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

As soon as he finished saying that, Oscar realized that he seemed to have made a mistake because the few youngest sons of the Sukhois were convulsing with laughter.

”No, no, no!” Sure enough, Duke Roleighanc shook his head furiously and took the hand of the girl dressed in red, ”Vij is my eldest daughter, also my most prized treasure; she isn’t even married yet.”

Oscar slapped his forehead; he once again lifted the lady’s hand and gave it a heavy kiss.

”Beautiful and noble Lady Sukhoi, please forgive my ignorance and impertinence. I hope that my actions will not become a joke!”

Vijdeline broke into a joyous smile, ”Your Imperial Highness Prince, it is unnecessary for you to be so terrified. My father has always regarded introducing my identity as the most difficult matter. This is because half of the people find it unbelievable and another half of them see me as unreasonable. You are the first to have apologized so sincerely, and I feel greatly honored.”

Oscar tilted his head, satisfied. He once again sized up the lady who was so easy-going in her speech. However, the way he looked at her had changed; initially, it was with admiration for her charm and now, he was completely mesmerized. Having a Lady who was single take up the role as family mistress and moreover, as a renowned person in charged of the Sukhoi’s weaponry Designing Bureau, possibly reflected the boldness of the Sukhoi Family in putting people to full use. However, one of the more important points was that this Lady definitely possessed the wisdom and capabilities that tallied with her status. Oscar could tell that the respect the Sukhoi members had for this young mistress was not merely superficial, but came genuinely from their hearts.

”So… We may proceed! I am truly sorry for holding up so much of everyone’s time.” Vijdeline turned and strode towards the master seat on the left of the dining table.

Oscar took his seat first, followed by Duke Sukhoi and later, followed by the young, family mistress. And only then did the crowd take their seats in succession.

”Lady Vijdeline, may I know what matters have held you up?” Over the long dining table, Oscar’s voice traveled out crisply. This was because after the mistress took her seat, the Sukhoi females conversed in markedly lowered voices.

”It was the problem with an experimental product,” Vijdeline replaced the crystal glass stained with lipstick, ”The experts from Dulin actually have no idea on how to resolve it, so I was forced to personally step in. However, I must admit that that did not take up much time, just that the little explosion messed up my hair and clothes. I had to change and tidy myself up and this is what caused…”

”Gunpowder!” Oscar leaned forwards, cutting off Mistress Sukhoi, ”If it were an explosion, then it means that you are researching gunpowder?”

Vijdeline shrugged, ”It was not gunpowder but rather, ammunition that can be stuffed into hand cannons and…”

”Vij!” The mistress’ words were once again cut off, but this time, by Duke Sukhoi. The father glared at his daughter. ”I say Vij, you have gotten a little carried away! The firearm research is the top classified information of the Empire and you should consider the setting in bringing up this matter.”

The family mistress shot a look of disdain back at her father clearly.

”I don’t think that this is any secret. In the field of firearm research, the Engels Kingdom and the Hoilland Kingdom have already surpassed Titan and our Sukhoi Designing Bureau. Especially the Engels, reliable intelligence indicates that the Fortress cannon they have modified has been moved onto warships! The Engelish call these light firearms as canna! Your Imperial Highness Prince, do you know what this implies?” Vijdeline queried while fiddling with the food on her dinner plate uneasily.

The prince and a few of his high-ranking military officers exchanged looks of dismay and in the end, Oscar had no choice but to spread out his hands helplessly.

”Lady Vijdeline, to be honest, I have no answer to this question, because I do not even know… What kind of a thing is the cannon that you mentioned!”

”Everyone here calls me Vij, you may do so as well!” Mistress Sukhoi raised her wine glass towards His Imperial Highness The Prince who was as young as herself. She glanced at her father, and the Duke did not appear to have any intentions to stop her from continuing on.

Lady Vij clinked her wine glass for a toast and wiped her mouth with a napkin, ”Allow me to explain it to you! I believe you have not forgotten about the hand cannon that Torry brought back to the Designing Bureau. It can be seen that the Easterners’ manufacturing industry is flourishing, but at least in terms of firearms, we have started to surpass them! Artilleries are proof of that! This is a formidable and strong gunpowder weapon. It uses gunpowder and a fuse to trigger the artillery shell and the explosion of the artillery shell will inflict death and injury within a specified radius. Putting it this way… Do you have a basic concept of it?”

Oscar nodded, ”I have never seen the real thing, so I cannot comment, but at least I know that… The cannon that you are referring to is far larger than the fire gun.”

”That’s right! Generally, the explosive radius of an artillery is five to six times that of a fire gun. And, if it were a Fortress cannon, it can reach up to nine to ten times. Its firing range is even more amazing! I have personally organized the task to restore the fire gun and its firing range is between about forty to sixty meters while the firing range of cannon can reach up to three hundred to four hundred meters. The larger Fortress cannon has an attack range that covers anything within two kilometers.

”This… This isn’t a folklore… Or… Or a legend story, is it?” Major General Murat Bedoya could no longer hold it in; he was a professional military personnel and was more sensitive to matters such as these than anyone else.

”Of course not! Hoilland Kingdom is throwing in a tremendous amount of financial resources to set up a new army, one made up of gunners, grenadiers, and artilleryman.”

Murat was at a loss for words; gunners, grenadiers and artilleryman! What did these military names that were never heard of before, signify? What did the Engelish’s gunship imply?

The valiant military officer of the Narcissus knights subconsciously gripped the General's sword that had been with him for many years, tightly. Although he was reluctant to admit, or perhaps even feared to admit it, Murat still edged closer to His Imperial Highness Prince’s ear.

”Your Highness, this trip has not been a waste, at least we know… The era of knights and swords is about to come to an end!”

Oscar did not appear to have heard anything he was gazing intently at Vijdeline who was speaking frankly with assurance, ”This young woman being the mistress of the Sukhoi Family, just what kind of ability and intelligence must she possess?”

Just when Oscar’s imagination had taken flight, Murat again leaned in towards the prince.

Under the clamor of the party, Prince O’Neil Andrew Morisette carefully distinguished General Murat’s faint voice.

”My Imperial Highness, if you can succeed as the commander-in-chief of the family and knights, then the first thing you should do once you have taken office will be to take the Lady of the Sukhoi Family as your proper wife.”

”What did you say?” Oscar’s eyes widened.

”The era has changed! Assuming that the Narcissus knights will still be as invincible as before, then possessing just half of the Sukhoi’s Designing Bureau is the requirement of this assumption; without this prerequisite, the assumption will not come to be!” Murat made a stand of his point.

Oscar nodded lightly. Oh, God of Light! The young prince, who was used to praising romance, actually nodded despite him still having his doubts and fears! The era had indeed changed! The age of swords was about to be replaced by firearms! This change came too suddenly, leaving him caught unprepared!

It seemed that the harvest of this trip to the north… was rather significant! Perhaps… He would have to properly talk about it with his father in his letters. Titan could fall behind people, but the Andrews who existed to fight, could not! Since there was already someone in the Western Kingdoms setting up a new military group, the Andrews should also take some actions! Otherwise, when the day came where the knights really faced gunpowder weapons, the loyalty, bravery and military accomplishments of four hundred years that the Andrews took pride in would fall apart in a battlefield of flying shrapnel! This was something that absolutely would not be allowed to happen! The Andrews and Narcissus Knights would forever be the strongest armed force in all Westland! Just like what Murat said, even if they abandon their swords and bows, the Knights of Andrew would not be defeated! And they must not be defeated!

Thinking about this, Oscar’s gaze inadvertently shifted onto Lady Vijeline who was engrossed in handling her food. Perhaps, she would make a good wife... Oscar smirked and shook his head; this was something that was simply uncertain! But there was one thing that he was certain of, possessing Vijdeline equaled to possessing half of the Sukhoi’s designing Bureau, which also meant fulfilling the requirement of this assumption!

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

”Church’s year 797, the 5th day of the 2nd month, this is the first day of our arrival at Grizzly Fortress. The diary is getting progressively thicker and I feel like leaving it aside, but I’ve realized that this has become a part of my life. A while ago I almost lost my way in Harp Palace, but thanks to one of the Madams of the Sukhoi Family, I managed to make my way back to my room. However, among the Sukhoi females in this huge family, only Vijdeline Van Sukhoi was that sophisticated. I believe that I will forever remember this name after today. It is she who allowed me to witness a segment of history and I really don’t know if this is a good or bad thing.”

”Many of Lady Vijdeline’s past achievements are circulating here. It is said that at the age of four, she started fiddling with gunpowder and at the age of fifteen she had already produced her own firearm that was about the size of a dagger, using gunpowder. And so, some referred to her as a genius and others, a devil! However, whatever is said, to any military force in Westland, having Vijdeline is a very fortunate thing! The knowledge she possessed was sufficient to equip the new army and this was the fundamental reason Murat voiced out that suggestion. But… I only admire, I think… I haven’t fallen for her… But… Oh gosh! What am I thinking, this segment should be torn off!”

”I am a little frightened, not of the change in the era but of the thought of marrying Lady Vij. This idea makes a lot of sense as if it were meant to be! But… This is for… my family’s benefit… Seriously! How can I have brought it up again?”

”Thank heavens! Someone knocked! That’s it for today…”

Oscar opened his bedroom door and saw a huge bundle of bedding. Paul, who was standing outside in attendance gestured with his lips to the prince, ”This is Lady Vijdeline.”

”Oh, goodness!” The Prince promptly took the quilts from the lady’s hands. ”Vij, what are you thinking? How can you do something like this? You have scared me!”

Lady Vijdeline dusted her hands gently, ”The castle is aged and cannot effectively shield against the cold air. These beddings are a must. Moreover, as one of the heads of the Sukhoi, I must personally see to certain matters.”

Oscar flung the quilts onto the bed, then took Lady Vij’s hand and strode out of the bedroom. Outside the bedroom was a suite, with a huge living room and a small bar. The prince led the tall VIjdeline to settle on the sofa’s recliner inside the bar. The mistress of Sukhoi was like a genuine noblewoman, kicking her shoes away contentedly and reclining her whole body on the sofa. After that, she exposed the pair of snowy white legs from under her skirts and swung them over the burning fireplace.

Through the thick fur draped over the Duchess, Oscar’s gaze was slowly moving downwards from the neck. This was a fine work of art. Those towering breasts appeared as if they were about to burst out from the corset; the tiny waist and the round buttocks reflected the northern women’s stunning figure. Although the pomegranate-red skirt added with cotton linings had completely covered those well-rounded thighs, the loose skirt still traced the beautiful curves of them faithfully.

”… Your Highness… Your Highness!”

”Huh?” Oscar startled, ”Ola! Forgive me… It is… very…. Very difficult for me to focus! My sincerest apologies!”

Vijdeline gave a slight smile; it had been ages since she last flirted with men. To her, men who were worthy of her acting that way were dwindling. However, if she occasionally encountered them… For example, this dazed Imperial Highness Prince, then that would be a target she must grab hold of.

”Have you seen enough? Your Highness?”

”No! Uhhh… What? What did you just say?” Aware that he was babbling nonsense, Oscar quickly put on an appearance as if he had not heard.

Paul who was standing guard to one side, rolled his eyes. It was time for him to make his move! Otherwise, the young lad, Oscar would definitely be scalded to death by the heat on his face.

”Pardon me, but will you both like something to drink?”

Oscar shot a grateful glance at the King of Assassins who was standing respectfully to one side.

”Uhhh… Bring me a cup of Sabac coffee, ”Oscar turned towards Vijdeline, ”How about you Duchess?”

”Banana daiquiri, thank you!”

Soon, Paul set two completely different beverages before the Prince and Duchess and then retreated into the shadows.

In silence, Vijdeline savored the fragrant and sweet cocktail and lifted her head, a teasing expression on her face.

”You know? During… About a year ago, Her Majesty Empress Rolyn Kate brought her second son and put forward a marriage proposal.”

Oscar shook his head, yet he was perfectly clear that if the significance of the Sukhoi’s Designing Bureau was known, then probably all the young, unmarried nobles would surge through the family’s huge doors.

”It seems that… You did not oblige.”

”That’s right! I rejected Her Majesty Empress’ good intentions, most firmly.”

Oscar noticed that when Vijdeline mentioned ”good intentions”, she appeared to be fuming with rage between gritted teeth.

”His Second Highness is without a doubt an idiot; I apologize for describing a member of the Imperial Household this way, but you must have quite a deep understanding of this Highness when you were pursuing your studies in University Town. So… You should understand why I rejected Her Majesty Empress. This request was actually not irreverent, but I am really unable to give myself over to a… a…”

”Forget about it!” Oscar suddenly waved his hands, ”Do not bring up the foolish second son; I believe he will remain that way all his life. On the contrary… Speaking of a marriage partner, what do you think of me?”

Vijdeline laughed lightly and placed down her wine glass, ”Your Highness, you have to admit that you are not qualified to propose to me. Don’t forget that you are already Her Highness Princess Alanis’ fiancé! Unless… You can inherit the Andrew Family’s title and the position of the Narcissus Knights’ Commander-in-chief.”

Oscar nodded; he was no longer that dazed, foolish lad.

”That’s right unless I can inherit Andrew Family’s title and the position of the Narcissus Knights’ Commander-in-chief, I can only go in accordance with the Church’s doctrine and marry one wife.” Oscar paused and bored into the Duchess’ eyes. ”But… If I can inherit everything in my family, will you then consider my proposal?”

”Hehehe!” Lady VIjdeline laughed without restraint, ”Your Highness, at that moment, you will be the head of the Andrew Family, the commander-in-chief of the Narcissus Knights and the Prince of the Empire’s Imperial household! As far as I know, there is a rumor going around Dulin that you will be in charge of a completely new power department and this has a high possibility of becoming a reality! So think about it yourself, when the single ladies are faced with such a supreme aristocrat who can marry four wives, what will they think?”

Oscar shrugged, ”They will be like bees which found nectar, swarming over viciously! But… I do not care about this, I only care what you… Vijdeline, will think at that moment.”

Vijdeline avoided the youngster’s overbearing gaze and averted her gaze towards the crystal-clear wine glass.

After a protracted period, the mistress of Sukhoi family beamed and finished the orange-yellow cocktail in one swig.

”I think, the unity of Titan Empire’s largest arms franchisee and greatest warlord will definitely spark an earth-shattering effect on this ancient nation.”

Oscar also broke into a laugh, ”Duchess, I must say that you are indeed intelligent, but politics aren’t as simple as what you may imagine. In short, do you agree or disagree?”

Vijdeline finally felt a little unbearable. This was not a discussion, but a forced marriage! Although this matter was worth careful consideration, she just really detested His Imperial Highness’ attitude.

”All this can only be discussed when you really possess the criteria you mentioned earlier; before then, I will not give you an answer for I may also… Choose another. So, It’s best if you do not have any expectations because I do not dare give empty promises!”

”Very well, Your Highness!” After saying this, Lady Vijdeline left the sofa, ”Good night! Forget about our conversation a while ago!”

While looking on at the closed door, Snowstorm plopped down onto the prince’s sofa.

”Do you think… Is she a sage? Or perhaps... a prostitute?”

Oscar added a sugar cube to his coffee and while he was stirring, his head suddenly jerked up.

”We should rejoice because this Lady is both a sage and a prostitute!”

”That’s right!” Snowstorm snapped his fingers. ”Five Ti coins and I will bet that Lady Vijdeline has definitely made countless empty promises before.”

Oscar waved his hand, ”You win! I won't get involved!”

They exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

Translator Note:

1. Engelish refers to the people of Engels Kingdom