Chapter 249: Twenty-seventh Episode: Chapter 1 (1/2)
”Cruel! Such cruelty!”
O'Neil Andrew Morisette gathered all of his followers. Everyone had let out similar shouts.
The rain outside was still falling, and the fireplace was all red. The soldiers and the southern nobles were all sitting in the same room with odd expressions. They were thinking about one question. ”Should we step into this trap?”
”Why not?” Oscar asked.
”This is a cruel trap!” Marquis Glenn Alpré moaned, ”This is the trap that can destroy you in both spirit and body!”
”Why do you say that?” Oscar held his forehead with one hand. He still had the relaxed gesture.
The next one to speak was the young Head of Analysis Division, Viscount Lukas Diyabaker. He indicated with two of his fingers.
”We must first confirm that the crime of killing the Empress is not valid! However, no matter what sort of evidence the Imperial family or Secret Service Department are able to come up with, or regardless of whether this crime will be valid, there will only be two results! One, Your Highness will forever carry the doubt of killing the Empress and lose your status and the faith of the soldiers. Secondly, it comes from the fear of the Empire's nobles toward you and Andrew! Think about it! Some said that you have killed the previous Emperor His Majesty Alfa III when His Majesty has always been the one protecting you and helping you to this position. Your lack of gratitude will terrify everyone! I'm afraid, even the southern nobles that respect you will have to think twice... whether you will eliminate them after you ascend to the throne!”
After saying it, Diyabaker turned to the motionless Marquis Alpré. ”This sir is the representation of profits of the southern nobles. He must admit this matter as well. I am sorry I have to put it this way. You know I am only saying my assumptions!”
”A nice assumption!” Glenn smiled at the university graduate. His ugly face was crimped together, but he truly envied this guy's head, especially his youth.
The old Marquis turned to the Prince.
”Lukas is right! This is the most dangerous part of this trap! Theoretically... the southern nobles that are not clear with this accusation will indeed probably have such worries! However, the problem is... Since the Imperial family dares to accuse you of this, then they must be able to forge evidence that is reliable or is able to prove your crime!”
”So...” The Head of the Analysis Division groaned. ”Your name has been stained by this accusation. Also, this has cast fear and doubts in the hearts of the nobles that support you!” The young man said as he spread his hands at the cold-looking Prince, ”Other than going back to Narcissus County to avoid this clash, I can't think of the connection that may happen between you and the Ministry of Justice of the Empire--”
”Oh, right!” The Head of the Internal Security Department, Sir Brayson, suddenly interrupted the Head of Analysis Division, ”There is something that is certain... No matter what sort of evidence the Imperial family and the Secret Service Department have prepared, ultimately this accusation will not be valid. This is because this is a crime that can send a man to the guillotine! Whether it is Her Majesty the Empress or the Capital's nobles, they do not dare to take this risk. So, I believe the Supreme Court will acquit you. However, just as Lukas has said, even though you are innocent, the Imperial family will have destroyed your name and affected the relationship between Andrew and the Empire's nobles.”
Oscar nodded slowly. Actually, when he just knew about his crime, he had already known that the judgment of the Supreme Court would be nothing. He also knew well of the two results Diyabaker talked about, but the key of the problem was the accusation itself. It was fine if the local did not know about it, but the people that raised the accusation must know clearly that the crime of murdering the Empress would definitely be valid!
”This is Alfa III His Majesty's medical report and death certificate... I just manage to clear it out.” The Head of Internal Security Department Sir Brayson handed a document over. No one knew where he got these documents from.
Oscar did not take it. He simply smiled coldly. No one knew better than him about the death of Osli Alfa Morisette.
The Head of the Analysis Division took a glance through the report and shook his head at the people present here. ”Very ill. Weak heart! I can't see where the investigator can make out of this.”
The Minister of the Military Intelligence Secret Operations Office, Baron Spencer Balung, took the document from the university graduate, and he cast it aside without even taking a look at it. ”This is not the problem! His Majesty has died for more than two years. Her Majesty Empress Alanis won't do anything like a post-mortem examination. So, in my opinion... They can make something out of anywhere! Isn't it easy to frame others? There are many experts in the Secret Service Department!”
”Yes, that's right!” The quiet Southern Government Affairs Chancellor, Count Philip Goolean suddenly spoke, ”If I remember it correctly... In the last hours when His Majesty left the world, Your Highness has been in his bedroom alone the whole time!”
Oscar nodded, but the sensitive Sandinand already frowned rather awkwardly. He gripped the Prince's shoulder and stared at Philip Goolean with frivolous eyes.
”Look, Your Highness! Viscount Diyabaker is right! Even before the Supreme Court deal with this case, the people on our side has started to doubt you!”
”I don't mean that!” Count Goolean was bright red immediately. He retaliated strongly.
”Alright!” Oscar waved his hands impatiently. He looked at Devil Sandinand who only knew how to mess things up with cold eyes. The latter immediately stopped his words and retreated to on side. The Titan Prince stood up from his seat and his followers followed suit. The people left a path for him and saw him walked to the window and pushed it open.
The cold air gushed into the room quickly and strong, a refreshing wind that brought the mixture of the scent of rain and soil breezed through the room that smelled of cigars. The flames of the candles swayed, and its shadow was cast on one part of O'Neil Andrew Morisette's face. The people in the room could not see his expression clearly.
The rain that was ordered by the God of Light smashed into the world outside of the window. The large noise disturbed the senses of the people along with the sound of wind and swaying shadows of the tree. The Titan Prince and the group of people that were about to decide the future of the Empire stopped the quarrel. They stared the world outside of the window. It was as if they were identifying the truth behind the rain, but also relieved that there was an unbreakable water fall blocking in front of the truth.
”Let's call it a day!” Oscar turned around and his mouth quirked into a smile.
The people did not say anything. They knew the Prince's order was absolute.
”Glenn, my great poet!” Oscar suddenly called Marquis Alpré who was about to leave the room, ”Accompany me for a drink...”
Everyone paused subconsciously. They thought they were O'Neil Andrew Morisette's trusted followers, but the Prince chose Marquis Glenn Alpré whom he acquainted the latest. This fact was enough to state the problem.
”My honor!” The old man bowed slightly to the Prince. He saw completely the few officers' alert gaze right before he closed the door.
O'Neil Andrew Morisette took a Sauvigoon's wine from his belonging. When he was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal disorder, he began to love the alcoholic beverages that were not too strong and had a fresh floral scent. Sauvigoon's wine reminded him of spring because it could always be connected to flower.
As for Oscar, he did not care much about the alcoholic content or the taste of the beverages. The choice depended on his feelings. As for Marquis Alpré... Who cared about him? This smart guy did not look forward to this secret meeting. He had already guessed some of the news. Philip Goolean used to be Alfa III His Majesty's confidential secretary. He had just shown a slight doubt about O'Neil Andrew Morisette. This way... Since the Imperial family was able to make up such accusation, this matter must not be appearing out of thin air, or this was not as simple as some evil framing work.
The late-night food arrived right at the moment when the bright red wine was poured into the glass! Oscar began to yell 'Ola'. During his journey, he had never been as luxurious as he was this time. Caro Arsia not only sent sweet blessing to her husband but also sent him a few Italia chefs that had superb cooking skills.
The food was simple but extremely luxurious and delicate. It was vegetables with sesame and oranges and caramel duck breast meat, and lobster salad with Vodka and Italia fried rice. Oscar gave the fried rice and lobster salad to the thin old man in front of him. He opened up the walnut toast that kept releasing a wheaty, savory odor and began eating it with wine.
”Leaving the house... is just to survive!”
”Oh... You have a point!” The old Marquis replied nonchalantly. He was dealing with the lobster wholeheartedly.
Oscar brushed the breadcrumbs on his hands away. ”Do you know who is the one that said this?”
Alpré shook his head, but he could understand that this was the truth that was believed by those that lured within the underworld.
”There was an old man in the Damorga Prison before. He was managing a huge empire just like Alfa III His Majesty did!”
”You are talking about the leader of the Underworld?”
”That's right! Leaving the house is just to survive. He said this.”
Oscar showed a nostalgic expression. After being silent for some time, he suddenly reached out his hands. The infamous poet could only look at him when he overturned the plate of Italia fried rice on the table.
”My goodness! What are you doing? You can't do this to an old man!”
Oscar did not care about the objection of an old man. He only pointed to the overturned plate. ”Even just to survive, someone has to make you unable to taste it and swallow it... What should you do?”
Alpré spread his hands helplessly. ”Your Highness, haven't you already ruined the plate of rice? What do you plan to do about that?”
Oscar shook his head, ”Ruining the plate doesn't solve the problem! In the beginning, I made this mistake as well. I thought by destroying a fragile plate I can solve all of my problems. But, the truth has proven me wrong! If I can't deal with the chef that cooked this food, then won't the same thing happen again? It will be just a change of plate. What is on the plate is still the disgusting thing.”
The old Marquis stopped speaking. He thought O'Neil Andrew Morisette had already stated the problem clear enough.
”I am sure you must have guessed it!” The Prince glanced at the anxious poet with a smile. ”I can even tell you clearly that Alfa III His Majesty is--”
”No, no, no!” The old Marquis quickly waved his hands in shock, ”You are dreaming! I am dreaming as well! Let us drink until we go down! We are sleeptalking! You didn't! You absolutely didn't!”
”Ola...” O'Neil Andrew Morisette cheerfully said his catchphrase, ”You are indeed a smart one!”
Alpré could only smile bitterly. He was indeed a smart person, but also extremely stupid. He should not have stayed here and faced an extremely dangerous carnivorous animal by himself. Now, he finally understood. Those whom Prince O'Neil sent away were the ones whom he truly trusted! If he thought about it deeper, the Prince had truly killed the previous Emperor. No matter out of what reason this outrageous murderer had done it, this matter must not be told to anyone. In other words,... Whoever knew about it, whoever would die!
”Do you want to die?” Oscar stared into the old man's eyes. That calm gaze seemed to be glancing at some disturbing furniture. It was as if he was considering whether to throw it into the furnace or rubbish bin.
”I don't want to!” The old man was honest. He loved life, the game of power and the status he would receive when O'Neil Andrew Morisette ascended to the position. Think about it! The famous poet or the Secretary of State of Andrew Dynasty! Which one was more intriguing?
”Don't want to die?”
”Not even in a bit... I am still young!”
Titan Prince smiled without help. ”Well said! You are still young!” He took the wine and poured the liquor for the 'young' old man. The wine shone just like fresh blood.
”Then let's make a deal!”
The old Marquis nodded with a bitter smile. Since it had already come to this stage, what sort of deal could it be?
”Who is it?”
This unclear question that could be easily understood made Glenn Alpré fall silent for half a minute. In this short thirty seconds, the smart old man thought about all matters of status in his mind with the speed of lightning. Then, he categorized these matters in the end. At the same time when he came up with an answer, he had also buried many people's lives.
”As decided by a few southern noble families, as permitted by Count Gru Goolean and executed by Head of Southern Military Intelligence Bureau Janin Sherman!”
O'Neil Andrew Morisette took a deep breath. He did not understand. Not at all! What were the southern people thinking? Wasn't it good being peaceful? Were their heads too heavy on their shoulder? Was his Sinelli disturbing them so much? Ought his son to be the sacrifice for power?
”When did Janin get so close with the southern nobles?”
Alpré shrugged as if he was not related to those matters and these people at all, ”Who knows? But the most possible explanation is that... they have always been so close! The southern nobles wish to change their current situation, survive and thrive. It's not our first day knowing that. They won't let any chance to slip by!”
Oscar nodded. ”Let me think about it...”
Glenn Alpré was no longer his past self that seemed mysterious and knowing.
Since he had already betrayed his past companions, these things had to be done completely and without sympathy.
”Actually, you don't need to consider so much. Even though people don't care about some things, but this can greatly present the problem clearly!”
”Oh?” Oscar was a little confused.
”When the second defending war begins...”
The old man raised his wine glass with smiles. ”Did you notice it? Let's not talk about the southern army group. Just focus on the local armed forces that are prepared by the United Government and the nobles! There were twelve independent brigades and twenty-seven independent divisions. Every larger town has organized the self-defense camp with the scale of a division. Every larger city has organized self-defense army with an uncertain number!”
”Now think about the chaos in Year 791. The Southern Army Group had fought lazily for eight years! The nobles have hidden in the dark for eight years! Then--”
”The terrorists have destroyed the local administration system that is used by the Empire to control the south! The United Government of Southern Five Provinces is the direct consequence of this chaos!” Oscar's eyes lit up.
”That's right!” Marquis Alpré nodded. ”Even if the southern nobles have experienced terrible loss during that time, after that they have completed the reorganization as well as the absolute control over the southern land, thanks to your power!”
”Then?” The Titan Prince was a little looking forward to it. Knowing how he was used by others was also a matter of honor.
”Then?” The old Marquis knocked on his head. ”We must admit that the southern nobles have thought deep and far here! Their grasp on the available opportunities was almost perfect! The aim they set in the first place was a final aim – to completely topple the Morisette Dynasty and help a new Emperor that suits their own benefit! Only this way can the southern people completely get rid of the greedy and fallen Capital nobles...”
”Am I the ideal historical opportunity?” O'Neil Andrew Morisette interrupted Marquis Alpré unwillingly.
”You are only an important part to that matter!” The old Marquis seemed to plan to further attack the Head of Andrew who had a headache.
”In the Year 791, you were released from the prison. The Pope His Grand Eminence put a Prince's crown on you. You and the Princess were attacked at the southern mountainous area. Then, it was the southern chaos, the Guards' failing war. His Majesty the Emperor challenged the House of Lords about the problem with his successor. You eliminated the southern terrorists. Then, the fight for the throne in Dulin city, the elimination of northern Big Three, the crowning of Her Majesty Empress Alanis, the establishment of United Government of Southern Five Provinces and your base in Vielonna... There is no sudden success in life. It is a series of historical events that created the current event! They seem to be unrelated, but there must be a correlation in some ways! The historical coincidence will only appear in parts of it, while the historical opportunity will bring about the whole matter!”
”You are saying that... The southern nobles have chosen me from the start?” O'Neil Andrew Morisette widened his eyes. He thought this was rather unbelievable.
Alpré spread his hands, ”Do you still remember the hint I dropped you the first time we met? You have all the potential to be a ruler!”
Oscar shook his head, ”I don't believe it! If the southern noble really can see this...”
”Wait, Your Highness! Think more carefully about it!” Marquis Alpré shook the wine glass in his hands. The bloody-red liquid swirled with his movement.
”You are the fourth son of Andrew family, the son of Princess Mica Morisette. Your double identity and that honorable lineage are enough to make people think that! It's not easy to create a ruler, more so in such places as the Damorga Prison. If there is no protection by the southern noble group, just the name of Andrew alone is not enough to make all bosses in the prison to respect you earnestly! You may think that is a natural thing to happen, but you were still young. You didn't think that these gangs in the Underworld have a large part of their profits focused at the south. They must shape you as well. For a purpose that cannot be applied in history just yet!”