The fog of the forest billowed in all directions. Damp vapor condensed into icicles that hung on the branches among the treetops. They were like perfect sculptures, exuding a loneliness and magnificence that was difficult to describe.
The Narcissus Knight's camp was far off from the battlefield at the edge of the forest. This massive army camp spread out indefinitely into the wilderness. The knights had dug an isolation trench around the army camp and the cavalry could only come and go from the camp through two passageways that went across the trench.
The rays of dawn were faint, with the Sun still hidden beneath the horizon. Cold mist drifted around slowly. The white veils of mist rolled out of the forest and spread towards the camp, cloaking it in a flimsy cotton dress without so much as a sound. The warhorses had gathered in the stables on one side of the camp. These early-rising soldiers nuzzled and greeted each other, using their own familiar way to convey messages.
A bonfire was burning at the heart of the camp, dispersing the mist. Indistinct silhouettes were seen, apparently, something was moving in the fog.
The knights on night duty were already bone-weary, but they still vigilantly kept watch over everything around them. They were guarding the perimeters around the heart of the camp, shouldering the mission of protecting the Prince.
"Password!" a sentinel drew out his sword swiftly! He gazed attentively at the person approaching.
"Deiss' winter is particularly cold!"
The sentinel sheathed his longsword, "That's right, not false at all! Already here to change shifts? You came too early!"
A knight emerged from the mist. The sentinel's eyelids shot up, "You..." His cry was cut off abruptly. He stared in disbelief at the lethal weapon embedded deep in his chest. The knight that ambushed him took the weight of the sentinel's heavy body. His longsword had pierced straight through his opponent's body. The sentinel was suspended on the longsword, trembling. He was flailing to grab onto something. A Narcissus Fierce Tiger totem was engraved onto his adversary's armor. The sentinel's laid his hand over the totem of his belief; just what had happened? The sentinel couldn't think anymore; his hand slid off, limp, leaving a bright streak of red on the pure white totem.
The knight gestured behind him and spritely figures poured out all around him. Surrounding the heart of the camp, the knights spread out. They moved cautiously, dragging away numerous bodies of the soldiers on night duty.
The knight in the lead finally drew back the draperies. It was pitch black in the tent and in a flash, the knight had slunk in, his dagger gleamed with a malicious glint. O'Neil Andrew Morisette appeared to be sleeping soundly. He was lying with his body facing inwards on the large soft bed, emitting even and steady breathing.
The knight's dagger pierced violently through the body, but he immediately realized that the sensation transmitted through the blade was completely wrong!
Oscar was abruptly startled awake! In spite of the wounds on his body, he snatched at the hilt of his machete by his pillow.
"Your Highness!" Second Lieutenant Kirk Douglas appeared in the tent, "Sorry for bothering you, but you should head over to the heart of the camp!"
Oscar rolled over and got up, perplexed.
Countless torches were encircling the heart of the camp. The Red Tiger warriors gazed at the surrounded intruders. If they had not seen it with their own eyes, they definitely would not have believed it. The intruders who had infiltrated the heart of the camp were clad in the Narcissus Knight's armor, with each of their hands stained with the blood of their former brothers.
Loran Julier widened his bloodshot eyes. Beads of sweat rolled off his blonde hair. His face was flushed like a cherry red-tomato out of anger.
"Captain, can you explain to me your behavior?" the Commander of the Seventh Ranger Division sized up the invaders who weren't uttering a word, coldly. Despite Colonel Loran's calm expression, the hand clutching his sword was trembling.
"You have your responsibilities and me, my beliefs!"
"Your faith is in the Devil!" Colonel Loran shouted derisively. "Is your belief to assassinate a member of direct descent of the family?"
"He's not!" the leader of the invaders bellowed in return. "He is a pawn of the Imperial Household! He will tarnish the honor and destroy the will of the family! He is the true Devil!"
"Your Highness!" the Commander of the Ranger Division who was about to intervene looked beside him, stunned. Not knowing when, O'Neil Andrew Morisette was already standing beside him.
"What is he talking about?" Oscar was baffled; he couldn't make sense of it at all.
"I'm saying that you, demon, will tarnish the family's..."
"Take him down! Hang them on a pole!" the flustered and exasperated Loran was impatient. The knights by his side were also infuriated! The warriors rushed forwards. They kicked down the invaders and bound these mentally unsound men tightly with ropes.
"Let him finish!" Oscar issued his order. He had to clarify just what had happened!
The soldiers shoved the leader of the traitors before His Imperial Highness Prince. Oscar bored into the other's eyes with incredulity, "What have I done? Why do his eyes radiate such penetrating hatred?"
"Why... are you doing this?" Oscar bent down and locked eyes with the other.
"You are the Devil! A plague spread by the Imperial Household! A true Narcissus Knight will never abide by your command. You are the true traitor to the family, you don't deserve to possess Andrew's family name, you..."
Oscar's machete unexpectedly plunged into his opponent's throat. The sinister blade penetrated into the man's larynx, cutting off his wail and taking away his life.
"My Lord!" Colonel Loran wanted to step forward and support the youngster who was trembling, but seeing the prince's expression, he couldn't help but retreat back. Oscar's face was splashed all over with blood. His face was blank and stood from the ground, quivering.
The Prince raised his machete level and trained its point towards Loran, whose face had paled, "I'm the Devil? I'm a plague?"
"No..." Loran eyed the point of the blade held close to his chin and shook his head carefully. "You're not! You're the hero of the nation, the pride of the family!"
Oscar shifted his blade, his movements sluggish but precise. However, the people were dubious as to whether he was fully conscious.
The prince's machete pointed towards one of the Red Tiger warriors. "I'm a traitor? I don't deserve the family name?"
"No, your Highness! He is spewing lies!" the Red Tiger warrior shivered, shaking his head.
Oscar swiveled around, cold and detached. He swept his gaze over the knights around him who were retreating. Icy cold drops of blood trickled down his cheek. Oscar pursed his lips and tasted a sweet, metallic flavor.
The whirled around to face the traitors in the heart of the camp. They were shoved and herded together by the Red Tiger warriors.
His expression grim, Oscar picked one of them out. "Am I a traitor to the family?"
"That's right! You..."
Without the least bit of hesitation, Oscar swung his machete down! A tremendous amount of blood sprayed into the air and the body thumped onto the ground.
"You!" Oscar marched towards the next traitor who had attempted his murder. "Answer me! Am I..."
"Yes, you are!"
The prince once again brandished his blade. Blood splattered into the cold mist and the body that fell was like a slashed rag. Oscar stepped over the tattered cloth and strode over to the next life that was full of vigor.
Being confronted with the devil-like O'Neil Andrew Morisette, the surrounding Red Tiger warriors chose to remain silent. They averted their gazes from the scene of slaughter, trying their best not to notice the dazzling gleam of the blade and to not breathe in the air contaminated with blood.
"You!" Oscar directed his blade towards the last few of the traitors. The prince's clothing was already drenched in blood.
"Answer me! I'm not a traitor to the family, nor am I a plague, right?"
The soldier gazed at the battered corpses and finally broke down. He shivered under the blade and groveled before the pair of military boots covered in blood.
"Forgive me! Have mercy on me! My Captain said that! He was the one who told me these... forgive me!"
"Who's your Captain?"
"It's him! Him!" the traitor who was on the verge of falling apart pointed towards the Captain, who had been the first to have his throat cut, trembling.
Oscar was like a numb slaughter machine. He turned around rigidly and ambled towards the Captain who was the very first to be sent to hell. Blood was dripping down from the point of the machete and the prince's appearance really looked like the Devil who had just broken out of purgatory.
Oscar's machete once again fell. He hacked at the body that had long since breathed its last in a frenzy. Each slash brought with it a lump of flesh and each shout relayed a terrifying air. At last, Oscar could no longer distinguish the body beneath his blade. The Captain had been reduced to a pulp, utterly disfigured!
The prince snapped his head back and looked towards the sky, unexpectedly spurting out a mouthful of blood! The surrounding knights, ignoring the stench and the repulsive scene, they rushed into the field and supported the swaying Devil.
Oscar stared ahead with listless eyes. He couldn't make sense of it and couldn't understand. Why did the family knights treat him this way? He had never betrayed the family and never went against his beliefs! Who could tell him, why?
Looking at the traitor who was still weeping, Oscar gave a slight grin.
"Loran! Carry out my orders. Strip them down and execute all of them! They aren't worthy of the military uniforms!"
A cold and refreshing splendor filled the early winter morning, with the Sun having transformed into a massive fiery ball. It cast its warmth and light down onto the vast world. The early risers were strolling along the smooth, brown soil beneath the great trees that loomed up into the heavens. Little stalks emerged from the soil that was covered in soft green moss. In the frigid morning, these lichens were as vivid as green dye.
The Sun finally flooded into the room as someone pulled open the velvet curtains obscuring the French windows. Duke Andrew squinted his eyes. The Sun had shone onto the bed, blinding his sight.
"Racheff!" the Duke gaped incredulously at his eldest son seated upright by his bed.
"Father! Good morning! It's been a while!"
Dortmund hitched himself up. Surprise and doubt flashed across his eyes, but mostly they held exasperation and disappointment.
Racheff Andrew Nedgabel suddenly placed his hand on his father's left shoulder and shook his head. Dortmund gave a faint smile and relaxed. Racheff pulled out his father's left hand buried beneath the covers, revealing a sharp blade in it.
Racheff gave a bitter laugh, "Father, there's really no need for you to be like this."
"Very well!" Dortmund handed the blade over to his eldest son, "did you and your followers kill everyone here?"
Racheff nodded, apparently not feeling even slightly sad over that.
"How can you do this? They are like you, the guardians of the family!"
Racheff Andrew Nedgabel wrung his hands, "everything comes with a sacrifice. They will be heroes sacrificed by the family!"
"How about me? Do you intend to kill me as well?" Dortmund fixed his gaze on his son. Oh God of Light! The previous Racheff wasn't like this!
"You're joking!" Racheff regained his composure. "You are my father! I'm not a brute or whatsoever. Why would I kill you?"
The room door suddenly burst open. Colonel Peter barged into the room and the father and son in it shot a suspicious look at him.
"Racheff, take the Duke and leave! Hurry! We must retreat!"
Marshal Andrew shook his head in disappointment, "Peter! Hehe! To think that you... It was very kind of you to elaborate so incisively about the antagonistic relationship between the conservative and radical factions in your last exposition!"
The Confidential Secretary averted his head in embarrassment. Despite he himself being the one who had chosen the philosophy of his ideals and beliefs, when being confronted by the Marshal, he still felt a tinge of shame.
"Marshal, there is no need for us to debate on the relationship between the conservative and radical factions! It is meaningless as the conservative and radical factions are exercising mutual restraint and influencing each other! A familial crisis of survival is imminent. There is a great tendency for the ideals of both factions to integrate and that is what is truly needed for the unity of the clan!"
Duke Andrew shook his head, "Peter, I don't wish to know theories and convictions. I only want to know how my eldest son will handle his younger brother! Racheff, don't forget that I am your direct family! The same goes for Oscar! He loves you and this family! He..."
"Father! That's enough!" Racheff Andrew Nedgabel broke the Duke off, "you will have all the time to grieve over little Oscar afterward!"
Dortmund rolled over and got up abruptly, landing a fist on his eldest son that knocked him to the ground. The traitors who were standing guard outside poured in. With weapon in hand, they stood in the room, completely riveted. Before them was the Commander-in-chief, and brandishing their swords against him was an unforgivable crime. They dared not take another step forward! Being confronted by the commander-in-chief whose state was like that of a mad tiger, the traitors cowered to a side, trembling.
Racheff hoisted himself up from the ground, "father, you should be aware that since I dared appear before you, it implies that I am a hundred percent confident! The pillars you rely on no longer exists! The family has once again returned to the start!"
"You are saying that.... Oscar has already...."
"I didn't say anything!" Racheff gave a slight smile and clapped his hands lightly. A few knights pushed a dining cart into the room. They spread out an exquisite meal onto the tiny table in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows.
"Father, it's now the hour for morning tea. We haven't shared..."
"Give it a rest you brat!" Dortmund turned his head away in fury, not daring to believe that his son was this stupid. "Racheff, do you really think that the few trusted aides dispatched to the Red Tigers can get the job done? Hehe! General Murat is not a fool! Just when they joined the Red Tigers, there are already those specially assigned to monitor their every move. I trust that they have already descended into hell together with your ideals!"
A long time elapsed, but Racheff Andrew Nedgabel was unable to utter a word. He was reclining on a high-backed chair like a gentleman. Entwined around his fingers was a pearl necklace with the image of the God of Light on it. His eyes were staring blankly out of the window. The courtyard outside was merely a dreary winter scene.
"Son, tell me! Even if you can succeed, what then will you do?"
Racheff laughed bitterly. He had miscalculated! If the operation at the Red Tiger's side failed, if O'Neil Andrew Morisette was still alive, then what was there to speak of the hereafter?
"If Oscar has really left this world, then the family is sure to consider a new strategy, for instance, invade Persian from the east, or take over Czerroc at the North or Slovenian in the South! So long as the methods are appropriate, then when you've retired, I will build a new Empire! An Empire of the Andrews!"
Dortmund was utterly astonished!
"Son.... I... I did not expect your ambition... no! I mean your ideology isn't..."
"No! No!" Racheff Andrew Nedgabel shook his head repeatedly, "you must have thought that my ideologies are conservative! But you are wrong! Everyone is wrong! There is nothing bad about the radical faction's stand, but they should not have diverted the target of the fight onto the Imperial Morisette Household. We can completely avoid the Imperial Household and Western Kingdoms and seize a vast territory that completely belongs to the Andrews in the East! Father, you know that taking the Empire's path is the only way out for the family!"
Dortmund heaved a sigh, "Racheff, perhaps our opinions differ because everyone views the problem with prejudice. It is difficult for us to be impartial towards a matter, but there is a point that you are gravely mistaken about! You think that evading the Western Kingdoms and Imperial Household of Morisette and all will be well? As long as the Andrews build a nation independently, the family will bear the criminal charge of treason. The Imperial Household of Morisette will unite all the Monarchies of Westland and interfere using the military! When that time comes..."
"When the moment comes, your knights will definitely defeat them! Fierce Tiger Flag of Narcissus symbolizes being undefeated! I will let you witness that when I am conferred the title Emperor by His Grand Eminence the Pope!"
"You have lost your mind, my son!" Dortmund grabbed Racheff's shoulders urgently, trying to persuade him, but Racheff immediately shook him off.
"Father! Have a cup of tea to calm yourself! Since Oscar is quite safe, there isn't a need for us to argue anymore!"
Dortmund's eyes fell on the teapot and darted over to the teacup. The gleam in his eyes slowly dimmed.
"Son... do you know why I divulged the matter regarding the Red Tigers to you? Haven't you wondered why I passed on news that Oscar is definitely safe and sound?"
Racheff's face became stiff. He had once been a bright child, and seemed to be on the verge of a breakthrough!
"My son," Dortmund held the teacup up, "you also took care of Berkley this way, am I right? However I thought about it, only you could pull off his silent murder! Frankly... if it were me, I also wouldn't let that dangerous man hang around!"
Duke Andrew splashed the tea in his cup onto the ground. The dark red pool of water sizzled among the ripples and soon the ground was corroded!
"Look, what deadly poison! His father gave a self-deprecating laugh; this was what his own son tried to feed him. "To be honest... the reason I told you matters regarding Oscar, was to test whether... you dared kill me! I gambled that you would confess to me and seek my understanding! Racheff, believe me! If you did that, I will certainly pardon you! But I actually lost the gamble! My son wanted to murder his own father and replace him once his plot fell through and was exposed! If this happens, then he can justifiably assume the position as head of the house and thus achieve his ambition! Racheff, son! This is what you thought when your conspiracy fell through! Am I right?"
Racheff evaded his father's gaze that made him feel immeasurably ashamed. He saw that the knights following him were scrutinizing him with disappointed looks and even Peter, who he considered as a brother had on a reproachful look.
"Yes, that's right! You are absolutely right!" Racheff suddenly stood up and screamed like a madman.
"The family cannot go on like this! The Andrews have stayed put at the Eastern Borders long enough! The Persians are crumbling! The Imperial Household of Morisette is making enemies everywhere! This is such an ideal opportunity! I can succeed! I can absolutely..."
"Give it a rest!" a bellow suddenly attracted everyone's attention!
Two men burst into the bedroom. The one in the lead was Figg Andrew Tibotty who had long since lost his patience and bringing up the rear was the muddle-headed Cody!
"Father! I've had enough! This jerk is absolutely not my brother Racheff! He is definitely a bastard feigning to be him!" Figg strode towards his father under the threat of many swords.
"Yogurt... hates traitors!" Cody quipped.
"You... you both..." Racheff whipped his attention towards his Second and Third brother incredulously.
"Us? Both us brothers were busy cleaning up the traitors that you brought!" Figg gazed derisively at his brother.
"What are you guys still doing here?" the Second Son of Duke Andrew family surveyed the bedroom that was filled with drawn swords, "is bearing the crimes of betraying the family and attempted murder of the Commander-in-chief still not enough? Everyone get lost!"
Looking at the gawking knights, Figg lost his temper. He unsheathed his longsword and Cody immediately ducked behind their father. He knew that his Second Brother was in a fit! And his Second Brother was terrifying when he was in a rage!
"Why? Do you want to fight me?"
The knights refused to answer. Using weapons against the family's Commander-in-chief was already sufficient to make them blush with shame! The situation was like this! If Racheff had really murdered Duke Andrew, they would definitely follow the Marshal to the grave! The knights dropped their swords one after another. Their resolution in realizing the family's ideals had completely vanished, being replaced by immeasurable shame, resentment, and remorse.
"That's enough! Get lost from my sight before I change my mind, especially you!" Figg aimed his sword directly at the listless Colonel Peter on the ground. Peter had once been his best friend, but...
"Don't let me catch sight of you! Otherwise, you will definitely regret it!"
"Clink!" the beautiful crisp sound of a sword striking the ground was heard. A knight had tossed aside the weapon in his hand. He turned around and left the room and soon after, the knights dispersed in succession. Only Colonel Peter suddenly stabbed his own heart with a dagger. Figg paid no attention to him and turned his head away from his friend's corpse in disgust.
Only a father and his three sons remained in the empty bedroom.
Cody hopped onto the soft bed, bouncing happily as senseless phrases like "Andrew Haila" and "long live yogurt" escaped his lips.
"Why are you here?" Racheff finally regained his calm, knowing that everything was over.
Figg sneered, "I've long since felt that there was something off about you and Berkley. Moreover, would I leave father alone in Dulin without checking in on him?"
Racheff nodded, there was nothing left for him to say!
Duke Andrew rose from his seat. He crossed the short table and made for his eldest son. Lastly, he planted a kiss on his son's forehead.
"Child, I love you!" after saying that, the Duke left the room without a backward glance with Cody at his heels. The third son wanted to tell his father his experiences during the journey!
"Is... is there something you would like to say?" Figg held the sword against his chest.
"Nothing!" Racheff laughed grimly.
Figg heaved a sigh, but he still felt unsatisfied.
"Racheff, all the while I have been really proud because father was a role model and my elder brother backed him. Now, can you please tell me, if you succeeded, just how were you going to face me?"
Racheff averted his gaze, "You realized that Berkley and I were acting strange and this indicates that you are more astute than father. There will come a day when you will become aware and so I will find a suitable opportunity to eliminate you!"
"Lies!" Figg flared up and swept all the tableware and teapot on the short table onto the ground!
"Believe me, I definitely will!" Racheff retained his calm.
Figg suppressed the urge to thrust his sword into his brother's skull and spun his head around angrily.
"Very well, even if you get rid of me, how will you explain this to Sasha? How will you lie to our mothers? Don't hold back, tell me everything!"
"Sasha? She should marry into the Ferdinand Household. That Cabinet Chancellor has greater ambition than me. Our collaborations have always been smooth! As for our mothers..." Racheff finally fell silent.
Figg let out a sigh, his sword hovering above Racheff's head. "Brother, this is the last time I address you like this! You are already beyond redemption!"
The longsword swiped upwards with a menacing flash, but the beautiful ray did not bring with it the bright color of blood.
Figg panted heavily. His sword was lodged against Racheff's neck. He couldn't bring himself to do it.
At last, Figg gave up! He flung the longsword to the side and after giving his stunned elder brother a final glance, he then walked out of the room.
"Figg!" Racheff suddenly stopped his brother. "Tell father that I love him too!"
Figg nodded and pulled the doorknob.
"Wait!" Racheff again called out to his brother, "Don't let my mother know about his! Assume it... assume it as my begging you!"
Figg drew in a deep breath. "Don't worry, Mam Celia will be told that her son is a great hero who fought against the Persians!"
The door closed tightly. Racheff Andrew Nedgabel, whose hopes were completely dashed, unscrewed the precious stone on his ring. The gem rolled to the ground, revealing a drop of poison hidden within it...
The Duke was waiting for his son downstairs, circled on all sides by guards. Figg descended the stairs one step at a time, somewhat in a daze. Despite having a hunch about it long before, he still couldn't believe the outcome he himself witnessed.
"It's over?"
"It's over!" Figg nodded towards his gloomy father.
"In a while... you and Pierremore make a trip to Hamilton Palace!" Dortmund found it difficult to voice his thoughts, but he had to say it. "Present Racheff's and Berkley's heads to the Emperor. Tell him... the Andrews have found the true culprits that conspired to murder Prince O'Neil. Only through this can the matter truly be resolved!"
Figg didn't utter a word and stood gaping on the spot.
"Forget it!" Dortmund waved his hand, "I'll go myself!"
Figg was startled back into reality, "No, father! Let me go! I will not allow you to do such a thing!"
Dortmund forced a smile and nodded.
"Oh, that's right! You don't intend to just let Kachev Drakas Ferdinand off the hook just like that, right?" Figg suddenly bellowed with rage. "If it weren't for that old devil's help, Racheff would absolutely not have come up with so many schemes!"
Dortmund shook his hand, "Of course I won't let him off! I will ensure that everyone in the family engraves his name into their minds! However, we don't have any evidence now to pin him for his offenses, so now isn't the time to deal with him yet!"
Figg spat softly, "Then... how do you plan to let Mam Celia..."
"No, I don't have any plans! She will forever be oblivious to this matter! She shall never know!" Duke Andrew duck his head silently and laid his hand on his third son's shoulder, "Cody, come! Let father bring you for some booze! We need that most now!"
"Have you lost it? Stop drinking!" Torry yelled while snatching at Oscar's wine glass, "Oh God of Light, look at your condition! This thing called liquor is even more frightening than the Deiss weapons! Are you trying to kill yourself?"
Oscar didn't want to be this way! He didn't want to turn a reunion feast with his friends into a place where a mentally ill patient binged on liquor. However, he couldn't help it; alcohol could numb his mind and allow him to face this suddenly twisted world in his state of turmoil.
Marshal Alan rapped on his glass, "The banquet should just about end here no? Everyone go back to your respective tasks!"
Murat and a few Red Tiger Generals left with perplexed looks on their faces. Torry clapped his hand on his friend's shoulder and followed suit.
Marshal Alan left his seat and pushed open the floor-to-ceiling windows on the balcony. The midday Sun was blinding. The Marshal turned his back, for behind him was a dilapidated city. Thick pillars of smoke rose from the city and commands of the guards rang out ceaselessly.
"I can tell that you are very confused!"
Oscar did not heed the old Marshal and poured himself another full glass of liquor.
"That's enough!" Alan marched towards the table and blocked the youngster's glass.
"What, old geezer! You want to teach me a lesson?" Oscar wasn't drunk, he merely loathed Silver Fox Alan's conceited attitude.
"Hehe! Your Imperial Highness Prince O'Neil Andrew Morisette, do you still not understand? In this world, only His Majesty III has the right to teach you a lesson, others aren't worthy!"
"What do you want to say?" Oscar widened his eyes, baffled.
"What I mean is, this thing politics, has no room for accommodation. If it's not the Imperial Household, then it's your family; you must find your rightful place among them!"
"Ola, old man! Do I have a choice?" Oscar spat derisively, "As you said, in this world, only the Emperor is qualified to teach me a lesson! Aside from conforming to the Emperor's will, do I have any other choice?"
Alan nodded, "Regardless of the basis of these thoughts, this reasoning is correct! So long as you comply with the Emperor's will, then you can have anything that you ever wanted. Needless to say, everything you receive must go through the Emperor's permission! Take me for example, His Majesty III has been Emperor for so many years and definitely have a clear understanding of my schemes, but he also saw what kind of change my actions brought for the dynasty!"
"Just what are you trying to say/"
"The defending battle at Saijo Mountain! The invasion of Riel at the West and the attack on Deiss at the north!"
"Ola!" Oscar sniggered, "Old man, so it was you! I was baffled at how your actions could be so swift and so precise. So it turns out you've had it all arranged! I heard that a Marshal died in Dulin. Is that a scapegoat?"
"Hahahahaha! This is a sensitive little thing! You can't just around blabbering about this!" Alan snatched away the youngster's wine glass. "Young lad, you are bright! I've always had my sights on you and this is also why I am giving it my all in rescuing you!"
"Are you mistaken?" Oscar scoffed coldly, "You, rescue me? If you put your all in rescuing me, would I be in this current state, riddled with scars? Moreover, I was the one who ran into the defending battle at Saijo Mountain! I admit that my luck stinks! And what about that previous time? Don't assume that I have forgotten! That ambush of Princess Alanis and I in the Southern Mountain area. At that time, the Princess had suspected that other than you, no one else could pull off the stunt of planting assassins among the guards. During that time, I actually foolishly believed that you have no reason to do that! Hahaha! I really am foolish, letting you scheme on me twice!"
"Hehe! Since you have figured it out, I don't mind revealing my whole plan to you!" Silver Fox Alan apparently admitted to his conducts and deeds.
"Stabilize the South! Strengthen the West! Recapture the North! Isolate the East! My strategy is merely the composition of these four phrases!"
"Old fool, hold on, you! Let me think!" Oscar admitted that he had been drawn in. Although he was infuriated because the old fox, Alan, after all, wanted his life, and he was still awed by the boldness and courage of the Silver Fox.
"Stabilize the South? From your perspective, you definitely regard that the Southern merchant class as the primary insecure factor. Their affluence can already shake the ruling foundations of the Empire. They are immensely dissatisfied with the reality of things and so you created an opportunity for them to stand up. Then, you mobilized the military to suppress them and rob them of their riches, killing those freedom fighters who dared resist."
Alan nodded and then shook his head, "You're not entirely correct! The Southern merchants' thoughts on liberty aren't enough, it was their tremendous wealth that stirred my disgust, knowing that this was not a good thing! They couldn't be left to continue growing and later control the economic lifeline of the Empire!"
"So you destroyed their economy!"
"That's right! The merchant class' belief is personal profit before everything. They transformed an astronomical number of industries into territorial capital! Territories are the ruling foundations of the Empire! This would be disastrous for the Empire's agricultural economy! I am not destroying their economy, but seizing back the lands taken over by the big merchants in the South! After that, by channeling these lands back into the nobles' hands once again in order to preserve the ruling foundation of the South. As long as one has land, nothing will be a problem!"
"Then... Strengthening the West!" Oscar brought into play all his thinking capabilities. "The Empire has always taken a defensive stance at the West. The action of the Rielese in routing through Deiss Kingdom has broken international convention. You finally found an excuse to send troops to invade Riel. It also equals to opening a breach in the offensive chain of the Westland Kingdom Alliance. The Empire can rely on their advantage of securing this breach to attack and defend!"
"Haha! You are on point! It seems that you have studied well in the Imperial Military Academy; your performance in the Saijo Mountain battle has left me astounded, I..."
"All right old man, let us go back to Saijo Mountain! Don't beat around the bush! Regardless of whether I was that unlucky to have bumped into the Deiss, tell me clearly, have you all the while been keeping tabs on my journey?"
"To be more precise... more like I was manipulating your journey!" Alan slumped back in his seat in satisfaction, chortling as he caught sight of the youngster's look of incredulity.
"There's nothing to be surprised about! The main assault force of the Deiss can only enter the predetermined attack position through Saijo Mountain while your mixed army can only enter Black Woods from the direction of Saijo Mountain!"
"You have planted secret agents in my army!" it suddenly struck Oscar, "Did your men sabotage Torry's artillery tractors? Otherwise, we would not have so coincidentally stopped before Saijo Mountain!"
"That's right!" Alan acknowledged, "Actually, I've also prepared two conditions. The most crucial point for the Deiss' movements was to maintain secrecy. No matter where you all encountered them, all these people would have to withdraw immediately from the country! However, since your routes were so close, I set the predetermined battlefield at Saijo Mountain. You should thank me for not letting you wait long because as long as you did not come across the Deiss, your army would have been stuck at Saijo Mountain all the while. In short, there would have been all sorts of ordeals hampering your advance."
"How did you pull all of this off?"
"Hehe!" Alan chuckled, "I have been continuously directing the general situation at the Steinberger's Ninth army camp. The army of the capital and His Majesty Emperor thought that I was in the South, investigating, but instead, I returned to Dulin together with the Saijo Mountain war report!"
"Wow, sorry to trouble your weary soul so greatly!"
"Thank you!" Alan waved his hand nonchalantly.
"Then... Recapturing the North?" Oscar glowered at the Silver Fox. When he was charging at the Front Lines, this old devil was in the vicinity, watching. Gosh!
"The Big Three of the North was about to get it, no? The winter offensive was merely to provide the Northern Army Group with a great opportunity to drill their troops! You could simultaneously eliminate the threat that Deiss poses at the North of the Empire and also allow the Northern army that has no contribution whatsoever in the Big Three's eyes to regain their vigor and fighting spirit! Don't tell me... you intend to target the Big Three? They are influential, aristocratic families. You will not even get past the first hurdle of Her Majesty Empress!"
"Young man!" Alan shook his head, "You're still so childish in regarding a problem. You are right! However, you have overlooked the most important point! I've already mentioned it just now! As long as your actions are in keeping with the Emperor's desire, or agrees with the Emperor's subconscious, then you will attain everything you wish for!"
"You are saying that... His Majesty III will support you?" Oscar was dubious.
"His Majesty III has already given me the signal. He signed on the promotion list that I declared. You know? Empress Rolyn Kate has always handled the task of selecting the various commanding officers of the Northern Region. Now, the Emperor, the army and I will like to revoke this authority!"
"Oh God of Light!" His Imperial Highness Prince clapped his forehead, "You want to declare a war against Her Majesty Empress, am I right?"
"Hehe! You're still saying that! As long as the Emperor backs me, I can achieve anything; Rolyn Kate isn't a problem. Her interference with the Northern army has already aggravated me! If she can't accept this fact, then I will use my own methods to set her straight!"
"Will His Majesty III allow you to proceed with it?" Oscar eyed the old Marshal suspiciously.
"Why wouldn't he? His Majesty III will choose another beautiful young princess from any kingdom as his bride. I believe that he had long since had this intention!"
"Ola! I am also a little convinced!" Oscar finally nodded.
"But... now the situation is a little complicated!" Alan fixed a sinister gaze on the youngster. "According to my plans, the Sukhois are at the top of my list to eradicate! However, the defending battle at Saijo Mountain has allowed this rotten and corrupted aristocratic family to procure respect and reputation. Their artillery technology has become the key object of His Majesty III! Moreover... Duchess Vijdeline Van Sukhoi's marriage and the child she carries have also made me waver!"
"What are you saying?" Oscar's eyebrows knitted together.
"Lady Vijdeline has married! But she was already pregnant before then!"
Oscar slumped back on the sofa, dumbfounded. His mind had stopped functioning.
"Young man, one has to pay the price for dishonorable acts! For instance, if I His Majesty Emperor and I really decide to destroy the Sukhois, what will you do then?"
Oscar's lips trembled. He couldn't make sense of it; his Vijdeline was married? Moreover, she was pregnant before that?
"A man is bound to make such a mistake!" Alan grinned. "Oscar, you must take responsibility for your actions! If the Sukhoi Family's corruption is exposed, then even the God of Light cannot save any of the members of this family! They will all be sentenced the supreme penalty by His Majesty III! At that time... what will you do? Watch with your own eyes as your young flesh and blood is thrown into the fire?"
"Shut up, old fool! Shut up, you!" Oscar grabbed at Alan's collar abruptly, but his fury slowly dissipated after some pondering. Logical order had emerged from his thoughts!
"Don't you and His Majesty III want to take artillery technology and claim it as the nation's?" the prince flung Alan away violently, having completely recovered from the shock. "I will convince Vijdeline to give up the technology and comply with the Emperor's will!"
"Oscar!" Alan patted the youngster on the shoulder, "I am pleased to hear you say that, you have matured! A while ago there was a moment I thought you would slaughter me without any hesitation!"
Oscar looked away in disdain, "don't be too pleased, I can change my mind any time!"
Alan shrugged, "suit yourself! The issue regarding the Sukhoi Family is most intractable. Lady Vijdeline is in the most precarious situation. All the secret agents of Westland have their eyes on her pockets and there is a danger of the artillery technology leaking out. So... I will pay special attention towards this matter! When the time comes... I hope you will cooperate!"
"Hah, why should I cooperate with you?" Oscar retorted with indignation!
"Don't tell me you don't wish to see your child? The doctor who visited Lady Vijdeline said that it is a healthy boy!"
"Enough!" Oscar once again bellowed.
"Okay, okay! Granted the father is furious! Let us not talk about this. When the time has arrived, I will notify you!" Alan conceded with a smirk. Actually, he did not have any ill intent towards Oscar anymore, otherwise, he would not point out the relationship between Lady Vijdeline and the prince. The Silver Fox trust that the youngster understood as much.
"I am still devising a plan to handle the other two great Northern giants [1], but there is no rush for this! The truly interesting one left is the East! Do you know the true meaning behind isolating the east?"
Oscar shook his head; he was reluctant to continue on with the conversation.
"I understand your feelings. You must have received such a blow from the events that unfolded earlier this morning! This confirms my suspicions. In view of the string of events, the Andrews will face a transformation!"
"Don't beat around the bush! I have already lost my patience!" Oscar shot a menacing glare towards Alan, whose face he loathed. Previously he did not feel this way, but this old fox who had revealed his true colors had become a terrifying devil.
"In actuality, it is to commence a purge of the family and nothing else! I believe that you already know that your father and brother are in Dulin and have run into some trouble."
"What trouble?"
"The trouble that Duke Kachev Drakas Ferdinand stirred when he united the Andrew Family's forces against you."
"Kachev? This old freak has come into play?"
"Hehe, yes!" Alan nodded, "Furthermore, his influence is astonishing, targeting your life straight on! You know, I'm convinced that he was the one who sold out the Military Intelligence Bureau's rescue plans to the Deiss! You must be mindful of those around you. This fellow has probably served old Kachev for many years. He has concealed himself thoroughly and moreover is very close to you!"
Oscar's forehead puckered. He couldn't imagine who the person could be!
"Okay, don't let your imagination run wild! It isn't easy to deal with old Kachev. He will not leave a single trace! Let us go back to Andrew's problem. The problem is very simple, really. As long as your family is contented with the territories of the Eastern borders, then I guarantee that there is nothing in this world that can threaten the existence of the Andrews. And so, the Andrews want to be isolated and disconnected from the outside world. Despite the Persian Empire already starting to crumble, the threat from the Persian nationality still exists! It will not be easy for the Andrews to achieve ultimate victory!"
"So what comes next?" Oscar raised his head doubtfully, "When you have stabilized all four corners of the Empire, could it be that you'll retire?"
"Hehe! Why would I? My teeth are loose, my sight is bad and my appetite is terrible, but I can still put on this military attire and serve for another ten years!" Alan handed the wine glass over to the youngster delightedly, "Next, we will unite and strengthen the order of the capital's upper layer, which is also the order of the Imperial power! I dare not affirm Duke Kachev's conspiracy, but I think that this old friend will definitely pull a shocking stunt! When His Majesty III abdicates, for the sake of the good military government laid out by the Empire, it must be passed on to a reliable Imperial member. And from what I see, both the princes can already be excluded. I'm inclined to your fiancé!"
"Alanis?" Oscar gawked in astonishment.
"What about Alanis? You don't trust Silver Fox Alan's eye?" the Commander of the guards widened his eyes, "Her Majesty Empress Alanis I! Such imposing aura! Just thinking about it makes one excited beyond compare!"
Oscar furrowed his brows, "I didn't know, an old fella like you would want to gain favor with my fiancé!"
Alan rapped the prince on the head, "You rascal, what are you saying?"
Oscar rubbed his forehead and muttered, "Have your limbs grown too long? Deciding the throne is the Imperial household's business!"
"How can you be so naïve!" Silver Fox Alan returned Oscar's glare, "How can this be only the Imperial household's business unless the nobles of the world have gone extinct, or this world no longer holds benefits to dispute over! Tell me! This will be the final battle between you, Kachev and I! I have long since seen this coming!"
"Me?"
"That's right, you!" Alan nodded firmly, "Why does old Kachev want to do away with you? Because both he and I believe that the best successor of the throne, aside from Alanis, would be you!"
Oscar gave a sudden jolt!
"But... there isn't much hope for you!" Alan shook his head, "Unless His Majesty III, both the princes and Her Highness Princess Alanis bizarrely left the world simultaneously! It is unlikely for such a strange thing to occur in a world created by the God of Light. So there is absolutely no need for you to get this sort of idea. We will wait and see for a period of time, for old Kachev's response..."
Oscar no longer heard the words that came after that. He gazed at the old Marshal's wiggling tongue, lost in thought. It appeared that an entire vast, boundless world was spread out before the young prince