Chapter 72: Eighth Episode: Chapter 8 (1/2)
Chapter 72: Eighth Episode: Chapter 8
Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Swan Hill, situated 12 miles away from the north of Dulin, was the starting point of the Horkins Mountain from the south that transversed the northwest of Titan. This Hill received its name from a lake in the valley of the hill, The Swan Lake. Every spring and summer, the swans that fly from the south Faran Kingdom would choose this small lake with only 29 meter cube of diameter as their resting place. During this time, those who love the beauty among the noble circle at the Capital would bring their family and visit the lake. They could enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountains and lake. They could also act as uninvited guests to disturb the mating of the swans.
To the Narcissus Knights who were used to fresh blood and fierce warfare, when Swan Hill with its greenery appeared in front of them and the clear blue lake water reflected bright ripples, the warriors of the Red Tiger Division naturally thought that they have reached paradise.
The sky kept shrinking as the valley stretched on. All sorts of birds were busy in the air: the waterfowl, white-billed duck, wild swallows and small beasts that hid behind the moss plants by the lake. The sight of this made the knights felt relieved. These birds were so free and without bound.
A thrush stopped on the shield of a knight. This shield was still dripping with water dew. The tasty oat wine was kept properly by the knights. They realized that there seemed to be a type of red-faced monkeys that loved the taste of it. The bobcat caught a mole and quickly ran up the tall oak tree. The knights did not mind, but it screeched ‘Ha’ at the knights as if it was invaded by them.
By the far corner of the sky, the rising sun, thin as the Cicada wings, lazily hid between the clouds. The sunlight warmed the face of the knights, bringing a slight smile to each of their faces. The marching army prohibited noise, but no one seemed to care about this anymore. A familiar hometown rhyme was heard from the team. The warriors slowly told the stories of themselves and others in a small voice. It was so relaxing here and so perfect.
After they turned at a part of the forest, the scenery suddenly cleared up! The slight reflection on the lake water brought bright ripples in the forest. Looking from afar, it was as if the forest grew in the water. The path became even narrower. Only a carriage could pass through. After years of moist conditions and the effect of wind and rain, the crushed stones by the roadside began to emit a soft golden gleam. The sunlight dispersed the dampness in the forest by the lake. The snail wanted to walk from the road to the dark area at the other side. This little dude had small tentacles that were only possessed by the elf in the fairytale. It tried its best to ‘run’ forward and avoid being exposed under the rising sun.
The slope increased towards the peak along with the path. The knights realized that they have started to climb the mountain, but after travelling through the mountainous area at the south, the Swan Hill in front of them was just a low hill.
Along with the continuation of the mountain, the trees also began to become taller and bigger. The Ginkgo Pine reached out its thick limbs. Its branches and body were tied around tightly by the rosy mountain vine. Some unknown flowers bloomed behind the pine tree as if it was a competition. They decorated the grove and rocks with shines like star.
A towering castle slowly showed its top. The knights gazed upwards excitedly. After a while, the whole silhouette of the castle appeared at the intersection between the lake and the hills, getting closer and closer to them! The castle emitted a soft glow. It was as if it appeared out of a fairy tale. The people were afraid that this magical castle would disappear in a blink of an eye, so no one dared to tear their gaze away from it.
The Swan Hill Castle silently bathed in the morning light. One part of its body was soaked in lake water. A group of swan was caring for their feathers under the bridge connecting the pier and the castle. The sound of hooves surprised them. The swans reached out their wings as they did their best to kick at the water. The lake water rippled. When the last ripple turned into water circle, the group of swans already began their flight right above the lake.
The Red Tiger warriors quickly climbed the Defense Tower of the castle, but they did not know where they should stand at this place. Every corner was bathed in sunlight, every direction gave utterly different scenery. The Narcissus Knights faced the calm lake and the swans that flew past their head, clueless. They were lost. However, we believe that in a small amount time, the Narcissus Knights would have a deeper understanding of war and peace within the castle that sat between the isolating sceneries as if it was located right by the side of heavens.
”Your Highness! Your Highness!” Murat shouted in a loud voice. His companions seemed as if they have no clue what they should do. He wasted a good amount of energy to arrange for these silly guys, who were immersed in this place, some work to do.
”Your Highness! You did not mention to me that Swan Hill Castle is like this!” The Division Leader of the Red Tiger was extremely satisfied. He had no idea that such places existed in this world.
”Ola! Of course, I am not aware of this either! Or else I would not let you have the advantage of seeing it!” His Royal Highness Prince O’Neil stood at the small square in the castle. All around this young lad were busy Knights, but god knows what these guys were busy about!
”Hehe! Hehehe!” At this moment, Murat did not know other actions other than smiling sheepishly. The whole castle and the half of the Swan Lake served as the new base for the Red Tiger. This place used to belong to Her Royal Highness Princess Mica Alfa Morisette, but now it has become the private land of her son.
”Can you tell me what you are planning? You seemed to be staring into space all this time!” Murat noticed the expression of the little Prince.
”Ola... I was thinking that... Where should we hang our flag?” After speaking, the little Prince and his Division Leader set their gaze at the tallest tip of the castle at the same time. The flagpole now hung the Gold Lion Flag that represented the royal family Morisette.
”Then should we change to another location...” Murat was a little hesitated.
”That won’t do!” The young lad stubbornly pursed his lips. ”This is my land! Also the land of the Red Tiger!”
”Murat was extremely touched. He knew that the Red Tiger and he would never be separated from this young lad ever again!
”Tike! God damn it! Come out!” The Assault Division Leader suddenly shouted!
A knight replied ”Yes!” in a loud voice from an unknown corner in the castle. Then he really rolled out of the main entrance of the main building of the castle. This dude called Tike seemed to have tripped on something. He gritted his teeth as he stood up from the ground and saluted to His Royal Highness Prince and the Sir Division Leader.
”The First Assault Squadron, Assault Group Second Lieutenant Tike Simon at your service!”
Murat took the Red Tiger Flag of Narcissus from the Prince. ”Kid, do you know what this is?”
”Yes. This is the battle flag of our Division. This is the life of the Red Tiger.”
”Very well!” Murat nodded. ”Did you see the flag at the tip? Bring that Gold Lion down and put our life up there!”
Tike gazed at that tip of the castle. ”Sir, there does not seem to have a standing spot there! And there is a very steep eave by the tip!”
”Rubbish! It’s because a normal person cannot reach that place that I am looking for you!” Murat raised his voice. ”Quick! You kid, everyone is looking.”
Tike looked around, only to see that the Red Tiger warriors have already put down the work in their hands. They surrounded them and gazed expectantly at Second Lieutenant Simon. This was because only when the Red Tiger flag flies high above the castle that the warriors would truly think that this place actually belonged to them. This was the soldiers’ special emotions associated with the battle flag and also their desire to occupy a land.
Tike went up. This little guy with freckles all over his face was actually an old soldier who has followed the Red Tiger in war for many years. His home was right by the cliff. According to rumors, the Persians threw the people of the whole town down the cliff. Only little Tike alone survived on the cliff.
Tike opened the oak wooden door at the top. He did not notice the exquisite scenery. He knew how much his duty meant to the army. The Second Lieutenant warmed up for a bit, then he held on to the wall like a lizard. He used his limbs to hold tightly to the edge of the walls and slowly moved upwards. The warriors at the square did not even dare to breath. Even though they believed in the ability of Tike, but nothing were for sure when you are at the top of the tower more than forty meters above ground!
Tike already moved under the eaves of the tip of the tower. This was a little troublesome. If he needed to go to the top of the tower, he had to climb over the eaves, but the eaves were half a meter off from the walls. Sweat trickled down the forehead of the Second Lieutenant, but he would not give up. The flag of the Red Tiger was tied to his back. The wind softly blew on his face and a corner of the Narcissus Flag caressed his cheek.
Tike was already out of patience. He must do all of these. But if he took the hooks in his mouth, that meant he had to release his arm that was clinging tightly to the side of wall. The consequence of doing this was falling to the ground like a brick. It was almost inevitable to break bones in this scenario! That was to say that ”I only have one chance!”
The Second Lieutenant said the words that praised the God of Light in his heart. He knew where the pole was at. He must put the hook tightly around it as he fell.
”Ah!” The Knights suddenly yelled! They saw Second Lieutenant Tike falling from a great height!
The fall only seemed to have only lasted for a second. When the hook accurately fell on the pole along its parabolic path, Tike breathed a sigh of relief.
The Second Lieutenant’s arm that was holding on to the hook felt a tearing sensation caused by gravity. He quickly used his other hand to hold on to the hook. His figure was finally stable! But from the looks of the knights from below, Second Lieutenant Tike was hanging alone in the sky.
The Second Lieutenant climbed to the tip of the tower along the hook in difficulty. He still did not dare to relax. The bricks on the tip have become shiny and slippery after hundred of years of corrosion of wind and water.
After almost two to three minutes, Tike finally got hold of the pole. The Gold Lion Flag of the Morisette Royal Family was finally teared down. Instead, the Fierce Lion Flag of Narcissus was hung up. Tike finally breathed a sigh of relief. After securing the flag, he pulled the flag open with great force!
”Andrew Haila!” Upon looking at the flag that flew high in the blue and cloudless sky, the Knights could not help but let out a loud hail. Some of them even hugged each other, some raised their blade and hit on their shield fiercely.
”Then... Let us take a look inside.” His Royal Highness Prince O’Neil put his hands behind him. His demeanor was extremely proud.
Warrendell was the middle-aged fat man who was a half Faran and the butler of the Swan hill Castle. This full name of this butler should Warrendell Gedna. The Gedna Family has helped the Royal Family of titan to care for this beautiful and ancient castle for four generations. Thus, even though this butler used to be the top scholar in History in University of Dulin, he must accept the arrangement of fate as the servant of the royal family.
However, to Warrendell, this arrangement was acceptable. If it was not for Her Royal Highness Princess Mika that spoke up for him then, he would never have a chance to study in a university as the descendant of a servant. Thus, to repay the debt of Her Royal Highness Princess, Warrendell never let a single brick in Swan Hill Castle break in more than ten years.
But, this record could only be kept until today!
”Hey! That kid! I saw it! You are the one who broke the glassware in the antechamber!” Warrendell furiously held a knight by his neck.
”Ah... And you! Oh god! You dared to wear boots and stepped on the carpet!”
The butler pointed to the black footprints.
”Ah! The God of Light will punish you! Be careful when you turn around. Your long sword almost sent the vase to the ground!”
Obviously, this butler had too many things to deal with. He just received the notification from the Royal Secretariat yesterday afternoon. This notice stated that the new master of the castle would live here from today onwards along with his servants. He already prepared for everything, but no one told him that the servants of his master were actually three thousand fully armed Knights!
”That Sir! That Sir! Yes, you! Don’t look elsewhere!”
Warrendell looked at the source of sound, confused. ”Are you calling for me?” He saw a fat young lad walked towards him among the high-ranked Knights.
”That is right! I heard that you are the butler here.” Oscar checked on the fat mister in front of him.
”Yes, can I help you?”
”Of course! Give me some opinions. Where should I put my mother’s painting? I wish to put her at an obvious yet quiet place.” The young lad said as he opened the giant painting he held under his armpit.
”Oh God!” Warrendell looked at Her Royal Highness Princess in surprise. Oh god! He could still recall that he was not young when the Princess went off to marry. When he bid farewell with the Princess, he cried so much. Oh god! He has seen the Princess once again! Her Highness was so kind, so compassionate!
Warrendell cried. He has accompanied the Swan hill Castle alone for so many years. For what? For the sake of one day when he would able to tell Her Royal Highness Princess that ”You are back! Everything here is fine!”
”Your Highness! You are back! Everything is fine at Swan Hill!” Warrendell said as he knelt down. After he said this, he did not forget to kiss the boots of the young lad.
Oscar was a little confused. The action of this butler obviously frightened him.
”Hmm….. Are you talking to me?”
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”Oh god! Do you think I was angry at the air?” Princess Caro Arsia Manuel from Italia Kingdom glared at her brother in rage.
”Alright, Roya! You have admitted it. You are angry at me. That means this is not a normal means of communication.” Prince Teodoro Manuel still appeared relax. He seemed to be just that nice of a person.
”Stop saying such emotionless words. Answer my questions, okay? What should I do now? That little Prince is an extremely intelligent guy. After arriving in Dulin, he rejected almost all of my invitations!” Caro Arsia hated her brother’s nonchalant way of doing things the most.
”Of course, Roya. This is not strange. You know that His Royal Highness Prince O’Neil is an extremely intelligent person. This is Dulin. He will be very cautious. Keeping a distance from you is only reasonable. After all, the army of his family members are still within our country’s border. Keeping close contact with you will only cast doubts among others of his motives.”
”Yes!” Caro Arsia, frustrated, clung to her skirt. ”His army is still within our country’s border. Do we truly have no other way to go about this? Do we really have to simply accept those unreasonable requests the people of Titans speak of?”
”Hehe, Roya, this is getting interesting! I would like to hear of your opinions, other than signing that ceasefire agreement, what other strategies do we have?” Teodoro held a cup of mint tea. He seemed to only drink these sort of drinks.
”Isn’t the Alliance still against this? We can still hold up for a while!”
The Princess’ stubborn words were simply replied with a cold laugh by the Crown Prince. ”Roya, you are as naïve as a daughter of a fisherman. The strategy of the Alliance has already changed, just when our Kingdom was facing its end! I believe those cunning Kings have already turned their greedy gazes on our land. If not, they would never allow the invasion of the Titan.”