Chapter 102: Twelfth Episode: Chapter 2 (1/2)

Chapter 102: Twelfth Episode: Chapter 2

Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation

”Church’s year 797, the 20th day of the 1st month. Here is the North of the Empire, Zolas Province, Aidemon Valley. Gosh, seriously! I never had the habit of writing a diary, but the Sun has already set in this awful place by four thirty in the afternoon! Camping out in this world of snow and ice is the dullest thing ever. Aside from writing a diary, I actually cannot find anything else to do here! May the weather of the coming day takes a turn for the better, otherwise, I may very well be the very first Prince in the history of Titan to freeze to death! It’s ridiculous just thinking about it, but when the time comes, what should be carved onto my epitaph?”

”Church’s year 797, the 25th day of the 1st month, another blasted day! Initially, it was planned for us to make it to Grizzly Fortress within one week, but now? My Red Tigers and I didn’t even make it through the huge mountains. The small team of scouts was trapped at the other side of the valley due to the sudden heavy snow. The rescue party that Murat organized spent two days before finally locating them. During this period, the huge army again lost their way. In other words, I am unfortunate beyond words, but who can be blamed for this?”

”Church’s Year 797, the 28th day of the 1st month. Thank heavens! We finally caught a glimpse of the Sukhoi Family’s harp flag at the open space of the valley’s exit! I really cannot make sense of why the Sukhoi Family, who originated from the blacksmiths, would use an intricate musical instrument as the family totem. And thus, I inquired the Marquis of the Sukhoi Family assigned to fetch us regarding that matter. However, surprisingly, he was not too sure himself; it seems that only the heaven knows!”

”Church’s year 797, the 1st day of the 2nd month. There is nothing much to be said about today. When Marquis Sukhoi saw me, he was like a huge wolfdog of Deiss, wagging his tail, flattering and also being cunning, not charming in the least. But, why am I bringing him up? Perhaps, I just want to purposely overlook another incident, that which happened on the 29th day of the 1st month! The Red Tigers became a member less that day! They lost a member without even engaging in war. That pitiful Second Lieutenant had stepped into an enormous trap for a catching game when they were organizing manpower to clear up the road ahead for the troops. By the time Percy and the few medical officers of the Red Tigers rushed to the scene, the Second Lieutenant’s left leg was already frozen together with the trap. The people could only resort to amputate his limb and, after tossing and turning up until two or three in the early hours of the morning, he finally breathed his last. I actually do not wish to bring up that incident, but Murat has requested me to sign a casualty report today. I signed it and also know the Second Lieutenant’s name, which was, Fiennes. According to Murat, Fiennes was the best expert on traps among the Red Tigers. This made me feel… Forget about it! One of my knights have sacrificed himself; perhaps, this is only the beginning!”

”Your Highness,” The prince’s messenger, Major Wellington Steinberger appeared in Oscar’s tent on the dot at nine.

”Your Highness, you should stop writing. The knights on night duty are about to extinguish the lights.”

Oscar took a glance at his diary and felt that it was indeed enough to stop here for today.

”Wellington, since when did you become my army orderly?” Oscar placed his quill pen onto the penholder at the corner of the table. After that, he clicked a delicate little copper lock into place at the front of the thick diary’s leather cover.

”Your Highness, I am not an army orderly; I am a messenger.”

Oscar shrugged, ”But the jobs you undertake makes me misunderstand.”

”Your Highness, you did not misunderstand, I am a messenger in charge of passing on the orders of superiors and also notifying the desires of the subordinates. All your knights hope that you can rest earlier.”

Oscar glanced at his diary and then at Wellington and finally heaved a heavy sigh.

”My messenger, go bid goodnight to my adorable knights for me.”

”As you wish, Your Highness.”

The lights in the tent extinguished not long after. The young prince lied down on the camp bed with fur spread over it. He then tugged the knitted cotton quilt up to his neckline then placed a bearskin coat over the quilt. In order to reduce the harmful gases in the tent, the coals were burning low and Oscar stared at his exhaled air, lost in thought. His heart was in a mess as one image kept flashing in his mind, a knight caught in a trap deep in the snowy grounds. He was screaming because of the excruciating pain and was struggling because of despair. A shadow formed from a huge pool of blood appeared on the white snow, the trace of life having met its demise.

”Just sleep, just sleep! This is no one’s fault! It does not signify anything!” Oscar consoled himself.

***************

The Grizzly Fortress had its back against Pinehill peak of the Sui Mountain Range and so people were used to calling it ”The huge Grizzly of Pinehill Peak”. As of today, it had a three-hundred-year history. Since Pinehill Peak had been a vicious volcano prior to this, the volcanic rocks became the body of the walls and cornerstone of the ancient Grizzly Fortress building. Following the passing of time and weathering through the elements, the volcanic rocks started to fuse with one another, resulting in the precipitation and the assemblage of a lot of metal elements within the body of the rock. And, because of this family-like bond, the distinguishingly pale appearance of Grizzly Fortress was more solid than that of people’s imagination.

The Fort was about five hundred kilometers from the Northern Border in a direct line. Here was the Sukhoi Family’s base of operations and headquarters. The metal minerals from all over the Empire were refined in the Grizzly Fortress and had undergone the last processing to produce weapons in the secret labs and varying sized workshops of the Sukhoi Family found throughout Zolas Province.

”To be honest, I have always thought... The main fort of the noble’s leader will be a place filled with smokestacks that constantly spewed fire and thick smoke. And not… And not…” Oscar admitted while gesturing his hands towards the ancient castle at the edge of the cliff not far away.

”Hehe, that’s right Your Highness, those who have never visited Pinehill Peak will have that perception. This is because, in their eyes, the Sukhoi Family’s headquarters must be a place where blacksmiths and all sorts of furnaces assembled... Not this spotless, sturdy white castle before you that emanates the ancient glory and the brilliance of time.”

Oscar turned to face Marquis Sukhoi and grinned, completely agreeing with the description of Grizzly Fortress by this son of Sukhoi.

The carriages tottered forward on the trail of the precipitous foothills and turning around the countless sharp corners formed by the mountain road, Grizzly Fortress appeared occasionally on the left and occasionally on the right. This massive volcanic rock pillbox was like a ferocious beast, made up of innumerable granules. It had forty-six siege towers and twenty-one trebuchet embrasures that overlooked the whole mountain pass. If that wasn’t enough, there were still sluice gates made of iron, steel, copper, and wood at one side of the fort.

The midday Sunrays managed to make its way through the rare slits among the dark clouds filling the sky. The great pillar of light was cast onto the walls of the Fortress, and the glaring greyish white color appeared dazzling and cold. The other places in the ancient castle towered resiliently under the shadows. Its majestic body was like a hero defending the precipice, silent, brave and with the eyes of a falcon, it swept its gaze over every living creature that crosses in front of it.

The procession of the Red Tigers fanned out on the mountain path. Sometimes the horses would tread on a loose part of the road at the edge of the cliff and pieces of rocks would roll down, causing the knights to anxiously glance beneath their feet. The cold air of the ravine and the altitude that provoked one's ears and vision hit all at once as even the bravest of knights would choose to avert their gaze at this moment.

On the mountain road that could only accommodate five horses, the Red Tiger Assault Division so happened to send out five flag bearers at the front of the formation. They held the symbol of the Empire’s supreme rulers – The Imperial Flag of Morisette; the symbol of the God-chosen warriors – The Narcissus Knights’ Military Flag, the ancestral tablet of the Andrew Family, the commander flag that stood for His Imperial Highness Prince O’Neil Andrew Morisette and the war flag that represented the heroic army of the Red Tiger Assault Division.

As soon as the five flag bearers entered the field of vision of the Fortress, it was as if the massive Grizzly had suddenly awakened. The castle was suddenly decorated with numerous pennants with harps engraved on them. At each watchtower and siege tower, an ear-splitting noise rang out. The knights were familiar with this sound; this was the sound of spears clashing against shields, this was an etiquette that was a must for a brother unit welcoming their comrade-in-arms.

The five flag bearers stood still before the tightly closed portcullis of the Fortress and soon after, the whole procession came to a halt. Only the Sukhoi Family’s totem fluttered in the mountain breeze and following the resounding cry of a mountain eagle, everything else had quieted down.

Oscar watched the scene unfolding before him from the carriage calmly. He saw a communications official step out from his procession. The communications official fished out a document; it was the Imperial Envoy certificate signed by Titan Empire’s supreme Majesty the Emperor. The communications official shot a whistling arrow into the main watchtower above the portcullis of the Fortress. Soon, the portcullis that was made of iron slowly rose up and waves of cheer came from the guards of the fortress. Not long after that, after the rumble of metal, the four gates of the fortress were finally opened and the cheers at the moment reverberated to the heavens. Under the baptism of swirling snowflakes, the Red Tigers entered the embrace of the Grizzly.

His Imperial Highness Prince O’Neil’s carriage stopped at the open space inside the huge gates of the Fortress and a Colonel dressed in the Sukhoi family’s military apparel opened the door for the respected guest. The band instantly started playing ”Advance, guards!”. When Oscar poked his head out of the carriage, he was indeed stunned by the scene before him.

Beneath his feet was a red carpet extending towards the highest point of the Fortress and placed on him were pure white petals emitting a characteristic fragrance of the snowfield plateau. The camouflaged armors were like the ocean, dancing to the unified, distinct and ear-piercing melodies while the Sukhoi military officers approached, one after another, clothed in silver armor with a bearskin cloak draped over their shoulders.

”Respected Imperial Highness Prince O’Neil Andrew Morisette, I represent all the Sukhoi Family members, the family’s military strength and the general public of Zolas Province to welcome your arrival, the Imperial Envoy of Titan Empire’s Alfa III.”

”You must be the Sukhoi family’s most senior member – Duke Roleighanc.”

”Precisely!”

The young prince gave a slight bow to the Sukhoi Family’s head, ”Thank you for everything that you and your family have done for the Empire and the Imperial Household. I bring Alfa III’s sincerest greetings.”

Duke Roleighanc Van Sukhoi got down on one knee as per the court etiquette, then, with his most humble demeanor and sincerest attitude, he clasped His Imperial Highness’ right hand that was extended toward him.

”Long live His Majesty Emperor!” Once blessing the Emperor, the Duke planted a heavy kiss on the back of the prince’s hand.

The prince grinned; he helped the head of the Sukhoi Family up and when he was embracing the not so old high official of Titan, he whispered in his ear.

”Torry says that you’re a person not so particular about elaborate etiquettes, how long are you going to leave me freezing here?”

Duke Sukhoi took the opportunity to pull himself up using the youngster’s arm and spoke to him under his breath.

”My Imperial Highness, Torry, this rascal is not like my son at all, despite knowing me so well. So, I will advise you to distance yourself from that little troublemaker.”

After that, the Duke led Oscar to walk on the stone steps with the red carpet spread out over it. The young prince was rather quite thrilled; he already knew that this elder of the Sukhoi Family was indeed the top noble that could make others feel pleased. Oscar felt that the members of this family, which stayed on the Gold Mountain, did not worship gold and was not as depraved as the rumors say. At least this elder was one who was wary about the ways of the world and had an interesting character. Of course, there was also Torry in the family, the flawless scoundrel.

The structure of Grizzly Fortress was built completely in accordance with the topography of the terrain’s layout. If a mesa rose up on the peak, the Grizzly would have a building that towered high, occupying an area and having a foundation that complemented that of the mesa. When a dip appeared on the peak, the Grizzly would follow this dip’s geographical location, building trebuchet embrasures and architectural landscapes by the cliff that were more for its aesthetic value. When the slope of the peak started to level out, the Grizzly would have densely packed houses and markets lined up over it. If volcanic rocks started to protrude out of the peak, the Grizzly would chisel out these solid boulders, then cave houses and tunnels for soldiers to hide would be built.

Along the way, Oscar had noticed that all the buildings within the fortress maintained the same color tone. From afar, the crowd milling about in the Fortress appeared as if they were going in and out of an enormous cave with snow and lime dust dancing about. If it weren’t for the fresh flowers and the cheers of the people along the streets transmitting a realistic feel, Oscar would definitely have thought he was in an ancient city of a fairy tale world.

Just when His Imperial Highness started gasping for breath after climbing an unknown number of flights of stairs, the huge crowd surrounding him finally let off a simultaneous sigh as if they had been holding it in all the while.

Passing through an arched doorway, the scene opened up into a wide clearing. The crowd had arrived at Grizzly Fortress’ highest point. On the one side was an immense public square that could accommodate more than a thousand people. On the other side of the square, close to the mountain wall, was the Sukhoi Family’s main house. Oscar stood firmly on a platform that jutted out of the cliff; he gazed up at the sky and looked down beneath his feet; the whole Fortress seemed to have turned into a toy, as if it were a building block of toys built by children. At the sharp snowy peak that was against the back of the main house, the sky suddenly became ethereal; even the people were mesmerized by it.

Oscar swayed, he felt a little dizzy.

Duke Sukhoi quickly steadied the respected youngster, ”My Imperial Highness, you should not stand so high up and gaze so far out when you haven’t adapted to the altitude. Let us go the Harp Palace to rest a while.”

***************

The Harp Palace should be a name that held a rich poetic quality. However, aside from that gigantic sculpture of a harp in the lobby of the Sukhoi Family’s main house, the remaining furnishings had nothing much to do with music. To describe it more precisely, this palace with the Harp as its name was more like a weapons museum, and not forgetting that this was the livelihood of the Sukhoi Family.

The Harp Palace was the main house of the Sukhoi Family and also the temporary residence of the Imperial Household members. A palace that had a double status was scarce in Titan Empire because only the bluebloods that the Emperor relied heavily upon and trusted could have the rights as an Imperial Household temporary residence.

The guest room of the Harp Palace was close to one another, like all palaces in Titan. When the huge doors of the differently-sized guest rooms with different layouts and interior designs opened up towards a common direction, the sense of depth and distance it exuded fully reflected the palace’s extravagance.

In an immense guest room filled with sofas and Faran ottomans, the Sukhoi Family had assembled all their eminent members. These people included the head of state of Zolas Province, the various high-ranking military officers of the family’s military system, and the few people in charge of the Sukhoi manufacturing, smelting, production, and marketing bureau. Oscar gazed around the room and realized that there were many Madams and ladies present as well. The Sukhoi females completely imitated Dulin’s trendiest fashion in dressing and makeup. Paying attention to the way the men treated the ladies, the prince was sharp enough to realize that the Sukhoi females received just as much respect within this family. This was unimaginable, as within Titan’s large powerful families, usually only the voices of men would be heard, while in the Sukhoi Family, he noticed that when the ladies spoke, the men would listen attentively.

About half an hour later after passing through the music hallway lined with a hundred person band, the members of Sukhoi accompanied the most prominent figure they had ever welcomed over the past few hundred years to enter the dining hall. It took another ten minutes before the gentlemen and ladies settled into each of the forty-six seats along the long dining table, based on their status and family standing.

Oscar was seated to the right of the master seat at the dining table. Apparently, they had set up a system for themselves as the few of his military leaders were seated on his right while the women and ladies were seated on the left. Oscar was a little curious, as the master seat at the women’s side was vacant. However, according to the structure of most large powerful families, there must be a mistress that managed the family’s internal affairs. Moreover, cutlery and a chair were already arranged at the master seat of the women’s side, meaning to say that there would definitely be someone taking that seat.

”I’m curious, Torry is your second son, why didn’t he attend today’s…”

”Your Highness! Do not take offense!” Duke Sukhoi interrupted the prince; he knew that His Highness chose Grizzly Fortress as the first stop for his visit to the north because of his second son, who failed to live up to his expectations.

”Torry is managing a testing ground and he will only have the chance to return home next week.”

Oscar nodded; Torry had mentioned this in his letters. ”So… Can I go visit him? You know, I do not have ample time here, my communications official has already been in contact with the infantry division that is rushing over to join the Red Tigers. It is highly likely that I cannot wait until next week.”

”I understand your situation and can sympathize with your desire of wanting to see a friend, but… I cannot allow you to meet Torry.”

Oscar was stunned; he did not expect to be rejected.

However, it was evident that Duke Roleighanc was not too eager to talk about that matter.

”Your Distinguished Duke, you know? I need to be on the road soon. I apologize for saying this, but I cannot just stay at Grizzly Fortress for the whole of winter; I need to make it to Bron Fortress before the first snowstorm…”

Looking at the Duke’s face that had yet to ease up, Oscar suddenly came to an apprehension of the existing problem.

”Ola… Could it be? Your Distinguished Duke, is the testing ground Torry in charged of facing problems?”

Duke Roleighanc heaved a sigh, His Highness was, sure enough, a bright young lad and being able to consider what was best for him.

”Precisely, Your Highness. It goes without saying that I should not speak about anything related to the testing ground, but since you are representing His Majesty Emperor in inspecting the Sukhois, I will give you a brief explanation. That testing ground does not have a clear-cut classified grade because aside from the members of my family and a few military-related leaders, no one else knows of its existence. If you wish to enter it, you need to have successive signatures of the Military Affairs Chancellor, Marshal Alan, and the Empire’s Confidential Department Chief.

Oscar shook his head, ”I apologize, I do not have that!”

Duke Roleighanc also shook his head and made an apologetic gesture towards the prince.

Oscar let out a heavy sigh. He had a rough understanding of the Sukhoi Family’s Secret military business. Since even the elder of the family put it that way, it indicated that there really wasn’t much that could be done and it seemed that he would have to delay the meet up with his old friend to an indefinable date.

”So… Gentlemen, ladies, shall we begin?” Oscar queried while unfolding his wide napkin.

Duke Roleighanc grinned and rang the table bell by his hand enthusiastically. A door opened to one side of the dining hall and more than forty waiters filed in, each supporting silver dishes on their hands and taking their positions behind a respective chair. After that, the cuisines were arranged onto the dinner plates that were set earlier. After everything was ready, as the host, Duke Sukhoi clinked his dinner fork on the wine glass. The initially quiet dining hall had immediately erupted with noise. This was the sign of a feast; the men screamed that the good wine should be served while the women engaged in animated conversations. Oscar did not feel out of place in the situation but instead even managed to strike up a conversation with the women at a distance from him.

When the procession of waiters was serving the second round of dishes for each guest, the gigantic screen that partitioned the dining hall suddenly burst open and those seated there watched in astonishment as the room doors banged open one after another.

A fiery red silhouette approached them with quick strides from the end of the hallway. Oscar trained all his focus to distinguish this exceptionally vivid and intriguing character attentively.

That was a mature, stunning girl brimming with the elegance of the North. Her long, light golden hair was gathered up tightly behind her head and a golden veil studded with tiny diamonds covered her face. With the women at the dining table taking the lead, men, women, the young and old of the Sukhoi Family stood up and lastly, even the Duke rose from his seat. Oscar glanced to the left and right and hurriedly followed suit. But why didn’t anyone tell him who this girl clothed in red that was late, was?

”My apologies! Truly, I apologize!” The girl had already made her way to the prince and while saying this, she tore away the diamond veil. Then after lifting her skirt to bow at the prince, she extended her hand smoothly.

Oscar clasped this set of snowy white, delicate hand. Although it felt a little rough to touch, the other details of the hand could only be described as perfect.

Oscar flitted through his memory in search of the full lips, the set of eyes that spoke to him and the breathtaking, flawless face before him.

”Although no one has introduced you to me, I am certain I have met you somewhere before! Beautiful lady, may I have some time to recall?” Oscar said while planting a kiss on the girl’s hand.

Lady VIjdeline Van Sukhoi burst into laughter; the youngster kept holding onto her hand.

”Your Imperial Highness Prince,” Duke Roleighanc got out of his seat, ”Please allow me to introduce you our family’s mistress, Vijdeline.”

Oscar released Lady Vij’s hand awkwardly; she was actually the mistress of the Sukhoi Family! Both the old and young at the table were suppressing laughs; it seemed that his actions were extremely humiliating a while ago.

”Ola… That means that… This is your Madam?”