The home of Her Royal Highness Princess Opareal Roulexberg was located near a quaint and quiet little village on the banks of Laufenkamen Riverside. Her mother, Her Majesty the Queen of Roulexberg Dynasty, lived a monastic life in Lombardy Castle near the village after the death of their former king. Less than two hours away from the castle was Nalinka Fortress - the most well-protected fortress within the border of Deiss.
Laufenkamen Riverside was an area in the entire Deiss with most tranquil scenery. The idyllic countryside was even crowned the Italia of Deiss! Cold and frost on the Alps lost its brutality in Laufenkamen after ravaging the land of Titan previously. Although the easterly wind of spring was still strong and forceful, it portrayed itself as rather gentle with hints of a slight mist.
The river crept its way into the distance like a silver bow hanging on the back of the God of War. When it finally arrived at the quaint village as well as Lombardy Castle, the river quietly flowed its way through the vast vineyards that stretched as far as one's eyes could see, and continued its journey underneath a couple of exquisitely constructed stone arch bridges.
This was the most important defence point to the southeast of Borensberg - the capital of the Deiss - hence Nalinka Fortress was always maintained at a vigilant state. Although the patrolling cavalry continuously passed through the village and the fields, the honest enthusiasm of the idyllic life more or less weakened the austere Yaran nation. Moreover, in the evening when the sun was about to set, these soberly grave people also enjoyed century-old famous pastoral poems accompanied by the melodious singing voices of sweet young girls.
The land was rich and fertile, which proved nature's generosity at its best. The inheritance of handicrafts integrated almost perfectly into agricultural life. As the people led directly under Her Majesty the Queen, those who lived here would never be sent into the country's warfare if there was one. Thus, topics favored by the Yarans such as pastoral poetry, religious literature, philosophy, were all fully developed right here in the riverside. It was safe to say that Lombardy area was the only symbol of freedom in the entire of Deiss.
Lombardy Castle was an ancient fortified fortress castle that was built on a plateau that protruded from the plains of the riverside. Looking from afar, Lombardy resembled a giant potted plant full of greenery that bloomed with countless flowers. Casted under the shadows of moonlight, one side of the castle was covered with pure silver light, while the other side was so dark even its silhouette couldn't be made out at all.
"18 days! 18 days!" Sarlat Drosha mumbled quietly to himself. As soon as he ignited the oil lamp it was distinguished by the light breeze. With no other alternative, the paladin who was captured shut the castle window before walking toward the bed to tuck the unconscious person up in the quilt.
"It has been 18 days already?"
Sarlat Drosha jerked to a halt! He found himself staring right into the brightly-lit eyes of O'Neil Andrew Morisette, who blinked continuously like bright stars on the night sky.
"My… my my my… my good God of Light! You… you you you… you have finally awakened!" Paladin rushed to the side of the bed. He would love to wrap his arms tightly around the young man, but he didn't dare to even touch him an inch as there were about forty or more wounds on the young man's body. The most dangerous and fatal one was the cut that Princess of Deiss slit through his stomach.
"18 days?" Oscar repeated the same words. However, honestly, he wished he would never wake up. As soon as he regained consciousness, he could felt every inch of his body piercing with excruciating pain.
"Yes! That's right! It has been 18 days! You have been in lethargic state for the past 18 days!"
"Oh? Have they all… get out of the forest safely?"
"Do you mean the Red Tigers?" Sarlat Drosha scratched his head, wondering how could he explain this. "They… should have escaped from the forest. Have faith in Murat, he wouldn't leave your knights all alone in that place."
Oscar wanted to nod but he realised he couldn't budge a bit.
"Ola! I've just remembered, where are we now? Have we been locked down here by the Deiss? Who else is with us?"
"Slow down! Slow down!" Sarlat comforted the young man. Oh God! He only regained conscious after being asleep for 18 days. "Don't speak too much, it does no good to your internal organs! This… is Lombardy, the castle of the current Majesty the Queen of Deiss. I have to congratulate you, Your Highness, the Yarans helped move us to the hinterland of Deiss in the fastest speed we could ever imagine."
Oscar opened his mouth to reply but was stopped by Sarlat.
"Alright, Your Highness, I think I know what's on your mind. Like us, there was another six people who have also been captured; Hercules Mendez Blane, your messenger, and four Red Tiger knights. Unfortunately, two were severely wounded and sacrificed, while the other two were imprisoned into a place Deiss use specially to keep prisoners of war."
"How was Wellington taken as a prisoner?" Oscar was rather confused, he couldn't remember much details of the incident.
Sarlat rolled his eyes before answering, "My friend, can you believe it? Your messenger charged to attack a small team with only two knives! In the end, he was knocked down after taking down nine lives from the rival team!"
"How many were there… in a small team?"
"Ten!"
Oscar rolled his eyes at the news, "That being said, my messenger did a pretty good job!"
"That's true! Even though he was still taken prisoner in the end!" Sarlat said with a soft sigh.
"Oh God! Look at me, my friend, you must have been starving!" Paladin sprung up out of the blue as he was suddenly reminded that the young man has not consumed any food for half a month.
Oscar tried hard to feel the sensation, but he was rather puzzled. "I… I just feel like there's an emptiness devouring me inside! But… I don't feel hungry."
"That's for sure!" Sarlat shrugged nonchalantly, "You lost consciousness that time, so you wouldn't know what happened. Yikes! Your intestines were all over the ground, and if it wasn't for the Princess who threatened her doctors to treat you with her sabre, I believe the doctors would have given up on treating you! They cut off a couple parts before sewing up the wound, it's definitely normal for you to feel empty inside!"
Oscar nodded in understanding, "Hmm… it doesn't seem that bad! That means I wouldn't get dysentery ever again!"
"Why?"
"Why?" Countess Aeolia Siva Wimmester replied without giving it another thought, and looked right at Young Lady who stared back at her in disbelief.
"Are you asking me?" Aeolia gave her a scornful look without really answering the question. "Why don't you ask yourself? Young Lady, you're a reasonable person, you should know best about my withdrawal from this activity."
"I want you to answer my question!" Sasha placed her hand over the sheath. She bore the humiliation with forbearance.
"Sure! I'm willing to do that!" Aeolia still appeared to be indifferent. "But before I do, my Young Lady, the family's Young Lady! Can you answer me three questions? Or should I ask if you are dare to answer three of my questions?"
Sasha remained silent.
"First of all!" Aeolia raised her voice, "How badly injured is His Imperial Highness Prince? This question decides how we should transport him away from where he has been kept prisoner. Secondly, where did the Deiss imprison His Imperial Highness Prince? How is the condition of the defence? This question decides if the ones present here will die in foreign land. Lastly, how are we going to obtain reliable sources from within the border of Deiss, where will be our hideout, how long can our false identities keep us covered, where shall we retreat to once our mission fails, what about our escape route, and when…"
"Enough! Enough!" All of a sudden Sasha growled out a warning, her arms wrapped around her head.
Young Lady's shoulders trembled. The crowd had no idea if she was crying or if she was opposing helplessness.
"Miss Aeolia! Please get out of the room!" Big sized Ferry went up to the Chief of Investigative Officer. He has never seen someone behaved so poorly toward the Young Lady.
"Ferry! It's alright!" Sasha finally raised her head. It was obvious that she has been crying.
"Aya! I admit that I'm extremely naïve, but how come everyone present here is willing to carry on this absurd plan with me even though they're well aware of this? That's because they're all friends of Oscar." Sasha said as she stood up from her seat. She walked toward Aya and wrapped her hands firmly around the military secret agent's.
"Aya, I expected you to stand up against me on this! And I also know you'll have a better solution than me! Please, help me!" Young Lady pleaded sincerely, her bent knees almost touching the ground.
"Please don't do this!" Aeolia quickly helped Young Lady back at her foot again, and cupped her hands on the girl's face. "My Young Lady! It's not about whether the idea is naïve, or if I'm willing to help you! This is a matter of life and death for everyone present here, including you! The life of first Young Lady of the family!"
With no alternative, Aya let go of poor Sasha who couldn't stop weeping. "My Young Lady, I was planning to break the news to you later, after all, this is the top confidential secret of the family! Your father, Duke Dortmund, and the rest of the family's Independent Cavalry are already on their way to the border of Deiss and Czerroc in secrecy."
Sasha failed to understand the sudden news, "My father? The Independent Cavalry? The border between Deiss and Czerroc?"
"Yes! That's exactly right!"
"But… but why?" Still confused, Sasha leaned into the chair, "I know the family will definitely take actions in accordance of what has happened, but… why are they heading for the border? Why not mobilise the Narcissus Knights, instead of armed Independent Cavalry operated by relatives and nobles?"
Aya glanced at the helpless girl. The girl was smart but she was definitely not talented in politics.
"To attack the border between Deiss and Czerroc is to avoid violating the Titan Codex; as for opting for Independent Cavalry, that's because these independent soldiers are constantly being moved around on the lines of defence, and this is perfect for confusing the secret agents. Up until now, no one in Dulin knows that Andrew's vanguard has already arrived at the border of Deiss and Czerroc."
Sasha was not ignorant, only after a moment of thought she understood perfectly the whole plan and arrangement. "However… what good will this do? I don't think my father is actually thinking of attacking Deiss, because that would definitely threaten the safety of brother Oscar! Moreover… moreover, would the Imperial Family allow this to happen? After all, father just went ahead and violated the sovereignty in secret."
"No!" Aya shook her head to display disagreement, "Young Lady, you might have understood this wrongly. The more aggressively the Duke attacks, the safer His Highness will be. Deiss would definitely want to safeguard the trump card they have in their hands, so when something really bad happens that they can't tolerate further, they could eventually put His Highness up on the negotiating table."
Aya thought for another moment. "So far, the safest bet would be to arrange for the best compromise by negotiation! The Duke's action is merely to maintain a strong threat of force against Deiss. This would certainly help to smoothen the negotiations process."
Then, Aya kept quiet for a moment as she continued to play out the possibilities in her head. "In fact… the risk for now is that Morisette Imperial Family will be provoked by the Duke's action. There are several infamous sly foxes around the Majesty, and they would definitely try to prevent Andrew from taking further military action. That's because… they don't wish for Deiss to become the second Italia!"
Sasha tried to work up every nerve and logic inside of her brain to recall all those strategies that her brother once shared with her. Out of the blue, Young Lady raised her head by surprise.
"No! No! Something isn't right! Titan Imperial Family dreams of demolishing Deiss! They… they're not worried about our knights turning Deiss into a second Italia! They are concerned that… our family's attack will threaten the safety of brother!"
"Haha!" Aeolia suddenly roared with laughter, "My Young Lady, if even you think of this… that means the family's strategy is extremely successful!"
Sasha suddenly became all smiles again when she realised the hidden meaning behind Aya's words! But almost immediately, she fell into yet another black hole of deep helplessness.
"Even if the family's strategy succeeds, how would it actually benefit brother? He will still be in the hands of Deiss!"
"So… it's now none of our business anymore?" One gentleman finally raised the doubt. Majority of them were annoyed! These two ladies were into a heated discussion using terms and jargons that they couldn't fathom!
"Oh, sorry! I'm really sorry!" Aeolia quickly returned to the side of the table, "I'm truly sorry! We got lost in our own world!"
"Don't worry about it!""Yes, it's alright!" Suddenly the super criminals became a group of humble gentlemen.
Depressed, Sasha returned to her seat once again. She was now having trouble deciding after hearing Aya's advice. Without precise information, without a place to settle down, without insiders to help out, without a safe route for retreat if things went wrong! All these risks and troubles made her plan to Deiss nothing more than a suicide route.
Aya couldn't help but let out a low sigh when she looked at the struggling Young Lady. "Ah… Sasha! Let me tell you just one more thing! To be honest, I can't hold you back if you're determined to head for Deiss, but once the family got hold of this news, then it didn't matter if you could return safely, all the 22 military secret staffs assigned to guard your security will all be punished according to the military laws! Including myself and Ferry, we're both going to die!"
Sasha was panic-stricken at the news. She looked at Aeolia in astonishment, and abruptly turned her head sharply toward big-sized man who didn't budge as if he was only a rock.
"Lieutenant Ferry from Military Security Bureau! Tell Young Lady if I'm speaking the truth!" Aeolia's voice was raised again.
"Colonel Aeolia from Military Investigation Bureau, your power doesn't include giving me orders!" Ferry gave a cool and uninterested look at his colleagues.
"Is that true?" Young Lady asked as she grabbed the big-sized man by the arm, who has been always been by her side since young.
Ferry lowered his head and replied with utter silence.
Sasha threw herself on the chair. She was extremely dissatisfied. She has already gathered all these infamous talents of her brother's friends around here. She felt truly deflated!
"Young Lady!" Aeolia raised from her seat, "There is only one solution left!"
Sasha returned the gaze, completely perplexed.
Countess Aeolia Siva Wimmester puffed out her chest, and her keen eyes swept the room. "Sasha, your disappearance would cause a great commotion due to your distinguished status in Dulin. Therefore, you must stay here! Let me… lead the ladies and gentlemen into Deiss!"
"You… you… you are…"
"Your Imperial Highness Prince O'Neil! I don't recall hurting your brain!" A crisp female voice appeared at the door. Oscar was rather confused, he completely had no idea who was the lady with a dignified and graceful expression in front of him.
Although Opareal Roulexberg was the youngest among all the members of Deiss Kingdom's Royal Family, she was the first princess in succession to the throne. In other words, if her brother, the current King, passed away unfortunately, then she would naturally become the candidate to become the Queen of Deiss Kingdom. Even though her brother has two sons after his name, however, in this country where military affairs remained a year-long priority, underage royal family members were not allowed to inherit the reigns. Only grown royal family members with excellent diplomatic tricks and immense wisdom could take the throne and lead the army.
The ninth King of Deiss' Roulexberg Dynasty was well aware of his own health condition. It seemed that he wasn't as lucky as the former King, as that damned hereditary disease of the family has befallen on himself. Quite recently, the disease took away the life of his brother, who always dreamed of being a king. Next year… he predicted… or maybe even tomorrow, the disease would also take away this man who has countless great ambitions for the Kingdom.
According to the lofty aspirations of the King, the first step to the revival of Deiss would be to accomplish the true reunification of the country. The priority was given to defeating Titan's defense in the southeast in order to reclaim the lost territory! However, evidently, Deiss King's first attack against Titan was a complete failure! Not only the King's designation of first infantry army was lost, but their most elite Teutonic Knights also lost forever a military organisational system of Corps.
All of these misfortunes were thanks to the Titan Prince, O'Neil Andrew Morisette, who now took shelter temporarily in Lombardy Castle. If the Titans had not mobilized a force equivalent to the entire Deiss military force in the border, or if the Titans had not blocked the kingdom's southern trade route and several major forts, Deiss King believes he would have thrown O'Neil Andrew Morisette into a concentration camp specially for prisoners of war! To feed him with dog shit and horse piss! Order the tallest and strongest Deiss warrior to "possess" him!
"Your Majesty!" a voice woke the Deiss King from his wonderful fantasy.
The King, who has just celebrated his thirty-third birthday, raised his heavy eyelids. Just as widely known in the eyes of the common people, the King of Deiss has delicate features; high nose and prominent brow ridge, soft light golden hair, full wide lips. The depressed noble King suffering from disease recognised the voice within seconds. It belonged to Eisenstein, simply because… he was the only one who can come in and out of the King's sleeping quarters as pleased.
"It's late, Eisen! What's the matter?" The ninth King struggled to support himself up. From the opening of his sleeping gown, numerous red spots were seen on all around his body.
"Yes, Your Majesty! I'm lucky that you're not asleep yet, because we've encountered an urgent matter!"
"Oh! Tell me about it." Deiss King patted lightly on his bed. Before, this old confidant of his would definitely sit on the side of his bed without hesitation, but now… forget it, what good would it bring to think about this now. At the thought of this, the King slowly turned his head away.
"Your Highness! The Supreme High Command just received orders from commanding officer of the Kingdom's eastern garrison area. On noon three days before, our tiny neighbor Czerroc Kingdom opened up three large gaps in that ridiculous border defence line of theirs."
"What's the significance for them doing so?" Deiss King stared blankly at the spokesman for his country's government and Supreme High Command.
"It's straightforward!" Eisenstein closed the emergency document held in his hands. "Normally, joining together border defence lines means the country is entering defensive state; similarly, opening up the border defence line means the country's entering offensive state, or that they're… they're planning for a conspiracy!"
"The Czerroc?" The King put a scornful look on his sick face, his eyebrows were almost touching the ceiling!
"Maybe, Your Majesty! However, the person in charge of Supreme High Command's combat department, General Stanbein, whom you despise the most, suggested a fairly interesting hypothesis."
"Tell me about it." The King cupped his one hand around his chin. He didn't want to hear about Stanbein, the person who disagreed to sign on the Rapids Plan combat proposal. At that time, the King was close to having the palace knight take down this old man's head!
"General Stanbein suggested that it's highly possible that in half a month, Narcissus Knights will mobilize an army force of five to ten thousand soldiers to attack our country by taking a route through Czerroc Kingdom."
"Hahahaha! Stanbein loves to indulge in his wild fantasy! If it wasn't for his disagreement on the Rapids Plan that wasted a week of our time, I believe we've long taken down the enemy! The kingdom army was harmed thanks to this old man's cowardice and sham!"
"Your Majesty!" Eisenstein had enough. In comparison to his old friend's craving for greatness and success, General Stanbein was much more rational!
"Your Majesty, the eastern garrison area has sent back a clear investigation results. Inside the Czerroc border, there were obvious signs of a massive cavalry activity! According to the investigation, the number of these cavalry is more than the total cavalry of the Kingdom of Czerroc!"
"Haha!" Deiss King thought about it for a moment, and sneered in resentment. "It seems that the old guy Stanbein is right this time! It's interesting that Andrew house shows such great determination on this matter!"
After a brief moment of mumbling to himself the King finally returned his attention to his old friend, "Eisen, notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present a note to the ambassador of Titan, informing the Titan Morisette Imperial Family about the existence of Narcissus Knights in the border of Czerroc Kingdom!"
The King leaned into his comfortable bed once again, satisfied. "If the Narcissus Knights wish to fight, then we'll let them! However, I believe… Morisette Imperial Family would provide us with a clear explanation!"
The Deiss King was so inflated with his own success and didn't seemed to be discouraged. Evidently, those who managed to become the few supreme powers were not people who could be easily defeated.
"Your Majesty, there's another matter I would like to consult."
"Oh?"
Eisen looked into his old friend's eyes, "Intelligence agents from DeKTer and generals from the Rapids Plan program reported that your sister, the honorable Royal Highness Princess Opareal Roulexberg, appears to have some inappropriate affection toward the commander of the enemy force."
"Hahahahaha!" The King roared in laughter, "My spokesman, you're just worried about your fiancée, aren't you?"
"Your Majesty, I'm just telling the truth!"
"Let Opareal be then!" The King returned the gaze, "My sister is not easily swayed by external influences, it would be of no use even if I warn her as she would still persist in her own way. Since the Prince of Titan is currently resting in Mother's castle, naturally it becomes Opareal's responsibility to take care of him."
"Yes, Your Majesty! Then… I shall not disrupt your rest anymore!" There wasn't much expression shown on Eisenstein's face. He only wished for the complicated matter to be resolved as soon as possible.
"Hey! Am I not getting any goodbye kiss?" In a bantering manner, the King of Deiss said to his handsome friend.
With no alternative Eisenstein went forward, without expecting the King to plant a peck on his lips.
"Your Majesty, are you still playing these games?" The highest spokesman of the palace was rather upset at the harassment.
"My dear Eisen! You're still as petty as before. I've already handed my sister to you, which means that I'm handing over the king's sceptre to you too! When I finally leave this world, you'll get married with my sister and become the prime minister of the country, and you're still as petty? As even rejecting my one kiss?"
Eisenstein didn't wish to continue this silly conversation. He was disgusted by what happened during their youth, especially now when he has a lover of opposite-sex.
"Your Majesty! Please allow me to leave now!"
"Stingy man! Get out of my sight now!" King of Deiss shooed his friend off, delighted. He enjoyed watching the embarrassment on Eisen's face when he got violated. Or perhaps, the King simply enjoyed violating his brother-in-law.
She untied her long golden tresses, and the beautiful hair fell loosely on her shoulder like a waterfall. With a rude manner, Her Royal Highness Princess Opareal Roulexberg tousled her silk hair into a mess.
"Ola!" Oscar forced a smile, "I'm sorry, I'm not great in remembering faces! Besides, beautiful lady, you should know that I was only half conscious during that chaotic moment!"
Opareal laughed a little, "If so, Your Imperial Highness Prince, let me introduce myself to you, Opareal Roulexberg, the princess of this kingdom."
"I can see that! Only royal family members would dress up like that." Oscar smiled slightly as he has already calmed down. Although he was thousand miles away from his own country, this prince was not any other man. Prison life was not something unfamiliar for him!
"Really?" Opareal checked herself out. She wore a light yellow knitted gown, with jewels and gemstones decorating her neck and wrists. The princess let out a smile, and began smoothing out her tousled hair in front of the dressing table.
As Oscar watched at this scene played in front him, an illusion rose in his mind all of a sudden. It seemed that... only a wife would do such a thing before her husband! The prince turned his head abruptly at this thought, even he was embarrassed by his ridiculous idea. Her gentle gesture, her alluring posture… he didn't want to admit the reflection in the mirror was so full of temptation.
Once she straightened herself up she returned to her immaculate self again, "Welcome to Deiss!"
Oscar shook his head and forced another smile, "I would be greatly honored if I was here by invitation! But… you installed more than twenty paladins by the side of your guest. Your action frightens me."
"Oh? I thought you've only just awakened? It appears like you are very well informed already." Opareal suddenly slapped lightly on her forehead. "Ah! I almost forgot, you need some food right now!"
The princess pressed on the bell positioned on the table. Almost immediately, the door to the room was opened and a paladin entered with a dining car. Oscar smiled helplessly again, how he wished to see a real servant instead of yet another paladin.
"Alright! My court physician told me that you're only allowed liquids for the moment."
Oscar frowned deeply. He craved for red wine roasted beef, lemon roasted chicken… or at least a smoked fish would do the job! Liquid diet! Why is it full liquid diet again? He had listed liquid food as prohibited dangerous articles when he suffered from dysentery, but who would have thought he was now once again limited to a full liquid diet after that damned dysentery experience!
"Don't complain!" Princess Opareal said while simultaneously handing him over a ceramic bowl the size of a cup. "You are only allowed these foods for now, because we're still uncertain if the injuries in your intestines have been fully recovered."
Realising what the princess was about to do, Oscar struggled to sit himself up. His face grimaced at the excruciating pain as he moved around.
"Your Royal Highness Princess, I can do this myself!"
Opareal moved back an inch with the bowl in her hands, "No! You've not seen your wound, but honestly, you could have killed yourself by moving the wrong position with the wrong force."
"Come on, open your mouth… that's better! Just like this… how does it taste?" Opareal put down the tiny spoon, and wiped off the remnants of the soup on the corner of his mouth with her own handkerchief.
Oscar was confused as he observed the serious princess, he thought that there was a need for him to prove something.
"I can't fully taste it yet because… it burned my tongue!"
"Oh God of Light! Forgive me!" Remorse washed over the princess' face. She placed the spoon near to her mouth and gave it a few blows, "Alright, now open your mouth… that's right… so how does it taste?"
"Hmm!" Oscar nodded as he savoured the fresh taste of the fish porridge, "We've just upgraded our relationship from enemy… to enemy who can make a simple conversation!"
Finally! Opareal's expression changed, and she lowered her head, "I'm sorry, some things can never be changed!"
Oscar nodded in agreement, "Exactly! Some things can never be changed! So… is this really appropriate?" Oscar motioned on the delicacy that was heading the direction of his mouth.
"Let me rephrase that, Your Royal Highness Princess Opareal Roulexberg of Deiss Kingdom, your behaviour will lead to some unnecessary criticism, which will definitely threaten your reputation to a certain degree. I think… since you were able to go on an expedition with the army forces, that means your position in the kingdom is undeniably prominent. You should be extra careful, especially with the way you treat me."
"Are you… are you being considerate for me?" Opareal retrieved the spoon in slight surprise.
"Of course! You would definitely get into troubles if you're not careful enough! For example… perhaps the following day your face would be on the headlines of the nonsensical daily express of the capital."
"Hahahahahahahahahaha!" Opareal laughed uncontrollably, her body rocked back and forth! "Oh my God! My God of Light! Daily express… hahahahahaha!"
"Did I say something wrong?" Oscar was extremely puzzled. He felt like an idiot looking at the princess who shook with laughter at something he just said.
"Your Imperial Highness Prince!" Opareal finally managed to hold back the urge to burst into another laughter. "Perhaps… you might be right if this happens in Titan, but you've obviously forgotten that we're in Deiss, there is no newspaper in my kingdom! No publisher, no lifeless people that gossip others for a living! There is only a supreme voice in my kingdom, and that's my brother, the will of the King of Deiss, and the rest is all but illusion! Therefore, you don't have to worry about how people will judge us, because apart from my brother, no one else in the kingdom have that power!"
"Eat up! The soup is getting cold!"
"But… but… it tastes horrible!" Torry gave a weak and helpless look to his sister.
Vijdeline playfully knocked on her brother's head that was bandaged around with thick layers, and took pleasure in hearing his brother's cries at the pain inflicted.
"Oh God! Sister Vij! Are you trying to take my life?" Torry poured out his woes loudly, "It doesn't matter if you feed a seriously wounded imperial hero to drink this disgusting thing, but you still hit so hard on his head! Do you know his head was cut by the enemy's saber?"
Vijdeline lowered her head with hidden bitterness, and stirred in the unidentifiable concoction, "But… I cooked this for you myself! You know that I've never stepped foot in the kitchen before, I'm really sorry! Perhaps, the soup even tastes a little like gunpowder!"
Torry pursed his lips as he was lost for words. He took over the bowl with both his hands, held his breath, and gulfed down the soup at once.
Finally, tears rolled down to Vij's cheeks as she looked at her brother's right hand. Apart from a palm linked to the thumb, there was nothing else left on the hand!
Torry finished the bowl of soup, trying hard to cover the inexplicable weird taste down with his saliva! However… he noticed his sister's tears. In his recollection, he has never seen his sister cry, not even once!
"Haha!" Torry sprung up from the bed. "Hey! My sister! You know what? With only four fingers I managed to exchange a life of the rival general! That fella rushed toward me just like that with a sabre in his hand! Honestly! I've never seen such a massive saber…"
Looking at the exaggerated gestures and animated expression of his brother, Vijdeline finally burst into tears! She never would have thought this brother of hers would be a big hero who won countless glories for the empire and the family! Initially, she sent her brother to University Town simply to keep this annoying womanizer out of her sight! Who would have thought her brother would return after having fought a tragic battle! He even grew enough to inherit the family business! On the other hand, herself being the elder sister, Vijdeline could only express her guilt with tears. Apart from the laboratory and dealing with those rubbishes, she has never provided any concern to the people who loved and cared about her.
"Ah..." Vij let out a meaningful long sigh. She wiped off the tears off her eyes, then kissed on her brother's cheeks with love and pride. Similarly, feeling his sister's warmth and care, Torry trembled and found himself speechless at the affection. He never imagined he would survive the final charge! By the time the search team dragged his bloody body off the horse, he thought he already stepped foot in heaven.
"Rest well!" Vij sent over another flying kiss to her brother from the door. "Oh right!" His sister suddenly turned around, "You should send me your blessings! I'm getting married!"
The night has fallen. In the north of Titan empire, the last oil lamp in the famous scenic area called Austen finally extinguished its light. Numerous unidentified insect bugs shuttled back and forth across the spring field, and occasionally they issued some crisp noises. The loud cries woke up nocturnal birds, where they then began to soar above the land in the wilderness.
The Tirch Military Sanatorium was located just on the lower reaches of Austen Falls, close to Nancastro River. This sanatorium provided a place for senior ranking military officers of Imperial Guards to escape the summer heat and indulge in some entertainment. Moreover, some retired veterans chose to retire here not only for its beautiful scenery and complete medical care available, but most importantly, these old comrades could play cards together, as they reminisce about the past. For the elderly, nothing was more valuable than memories!
When the survivors from Saijo Battle were welcomed into the sanatorium, all veterans put on their best suits, even the veterans who couldn't stand straight lined up neatly at the door. When the heroes were escorted by the nurses from the carriage, the elders performed the most impeccable military posture as a tribute to the warriors.
However, the souls of the warriors depleted increasingly with each passing day. Some people suffered nightmares constantly, their eye sockets deeply sunken, becoming unconscious regularly. Some became aggressive and constantly raved like a madman, a few even lost control and bit at the medical staffs. Of course, majority of the survivors simply kept quiet. They dragged their broken souls to participate in the prayer ceremony held by Division Commander Murat, who prayed before God and blessed the sacrificed comrades to rest in peace. They also vowed before God to seek justice from the enemy at all costs.
Vijdeline opened the French window and stepped into the balcony. A gentle night breeze brushed her long hair in the air, and her beautiful features became even more prominent under the warm moonlight of springtime.
From afar sounded the noise of water gushing off a waterfall. Vijdeline raised her head to look for the source of the noise. She only arrived at Tirch Military Sanatorium last night and hasn't had time to appreciate the magnificent sight of famous Austen Falls.
Baron Viesharl placed a warm cape over the shoulder of the Mistress. Apart from him liking to appear quietly out of nowhere, Viesharl was a rather decent guy in comparison with actual flea.
Vij closed up her notebook with her brows locked together. Through his brother's detailed account of the incident, this firearm expert clearly discovered the ultimate fate of the cannon!
"Only weight, movement and shelling interval cannot be resolved within a short time! But damn! These three points are precisely what defines the fate of an artillery soldier in the battlefield..."
"Mistress!" Baron Viesharl interrupted the Eldest Lady. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out, the opposite looked at him with perplexed expression.
"Are you… are you getting married?"
Eldest Lady of Sukhoi let out a tiny sigh. "Do I have any alternative? Present myself in the public with my enlarging tummy? Give them a chance to mock at the Mistress of Sukhoi House?"
Looking at her abdominal swell, a kind of happiness washed over Vij's face. However, it was immediately replaced by an unexplainable cold and stern.
"I must deliver this child. Although it will position me in a difficult and risky situation, but I must deliver the baby! It is the intersection of the fate of me and that man, and the intersection point for me and Andrew House! However, if I were to be seen in public in the appearance of my swelling stomach, not to mention how the family members will react, Her Majesty the Queen, who was severely rejected by me, she and her House will definitely seize this opportunity to execute the archbishop's power for church disciplinary orders. When the time comes, not only I would fail to keep my child, but I would also be blamed for blasphemy!"
Vij glanced at Viesharl who remained quiet as she spoke, "So… Flea! What are you waiting for? Unless you wish for me to be imprisoned in some kind of convent, can't you see that I'm in desperate need of a husband? I need to legalise the baby in me! This is a matter of life or death!"
The confused Viesharl had his eyes wide opened. Although he made a wild hypothesis in his own mind, he didn't allow himself to have high hopes.
"You could… you could keep away from the public by staying in the laboratory, and then when…"
"And then only to think of what to do when the baby is delivered?" Vij turned her head around in annoyance, "I've considered this possibility, but it's not realistic! People in the house kept me under surveillance like I'm some kind of thief! Ten months! So what if I stay hidden in the laboratory for ten months, eventually the spies would notice something's up! Besides, the death of the certified doctor not long ago already raised some suspicions!"
"Therefore…" She was really annoyed at the man whose brain functioned slowly. "What a moron! Propose to me! Must I say it out loud for you to do it?"
Viesharl was completely stunned! He stood on the ground, at a loss as to what to do!
"You are my most trusted confidant, I can't exactly remember when you started following me, but I know for sure that you will definitely assist me to overcome every obstacle, even if it meant giving up your life! So Viesharl, you shouldn't doubt my decision.
"But… but I'm only an orphan, and it was Duke who granted me my title, I…"
"Enough!" Vijdeline turned to face the man she chose to be her husband, "You feel that you don't deserve me? I can tell you clearly right here and now that you're right! You certainly are not a decent match for me! But I need you to be my husband, and I believe my father will approve of my choice! Viesharl, don't consider too much about the unnecessary, especially after our marriage! I'm not warning you, I'm only giving you a reminder! You are well aware of the relationship between us, and I wish this new identity of yours will not cause you any trouble. You need to understand that even if you're my husband, you will never become the father to my child, understand this!"
"I… understand!" After what seemed like forever, Viesharl finally blurted out an answer. However, he was grateful for the Mistress' ruthless behavior, otherwise, he was sure that he would get confused about his own roles and status in the relationship.
"So… Lady Countess Vijdeline Van Sukhoi!" the guardian of the Mistress knelt to his one knee, "Please marry me! Like before, I'll always protect you and the new master!"
Vij turned around, "You can leave now!"
Viesharl raised his head in astonishment, "But you haven't…"
"Go now!"
The Flea disappeared right away at the roar of the angry Mistress.
The breeze stopped, but moonlight remained to cast its soft light on Vij, outlining her beautiful silhouette. She was going to be a bride, but… a bride to another groom that she doesn't love. Was he alright? He became a national hero, and his child would be so proud of its father in the future! With all her might, Vij fought off the tears to the back of her eyes.
She stood tall and proud, glancing into the absolute darkness. She was Vijdeline Van Sukhoi, the ultimate winner! She would not never, ever, be defeated!