Chapter 112: Thirteenth Episode: Chapter 3 (2/2)

”Your Majesty!” Eisenstein had enough. In comparison to his old friend’s craving for greatness and success, General Stanbein was much more rational!

”Your Majesty, the eastern garrison area has sent back a clear investigation results. Inside the Czerroc border, there were obvious signs of a massive cavalry activity! According to the investigation, the number of these cavalry is more than the total cavalry of the Kingdom of Czerroc!”

”Haha!” Deiss King thought about it for a moment, and sneered in resentment. ”It seems that the old guy Stanbein is right this time! It’s interesting that Andrew house shows such great determination on this matter!”

After a brief moment of mumbling to himself the King finally returned his attention to his old friend, ”Eisen, notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present a note to the ambassador of Titan, informing the Titan Morisette Imperial Family about the existence of Narcissus Knights in the border of Czerroc Kingdom!”

The King leaned into his comfortable bed once again, satisfied. ”If the Narcissus Knights wish to fight, then we’ll let them! However, I believe… Morisette Imperial Family would provide us with a clear explanation!”

The Deiss King was so inflated with his own success and didn’t seemed to be discouraged. Evidently, those who managed to become the few supreme powers were not people who could be easily defeated.

”Your Majesty, there’s another matter I would like to consult.”

”Oh?”

Eisen looked into his old friend’s eyes, ”Intelligence agents from DeKTer and generals from the Rapids Plan program reported that your sister, the honorable Royal Highness Princess Opareal Roulexberg, appears to have some inappropriate affection toward the commander of the enemy force.”

”Hahahahaha!” The King roared in laughter, ”My spokesman, you’re just worried about your fiancée, aren’t you?”

”Your Majesty, I’m just telling the truth!”

”Let Opareal be then!” The King returned the gaze, ”My sister is not easily swayed by external influences, it would be of no use even if I warn her as she would still persist in her own way. Since the Prince of Titan is currently resting in Mother’s castle, naturally it becomes Opareal’s responsibility to take care of him.”

”Yes, Your Majesty! Then… I shall not disrupt your rest anymore!” There wasn’t much expression shown on Eisenstein’s face. He only wished for the complicated matter to be resolved as soon as possible.

”Hey! Am I not getting any goodbye kiss?” In a bantering manner, the King of Deiss said to his handsome friend.

With no alternative Eisenstein went forward, without expecting the King to plant a peck on his lips.

”Your Majesty, are you still playing these games?” The highest spokesman of the palace was rather upset at the harassment.

”My dear Eisen! You’re still as petty as before. I’ve already handed my sister to you, which means that I’m handing over the king’s sceptre to you too! When I finally leave this world, you’ll get married with my sister and become the prime minister of the country, and you’re still as petty? As even rejecting my one kiss?”

Eisenstein didn’t wish to continue this silly conversation. He was disgusted by what happened during their youth, especially now when he has a lover of opposite-sex.

”Your Majesty! Please allow me to leave now!”

”Stingy man! Get out of my sight now!” King of Deiss shooed his friend off, delighted. He enjoyed watching the embarrassment on Eisen’s face when he got violated. Or perhaps, the King simply enjoyed violating his brother-in-law.

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

She untied her long golden tresses, and the beautiful hair fell loosely on her shoulder like a waterfall. With a rude manner, Her Royal Highness Princess Opareal Roulexberg tousled her silk hair into a mess.

”Ola!” Oscar forced a smile, ”I’m sorry, I’m not great in remembering faces! Besides, beautiful lady, you should know that I was only half conscious during that chaotic moment!”

Opareal laughed a little, ”If so, Your Imperial Highness Prince, let me introduce myself to you, Opareal Roulexberg, the princess of this kingdom.”

”I can see that! Only royal family members would dress up like that.” Oscar smiled slightly as he has already calmed down. Although he was thousand miles away from his own country, this prince was not any other man. Prison life was not something unfamiliar for him!

”Really?” Opareal checked herself out. She wore a light yellow knitted gown, with jewels and gemstones decorating her neck and wrists. The princess let out a smile, and began smoothing out her tousled hair in front of the dressing table.

As Oscar watched at this scene played in front him, an illusion rose in his mind all of a sudden. It seemed that... only a wife would do such a thing before her husband! The prince turned his head abruptly at this thought, even he was embarrassed by his ridiculous idea. Her gentle gesture, her alluring posture… he didn’t want to admit the reflection in the mirror was so full of temptation.

Once she straightened herself up she returned to her immaculate self again, ”Welcome to Deiss!”

Oscar shook his head and forced another smile, ”I would be greatly honored if I was here by invitation! But… you installed more than twenty paladins by the side of your guest. Your action frightens me.”

”Oh? I thought you’ve only just awakened? It appears like you are very well informed already.” Opareal suddenly slapped lightly on her forehead. ”Ah! I almost forgot, you need some food right now!”

The princess pressed on the bell positioned on the table. Almost immediately, the door to the room was opened and a paladin entered with a dining car. Oscar smiled helplessly again, how he wished to see a real servant instead of yet another paladin.

”Alright! My court physician told me that you’re only allowed liquids for the moment.”

Oscar frowned deeply. He craved for red wine roasted beef, lemon roasted chicken… or at least a smoked fish would do the job! Liquid diet! Why is it full liquid diet again? He had listed liquid food as prohibited dangerous articles when he suffered from dysentery, but who would have thought he was now once again limited to a full liquid diet after that damned dysentery experience!

”Don’t complain!” Princess Opareal said while simultaneously handing him over a ceramic bowl the size of a cup. ”You are only allowed these foods for now, because we’re still uncertain if the injuries in your intestines have been fully recovered.”

Realising what the princess was about to do, Oscar struggled to sit himself up. His face grimaced at the excruciating pain as he moved around.

”Your Royal Highness Princess, I can do this myself!”

Opareal moved back an inch with the bowl in her hands, ”No! You’ve not seen your wound, but honestly, you could have killed yourself by moving the wrong position with the wrong force.”

”Come on, open your mouth… that’s better! Just like this… how does it taste?” Opareal put down the tiny spoon, and wiped off the remnants of the soup on the corner of his mouth with her own handkerchief.

Oscar was confused as he observed the serious princess, he thought that there was a need for him to prove something.

”I can’t fully taste it yet because… it burned my tongue!”

”Oh God of Light! Forgive me!” Remorse washed over the princess’ face. She placed the spoon near to her mouth and gave it a few blows, ”Alright, now open your mouth… that’s right… so how does it taste?”

”Hmm!” Oscar nodded as he savoured the fresh taste of the fish porridge, ”We’ve just upgraded our relationship from enemy… to enemy who can make a simple conversation!”

Finally! Opareal’s expression changed, and she lowered her head, ”I’m sorry, some things can never be changed!”

Oscar nodded in agreement, ”Exactly! Some things can never be changed! So… is this really appropriate?” Oscar motioned on the delicacy that was heading the direction of his mouth.

”Let me rephrase that, Your Royal Highness Princess Opareal Roulexberg of Deiss Kingdom, your behaviour will lead to some unnecessary criticism, which will definitely threaten your reputation to a certain degree. I think… since you were able to go on an expedition with the army forces, that means your position in the kingdom is undeniably prominent. You should be extra careful, especially with the way you treat me.”

”Are you… are you being considerate for me?” Opareal retrieved the spoon in slight surprise.

”Of course! You would definitely get into troubles if you’re not careful enough! For example… perhaps the following day your face would be on the headlines of the nonsensical daily express of the capital.”

”Hahahahahahahahahaha!” Opareal laughed uncontrollably, her body rocked back and forth! ”Oh my God! My God of Light! Daily express… hahahahahaha!”

”Did I say something wrong?” Oscar was extremely puzzled. He felt like an idiot looking at the princess who shook with laughter at something he just said.

”Your Imperial Highness Prince!” Opareal finally managed to hold back the urge to burst into another laughter. ”Perhaps… you might be right if this happens in Titan, but you’ve obviously forgotten that we’re in Deiss, there is no newspaper in my kingdom! No publisher, no lifeless people that gossip others for a living! There is only a supreme voice in my kingdom, and that’s my brother, the will of the King of Deiss, and the rest is all but illusion! Therefore, you don’t have to worry about how people will judge us, because apart from my brother, no one else in the kingdom have that power!”

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

”Eat up! The soup is getting cold!”

”But… but… it tastes horrible!” Torry gave a weak and helpless look to his sister.

Vijdeline playfully knocked on her brother’s head that was bandaged around with thick layers, and took pleasure in hearing his brother’s cries at the pain inflicted.

”Oh God! Sister Vij! Are you trying to take my life?” Torry poured out his woes loudly, ”It doesn’t matter if you feed a seriously wounded imperial hero to drink this disgusting thing, but you still hit so hard on his head! Do you know his head was cut by the enemy’s saber?”

Vijdeline lowered her head with hidden bitterness, and stirred in the unidentifiable concoction, ”But… I cooked this for you myself! You know that I’ve never stepped foot in the kitchen before, I’m really sorry! Perhaps, the soup even tastes a little like gunpowder!”

Torry pursed his lips as he was lost for words. He took over the bowl with both his hands, held his breath, and gulfed down the soup at once.

Finally, tears rolled down to Vij’s cheeks as she looked at her brother’s right hand. Apart from a palm linked to the thumb, there was nothing else left on the hand!

Torry finished the bowl of soup, trying hard to cover the inexplicable weird taste down with his saliva! However… he noticed his sister’s tears. In his recollection, he has never seen his sister cry, not even once!

”Haha!” Torry sprung up from the bed. ”Hey! My sister! You know what? With only four fingers I managed to exchange a life of the rival general! That fella rushed toward me just like that with a sabre in his hand! Honestly! I’ve never seen such a massive saber…”

Looking at the exaggerated gestures and animated expression of his brother, Vijdeline finally burst into tears! She never would have thought this brother of hers would be a big hero who won countless glories for the empire and the family! Initially, she sent her brother to University Town simply to keep this annoying womanizer out of her sight! Who would have thought her brother would return after having fought a tragic battle! He even grew enough to inherit the family business! On the other hand, herself being the elder sister, Vijdeline could only express her guilt with tears. Apart from the laboratory and dealing with those rubbishes, she has never provided any concern to the people who loved and cared about her.

”Ah...” Vij let out a meaningful long sigh. She wiped off the tears off her eyes, then kissed on her brother's cheeks with love and pride. Similarly, feeling his sister's warmth and care, Torry trembled and found himself speechless at the affection. He never imagined he would survive the final charge! By the time the search team dragged his bloody body off the horse, he thought he already stepped foot in heaven.

”Rest well!” Vij sent over another flying kiss to her brother from the door. ”Oh right!” His sister suddenly turned around, ”You should send me your blessings! I’m getting married!”

The night has fallen. In the north of Titan empire, the last oil lamp in the famous scenic area called Austen finally extinguished its light. Numerous unidentified insect bugs shuttled back and forth across the spring field, and occasionally they issued some crisp noises. The loud cries woke up nocturnal birds, where they then began to soar above the land in the wilderness.

The Tirch Military Sanatorium was located just on the lower reaches of Austen Falls, close to Nancastro River. This sanatorium provided a place for senior ranking military officers of Imperial Guards to escape the summer heat and indulge in some entertainment. Moreover, some retired veterans chose to retire here not only for its beautiful scenery and complete medical care available, but most importantly, these old comrades could play cards together, as they reminisce about the past. For the elderly, nothing was more valuable than memories!

When the survivors from Saijo Battle were welcomed into the sanatorium, all veterans put on their best suits, even the veterans who couldn’t stand straight lined up neatly at the door. When the heroes were escorted by the nurses from the carriage, the elders performed the most impeccable military posture as a tribute to the warriors.

However, the souls of the warriors depleted increasingly with each passing day. Some people suffered nightmares constantly, their eye sockets deeply sunken, becoming unconscious regularly. Some became aggressive and constantly raved like a madman, a few even lost control and bit at the medical staffs. Of course, majority of the survivors simply kept quiet. They dragged their broken souls to participate in the prayer ceremony held by Division Commander Murat, who prayed before God and blessed the sacrificed comrades to rest in peace. They also vowed before God to seek justice from the enemy at all costs.

Vijdeline opened the French window and stepped into the balcony. A gentle night breeze brushed her long hair in the air, and her beautiful features became even more prominent under the warm moonlight of springtime.

From afar sounded the noise of water gushing off a waterfall. Vijdeline raised her head to look for the source of the noise. She only arrived at Tirch Military Sanatorium last night and hasn’t had time to appreciate the magnificent sight of famous Austen Falls.

Baron Viesharl placed a warm cape over the shoulder of the Mistress. Apart from him liking to appear quietly out of nowhere, Viesharl was a rather decent guy in comparison with actual flea.

Vij closed up her notebook with her brows locked together. Through his brother’s detailed account of the incident, this firearm expert clearly discovered the ultimate fate of the cannon!

”Only weight, movement and shelling interval cannot be resolved within a short time! But damn! These three points are precisely what defines the fate of an artillery soldier in the battlefield...”

”Mistress!” Baron Viesharl interrupted the Eldest Lady. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out, the opposite looked at him with perplexed expression.

”Are you… are you getting married?”

Eldest Lady of Sukhoi let out a tiny sigh. ”Do I have any alternative? Present myself in the public with my enlarging tummy? Give them a chance to mock at the Mistress of Sukhoi House?”

Looking at her abdominal swell, a kind of happiness washed over Vij’s face. However, it was immediately replaced by an unexplainable cold and stern.

”I must deliver this child. Although it will position me in a difficult and risky situation, but I must deliver the baby! It is the intersection of the fate of me and that man, and the intersection point for me and Andrew House! However, if I were to be seen in public in the appearance of my swelling stomach, not to mention how the family members will react, Her Majesty the Queen, who was severely rejected by me, she and her House will definitely seize this opportunity to execute the archbishop’s power for church disciplinary orders. When the time comes, not only I would fail to keep my child, but I would also be blamed for blasphemy!”

Vij glanced at Viesharl who remained quiet as she spoke, ”So… Flea! What are you waiting for? Unless you wish for me to be imprisoned in some kind of convent, can’t you see that I’m in desperate need of a husband? I need to legalise the baby in me! This is a matter of life or death!”

The confused Viesharl had his eyes wide opened. Although he made a wild hypothesis in his own mind, he didn’t allow himself to have high hopes.

”You could… you could keep away from the public by staying in the laboratory, and then when…”

”And then only to think of what to do when the baby is delivered?” Vij turned her head around in annoyance, ”I’ve considered this possibility, but it’s not realistic! People in the house kept me under surveillance like I’m some kind of thief! Ten months! So what if I stay hidden in the laboratory for ten months, eventually the spies would notice something’s up! Besides, the death of the certified doctor not long ago already raised some suspicions!”

”Therefore…” She was really annoyed at the man whose brain functioned slowly. ”What a moron! Propose to me! Must I say it out loud for you to do it?”

Viesharl was completely stunned! He stood on the ground, at a loss as to what to do!

”You are my most trusted confidant, I can’t exactly remember when you started following me, but I know for sure that you will definitely assist me to overcome every obstacle, even if it meant giving up your life! So Viesharl, you shouldn’t doubt my decision.

”But… but I’m only an orphan, and it was Duke who granted me my title, I…”

”Enough!” Vijdeline turned to face the man she chose to be her husband, ”You feel that you don’t deserve me? I can tell you clearly right here and now that you’re right! You certainly are not a decent match for me! But I need you to be my husband, and I believe my father will approve of my choice! Viesharl, don’t consider too much about the unnecessary, especially after our marriage! I’m not warning you, I’m only giving you a reminder! You are well aware of the relationship between us, and I wish this new identity of yours will not cause you any trouble. You need to understand that even if you’re my husband, you will never become the father to my child, understand this!”

”I… understand!” After what seemed like forever, Viesharl finally blurted out an answer. However, he was grateful for the Mistress’ ruthless behavior, otherwise, he was sure that he would get confused about his own roles and status in the relationship.

”So… Lady Countess Vijdeline Van Sukhoi!” the guardian of the Mistress knelt to his one knee, ”Please marry me! Like before, I’ll always protect you and the new master!”

Vij turned around, ”You can leave now!”

Viesharl raised his head in astonishment, ”But you haven’t…”

”Go now!”

The Flea disappeared right away at the roar of the angry Mistress.

The breeze stopped, but moonlight remained to cast its soft light on Vij, outlining her beautiful silhouette. She was going to be a bride, but… a bride to another groom that she doesn’t love. Was he alright? He became a national hero, and his child would be so proud of its father in the future! With all her might, Vij fought off the tears to the back of her eyes.

She stood tall and proud, glancing into the absolute darkness. She was Vijdeline Van Sukhoi, the ultimate winner! She would not never, ever, be defeated!