Chapter 79: Ninth Episode: Chapter 6 (1/2)
Chapter 79: Ninth Episode: Chapter 6
Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The fire beacon had died out. The tower of heroes still towered into the heavens; between heaven and earth, this huge temple where people prayed and praised the spirit of heroes, emanated a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
However, this atmosphere was not found in Dulin or among the noble circle in the capital. The Southern Region’s report of successfully curbing the insurgents had spread all the way to the military. Although the Emperor and a majority of the cabinet ministers felt gratified by this, the extreme events sparked by the rebellion did not take a turn for better.
Despite the nobles who had fled from the South settling down in the number of provinces at the central part of the Empire, there were still a few blue bloods that escaped into Dulin. Although the capital nobles only adopted nonchalant attitudes towards these ”refugees”, the news that the Southern nobles brought and their many experience of the revolt deeply scared the nobles. They were the supreme rulers, they were proprietors of wealth, lands and the people’s everything. However, in the eyes of the insurgents, all these were nonsense. It was a first that someone doubted their identities, a first that someone questioned their status, and the first time that someone stripped them of their wealth and right to live.
This was absolutely not allowed!
Firstly, a few of the supreme middle ranked Southern nobles formed a petition group by uniting about a dozen people and begged the Emperor to further enhance the efforts in suppressing the insurgents. And after that, a few ”Far-sighted and intelligent” nobles from the capital circle started to take actions. One after another, they either fished out their money and riches, or arranged mercenaries to join the Southern army, or sought assistance for those who suffered immense losses in the revolt.
During the unrest, Alfa III’s approach had always been resolute. He did not care about the list of casualties that the Southern Army Group presented, nor the nominal local administrative structure. He persistently urged the army to advance forwards and kept gathering the high-ranking officers of the military to discuss countermeasures. He had received the secret report that Count Rudolf Hoss sent from the South. Now he had an in-depth understanding of the whole progress of the rebellion. The Emperor understood that if the resistance of the rising merchants and citizen class could not be suppressed, then his Empire would start to crumble from the South and collapse.
Under pressure from the Emperor, the Southern Army Group finally used their last strategy. If the nobles needed a purge or vengeance, then no one can stop these infuriated people. The last strategy of the Southern Army Group was the Scorched Earth Policy! The army set fire to all the villages on the way of the suppression; they rounded the people of the mountains into fortresses and towns with fortified castles and even snatched away all the food of the mountain area. The brutality of this vicious method quickly beared results; the armed forces of the rebels started to move towards even more remote areas while a few of the revolt armies fled to foreign countries.
The winter of year 791 came early. When the regions beyond the mountains were still verdant, the mountains were already covered in white snow. When the 12th month arrived, heavy snow had finally sealed off all the gateways between the mountains tightly. The suppressors had no choice but to stop in their venture. However, they did not cease the massacre. The noble lords had returned from inland and the secret agents that were originally lying low in the mountains also returned! Thus, the southern mountains were destined to be unusually vibrant this winter.
The insurgents were trapped within the huge mountains; they could not leave, neither could the army enter. The Southern army group mobilized a majority of their military strength to seal off all the mountain passes and transportations by land. They wanted the insurgents to die from deprivation of their daily needs in the freezing snow grounds. Being faced with the vicious retaliation from the nobles, with gallows and prisoner vehicles everywhere, the Southern merchants started to make plans, each man for their own.
Firstly, the person who surrendered to the local authorities was strictly protected by the secret service; no one knew who the person was but the military revealed this person’s identity in the next operation. A few huge merchants in the Eastern area of Rylie province were arrested one after another; which also meant that it was highly possible for the mutineer to be the person in charged of the rebels at the southern region of Rylie Province.
Having this first-hand confession, the following matters started to fall into place. Although the Secret Service was horrible at gathering intelligence, when it came to methods of interrogation under torture, guilt by association and the ability to fabricate criminal charges, all the Ministry of Justice’s members in all Westland would have to concede defeat. Thus, the nobles’ desire for vengeance was greatly satisfied. The former leader of the people was put in chains while the merchants born into wealth were extensively blackmailed of their riches.
”So in other words... We have achieved victory?” Alfa III beamed while measuring up the numerous officers before him.
”Why aren’t you all answering?” The Emperor’s expression altered. Although the officers were used to only reporting good news, the change in their expressions were really too sudden!
”Your Majesty!” The first to step out of the officer’s formation was Marshal Alan.
”Despite the situation in the South having settled down, but... the circumstances look bleak because the insurgents with the largest size and strength have already escaped into Faran and Riel Kingdom. The Ministry of Foreign Affair’s dialogue with these two countries aren’t going very well; so I fear that during spring of the coming year, when the snow melts, the insurgents will make an even stronger comeback.”
Alfa III gave a light nod; he was not too worried since Marshal Alan was already aware of it and would have definitely started to sort it out. The Emperor had always relied heavily on this old Marshal.
”Okay, my distinguished Marshal!” The Emperor laughed happily, ”Let the military come to an agreement about these matters. Draw out a plan as soon as possible; I believe that General Eugene Mir Bradley of the South will try his best to coordinate, am I right?”
The line up of officers again sank into silence; they could detect that the Emperor was indirectly implying something else.
Marshal Alan and the Chief of Staff, Marshal Valier Cypress exchanged glances and in the end, the Chief of Staff stood out.
”Your Majesty, regarding General Eugene...”
”That’s enough!” Alfa III waved his hand. He tossed a of documents in front of Marshal Cypress, ”These are all the letters of complaint from the military and the Southern Army Group on General Eugene. Humph! Some aren’t even complains, rather, false accusations. I am extremely clear about General Eugene’s loyalty towards the Empire and the Imperial Household. Moreover, General Eugene endured through the trials of the unrest. If it wasn’t for his continuous perseverance at the front lines, I believe I won’t receive news of victory this soon.”
”Your Majesty, regarding General Eugene, as a military colleague, I have great admiration for him, but...” The Chief of Staff paused and carefully assessed the Emperor’s expression. Alfa III did appear to have intentions to stop him.
”Your Majesty, regarding the complaints on General Eugene, the Staff Department, colleagues in the Combat Department and I have also considered it before. Although most of it are fabricated, we believe that at least the few conducts such as rejection of military decision, acting alone and sympathizing with the insurgents have indeed taken place!”
Practically as soon as the Chief of Staff finished saying this, sounds of agreement chimed in from the line up of officers.
Alfa III still had on a senseless smile. He knew better than anyone else, that as a Commander of the Southern Region, General Eugene was the largest contributor in this time’s operation to pacify the rebellion but the leaders of the military disliked his conduct. So, when victory approached, the struggle for accomplishment, traps of flattery and the wrestle for benefits were inevitable.
”My Chief of Staff, can we put aside the issue about General Eugene for I feel that the complaints indeed does not have much basis. As you say, General Eugene’s rejected the military’s decisions and war plans, but as the Commander of the battlefield, I do not think the General violated his duty. Dulin is close to a thousand kilometers away from the war zone; don’t tell me that General Eugene has to wait for the military’s decision in everything! As for sympathizing with the insurgents...”
Alfa III let off a gentle sigh, ”Two months of fierce battle and the people and assets of the Southern territories have suffered losses to a degree in which the Empire is unable to accept. It’s true that the suppression must continue on, but the local policies should be eased up a little and the military operations should also exercise some restraint. Don’t tell me you all hope to return to a land littered with corpses.”
The Emperor suddenly stopped in his tracks; he just realized that what he said did not make sense, ”Oh, that’s right! I just realized that the Southern territories are already covered in corpses; I do not wish to rule over a land of the deceased, so... I will announce my decree, with regards to the ruffians whose hands are tainted by blood, they should be executed, but concerning the destitute people of the mountain who were bewitched or instigated, raising them in prison would only waste the country’s provisions! So just deal with them leniently!”
Marshal Cypress nodded his head in agreement of the Emperor’s order and retreated back into the officers’ line up. The Chief of Staff already knew the Emperor’s attitude towards General Eugene and continuously pushing it would only result in trouble for himself.
”Very well! May the God of Light protect Titan and also the Morisettes. The discussion of the South shall end here, let us talk about... about the matters of other borders!” The Emperor declared that it was time to enter the next topic. At that moment, he no longer had anything troubling him.
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No.31 Penelope Avenue, His Imperial Highness Prince O’Neil jumped out of the carriage blithely. Once he had landed on the ground, he spun around and extended his hand into the carriage. The young lady held onto her brother and stepped out of the carriage only to be intrigued by the happenings at the street.
Just opposite to the official residence of Duke Andrew, was a noble mansion with a long history. Normally, this mansion was similar to the other courtyards of Penelope Avenue. Behind the towering walls and parasol trees, the laughter of women and children could be heard occasionally. However, it was different now. More than ten carriages with the insignia of the Ministry of Justice engraved onto it, had stopped at the gates of the official residence; patrol soldiers with swords in their hands had the huge mansion surrounded tightly.
”What has happened?” Sasha shot her brother a questioning look.
Oscar watched the nobles who were shoved onto the prisoner’s vehicle coldly, ”Don’t you already see it? That is an arrest.”
”Arrest!” Sasha sucked in a breath; she recalled that her brother was also taken away like this back then. The young lady subconsciously shifted her gaze. ”That Marquis is a pretty good man, his whole family is. I really cannot believe that they would violate the legal code.”
After hearing this, Oscar could not help but laugh even more coldly.
”My little sister, whether they have or have not broken the law, I am unsure. However, one thing’s certain, they have definitely went against the orders of the Emperor. If they had grasped the intent of the Emperor, then even if it is against the law, there will not be any trouble!”
Sasha nodded her head slowly. She had heard news about the Marquis who was arrested a while ago, having engaged in a fierce dispute with the Emperor’s representative at the Ministry of Senior Nobility. However, she did not imagine that revenge would come so soon!
”The current Empire is completely in Alfa III’s control and the Southern rebellion only served to provide an even better excuse. The Secret Service and a few of the dictatorship departments’ dereliction of duty made the Emperor’s strategy to reorganize the government appear rational and I believe no one will dare oppose the Emperor’s motion ever again.” Oscar explained with marked worry, not knowing however, just what was worth worrying about himself.
Sasha handed over her fox scarf and velvet cloak over to the attendant at the entrance hall. She was not as mental as her brother; the young lady would definitely investigate the source of matters. The rumors Sasha heard at wine receptions and social settings told her that the Emperor’s situation was not as wonderful as it appeared.
”Perhaps you don’t know!” The young lady said while helping the prince take off his cloak and outer jacket, ”The nobles of the outer province has no interest whatsoever in the Emperor’s reform of policies for the Southern matters have them gripped with fear and they are busy strengthening their own territories. The capital’s noble circle generally fear the Emperor and some of the reputable, higher ranking nobles are filled with resentment towards the Emperor’s methods that are close to that of a threat.”
The prince and his sister sat down in the living room and the maids immediately served them hot tea and fixed up a heater for them.
”Sasha, you can’t be that naïve, can you?” Oscar gazed at his sister, lost in thought.
”Why do you say that?” Sasha was surprised.
”The nobles of the capital, resent the Emperor?” Oscar lifted his teacup but immediately replaced it, ”Unlikely! Absolutely unlikely! At least they will not openly express this resentment; they will carry out dirty tricks behind the scenes without stepping over the line. Thus, the Emperor will know the people’s intentions and yet will not make a big fuss over the nobles’ harmless tricks. In fact... by how Alfa III sees it, regardless of how many died, it is still considered harmless as long as the deceased will not hinder the commencement of his strategy.”
Sasha suddenly burst into laughter, ”Brother, to be honest, you are getting more and more...”
”More and more like a noble of the capital, no?” Oscar broke his sister off but was not expecting her answer. ”I have seen it very clearly and Marshal Alan’s prompt came just in time. In the capital, there is no need for me to look after anyone’s feelings. As long as His Majesty Emperor stands before me and Her Imperial Highness Princess stands behind me, I believe there is no one in Dulin who dares cross me.”
The prince glanced at the weather outside the window; it seemed like it was about to snow. He opened the window and let the unbridled cool air rush into the room
”Sasha, the most important thing that we should do first is to go far away from the capital, which is filled with struggles and stained by blood, until they are almost done with the fighting and struggling and most have died off! The Emperor will naturally reinstate new blood and only then will it be the hour for us to return. Believe me, regardless of what the nobles of the capital may do, at least in Dulin, every event that can possibly take place are within the control of Alfa III!”
Sasha remained silent with her head hanging low and her finger continuously tracing circles.
”But...” Oscar turned away from the window abruptly, ”Do not assume that Alfa III will let down his guard towards me; are the secret agents he planted in Kenshin Palace not yet enough? Are the sentries he set up at Swan Hill Fortress not yet enough? All those years as an Emperor did not go to waste! Although he usually takes on the look of a pervert during normal days, there really aren’t many who could challenge him when it comes to true tactics and capabilities. So... Let us treat the life at University Town as a journey!”
Sasha finally lifted her head, ”Thank the heavens! My brother, you finally said something that is gratifying to others.”
Oscar gave a mischievous laugh. He was almost done packing; once he had ascertained his dwelling, then he could bring the orders of the military and Emperor to officially enroll into university.
”But speaking of which... My little sister, haven’t you decided which course you are going to take yet?”
”I have decided!” Sasha bounced forwards on the sofa. ”Political science and the history of the mainland! The professors of these two courses have replied my application letters and they have allowed me to sit in on the classes with the status of Duke Andrew’s direct descendent. Brother, although I am not yet grown up, I am also a university student!”
Oscar furrowed his brows; he was not as happy as his sister, ”Sasha, the history of mainland is still acceptable, but political science... Honestly, I have never heard a young lady study such field before!”
”Who says so? Who says so? Who says so?” Sasha fired back determinedly. ”My most beloved brother Oscar, do you know which lesson that Aeolia chose? I’m sure it will definitely be a shock to you!”
”Which... Which lesson?” Oscar was somewhat convinced. He was aware that each time Aeolia showcased her abilities; people would be awestruck. He believed that this freak-like girl would indeed select a specialty that would astound others.
”Political economy!” Sasha exclaimed and retreated to the other side of the sofa. The young lady took up her position with the intent to appreciate her brother’s look of astonishment.
Sure enough, the prince’s face had changed, but the change was not because of the lesson that Aeolia chose, but because of his ignorance.
”Politcal... economy?” Oscar was dubious on whether he had misheard, ”Politics is politics, and economics is economics, what is this political economy? Are you sure Dulin University offers such a course?”
Sasha shrugged, ”I am also unclear. It is said that it is a knowledge that has come into being for not more than a hundred years! Oh, that’s right, Aya’s grandfather was your teacher, don’t tell me he never taught you about this before?”
”Are you kidding me!” Oscar made a disapproving look, ”How old was I when Aya’s grandfather taught me? He only taught me to read and write.”
”Okay brother, you should return!” Sasha had decided to send him off.
”You don’t need me to do anything else for you?” Oscar still wanted to stay a while longer with his sister.
”Then come and help me pack up my luggage.” Sasha gave a sly smile.
”Uhh... you know, there’s still a pot of red braised pork on the stove of Kenshin Palace’s kitchen!” The Prince actually threw an excuse such as this just to get away from there at once.
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Do you still remember the Ferdinand Manor? That is the Emperor’s advisor, the newly appointed Secretary of State’s proxy, Old Duke Kachev Drakas Ferdinand’s large house, situated in the suburbs not far from Dulin City.