Chapter 117: Thirteenth Episode: Chapter 8 (1/2)

Chapter 117: Thirteenth Episode: Chapter 8

Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Autumn in Deiss Kingdom always came as a surprise. The initial change of season is usually first noticed in the most unobtrusive things, like the change of color in Laufenkamen river. All these changes happened as if it was a planned notice by the God, informing people about harvest time, informing birds to migrate, informing trees to shed leaves, informing flowers to change color, informing those who are obsessed with beautiful things that everything would bloom and bear fruits at this time.

In short, the season of fall came unexpectedly in year 797 and occupied the earth in the blink of an eye. It ruled the gardens and rivers, forests and air, pastoral lands and birds. Everything appeared to fall captive to the season, and it seemed that it was also true in the case of love.

Azure-winged magpies played around in fields. They called out loudly to their potential spouses, while simultaneously showing their masculine male physique by jumping to intense heights. Wild cats paired together. Sometimes, they were even drawn from one village to another by the desperate calls from the opposite sex. In the meantime, young fishermen rowing in the river would sing out loud notes of ancient melodies, as women working in pastoral lands listened attentively. If any of these daring women responded boldly to the men's profession of love, the young fisherman would welcome her on board to join him, and then…

”And then I'm pretty sure you know perfectly well what they're going to do with each other!” Opareal revealed a bright smile at Oscar, who pretended to be confused.

”Ola! I hope things will work well as they wish!” His Imperial Highness Prince from Titan took in a deep breath and filled his body and mind with the fresh air of fall. He was satisfied. He hadn't expected his time in Deiss to be filled with inexplicable serendipity.

Opareal was expected to be Her Majesty the Queen of Deiss Kingdom in the near future. With her graceful though restrained demeanour, she lifted the bottom of her silk white dress slightly in a practiced manner. She smiled lovingly at the man beside her. The warm smile stretched perfectly on her beautiful face, and it was so sweet it resembled the first bloom of spring. Her eyes were bright as cat eye's crystals, and her luscious locks shone like strings of like golden threads. From the fine string of pearls resting on her neck to the pair of chic diamond earrings, every inch of her revealed the shyness of a soon-to-be bride.

In the porch of the castle Oscar draped an overcoat over the princess's shoulder. He felt rather subdued, looking at her excited cheerful self. Tomorrow would be her wedding day, all the beauty of this woman was in full bloom for her husband.

”Perhaps, we will never get to discuss poetry, literature, or even military matters anymore! Perhaps, she will not debate religion with me, dine with me, or even be in the same room with me in the future, ever again!” Oscar surprised himself at the thought of this, ”I shouldn't be looking forward to these!”

As they ascended the carriage bound for the countryside, Her Royal Highness Princess noticed the disappointed Imperial Highness Prince and voiced out her complaint.

”Cheer up, it's Grape Festival today!”

It was the 4th day of 9th month, a day when Deiss people in Laufenkamen Riverside celebrated the tradition of Grape Festival. Each year this time, grape vineyards transformed into a dark sea of gleaming pearls. The fall sun stayed high and tall, its bright rays seeped through the dense shade, reflected on the fully ripe grapes and made them shine like a collection of precious pearls. Farmers were busy around the yards in all directions. Both men and women were seen holding a large rattan basket as they occupied themselves by reaping their hard labor of the past six months.

There was an affluent village not far away from the castle, and people were seen gathered around the vacant land at the edge of the vacant land. It was nothing more than a winding slope leading toward the river, with a few tall rubber trees enclosing the area, along with rows of wood fence and the purple alfalfa tended by farmers.

In the center of the vacant land was a massive wooden barrel of 5 meters in diameter and 1.5 meters in height, for the purpose of collecting freshly reaped, full and ripe grapes from the vineyard. As the adults announced the official opening of the celebration, the ladies who stood by the side, itching to go into the barrel, finally jumped in, and began a passionate song and dance.

The carriage whose exterior is carved with the royal family's totem came to halt at the entrance. The knights avoided sounding the bugle to attract attention. Instead, they rode these massive warhorses toward the vacant area, leaving the peasants to have their fun.

The commoners were not surprised at the arrival of the Princess. She was loved and adored by the people since she was a young girl. They removed their hats to greet the royal member, and followed their beloved Princess and that handsome looking young man toward the wide wooden barrel.

On the side of the venue was a feast of food and wine, but this remained a world for men. Nobles from near and far gathered around the table with the most extravagant delicacies. They were perfectly content with indulging in the selection of food and wine with a view of enthusiastic women dancing in delight.

The women were well aware of the men's gazes of admiration. These women in long skirts were soon going in to join the dance party, to jump up and down with their skirts lifted up to mid-thigh. Their strong and well-built thigh muscles were going to unfold before these annoying men's eyes.

All of a sudden, the band positioned on the side of the land played the last note of the melody. Thick clouds skidded across the blue sky. Birds seemed to immediately stop chirping, while peasants and nobles burst out into deafening cheers. The band finally commenced to play a cheerful national dance music that raised the atmosphere of the venue into high spirits. Screams of excitement were heard from the crowd of slightly shy but enthusiastic Deiss women, as one after another, they were thrown into the barrel filled with grapes by the young blonde lads. Undoubtedly, these young men were the lovers of these ladies, as the tradition of Grape Festival didn't allow married women to participate in the grape-stomping dance.

Grape-stomping dance was a dance that lived up to its name! This type of dance spread widely in wine-making villages and families for thousands of years. How happy were the people as they danced and stomped on the grapes! The women utilised their beautiful voices to show grace to God, to praise love, and show gratefulness for the fruitful reaping of their hard labor.

”Why are you still standing there?” Opareal, who has been itching to have a go stared at Oscar impatiently.

”You want go in?” His Imperial Prince watched in disbelief as the Princess rolled up the bottom of her dress to reveal half of her snow-white calves. The Prince of Deiss Kingdom!

”Of course! Why do you think I'm here for? I'm getting married tomorrow hence this is going to be my last Grape Festival celebration!”

Oscar felt the apparent annoyance in the princess's tone when she mentioned her wedding, and he knew exactly what he should do next!

Accompanied by a sweet surprised scream, Opareal suddenly felt herself fly across the ground. Oscar held the beautiful girl sideway in his arms, and dashed full speed toward the barrel, but hesitated for a moment before performing his next move.

”Real, are you sure about this?” Oscar asked the blushing princess. It was his first time addressing her so tenderly with the endearment.

The crown of the Deiss Kingdom nodded her head in excitement. Oscar sounded a loud cry as he threw the Princess upward into the vast blue sky.

She flew! She really felt herself flying in the air! Opareal extended her arms as she embraced the wind and took in the amazing view of the thick clouds. In the midst of all enjoyment, still she experienced a slight sense of bitterness in her heart.

The ladies worked together to help the princess to her feet. Real stood there with a delightful smile spread across her face, not feeling any bit embarrassed of her white outfit that was drenched in grape juice. She licked her lips quickly, and the sweet fragrance of the grape juice awakened all the senses on her taste buds. However, in the depth of all these senses, a peculiar sour taste stood out among the rest, which she knew perfectly well was a combination of distress and misery.

”Let us begin!” Princess shouted loudly.

The band returned to performing, and the crowd gathered around the wooden barrel moved their body to the rhythm of the tune. The ladies in the barrel linked their arms together as they sang happily. Just like the other young men who surrounded the barrel to watch their lovers, Oscar took to his position and laid eyes on the beautiful princess. As the dance proceeded, fresh purple juice rolled down on both sides of Opareal's cheeks. Her legs and feet was immersed in the color of grape juice, as well as her white satin outfit. The thin material stuck onto her moving limbs, proudly revealing the profundity of a young girl's body.

Oscar's mood was heightened as the clouds continue to skid across the sky. He was well aware that, after today, Opareal Roulexberg was going to leave the identity of young lady behind! She was going to be crowned the king of Deiss Kingdom, perhaps, only the God of Light knew what this young lady would turn into!

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

”My God of Light! Look at what you've become?” Alfa III said as he walked toward his old friend who made an appearance in the vestibule of Hamilton Palace.

In response to the Emperor's exaggerated exclaims, Dortmund only shrugged nonchalantly. After all these years, he was still rather satisfied with his own appearance. Just a few moments ago, the ladies, no matter young or old, gathered outside of the palace to steal a glance at the handsome commander-in-chief.

”The Empire's Eastern Border Governor, Dortmund Andrew Nedgabel wish to greet Your Majesty...”

”Save the nonsense, you!” Alfa III helped the man who was about to kneel to get back up to his feet. He held Duke of Andrew by arm, and carefully examined this old friend whom he has not seen for sixteen years.

”Your Majesty! Your Majesty...”

The Emperor finally regained his thoughts at the call of his friend, and naturally he let out a helpless sigh.

”My old friend, we're really not young anymore!”

Dortmund nodded in agreement, ”However, it seems that women like me better than they like you.” As he finished his sentence the Duke turned to face an elegant lady who stood beside the Emperor.

Her Majesty the Empress, Rolyn Kate Karl Arnold Morisette, smiled and extended her arm to the Duke of Andrew.

Alfa III rolled his eyes at his old friend, ”Yeah, yeah! You're indeed more popular among the ladies. Only you can make my Empress step out of her mouldy stone castle.”

Rolyn Kate didn't seem to take her husband's mocking to heart. Instead, as an Empress, she linked her arm around the Duke's.

”Your Majesty, in comparison to your Hamilton Palace, at least there are more people with a loyal and kind heart in my Westberg Fort.” Disregarding the Emperor's sullen look, she turned to face Dortmund who appeared to be slightly lost in the conversation. ”Come on, young fella! Look at what I've prepared for you!”

The Empress left Alfa III behind by himself, while she paced away with her arm in the Duke's. All these entered the eyes of the nobles who were present to catch a glimpse of Marshal Andrew. However, Dortmund forced a helpless smile at the reign who dominated the nation as he walked past. With no alternative, the Emperor replied with another weak smile. He was well aware that he had a fall out with his wife over the matter about Sukhoi House.

Satisfied, Dortmund leaned against the tall chair. He was thankful for the authentic Schmitt white wine in his hand, but what pleased him more was the banquet organised by Her Majesty the Empress! There were only the three of them in the dining table. Apparently, the Emperor was trying to imply the notion that the three of them were a family! ”I don't buy it!” Dortmund thought to himself as he put down the wine glass.

As expected, Emperor asked the most sensitive question as soon as he took to his seat.

”How is it going, my marshal? Is it a smooth journey so far? Has the newly reformed Red Tiger cavalry settle down?”

Dortmund bowed slightly to His Majesty. He knew what was the emperor's real concern, therefore he right away ignored the unnecessary small chat.

”Your Majesty, thank you for the grace bestowed upon Andrew and Red Tiger of Narcissus Knights! It would be their duty and responsibility to serve you for a lifetime! Up until now, they have been stationed in several different spots within the fortress in First Region. Be rest assured that under the enthusiastic leadership of First Military Region Commanding Officer Lieutenant General Dallas Bobbaston, they seem to be slightly lost about their own whereabouts.”

”Hahahaha! That's good, that's good…” Alfa III said and clinked his glass with others in excitement. Although there was only the three of them, he was used to the formality of dining in a banquet.

Roasted lobster, roasted squab, roasted pigeon, smoked trout, smoked squid, smoked sausage, cabbage salad, mushroom salad, cucumber caviar salad, condensed beef broth, creamy tomato soup, and tuna soup! Despite the sumptuous banquet, all three of them did not have any appetite. They were all laden with anxiety.

”Dortmund, I'm truly sorry regarding what happened to Oscar, you… I assume you've been informed?” The Emperor glanced into the marshal's eyes, ”Oscar is under the protection of Deiss Kingdom's crown princess. In short, his life over there is not too bad.”

”Yes, Your Majesty. I'm well aware of young Oscar's condition. He can be considered as a distinguished captive, haha!”

”I'm sorry! Let us not discuss about official matters today!” Alfa III felt a slight migraine in his temple. It seemed like the matters regarding the young prince wasn't too much of a popular topic.

”Oh right, Your Majesty!” Dortmund said as he wiped off the corner of his mouth with a napkin, ”Why wasn't Marshal Alan present in the welcome ceremony of the Imperial Army in the capital just now?”

”Oh… Alan!” The emperor gave a quick side glance at Rolyn Kate who sat opposite himself, ”Marshal Alan is headed to the north, under the invitation to a wedding of an important member of the Sukhoi House. As a matter of fact, it was supposed to be the task of another marshal, but you know what? Something really unfortunate happened to this marshal!”

Dortmund's interest was piqued, ”Do you mean the arrest of Chief of Staff of Imperial Army, Marshal Valier Cypress? I heard about it on my way to Dulin, those general officers along the army regions were in heated discussion of the matter!”

Alfa III put down his cutleries, ”Is that so? Do you mind telling me, what is it that they talked about?”

Duke of Andrew shrugged nonchalantly, ”They guessed and debated, but generally it could be separated into three different categories. First category of people heard the news and are burning with indignation; they're all dying to tear Valier into flesh and bones. Second category of people remained cautious; they stay in the distant, quietly observing the situation. Third category of people was hot with emotions; they think that this is simply a conspiracy to disgrace and humiliate the marshal of Imperial Guards.”

Alfa III nodded in understanding, he had guessed the reactions of regional soldiers to be somewhat like this.

”But… Your Highness!” Dortmund couldn't hide his worry between his brows, ”In my opinion, there's a need for you to perform an open and just trial! If Marshal Valier is indeed proven to be guilty, you should publicly announce his crime and wrongdoings. By doing so you can avoid further unstable situations among the Imperial Guards, simultaneously avoiding yourself some unnecessary problems!”

Alfa III looked at Duke of Andrew for a long moment before he finally responded, ”Your point of view is similar to that of Marshal Alan! I'll leave this treason to the hands of the military court.”

Dortmund replied with a slight nod of head, and didn't say anything much after that. He sensed ingenuity from the tone of the emperor.

”Oh right!” All of a sudden His Majesty the Third laughed in delight, ”Dortmund, I'm not sure if this is considered bad news, but as I mentioned earlier a member of the Sukhoi House is getting married, and the relevant subject is a pregnant lady of the respective House! Oh my God! I wouldn't have let Marshal Alan go if I'd known earlier! How embarrassing is that! It doesn't deserve my blessing at all!”

”A pregnant bride?” Duke of Andrew followed to laugh, ”Your Majesty, it seems like you weren't being cautious when it comes to making decisions, and this indeed is another irritating matter!”

”Clang!” Her Majesty the Empress Rolyn Kate laid down her cutleries, and that successfully attracted the men's attraction. The empress was finally going to join in the conversation.

”Dear Dortmund, many rumors are being spread regarding this pregnant bride who is about to walk down the aisle.”

”Oh?” Dortmund was rather interested at the information, ”I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I'm not too familiar with the lady myself. As you've known, it's has always been my military supplies officer who deals with Sukhoi House.”

”Haha! You should be pay extra attention to the lady then!” Her Majesty the Queen Rolyn Kate laughed half-heartedly. The past few years haven't been smooth for her! Her first son indulged himself in petty pleasures, while the bride she hunted down for her second son was taken away by other people.

”Dortmund, you should have heard about this! The fortress artillery that decided the fate of Saijo Battle was invented by this lady!”

”Fortress artillery… was invented… invented by a lady?” Marshal Dortmund of the Narcissus Knights was completely lost for words!

”I'm sure you knew!” The empress said bitterly to herself, even though it was still that cool expression that remained on her face.

”Not only that, but it's also rumored that the child in her stomach doesn't belong to her fiancée, and… and there are other rumors concerning your youngest son, His Imperial Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette!”

”How… why is it concerning Oscar?”

The Empress used the wine glass as a cover to her grim face. She took a small sip of the strong white wine, and said casually, ”Dear Dortmund! Have you forgotten that young Oscar once stayed in Grizzly Castle of Sukhoi House for a week while he was on his move? Some people did the math and calculated the period and time for the lady's pregnant cycle, and they discovered that...”

”That's enough! My empress!” Alfa III suddenly cut off the speaking empress. He appeared to be immensely annoyed and impatient. ”Dortmund, now you know how silly is the life of these capital noble ladies, they have so much free time in their hands to calculate this kind of nonsense! It doesn't matter if they're just messing about, but they adore judging people and hurting others!”

Dortmund glanced at Rolyn Kate who looked sullen, ”Your Majesty the Empress, if there's indeed this kind of rumors, then I suggest you make a proper investigation, because… I don't wish for any unnecessary troubles.”

”It's nothing! Forget about it!” Weirdly enough, Rolyn Kate only replied with a wave of hand, ”They're just silly rumors! I have to admit that the ladies can carry a joke too far sometimes. Everyone knows that young Oscar only adores my daughter alone! It's just that some people… they don't wish my son-in-law to live a peaceful life!”

”That's really enough!” Alfa III's face was washed over by anger. He realised what his wife was trying to imply to the Duke of Andrew. ”Oscar is still in Deiss! For the grace of God of Light, please stop discussing this!”

After this conversation, Dortmund appeared to be lost in his thoughts many times throughout the banquet.

”Are you crazy or are you mad?” As he sent off the Duke of Andrew to the door of the palace by his gaze, Alfa III finally revealed his real self and bashed his wife.

”I'm much more clear-headed than you!” Rolyn Kate turned her head away in disdain.

”You're more clear-headed than me?” Alfa III fiercely dashed toward his wife, ”Are you more clear-headed than me? I think you've completely lost your mind because of jealous and envy. I know you've investigated that Duchess of Sukhoi House! Do you know of the significance of the lady's intelligence in technology to the empire?”

Rolyn Kate wished to defend herself, but His Majesty the Third already turned himself around without the intention to hear her arguments.

”Rolyn Kate! Don't think I'm not aware of your plans!” Alfa III revealed his detest in his tone of voice. ”You're thinking of manipulating the Sukhoi House to your own benefit by using this piece of disgraceful information, am I right? Do you think Sukhoi House will surrender easily? Do you think that Duchess doesn't have anything to backfire at you? Have you lost your mind by the torture of asthma? How do you think Dortmund will regard this matter? It's a connection that binds them together with the country's biggest arms manufacturer! This might be a dream come true for Andrew House! So what if the child in the stomach belongs to Oscar? I'm never allowing the outside people to admit to this fact, because undoubtedly it provides the best excuse for Andrew to get involved in a more intimate level with Sukhoi House!”

Rolyn Kate lowered her head, panting for breath. Indeed, she has considered about the possible reactions if the disgraceful news was exposed, but… no one really knew to whom that child belonged to, and Andrew could completely disregard that matter. If things went the way the emperor imagined, then Rolyn Kate admitted that she had not thought through the situation well! She thought Andrew didn't care about young Oscar, so they wouldn't even consider much of his child. However, the impregnated party wasn't just a princess of the imperial family, but the dominating munitions manufacturer in the entire empire! If that was how it was, then… perhaps something really bad might arise from the incident!

”Was the reason for Marshal Alan to personally head north to avoid the trial of Marshal Valier Cypress?” Another matter suddenly came into her mind.

Alfa III felt unaccountably agitated and sat down on his seat, ”No! I don't think so. Red Tiger cavalry is soon going into the winter battle deployed by Alan, and we don't have to concern ourselves with this because Alan never does something he's not completely sure of! But… whatever! At least I can have complete control over Imperial Guards when he's not around. Anyway… that fella Valier should be hung to death! It was really unexpected of him to sell out so many of the country's confidential secrets!”

Her Majesty the Empress Rolyn Kate shook her head, ”I've always feel that something is up within the political sphere of our country! The State Council hasn't responded to the military's actions, as if the chancellor is trying to hide from something!”