Chapter 210: Twenty-fourth Episode: Chapter 2 (2/2)

”That's right! But I dare not guarantee whether Her Majesty I will secretly have any drastic actions!” Hank again heaved a sigh. ”I only know that… at least by honor, with me acting as the guardian of Lady Vijdeline Van Sukhoi, Her Majesty will not have any objections!”

Oscar once again embraced the final-generation of the Imperial family. ”Titania will be an everlasting friend of the Andrews!”

Hank beamed, ”We have always been friends!”

Oscar stared blankly. The other person's smile had a strangeness to it that he could not quite put his finger on. On the 3rd, later in the evening, the night finally descended over Vielonna. Yet, this happened to be the time when the music capital showed the most fascinating scenes. The St. Stephen Cathedral that was newly refurbished by the nobles and great merchants had been reopened again in the past year. The ever-increasing number of joss sticks burned night and day. Nearly ten thousand candles lit the cathedral up against the background.

The cruise ships on the Don River were still traveling back and forth. These single-masted sailboats were of various sizes, traveling along under the curtain of night, with little specks of kerosene lamps burning, like the fireflies flying about everywhere, suddenly coming closer or going far away. If the ships happened to be close to the riverbank, one would hear the laughter of the men and women on the ship traveling out.

Brilliant starlight shone in the skies above the city. The cluster of stars in the heart of the city twinkled! The musicians and performing team from all over the world sent generous gifts to Vielonna. If one wanted to watch acrobatics, one could go to the Schindlerdie Open Air Theater and Victory Monument Square in the north of the city. If one wanted to listen to concerts, then one could go to the national opera house, the Hosden Music Hall, New Year's Music Hall, and the Imperial Palace Opera House. If one wanted to watch operas, ballets, stage plays, melodramas, then… please, It's Vielonna! Any random café in Vielonna would have such performances.

It was on such a night that made one indulge and lose themselves. His Imperial Highness the Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette chose the Imperial Palace Opera House – constructed with the contribution from the Imperial Household, the world's most luxurious opera house that possessed the perfect acoustic structure.

If one of the citizens of Vielonna said, ”I'm going to the palace tonight!” He must be bragging, but what he called the ”Imperial Palace” must be referring to the Imperial Palace Opera House. The Imperial Palace Opera House was located at the middle part of the ring road. Beside the sixteenth arched bridge in Basink. The people could take a carriage or a cruise ship to the Imperial Palace Opera House's high marble staircase which was twenty-three meters high. After ascending the stone steps, one would enter a huge gate inlaid with gold carvings.

The circular stairs that led up to the boxes upstairs and the ordinary seats downstairs were right before one's eyes.

The ceiling above the circular stairs was also inlaid with painted works that were popular centuries ago. The numerous crystal chandeliers and the mirrored walls that extended directly to the ceiling caused the entire great hall to shine with a breathtaking splendor. Following the flow of the people ascending the stairs, going downward would allow one to arrive at the stage lounge while going upwards or walking on to either side would be the boxes.

Prince O'Neil's box was naturally a seat special for the Imperial Household. This box would not be open to others even if the Imperial Household members did not turn up. The soprano singer dressed up in splendid attire was waiting at the entrance of the box. Without an invitation from the master, Elizabeth's status was still not enough for her to have the privileges exclusive to the Imperial Household.

Oscar took hold of his charming, adopted daughter and strolled into the box. The curtains of the box were already opened. The scene displayed before the Imperial Prince immediately widened. This was indeed the best listening position in the opera house. When the silhouette of the Imperial Prince appeared suddenly, a wave of orderly-standing sound echoed above and below the stage. The nobles and gentlemen from all walks of life who came in applauded O'Neil Andrew Morisette in succession. It was only after His Imperial Highness took off his hat did the people return to their seats.

Oscar took the small telescope that Paul had handed over to him. Viscount Lukas Diyabaker who was accompanying him immediately pointed at a box.

”The man with a bouquet of daisies! The Prince of Engels - William Steward!”

Oscar observed through the telescope for a while. After that, he turned towards Lukas and said to the university student in a frivolous tone, ”it's just that, he doesn't look as charming as you!”

Viscount Diyabaker smiled and he subconsciously shot a glance at the expressionless soprano singer, ”But he's a Prince of Engels. Just this point is enough to make him more adorable than a Colonel of the Guards!”

Oscar gave an exclamation of Ola. It was not because he could not tell that the Colonel of the Guards was mocking Elizabeth. It was just that… he didn't care at all.

”Has everything been arranged?” The Imperial Empire turned towards the Head of Secret Operations Office, Baron Spencer Balung.

Baron Balung blinked his grey eagle eyes several times. He also pointed towards the box, ”All arrangements have been made! However, according to our preliminary investigations, the old man sitting beside Prince William is the overall person in charge of the Engel's Overseas Operation Department under the Department of Ocean Measurement. The people in his circle call him Sir James. No one knows his real name.” That old man with graying hair on both temples is James?” Oscar lifted the telescope again. He wanted to verify whether the old man before his eyes was the world's most renowned super terrorist of the intelligence community! It was said that… since the birth of gunpowder, in every ten explosion cases in the Westland, there were four that were connected to this Sir James.

”In a while more... you are most likely to be negotiating with him!” the person in charge of the Secret Operations Office muttered with a slight sense of worry.

Before this, he did not expect the Engelish to send such a highly dangerous person to Titan.

”The show is starting!” Elizabeth gently reminded the man. She did not wish to let the men continue the subject.

Oscar immediately sat upright and still. Baron Balung and Viscount Diyabaker also put on a look of 'being immersed'.

Following the deafening applause, the huge, red curtains on the stage drew open. The conductor and opera composer walked out among a thousand candlelight. After a short speech by the playwright, Oscar learned that the four-act comedy tonight was the famous 'Hewart'. It told the absurd tale of the ruler, King Hewart, who used to rule over Italia.

The orchestra conductor was one of the most famous masters in the world. He used impeccable gestures to drive the baton and bowed towards His Highness the Prince in the first box to the right of the second floor of the theater. Oscar lifted up the glass that was ready on hand. Following the customs, the glass filled with the water from the Don River symbolized the highest respect of the owner here towards the artists.

Next... when the band started playing the first note, the operatives of Southern sub-bureau of Titan's Military Intelligence Bureau requested all the people idling around in the hallway to leave. And then… according to the plan agreed upon in advance, the soprano singer, Lady Elizabeth Kate stepped forth. His Royal Highness the Prince who came from the Kingdom of Engels was formally introduced to the Prince of the Titan Empire, O'Neil Andrew Morisette. Prince O'Neil politely invited the Prince of Engels into the box of the Imperial Household. During the evening's repertoire, both parties held cordial and friendly discussions regarding the relations between the countries, Engels and Titan…

Speaking of which... this resembled the tone of the Press and Publications Agency! It was reckoned that the newspapers on the 13th day of the 3rd month would indeed send out messages this way. However, on the evening of the 13th day of the 3rd month, in the Imperial box of Vielonna's Imperial Palace Opera House, we know that what happened was definitely not the case.

It was interesting to note that the hosts and guests had taken their seats. The head of the Secret Operations office and the intelligent university student were seated on both sides of Oscar, while on the Engel's side, Prince William Steward had the spymaster and the charming Lady Elizabeth Kate by his side. Oscar did not look at his stressed-out, adopted daughter in the eye from the beginning to the end. Although this situation had saved Elizabeth from being awkwardly distressed, this woman with a delicate mind nevertheless still felt a little anxious.

It should be said that... a Prince of Engels and a Prince of Titan being in the same room would not raise any unnecessary suspicions. The Kingdom of Engels had just established unity only two centuries ago, and it was only the unity in the form of an island nation. Regardless of whichever way one understood it, such an isolated country abroad could not be compared with the gigantic Titan. Historically, there was not any form of disputes between the two countries and association that involved the interests of both parties.

However... it was Church's year 801, placing Titan and Engels in this great historical environment from the seventh century to the end of the eighth century. The opportunity for the two countries to strive for common growth had finally emerged!

Prince William had a pair of deep eyes and a towering eagle nose that was unique to the Engelish. He appeared young, but his age had already passed thirty.

The subtle difference between him and the usual Engelish was that Prince William preferred speaking in a concise manner. He used two sentences to convey the standpoint of Engel's Royal family clearly!

William said to the Prince Titan in front of him, ”Your Highness, let us collaborate! You must know that, to the both of us, this is a good thing for mutual benefit!”

Oscar cast a subconscious glance at the university student beside him, and Lukas practically got the meaning in his eyes immediately. He spread his hands at William and spoke to the foreign prince with moderation.

”My apologies Your Highness, collaboration isn't necessary for us. I believe that you also know the truth of the matter. Without collaborating, my country can still accomplish the determined strategy independently.”

”Who are you?” William glanced unhappily at the young university student, and then he turned towards Oscar, who had yet to utter a word. That gaze was as if he were accusing O'neil Andrew Morisette's lack of responsibility. The Prince of Titan should personally respond to this question.

”You know who I am!” Lukas could not help but laugh. Perhaps all the prominent figures in the world were like this. They knew exactly the kind of person the man standing before them were, but they just liked to look at them with a superior, unfamiliar air.

William simply closed his mouth. His upbringing and rationality did not allow him to quarrel with a little Major of the Guards.

The senile Sir James suddenly let out a wave of violent coughing. Prince O'Neil turned to scrutinize Westland's most renowned destruction expert, leader of the spies, and professional terrorist. Although these nicknames completely did not fit the old man in front of him, Oscar knew that those were all him! This understanding was somewhat absurd. It was just like having your eyes tell you that a creature before you was a white goose, but your rationality told you that it was the devil.

”Previously... I had the privilege of meeting your country's Secretary of State once!” the old man suddenly dropped without giving any details.

”Titan's Secretary of State?” Oscar looked up, slightly baffled. There was no news indicating that the number one spy from Engelish had ever come into contact with the Imperial officials. ”Who are you referring to?”

Sir James' mouth drew into a beautiful arc. One could see that this King of Destruction must have been the kind of gorgeous man who was a woman-killer during his youth.

”It's the Secretary of State of your country... Duke Kachev Drakas Ferdinand!”

”Where? When?” Oscar sat upright. His face had become entirely cold.

Sir James lifted his head as if recalling something, ”probably... it was just some time ago.”

Oscar and his own Head of the Secret Operations Office locked eyes for a brief moment. Baron Spencer Balung immediately took over the topic. He spoke while filling up the teacup of the illustrious person in the same profession as him.

”James, I hope I can address you this way. So... I also hope that you can be clear about one thing. Kachev Drakas Ferdinand is not a Duke. neither is he the former Secretary of State of my country. He is just a shameful traitor, a killer, a hypocrite who deceived the Emperor, and an internationally-wanted criminal! You must have seen our country's Ministry of Justice request the Supreme Vatican to issue a wanted order to all religious countries, right?”

The old man nodded and he turned towards O'Neil Andrew Morisette, whose face was still cold.

”Your Highness, regarding this matter, my country has no objections, but the Kachev Drakas Ferdinand I met is just a sick old man. He must rely on the help of his friends to barely scratch through the days. Prisons and trials... those are not really necessary for such an old man, right?”

Oscar suddenly laughed, not because he learned of news about his old enemy, but because of a funny section in the repertoire. After this, the Prince of Titan seemed to be completely captivated by the performances on the stage. He clapped and cheered as loudly as all the enthusiastic spectators! Sometimes he would even blow a cadence whistle in response to the enthusiastic atmosphere on the scene.

Prince William and the leader of the spies exchanged looks. They were very astonished, and they were greatly curious regarding the Titan Prince's response. According to the prior prediction, the current generation of the Head of Andrew was very much interested in collaborative matters. However, although Prince O'Neil's lukewarm attitude was very fake, at the very least it could also explain a few issues. Before the Andrew and Titan's navy were formed, getting themselves tangled up with the Engelish was indeed not such an urgent matter.

Act II had just begun. O'Neil Andrew Morisette finally smiled and turned toward the prince who had come from afar.

”People who have visited Vielonna will fall in love with this place. What about you?”

William also chuckled. However, when he replied to the question, he was instead looking at the singer beside him.

”Yes Your Highness, people who have visited Vielonna will fall in love with this place. I'm not exempted from this custom as well,” Oscar exclaimed with an Ola. ”I thought that… the Engelish only loved the sea!”

The prince nodded, ”I know what you mean! But I also have to admit that the sea is the favorite of our countrymen. Just that… some want to use conquest to express such love, and some want to use exploration to understand this love.”

”Then, which feeling is the Royal Household of your country more inclined towards?”

William thought about it for a moment, ”I think... I am for both! Take my King father, for an example, he is keen to explore new territorial waters and continents. He often fishes out his own money to finance the expedition fleets of various countries. Even if the other side was a trickster, he would not show any interest in it. As for me… I'm conflicted because… when I discover new territorial waters or new continents, I feel like conquering them!”

Oscar shook his head, ”Then what you love is not the sea, but conquering! Or it's the joy that the process of conquest brings you and…”

”Gold!” William broke off the Titan Prince's words. ”Slovenia has gold! If you can conquer this kingdom, conquer that sea, then everything there will be yours!”

Oscar snorted coldly, ”Gold, Slovenia, the sea! I believe all these have absolutely nothing to do with your country!”

William shrugged, ”Your Highness, let us both just get to the point, shall we? I don't know what you are being anxious over. If you are concerned about my country's sincerity in the collaboration issue, then very well! Sir James can guarantee that the internationally-wanted criminal will definitely be returned.”

Oscar waved his hand, ”Who cares about a sick old man?”

The Prince subconsciously glared at the talkative James. This chap should not give the Titan Prince a cause to gossip.

”Then, Your Highness... be frank with me! How then can I allow you to believe in me?”

Oscar chuckled, ”Your Highness, it's not that I despise your country's naval force, but the fact is that West Percy, the Invincible Fleet, and countless shore-based fortresses firmly control the gateway to the Disin Sea. When I need help, can I look towards the Open Ocean Fleet of the Engelish and pass through Jebrotoh Strait smoothly?”

William contemplated for a long while. The Titan Prince delivered an argument that hit the nail on the head! What he had just said was precisely the main reason why the Engelish hoped to seek a safe harbor at the Disin Sea's hinterland as soon as possible. The West Percian and the Farans firmly controlled Disin Sea, and they had imposed heavy taxes onto Engel's merchant ships and navy escort fleet. The Engelish hoped that they could obtain a harbor at Disin Sea or deeper into the territorial waters. It would be best if it were a natural harbor to develop the navy. Not only must this harbor receive an ample protection from the army on land, it should also have extremely high safety systems!

Titan planned in advance to send troops to Slovenia. This was a crucial turning point for the Engelish. If both parties could reach an agreement, then the Engelish fleet would possess a safe foothold in a strategic location close to the Disin Sea. This foothold would not easily suffer from attacks by West Percy and the Faran. If both of these countries do not wish to experience the revenge of the Narcissus Knights on the land, they would not launch an offensive at the Andrew's occupied territory. That was why… everything was so perfect! In addition to that, if the Engel's Navy were to gain a foothold in the Aldrif and Eichin Sea, West Percy and Faran would experience the danger of a converging attack from both sides.

”Your Highness! I can guarantee that you will not lose anything. On the contrary, the things that you can achieve will definitely be beyond your imagination!”

Oscar rolled his eyes. ”Come on! I'm losing now!”

”What do you mean?”

Oscar looked at Elizabeth, ”My adopted daughter! Don't tell me you don't know what I'm talking about!”

William stumbled, and he suddenly stood up in annoyance, ”Your Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette! Matters regarding Elizabeth shouldn't appear in our conversation. She is not a bargaining chip on the table! The education I received tells me to do things honorably. However, since you've just put it that way just now, then… I shall take my leave!”

Oscar, who did not even cast a glance backward, trained his eyes onto the performance on stage. However, he still said to Elizabeth, ”William is a good lad.”

Elizabeth did not hear it. The raging tears and incessant sobbing had blocked up her eardrums…

”What's next?” Oscar asked the followers by his side, loudly.

”The Third Act –'The King's Grudges'.”