Chapter 227: Twenty-fifth Episode: Chapter 5 (2/2)
However… there was no need to bring up these things anymore! The blacklist of death that the Titan Military Intelligence authority had made actually had the names of twenty-one members of the Boustead family printed onto it. The shrewd and ruthless O'Neil Andrew Morisette had given this blacklist a veritable status. The twenty-one names on the blacklist included both men and women, young and old. It even included the name of a neonate just born on the 11th month last year.
”But… there are still two more!” said the Military Intelligence operations officer who was in charged of making an inventory of the bodies, seemingly distressed.
In the open space of the valley before him, corpses were piled into a stack. Looking at those sinister faces that had lost all expressions, it indeed included all sorts of people, including the men and the women, the old and the young.
”Hey, old fellow! Do you have any suggestions?” The Military Intelligence operations officer turned toward old Boustead who was settled limply to one side. The former great business alligator had suffered a stroke last winter and become paralyzed; he could not even speak, so there was no need to expect any good suggestions from him.
The secret agents of the Titan Military Intelligence cleared the bodies from the pile of corpses one by one. If they had known earlier, they would not have simply disposed of these meaningless people. When the Boustead family members who had died in all sorts of manner were arranged out in rows, the answer finally came out.
”It's those two little brats; the nine-year-old and the one-year-old!”
The executioner present nodded his head fervently but remained motionless. The Military Intelligence operations officer was a little impatient. He glowered at his subordinate, ”Well, go look for them! What are you waiting for? This is the supreme order from the Marshal of the Guards, Head of the Military Intelligence Bureau, His Imperial Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette. Do you know the price that we have to pay if we do not fulfill our duties?”
The people of Titan dispersed. They entered the huge house that had blood stains scattered all over, one after another. The operations officer shot a glance at the elder of the Boustead Family, who was lifeless and trembling uncontrollably. He spat under his breath, ”Don't worry old man, once those two little ones are found, we will send all of you on your way…”
In the end, the detailed search amounted to nothing, and the operations officer had lost patience. A morning had passed and it was difficult to guarantee that the locals would not discover that a group of strangers had arrived at the place of refuge of the Boustead house.
”Where are they, the two children?” The operations officer grabbed the hair of the survivor. It was fortunate that there was still a living mouth in the Boustead house.
The bloodied prisoner wiggled his lips. He exhausted all his strength to spit a mouthful of blood at the executioner.
”They're found! They're found!”
The head operations officer cast aside the living mouth while cursing loudly. He was cursing the agent who was late for not voicing out earlier.
”The two little brats were in the chimneys of the prayer room. There was a dark compartment in the flue. We heard cries through the stethoscope and then only…
”Shut up!” The operations officer was already even more impatient. He took out his dagger and swiftly stabbed the only living person in the heart. The man was convulsing. This member of the Bousteads used the last of his strength to grab the slaughterer's shoulder. The vengeance in his eyes actually dissipated. His life was seeping away, his eyes were begging!
”Let the children go... let my son go...”
The military operations officer was expressionless. Even though he had to admit that he had a moment's of compassion, he still twisted the dagger he had thrust into the other's heart twice.
As he discarded the corpse, the operations officer heard the cry of the children. His team members carried a child that was as tall as a chair and an infant as big as a cushion over to him. This officer of the Secret War subconsciously kept his distance. He merely ordered his team members to make the two children shut up. The Military Intelligence secret agent covered their huge hands tightly over the children's mouth. After a while, the children calmed down as if they had fallen asleep, except that their tearful eyes were still innocently wide open.
The bodies of twenty Titan serious offenders were thrown into the deep wells in the manor, and the wells immediately turned into blood.
The Military Intelligence secret agent placed the Bousteads' paralyzed elderly into a wooden barrel and then lowered both the elderly and the wooden barrel into the well. From the looks of it, the elderly would be the only survivor of the Boustead Family. However, the Military Intelligence secret agents used fire to seal the mouth of the well with mud and then placed boards and laid rocks onto it…
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”Finally, it's over...”
O'Neil Andrew Morisette groaned. His forehead was almost frozen by the icy gold statue. Damn this summer! However, the golden body of the God of Light was instead exuding chilly cold air, not the least easy-going!
His Grand Eminence the Pope gave a faint smile. The giant gold statue in front of him was carved out of a thousand-year oak. The foundation penetrated more than ten meters into the ground. The Titan Prince had probably already suffered enough from the bitter cold.
”Please...” Elamos I once again stretched out his hand and gestured. O'Neil then reluctantly knelt down.
”The Almighty Creator has heard your wishes!” His Grand Eminence the Pope tried his best to make himself appear amiable and kindly. ”And the last question. Will you keep your God-given teachings and creeds all the time, and share the wealth that the Gods have given you with the people of the world?”
”Yes, I will...” Oscar's voice was weak. The statue froze him to a point that he had a headache.
”By the Gods!” His Grand Eminence Pope Elamos I suddenly gave a thunderous shout, and the crowd in the sanctuary responded again! Meanwhile, the hall of Saint Roman Lovran's Cathedral suddenly lighted up. The thousands of candlelight flickered in the breeze. Stained glass windows and religious figures on the frescoes of the hall seemed to come alive. They clung to the Holy Grail, the holy tool, the holy fire, and the sacred spears charging towards O'Neil Andrew Morisette who was kneeling on the ground.
The Titan Prince's body swelled up instantly. He was completely enveloped in a dazzling ray of light falling from the sky. Although he knew that it was because the sanctuary's mirrored skylight was opened up, the symphony formed from the singing of the masses, the murmuring of the servants of God, the pipe organ and artifacts still made him have an out of body experience.
”By the God of Light... in the name of the Virgin, the Holy Spirit, and the Son, the name of the saints of the Titan Empire, the leader of the Andrew family, Saint O'Neil Andrew Morisette, may the believers attain eternal life, the believer O'Neil Andrew Morisette… receive protection, true knowledge, peace…”
The church opened its doors, and rays of dazzling light poured in. Ear-splitting cheers and resonant carols rang out in Caeser Square.
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The sunlight crossed the threshold and the floor. It spilled softly onto the bed like a spread-out carpet.
Lying on the bed was an old woman with gray hair. It was difficult to believe that this woman in a sloppy dress, who was inarticulate in speech, was once the noble Empress of the Titan Empire.
The sudden sunlight stung Rolyn Kate's eyes. She moved her body with difficulty, using her shoulders to shield the swaddling clothes in her arms. Although those who had met her had reminded her that there was nothing inside the swaddling clothes, the Empress of the Titan Empire was still stubborn, like a competent mother, waiting upon a non-existent child with all her heart. Perhaps she had really lost it, or perhaps she did not, but the main point was aside from those who had ulterior motives, who else would bother?
Now, which idiotic maid opened the curtains? Rolyn Kate thought. She and her child were both afraid of the light. Only in the stillness of the dark would she feel a moment of peace. Light would sting her skin and cause the wrinkles of age to emerge on her skin. If there were no light, she would not see these; she would still be a dignified mother of the Titan nation with radiant beauty.
”Behold, it's the Deamo White Rose!” the stupid maid was holding a bouquet of a variant of roses. Rolyn Kate gave a faint smile. She knew that the days of living under one's charity were difficult. Even if it were in treating a stupid maid, she would put on her arrogant and bossy attitudes as before.
”It's my favorite Deamo White Rose!” cried the Titan Empress. She sized up the delicate and charming flower. If this were true, then she had not forgotten that this wretched place was the capital of the Kingdom of Weden. Weden was located at the coast of the North Sea. During a sizzling hot summer, it was also chilly. Who sent the Deamo Rose that grew in the greenhouse? This prominent figure was indeed thoughtful.
”Who do you think it is?” The shadow of the maid finally left the sunlight in front of the window. She said this while making the bed for the old lady living here.
”I... I've never seen you!” Rolyn Kate hugged the swaddling clothes in her arms tightly. She was not lost it yet. Not only did this maid who had just barge in disturb her afternoon rest, she also had a face which she had never seen before.
The maid smoothed out the creases on the pillow. Her voice is light and soft, ”This is a greeting from the motherland, Titan...”
Rolyn Kate was suddenly emotionally-driven. She wanted to call for help, but the other person was already stuffing the pillow forcefully against her face. The old woman struggled wildly. Her chest rose up and down rapidly. Even so, she did not release her arms hugging the swaddling clothes! So… if it was not her who had gone mad, it was this world that had gone insane! Finally, the skinny arms that were flailing ceaseless in the air hung down the side of the bed. The assassin who had come from the motherland of Titan then released the pillow.
The maid skillfully checked the pulse of the Empire's Empress Dowager. The result was very satisfying to her. When she went out, she subconsciously waited and watched the activity in the hallway. When she had ascertained that there was nothing out of the ordinary, she turned around and pulled the curtains at the window tightly closed. The room was once again plunged into thick darkness. After that came the gentle sound of the door closing…
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As soon as the door closed, the carriage gradually started moving. Thinking about the scene a while ago made O'Neil Andrew Morisette break into a fit of laughter. The Prince of Titan was the kind of person who held on to grudges and did not want to be a true saint. Considering the fact that His Grand Eminence the Pope racked his brains to make things difficult for him, he must return the favor by many folds
Just a while ago, the Prince of Titan and the King of Italia walked out of the massive arched doors of the Saint Roman Lovran's Cathedral accompanied by the clergies. Oscar deliberately slowed down, and the ignorant His Grand Eminence the Pope senselessly rushed ahead. Thus… a bold defending knight used the rowels of the spurs on his boots to hook the highest servant of God's gold-lined cloak.
Under the cheers of thousands of people in Caeser Square, His Grand Eminence the Pope fell onto the ground with his face towards the sky. The ”clueless” Narcissus knights then screamed loudly, much like a bunch of ladies, ”Assassins! Assassins!”
Since an assassin had appeared on the scene, chaos would naturally ensue. The battalion of defending knights rushed forth. They used their chests, shields, and weapons to surround the important figure, placing him in the center. After a brief period of squeezing, O'Neil Andrew Morisette ruthlessly stamped on His Grand Eminence the Pope who had collapsed onto the ground, twice. He stepped once onto his knee and for the other… let's just say His Grand Eminence the Pope was not intending to get married. There was no need to get into detail about the placement of the other foot.
O'Neil Andrew Morisette, fully content with his accomplishment, brought along his wife, who was just as excited to mount the carriage. As for His Grand Eminence Pope Elamos I who encountered the inexplicable assassination incident, he hid in the church in a panic. Thus, the entire Holy City of Rome was cheering for only one man. From the public square to the main streets and small alleys, the people of Italia rang all the huge bells of churches. The people cheered loudly under the long drawl of the bells. Praises of ”Saint O'Neil Andrew Morisette” rose and fell.
After a short journey, the Prince of Titan once again arrived at the National Palace of Italia. His carriage first opened its awning. Thereafter, the two paladins of Italia opened the carriage door.
When the silhouette of the Saint was revealed under the sunlight, the voices of the people at the square once again turned into overwhelming waves of cheers. Oscar did not hurry in dismounting the carriage, but instead offered his hand to lead his wife and waved continuously at the enthusiastic crowd.
”Louder... a little more effort... it's not enough... far from enough!” O'Neil Andrew Morisette looked at the sea of cheering people and gave a faint smile.
Yes, everything was not enough at the moment! A pair of white hands stretched out from the open carriage. The owner of the hands was that of the Queen of Hoilland's His Majesty Luth VII. The noble Queen was once the eldest princess of the Titan Empire, and she adored her. When she was pampered, bossy and went on a rampage in Dulin, the young Alanis had not even hit puberty yet. So… the former elder princess could not help but mull over why a little girl who could not even get right a two-digit summation could also ascend the throne of Titan, while she, as the elder princess, could not.
With this as the basis, the things that came next were easier to handle. The Queen of Hoilland became the most resolute supporter of the Anti-Titan Alliance. She put forward plans and ideas for her husband and lived frugally so that her country could produce a cannon. Her attitude was as if she was going against a foe who had murdered her father!
The exemplary role of Her Majesty the Queen for understanding reason and being ready to punish her own family if justice demanded it earned her a good reputation both internationally and domestically. After she entered the main battle, the cheers of Titan rose louder and louder, plus she had just borne a young prince for the King of Hoilland. Hence… a better future became just within reach.
The arrival of the little Prince nulled the tense atmosphere brought on by the Kingdom of Hoilland, raising all its land forces with the intent of invading Titan. The day Her Majesty the Queen's little prince was baptized, the country as given a public holiday. When she and the young child who had just been baptized, rode in an open carriage out of the church, the citizens of the kingdom's capital generously offered their fervent cheers to the future ruler of Titan.
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On the heavily-guarded streets of the capital of Hoilland, a small tavern was occupied by a group of bored spectators. They debated at the top of their lungs. All that they talked about was how to conquer the most powerful country in the world. The owner of the hotel readily catered to the guests' pickiness and prolixity, but his expression changed after he went into the completely deserted second floor.
”Are you ready to sacrifice your life, brave child?”
A boy of a different race, with deep brows and a tall nose, strode out from the shadows. He lifted his white robe that did not suit his figure. Beneath the pure white cotton cloth, he was strapped full of explosives.
The owner of the hotel nodded. He took the little boy to the balcony on the second floor. The impassioned and joyous crowd was welcoming the Royal Household's ceremonial procession.
”Have you seen the open carriage?”
The boy dropped his gaze and nodded.
The owner of the hotel held the child in his arms. He pointed toward the carriage carrying the Queen of Hoilland.
”The man in the carriage is your most hated enemy! May the True God bless and protect you. You will step on the enemy's head and ascend into the heavens! Do you know what is waiting for you in heaven?”
The boy blinked, and his long-term malnourished face suddenly appeared red.
”A hundred virgins...and eternal life!”
”Good boy!” the hotel owner kissed the boy's forehead. He did not have to understand why the woman and child in the carriage were the enemies of the True God. As a holy warrior, knowing the time the enemy would appear, the place, and his face was enough.
The open carriage would soon pass the tavern, and the fuse of the explosives in the boy's arms would soon burn to the end.
”Go on, child!” The hotel owner suddenly shouted. The boy in his arms was immediately tossed into the air.
The city residents who had witnessed it all had no time to neither cry out nor cover their mouths. A heavy boom transformed the magnificent royal carriage into pieces of wood. The debris filled the air, mixed with bone dust and a bloody fog…
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The wine exuded an alluring luster and a rich aroma. The representatives from the Holy See took the lead and lifted their wine glasses. Bishop Liluela congratulated O'Neil Andrew Morisette from across the long dining table. ”Your Imperial Highness, your reputation and past achievements have already shown that you are entirely deserving of being a Saint!”
”Thank you...” O'Neil Andrew Morisette smiled slightly under the flattery. If it was not mistaken, the Titan Prince's smile was as that of a devil having gotten his way through a crafty scheming.