Chapter 164: Nineteenth Episode: Chapter 1 (1/2)
Chapter 164: Nineteenth Episode: Chapter 1
Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Although the interior of the Serevan Palace was famous for its elegant imperial style, it wasn't designed in elaborated detail like the other classic Titan architectures. A good example would be the sleeping chambers of Prince O'Neil and Princess Alanis.
The most eye-catching element of the bedroom would definitely be the French windows as well as the ceiling which seemed to be stacked high like building blocks. The floor-to-ceiling French windows served as windows and door leading to the back garden of the palace. The blocks on the ceilings were divided into tiny squares, each of them was drawn with a bright colored painting depiction of the holy texts. In addition, the Italia-coastal styled chandelier hanging from the ceiling was a lampstand inlaid with twelve gold-folded plates. This ingeniously conceived folding plates and design could brighten up the entire room instantaneously with minimal effort.
The master bedroom of the palace, like all Imperial Palaces, had a comfortable quilted cotton cover on the kapok bed. After drying, the kapok, which could be used to produce sugar, would turn into a soft floc, and most Titan nobles utilized it to fill their bedding.
In front of the bed was a Faran styled settee, which was mostly used for placing close-fitting clothing. However, the function of this item totally depended on the situation. Some young couples who couldn't hold themselves back would rather throw their clothing randomly on the soft cashmere carpet, or wherever possible.
O'Neil Andrew Morisette pulled off the bra from his head. The moment he realized what it actually was he threw that thing as far away from his as possible. No wonder he had had a dream of being strangled the night before. The marshal located his own underwear and shirt under the bed, while his pants and belt were found in the shower, but… what about his boots?
Oscar scratched his head in annoyance when he saw his boots in his wife's arms. Alanis held to them so tightly as if her life depended on them. Therefore, His Highness the Prince decided to leave his bedroom bare feet. Fortunately, the palace attendants were already waiting in line outside his door with a proper suit set.
”Morning, Messier!” His Highness the Prince greeted his assistant. Messier buttered up his master with flattering words before falling into his usual routine. The head of the Intelligence Analysis Division always utilized this short time to brief His Highness the Prince of his schedule or important events that happened the day before.
Oscar didn't like having a long and pompous discussion during his mealtime, especially during breakfast. His Highness the Prince thought the scrambled egg was definitely the greatest invention of the God of Light. He always appeared determined as if being on the battlefield alone whenever he devoured his scrambled eggs.
However, there were always exceptions. Take today, for example, young Oscar was feeling worried. He knocked his dining fork slightly on the plate, and those who were having breakfast with him stopped eating immediately.
”Messier told me that... the Westland Kingdom Alliance has added 12 divisions to the occupied territories in Riel border.”
”Yes, Your Imperial Highness!” Messier quickly retrieved the military newspaper from his documents folder, ”They consist of one Hoillander cavalry corps and two Faran infantry corps, in addition to Plantagenet Knights of the Kingdom of Weden.”
”Why did the Plantagenet Dynasty send their main cavalry forces to Riel?” Oscar frowned at the complicated matter before him. He was debating in his mind whether he should have the scrambled egg. The plate of fluffy golden substance was too tempting.
Baron Messier motioned to the head of International Military Intelligence Operation Department. He believed that Baron Qureio was best qualified to speak on this matter.
Baron Qureio, the Director of International Military Intelligence Operation Department who had a straight silver hair had been nicknamed by his colleagues as the ”Silver Fox of Military Intelligence Bureau.” Qureio had an impressive experience of being the Consul General in six different countries. Even the extremely arrogance Marshal Alan had respect for his wittiness and determination in analyzing international affairs.
”Your Imperial Highness, this is just a cheap trick!” the old man with silver hair took over the military newspaper handed over by the division head. ”Marshal Alan or Marshal Robin will not sit idly now that the alliance has added 12 divisions. They will also add additional troops to our empire's actual occupied area to maintain the balance of military power in Riel region.”
Oscar shook his head, ”What if the alliance adds twelve more troops? Will Marshal Alan and Marshal Robin have more forces to supply? The Western Army Group cannot compare with the allied forces of seven nations.”
General Gondol Abassia spread his hand at the comment. His previous experience for working with Western Army Group gave him the right to state his opinion.
”Our empire's traditional strategic state determines that the west is not a strategic location to resist the five-nation or seven-nation allied forces. According to the operational focus of the Moristette Dynasty, which has a history of more than 400 years, if we face an invasion of the alliance, the core defense point would be Dulin, extending out to the front line of Valencia Fortress in southwest and Bron Fortress in the northwest.”
Oscar's eyes widened, ”You mean that we'll have to surrender the western territory of the three provinces when the time comes?”
The commander of Fifth Military Region nodded in response, ”We have no better alternatives, this is our safest choice.”
Old Baron Qureio spoke again after he returned the military newspaper to the Head of Military Intelligence, ”Your Imperial Highness, according to the current situation, the Westland Alliance is only at the stage of testing water. Besides, our empire's defensive state is already quite stable! When the war comes, Marshal Alan in the north can completely resist the Deiss violent attack. On the other hand, Marshal Robin will preside over the west-central battle line, and the Empire will mobilize strong reinforcements of about 30,000 to 40,000 from east-central! As for the south...”
The old baron laughed as he stroked his beard, ”We have the hero of the motherland, and that's you, Your Imperial Highness! I believe your reputation and the Southern Army Group's result in the recent years are enough to deter all enemies who intend to attack the South!”
Oscar gave the suggestion a serious thought. Alan in the north, Robin in the west, and himself in the south… it seemed as though there was really nothing to worry about. Hence, His Highness the Prince began to concentrate on tackling his scrambled eggs. Nonetheless, he stated his stance on the whole matter. He announced that if he were Alfa III His Majesty, he would completely give up fighting the Kingdom of Riel, which relationship became too tangled up to be unraveled, and focus all their strength into constructing the western border defenses instead. He would like to build the front line of Valencia Fortress and Bron Fortress into something that could represent similar spirit of Steinberger House's Saijo Mountain.
The 30th day of the 10th month in the Church calendar year 799 was the day the Southern Army Group reported to Imperial Emperor and Supreme Military that the bandit armed forces had been completely eradicated. Marshal of Imperial Guards, His Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette and his wife conducted a military review in Vielonna, the capital of Burton Province, for the victory of the long-running Southern War.
The Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth military regions of the Titan Empire, as well as the Southern Army Group, sent out their main forces as representatives to participate in the review. The music city of Vielonna was filled cheers and laughter, something that hadn't been observed for a while now. The crowd and nobles who had come from all over the place had caused the streets leading to Serevan Palace to be densely packed.
At 10 o'clock in the morning, the First Artillery Corps of the Imperial Guards fired eight rounds of salutes, symbolizing the turmoil which lasted for eight years. Slightly later, Marshal O'Neil Andrew Morisette and his elegant-looking wife Prince Alanis Alfa Morisette appeared on the aisle in front of the palace, their arms linked closely. Undoubtedly, they were received by bugle calls from Imperial Guards, and the whole city of Vielonna broke out into a deafening cheer.
”After the chaos of war, we learned about the essence of unity and fraternity. After achieving victory, we learned how to reflect on our ignorance about life.”
To everyone's surprise, the Imperial Guards military review commenced with the speech of the empire princess.
Alanis Alfa Morisette stood alone on the podium in front of the Palace Square.
Her voice spread through the underground copper pipes to all corners of the square loud and clear.
”What did we obtain after eight years of fratricide? In addition to the tears of our loved ones was a bitter enmity, apart from lands that lie desolate was an impoverishment of the people. I genuinely hope that the people of Titan can draw lessons from the history. We could have celebrated equality upon all things in the world, and we could have used the spirit of fellowship to give back to the great creator! It is a regrettable matter that we didn't do so. We destroyed people's hearts with slaughters and demolished the countryside with a raging fire. Finally, we stand here today to celebrate the victory! But victory what of? The death of 240,000 innocent lives, the deaths, and injuries of 90,000 Imperial Guards? Is this a victory? This is the martyrdom for our own ignorance.”
Alanis paused for effect before continuing her speech. Sobbing noises were heard from the crowd, the majority of them had on a confused face.
”On behalf of the Imperial Emperor, my father, the greatest mercy Alpha III His Majesty, and all members of the Titan imperial family, I would like to extend my humblest and sincerest apologies to all the southern peoples and imperial soldiers who have suffered from the war! We are wrong! We are wrong to have ignored the conflicts in this country, and we are wrong for not giving enough assistance to the vast majority of people who suffered greatly from cruel officials and brutal taxation.”
Alanis bowed her body humbly towards the crowd, and on the lead by the nobles stood on both sides of the ceremonial platforms, everyone knelt down to one knee. These people included some deeply touched citizens, businessmen whose purses have thickened again, farmers in muddy boots, and also young students whose patriotism was stirred up by the speech. Of course, there were some who were reluctant to comply. However, they were frightened of the fully armed Red Tiger Knights who patrolled on the side. If they remained standing while all the others knelt down, they were afraid that the God-chosen knights would lay their whips on them.
”A three minutes moment of silence for the compatriots who passed away during the eight years of turmoil.”
With the soft cry of the imperial princess, the military band played ”Dulin Scott Requiem Mass.” In the mournful sorrow atmosphere, tens of thousands of people and military soldiers lowered their heads to show respect for their relatives, their friends, their children, the enemy.
What followed was an exciting moment. Marshal of Imperial Guards O'Neil Andrew Morisette and the commander of the Southern Army Group, General Eugene Mir Bradley, stepped up to the podium positioned in front of the palace. Oscar pulled out his marshal's sword and placed the tip of the blade close to his chest.
”As a soldier, I always believed that happiness, or the ability to create happiness, is one of the human's instincts despite there existing also concepts like ”war”, ”plague”, ”vengeance” and so on. However, I have hopes that the army and people of the empire can live happily, and it is your right to be able to lead a delightful life!”
His Highness the Prince stepped aside after finished his speech, leaving numerous high-ranking officers on the review podium with puzzled expressions. General Eugene frowned and nudged at the young man's arm silently. ”Ten thousand soldiers are waiting for your review. It's now the time for you to command order.”
In a casual manner, Oscar scanned the sea of officers that filled up the whole square, ”I've changed my mind! You're the one who had been leading the Southern troops through those bloody battles. This victory is yours, I will not deprive you of your rights even if I have ten thousand reasons to do so.”
General Eugene examined the marshal's face carefully for a long while. Finally, a warm smile spread across his face. The commander of the Southern Army Group pulled out his commanding sword facing the sea of military personnel, ”Imperial Guards... advance!”
This was a moment of power and grandeur. With thousands of phalanxes as a unit, the troops of the Southern Army Group marched through the jubilant plaza aisle in an orderly and unceasing pace, cheering for a long life as they passed through the review podium.
The neat array of phalanxes in blue uniforms was a pleasing sight to the eyes. The soldiers were not in armors but they were all dressed in the rare blue army uniform. Glittering medals and the designation of the military unit on their arms signified their heroic origins, the golden star medals and ribbons showed off their unrelenting merits in pride. If one were to lose focus for the slightest bit, they would lose themselves in the sea of enthusiasm, or drown themselves in the majestic symphony of encouraging cries and neat marching steps.
The air lingering in Vielonna was filled with slight signs of autumn. It was the season of victory. Colors of autumn seemed to have already sprung up in the city. The phalanxes formed by the Imperial Guards seemingly stretched into infinity. The bright green, the dazzling gold, the silver in the steel, the black in the boots, and the action and momentum that showed the true colors of the soldiers... It was like a call that surged from within the military. They then listened to their body and allowed the autumn hints to show off recklessly. People indulged themselves in the single melody that couldn't be suppressed and sang songs with voices that raised from the bottom of their hearts. The whole scene was a piece of art which resulted from spontaneity and deep, moving feelings.
The celebration between military and southern nobles didn't end until midnight. Marshal O'Neil seemed to be drunk through the night. He allowed a woman who enjoyed dancing to leap onto the table, and didn't say a word when men tried to intoxicate her. The final lucky men standing could have the choice to either send the woman home or escort her back to any hotel. It was only until all the men in Serevan Palace paired themselves with a good girl that the prince's game came to a halt.
When Oscar was brought back to his study by several strong and tall soldiers, the Marshal of Imperial Guards finally returned to his original self. He lit a cigar and wiped his military uniform which smelt of alcohol using vanilla leaves. Just as the marshal wiped his crests and medals to shine again with a piece of velvet cloth, his subordinates entered the spacious room one after another.
The military intelligence personnel and the officers of the Southern Army Group separated themselves on both sides of the commander. They went forward to the Prince one by one and planted a respectful kiss on his hand to signify their most sincere congratulations and regards on his victory and his body respectively. The Prince of the Empire was calm at this time. The playfulness from the celebration moments before was now completely absent. With much meticulousness, he searched his memory and called out the names of each person and later praised their contributions throughout these eight years of turmoil using the most appropriate words.
”So... with our current advancement, does it mean that things are over?” Oscar spread out a demonstration map of the military forces which was quite unfamiliar to the eyes of the rest of the soldiers.
”Major Muktha Singh!” His Highness the Prince suddenly turned to his confidential secretary and made a gesture to the man who had just received a special promotion to the military secretary.
Muktha Singh saluted all the military officers present in the room. He didn't intend to cover up the scar that started from his neck deep down to his shoulder which he obtained by fighting in the Central Highland of Boudesdorf, since that was the confirmation of approval received from the marshal.
”Please!” the Confidential Secretary of Military Intelligence placed its pointer on a specific area on the map.
”For the past eight years, all the way until the midnight of today, the Faran Kingdom has added 24 divisions to his eastern and northern lines. For Italia, led by Prince Teodoro Manuel, the reformists are revising their backward military service system, reorganizing the Italia ground force, and continuously expanding the navy at an incredibly quick pace. Riel remains the focus of the actual struggle! The Westland seven-nation alliance has long maintained a 210,000 person-mixed army group in the Riel region. As for Deiss, although Her Majesty Queen Opareal Roulexberg is one of the most low-key monarchs in all of the Western monarchies, and remained in defensive position during the two times of Marshal Alan's attack, this queen is vigorously developing her National Defence Forces. The number of SS-level local independent brigades has reached 41. There are intelligence reports that show the Roulexberg royal secretly funding a firearms laboratory run by the Hoillander...”
Oscar suddenly waved his hand and motioned Muktha to return to his position. He believed that the short report had clearly explained their current situation.
”As you can all see, Titan, our motherland, is now surrounded by the enemy on three sides. The vast land provides us with a rich land filled with abundant resources, but it also provides the invaders with a broad battlefront.”
”Do you mean… a world war is coming?” General Eugene looked at the demonstration map of the military forces. ”Are you sure?”
Oscar nodded, ”It's definitely going to happen, maybe just not now.”
”Let's take a look at this!” His Highness the Prince of the empire revealed a document from his desk, ”I believe everyone here is clear of the reason that decides the fate of war, so let's us take a look at what is actually going on in Westland!”
”First of all,” Oscar pointed at the Faran Kingdom on the map, ”Not long ago, news of the Prince of Faran's stroke spread around but it didn't attract much of our attention. It wasn't until His Highness's brother become the prince regent that our military intelligence department discovered there was more to this seemingly simple matter. The regent receives support from three military chiefs as soon as he took office, which suggests his interest in forcing an abdication. It is also worthwhile to note that I have had some personal grudges with the Prince's son when I was young. Hence, if they are not a bunch of idiots, then I welcome them to explore our southern defense.”
The officers broke into a laughter as they all remembered the horror face of that unlucky Prince of Faran which was covered with pockmarks. The ”Champion Cup” incident which happened in year 793 was one of the most famous diplomatic disputes in recent years.
”Next, Italia! The relationship between the Kingdom of Italia and the Holy See has been maintaining for more than 800 years. Religion is the most important part of the social life of Italia, but Prince Teodoro Manuel and the reformists' most prominent proposition is to exclude the bishop's party from the core of the state's upper-level rights, and to cancel a number of religious donations and tax liabilities.”
”It seems that the Pope His Grand Eminence will despise the prince with the hatred he has for the infidels, however... based on the physical condition of the Pope His Grand Eminence Radriere VI which has barely been optimistic for these years, I guess he will soon be summoned by the God. Hence, it's highly likely that this Pope is going to take action against religious centrists of the royal family of Italia. Of course, he could also hand this mission over to the next Pope. However, the conflict between the royal family of Italia and the Holy See cannot be reconciled easily. I also think that Prince Teodoro Manuel will not succeed in his battle with the priests, as the Holy See can receive strong assistance from Faran and West Percy. These two countries that rely on ocean trades to make a fortune will definitely not allow a powerful Italia to be in the same boat as them. Therefore, the most likely situation to happen would be… for Prince Teodoro Manuel to be exiled or murdered, and the throne to be succeeded by Princess Caro Arsia Manuel who promised to serve the God for all her life.”
Oscar took a sip of the sweet mint tea as he noticed some interesting expressions among the military officers. ”Did that remind you of the spreading rumors between myself and Princess Caro Arsia Manuel?”
The officers shook their heads as they grinned from ear to ear, even General Eugene avoided the Prince's gaze. The General of the Imperial Guards was the one who was present when His Highness received the Princess of Italia.
”That's not the case!” Oscar also laughed as he realized he wasn't quite sensible at that time. ”My interest in analyzing the political situation of Italia is entirely out of scruples with the Holy See. If the world war really breaks out... the position and attitude of the Holy See will be of utmost importance! We must find some people who have the potential to become our friends on the enemy's battlefield!”
”For example, West Percy!”
The soldiers were visibly surprised! The Kingdom of West Percy? This kingdom served as the leader of the Westland Kingdom Alliance at Riel's negotiating table, and their attitude towards Titan was the most aggressive one!
”Everyone here is a soldier, hence you are used to seeing enemies in the form of opposition like on the battlefield. However, the fact is, some enemies will not appear on the battlefield, and West Percy is one of them!”
Oscar blew on the ash of his cigar and flames lit up immediately, ”Her Highness Princess Catalina Don Holmes is widely known as the wife of navy expedition fleet of West Percy Marshal Vern Gegard, but few people know of her second identity, which is the actual person in charge of Etha organization.”
”I have always kept up a correspondence with her. The ways and perspectives she perceives complicated issues have become more obvious, and so are the policies of Kingdom of West Percy. Instead of competing for territory on land with the crack forces of Westland, it's certainly a better idea to utilize their strong maritime advantage in expanding overseas territories. Most of the sea is of no owner, and the actual area of West Percy is much larger than our Titan. Their only obstacle right now is the Engelish!”
Oscar nodded at the Kingdom of Engels located outside of the channel, ”Sooner or later, the Engelish would become Titan's main enemy, because his desires for invasion and ambition to plunder territory are no worse than those of the Deiss. The Engelish royal family competed with West Percy in various fields, and naval battles between them never cease. However, the cannon has now emerged, and when they are adapted into ocean warfare, I believe these two sailors would engage in a horrendous battle to solve all their problems. Hence, when that time comes…”
”What should we do then?” General Eugene widened his eyes. ”We didn't even have the means to go out to the sea. We could only watch on the shore when the two sailors are fighting.”
Oscar smiled weakly as he shook his head, and made a gesture to the Chief of Staff of the Southern Army Group, Lieutenant General Tantalus Piche, ”I know that many of you look down upon my Chief of Staff, thinking that Lieutenant General Tantalus Piche can assume this position because of personal relations.”
”Tantalus! Show your colleagues what you've got!”
The Chief of the Staff of the Southern Army Group stood up immediately and shook out the sheet of Lighthouse Strategy plan they came up with when His Highness the Prince was only studying.
”Are you… are you really planning on triggering a world war?” General Eugene couldn't help but stare in horror as he looked at the plan. ”The Slovenian Empire is not Persian, it is a sovereignty state! We would suffer from the entire Western monarchy...”
Oscar shook his head impatiently, ”Have I not made myself clear just now? When Italia struggles with the Holy See, when Engels and West Percy engage in bouts of fierce fighting, when Faran is caught up with its own royal conflicts, no one would give any attention to what happens in Slovenian Empire located at the far east. When the Western Kingdom Alliance finally established their respective forces, we would have already obtained the opening to the sea!”