Chapter 170: Nineteenth Episode: Chapter 7 (1/2)
Chapter 170: Nineteenth Episode: Chapter 7
Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation
One shall not be misled by the chaotic appearances nor the various sounds that flooded Scott Dulin Cathedral's long stone walkways and corridors decorated with religious murals. They were only the panic-stricken nobles and priests who were complaining incessantly. The Imperial Guards didn't scramble to their feet like frightened bunnies. On the other hand, they remained at their respective posts, not giving any chance to those who intended to pass the danger mark to escape from the cathedral.
Something absurd happened on the afternoon of the 13th; Archbishop Karl Arnold's desk clock which was made of silver set itself on the 13th hour and 13th minute! It was certainly not an auspicious number.
Rudolf Hoss ordered the paladins to break into the back room. The moment the door was opened, the dead body of Titan's religious leader made a loud thump as it dropped to the ground. The Head of the Secret Service Department had his expertise team performed a thorough autopsy on the dead man, and all the experienced doctors from the Ministry of Justice came to a unanimous conclusion – that the man committed suicide to escape legal punishment.
”Inform the people in the cathedral that the religious leader committed suicide to run away from legal punishment!” Rudolf instructed his staff, but the action seemed rather redundant. There was a crowd outside the back room of the bishop. Despite the paladins' effort to restrict the view of the interior, some busybody nobles stood on tiptoe or leaped up and down to obtain a better look.
”Karl Arnold is dead! He certainly deserves it!” most people commented.
”He murdered His Second Highness Prince Lobmus,” some pointed finger at archbishop for this crime.
”He did, didn't he? His Second Highness Prince Lobmus was only a newborn at that time! Is it possible that this old man was a monster who feeds on a dead infant?”
The people were no longer interested in continuing the discussion. It didn't seem like the cathedral was going to serve lunch, so these empty-stomach honorable nobles couldn't be bothered to loiter around this disgusting place further.
”Rudolf! Isn't it self-evident now? You should go get that imposter and hang him to death!” This suggestion received almost a unison agreement from the crowd. The nobles of the City of Dulin were such realists. The first thought that came to mind of these well-dressed people when they saw a scapegoat was not empathy, but to strip its skin and throw it into a boiling pot.
”The cathedral's dining hall has prepared some meat broth, all of you should really give it a try!” Rudolf calmed the commotion with one sentence. ”Don't forget that we have not examined the place where actual Second Highness Prince Lobmus was allegedly buried. We shouldn't conclude rashly unless we have unearthed the baby boy's dead body.”
The suggestion received immediate agreement from the crowd of nobles, but even more among them who shouted loudly, ”Where's the dining hall? Where's the dining hall?”
Count Rudolf exchanged glances with the cabinet chancellor who stood next to him. Forget it! They didn't know whether to critic the capital's noble circle as scary or shameful? These men totally weren't bothered to conceal their desires.
”So, what now?” Kachev whispered to the head of Secret Service lthough he didn't keep his gaze off archbishop Karl Arnold's corpse.
”I've got to speak with Her Majesty the Empress!” Rudolf frowned at the thought as he didn't want to imagine how the empire's Empress would react to the news.
”In other words, you want me to bring them to unearth the dead body?” the old man stared in slight annoyance.
The head of Secret Service shrugged with indifference, ”Either that or you can come along with me to meet Her Majesty the Empress!”
Kachev pondered for a second. Since he had made up his mind to stand on this boat, then he really didn't have a chance to argue or bargain.
Under the guidance of Colonel Basil Kenny, the palace's Captain of the Guards, Count Rudolf Hoss passed through the cordons laid out by Imperial Guards all around the cathedral without risk. Finally, he came to a halt in front of the room where Her Majesty the Empress took her rest. Perhaps it was out of respect, he straightened his black tailcoat before entering the room.
”Has anyone come before?”
Basil nodded, ”Archbishop visited, but he has committed suicide. Another servant girl came too but left after leaving some refreshments for the Empress.” Rudolf laughed secretly at his own success. If Rolyn Kate still didn't want to cooperate by now, he wouldn't mind filling his own doll collection with an honorable noble pet. He hadn't been with a queen yet, and just the thought of it made him excited. Rolyn Kate stood by the small window, looking out to the crowd gathered in the backyard of the cathedral. It seemed that she also wanted to see the true face of the dead baby. If the facts were as the accusations established by the Secret Service, then the baby boy was her own flesh and blood.
”Your Majesty the Empress…”
Rudolf Hoss came forward and didn't pause until he was near the Empress' back.
The head of Secret Service looked at the neck of his soon-to-be collection and realized that Rolyn Kate's skin was smooth and silky. She totally didn't look like an old witch or a miserable wretch.
”Unbelievable!” the number one loyal hound let out a sigh of admiration as he rubbed the Empress' body to one side. He would never have the guts to do so if it was before, but now everyone knew that Rolyn Kate was just a miserable old woman who gave birth to a false child.
Rudolf Hoss pointed to the busy backyard as he spoke, ”Who would have thought the real father of the child would do something like this?”
The Empress began to shake uncontrollably, but still, she remained silent. She was wearing a thin veil that draped to the ground, obscuring her face from Rudolf's sight.
”Haha, still don't want to admit?” the head of Secret Service laughed suddenly. ”The real His Second Highness Prince Lobmus Alfa Morisette wasn't His Majesty's flesh and blood either. He was only a product of an incest committed by a pair of siblings, that's why he was born with various congenital diseases. Your cruel brother had the heart to murder his own child to achieve his wild ambitions, and later replaced your boy with an imposter.”
Rudolf tried to glimpse at the Empress' expression but couldn't see it clearly. Rolyn Kate was still shaking, and until now she had never said a word.
”Honestly...” the head of Secret Service sighed, ”Karl Arnold is almost going to succeed. Young Princess Phrenby is indeed a good excuse, His Elder Highness has also willingly given up his rights and obligations as the Crown Prince. Hence, His Second Highness is naturally going to be the successor to the throne. Therefore, Karl Arnold House would have successfully completed the mission of changing the dynasty! But you should know very well...that I am Rudolf Hoss, and if there's anything that Rudolf Hoss wants to find out, then he surely will.”
Rolyn Kate still hasn't said anything and it finally sent the head of Secret Service into anxiety and impatience!
”Your Majesty, don't let me address you like this for the last time! You know I didn't disclose the scandal for the reputation of the Imperial Family! So, if you don't want to be accused of adultery, you're best off to cooperate with me and my master! You are the mother of Her Highness Princess Alanis, and Her Imperial Highness, who will be the future ruler of Titan and it will not make things difficult for you!”
Rolyn Kate's silence was intolerable, and Rudolf finally showed his true colors. Without warning, a cruel and horrible expression washed over the face of the Secret Service officer.
”The order for the cleansing of Karl Arnold's family is not issued yet, but the patience of Marshal Alan is running thin! Do you want to die in prison? If not, give an order to the Imperial Secretariat immediately! Let the chief of the palace, Laston Cambre hand over the Titan Emperor's seal. Otherwise, this will really be the last time I address you as Your Majesty!”
Rudolf sized Rolyn Kate once more. He still had not noticed anything unusual until now. But hold on a second...smooth, silky, and moisturized skin?
The head of Secret Service raised the long veil of the Empress, ”Where's that old witch?” Rudolph seized the servant girl's neck in a frenzy.
”I don't know...I don't know anything.”
Rudolf let go of the counterfeit Empress and stormed out of the small room, exasperated and furious. It seemed that they were going to have some alterations to the plan!
Church's calendar year 800, 13th day of the 1st month, one thirty in the afternoon. Titan Empire Cabinet Chancellor, the old Duke Kachev Drakas Ferdinand, played the role of gravedigger for the first time. He ordered the Imperial Guards to dig up the mausoleum of the wronged ghost in accordance to the witness' guidance. Just as the witness had described, a rotten wooden box appeared in the people's eyes.
The gentlemen covered the ladies' eyes. In fact, they couldn't bear to see those thin and small bones either.
”So, isn't it clear by now?” With much caution, Kachev picked up the rag that wrapped around the baby's skeletons. There was a golden embroidery of the totem of Morisette Imperial Family. The golden lion was covered in dirt over the years, but the winter sun brought it to life after it was unearthed.
The nobles present came together and looked at the tattered piece of cloth carefully.
”Here!” Kachev shouted suddenly as he pointed to a mark on the cloth. ”The Empress' own hand-embroidered name of the child!”
”Healthy baby...Lobmus!” The crowd finally quieted down as the minister whispered. The women began to sob silently, and the men were infected with sadness as well. The presence of His Second Highness undoubtedly verified Titan's biggest scam in the court history. Although the culprit had already been put to death, the people were still shocked by the cruelty and disgust of the scam.
Suddenly, a loud bulge was heard from the direction of Dulin Scott Cathedral! Immediately, the Imperial Guards tensed up like the arrows awaiting to be released on the bowstring. The nobles fled away at the moment's notice. The battalion of paladins surrounded the Chief Staff of Imperial Guards and the head of Secret Service from exiting from the back door of the cathedral.
Marshal Robin Sparse waved his hands at the whispering crowd, ”Please cooperate with us. Although the principal offender has been put to death, the accessories from court and the government have yet to be hunted down! As the Chief Staff of the empire's armed forces, I issue that from this moment onwards, the empire has entered a state of full martial law. The Imperial Guards, together with the Special Service Department and the Ministry of Justice, will strive to catch all the conspirators involved in the case!”
The nobles finally realized what was about to happen. The Imperial Guards wanted to retaliate against the ones who disobeyed!
”Calm down! Calm down, everyone!” Rudolf Hoss finally stood up, ”The investigation of the Secret Service has confirmed that all of you present are not related to Karl Arnold's schemes and conspiracies. We know you have only been swayed and tempted, and now is the chance for you to make atonement. Think carefully. What should we do now?”
”We want a new ruler for the empire!” a voice was heard among the crowd. It seemed that there were still some smart people within the noble circle of the capital.
”Yes!” Rudolf laughed happily. As soon as the people shifted their gaze to His Elder Highness, Lobble carried the little princess of the unknown lot quickly and waved frantically at the crowd.
”I quit, I quit! It's none of my business, it's none of my business!”
If so, according to the order of the successor of the Morisette Imperial Family, who else would it be?
”Kenshin Palace! Princess Alanis!” That was not a difficult guess.
The Imperial Guards only loosened up the cordon until now. The capital's nobles who tried hard to draw a clear line with Archbishop Karl Arnold and Westberg Fort rushed out of the scene. They called out to their carriages outside the cathedral and greeted the familiar lords. There was only one destination for them at this moment – Kenshin Palace! Their future Empress was there!
The Imperial Guards and the Secret Service had given them an opportunity to swear allegiance to the future Empress. If they failed to seize this opportunity and with the release of the martial law, the revenge of the new Crown Prince would certainly come as expected. By then, they wouldn't be as lucky as they were now.
The massive Dulin Scott Cathedral suddenly quieted down, and the crowded corridors and halls became empty. The Chief Staff of Imperial Guard, the head of Secret Service, the cabinet chancellor, and some prominent members of the cabinet walked down the empty aisles. They had just witnessed a scene of the great drama. Although it was still not the end of the drama performance, the exciting interpretation of the actors was definitely worthy of attention and compliments.
Rudolf Hoss was undoubtedly the best actor among the rest. His acting skills could win the college award, but no one dared to make this joke. The head of Secret Service once again proved to the world that those who ignored him would not end with good results!
Although Rudolf won with triumph, his face was not looking any good, because…
”Rolyn Kate escaped!”
”How is that possible?” Kachev widened his eyes in surprise. However, the head of Secret Service felt that the old Duke's reaction seemed to be somewhat gloated.
”How is that not possible?” Rudolf Hoss whispered contemptuously, ”This is the Dulin Scott Cathedral. There must be some secret paths that we have no idea of. Karl Arnold will not leave a route of retreat for himself.”
”But he committed suicide! This can't be his route of retreat?” His Elder Highness of the Empire stepped forward suddenly and popped the question which no one had an answer to. His doubt was only clarified with several incomprehensible expressions.
Suddenly, Robin stopped walking and turned to the head of Secret Service, ”Be rest assured, all the major passageways in the City of Dulin have been blocked. Even a flea cannot get out from here, not to mention an Empress.”
”What about that tunnel that leads to the outskirts?”
The Chief Staff of Imperial Guards shrugged, ”She can't leave the capital's garrison area anyway!”
Rudolf shook his head in response, ”I'm not so optimistic about that. There are nearly a million people in the capital garrison area, it's not easy to locate two people.”
”Who is the other person?” Lobble's eyes widened.
”Our palace chief, Laston Cambre! It would be a huge trouble if we couldn't find him! He took the official seal of the late Emperor. Without that, any form of imperial documents is of no effect.”
”You didn't have him under control?” the cabinet chancellor of the Empire expressed his disbelief.
Rudolf noticed the smirk on that old fox's face, and this made the unusually annoyed head of Secret Service glared hard at one of his subordinates.
”My people didn't look after him!”
Kachev smiled lightly, ”Then you're in big troubles. It seems that your people are able of dereliction!”
Rudolf didn't say anything in response, but the angry man grabbed at the collar of his subordinate, ”Either look for him or die! It's your choice!”
The secret agent had no alternative but to promise obediently. Then, he turned away and disappeared from the cathedral door.
As the dense clouds above Dulin city faded away slowly, the winter sun finally shone its light upon the city. The wonderful show of the Dulin Scott Cathedral had spread all over the capital, and the incident took everyone by awe. Who could have thought of Titan's religious leader as a sinner for the murder of a baby? However, the people mentioned that he could have been better off if the baby wasn't a member of the Imperial Family. Since every bishop in the whole world was devils who ate humans, Karl Arnold was the unlucky one because he murdered a noble little prince. That was why the Imperial Family and Holy See would ascertain his responsibilities.
No matter what people said, the current political situation had been made extremely clear. The route to Kenshin Palace was crowded with carriages and people. The Red Tiger Knights used shields to fill the walls of the palace and only allowed one person at a time to meet the Imperial Princess. The nobles who had no other affairs then left their carriages in front of the small square of the palace.
They were engrossed in the discussion about the morning story. The words which came out of their mouths were constant compliments to the princess in the palace. It seemed that a lunch was all it took for them to forget completely about the roles they once played.
These were probably the hedgers mentioned before by Alfa III His Majesty. Their faces were very sharp, and their ignorant minds were sometimes as flexible as the apes. However, the hedgers could never be the dominant force. They could form a general trend, or they could escape from being the attention throughout. They were only a group of parasites that sought to survive under the armpits of the strong, feeding on the flesh and blood of the living and the death. Therefore, in general, they were dispensable, but they were the reality of existence.
As for the evil men mentioned by Alfa III His Majesty, hah! The chief justice of the Highest Inquisition of Religion made it very clear that the god would not accept such sinners. Karl Arnold was the devil's spokesperson and his body couldn't be rested in the temple of the god. Hence, the Ministry of Justice's doctors had to pull a dirty shroud from the mortuary and dragged the former Titan religious leader onto a flatbed tricycle before a team of patrols finally escorted the flatbed truck out of Dulin Scott Cathedral. The superiors of the patrols commanded them to simply find a place to bury the dead body.
The shroud contaminated with various dirt stains basked in the crowd's angry saliva and filled the air with the stench of rotten eggs! This was the fate of the worst person in the history of Morisette dynasty. History would remember the ”colorful” life of Archbishop Karl Arnold where his crimes would still be talked about for many years later. Some even brought the incident to the performing art stage. It was said that the Great Andrew Emperor who wasn't present at the scene liked this play the most.
Hedgers, bad guys, what's next?
Oh right! Alfa III His Majesty also mentioned about the conspirators! Who was the largest conspirator in the City of Dulin? Undoubtedly the award had to go to Kachev Drakas Ferdinand. The strange thing was that during the political storm that lasted for several days, surprisingly, the cabinet chancellor didn't make any moves!
It was certainly unbelievable but Kachev didn't intervene in this internal conflict of the Imperial Family. As the brain of government, he didn't make any public statements unlike the other two Marshals of the Imperial Guards.
What were Kachev's real intentions? It seemed peculiar that he was behaving well. Since it had been widely acknowledged that the old fox was the biggest conspiracy, the people should just wait patiently. He was the fox, after all, and they always revealed their tail in the end! It was only a matter of time.
Yes! Alpha III also said that those who truly create history would be the loyal silent heroes. After the murder of the Dulin Scott Cathedral, people remembered the name of Rudolf Hoss, the number one hound of the Morisette dynasty. Nobody could ignore his existence, and nobody could forget what he did. However, he was only a faithful dog. He was the first-hand director of this repertoire, it would only be outrageous if he didn't win this time around.
As for the hero, forget it! Imperial power would not create a hero, only a new emperor and countless victims. After the cathedral murder case came to a close, the religious judge from the City of Roman rushed to the House of Lords. He explained the attitude of the religious organization to the nobles of House of Lord, and the nobles' position was also made clear. Almost a quarter of the members of House of Lords ticked underneath the name of Her Imperial Highness Princess Alanis Alfa Morisette.
Alanis was finally going to become a queen! She was so excited that she felt intense pain in her stomach. She was getting more confident that she would give birth to a boy!
The young princess even thought of her own honor title. In fact, this respectful name was suggested by her husband.
Alanis I Her Majesty the Empress! What an imposing title!
The crowd gathered at the Kenshin Palace didn't disperse until nightfall, and Alanis met every visitor in high spirits. Although she encountered all the same charming smiles and heard nothing new but the usual compliments, she had won it, hadn't she? She somewhat fell in love with the people's attitude toward herself.
Poison Doctor Percy looked shockingly at the imperial princess situated in the center of the room. She seemed to forget that she was a pregnant woman.
”Your Highness, you must call it a day! Your body cannot stand this torment!”
Alanis looked at her doctor arranged by her husband for a while. This reminder came just in time. She was indeed getting a little carried away. However, she wanted to at least meet the last lord.
”Almighty God of Light! Merciful God of Light! Look at what you have brought us!” Almodovar Godzilla, fell like a cannonball at the feet of the princess like a mountain of flesh. Alanis wanted to help him to his feet but gave up immediately after seeing the mass of flesh.
”My master! Your Finance Minister, Almodovar Godzilla, swears here so the God of Light could prove my vows, and ghosts in hell could hear my curse. If myself, Almodovar Godzilla, would ever make any decision that is contrary to your wishes, this fat guy would be a permanent vegetarian!”