Chapter 131: Episode 15 Chapter 4 (1/2)

Chapter 131: Episode 15 Chapter 4

Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The fog of the forest billowed in all directions. Damp vapor condensed into icicles that hung on the branches among the treetops. They were like perfect sculptures, exuding a loneliness and magnificence that was difficult to describe.

The Narcissus Knight's camp was far off from the battlefield at the edge of the forest. This massive army camp spread out indefinitely into the wilderness. The knights had dug an isolation trench around the army camp and the cavalry could only come and go from the camp through two passageways that went across the trench.

The rays of dawn were faint, with the Sun still hidden beneath the horizon. Cold mist drifted around slowly. The white veils of mist rolled out of the forest and spread towards the camp, cloaking it in a flimsy cotton dress without so much as a sound. The warhorses had gathered in the stables on one side of the camp. These early-rising soldiers nuzzled and greeted each other, using their own familiar way to convey messages.

A bonfire was burning at the heart of the camp, dispersing the mist. Indistinct silhouettes were seen, apparently, something was moving in the fog.

The knights on night duty were already bone-weary, but they still vigilantly kept watch over everything around them. They were guarding the perimeters around the heart of the camp, shouldering the mission of protecting the Prince.

”Password!” a sentinel drew out his sword swiftly! He gazed attentively at the person approaching.

”Deiss' winter is particularly cold!”

The sentinel sheathed his longsword, ”That's right, not false at all! Already here to change shifts? You came too early!”

A knight emerged from the mist. The sentinel's eyelids shot up, ”You...” His cry was cut off abruptly. He stared in disbelief at the lethal weapon embedded deep in his chest. The knight that ambushed him took the weight of the sentinel's heavy body. His longsword had pierced straight through his opponent's body. The sentinel was suspended on the longsword, trembling. He was flailing to grab onto something. A Narcissus Fierce Tiger totem was engraved onto his adversary's armor. The sentinel's laid his hand over the totem of his belief; just what had happened? The sentinel couldn't think anymore; his hand slid off, limp, leaving a bright streak of red on the pure white totem.

The knight gestured behind him and spritely figures poured out all around him. Surrounding the heart of the camp, the knights spread out. They moved cautiously, dragging away numerous bodies of the soldiers on night duty.

The knight in the lead finally drew back the draperies. It was pitch black in the tent and in a flash, the knight had slunk in, his dagger gleamed with a malicious glint. O'Neil Andrew Morisette appeared to be sleeping soundly. He was lying with his body facing inwards on the large soft bed, emitting even and steady breathing.

The knight's dagger pierced violently through the body, but he immediately realized that the sensation transmitted through the blade was completely wrong!

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

Oscar was abruptly startled awake! In spite of the wounds on his body, he snatched at the hilt of his machete by his pillow.

”Your Highness!” Second Lieutenant Kirk Douglas appeared in the tent, ”Sorry for bothering you, but you should head over to the heart of the camp!”

Oscar rolled over and got up, perplexed.

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

Countless torches were encircling the heart of the camp. The Red Tiger warriors gazed at the surrounded intruders. If they had not seen it with their own eyes, they definitely would not have believed it. The intruders who had infiltrated the heart of the camp were clad in the Narcissus Knight's armor, with each of their hands stained with the blood of their former brothers.

Loran Julier widened his bloodshot eyes. Beads of sweat rolled off his blonde hair. His face was flushed like a cherry red-tomato out of anger.

”Captain, can you explain to me your behavior?” the Commander of the Seventh Ranger Division sized up the invaders who weren't uttering a word, coldly. Despite Colonel Loran's calm expression, the hand clutching his sword was trembling.

”You have your responsibilities and me, my beliefs!”

”Your faith is in the Devil!” Colonel Loran shouted derisively. ”Is your belief to assassinate a member of direct descent of the family?”

”He's not!” the leader of the invaders bellowed in return. ”He is a pawn of the Imperial Household! He will tarnish the honor and destroy the will of the family! He is the true Devil!”

”Your Highness!” the Commander of the Ranger Division who was about to intervene looked beside him, stunned. Not knowing when, O'Neil Andrew Morisette was already standing beside him.

”What is he talking about?” Oscar was baffled; he couldn't make sense of it at all.

”I'm saying that you, demon, will tarnish the family's...”

”Take him down! Hang them on a pole!” the flustered and exasperated Loran was impatient. The knights by his side were also infuriated! The warriors rushed forwards. They kicked down the invaders and bound these mentally unsound men tightly with ropes.

”Let him finish!” Oscar issued his order. He had to clarify just what had happened!

The soldiers shoved the leader of the traitors before His Imperial Highness Prince. Oscar bored into the other's eyes with incredulity, ”What have I done? Why do his eyes radiate such penetrating hatred?”

”Why... are you doing this?” Oscar bent down and locked eyes with the other.

”You are the Devil! A plague spread by the Imperial Household! A true Narcissus Knight will never abide by your command. You are the true traitor to the family, you don't deserve to possess Andrew's family name, you...”

Oscar's machete unexpectedly plunged into his opponent's throat. The sinister blade penetrated into the man's larynx, cutting off his wail and taking away his life.

”My Lord!” Colonel Loran wanted to step forward and support the youngster who was trembling, but seeing the prince's expression, he couldn't help but retreat back. Oscar's face was splashed all over with blood. His face was blank and stood from the ground, quivering.

The Prince raised his machete level and trained its point towards Loran, whose face had paled, ”I'm the Devil? I'm a plague?”

”No...” Loran eyed the point of the blade held close to his chin and shook his head carefully. ”You're not! You're the hero of the nation, the pride of the family!”

Oscar shifted his blade, his movements sluggish but precise. However, the people were dubious as to whether he was fully conscious.

The prince's machete pointed towards one of the Red Tiger warriors. ”I'm a traitor? I don't deserve the family name?”

”No, your Highness! He is spewing lies!” the Red Tiger warrior shivered, shaking his head.

Oscar swiveled around, cold and detached. He swept his gaze over the knights around him who were retreating. Icy cold drops of blood trickled down his cheek. Oscar pursed his lips and tasted a sweet, metallic flavor.

The whirled around to face the traitors in the heart of the camp. They were shoved and herded together by the Red Tiger warriors.

His expression grim, Oscar picked one of them out. ”Am I a traitor to the family?”

”That's right! You...”

Without the least bit of hesitation, Oscar swung his machete down! A tremendous amount of blood sprayed into the air and the body thumped onto the ground.

”You!” Oscar marched towards the next traitor who had attempted his murder. ”Answer me! Am I...”

”Yes, you are!”

The prince once again brandished his blade. Blood splattered into the cold mist and the body that fell was like a slashed rag. Oscar stepped over the tattered cloth and strode over to the next life that was full of vigor.

Being confronted with the devil-like O'Neil Andrew Morisette, the surrounding Red Tiger warriors chose to remain silent. They averted their gazes from the scene of slaughter, trying their best not to notice the dazzling gleam of the blade and to not breathe in the air contaminated with blood.

”You!” Oscar directed his blade towards the last few of the traitors. The prince's clothing was already drenched in blood.

”Answer me! I'm not a traitor to the family, nor am I a plague, right?”

The soldier gazed at the battered corpses and finally broke down. He shivered under the blade and groveled before the pair of military boots covered in blood.

”Forgive me! Have mercy on me! My Captain said that! He was the one who told me these... forgive me!”

”Who's your Captain?”

”It's him! Him!” the traitor who was on the verge of falling apart pointed towards the Captain, who had been the first to have his throat cut, trembling.

Oscar was like a numb slaughter machine. He turned around rigidly and ambled towards the Captain who was the very first to be sent to hell. Blood was dripping down from the point of the machete and the prince's appearance really looked like the Devil who had just broken out of purgatory.

Oscar's machete once again fell. He hacked at the body that had long since breathed its last in a frenzy. Each slash brought with it a lump of flesh and each shout relayed a terrifying air. At last, Oscar could no longer distinguish the body beneath his blade. The Captain had been reduced to a pulp, utterly disfigured!

The prince snapped his head back and looked towards the sky, unexpectedly spurting out a mouthful of blood! The surrounding knights, ignoring the stench and the repulsive scene, they rushed into the field and supported the swaying Devil.

Oscar stared ahead with listless eyes. He couldn't make sense of it and couldn't understand. Why did the family knights treat him this way? He had never betrayed the family and never went against his beliefs! Who could tell him, why?

Looking at the traitor who was still weeping, Oscar gave a slight grin.

”Loran! Carry out my orders. Strip them down and execute all of them! They aren't worthy of the military uniforms!”

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

A cold and refreshing splendor filled the early winter morning, with the Sun having transformed into a massive fiery ball. It cast its warmth and light down onto the vast world. The early risers were strolling along the smooth, brown soil beneath the great trees that loomed up into the heavens. Little stalks emerged from the soil that was covered in soft green moss. In the frigid morning, these lichens were as vivid as green dye.

The Sun finally flooded into the room as someone pulled open the velvet curtains obscuring the French windows. Duke Andrew squinted his eyes. The Sun had shone onto the bed, blinding his sight.

”Racheff!” the Duke gaped incredulously at his eldest son seated upright by his bed.

”Father! Good morning! It's been a while!”

Dortmund hitched himself up. Surprise and doubt flashed across his eyes, but mostly they held exasperation and disappointment.

Racheff Andrew Nedgabel suddenly placed his hand on his father's left shoulder and shook his head. Dortmund gave a faint smile and relaxed. Racheff pulled out his father's left hand buried beneath the covers, revealing a sharp blade in it.

Racheff gave a bitter laugh, ”Father, there's really no need for you to be like this.”

”Very well!” Dortmund handed the blade over to his eldest son, ”did you and your followers kill everyone here?”

Racheff nodded, apparently not feeling even slightly sad over that.

”How can you do this? They are like you, the guardians of the family!”

Racheff Andrew Nedgabel wrung his hands, ”everything comes with a sacrifice. They will be heroes sacrificed by the family!”

”How about me? Do you intend to kill me as well?” Dortmund fixed his gaze on his son. Oh God of Light! The previous Racheff wasn't like this!

”You're joking!” Racheff regained his composure. ”You are my father! I'm not a brute or whatsoever. Why would I kill you?”

The room door suddenly burst open. Colonel Peter barged into the room and the father and son in it shot a suspicious look at him.

”Racheff, take the Duke and leave! Hurry! We must retreat!”

Marshal Andrew shook his head in disappointment, ”Peter! Hehe! To think that you... It was very kind of you to elaborate so incisively about the antagonistic relationship between the conservative and radical factions in your last exposition!”

The Confidential Secretary averted his head in embarrassment. Despite he himself being the one who had chosen the philosophy of his ideals and beliefs, when being confronted by the Marshal, he still felt a tinge of shame.

”Marshal, there is no need for us to debate on the relationship between the conservative and radical factions! It is meaningless as the conservative and radical factions are exercising mutual restraint and influencing each other! A familial crisis of survival is imminent. There is a great tendency for the ideals of both factions to integrate and that is what is truly needed for the unity of the clan!”

Duke Andrew shook his head, ”Peter, I don't wish to know theories and convictions. I only want to know how my eldest son will handle his younger brother! Racheff, don't forget that I am your direct family! The same goes for Oscar! He loves you and this family! He...”

”Father! That's enough!” Racheff Andrew Nedgabel broke the Duke off, ”you will have all the time to grieve over little Oscar afterward!”

Dortmund rolled over and got up abruptly, landing a fist on his eldest son that knocked him to the ground. The traitors who were standing guard outside poured in. With weapon in hand, they stood in the room, completely riveted. Before them was the Commander-in-chief, and brandishing their swords against him was an unforgivable crime. They dared not take another step forward! Being confronted by the commander-in-chief whose state was like that of a mad tiger, the traitors cowered to a side, trembling.

Racheff hoisted himself up from the ground, ”father, you should be aware that since I dared appear before you, it implies that I am a hundred percent confident! The pillars you rely on no longer exists! The family has once again returned to the start!”

”You are saying that.... Oscar has already....”

”I didn't say anything!” Racheff gave a slight smile and clapped his hands lightly. A few knights pushed a dining cart into the room. They spread out an exquisite meal onto the tiny table in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows.

”Father, it's now the hour for morning tea. We haven't shared...”

”Give it a rest you brat!” Dortmund turned his head away in fury, not daring to believe that his son was this stupid. ”Racheff, do you really think that the few trusted aides dispatched to the Red Tigers can get the job done? Hehe! General Murat is not a fool! Just when they joined the Red Tigers, there are already those specially assigned to monitor their every move. I trust that they have already descended into hell together with your ideals!”

A long time elapsed, but Racheff Andrew Nedgabel was unable to utter a word. He was reclining on a high-backed chair like a gentleman. Entwined around his fingers was a pearl necklace with the image of the God of Light on it. His eyes were staring blankly out of the window. The courtyard outside was merely a dreary winter scene.

”Son, tell me! Even if you can succeed, what then will you do?”

Racheff laughed bitterly. He had miscalculated! If the operation at the Red Tiger's side failed, if O'Neil Andrew Morisette was still alive, then what was there to speak of the hereafter?

”If Oscar has really left this world, then the family is sure to consider a new strategy, for instance, invade Persian from the east, or take over Czerroc at the North or Slovenian in the South! So long as the methods are appropriate, then when you've retired, I will build a new Empire! An Empire of the Andrews!”

Dortmund was utterly astonished!

”Son.... I... I did not expect your ambition... no! I mean your ideology isn't...”

”No! No!” Racheff Andrew Nedgabel shook his head repeatedly, ”you must have thought that my ideologies are conservative! But you are wrong! Everyone is wrong! There is nothing bad about the radical faction's stand, but they should not have diverted the target of the fight onto the Imperial Morisette Household. We can completely avoid the Imperial Household and Western Kingdoms and seize a vast territory that completely belongs to the Andrews in the East! Father, you know that taking the Empire's path is the only way out for the family!”

Dortmund heaved a sigh, ”Racheff, perhaps our opinions differ because everyone views the problem with prejudice. It is difficult for us to be impartial towards a matter, but there is a point that you are gravely mistaken about! You think that evading the Western Kingdoms and Imperial Household of Morisette and all will be well? As long as the Andrews build a nation independently, the family will bear the criminal charge of treason. The Imperial Household of Morisette will unite all the Monarchies of Westland and interfere using the military! When that time comes...”

”When the moment comes, your knights will definitely defeat them! Fierce Tiger Flag of Narcissus symbolizes being undefeated! I will let you witness that when I am conferred the title Emperor by His Grand Eminence the Pope!”

”You have lost your mind, my son!” Dortmund grabbed Racheff's shoulders urgently, trying to persuade him, but Racheff immediately shook him off.

”Father! Have a cup of tea to calm yourself! Since Oscar is quite safe, there isn't a need for us to argue anymore!”

Dortmund's eyes fell on the teapot and darted over to the teacup. The gleam in his eyes slowly dimmed.

”Son... do you know why I divulged the matter regarding the Red Tigers to you? Haven't you wondered why I passed on news that Oscar is definitely safe and sound?”

Racheff's face became stiff. He had once been a bright child, and seemed to be on the verge of a breakthrough!

”My son,” Dortmund held the teacup up, ”you also took care of Berkley this way, am I right? However I thought about it, only you could pull off his silent murder! Frankly... if it were me, I also wouldn't let that dangerous man hang around!”

Duke Andrew splashed the tea in his cup onto the ground. The dark red pool of water sizzled among the ripples and soon the ground was corroded!

”Look, what deadly poison! His father gave a self-deprecating laugh; this was what his own son tried to feed him. ”To be honest... the reason I told you matters regarding Oscar, was to test whether... you dared kill me! I gambled that you would confess to me and seek my understanding! Racheff, believe me! If you did that, I will certainly pardon you! But I actually lost the gamble! My son wanted to murder his own father and replace him once his plot fell through and was exposed! If this happens, then he can justifiably assume the position as head of the house and thus achieve his ambition! Racheff, son! This is what you thought when your conspiracy fell through! Am I right?”

Racheff evaded his father's gaze that made him feel immeasurably ashamed. He saw that the knights following him were scrutinizing him with disappointed looks and even Peter, who he considered as a brother had on a reproachful look.

”Yes, that's right! You are absolutely right!” Racheff suddenly stood up and screamed like a madman.

”The family cannot go on like this! The Andrews have stayed put at the Eastern Borders long enough! The Persians are crumbling! The Imperial Household of Morisette is making enemies everywhere! This is such an ideal opportunity! I can succeed! I can absolutely...”

”Give it a rest!” a bellow suddenly attracted everyone's attention!

Two men burst into the bedroom. The one in the lead was Figg Andrew Tibotty who had long since lost his patience and bringing up the rear was the muddle-headed Cody!

”Father! I've had enough! This jerk is absolutely not my brother Racheff! He is definitely a bastard feigning to be him!” Figg strode towards his father under the threat of many swords.

”Yogurt... hates traitors!” Cody quipped.

”You... you both...” Racheff whipped his attention towards his Second and Third brother incredulously.

”Us? Both us brothers were busy cleaning up the traitors that you brought!” Figg gazed derisively at his brother.

”What are you guys still doing here?” the Second Son of Duke Andrew family surveyed the bedroom that was filled with drawn swords, ”is bearing the crimes of betraying the family and attempted murder of the Commander-in-chief still not enough? Everyone get lost!”

Looking at the gawking knights, Figg lost his temper. He unsheathed his longsword and Cody immediately ducked behind their father. He knew that his Second Brother was in a fit! And his Second Brother was terrifying when he was in a rage!

”Why? Do you want to fight me?”

The knights refused to answer. Using weapons against the family's Commander-in-chief was already sufficient to make them blush with shame! The situation was like this! If Racheff had really murdered Duke Andrew, they would definitely follow the Marshal to the grave! The knights dropped their swords one after another. Their resolution in realizing the family's ideals had completely vanished, being replaced by immeasurable shame, resentment, and remorse.

”That's enough! Get lost from my sight before I change my mind, especially you!” Figg aimed his sword directly at the listless Colonel Peter on the ground. Peter had once been his best friend, but...

”Don't let me catch sight of you! Otherwise, you will definitely regret it!”

”Clink!” the beautiful crisp sound of a sword striking the ground was heard. A knight had tossed aside the weapon in his hand. He turned around and left the room and soon after, the knights dispersed in succession. Only Colonel Peter suddenly stabbed his own heart with a dagger. Figg paid no attention to him and turned his head away from his friend's corpse in disgust.

Only a father and his three sons remained in the empty bedroom.

Cody hopped onto the soft bed, bouncing happily as senseless phrases like ”Andrew Haila” and ”long live yogurt” escaped his lips.

”Why are you here?” Racheff finally regained his calm, knowing that everything was over.