Chapter 92: Eleventh Episode: Chapter 1 (1/2)
Chapter 92: Eleventh Episode: Chapter 1
Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation
War History, simply said, was comprised of nations and war cases. Before talking about a war, what must be asked was always who’s attacking or defending against whom, so it’s important to research the histories of each country. Understanding the political situation between countries would aid us in analyzing the reason for a war.
Prince O’Neil Andrew Morisette had entered the history research of his studies. Whether a nation possess the prerequisite to launch a war was largely dependent on the upper level of the political power as well as the military power, but some situations were uncontrollable.
For example, the Deiss Kingdom under the rule of the Ancient Yaran people, the Kingdom pretty much lagged behind in terms of production and political structure compared to the whole of Westland. The Deiss nobles were basically serf owners who obtained land from the King and started organizing serfs to work on the land. During wartime, the nobles would even participate in farmwork themselves.
The Deiss King was the head territory owner, he was like a tribal chief who lived in a castle that looked like a tent. He owned everything in the Kingdom, including the serf owners. In other words, nothing in Deiss was owned by whomever ”owns” it.
The army! It was made up of the private armed forces of each lord. Other than that, teutonic nobles under the King could have their own armed forces, calling them teutonic knights in the name of the King. This was an organization brainwashed with chivalry and theocracy. Everyone who had fought them either claimed they were a bunch of lunatics, or claimed they were too dumb for their own good, there were no other responses.
So every time the flames of war started at the border, the King of Deiss would issue mobilization order to his thanes. The thanes would then don their armors and weapons, choose a few of the stronger slaves and give them either a hatchet or a short bow before marching to the battlefield.
Compared to Titan’s political, economical, and cultural development, why would the Deiss Kingdom be so backwards? If there’s anyone to blame, it would be the ancestors of the hardworking, fierce Deiss people. At the end of the mythological era, the Yaran waved goodbye to clanship and entered an early stage of slave society. Their tribes occupied the fertile lands of Nuine River and the wide forests to the north as they turned to a nomadic lifestyle. At the same time, the Divine Roman Empire to the south had completed their expansion via invasion as the territorial Roman people built the massive empire throughout the Westland.
Nine centuries before Church’s calendar, the language of Ancient Yaran had basically taken shape, and they started walking the path the Romans had walked. The nomadic race started attacking the warm south. With their aggressiveness and ferocity, the Yarans soon broke through the Northern Roman land. When these barbaric warriors first saw the large infrastructures and tens of thousands of population in the city, their unenlightened mind told them, all these were the work of the devil! Technically speaking, the attack of the Yaran on the Divine Roman Empire was not an territorial expansion, but a civilization hostility that culminated into a destruction war. The nomads burned every single city that had lost its guards and massacred a massive amount of adults. When the Roman rulers finally amassed enough manpower, their Northern territory had left only rubbles and debris, and the amount of lives list could not even be counted.
To the Romans, their civilization was their pride, but at that point, civilization became their downfall! The whole Empire was covered in a veil of vengeance. The Ancient Romans used stone walls to block the invasion of the barbarians, their cavalry slicing through the nomadic troops with assault formations and lances as long as three meters. The invasion was stopped, and after a brief moment of consolidation, the Romans started their counterattack with half of the Empire’s military power.
The war lasted about a hundred years, the Romans not only chased the Yarans back into their old homes, they also occupied the Nuine River watershed where the nomadic Yaran people lived. It was said that until the Divine Roman Empire crumbled, there were still army fighting with the Yarans.
”And the rest is history!” Marshal Robin Sparse closed the thick book on the desk. ”It can be said that these people who defended their country from the Yaran, also known as the Deiss Warriors currently, were the ancestors of the Titan army! The excellent battle power and fighting spirit of the imperial guards were completely inherited from these fierce Ancient Roman warriors.”
”Lieutenant General, do you have any questions?” Marshal Robin looked at Oscar who wanted to say something.
”I’m thinking, the invasiveness of the Deiss people were well-documented, so even if the Roman Empire struck down their advances, but as you know, military suppression cannot completely stop the development of a race, the Deiss…”
”I know what you’re trying to say!” Marshal Robin motioned Oscar to sit. ”The underdevelopment of the Deiss was not only because of the war, but everything had to do with the war. Concerning this ancient civilization, they have the Olliers on their north, the Faran, the Rielese, and the Hoillanders on their south, the Czerrocan on their east, the Titan on their northeast, and the Wedish on their west. Look! All these countries that surrounded Deiss, every single one of them had fought with the boorish Yarans. When Deiss first entered monarchy, their situation was much worse than they are now, no one would acknowledge the legality of the Deiss King, even the Church was just keeping watch. That was why Deiss had been yelling that the Titan was a threat, and that the other countries could only live if they produce another powerful nation to compete with Titan.”
”But the Olliers wouldn’t budge, would they?” One of the students asked loudly.
”That’s another question! We will look into it when we talk about the war history of the Olliers. Back to the Deiss!” Marshal Robin drew a circle on the map with his pointer. ”The underdevelopment of the Deiss was only natural, after losing to the Romans, they still launched attacks everywhere else, so of course they would lose! However, their barbaric invasions had left every nation they’ve dealt with a lasting impression, like the Gauls of Faran, they were arch nemesis with the Yarans. So until now, among the Westland Kingdom Alliance, the Deiss was the least welcomed. That’s not only their army, but also their half-baked nobles.”
”But… If all the nations were on guard with the invasive Deiss, why do they still want to sign the offense-defense alliance with them against the Titans?”
”Lieutenant Colonel! I see you! Congratulations! This is perhaps the most naive question I have encountered in my entire teaching career!” Marshal Robin shot a glare at the officer who raised the question.
Torry leaned against Oscar, ”Hey, buddy, this geezer is harsh.”
Marshal Robin waved his pointer, his voice booming, ”Don’t forget, we are looking into the histories of different nations. In the matter of national interest, there’s no everlasting friendship or enemies between nations! I have been emphasizing this a lot, but it seems like none of you got it!”
”The tactic of the Deiss was simple. They attach themselves to the majority and go against the minority! This is the safest way to keep themselves unharmed in any historical periods. We have to admit, the Deiss did very well in that regard! Class dismissed!” Marshal Robin walked off the stage as he finished, and the officers started to make noise.
”We’re done! Let go get a drink!”
”No! Let’s go swimming! The weather is nice today!”
”You wanna camp? I can get a few nice girls to go with us!”
”Class monitor! Do you have any suggestions?”
Oscar pulled out a huge cigar from beneath his seat, as if he was performing magic. ”I’m going to hell, anyone coming?”
Looking at his darkened face, people started gossiping. ”What happened? Is something wrong with him?”
”Torry, any idea?”
”Ah…” Torry smiled helplessly, ”He had another fight with Her Highness! I heard they threw pillow at each other! That’s it! Don’t say I said it…”
”Torry said His Highness fought with Her Highness!”
”Wrong! He said they started fighting in bed!”
Torry wanted to slap himself. He had better distance himself with Oscar for some time.
***************
It soon came to the 4th Month of Year 793. On the carriage back to Dulin, Oscar counted with his fingers, Year 791… Year 792… Year 793, 4th Month… Haha! I have been out of prison for three years!
”Torry! Have you… said anything wrong recently?”
The wretch sitting opposite of the Prince immediate put on a smiley face. ”Heh heh heh! Your Highness, are you referring to the part where Her Highness were throwing the pillow?”
Oscar didn’t seem angry, he nodded lightly. ”I think it is! Do you know what they were saying in Sparjoxin?”
Torry grinned awkwardly, ”Those twerps do like to gossip about famous people like you, don’t worry about it too much!”
”But I can’t ignore it with you!” Oscar stared at the Viscount dangerously.
”What… what are you saying?”
”Oh… nothing. You do realize we’re on a bridge?” Oscar opened the carriage door.
”Your Highness! This is dangerous!” Torry glanced at the rapid stream below the bridge.
”I know that!” Oscar grabbed onto Viscount Sukhoi’s collar with a crazed grin.
”I… I… Heeelllp…”
With a yelp, water splashed as high as a person’s height. The Prince’s carriage had stopped on the side of the bridge, and Oscar looked at the struggling Mr. Walking Stick, pleased.
”Hey! The water is not that deep! If the God of Light doesn’t want to keep you, look for me at Dulin’s Teddy Lolo Club!”
Oscar shut the door immediately.
”Uh huh!” As the carriage restarted its movements, Snowstorm hmphed lightly. ”It’s time to teach this kid a lesson! Bullies should be treated as such.”
Oscar shrugged unperturbed. ”Actually… I only take care of him because of House Sukhoi. Every year, there were a large number of orders from House Andrew to the military, who then passed the orders on to different arms seller. House Sukhoi was definitely one of the biggest provider.”
”So… you don’t treat him as a true friend?”
”Of course I do!” Oscar shook his head and waved his hand. ”You should be able to tell, I do treat him like a friend! That’s because… with some things, you need a thug to do the work!”
”Like the girl in ice statue? Stop kidding me!” Snowstorm scoffed in disdain. He had killed plenty of people, but he would never torture people in such cruel fashion. Ricky had mentioned it to him, and Paul had never given Viscount Sukhoi even a smile since. To the King of Assassins, only a beast would treat a girl whom he had intimate relationship with in such merciless manner.
”Ice statue?” Oscar was slightly taken aback, but he turned away immediately, ”Stop talking about it! Like Torry said, the God of Light didn’t keep her to himself, she was saved!”
Snowstorm’s eyes bulged. ”Is that true? I’ve only heard about it now!”
Oscar stared at the scenery outside, slightly concerned. ”That’s right! Aeolia had confirmed it. She hated the treatment of the girl more than anyone else! She spent two whole months to locate the farmer who saved the ice statue, but do you know what the farmer replied?”
”What did he say?”
”Three days after the incident, the ice statue he salvaged disappeared!”
Snowstorm nodded in understanding, ”I think the Secret Services took it, are they usually that quick to act?”
Oscar didn’t show any expression on his face, ”I’ve learnt not to underestimate the Secret Services, there had been too many incidents! We can only follow that explanation, even Aeolia had given up. Do you know? That ice statue would only be a disaster to the upper class, do you think she would forget how Torry tortured her?”
”You mean to say you’re afraid she would seek revenge on us… what didn’t kill her would’ve crippled her! At least with her age…”
”I’m not afraid! Vengeance had nothing to do with a person’s age! I had held more hatred at her age, but I still… never mind! I don’t want to talk about it.” Oscar dismissed it with a wave. ”I’m just concerned about the future of Sukhoi, that imbecile, he should think about these things more! He’s even older than I am by a few years, how could he be so immature?”
”I can see that!” Snowstorm looked at the Prince, slightly surprised, ”You regard that viscount as someone more than friends!”
”Maybe…” Oscar gave it a thought, ”Perhaps, I saw a little of me in him.”
”Let’s talk about something else.” Snowstorm perked up all of a sudden. ”What about… what are you going to Dulin for? Does your trip have to be so mysterious?”
”Hahah!” Oscar clapped his hands happily. ”You finally remembered to ask! However… I will not tell you!”
The King of Assassins slapped his hand against his forehead, ”Oh, for heaven’s sake! There you go again! Can you not leave me hanging?”
***************
It is 11th Day of 4th Month, Young Lady’s birthday! Her Year 193’s birthday was different from her other birthdays, she’s seventeen years old! Following the traditions of House Andrew, as a direct descendant, Sasha would be able to hold her coming-of-age celebration this year!
Presents all the way from the Narcissus County had arrived Sparjoxin. Nine whole carriages of presents made Oscar think someone was moving in with him. Princess Alanis had been busy with planning the grand celebration, the Red Tiger’s presents to Young Lady were also prepared. Oscar looked around and realized only he hadn’t prepared a gift for Sasha. There’s no way he would delay that!
Teddy Lolo Club, The Lair, Dulin. The club was the most eye-catching building second only to the opera house the baron resides in the Lair. The street where the club was located was controlled by the infamous Teddy gang. The gang was a gang of outsiders, its members were centered along the coastal areas of Italia and Faran, operating as pirates and smugglers. However, Teddy Lolo fancied the small area called The Lair. One of his sons was handling things in the club.
Teddy Lolo Club was just a normal entertainment club, but the weird thing was that the club always rest on weekends when people were most outgoing. Anyone who knew insider news would know, every weekend, powerful people of Titan Empire gathered in the club for its weekly auction sessions.
Luxury items from the Far East always show up in the auctions. After the Far Eastern Road was cut off, anything from the East would be sold at an ungodly price! Teddy Lolo not only had all sort of genuine Eastern items, he also had items which many Westerners had not heard of, increasing the collectors’ interest.
Oscar remembered the birthday gift he gave Sasha after he was released. It was an Eastern miniature art that could rival a city! Sasha loved it so much, but she no longer carried it around due to the attention it attracts everywhere she went. There was once a lady who tried chasing the bug that landed on Young Lady’s hair, and as expected, the lady was embarrassed when she found out the truth.
”So… what do we have today?” Oscar leaned against the couch in the private room, scanning the Teddy Lolo Jr. standing respectfully beside him.
”Esteemed Mr. Balan-”
”Stop that!” Oscar pulled Teddy Lolo Jr. to sit beside him, interrupting. ”You can address me Mister, or even Your Highness, whatever, but please don’t address me with that nickname.”
”Yes! Mr. Ba- uh… Your Highness!” Teddy Lolo Jr. covered up his mistake by turning the page of the items catalogue. ”Let me introduce you to the few items worth your attention! This one is an Eastern painting of a lady, my experts determined it should cost about ninety thousand Gold Tis.”
”Whew!” Oscar whistled. He turned to Snowstorm on his side, ”I say, my friend, Dulin’s price increased so rapidly! Did we bring enough money?”
Teddy Lolo Jr. laughed at the joke, ”Your Highness, I don’t think anything would be able to stop you no matter how expensive it was! Baron Thomas had already informed us to checkout with him after the auction had ended. Just bid for it if you like something.”
Oscar and Snowstorm smiled, catching each other’s gaze. It’s much easier this way! Oscar was genuinely worried his check was too little.
”Baron Thomas also warned us against cheating Your Highness with imitations. He said we’d be closed down if we do!”
Oscar dismissed it, ”Thomas worries too much. Ignore him, I trust Teddy Lolo!”
”Thank you, Your Highness!” Teddy Lolo Jr. opened up the catalogue again. ”This is another treasure from the East, I think you’d like it. It’s not an artwork, it’s also not a craftwork, but an Eastern item used by the army! It was hypothesized to be a weapon, although not even my experts could tell what is exactly is. It’s already really old!”
Oscar’s interest shot up to a sort of a boiling point. ”It’s used by the Eastern army? A weapon? Could I have a look at it?”
Teddy Lolo Jr. gave an apologetic look, but Oscar immediately realized his overreach. The auction had not even started, this request would be a breach of rules.
”Ola! Apologies, I meant it would be nice if you could describe the item to me.”
Teddy Lolo Jr.’s smile came on immediately. ”Of course! It’s about 1.2 meters in length with a metallic body, on one end of it was made of wood, but there was some mechanism inside of it too, it’s like… like a pike? But it’s also… Hmm. I think you should wait until it was unveiled. It doesn’t look like any weapons we’ve seen before, I had my doubts about its ability to hurt.” Oscar could only drop the subject after listening to the description. He looked at some other items in the catalogue, but Oscar knew his plan to choose a present for his sister was foiled the moment Teddy Lolo Jr. closed the catalogue.
There was still some time before the auction starts, but the hall was already full of people who wanted to see the famed auction hall. There were high-ranking nobles like Prince O’Neil Andrew Morisette, and also businessmen renowned for their wealth, as well as leaders of major guilds and syndicates. Teddy Lolo Club welcomes any visitors, as long as they could afford their wares. Teddy Lolo Club doesn’t ask the background of their customers. However, if you showed up dressed like a vagabond, and without an invitation, Teddy Lolo Club will not hesitate to show you the exit.