would surely become the living place of some frontier artist or science freak.
Captain Vick, oh sorry. The latest promotion of Vick had been officially given out by the army division. Colonel Vick was naturally nervous during his first day of carrying out his duty, but Colonel Vick was undoubtedly very familiar with the job scope of a secretary. Therefore, His Royal Highness Prince was very satisfied with the Colonel’s performance. Vick did not ask a single ‘why’. He was simply dutifully conveying the secret request of His Royal Highness Prince to the specified architects. In fact, the intention of the Prince was very obvious. Every house of big-shot would surely have some secret chamber for special uses.
Only until near one in the afternoon that His Royal Highness Prince bid farewell with Kenshin Palace unwillingly. If it was not for that the little fatty was hungry, then it was afraid that this little guy would continue telling his endless odd creativity.
Until the moment he sat in the carriage, Colonel Vick finally breathed a sigh of relief. But he soon realized that he had missed a very serious problem.
”Your Highness, please pardon my rudeness. But where are we going now? This is obviously not the path back to the mansion.”
Oscar took the water bag that was given by Paul who was in the same carriage as they were. His throat was super dry. ”Ah... It’s okay Vick. Relax.”
The little guy’s Adam’s apple would not stop moving up and down. The refreshing spring water made him excited. ”Ola! Vick, what do you think about your first day on duty?”
Colonel Vick put down the notebook in his hands. ”To be honest, I am a little confused. Of course, if you tell me about our destination, then I may feel better.”
The little fatty passed the water bag to his secretary. He knew Vick needed to replenish his water content.
”Hehe. It is just the first day. From now onwards, my schedule and the matter reported to me from all departments in the palace will be arranged by you. But you know, that will at least be the time after I have returned from my home.”
After giving his thanks, Vick too enjoyed the sweet spring water. He was a little overwhelmed with the luxury enjoyed by these bigshots. This spring water that still had a hint of chill was brought from the mountains in the north of Dulin. To keep the chill and the fresh sweetness of the spring water in the scorching summer was extremely difficult. But these things were not unachievable for these bigshots with money and status.
Vick put the water bag down and continued his questions. ”Your highness, where exactly are we going? Was it a place that requires confidentiality?”
Oscar showed an impatient expression towards Paul and friendly guided his confidential secretary. ”Vick, can you relax? As a secretary, you know you can’t help your boss to judge the importance of a matter. But you should not put too much energy in those unnecessary things as well. Like now, the most important matter to me is the trip I will be making soon. We can just leave the rest as it is. So listen to me. Relax a bit.”
Colonel Vick nodded understandably. Even so, he did not agree with the point of view of the young lad. ”Your Highness, it may be so for you. But for a secretary, the most important matter to me now is knowing where we are going now.”
Oscar helplessly lied against the seat. ”Alright Vick. You won. We are going to the Army Division.”
As an important place that is responsible for the commanding of all army forces in the Empire, the Army Division of the Titan Empire seemed to be powerful, from the outside at least. The whole place had taken half of the Street of Honor. The four-meter-high red brick wall surrounded the whole Army Division. Except for the guards that was on duty row upon row at the main gate, all people could see was only the gigantic roof and oak tree that stretched out of the wall.
Prince O’Neil Andrew Morisette had already been in Dulin for almost a month, but it was his first time coming to this street. When his carriage and fifty Narcissus Knight, fully equipped, appeared at the Street of Honor, the whole atmosphere at the street became strange.
Oscar was looking outside from his carriage. Without a doubt, the buildings on this street and every department seemed to be related to honor. The Army Hospital, the Museum of Army History in Empire, the Club of the Honored Veteran, the Knights Palace. The Prince knitted his eyebrow as he looked at these door plates. The young lad felt as if he was in military country that was famous with its military power. Even though Oscar felt a little ironic, but Titan was truly once famous around the world with its strong military power in history. But it was different now. Even a certain little guy beside the Giant dared to challenge him on the matter of territory.
The people who went out and about in Street of Honor would somehow be related to the Army themselves. When the team of the Prince appeared, the people stopped their footsteps. Towards the only army force that had not lost its honor in Titan, everyone respected them from the depth of their hearts. Thus, Oscar saw this strange scene at this Street of Honor.
There was no cheer, no flower. It was as if time had stopped. Numerous soldiers stood firmly by the roadside. They were giving the army salutations just like statues and gazed at the Narcissus Knights with a determined look on their face.
Right at this moment, a scene deeply attracted the young Prince. That was a child of seven or eight years old. This little guy got out of his mother’s embrace as if he had gone mad. He stood by the road side, unstable, and raised his short arms at the passing Narcissus Knights. Oscar felt like he should do something. The Prince made sure his attire was presentable. Then, he curled his five fingers and raised his arm with his palm right at the tip of his hat. He gave an impeccable army salutation to that child!
After that child went out of sight from the carriage, Oscar then put down his hand. He raised his head and saw Snowstorm with a dumb look on his face. He gave a small smile. ”Was it that strange? To me, this dirty country still has hope!”
The Army Division obviously received some notice. ”The Narcissus Knights are here!” Nothing was more effective that saying this. As a soldier, the soldier of the Capital guard did not wish to embarrass himself in front of his subordinate. The sentry in front of the gate of Army Division had already been changed to a uniform Honor Guard. The Commander of Home Base Capital, Admiral Fabia Munlurgh brought all of the officers under his command and awaited for the arrival of the Prince at the main gate.
The Admiral opened the carriage door for His Royal Highness Prince. The little fatty did not feel uneasy because of the scenery outside of his carriage. He had met Admiral Munlurgh before at the ball few days ago. He did not know this Admiral well. He only thought that this was a standard soldier. Not talkative, but his actions were extremely accurate and quick.
”Good afternoon, General Fabia.”
The General gave a perfect army salutation after the Prince had stood firmly on ground. He could always feel superior towards the young lad because of all his past life experiences, but the title of the young lad and his father’s name required him to act as a responsible subordinate at this moment.
”Good afternoon, Your Highness O’Neil. We welcome your visit to the Army Division of the Empire which is the Capital Guards District.”
”Yes. Thank you for welcoming me personally, but you have no obligation to do this.”
”Your highness, you can’t put it this way. This is my area of responsibility.”
”Hehe. Yes, thank you once again. I have an appointment with Marshal Alan. I am sure the old man is waiting for me?”
”Sir Marshal is currently waiting for you to join his lunch. Please follow me.”
”Well then.”
Oscar entered the Army Division, surrounded by all the army officers while the Narcissus Knights that came with him were guided to another direction probably for meal.
Along the journey, General Fabia introduced the officers under his command to His Royal Highness Prince. Oscar did not care too much. Those officers were not feeling much interested about him anyway. In conclusion, the journey was a little monotonous.
Until the time when Commander of Home Base Capital began to introduce the location in the Army Division, only then the young lad started to feel that this journey was worth the time.
As the highest military authority in Titan, numerous war had determined the status and function of the Army Division. Located at the large courtyard with high wall at the Street of Honor, Oscar completely could not make out how big it was. But the Army Division was not like the other department that only has a lonely building. Few buildings were distributed densely in this courtyard.
These buildings clearly demonstrated to the people about their history. Those antiqued and old buildings were no doubt that oldest department in the Army Division in Titan. At the same time, those stylish and bright new buildings were no doubt the new departments that developed throughout history and by the division of work in the army.
Oscar began to like this place. The wide road under the shadows of the tree crossed between the densely-packed buildings. The scorching hot sunlight was dispersed by the shadows of the tree into numerous holes. The road had just been sprayed with water. The fresh smell evaporated with the heat. As they walked on the road, they could even feel the refreshing light wind that was produced from the flow of steam.
The Prince kept bumping into officers that seemed to be rushing. These soldiers seemed to know of him. When the Prince came close to them, these people would immediately stood by the roadside and saluted respectfully. Oscar who did not have any rank in the army returned the salute without feeling embarrassed. This all seemed to be some childish moves in the eyes of Commander of Home Base Capital, General Fabia Munlurgh. But His Royal highness Prince truly liked these disciplined soldiers from the bottom of his heart.
”Your highness, we are here. The house of the Minister in the army is right in front.” Admiral Fabia pointed to the small mansion at the intersection as he spoke.
The group of people continued walking. When a small wooden house that could be described as ‘pocket-sized’ appeared in front of Oscar, the thin voice of Silver Fox Alan could also be heard.
”Little Oscar! Welcome to my house.”
Oscar hugged the old Marshal friendly. He even kissed the cheeks of this Marshal.
”Thank you for your invitation. To be honest, I was troubled whether where I should go for lunch! You know what? The women in my household cannot wait to make my meal. I was wondering if you have a menu that suits my taste.”
”Come in. Oh, right. Fabia, care to join us?” Marshal Alan asked the Commander of Home Base.
”No, Sir Marshal. I have already had my meal. Moreover, I need to head a meeting later on.”
”Then move along. Work is more important.” Marshal Alan waved his hand.
”Yes, Sir Marshal! Your highness, let me excuse myself!” General Fabia turned away after saluting to the Prince, leaving the stunned Oscar behind with unsaid words.
The young lad was a little curious. This Commander of Home Base Capital seemed to be unwilling to face the Military Affairs Chancellor. Because in a normal circumstance, this Admiral should salute to the Admiral before him. But obviously he had ignored this step. He simply turned away after saluting to the Prince. When Oscar saw the strange smile on the old Marshal’s face, he was surer of his thought. There seemed to be some dark relationship within the Army Division.
”How was it? Is it too shocking to you?” Marshal Alan sat down after he entered the house. He had no obligation to treat this young lad carefully.
As soon as Oscar enter the house, he was checking out the rooms in this small mansion. He had already confirmed that this was afraid to be the smallest mansion that he had ever seen. Of course, this probably could not be called a mansion because this double-story building only had four poor rooms.
”My bedroom is on the first floor and my study room is on the ground floor. And there is a kitchen and a toilet.” The old Marshal was actually proud when he talked about his house.
”Yes, this place is overly plain. I am serious. You can totally live in a more... Hmm... This place is too far off from my imagination. I don’t even know how to describe it.” What Oscar said was the truth. He had no obligation to compliment a Marshal that had a sky-high status in the army.
”Hehe, child. You are going back home soon, aren’t you? Go back and look at your father. You will realize that for a successful Marshal, his daily life turns out to be extremely simple.”
”Yes. You are right.” The young lad pulled a chair to sit down right in front of the old Marshal.
The Silver Fox Alan called upon his own service officer. That was an old soldier around the same age as him. Oscar noticed that this soldier looked extremely alike with the Silver Fox. Their actions and way of speaking were the same sort of meticulous.
The old soldier kept the document and map that were on the only table in the house under a camp bed. Oscar knew that that might be the usual resting place of the Minister of the Army Division.
Lunch was served then. Even though it was not much, but the fresh prawns suited perfectly to Oscar’s taste. He did not stay humility with the Marshal. Instead, he began eating immediately.
”Child, I like you!” Marshal Alan wiped his mouth by using a napkin. The service officer took away his plate. This old Marshal gazed at the young lad that was still ‘fighting’ with the food in front of him with a doting look.
”I know!” Oscar said as he chewed.
”Oh? How do you know?”
Oscar put down his cutlery and finally became serious. ”Just like those noble Madame. If they were to meet you personally in an extremely private place, then even the God of Light had to believe that this Madame had an extremely good impression of you.”