Clove was releasing the odor of happiness as the morning-glory wrapped around the fence. A multi-colored flower formed the shape of a ring under the Banyan trees. It looked messy, yet still lively.
The walls of trees changed into their green cloaks at the beginning of spring. Sometime there would be Rhododendron flying out of the dense forest. The setting sun in the evening cast the bird's shadows on the ground in a blink of an eye.
As such high-ranked nobles like Duke Kachev Drakas Ferdinand, his life was very unprecise, unnoticeable and unquiet. The old man relied too much on thick tea. He neither dared to drink coffee nor eat too many desserts that were full of sugar. Therefore, when O'Neil Andrew Morisette enjoyed the delights without being mindful of the others, the old man could only stare from the side, bored. He was jealous of the young man's appetite and also his energy.
"Thank you for you invitation!" Oscar said as he used the napkin to wipe his mouth.
Old Kachev only waved his hands. He was still scanning the young man with a complimenting stare.
"I still remember that… The last time I visited your farm was the end of fall. Hehe. It was a few years ago!"
"Yes!" Old Kachev nodded. "At that time, you just returned from the prison. You are as excited and curious like a woodpecker."
"What about now?" Oscar put his coffee down. He was a little expectant.
"Now, you're naturally a mature woodpecker. You have already gotten hold of the secret to hunting for food."
Oscar did not speak a word. He looked around him: flowers, sling chair, tall trees, and books. It could be seen that this old guy Kachev knew how to take care of himself.
"Only a woodpecker?" Oscar asked in his heart. It was a little regretful, but it was more depressing. Only until him truly meeting Kachev Drakas Ferdinand did he find that his arrangement was not even up to good use.
"Young man! What are you thinking?"
Oscar sighed lightly, "I am thinking that… Are our necks all tied with a string? The God of Light pull this string and our bodies and consciousness are simply controlled by the God, like puppets."
"No! That is your imagination!" Kachev shook his head continuously. "There is only a small part of people in this world that are controlled by the God, but it does not include you and I. Neither does it involve the people related to us. It is us that influence the people around us and we ourselves only follow the big picture and the benefit."
"Ola! That is brilliant!" Oscar nodded. "When the big picture is not advantageous to you, your benefit turns into something abstract. What will you do in this situation?"
"Reason with you!"
"Reasoning?" Oscar laughed with disdain. He pointed to his back. "You think I brought so many people here to reason with you?"
"Young man! I admit that your people indeed have a high efficiency in doing things. They surrounded my farm and closed off the traffic. I believe my daughter and my grandson are also under their control in their living plane in the city. However, since we are talking about this, you don't really plan to kill off everyone in the Ferdinand family and set this place on fire, do you?"
Oscar nodded, "Lately I have been having the same dream. You are exactly right!"
Kachev smiled without helping. "Young man, scaring an old man will bring about you divine punishment. Moreover, I saw your hesitation. If you really wanted to eliminate me, then you will definitely not appear at this place."
Oscar did not speak, but he knew he was seen through by the old fox.
"The key to survival is knowing when to advance and retreat! This is the most obvious worldview rooted in human's heart. When we see a lion, we will run; when we see a python, we will scream for help; when we see that this thing must not be down, we will retreat. You understand this well."
Oscar stared into Kachev's eyes. "Are you convincing me to give up or begging me to spare your life?"
The old man spread his hands, "Whatever you think! For you, just go with whichever explanation can bring you the most pleasure! However, I should still remind you: receiving something means losing other things. Moreover, this is not a clear win."
"Indeed so!" Oscar nodded without a choice. "I won, but the price is not killing you myself!"
"Hehe! Have you understood?"
"Yes! I have!" Oscar took the cup of coffee again, but he placed it down right after. "I don't understand. Why do you want me dead so desperately? I know it's hilarious to discuss this problem with you, but I'll still like to know!"
Kachev shook his head. "No! The one that wants to kill you is your family. I am only gaining benefit from this. The starting point of Andrew and I are different. It can't be simply generalized to me wanting your life."
"Ola! Why can't I see any difference?" Oscar was a little surprised. He did not understand why he would so calmly discuss such a problem with his murderer.
"The difference is that the people who truly wanted to kill you in this world only have one aim. And there are more people intending to gain benefits from this aim! Do you understand?"
"Hehe. This is the theory of the murderer and the accomplice!"
"That's right!" Kachev nodded. "But haven't you noticed? The accomplice is the uncertainty in this theory, just like the unlucky Ricky and Berkley Andrew Nedgabel who did not understand even when he was dying. However… If everyone in this world wanted to kill you, what does that say about you?"
"Hahahaha!" Oscar laughed with self-mockery. Kachev was not wrong at all. The accomplice was the uncertainty, and the weight added fairly randomly on the balance of benefit.
"Sir Duke, I can also see that you are hesitating!"
"Oh?" The old man frowned.
Oscar avoided Kachev's eyes. Instead, he played with the coffee spoon himself. "From the moment I know Ricky worked for you, I am already beginning to doubt that your so-called conspiracy is simply a game of luck. Ricky has been by my side for seven years. This year is the eighth year. He has numerous chances to kill me, but I know the reason you did not do that is that you are hesitating! You neither know what the consequence will be after killing me nor do you know what sort of situation will form in Dulin without me. Hence, you did not choose a direct method to finish me off. Instead, you chose to work with the traitor of Andrew and let my family roll the dice."
"Have you heard of such phrase?" Oscar finally met the old man's gaze. "Only your friend will make all sorts of mistake, but only the enemy will use impeccable conspiracy to finish you off!"
Kachev gave it a thought. "You are saying that… The way to differentiating a friend and an enemy is… not having any clues?"
"Yes!" Oscar nodded in certainty. "Even though your plan seemed perfect, the key factor in play is extremely weak. You are leaving too many retreat routes for yourself and, that is to say, giving me a chance to survive. So… To the enemy that makes mistake, there is a chance to be friends with him."
"Friends? Us?" Kachev was a little surprised. He did not know if this was a good or a bad thing. He only knew that he could no longer look at this young man O'Neil Andrew Morisette the same way he did before.
"That's right! That's us! I suddenly found out that the possibility of us becoming friends is indeed valid!"
"For example?" Kachev was a little moved. Just like what the little Prince had said, he was indeed dragging things out when he was dealing with all the planning. After saying this out, he actually felt extremely relaxed.
"For example… If Marshal Alan kept controlling the Army Division, then there is nothing much for us to do at Dulin!"
"Hahahahahaha! Oh my god!" Old Kachev laughed without a care until his body was shaking.
"Are you done?" Oscar's expression had already become cold. "I don't like the feeling of being played by others. I also don't like to have others controlling my life as if I am an idiot. Duke Kachev, look carefully at your situation! My people are still awaiting orders outside of your place. I think you don't like this feeling, either. Moreover, Marshal Alan is busy dealing with the military affairs in the north. Once he got hold of some free time…"
"Once he got hold of some free time, he will return to the Capital and deal with us wholeheartedly! Isn't that right?" Kachev had stopped laughing. He was simply enjoying the conversation with this young man wholeheartedly just now. This little guy had already become a full-fledged politician, or in other words, a successful conspirator.
"Yes! That's definitely true!" Oscar nodded determinedly. "I have already been tricked by him twice. There definitely won't be a third time! I don't know how this Empire will have such a living thing like Silverfox Alan. He sees life as a battlefield and all that threatens the imperial family as the enemy! Sir Duke, you are an old acquaintance with the Marshal. I am sure you know this better than I do! In the eyes of Alan, I have the potential to threaten the imperial family and you are the old fox that the imperial family hated so much! So… Just like the southern attack and Saijo Mountain attack last year, we can't be sure that the Silverfox will not be planning another attack again! During that time… I believe both of us will be done for because, to us, the Silverfox is the true enemy. Not only is he impeccable, his plan is also done without a trace."
Kachev shook his head, "Your Highness! Your worries are nonetheless rather unrealistic. You are a highly ranked member of the imperial family. After you marry Her Imperial Highness the Princess, I believe Marshal Alan will have a total change of heart with you. It's even possible that you two will deal with me together at that time!"
"Hehe!" Oscar smiled lightly. "Silverfox said the same thing to me as well. But I don't believe it! The more he behaves that way, the more I won't believe him! Do you know what sort of thing Marshal Alan has mentioned to me before?"
"I am listening!"
Oscar set his gaze at some place without any reason. "Marshal Alan once mentioned that, in his heart, the most suitable person to become the future ruler is Her Imperial Highness the Princess Alanis! It is this matter that alerted me and made me doubtful of him. If he really plans to execute this aim, I can already guess who he is going to sacrifice!"
Even though the shock in his inner-self was overwhelming, old Kachev only nodded calmly.
"Oscar, no matter what, I still think if Princess Alanis is to become the next female emperor, then it will be a good thing for you as her husband!"
"Ola! Is that so?" Oscar mumbled coldly. "No matter how you see it, I still think that… Once Alanis get the chance to take hold of the administration, I will have to head towards the execution ground! I am a member of Andrew and the future head of Imperial Military Intelligence Bureau. Silverfox Alan can see the threat my position imposes towards the imperial family and Army Division. For Alanis to rule over Titan, the Silverfox will definitely eliminate me. To stabilize the political power, the Silverfox will definitely eliminate you as well!"
Old Kachev fell into deep thought, but the young man had already backed off.
"Of course! Sir Duke, Alfa III His Majesty had already confirmed the candidate of the future ruler via legislation process. So, everything is just my guess! But no matter who the future ruler is, Alan will still complete what he is supposed to do perfectly!"
"Kid! Have you thought about how to deal with that?"
Oscar leaned against the sling chair, relaxed. It seemed that he had already reached an agreement with the Imperial Cabinet Chancellor.
"I haven't thought about that. Am I asking for your opinion now?"
"Ha!" Kachev laughed. "You, little guy, really know how to cause trouble to others! But I do know that... There will be a good chance coming up in the near future. Even though it's not to the extent to pull Marshal down from the position of Military Affairs Chancellor, it will at least cause him to rest for a few years!"
Oscar patted the cake bits off from his body, then stood up from his seat.
"That's all, Sir Duke! I wait for your good news! Do you mind recommending a way to contact you?"
Kachev frowned. If he was to remain in contact with this Prince, it would be difficult to get rid of this troublesome kid, but… The old man admitted that his judgement was a little off. Every sign could point that Silverfox Alan was the largest threat now! As for O'Neil Andrew Morisette… There would still be a possibility to eliminate him. Since this was a win-win situation, then he should grab this chance in front of him.
"The Imperial Secretariat will probably send a contact officer to enter your Kenshin Palace. Treat him with ease. That would be the contacting person for you and me!"
O'Neil Andrew Morisette nodded. He bowed to the old man respectfully. Not because of other things, it was because of the old man's sharpness and strong mind.
Paul and Messier waited for His Imperial Highness Prince at the door. It could be seen that both of them were disappointed, but these two did not say anything. They knew the action towards the Ferdinand Manor had already been canceled.
The King of Assassin followed at the back of the young man as usual, while Messier was by the Prince's side. The ability of the Head of Department had already confirmed his status beside the young man.
When he boarded the carriage, Oscar greeted the carriage driver. He knew the foreign general Wozakad had always protected his sister in Dulin.
"Do we have other plans today?" Oscar held his forehead. He was already exhausted.
"His Majesty, Queen Rolyn Kate, His Highness the Heir, Second Prince, Princess Alanis and the heads of a few military families. The ones worth noting are only these. The others are guys who just came to join the fun."
Oscar closed his eyes. He felt the rumbling of the carriage in the dark. He did not understand this world. He did not understand why he chose to reach an agreement with Kachev. He even believed that this was something logical! But was this really so? Kachev was the culprit that wanted him dead, but this old thing became his ally at this moment! Oh, world! Beneath the sky intertwined the root of power and flowed the stream of benefit. Whoever got hold of the origin, the person would take hold of the fate. But where would the destination be? What would the final ending be like? It was afraid no one would be able to explain and see it!
The night sky at Westberg Fort shone with bright stars. The faraway God sent a wave of comforting late-night wind. The sound of wind was distant, blurred out just as the lover's singing.
The forest stood beside of the fort in silent. Sometimes the shout of garrison knights could be heard from the forest. The wildflowers shut their flower buds under the vividly bright moonlight. They were expecting tomorrow's colorful light in the dark shadows of the woods.
The grassland was the gathering point for the youngsters. These young men and ladies whose minds were filled with romance and energy that could not be released elsewhere did not fancy the antiqueness of the rocky castle. Therefore, the castle servants prepared a huge space for these youngsters that were used to staying up late and chasing people around. They had also prepared exquisite wine and dessert for these youngsters.
Walking aimlessly on the grass field, Oscar was holding his fiancée. The young nobles who came towards them all greeted the hero and his lover. The men stared at the Prince's face with jealous and envy while the ladies simply scanned the Prince's aura and charm with a hint of curiosity.
Her Imperial Highness Princess Alanis Alfa Morisette had a contented smile all the while. He counted the Pollen Orchid that she passed by while noting at the man beside her. She did not know why she would be embarrassed. She should be excitedly running into his embrace and told him of her worries and thoughts all these while. However, the moment she welcomed him back at the castle gate, she simply said, "Thank God of Light! You are back!"
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Oscar enjoyed the Princess' gaze.
"You… Have changed!"
Oscar let out a curious 'Oh'.
"Before this, you always show off your shine and charm. In your eyes gleamed a shine of freedom and pride! Now… It's hard for me to describe. It feels so foreign to me!"
Oscar stopped his footstep. The night wind of the early spring was still a bit cold. He pulled Alanis' hair back and cupped her face in his palms.
"Now I know the accurate meaning of responsibility and duty. If my trip to Deiss has won me the pride of a soldier and the respect of the people, then I must add another matter on this. That is my life can be much more excited that it is now, my Niz!"
Oscar kneeled down on one knee. He took out a ring that he had prepared earlier on.
"I just want to confirm once more! Will you marry me? I will make loving and protecting you my responsibility, being with you and guarding you my duty! Are you willing for me to do that?"
Alanis covered her face clumsily. "Oh god! Get up quickly. Those guys that love to gossip are all watching!"
"You haven't answer me yet."
"Yes I will! I will! Of course, I will! I will for as many thousands times!"
For some reason, Oscar sighed lightly when he stood up, but the Princess' kiss took all his breath. He quickly held the women in his embrace tightly. His previous partners passed before his eyes. He suddenly felt that he was not sure about everything as he did before as if even Sasha was not the only one in his heart.
"Alright! The time to watch the fun is over!" Oscar buried the Princess' face in his chest. He knew Alanis' face must be burning now.
"Who knows where the band is?" The Prince asked the young nobles gathered around him loudly.
"That side. Behind the table!"
Oscar nodded, "Then let's go over there quickly! You guys can still get a chance to dance with her before Her Imperial Highness become my legal wife. I won't be so sure after that!"
The youngsters became noisy after that. They surrounded this couple and rushed them to the dance floor. The laughing voices at the grass field transmitted far until they were heard by people who cared about this.
"Such exaggerated performance!" Sasha retrieved her gaze from outside of the window. She took the teacup given by Aeolia.
Aya shrugged. She was sighing for the fate of herself and the Young Lady.
"Aya! Before this... I am wrong with my attitude towards you. I apologize!" Sasha leaned on the sofa and the Countess was just sitting across her.
"You don't have to be that way. I am only doing what I should do!"
Sasha nodded. She placed her forehead on the armrest of the sofa and gazed at the gleaming teacup made of glass.
"Yes, yes! You can risk your life for the family. My brother can choose a person he does not love for the duty given by the family. My father can eliminate his own son. My mother can accept this fact as if she does not know of this! You all have something that you should so! But what about me? Why am I here in this world? I don't need to worry about the survival of the family. I don't even need to worry about anything at all. I just needed to be loved! But fate has always asked me to follow one rule: to wait! Endless waiting! Wait for him to grow up! Wait for him to be free! Wait for him to get married! Wait for him to have children! Except for waiting, what else can I do? Is there other meaning to my life?"
Aeolia lowered her head. She did not know how to answer the Young Lady.
"Aya! I envy you so much! You have everything that I don't have! You can go through life and death with Oscar. You can receive the love he gave from the bottom of his heart. You can-"
"It's not like that!" The Countess interrupted the Young Lady in a loud voice. "I am only executing the order from the family!"
"Do the family's orders include going into my brother's bedroom?" Sasha was a little impatient. "Since the time you came back from the north, you have been sleeping together, haven't you?"
Aeolia rolled her eyes. She understood the feelings of the Young Lady.
"Sasha! You must get this clear. The one who was about to get married to Oscar isn't me!"
Sasha E. turned her head away in frustration. The Countess was indeed not a good person to whom she should release her frustration, simply because this was not about her at all.
"Sasha! You should believe the promise Oscar gave to you!"
"Of course I do!" The Young Lady said determinedly. "Otherwise I would've been crazy by now! But Aya, do you know that? It's different with people! You can watch Oscar hold another woman. You can stand him touching you using his hands that are filled with another person's scent! But I can't! I want to kill the woman that takes him so badly and throw her body into hell!"
Aeolia sighed faintly. "Actually... I can't as well! How I wish my lover can propose to me as well, but there are not many things in this world that are logical. We are women. We don't have much choice or ability."
"How about…" Aya suddenly laughed in an evil tone. "Let us find a way to kill Alanis?"
Sasha laughed as well. "Aya, I must say this: If we really did it, I believe the God of Light will punish us! The God will punch words onto our face: one that says envy and another that says lunatic!"
Aya sat beside the Young Lady. "Are you saying… You are the envious ones while I am a lunatic?"
"That's right!"
The Countess reached out her hand into Sasha E.'s armpit. The itchiness made Sasha laughed crazily.
"Say it one more time!"
"Stop it! Stop it! I am the lunatic! You are the envious one. It's alright, isn't it?"
Aya put more strength in her hands. Sasha and she laughed like never before, but they did not understand yet. Love could not allow anything that stood in its way. A real envious woman was no different than a lunatic! When she was out of it or overwhelmed with jealousy and hate, a woman could do something extremely terrifying.
Alfa III His Majesty had a contented smile on him. He had not called for a large-scale dinner for a long time. The dining table was forty meters long. The nobles in the Empire that came were more than one hundred people, but the Emperor did not care about them. The people that were seated at the far end could not even hear what the Emperor was saying. In fact, the Emperor was only talking non-stop to Prince O' Neil.
"I am sick of Dulin and Hamilton Palace. You know that? I have a brand new mansion in the countryside. I call it Doriance. That place is more comfortable than in the city."
Oscar nodded,"Yes Your Majesty! In the countryside, even the air is cleaner than that in the city. This is good for your health."
Alfa III His Majesty turned to the Queen by his side, "You should come with me to have a look at that place."
Queen Rolyn Kate shook her head, "Your Majesty, I don't want to tire myself out in the carriage for two and a half hours. That is, to me, a torture."
The Emperor shrugged without any care. He once again turned to little Oscar who was sitting on his right.
"Kid! I heard that… You are very good friends with a Madame in the Sukhoi family."
Oscar put down his knife and fork. He knew the intention of the Emperor. Before he married Alanis, he must explain about his old love to this father.
"You meant Madame Vijdeline of the Sukhoi family?" Oscar said while glancing at the Queen. Then, he also took a look at Alanis. There was not much change in these two women's expressions, but Oscar knew that they cared about this problem a lot.
"Yes! That Madame! Hehe! I should call her the Madame that made the fire cannon! I like to call her that way!"
"Yes, Your Majesty! I am good friends with the Madame that make fire cannon. I appreciate her brain and knowledge."
"And?" Alfa III His Majesty stared at the young man. He would not let this kid off the hook easily.
"And? There's no 'and'! If you really want to count it… I have only seen that Madame twice!" Oscar continued to use his knife and fork. He did not want to talk about this matter for long with the Emperor.
"I certainly hope so!" Alfa III His Majesty sighed with some hidden meaning. "Kid, let me give you a piece of advice! You have to take note of your socializing circle. Your identity and status have been determined! You must have a good judge of how far you should socialize with another person. Or else, something that makes everyone unhappy is bound to happen."
"Yes Your Majesty! Thank you for your advice. I will take note of that!" Oscar bowed respectfully.
Duke Andrew was sitting beside of his youngest son. He had been noticing the situation over here, but his son did not seem to need him to worry about it. This little guy was handling the situation very well.
Dortmund hinted to his wife and Celia immediately started another topic. Queen Rolyn Kate and Princess Alanis were all very cooperative. They were soon joined by other women on the dining table to begin their heated discussions. The King joined them because he was lonely. Immediately, the place became extremely lively.
"Report!" A loud shout surprised the enthusiastic people.
"Report, Your Majesty! The Capital is on fire!" The messenger reported to Alfa III His Majesty in a loud voice urgently.
The people exclaimed in surprise, but Alfa III His Majesty simply waved his hand lightly.
"Speak clearly. Where is on fire?"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The messenger quickly checked the document given by the Garrison Unit. "Hmm… It includes a few government building including the Ministry of Justice Building. The Narcissus Knights that guard the Hamilton Palace also reported that some people have intended to infiltrate the Palace. These criminals even have fire seed and weapons."
Oscar exchanged a look with his father. Dortmund shook his head without much movement to his son. Clearly, he did not know what was happening as well.
"Is that all?" The Emperor was still calm and composed.
"Yes, Your Majesty! That is all!"
Alfa III His Majesty nodded, "According to the rules of the Martial Law, the people who dare to cause trouble at this moment will be treated as treason. The Garrison Unit should suppress them and catch the head of the criminals. Bring the head of criminals to be judged by the Ministry of Justice."
"Shit!" Oscar muttered in his heart. This was clearly a death trap set up for those uncooperative guys by the Emperor.
"Marshal Andrew!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Dortmund quickly stood up after hearing the call.
"You must do something for me. Or, do you wish for my palace to be burned down by these criminals?"
Dortmund frowned. He knew this old friend wanted his Narcissus Knight to be the one that suppressed the nobility.
"Your Majesty! I will go back to my city right away! You must believe in me. As long as my knights and I are here, no one will be able to touch even a brick of your palace. I swear!"
"I believe in you, my Marshal! Dulin is in your hands now!"
Dortmund bowed to the Emperor. After taking one look at his son, he then followed the messenger and left the place.
The party could no longer go on. The powerful nobles were all discussing this amongst themselves. In fact, they were all smart people. They were the loyal follower of the Morisette Imperial Family. If it wasn't that case, they would not appear at Westberg Fort at this moment. It could be said that the people the Emperor invited to this party were all the noble family that the Emperor trusted a lot.
Oscar left the noisy bunch. He followed a palace servant and reached the highest point of the Westberg Fort. That was a tower with pointy tips. Alanis and he loved to look at the stars here, but the protagonist for today had turned into Alanis' father.
A night breeze caressed the Emperor's silk clothing. This wide robe that was knitted with golden string expanded in a quick movement, then slowly fell down. Oscar stood behind the Emperor in a straight and serious posture. He seemed just like an obedient maid.
The faraway Dulin city showed few of its pointy tips under the night sky. There was fire gleaming in the city. A few areas shone with a bright red light that shot right towards the sky. The light dispersed the starlight and dimmed the moonlight.
"You must be thinking if I am the one that started the fire!" Alfa III His Majesty suddenly turned around and faced the surprised Prince.
"Marshal Alan once told me that I should place the pure Dulin to the heir of the Dynasty!"
Oscar shut his mouth tightly. He did not know how much Alan had affected the Emperor's thinking.
"Child! Look at this scenery! This is of benefit to you!" The Emperor said as he brought little Oscar to the side of the tower.
Oscar gazed into the distance. Dulin City was just like a forest that was burned by numerous fire torches.
"Do you know what that is?" The Emperor pointed to the firelight that spread into the night sky. "That is blood! Blood of the nobles, civilians, and soldiers! The people said the Emperor is the monster born from the blood pool. In fact, they are correct and also wrong! A true ruler must know when, where and who to bleed. This is the key point!"
"Why are you saying this to me?" Oscar took back his gaze that stared into the blood pool.
"Because I want you to know about bleeding! To a ruler... It's a good thing! Only through bleeding, the power of the Emperor can be increased. Only through bleeding, the basis of the Empire can be stronger."
"I understand that blood is necessary especially in a situation full of danger!"
"No! Young man. No!" The Emperor shook his head. "You don't understand because you are not a ruler! Your existence is special. Your duty is to assist the Imperial family and the heir to the throne. Hence, your use is limited to the acceptable range of the ruler. Once you are out of this limit, it will cause bloodshed."
"Ola! I understand now. You are advising me!"
"No!" The Emperor shook his head again. "I am guiding you. Can't you see that your fiancée is the most suitable heir to the throne of this Empire?"
Oscar had his eyes wide open. This was unbelievable! Alfa III His Majesty actually wanted to give his Empire to Alanis?
"This… This is illogical! Haven't you already confirm Lobb as the heir to the throne?"
Alfa III His Majesty sighed without help. "O God of Light! Lobb? I did choose him, but which part of him looks like a ruler? Don't even talk about my second son! Only my youngest daughter Alanis has the potential to become a ruler."
"Then… Why didn't you just confirm…"
"No! Impossible!" Alfa III His Majesty shook his head continuously. "There has never been a female Emperor in the history of the Empire. Moreover, the law of Titan states that Princess that is married to a non-imperial family member does not have the right to ascend to the throne. So during the official conferment ceremony, Alanis is first eliminated."
"But… Aren't Alanis the best candidate in your heart?"
"Yes!" The Emperor nodded with a smile. "So I ask you to marry her. You are a member of the Andrew and also a member of the Imperial Family. Your unity allows Alanis to avoid the restriction of the law completely. Even if Alanis followed her husband's surname, she is still a member of the Imperial Family. No one will doubt the identity of her husband."
"No wonder that old man conferred me as the Prince of the Empire without any hesitation!" Oscar finally understood the intention of the Emperor.
"Your Majesty! I still do not understand!" Oscar touched his nose, troubled. "Since Alanis can avoid the restriction of the law after the marriage, then why did you confer to Lobb before that?"
The Emperor turned around. He seemed to not wish for Oscar to see his expression.
"This is a decision without any choice because there's only one Emperor! Lobb is not qualified! He is meant to be sacrificed! Because I know what those people are thinking!" Alfa III His Majesty said as he pointed to the faraway Dulin.
"They won't accept my decision and will definitely think of all possible ways to interfere with me! Why did I push Lobb to the public? It is to bring the people that are aiming for the Imperial Rights out! I want to expose him and his conspiracy under the sunlight!"
The Emperor turned towards the young Prince all of a sudden. "Oscar! Maybe I won't be able to see that moment! But you must remember this in the future! These people will definitely come out into the light. No matter who that person is or on what basis he justifies his action, he is the enemy of the Morisette! You can only eliminate him to create a strong administration basis for Alanis."
"Your Majesty! You… Is your health alright?"
"Hahahahahah!" Alfa III His Majesty laughed. "Did you think I was telling you this because I have some sort of chronic illness? You damn kid. I am very healthy! I only wanted to tell you that resisting is a long-term process. The Roman Kingdom is not built in a day! We have to take one step at a time!"
Oscar gave it a thought, "Alight! What you mean is… Point the spearhead of the fight at Lobb and let the hidden guy show himself. Then… But Your Majesty, aren't this a little too troublesome? If I knew that, I would've just killed Kachev Drakas Ferdinand. Isn't this going to save us more trouble?"
"Do you think only Kachev is aiming at the throne?" Alfa III His Majesty glared at the little Prince with disdain. "I have two daughters. They are both married to the Hoilland King and Engels King respectively. What does foreign enemy force mean? It means the people that plan to use marriage to control the Titan Empire. Once the Empire has an empty slot of power, the husbands of both my daughters will definitely have the right to ascend to the throne. In addition to the intentional aid given by those within the Empire, I believe that they can absolutely cause chaos to Morisette Dynasty!"
"Ola…" Oscar said in trembling voice. He seemed to have obtained some inspiration. "Your Majesty… Aren't you worried about… The husband of Alanis?"
"You?" Alfa III His Majesty looked from head to toes of the young man who just asked the question, "I said you are not a ruler. This is a game played only by rulers! Therefore, I am not worried about Kachev causing any trouble. Only if the official members of the Imperial Family have all died will his grandson stand a chance. However, I know Alanis will not have any problems since you are protecting her! But I must remind you. Don't belittle the Westland Kingdom Alliance just because you defeated Italia, Riel, and Deiss. You have not seen the tricks of the King of Faran, King of Engels and King of Hoilland!"
Oscar did not utter a word. He still stood respectfully by the King's side, but his thought had already expanded to an extremely faraway space.
"Oh right! Before you enter the Military Intelligence Bureau, I want to test you for a bit. What are your future plans?"
Oscar smiled, "Thanks to Marshal Alan. He has already confirmed the direction of my future work! We must stabilize the south, attack the west, retrieve the north and isolate the east!"
The Emperor nodded, but he was not very satisfied.
"How about your family? How do you plan to execute the strategy to isolate Andrew?"
Oscar frowned again. It was difficult for him to talk about this, but he had done his preparation well.
"After this case, I expect Marshal Andrew, and that is my father, to quicken his pace and take control of the family. After necessary cleaning and filtering, Andrew will surely be back on its right path! I think the Empire is obliged to find something for the Andrew to do such as… the East War!"
"East War?" The Emperor was a little surprised.
"That is right!" Oscar nodded with confidence. "Andrew is a battle tribe. We must follow Andrew's intention to turn their gazes away from the Imperial family. The Persian that gets weaker is the best target! Once Imperial family and the Court authorize this, then Andrew will surely rush to the battlefield without turning back just like before. This way…"
"This way Andrew will be going back on its previous track!" Alfa III His Majesty looked at little Oscar with relief. "Child! It seems… I am not wrong about you! You will be a good helper to Alanis!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Oscar bowed deeply.
"Alright! Let's call this a day! I am old. Standing here for a while made me freeze!" The Emperor turned around and intended to leave, but he turned back again. "Oscar, the marriage ceremony is on the first day of next month! You should call me Father Emperor!"
Staring at the Emperor that disappeared into the door and the smoke and fire of the big city far away, Oscar was drowned in absolute confusion and panic. What role was he playing? What was he doing now? He was not a ruler, but he was playing the game of rulers with others. Who could tell him where his destination of life was?
The young Prince stood alone at the highest point of the castle. The sky was above him while the earth was beneath him. In front of him were the endless color of blood and the dark night.