Chapter 133: Fifteenth Episode: Chapter 6 (1/2)
Chapter 133: Fifteenth Episode: Chapter 6
Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The political trend of Dulin had always been alternating between slow and uproars, so much that anyone could easily tell what it is just by looking at the people in front of the Hamilton Palace. At the beginning of the 2nd Month of Church's Year 798, the Morisette Imperial Household had officially announced the upcoming return of their brave Prince O'Neil to the capital, and there would be a city-wide welcome ceremony protected by the Capital Security Division. The news did excite all layers in the hierarchy for a while, but the debate between the candidacy for the crown prince selection had become more and more intense.
Nobles gathered sporadically around the great hall of Hamilton Palace. Whether it's intentional or subconscious, they were all blocking a door on the other side of the hall. It was the study of His Majesty, and this day was the last day His Majesty had before he needs to announce his choice for the crown prince.
The door to the study swung open without warning, prompting the great hall to fall into silence as people make their way near it. The Palace Chief Marquis Lanston Cambre walked out of the room. After a brief moment of being stunned by the people, he shook his head disappointedly at the hopeful nobles. The nobles dispersed in defeat, only a few people who were familiar with the Palace Chief pulled him aside for more information.
”Marshal Dortmund Andrew Nedgabel has arrived!” the guard rang the copper bell outside of the hall.
The nobles stood up from their seats lined against the wall of the great hall. They seldom had any opportunities to cross paths with Duke Andrew, but all of them respected the governor of the Eastern border of the empire.
Dortmund nodded slightly at the few ministers who greeted him before entering the study, led by a servant.
Inside the study, a fireplace was lit. There was a glass door connecting the room to the imperial garden. The door was open, and the sunlight spilled unfiltered onto the goose feather carpet. Tables and chairs were placed outdoors beside the stone stairs. There were a few high ranking military officers around His Majesty Alfa III, and all of them stood as Duke Andrew approached.
”Your Majesty, it was good to see you,” Duke Andrew greeted the Emperor with a formal military salute.
”Dortmund! Join me, these are all your friends!” Alfa III stood up as he gestured at the seat next to him, motioning his brother-in-law to take it.
Dortmund did not rush into taking the seat. He walked toward General Vangol Abberning Hagrid, whose arms were already in an outstretched position.
”Dear God of Light! We haven't met for more than a decade!” General Vangol looked at his old friend, pleased. ”How was Celia?”
Dortmund gave him a frown, ”You little! She's my wife, she shouldn't be the first thing you asked about when we meet! You should have asked about my family first!”
”Hahahahahaha!” General Vangol laughed heartily, as if he had been transported back in the day when he was courting the same ladies as Duke Andrew. ”Your Majesty, did you see that? Our Marshal Andrew is still such a killjoy, just like old times!”
A tableful of high ranking officers laughed. They all knew the commander of Military District Five and Marshal Andrew were once close friends.
”Marshal Andrew! Remember me?” the speaker was a tall, expressionless general.
Dortmund looked at him, noticing the chipped left ear beneath the speaker's military hat. ”Hank Brutnort! What a surprise! Did you get bored living in the stone houses in Titania already?”
The general of Titania howled in laughter as he gave his old friend a big hug. He distinctly remembered this handsome boy from House Andrew who tried to court his sister, the two even had a fight.
Next, a stately general appeared in front of Duke Andrew. Dortmund had never seen this man, but he recognized the insignia on the man's collar. A dual blade overlapping a bow.
”You must be General Rigulya Steinberger!”
”Good to see you, Marshal! Thank you for taking care of the twerps from my house!”
”You're too kind!” Duke Andrew hugged the commander of the Northwestern border of the Empire.
”Alright! Steinberger of the Northwest, Andrew of the East, Titania of the Central East, and Hagrid of the South. All four of the military houses in the empire had arrived!” Rudolf Hoss of the Secret Service Department clapped his hands once before turning to the Emperor, ”Your Majesty, we are ready to start.”
Alfa III nodded, ”Take a seat!”
The marshal and three generals joined the Emperor at the table. They didn't have many opportunities at meeting up, but they all knew each other pretty well. The four Military Houses being gathered by the Emperor at once, so something serious must be up. As soon as the joy of having met each other had passed, everyone had put on a solemn face.
Rudolf Hoss unrolled a map across the table. Dortmund frowned, it was the Capital Security Division's map for defensive planning, where all the areas enclosed by red dotted lines were important locations in the capital.
”Your Majesty, you can start describing the situation now,” the head of the Secret Service Department notioned.
”Mm,” Alfa III hummed and looked at the four commanders of their own House. First, at Steinberger. Stationed at the Northwest border of the Empire, Steinberger had defended the Empire from the Deiss for over two centuries. Hagrid had been managing the Military District Five for generations in Vielonna, defending the Southwest border. Next, Titania! The House was special in the sense that Titan Empire was named after them. They had briefly ruled the country two centuries Before Church. After the Morisette came into power, the first emperor of Morisette let its former ruler have one of the counties on the west side of Narcissus County. Lastly, House Andrew, it had guarded the Eastern border since the Morisette started ruling, and they were the biggest military house of all!
”Every one of you may be asking, 'why summon us?' Especially in this period when the nobles in the capital were making so much noise,” none of the commanders said anything, they knew the Emperor wasn't waiting for a response.
”I fully believe the loyalty of the four of you and your Houses. Undoubtedly! That was why I summoned you here, I want to discuss with you about the Ministry of Senior Nobility.”
”Only us?” General Hank Brutnort Titania looked at Alfa III suspiciously, the issue wasn't something the military houses can decide on their own.
”Yes! Only you can control the situation in the capital. I don't trust the Capital Security Division's ability to react to emergency!”
”Is someone going to rebel?” General Vangol Abberning Hagrid's eyes twitched.
”Not someone!” Alfa III shook his head, ”It's me who wanted a rebellion!”
The generals' eyes were wide in confusion, only Duke Andrew nodded lightly. He had been staying in Dulin, so he's more familiar with the political situation in the capital.
”Your Majesty, did you want to dissolve the House of Lords? Especially at this critical period when their actions cause the Imperial House unease?”
”Dortmund, that's exactly why!”
The other generals didn't dare to speak up. Historically, House Morisette had only dissolved the House of Lords once, and that was about four hundred years ago, when the barbaric Persians almost attacked Dulin. To unify the noble class's, the founding father sent a troop to take over the House of Lords and went on to execute The Great Purge that lasted for ten years, capturing and imprisoning almost a third of all the nobles in the empire.
According to the Titan Codex, the emperors does not have the right to veto the decisions of the House of Lords, but they do have the right to dissolve it in order to reform the government, however self-contradictory it sounds. The formation of the House of Lords can be traced back to the mythological period of the Roman Republic. In its transition from a republic to an empire, the House of Lords had fought hard against the concept of a monarch, and even though the public system had evolved into a pretty complete system, the power of the monarch had evolved from its initial days of being restricted to the current supreme power.
The republic era, with nobles and slave owners as the core was washed away into the river of distant past, under the feudalistic rule, the empire had given the rulers unrivalled power, and this was written into law, further solidifying this new set of game rules. The rule was in service of the Imperial Household and its benefits, negating any form of possible questioning, as well as any forms of disturbance to its existence. Under this situation, the influence and usefulness of the House of Lords were further reduced.
”Your Majesty! You have complete right to do so, and it's reasonable to do so! However, the House of Lords isn't a complete pushover too, the Titan Codex had described the powers and responsibility of the House of Lords very clearly! The committee members came from all over the empire as a representative of the majority of the people, that was the foundation of the rule of the empire. As long as their proposals follow the laws of the empire, you dissolving the House of Lords would directly affect your reputation! Have you thought this through? Or rather, are you aware of the events that lead to this situation? Marshal Dortmund Andrew Nedgabel was finally a little antsy.
House Andrew was placed in such a position, due to them representing the interest of localized army, that they can only request for budgetary and material aid from the House of Lords. If it weren't for the nobles agreeing to support House Andrew in their proposals, House Andrew would have lost the large sum they requested to support their massive army.
”I know what you're concerned about!” Alfa III gave Duke Andrew a reassuring smile, ”The expenses budget for this year and expenses of the local government had already finished, Andrew will not be shortchanged even one Golden Ti.”
”Your Majesty, it's not that!” Dortmund thought the Emperor misunderstood him, ”I am talking about how the dissolution of the House of Lords would be disastrous to all layers of the empire, the nobles would lose their confidence in the Crown, and the--”
”Dortmund!” interrupted the Emperor, ”It's such a shame that you're still looking at it in the old way. Don't you think I didn't think about how the House of Lords would react if I dissolve them? Do you know why I am so determined on rectifying the order of the nobles?”
Marshal Andrew didn't speak. He didn't have much of a say on this issue, he wasn't too clear about the situations in the inlands of the empire.
The Emperor shot a glance at Count Rudolf Hoss, who immediately passed him a stack of thick documents.
”This is the tax inspection report by the Secret Services Department in conjunction with the Imperial Tax Bureau. What do you think I saw in this?” Alfa III was running out of patience, he no longer was trying to persuade the Four Military Houses, but ordering them to obey.
”This report showed that omissions, false reports, and failure to declare taxes are rampant on all layers on tax classes! House Andrew is exempted, so I didn't include it, the three other major Houses were also accurate on their report, I admire that! But the rest…
For example, the three major areas at the North, the Southern cotton-producing area, the landowners in the center, absolutely all of them were executing some opportunistic accounting! They faked their tax submission receipt to cheat the empire of their annual allowance, and stolen from the treasury with their deception to fund themselves! This was why the economic strength of the empire was rising, but the treasury was running dry! There is a need for me to take action against the organization that protects the benefits and the rights of the noble class that is the House of Lords!”
”So, Dortmund!” Alfa III placed his hand on Duke Andrew's shoulder, ”The one who had lost his confidence isn't the nobles, but me, the Emperor! I can no longer trust those deceitful, mendacious folks! Besides, even if there are thousands upon thousands of reasons, they shouldn't make a ruckus on the election of the Crown Prince. That will only expedite their demise!”
”Your Majesty!” said General Vangol Abberning Hagrid, ”I think, it is normal for the noble class was so concerned about the election of the Crown Prince. Not only because of their personal benefits, but also because of the future of the empire.”
”That's right!” Alfa III nodded, ”However, someone with ulterior motive had this planned since a while ago, that's where it's abnormality came in, and it's dangerous to keep it going!”
”There's a problem with that,” said Count Rudolf Hoss suddenly. ”The report was signed after Duke Kachev Drakas Ferdinand reviewed it, and, well, the tax review operation was started by Duke Kachev. I was just wondering if… if it has anything to do with the unrest among the House of Lords.”
”I have considered that possibility! Let me be frank. I believe everyone here have heard of this as well,” sighed Alfa III. ”Don't think I wouldn't find out, all of us here were wild when we were young, and that includes me!”
The Emperor's words prompted everyone to laugh, however, his own face had darkened.
”My youngest child, heh, he's a handsome young man, born in House Ferdinand. It was only until now that I started to suspect that old Kachev had already planned this out with his daughter. However, I don't want to look into this now, I've already made a mistake, I will not make a second one!”
The Emperor rubbed his hands together, he was ready to show off. He liked this feeling of holding everyone's attention.
”I think, I've already had a clear grasp of what Kachev's plan is. Firstly, the case with the former Secretary of State had laid a foundation for his ascension, and his timing returning to the capital was perfect. Secondly, he utilized his own influence and a flawless plan to trigger a reformation of the government, which I am actually satisfied with. Next is his intention.”
”A while ago, House Ferdinand had tried to reach out to House Andrew. The gossip circulating around the City of Dulin regarding my illegitimate son and Corolla of Andrew didn't appear out of thin air, but Dortmund refused House Ferdinand!”
”As far as I know, this was just a scratch on the surface, because old Kachev had already finished the tax review. I believe a lot of Houses that didn't appear in the blacklist had been blackmailed. And those that did appear, Kachev had undoubtedly given up on. He knew I will take action against them.”
”After that, the House of Lords announced the issue with electing a crown prince, as well as establishing my youngest son's formal position. The only reason why Kachev would advertise it is because it is true. That child is my son, Secret Services had confirmed that, so I can't be on the offense, because if he suddenly disappears now, the nobles would think I'm a lion who had gone mad, and no one would be willing to serve me and my empire. Think about it, would a father who murdered his own son worth respect? The House of Lords were betting on this, on the child's future with me.”
”Kachev avoided confronting the Imperial Household. It is a good decision on his side to target the House of Lords for this. I've decided to acknowledge him as my own, but I will only give him a lordship and his title. I will not include his name in the imperial lineage. About the election of the Crown Prince, I have no choice. That eldest son of mine has to come out of this unexamined life he's living!”
”Your Majesty!” General Hank Brutnort Titania voiced his opinion this time, ”It looks like you've already decided to yield to the House of Lords, so why take the risk to dissolve them?”
Alfa III shook his head dejectedly, ”No one would understand them more than I do, the words 'bully' and 'bootlicker' were written all over their face and carved into their bones. My giving in would only allow them to want more. They will not accept my decision. To them, this is only an investment of a huge value. Kachev had already lead them to believe the viscount would have a future as bright as Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette. Don't forget, Oscar had gone through the experience of being re-accepted into the Imperial Household, the House of Lords would not hesitate to make me go through that choice again.”
”Your Majesty,” General Titania was a little confused. ”From what I can tell, what you said was already the biggest concession the Imperial Household would allow! I believe the House of Lords would be able to see that too. so they should be able to accept--”
”They will not!” Alfa III cut General Titania off, ”The situation may be different now because the nobles outside would have noticed the four of you entering here, they should be able to guess why I summoned you to Dulin.”
”Your Majesty, please give your order! What would you have us do?” Duke Rigulya Steinberger ran out of patience. This was why he despised the nobles in the capital, they knew how to talk the talk, but no one could walk the walk.
”Has the military power I requested for arrived?” Alfa III looked at each of the four commanders, smiling.
”First Brigade of Hagrid Infantry of Fifth Military District Five, stationed at Dulin towards Damorga!”
”Steinberger's Ninth Infantry Brigade stationed at the edge of the forest ten kilometers from Westberg Fort.”
”Titania's First, Second, Third, and Fourth Heavy Armored Division stationed at the Northern and Eastern assembly points.”
”Narcissus Knights Traisen Front First Mixed Brigade had taken over the barracks belonging to the Capital Security Division.”
”Good!” Alfa III nodded satisfactorily, ”House of Lords have yet to decide on the date to propose a motion, and the arrival of the four armies should delay that by a while. Count Rudolf Hoss will explain the next segment.”
”Generals, Marshal,” Rudolf bowed at the four heads of Military Houses. ”We have completely avoided the Imperial army and the Ministry of Justice so that we can guarantee their stability. On the day the House of Lords will propose a motion, specifically at 0000 hours, the martial law will be enforced in the City of Dulin. The signal will come from the Tower of Heroes, and all four armies will immediately take over the defense of the City of Dulin under the reason of capturing hostile enemies of foreign origin.”
”I have, on this map, divided the City of Dulin into four sections,” the head of Secret Services Department motioned, ”Hagrid Infantry, First Brigade will be stationed in the Southern section, Steinberger's Ninth Infantry Brigade take the Western section, and the four Heavy Armored Division of Titania will take the Eastern and Northern sections.”
”Uh… What about my Mixed Brigade?” Dortmund was a little perplexed as he realized Count Rudolf Hoss had finished talking.
”The Narcissus Knights will be in charge of the protection of all palaces and main governmental buildings,” Alfa III ordered calmly. ”Marshal Dortmund Andrew Nedgabel, my friend, I have entrusted my life and my family to you. I don't foresee any huge issue during the operation, but who knows what will happen?”
”Your Majesty!” Dortmund shot up from his seat. Even if this was just a test by the His Imperial Majesty to House Andrew, he would still need to respond this way, ”I swear upon my ancestors on the altar! No one would be able to move even a brick or a tile in the Imperial Palace, and no one would even get close to the Imperial members under the vigilant eyes of the Narcissus Knights!”
Alfa III nodded.
”Another question, Your Majesty,” General Hagrid tapped the security division map. ”If we split our manpower at the different sections, who will be sent to take over the House of Lords and to dissolve the committee?”
Alfa III smiled and revealed a shocking answer.
”The Imperial Paladin!”
***************
”There is something like that in the empire's battle array?”
Aeolia raised her eyebrows in smugness, watching Vijdeline lose her composure.
”Of course! Vij, do you know something? This was Marshal Alan's words! He said the invasion of Deiss is to destroy the Paladin, and then they will loot the thing they guard.”
”What are they guarding?” Vijdeline's eyes widened.
”Marshal Alan didn't say! But I think, it could be the Imperial Treasures! Those ascetic Paladins must be guarding something huge!”
”Give it up, will you?” Vij smirked at Aya, ”Imperial Treasure? Morisette? That's impossible! No one would know this better than I do. The Morisette's is a complete pauper at this point, His Majesty Alfa III had been scratching his head trying his hardest to ravage the nobles and the business class. His appetite is just like his insignia, it's a salivating, roaring lion! The Sukhoi's tax contribution to the empire was already sky-high, but he's still not satisfied!”
”And so you decide to evade it?”
Vijdeline was suddenly conscious of what she was saying and looked at Aya with an alerted expression.
”Don't look at me like that, all the nobles in the empire had been doing it! To sustain their lavish lifestyles and feed their own mouths, they will naturally find ways to reduce their burden, the higher the tax rate is, the more they get creative with the accounting, it's a vicious cycle!”
”Ah-ah… Eh…” a baby babble broke the awkward exchange, Vij switched to her motherly smile as she took her month-old baby on the water surface.
The biting coldness of winter was blocked outside of the cavern by the boulders, steam from the hot spring permeated every single crevice of the area, and every surface was covered with droplets of water. A pleasant sunshine poured in from the patio, and water rolled around in the ”miracle spring”, sending geothermal energy to warm the people inside of it.