Chapter 135: Fifteenth Episode: Chapter 8 (1/2)
Chapter 135: Fifteenth Episode: Chapter 8
Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation
It was only midday, but the entire Dulin city seemed to have already been put to rest. All doors to stores and shops were closed, and even the city residents had tightly shut their house's windows and doors. Trash disposed on the previous night were still accumulated on the end of the streets. It appeared that even the janitors had called off work.
The warm breeze of early spring greeted the empty city center. Stray dogs and flying creatures were picking at those filthy miscellaneous items scattered along the streets, in hope of encountering any remnants of wasted food discarded by the citizens, but the patrolling knights kept interrupting their hunt for food.
Passing through Gate of Light into the vacant Victory Square, the bleak and empty scene somewhat disappointed His Imperial Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette to a certain degree. There was no one present to warmly welcome the hero. His lovers were not there either to throw themselves into his arms with embrace and kisses. To be even more precise, there was simply no one in sight! This was a thoroughly terrible scene for a superhero of success and recognition!
”I'm sorry, Your Highness! You seem slightly disappointed with me,” the emperor's confidential secretary Count Philip Goolean tried to console the young prince whom eyebrows were closely knitted together.
”Your return clashes with the meeting of expansion of House of Lords! His Majesty the Third had no alternative but to call off your welcoming party. If you could...”
”Ola! I understand!” young Oscar seated on the horse pretended not to be dispirited, and gave a slight nod. In fact, he sensed an unwelcoming and rather hostile atmosphere in the capital. Although he had been noticed the event of Senior Nobility on his way back, it was of his least interest, and his only concern was to figure out where his dearest family members and lovers were.
Oscar finally felt encouraged when he arrived at Penelope Avenue. A platoon of Narcissus Knights led by a young leader welcomed him from across the street.
”General! Your… Your Imperial Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette?” the bashful young leader asked shyly at the House' hero surrounded by numerous knights.
”Yes, Second Lieutenant, that would be me!”
”Dismount from the horse!” the young leader commanded his cavalry. The platoon of soldiers leaped off their horses and knelt on one knee on the ground.
Oscar readily accepted the greeting, then rode forward.
”Second Lieutenant, where is my father?”
”Your Highness, His Excellency Marshal is currently in Hamilton Palace. Lady Celia, Third Young Master and Young Lady are at the residence, while General Figg is dealing with issues concerning martial law.”
”Haha, care to drop by my residence?” Oscar turned around to invite Count Philip Goolean.
”Sure!” Philip replied with delight. ”I might even get a kiss from Andrew's Narcissus Corolla.”
Oscar couldn't help but grin from ear to ear at the thought of that pair of tender, sweet lips.
31 Penelope Road, similar to his previous return, was fully decorated with fresh fragrant flowers on the arched iron gate and even the walls that surrounded the residence. On the path heading past the wall of plants, there was a snowy white woolen blanket laid, which was scattered with wildflowers and fallen leaves. The midday sun shone on the earth, diagonally casting shining beams upon the knights' silhouettes.
”You're back!” Sasha E., who obstructed the entrance, had her head slightly inclined backward to meet the eyes of the tall knight on the horse. The blazing sun made her eyes squint.
”Yes, I'm back!” at last, delight washed over Oscar's face. How contented he was! Like he has done several times before, he bent forward and wrapped his hands around his sister's waist, then grabbed her up the horse while she screamed in surprise. Sasha leaned against her brother's broad shoulder, as they roamed around the sea of flowers in early spring, quietly whispering sweet nothings into each other's ears.
Lady Celia drew the curtains as she silently blessed her pair of children with long-lasting happiness. She covered her face with a thin veil and paced forward to the self-portrait of Racheff Andrew Nedgabel which was placed underneath the statue of God of Light. The children's mother prayed sincerely once again, in hope that the lone soul would achieve eternal peace in the palace of God. Celia clenched her fist around a pendant silver necklace engraved with the divine image of God. More than any moment in her life she suddenly clearly realized how fair and just the God of Light was. She had obtained another child at the same time she'd lost the other. Perhaps it had been destined since long, the fate of Rachef and Oscar.
Sasha fell asleep in the arms of her brother. Oscar laid on his side beside his loving sister, and with the tip of his finger, he gently traced the outline of her face. She had lost so much weight since the last time they met. Although happiness showed clearly on her face, the circles around her eyes revealed her lingering grief. ”Will there really be no more killing and injustice in the world if I always keep her by my side?” Oscar thought to himself.
The young prince cautiously let go of the sleeping girl. He tucked her sister into bed before leaving silently through the door. Oscar felt his agitated self calm down the moment he laid his eyes on his sister. Perhaps that was because of Sasha's particular characteristics, as she never failed to let people near her returned to their simple, unsophisticated selves. However, they were now in Dulin, and everything in Dulin needed to be traded for with fresh blood.
”All set?” the young prince shifted his attention to Baron Messier De Quixote who stood by the side.
”Yes, everything's ready!” Baron replied with respect.
Oscar returned him a satisfied nod, ”Let's get started!”
First stop! 16 Georgette Street!
16 Georgette Street, a Rococo architectural style building dated back to 16th century, was situated diagonally opposite of House of Lords. From the fourth-floor balcony of this ancient apartment, the central room of the House of Lords could be seen.
On the four corners of the white marble roof were statues of numerous Gods from the Mythical Age. From the vast dome above hung ten or more thick steles and on them were engraved ancient inscriptions of the codex. A long, drawn-out aisle extended from the street all the way into the entrance of the House of Lords. The whole place was engulfed in silence, and only the shadows cast by the sunlight changed their shapes slowly.
Osli Alfa Morisette His Majesty the Third pulled his young nephew tightly into his embrace! In all honesty, he was extremely proud of this young man, and all this while he'd wished that this little guy was indeed his own son. His Majesty the Emperor kissed on both of the prince's cheeks, repeatedly for several times.
”It's good to have you back! It's good to have back!” the emperor's voice trembled slightly, he feared that this child didn't know of all the great hopes he had pinned on him.
”Your Majesty, as you can see, I've returned, all safe and sound!”
”That's right, that's right!” Alfa III held the young man by his shoulder, and for an extended moment, he stood in that same position to examine his nephew whom he hadn't see for a very long time. ”Did the Deiss people let you suffer all this while? You've lost so much weight that I nearly couldn't recognize you!”
Oscar replied to the emperor's question in a light-hearted manner, ”Your Majesty, the Deiss people have to wait until the end of the next century for that chance!”
All the cabinet ministers from military and administration department laughed along with the joyful emperor. Gradually, each of them came forward to extend their regards and false smiles to the hero that had returned.
Oscar dealt with them with extra caution. Finally, he glanced to Marshal Robin who stood by the corner of the room, quietly observing all these exchanges. The old marshal only revealed a faint smile but didn't say anything further. Oscar raised his glass toward his marshal cum tutor. The newly appointed Imperial Guards Chief of Staff also cooperated and downed the wine under the young man's attention.
”Your Highness, can I ask why is everyone gathered here today?” Oscar felt slightly confused and gestured at the crowded room.
Alfa III held the young prince in his arms and motioned to the House of Lords located within a stone's throw, ”For that, that damnable place, the center of manufacturing of Dulin.”
”What tricks do they have up their sleeves this time?” Oscar asked, perplexed. In his eyes, this country was still an object of pleasure manipulated within Alfa III's palm. The nobles' right to speak shouldn't hold too much practical effect.
”Tricks? Haha! They've got plenty!” the emperor smiled with disdain. At that moment, a messenger came forward and presented His Majesty a piece of kraft paper document, which the latter shook out in front of the prince's eyes.
”See?” Alfa III smirked playfully. ”Dulin's atmosphere has frightened those men! The bill to elect First Prince as the next Emperor was approved by unanimous vote.”
”Lobb?”
”Of course, Lobb, my eldest! Who else can it be?” Alfa III gave out a sigh of disappointment.
”Who is that tall paladin?” Oscar suddenly pointed to a soldier who stood at the corner of the room. ”Is it my imagination or that man is constantly sizing me up?”
The emperor looked in the mentioned direction with a firm gaze, ”Hmm! That's Kiener Ritz, regimental commander of Imperial Paladins.”
”Regimental commander of Imperial Paladins?” Oscar parroted the emperor as he continued to look at the middle-aged man in astonishment.
”Haven't you realized that you resemble your mother closely?” Alfa III mentioned out of the blue, ”Mica passed on all her beautiful features to you, it's understandable that Kiener can't take his eyes off you.”
”What does this have to do with my mother?” Oscar glared his eyes at the man as he felt even more peculiar.
”When your mother was young, she and Kiener once swore their pledge of love...” His Majesty the Third suddenly shook his head as if to clear off his thoughts. ”Ah, look at me! I shouldn't be telling you affairs of the previous generation. However, Oscar, remember that your father is much more capable compared to that rigid paladin...”
Ignoring the mumbling emperor, Oscar began examining the regimental commander of Imperial Paladins – Kiener Ritz. He appeared to be a knight of dignified manner, not in the least bit negligent. He was also the lover his mother could never forget.
”Kiener!” The emperor unfolded the latest news report and called out for the regimental commander of Imperial Paladins.
”Yes, Your Majesty!” Kiener moved his way through the crowd. He first saluted the Emperor, and then with mixed feelings, he greeted the young prince.
Everyone in the room turned silent, they knew that the most crucial repertoire was about to show on stage.
”Just moments ago, Duke Cadro Budisette, speaker of the House of Lords, proposed a motion, that is for the Imperial Family to provide an explanation for the sudden appearance of an imperial member,” the emperor appeared grim-faced, and he shot a quick glance across the room. ”It seems like House of Lords' pressing has been turned into a fact!”
”Your Majesty! At your order!” Paladin Kiener knelt down with one knee on the ground.
”Go ahead!” The emperor waved his hands, ”Seize down House of Lords at this instance, disperse its members, and dismiss the meeting. But be aware that I don't want to see any bloody conflict.”
”Yes, Your Majesty!” the leader of the Imperial Paladins rose to his full height. ”Please be assured, I've ordered the paladins to replace their weapons with blunt swords.”
Alfa III nodded with satisfaction and turned young Oscar around to face the white marble house.
”Watch carefully! Within seconds you'll be able to see clearly the true features of these rebellious nobles,” the emperor cast a look of disdain in the opposite direction.
All of a sudden, a loud and clear bugle call sounded in the city center of Dulin, which spread to all corners of the capital. In accordance with the military deployment of military control, the security forces scattered among the city gradually replied to the sound of the bugle. Brief moments later, when the whole city rang with its sound in unison, the emperor knew that all important facilities and key figures in the capital have been taken over.
The sound of hurried hooves rushed from the other side of the corner, and soon the paladins entered the balcony's perspective. This was a group of divine envoys armed with golden armor and grim masks. Carried over their shoulder were long knight's swords, while in their hands were ancestral tablets which represented countless honors.
The team comprised of paladins marched up the steps to House of Lords like in synchronized unity. Those guards who stood guard by the building immediately gave way to them. Soon, the quiet palace broke out into chaos. Paladins on horses rushed inside and positioned themselves in a neat array in front of the steps of House of Lords.
After rounds of screaming and protests, the disheartened members of House of Lords finally appeared, tripping over each other and cursing violently as they were slowly gathered at the steps. A few habitual rogues provoked the paladins by throwing stones and viciously cursing at them. The commander of the paladins frowned at the sight; he never imagined that among the high-class nobles present, such hooligans would exist.
Kiener read aloud the emperor's instructions to the crowd while simultaneously motioned his knights to intensify their pressure. The knights have long been impatient to, and they hit at those noisy, shameless people with their wide sword ridges while they reflected sunlight with the ancestral tablets to confuse their sight. Strong warhorses charged forward from time to time or rose to their hind legs to frighten these nobles to take to their heels. Some left behind their shoes while trying to escape, while many tore at one another's clothes in panic. The scene was complete chaos! These lords from House of Lords resembled defenseless bunnies being chased one after another into a tiny cage by those ferocious beasts. Indeed, they were being chased into the wooden carriages, and paladins eventually evacuated the scene as arranged beforehand.
”Hahahahahahahaha!” with one of his hands draped over the young prince's shoulder, Alfa III burst into laughter as he enjoyed the dismay of the noble lords. ”Hey! Young man! Did you see that? Those guys look like a bunch of shirtless acrobats, and although their performance was terrible, I did enjoy it when they made their exit.”
Oscar only nodded but didn't comment further. He knew this was the prestige of imperial power! He glanced at the weaponry in the paladins' hands, and then again at the Senior Nobility members who were being chased like a bunch of rabbits. An illusionary thought suddenly appeared in the young prince's mind; that in this world, apart from the few rulers of Westland, not many people could be called men. As for the rest, their existence was nothing more than mere non-entities.
”What are you going to do next?” The young prince shifted his attention to the emperor beside him, ”As far as I'm aware, it's mandatory to reply to the motion suggested by House of Lords. If they're once again in conflict with your decision, then...”
”Then I shall hold a knife to their necks!” Alfa III replied with a smile as he retreated from the balcony. He had had enough of the amusing performance.
”You just have to hold a knife to their necks!” the emperor seemed to be puffed up with his success. ”What matters to these men are only coins and power. When their life is at stake, ha! They all turn out to be even more brilliant than the God of Light!”
Oscar wanted to make a comment but he felt someone tapped lightly on his feet. As he turned around, he was surprised to see Marshal Robin shaking his head vigorously at him.
”Just look on coldly regarding this matter.”
Young prince gave a slight nod, while quietly making a mental note of his tutor's advice.
”Oscar, I can't describe how delighted I am at your return!” the emperor exclaimed and motioned for His Imperial Highness Prince to sit down beside him. ”You should tell me about your plans! You know, things are only beginning for you!”
”Yes!” Oscar received the teacup handed over by the emperor himself. ”Thank you, Your Majesty! I think… I'm now capable to shoulder the duties entrusted to me by the Empire and fulfill my obligation as an imperial member.”
”What are you going to do?” His Majesty the Third looked at the young man with expectant eyes.
”Your Highness, I would be so glad if you officiate my wedding! My wedding with Princess Alanis can't be delayed anymore!”
The emperor raised his eyebrows, ”You are going to marry my daughter?”
”Is there anything wrong with that?”
His Majesty the Third suddenly drew his eyebrows together. At that instant, many concerns flooded his mind at once.
”Of course not!” the emperor hugged his son-in-law, ”Oscar, haha, my child! I give you my words that you're going to have an unprecedented, majestic wedding of the century!”
O'Neil Andrew Morisette boarded the carriage as the Narcissus Knights who guarded the carriage were chasing away those members of House of Lords idling on the street. These men shouted the respected name of Andrew, as if in hopes that the mentioned would help deliver their message. Dulin at this time was not at its safest.
Oscar silently counted the notice boards erected on the roadside. One, two, three... six, seven, eight! After what seemed like forever they passed through eight streets, and eventually, he arrived at his second destination – Sabac Manor!
The sun continued to roast the earth. The warm breeze and luster of early spring added some colors to the ancient estate. This place was a patchwork quilt of feeble hints of history, light green weeping willow, flourishing pot plants, the intense fragrance of coffee, and black and white spots on those milking cows. Sabac Manor hadn't changed a bit. Outside the gate were several carriages decorated with flags and insignias representing different governmental departments, while along the corridors stood attendants that received the lords with unchanged methods.
Military control didn't have any effects on the business of this guildhall. On the vast lawn were several ladies in small groups taking a stroll, their arms linked together. Under the shades of parasols were gentlemen tasting coffee, all seated in comfortable poses. The arrival of an imperial prince didn't seem to disturb anyone. As if they had been informed beforehand, the waiters at Sabac Manor opened the door to the extravagant carriage which was carved with the Andrew House totem and brought the visitors into the main room. Oscar alighted with Black Devil, whereas Snowstorm and Baron Messier were nowhere to be found. Perhaps they had gone to carry out some confidential affairs.
An attendant led His Highness Prince and the assassin into the complicated building with an interior resembling a real-life maze, and finally, they paused in front of the door to a massive room.
”Who's that?” the person on the other side of the door questioned impatiently at the sound of knocking. ”Lord Almodovar Godzilla doesn't wish to be disturbed! Have you not been told?”
The attendant shouted back at the wooden door, ”Please send a message that an old friend of Lord Almodovar Godzilla wishes to meet him!”
For a moment silence filled the atmosphere, and soon the door was unlocked.
”Is it a friend of my Lord?” the door was opened slightly ajar to reveal a pair of eyes, which tried to identify the incoming visitors.
Oscar moved a couple of steps to the side and gave a signal to Black Devil Shaw Curlink.
Instead of usual courteous greetings, Black Devil performed a violent kick that smashed the wooden door into pieces. The poor guy behind the door flew across the room and fell flat to the ground. Black Devil walked into the chaotic room, his dirk already out of its sheath. The sounds of metal clashing intertwined with shouting and loud cries. Furniture collapsed, and tiles were broken as the former imperial assassin fiercely engaged with numerous guards.
Oscar turned toward the attendant standing beside him, whose jaw had dropped to the ground, and patted on his shoulder encouragingly, ”Don't worry, it will end soon, and you'll be fine. So why not you go ahead and prepare some quality Sabac coffee for me and Lord Almodovar Godzilla?”
The frightened attendant quickly nodded and took off.
Ignoring the violent fights happening in front of his eyes, Oscar casually examined the decorations of the corridor. Sunlight spilled from an overhead window into the aisle and a pot of fresh flowers trembled slightly under the sun. A bust sculpture of some famous person was positioned next to the flower pot and candlestick, but Oscar couldn't quite figure out who it depicted.
”Your Highness, please!” Black Devil reappeared by the door and gave the prince a somewhat contented look. There were twelve professional guards with incomparable grappling skills, but Black Devil didn't let His Highness down.
”Thank you!” Oscar nodded toward Shaw Curlink and headed for the room.
Passing through the room filled with dead bodies, His Highness pushed open the door to the inner room and burst out laughing at the sight laid in front.
Sea Monster who was sitting on a massive bed was paralyzed with fright. This pile of fatty meat was trembling vigorously, and in his hands was what seemed to be a shining short knife. Oscar felt rather worried for the Sea Monster because the shaking blade could pierce through that pile of meat any moment.
”Godzilla! My old friend! Is this how you receive me? Honestly, that plaything in your hand is such an embarrassment to this scene. Hurry and put that away already!”
The deeply frightened finance minister sized up His Highness Prince who beamed with joy. After a long while, he finally calmed down his heart which was beating wildly.
”You little lunatic! What… what do you want from me?”
Oscar didn't answer his question. Instead, he walked toward the small hill of fats. With two fingers, slowly and carefully he removed the knife from Sea Monster's grip and passed the weapon to Black Devil. The moment the knife left his hand, Almodovar Godzilla became weak and limp, as if all his body strength had left together with his weapon. On his forehead were beads of perspiration the size of beans.
”Relax, will you?” Oscar stood tall amidst the sea of corpses, trying to not let himself appeared intimidating. ”Godzilla! I'm just here to visit an old friend. You see, I've immediately come to meet you once I arrived Dulin, but it seems that I'm not very much welcomed?”
The finance minister thought about this for a moment and soon realized his life was not at stake anymore. Right now was a crucial moment for the capital, and Alfa His Majesty the Third would not be out for his life. If the young prince did kill him, he had no alternative but to issue a complaint to the God of Light. Moreover, if His Highness revealed the secret of his gold smuggling affairs to His Majesty or the Secret Service... Forget it! Sea Monster shook his head at the nightmare that he hoped would never come true.