Chapter 101: Twelfth Episode: Chapter 1 (1/2)
Chapter 101: Twelfth Episode: Chapter 1
Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation
People were used to describing the North of the Empire with adjectives like natural, magical, beautiful, and fertile, a place that rejuvenated the spirit. In spring, brilliant mountain flowers were in full bloom, and a bright green view filled one’s gaze as far as the eyes could see. The whole scene was a picture of flourishing prosperity. In summer, there was the romantic Botan River, the Digerens Lake that was so vast it resembled a dead sea, as well as the Zaire Wetland that seemed to stretch out into infinity. In autumn, bright mountain flowers littered the rolling hills for more than dozens of kilometers. It was a magnificent spectacle. In winter, the vast northern land turned into a white world made of ice and snow, and nature itself hung some glacial decorations on the frozen trees, and at the same time inspired the northerners to become legendary craftsmen who create immaculate ice sculptures.
Although winter in the north could cause people who are unfamiliar with its extreme coldness lose their sanity, it was the same season most celebrated by the people of the north. The real northerners loved winter not because they could enjoy a small break from manual labor for their noble masters, but because when heavy snow closed the mountain pass, bandits and army ruffians will not disturb them.
Bandits and army ruffians were considered two major local specialties of the North closely after lumber and iron ore. After thorough investigations to discover the cause for the emergence of these two specialties, the majority agreed that it was due to the chaotic local administrative system and increased decadence of the Big Three. Some also suggested that army ruffians were nothing different from bandits, both never have enough food to fill their stomach or enough clothes to keep themselves warm.
To put it simply, the Big Three were given ruling power in the North because the only thing worthier than human life was grain. In the North where the harvest season of grains was only once a year, farmers who couldn’t save enough wheat flour from autumn to last for the coming winter could only go to hell when the time came for heavy snow to clog their door.
To probe the roots of the Big Three, one would naturally be reminded of Andrew House from the East Border. There was one period in history when Deiss was exceptionally hostile to the Titans. During that time, Titan Emperor had no choice but to nurture the armed forces of noble houses located along Northwest Border and North Border in order to defend themselves against Deiss Kingdom. The emperor was afraid of the emergence of a second Andrew in the empire, hence at least one House was given assistance in every province. As a result, four army forces arose in the northwest and northern areas of the empire. Up to this day, only Steinberger House from Haussen Province in the northwest was still passionate to fight for the empire. On the other hand, the northern Big Three didn’t prove themselves to be provide much contribution to the empire, they were constantly involved in internal disputes between the three families in their fight for power and resources. No matter what, since these three big families were crowned as the Big Three, it was assumed that they were at least worthy of being mentioned.
Sukhoi House was widely known to be the empire’s biggest warfare weaponry producer. His involvement in the military helped build the family’s wealth. Therefore, Sukhoi House didn’t bother much about the disputes that happen occasionally between the other two houses. As a matter of fact, they enjoyed the show as a form of entertainment in their mundane daily lives.
Karl Arnold House is the family of the current Empress of Titan Empire. Perhaps because of the strong support from Her Majesty, or maybe because of the secret assistance they receive from archbishop of Titan’s parish - Buffon Karl Arnold, in recent years the family gradually became the one with most power among the Big Three. However, among the family members, only Her Majesty the Empress and her elder brother were smart, and it was not at all mean to say the rest of them were no different from idiots. Particularly the head of the family, Duke Murby Karl Arnold. There were only two things that concerned him; lust for women and wealth.
Sukhoi family possessed countless fortunes and their position in the Imperial Army was affirmed, while Karl Arnold family obtained strong external assistance from both the capital and church. Therefore, what was left of Jebron House of the Big Three? This particular House was not supported by wealth from industry, no woman of their last name took the helm at Westberg Fort, nor any man from the family was willing to get mixed up with the priests! So, what exactly was the worth of the Jebron family?
The vigilance towards danger prompted Jebron family to embark on another path, a path that was extremely militaristic and aggressive. In order to ensure the survival of the family, Bron Fortress, which was the largest and most well-protected fortress in the entire Westland, has been continuously expanded and constantly renovated. Moreover, in order to make its competitors feel threatened, for generations Jebron family exhausted their effort and innumerable amount of money on building the world’s most destructive heavy infantry army group. In fact, the other two Houses were somewhat intimidated by Jebron House due to its military power.
In a nutshell, the triangular balance of power by the Big Three has always been the main force that dominated the north. All three families were well aware that their power and influence inevitably depended on one another. Deiss Kingdom would definitely seize the opportunity to attack as soon as one of them was not in the picture. These bellicose and inexperienced serfs would definitely destroy the entire North by killing men and abducting women and property. When winter fell, these vicious invaders would chase the innocent kids into the deep mountainous area. The Big Three once swore in front of the divine image of God of Light that protecting and defending their country would be their top priority. Later when Deiss Kingdom withdrew from offence all of a sudden, the empire managed to take over two provinces in the northwest from the enemy’s territory. Since the threat from the enemy disappeared, then it became the time for the people to solve their internal conflicts! Thus, over the years, the Big Three took joy in annihilating each other.
If northern affairs were concerns of the Big Three, why did the empire form the Northern Army Headquarters? In fact, a military cabinet minister long ago envisioned a situation: when Deiss Kingdom invaded the empire, Karl Arnold House would probably be the one to bear the brunt. However, this family did not have a well-constructed fortress, and their field forces could not beat Deiss’, so Karl Arnold was predicted to order their withdrawal in the early stages of the war. As for Jebron House, their heavy infantry army group could probably apply some psychological pressure on the enemy, but in order to save their own strength, Jebron certainly would not invest all their forces into the war as well. In other words, Jebron House would probably retreat themselves halfway along the fight like the former.
Hence that would leave the north with only Sukhoi House! According to the assumption of the military minister, Sukhoi would exhaust the minefields and underground sources, bring with them all the research materials, various blueprint drawings, countless bank vouchers, and return Grizzly Castle as well as the family armed forces back to Imperial Army, before eventually relocating their entire House to capital Dulin.
In other words, at least back in two or three hundred years ago, the Big Three could contribute some aid to the Empire during the North Border war, but at this time they obviously could not be of any help at all! Therefore, Northern Army Headquarters was established to guard the strategically inaccessible places along the Big Three’s territory.
Although these guards were made up of their own people from the north, they were not any more welcomed. In order to cut back on budget and expenses, the Imperial Army usually ordered the three families to contribute parts of the military expenditures. However, the three major families power naturally turned a blind eye and deaf ear to the order, and this became the main cause for the proliferation of bandits and army ruffians in the northern part of the country. Young soldiers went foraging around like beasts when they have not enough to fill their stomachs, while retired old veterans accustomed to free living gathered at the mountain and called themselves the king of the mountains.
To sum up, the natural, magical, beautiful, and fertile North, was simultaneously also the depressed, deserted, impoverished and hungry North.
”No matter what… this is the heaviest snowfall I’ve ever seen in my entire life.” Oscar zoned out to the magnificent view outside the window.
”Your Imperial Highness Prince, when February comes, you’ll be able to witness more majestic snowfall than this.”
The voice belonged to an enthusiastic and talkative baron named Koudel, which was also the mayor of the beautiful small town.
”Oh yeah! Your Excellency Baron, sorry to have troubled you with my knights. You must have been extremely occupied for the whole day in your preparation to accommodate them.” Oscar said and bowed to the mayor.
”Your Imperial Highness Prince, you’re too polite, I could never let Narcissus Knights the guardians of God of Light, to spend the night in brazen cold plain. Although there aren’t many huge houses in this little town to ensure your knights’ comfort but at least I found some places to put a roof over their heads. I hope you don’t mind my lack of hospitality, this is the least I could do…”
Oscar waved his hand in the air, ”Not at all! Anyhow I’m immensely grateful for your effort! Honestly, I was worried that my knights would not find a safe place to put up the night. As you know, the tent provides only little protection against the cold, and we are definitely not equipped for the heavy snowfall that seems to be getting heavier tonight. You’ve been a great help!”
”Haha!” Baron laughed shyly. He has not even seen a Duke before this, not to mention receive praise from His Imperial Highness Prince of the Empire. ”Your Highness, serving You and your knights are what I ought to do. It’s a great honor, and definitely the honor of the town.”
Oscar thought for a moment, and suddenly he put on his leather cape made of thick bear fur. Paul, Murat and the rest of regimental commanders of Red Tiger also stood up.
”Are you heading out?” Murat looked at the young prince, confused.
”Yes, I’m planning to visit my knights and see how they’re doing in the cold. Hopefully they know to warm themselves up.”
Murat turned to look at the snow fall outside of the window, ”You should rest, Your Highness. I understand how you feel, just leave this to us.”
Oscar pondered at the suggestion, and finally nodded. He remembered something more important he had to do. ”Ola… remember to bring the supplies and gear carriage loaded with woollen blanket. I’m sure they would be of good use.”
”Yes, Your Highness, I’ll do everything as you said.” Murat saluted to the prince, and left with the other regimental commanders.
The whole town was immensely silent that not a squeak could be heard. Only occasionally guard dogs would bark. Heavy snow fell from the sky and landed themselves quietly on the streets, on the roof, on high trees. There seemed to be no one else in this tiny snowy town. Temporary stables were built in the courtyards of each house, and those warhorses that have not experienced this kind of extreme cold cowered together in corners to warm themselves up from each other’s warmth. At the sight of this, the knights gave in and laid their own blankets over the horses to keep their loyal partners warm.
”His Highness was right,” Murat frowned at the sight.
The division commander of Red Tiger knocked on a random door. He was received by an old woman, who placed her finger on her lips to signal the men to keep their voices low.
”My lord, your knights are fast asleep. You all must have been exhausted for the past few days, they are sleeping soundly like children.”
Murat smiled, ”Thank you so much for your care. I’m just here to check on them.”
”Come on in! It’s much warmer inside!”
The rest of the men entered the house, and saw their knights spread on the floor in all directions. Just as the old woman said earlier, they were all deep asleep. Some were sleep- talking, some snored, others sucked on their fingers. They cowered together like the fellas in the stables. Their back pressed against their comrades’ back, their legs piled above each other’s. In Murat eyes it was such a heart-rending sight.
”Get them some blankets.”
A couple of regimental commanders turned and returned quickly with blankets piled up in their arms. Murat took them over and began covering up the sleeping knights with care.
”Let’s move on to the next house.”
When the supplies and gear carriage was almost empty, Murat and his regimental commanders also reached the end of the small town.
Half-consciously, a sleeping knight opened his eyes and trembled as cold air blew. He saw his division commander and also his regimental commander. Like a frightened small animal, the knight promptly sprung to his feet.
”Attention! Salute to the commanders!”
Almost immediately, the messy noises of knights getting to their feet filled the room. Many of them were still rubbing their eyes, but they were aware of the commanders who came to visit.
Murat stepped forward to the front of that knight who first stood up, and knocked hardly on his head.
”Why gave you the order to shout?”
The young knight scratched his head, embarrassed.
”How old are you?”
The young knight stood to attention promptly, ”Report to Division Commander, I’m turning nineteen in two and a half months! I’ve joined Neruda Front in 4th month of year 796, later assigned into Red Tiger Battle Group in 9th month of the same year.”
Murat nodded, ”Are you an army of Neruda Region?”
”Report to commander, yes! Mingelas is my hometown.”
The commanders looked at each other in surprise.
”Alright, you can all return now.” Murat took the last woollen blanket.
”Are you… staying here for the night?” Regimental commander of the rangers, Shaw Shorenstein, stared at his own commander in disbelieve.
”Why not?” Murat returned the glare.
Shaw Shorenstein was taken aback, ”Of course! Please! You’re the commander, of course you can do what you want.”
After the regimental commanders left, Murat looked at the house full of completely confused knights and laughed.
”Alright! Dismiss! You can all lie down now, all of you! Except those who have not gotten a blanket, come and get one from me. Sleeping on cold floor for the whole night could freeze your little thing!”
Laughter filled the entire room, and soon they gathered around their division commander. ”Division commander, please give me one, I gave mine to the horse!””Division commander, can I have one too? I gave mine to my brother!””Division commander, I also want one, mine dropped to the snowy ground, putting it on feels like entering the ice cellar.”
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Shaw Shorenstein and the other two regimental commanders stood in the cold outside of the house. They all seemed concerned.
Regimental Commander of rangers looked at his colleagues, ”Hey, I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I’m going to my soldiers.”
Théleau Kleiner shrugged nonchalantly, ”I’m also not leaving my knights behind to sleep in a warm and comfortable bed.”
”And you? Kamille?” Colonel Shorenstein turned to the paladin who kept quiet all along.
”Someone has to return and report to His Imperial Highness Prince.” Kamille said quietly.
”And then? You’re staying in mayor’s house?” Kleiner asked, surprised.
”Of course not, after that I will part with His Imperial Highness Prince, and if I remembered correctly… my group is mostly in just a few streets down the road.”
Colonel Shaw Shorenstein stepped forward and draped his arms around his two old colleagues, ”That’s right, that’s the way! Anyway… to be honest, I really missed the leisure days back in Swan Hill Castle and University Town!”
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Murat bundled himself with the blanket and laid on the ground. The floor was freezing cold. He had not expected the North to be such a terrible place! Although the Red Tiger fought in ice and snow before, but winter in Narcissus County was completely different from the north! Winter in Narcissus County would not freeze the skin, nor would its wind tear at faces so hard bloodstain could be seen, there was also no such... forget it! What use would it bring to think about these now? Murat thought to himself and rolled over to one side.
”Hey, young fella! What’s your name?” Division commander leaned in to the young knight beside him.
”Report to division commander, my name is Kirk Dexton, but you can call me Kirk.”
”Oh?” Murat looked carefully at the young soldier, ”Is Douglas Dexton your brother or…”
”He’s my brother! Haha, division commander, you remember my brother?”
”Of course!” Murat reminisced, ”Your brother was exceptional with his sword. I still remember sometime around six years ago; your brother’s arm was chopped by the enemy when Red Tiger pursued and attacked the Persians in General Figg’s garrison area. How’s he doing now?”
”Don’t mention it, after his discharge he trained me as if I’m the enemy Persian! Shortly after he got married, and is now the father to a son and daughter. However, division commander, I’m sure he would be extremely delighted to know people in the army still remember him. His biggest fear is that his former comrades-in-arms would forget about the Douglas with exceptional sword skills.” Kirk flashed his eyes at Murat.
Murat avoided the young man’s stare. ”There’s no need for him to worry, tell your brother that his captain, regimental commander, and division commander have not forgotten about him. We still vividly remembered the time when he fought with the cook in camp because the dried vegetables broth was apparently too salty for his liking!”
”Hahahahaha! He hasn’t mentioned this to me before!”
”Of course he hasn’t! I wouldn’t tell others too if I were locked in the confinement room for half a month.” It was rare for Murat to smile in front of his soldiers.
”Is everything good… back in hometown?”
Kirk was at first astounded, but he was bright to realise. ”You… you’re also from Mingelas?”
”That’s right, your brother hasn’t told you that?”
”Ah! I remember now! Bedoya is your family name! Both my brother and his wife are working in your father’s local military department.”
Murat shook his head, ”No that’s not what I’m asking, I wish to know how are things going back in hometown. It has been about… eight years since I left.”
”I’m sorry about that! Though there’s nothing too much to concern about. A huge flood spread unchecked once in year 794, your brother and father organised fellow villagers to handle the mess, hmm… oh there’s a new church built in the city, even the regional archbishop was there for the inauguration! Also… there was some appearance of Persians…!”
”What are you saying?” Suddenly Murat grabbed the young knight by his collar.